Universal auto theater system for notebook PC

• US 6,819,554 B2
• Filed: 11/13/2002
• Issued: 11/16/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Juneau, James J.
• Primary Examiner(s): DATSKOVSKIY, MICHAIL V
• Application Number:
  US10/294,298
• Publication Number:
  US 20040090739A1
• Time in Patent Office: 734 Days
• Field of Search: 361/680-686, 361/683, 361/724-727, 361/679, 224/576, 224/577, 224/153, 224/578, 224/579, 224/580, 224/581-585, 224/586, 224/628, 224/630, 224/275, 224/920, 224/929, 206/576, 206/305, 206/449, 206/320, 190/100, 190/107, 190/109-112, 273/148.B, 297/188.04, 297/188.05, 297/188-6-1, 297/188.21, 296/37.6, 296/37.15, 296/37.16, 135/911
• US Class Current: 361/679.27
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/00 Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0252 for personal computers, e.g. laptops, notebooks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0007 Mid-console
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0059 using clips, clamps, straps or the like

Abstract

The present invention can be embodied as a case for securing a notebook computer with video display to a vehicle center hump in a position for viewing. The case comprises a containing enclosure having a top part, a bottom part, and a surrounding sidewall configured to contain the notebook computer. A plurality of straps are coupled at one end to opposing side locations of the case, and include an anchoring member at an opposing end of each of the plurality of straps for anchoring the case in a stable position at the center hump, such that the notebook computer may be removably secured within the case in a position for viewing the video display.

Claims

1. A case for securing a notebook computer with video display to a vehicle center hump in a position for viewing, comprising:

a) a containing enclosure having a top part, a bottom part, and a surrounding sidewall configured to contain the notebook computer;

b) a plurality of straps coupled at one end to opposing side locations of the case and including an anchoring member at an opposing end of each of the plurality of straps for anchoring the case in a stable position at the center bump; and

c) a compartment wherein the notebook computer may be removably secured within the case in a position for viewing the video display;

wherein the plurality of straps are detachable from the case; and

wherein a pocket is disposed in the case to contain the detached plurality of straps.

2. A video system for playing video in a vehicle, comprising:

a) a notebook computer with a video display;

b) floor covering disposed over a center hump within the vehicle;

c) a case for securing the notebook computer to the center hump in a position for viewing, further comprising;

1) a containing enclosure having a top part, a bottom part, and a surrounding sidewall configured to contain the notebook computer;

2) a plurality of straps coupled at one end to opposing side locations of the case, and including an anchoring member at an opposing end of each of the plurality of straps for anchoring the case in a stable position at the center hump by attaching to the floor covering; and

3) a compartment wherein the notebook computer may be removably secured within the case in a position for viewing the video display;

d) a power adapter configured such that the notebook computer can receive power from a vehicle DC outlet; and

e) an audio adapter to transmit an audio signal from the notebook computer to a vehicle audio system.

3. The video system as in claim 2 wherein the plurality of straps are detachable from the bottom part of the case.

4. The video system as in claim 3 wherein a pocket is disposed in the case to contain the detached plurality of straps.