Tablet and notebook pc carrier

• US 20070051766A1
• Filed: 10/25/2004
• Published: 03/08/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 10/24/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Donald Spencer
• Original Assignee: Donald Spencer
• Inventors: Spencer, Donald
• Application Number:
  US10/571,963
• Publication Number:
  US 20070051766A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 224/607
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 11/00 Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 specially adapted for toiletry or cosmetic equipment A45D29/20, A45D44/18; travelling sewing kits A45F3/48
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2011/003 for portable computing devices, e.g. laptop, tablet, netbook, game boy, navigation system, calculator
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1628 Carrying enclosures containing additional elements, e.g. case for a laptop and a printer

Abstract

The invention provides a carrier for hands-free support of tablet and notebook computers to allow use of the device while standing upright. The carriers are convertible between an in-use configuration and a carrying case configuration. The carrier features include a platform having an inner portion and an outer portion and sidewalls extending away from the outer portion such that the platform and the sidewalls together define an open-top receptacle adapted to receive a portable computer or other display device. The receptacle has at least two opposing portions for attaching or otherwise securing strap fixtures for connecting opposing ends of a user strap.

Claims

1. A carrier suitable for supporting a tablet computer, the carrier comprising:

a platform having an inner portion and an outer portion; and

sidewalls extending from the outer portion;

the platform and the sidewalls together defining an open-top receptacle adapted to receive the tablet computer, the receptacle having at least two opposing portions.

2. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls slope towards the inner portion.

3. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls are configured to overlap a peripheral portion of a top surface of the tablet computer.

4. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls have a substantially concave cross-section facing the inner portion.

5. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls substantially frame the inner portion.

6. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls comprise an elastomeric material.

7. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls comprise a polychloroprene material.

8. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls comprise a compressible material.

9. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls comprise a perforated material.

10. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls include perforated portions.

11. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls define at least one corner and the carrier further comprises a corner strap for securing the tablet computer.

12. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls are attached to the platform by stitching.

13. The carrier according to claim 1 further comprising a strap fixture on each opposed side of the receptacle.

14. The carrier according to claim 13 further comprising a user strap removably attached to the strap fixture.

15. The carrier according to claim 14 further comprising a stability strap connected between the user strap and the receptacle whereby the platform is stabilized in a horizontal orientation with respect to an upright user.

16. The carrier according to claim 13 further comprising secondary strap fixture on each opposed side of the receptacle.

17. The carrier according to claim 13 wherein the strap fixture is a D-ring attached to the sidewalls.

18. The carrier according to claim 1 further comprising a cover hingeably attached to the receptacle.

19. The carrier according to claim 18 wherein the cover is stitched to the platform.

20. The carrier according to claim 18 wherein the cover is movable from a closed-case position in which the open-top receptacle is covered to an in-use position in which the open-top receptacle is accessible.

21. The carrier according to claim 20 wherein the cover is secured in the in-use position with a minihook-and-pile system.

22. The carrier according to claim 18 wherein the cover includes a distal flap having a fastener.

23. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the receptacle includes a vent.

24. The carrier according to claim 23 wherein the vent is an opening defined in the platform or in the sidewalls.

25. The carrier according to claim 24 wherein the vent is a perforated portion of the platform.

26. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the platform is substantially rectangular.

27. The carrier according to claim 1 further comprising a stylus tether attached to the receptacle.

28. A carrier suitable for supporting a portable display device, the carrier comprising:

a platform having an inner portion and an outer portion; and

sidewalls extending from the outer portion;

the platform and the sidewalls together defining an open-top receptacle adapted to receive the display device, the receptacle having at least two opposing sides,

the sidewalls are stretchable to overlap a peripheral portion of a top surface of the display device.

29. The carrier according to claim 28 wherein the sidewalls substantially frame the inner portion.

30. The carrier according to claim 28 wherein the sidewalls substantially frame the platform.