US20100006384A1

US20100006384A1 - Portable electronic device carrier

Info

Publication number: US20100006384A1
Application number: US12/495,806
Authority: US
Inventors: Erin Napolitano; Barry Sween; Dale Honda; Nathaniel Lau
Original assignee: Belkin International Inc
Current assignee: Belkin International Inc
Priority date: 2008-06-30
Filing date: 2009-06-30
Publication date: 2010-01-14
Also published as: WO2010002952A1; EP2303055A1; CA2729746A1; CN102137601A

Abstract

In some embodiments, a portable computing device carrier can include: (a) a first section, the first section having: (1) a top portion; (2) a bottom portion; (3) a front portion; (4) a back portion; (5) an interior side; and (6) an exterior side, the top portion, the bottom portion, the front portion, the back portion, the interior side, and the exterior side defining a computing device carrier cavity, the computing device carrier cavity sized to removably receive and accommodate the portable computing device; and (b) a second section, the second section having: (1) a top portion mechanically coupled to the top portion of the first section to form a carrier top portion; (2) a bottom portion; (3) a front portion; (4) a back portion; (5) an interior side; and (6) an exterior side, the second section sized to accommodate one or more personal items. The interior side of the first section is removably attached to the interior side of the second section. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/077,071 filed on Jun. 30, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of laptop computers, and relates, more particularly, to portable computing device carriers for transporting a laptop computer more efficiently through a security checkpoint and methods of using and selling the same.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND

In this age of mobile computing, working on personal computers almost anywhere and at any time has become a part of the daily lives of many individuals in many various occupations. Portable laptop computers are so named because they fit easily on one's lap, and allow a person to easily transport the computer between various locations.
To transport laptop computers from place to place, most people use computer cases (i.e., a portable computing device carrier). Computer cases provide protection from mechanical shock due to accidental impacts and also provide some degree of protection from environmental hazards, such as heat, light, and dust, for example. To provide adequate protection from this multitude of hazards, however, most computer cases are large and bulky, and are not designed for efficient access to the contents of the computer case.
Because of security threats at airports and other locations, frequent travelers must undergo security screenings with regularity. The security screening process can be lengthy, and cumbersome, and can be an annoying process that requires the traveler to separate many of her traveling items into numerous containers for security checks. Usually, a person is required to remove her personal effects, electronic devices, laptops from her bags and place them in separate containers to pass through an x-ray machine. After the security screening, the person must then repack her bags before leaving the security area and resume her travel itinerary.
Therefore, a need exists in the art to develop a portable computing device carrier for transporting a laptop computer more efficiently through a security checkpoint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description of examples of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures in the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a three-quarter front view that illustrates an exemplary portable electronic device carrier including improved security scanning characteristics, in accordance with the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 2 is a side view that illustrates an outer exterior of an exemplary portable electronic device carrier of FIG. 1 including improved security scanning characteristics, in accordance with the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 3 is a top-down view that illustrates an exemplary portable electronic device carrier of FIG. 1 including improved security scanning characteristics, in accordance with the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 4 is a side view that illustrates the exemplary portable electronic device carrier of FIG. 1 in a partially opened state and in a position of readiness for security inspection.

FIG. 5 is a three-quarter upper side view of the exterior portion of the exemplary portable electronic device carrier system of FIG. 1, in accordance with the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 6 is another three-quarter upper side view of the exterior portion of the exemplary portable electronic device carrier system of FIG. 1, in accordance with the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 7 is a three-quarter upper side view of the inner exterior portion of the exemplary portable electronic device carrier system of FIG. 1, in accordance with the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 8 is a three-quarter side view of an outer exterior portion of another exemplary portable electronic device carrier system, in accordance with the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method of using a portable electronic device carrier system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of an activity of performing a security screening of portable electronic device carrier system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method 1100 of providing a portable electronic device carrier system, according to an embodiment.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.
The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.
The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.
The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically and/or otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled but not be mechanically or otherwise coupled; two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not be electrically or otherwise coupled; two or more electrical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not be electrically or otherwise coupled. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.
“Electrical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood and include coupling involving any electrical signal, whether a power signal, a data signal, and/or other types or combinations of electrical signals. “Mechanical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling of all types.
The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near the word “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a portable computing device carrier can include: (a) a first section, the first section having: (1) a top portion; (2) a bottom portion; (3) a front portion; (4) a back portion; (5) an interior side; and (6) an exterior side, the top portion, the bottom portion, the front portion, the back portion, the interior side, and the exterior side defining a computing device carrier cavity, the computing device carrier cavity sized to removably receive and accommodate the portable computing device; and (b) a second section, the second section having: (1) a top portion mechanically coupled to the top portion of the first section to form a carrier top portion; (2) a bottom portion; (3) a front portion; (4) a back portion; (5) an interior side; and (6) an exterior side, the second section sized to accommodate one or more personal items. The interior side of the first section is removably attached to the interior side of the second section.
Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a three-quarter front view that illustrates an exemplary portable electronic device carrier system 100 including improved security scanning characteristics. Portable electronic device carrier system 100 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Portable electronic device carrier system 100 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, portable electronic device carrier system 100 can include: (a) portable electronic device carrier 110 having carrying handle 111; (b) device carrier pull tab 112; (c) device carrier zipper channel 113; (d) carrying strap 115 including carrying strap pad 118; and (e) carry strap connector 116. In other examples, portable electronic device carrier system 100 does not include carrying strap 115.
Portable electronic device carrier 110 can additionally include personal item section 120 and mobile computing device section 130. Personal item section 120 can include: (a) exterior pocket 121; (b) exterior pocket pull tab 122 and associated exterior pocket zipper channel (not shown); (c) personal item section pull tabs 123 and 124; and (d) personal item section zipper channel 125. Mobile computing device section 130 can include mobile computing device section zipper channel 131.
Portable electronic device carrier system 100 can also include additional elements as described below in relation to FIGS. 2-7. In FIGS. 2-7, portable electronic device carrier system 100 is referred to as portable electronic device carrier systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700, respectively. Different numbers are used for the portable electronic device carrier system to indicate that elements are shown in FIGS. 2-7 that are not shown in FIG. 1. However, portable electronic device carrier system in FIGS. 1-7 is the same embodiment of portable electronic device carrier system 100.
Portable electronic device carrier 110 can also be considered a device and/or a personal belongings carrier. In some examples, each of personal item section 120 and mobile computing device section 130 can have its own top portion, bottom portion, front portion, back portion, interior and exterior side walls. Each of the portions or sides can have a margin at an edge of the side or portion. In the same or different embodiments, personal item section 120 and mobile computing device section 130 are two completely separate sections that are mechanically coupled together at one of the sides and in comes embodiments, the sections are permanently mechanically coupled together at the side. In the other embodiments, personal item section 120 and mobile computing device section 130 share a common top.
In some examples, portable device carrier 111 can be approximately 33 centimeters (cm) in height and approximately 40 centimeters in width when in a closed position (i.e., margins of the personal item section 120 are adjacent to the margins of mobile computing device section 130). The depth of mobile computing device section 130 is approximately 5 cm. The depth of personal item section 120 is approximately 11.5 cm. When portable device carrier 111 is in the open configuration (i.e., only a margin of one of the sides of the personal item section 120 is adjacent to a margin of one of the sides of mobile computing device section 130), the height of portable device carrier 111 is approximately 66 cm.
In operation, device carrier zipper channel 113 and associated device carrier pull tab 112 can be configured to releasably couple the interior side of personal item section 120 to the interior side of mobile computing device section 130. As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, when not releasably coupled to one another and as described above, personal item section 120 and mobile computing device section 130 are configured to lay on either their associated interior/exterior side walls, facilitated due to the common top portion, thereby permitting a more efficient carrier for security screening.
Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the top portion of personal item section 120 and the top portion of mobile computing device section 130 combine to form the top portion of portable electronic device carrier 110. Personal item section 120 and mobile computing device section 130 or their respective interior sides, can also be removably coupled to each other along each section's interior side wall as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7. In some embodiments, personal item section 120 and mobile computing device section 130 can be removably coupled to each other via device carrier zipper channel 113. In other embodiments, the interior side walls of personal item section 120 and mobile computing device section 130 or their respective interior sides, can be mechanically coupled to one another using various other techniques, such as, for example fabric hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro® fasteners and the like) assembly, snap fastener assembly, button fastener assembly, clasp assembly, and the like.
Personal item section 120 and mobile computing device section 130 can be manufactured from any suitable materials, such as, for example man-made or natural fibers including cotton, polyester, nylon, leather, and the like. In some embodiments, materials used to construct personal item section 120 and mobile computing device section 130 include a layer of padding between one or more layers of material described above, for example, foam material such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), neoprene, and the like. In other embodiments, padding is not used.
Carrying handle 111 is mechanically coupled to the top portion of portable electronic device carrier 110. Carrying handle 111 can be permanently, mechanically coupled to the top portion of portable electronic device carrier 110 using any suitable method, such as, for example via a fabric loop, stitching, or other coupling mechanisms. Carrying handle 111 can be located and configured to allow a user to grasp carrying handle 111 and carry portable electronic device carrier 110. Carrying handle 111 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, for example metal, metal alloy, various plastics such as an elastomer, thermoplastic compound, or rubber, man-made or natural fibers including cotton, canvas, polyester, nylon, leather, and the like.
Carrying strap 115 can be removably coupled to carry strap connector 116. In some examples, carrying strap 115 can be attached to personal item section 120 for example via a fabric loop, stitching, or other coupling mechanisms. In other examples, carrying strap 115 can be coupled to mobile computing device section 130.
Carrying strap 115 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, for example man-made or natural fibers including stitched fabric or webbing or strips of materials such as leather. Carrying strap 115 can include carrying strap pad 118 to provide added comfort for a user. Carrying strap pad 118 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, for example cotton, foam, rubber, leather, and the like. In various embodiments, portable electronic device carrier system 100 can include one or more additional carrying straps (not shown) that are similarly coupled to personal item section 120. Carry strap connector 116 can be manufactured from any suitable materials such as, for example metal, metal alloy, various plastics such as an elastomer, thermoplastic compound and the like.
Device carrier zipper channel 113 includes two strips of fabric tape. Each strips of fabric tape can include tens or hundreds of specially shaped metal or plastic teeth. One strip of fabric tape can be coupled to an exterior edge of the interior side wall of personal item section 120, and the other strip of fabric tape can be coupled to an exterior edge of the interior side wall of mobile computing device section 130. The teeth of device carrier zipper channel 113 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, for example metal, metal alloy, various plastics such as an elastomer, thermoplastic compound and the like.
Device carrier pull tab 112 can be a slider and include a channel (e.g., a Y-shaped channel). Device carrier pull tab 112 meshes together or separates the opposing rows of teeth, depending on the direction of its movement. Device carrier pull tab 112 in combination with device carrier zipper channel 113 and the associated strips of fabric tape allow a user to separate and join personal item section 120 and mobile computing device section 130 to one another. Device carrier pull tab 112 can be manufactured from any suitable materials such as, for example metal, metal alloy, various plastics such as an elastomer, thermoplastic compound and the like.
Personal item section 120 can be a defined portion of portable electronic device carrier 110 where a user temporarily stores personal items. Personal items can include anything that is not an integral part of her laptop computer, such as, for example writing utensils, MP3 players and associated accessories, software (e.g., CDs and DVDs), reading material, food, and the like. Exterior pocket 121 is an exterior storage area for a user to store items, such as personal items.
Exterior pocket pull tab 122 and associated exterior pocket zipper channel define an access point to exterior pocket 121 and further allow a user to secure the contents of exterior pocket 121. In other embodiments, the edges of the flap closing the opening of exterior pocket 121 are mechanically coupled to one another using various other techniques, such as, for example fabric hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro® fasteners and the like) assembly, snap fastener assembly, button fastener assembly, clasp assembly, and the like. In some embodiments, exterior pocket 121 can be manufactured from any suitable materials, such as, for example man-made or natural fibers including cotton, polyester, nylon, leather, and the like.
Personal item section zipper channel 125 and personal item section pull tabs 123 and 124 define an entry point into a cavity (see FIG. 5 and description below) of personal item section 120 that is sized to receive user personal items as described above. In other embodiments, the edges of the two sides defining the opening of the cavity are mechanically coupled to one another using various other techniques, such as, for example fabric hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro® fasteners and the like) assembly, snap fastener assembly, button fastener assembly, clasp assembly, and the like. Personal item section zipper channel 125 and personal item section pull tabs 123 and 124 can be manufactured from any suitable materials such as, for example metal, metal alloy, various plastics such as an elastomer, thermoplastic compound and the like.
Mobile computing device section 130 can be a defined portion of portable electronic device carrier 110 where a user temporarily stores her mobile computing device. Mobile computing device section zipper channel 131 and associated pull tabs (illustrated in FIG. 2 and described below) define an entry point into a cavity of mobile computing device section 130. The cavity can be sized to receive an appropriately sized mobile computing device. Mobile computing device section zipper channel 131 can be manufactured from any suitable materials such as, for example metal, metal alloy, various plastics such as an elastomer, thermoplastic compound and the like.
In operation, portable electronic device carrier 110 is configured such that the mobile computing device is separated from the rest of the user's belongings to allow for a more efficient screening by security personal. Using this configuration, the mobile computing device will likely not have to be removed from portable electronic device carrier 110 during security screening. Additionally, portable electronic device carrier 110 is configured such that a user can hand carry portable electronic device carrier 110 or carry portable electronic device carrier 110 using the shoulder strap whether or not the interior wall of personal item section 120 is mechanically coupled to the interior wall of mobile computing device section 130. This configuration allows a user to retrieve her portable electronic device carrier 110 from a security checkpoint and resume her travel itinerary in a more efficient manner.
FIG. 2 is a side view that illustrates outer exterior of an exemplary portable electronic device carrier system 200 including improved security scanning characteristics. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of portable electronic device carrier system 200 containing a laptop 210. Laptop 201 is an example of a portable computing device. Examples of portable computing device include a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a netbook computer, and the like.
Turing to FIG. 2, portable electronic device carrier system 200 can include portable electronic device carrier 110 of FIG. 1 as well as mobile computing device section pull tabs 222 and 233. Mobile computing device section pull tabs 232 and 233 can be manufactured from any suitable materials such as, for example metal, metal alloy, various plastics such as an elastomer, thermoplastic compound and the like.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, mobile computing device section zipper channel 131 and mobile computing device section pull tabs 232 and 233 define an entry point into a cavity (see FIG. 6 and description below) of mobile computing device section 130. The cavity is sized to receive an appropriately sized portable computing device, for example laptop 201. In other embodiments, the edges of the two sides defining the opening of the cavity defined within mobile computing device section 130 are mechanically coupled to one another using various other techniques, such as, for example fabric hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro® fasteners and the like) assembly, snap fastener assembly, button fastener assembly, clasp assembly, and the like.
FIG. 3 is a top-down view that illustrates an exemplary portable electronic device carrier system 300 including improved security scanning characteristics. In the example shown in FIG. 3, portable electronic device carrier system 300 is holding laptop 201.
Turning to FIG. 3, portable electronic device carrier system 300 can include portable electronic device carrier 110 of FIG. 1 as well as carry strap connector 317. Carry strap connector 317 can be attached to personal item section 120 for example via a fabric loop, stitching, or other coupling mechanisms. Carry strap connector 317 can be manufactured from any suitable materials such as, for example metal, metal alloy, various plastics such as an elastomer, thermoplastic compound and the like.
FIG. 4 is a side view that illustrates portable electronic device carrier 400 in a partially opened state and in a position of readiness for security inspection. Turning to FIG. 4, a partial gap at the base of personal item section 120 and mobile computing device section 130 is due to device carrier zipper channel 113 not being secured. When device carrier zipper channel 113 is not secured, each section's interior side wall is accessible. The interior side wall associated with mobile computing device section 130 is mobile device section interior side wall 435.
In some embodiments, interior side wall 435 is manufactured from a clear material that allows a security official to view the contents within mobile computing device section 130 of portable electronic device carrier 110. In such embodiments, interior side wall 435 can be manufactured from any suitable material allowing viewing of the contents of mobile computing device section 130, such as, for example thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) plastic, a sufficiently perforated material such as an elastic mesh or screen, and the like. In other embodiments and described in FIG. 8 below, interior side wall 435 is manufactured from the same materials as mobile computing device section 130 as described above.
FIG. 5 is a three-quarter upper side view of the exterior portion of portable electronic device carrier system 500. As shown in FIG. 5, personal item section 120 of portable electronic device carrier system 500 is opened for security screening. FIG. 5 can be considered an example of portable electronic device carrier system 500 with the interior side wall portion lying on a flat surface. In some examples, portable electronic device carrier system 500 can be placed in an x-ray machine, as part of the security screening process, in the configuration shown in FIG. 5 without emptying the contents of portable electronic device carrier system 500.
Personal item section 120 can include a personal item cavity 526. Personal item cavity 526 can be defined by interior wall 527 of personal item section exterior's side wall. In some embodiments, interior wall 527 includes pockets for storing various user items and personal item cavity 526 defines and area for a user to store additional personal items.
FIG. 6 is a three-quarter upper side view of the exterior portion of portable electronic device carrier system 600. As shown in FIG. 6, mobile computing device section 130 of portable electronic device carrier system 600 is opened for security screening. FIG. 6 can be considered an example of portable electronic device carrier system 600 with the interior side wall portion lying on a flat surface. In some examples, portable electronic device carrier system 600 can be placed in an x-ray machine, as part of the security screening process, in the configuration shown in FIG. 6 without emptying the contents of portable electronic device carrier system 600.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, mobile computing device section 130 can include mobile computing device cavity 636. Mobile computing device cavity 636 can be defined by interior wall 634 of mobile computing device section exterior's side wall. In some embodiments, laptop 201 is stored within mobile computing device cavity 636.
FIG. 7 is a three-quarter upper side view of the inner exterior portion of portable electronic device carrier system 700. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of portable electronic device carrier system 700 inverted for visual inspection of mobile computing device section 130 during the screen process. FIG. 7 can be considered an example of portable electronic device carrier system 700 with the exterior side wall portion lying on a flat surface. In some examples, portable electronic device carrier system 700 can be placed in an x-ray machine, as part of the security screening process, in the configuration shown in FIG. 7, without emptying the contents of portable electronic device carrier system 700.
In some examples, when interior side wall 435 is manufactured from a clear material, interior side wall 435 may allow a security official to view the contents within mobile computing device section 130 of portable electronic device carrier 110 without having to remove the contents. Accordingly, portable electronic device carrier system 700 help decrease the time and hassle of the security screening process. Also in some examples, interior side wall 728 defines the interior boundary of personal item cavity 526 of personal item section 120.
FIG. 8 is a three-quarter side view of the outer exterior portion of portable electronic device carrier system 800, which is a different embodiment. Portable electronic device carrier system 800 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Portable electronic device carrier system 800 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.
FIG. 8 illustrates portable electronic device carrier system 800 in a opened position with mobile computing device section 130 also in an open position. FIG. 8 can be considered an example of portable electronic device carrier system 800 with the interior side wall portion lying on a flat surface. In some examples, portable electronic device carrier system 800 can be placed in an x-ray machine, as part of the security screening process, in the configuration shown in FIG. 8, without emptying the contents of portable electronic device carrier system 700.
In FIG. 8, interior wall 834, interior side wall 835, mobile computing device cavity 836, mobile device securing window 837, and mobile device access slot 838 are visible. Mobile computing device cavity 836 is defined by interior wall 834 associated with the exterior side wall and interior side wall 835 of mobile computing device section 130. Mobile device access slot 838 is configured to allow a mobile device access to mobile computing device cavity 836. In some examples, laptop 201 (FIG. 2) can be placed in mobile device cavity 826 by sliding laptop 201 through mobile device access slot 838.
Mobile device securing window 837 is located within mobile computing device cavity 836 and is mechanically couple to interior side wall 835 of mobile computing device section 130. In some examples, mobile device securing window 837 is coupled to interior side wall 835 using any commercially feasible methodology, such as, for example chemical adhesive, sonic welding and the like. In other embodiments, mobile device securing window 837 is mechanically coupled to other portions defining mobile computing device cavity 836.
In some embodiments, mobile device securing window 837 is manufactured from a clear material that allows a security official to view the contents within mobile computing device section 130 of portable electronic device carrier 110. In such embodiments, mobile device securing window 837 can be manufactured from any suitable material allowing viewing of the contents of mobile computing device section 130, such as, for example thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) plastic, a sufficiently perforated material such as an elastic mesh or screen, and the like. In these embodiments, the mobile device section's interior wall (not shown in FIG. 8) an be a clear material (as used for wall 435 in FIG. 4) or can be made from an opaque material.
In some examples, to store a mobile computer device (e.g. laptop 201) in portable electronic device carrier system 800, the user unfastens a portion of interior wall 834 from mobile computing device section 130 and wraps the unfastened portion of interior wall 834 over personal item section 120. The user then slides a mobile computer device (e.g. laptop 201) under mobile device securing window 837 and into mobile computing device cavity 836 via mobile device access slot 838 and refastens interior wall 834 in the closed position.
When the user arrives at a security checkpoint, the user just unfastens a portion of interior wall 834 from mobile computing device section 130 and wraps the unfastened portion of interior wall 834 over personal item section 120 and enters the security checkpoint. With this configuration, the security personnel can see what is in mobile computing device section 130 without having to remove the contents. After the security check of mobile computing device section 130, the user can wrap the unfastened portion of interior wall 834 back over mobile computing device section 130 to close mobile computing device section 130. If the security personnel want to view the contents of personal item section 120 (FIGS. 1 and 5), the user can open personal item cavity 526 (FIG. 5) using personal item section zipper channel 125 (FIG. 1).
Upon completion of the security check, the user can grasp portable electronic device carrier 810 by carrying handle 111 and vacate the security checkpoint in an efficient manner. This configuration allows a user to travel efficiently through a security checkpoint because the user does not have to unpack the contents of portable electronic device carrier system 800.
FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method 900 of using a portable electronic device carrier system, according to an embodiment. Method 900 and portable electronic device carrier system 100 and 800 (FIGS. 1 and 8) are merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 900 and portable electronic device carrier system 100 and 800 (FIGS. 1 and 8) can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.
Method 900 of FIG. 9 includes an activity 950 of providing a portable electronic device carrier system. As an example, the portable electronic device carrier system can be similar or identical to portable electronic device carrier system 100 or 800 of FIGS. 1 and 8, respectively. In some examples, portable electronic device carrier system can include a mobile computing device section and a personal item section. In some examples, the mobile computing device section and the personal item section can be similar or identical to mobile computing device section 130 and personal item section 120 of FIG. 1.
Method 900 in FIG. 9 continues with an activity 951 of providing a portable computing device. As an example, the mobile computer device can be similar or identical to laptop 201 of FIG. 2.
Next, method 900 in FIG. 9 includes an activity 952 of placing the portable computing device in the portable electronic device carrier system. As an example, the portable computing device can be placed inside the portable electronic device carrier system in a manner similar or identical to the placement of laptop 201 in portable electronic device carrier systems as shown in FIGS. 2-8. In various examples, the mobile computer device can be placed inside of mobile computing device section of the portable electronic device carrier system (e.g., mobile computing device section 130 of FIG. 1).
Method 900 in FIG. 9 continues with an activity 953 of providing one or more personal items. Personal items can include anything that is not an integral part of the portable computing device, such as, for example writing utensils, MP3 players and associated accessories, software (e.g., CDs and DVDs), reading material, food, and the like.
Next, method 900 in FIG. 9 includes an activity 954 of placing the one or more personal items in the portable electronic device carrier system. As an example, the personal items can be placed inside of a personal items section of the portable electronic device carrier system (e.g., personal item section 120 of FIG. 1).
In other examples, method 900 does not include activities 951 and/or 952. In the same or different embodiment, method 900 does not include activities 953 and/or 954.
Method 900 of FIG. 900 can include an activity 955 of performing a security screening of portable electronic device carrier system. FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of activity 955.
Referring to FIG. 10, the first procedure in activity 955 is a procedure 1060 of opening the portable electronic device carrier system. In some embodiments, portable electronic device carrier system can be opened by unzipping the portable electronic device carrier system. For examples, device carrier pull tab 112 (FIG. 1) can be used to unzip the device carrier zipper channel and separate personal item section 120 (FIG. 1) from mobile computing device section 130 (FIG. 1). FIGS. 4-8 show examples of portable electronic device carrier system 200 after separating personal item section 120 from mobile computing device section 130.
Next, activity 955 in FIG. 10 includes a procedure 1061 of security screening the mobile computing device section and any items in the mobile computing device section. In some examples, one or more of walls of the computer device section are transparent, and the security personnel can see what is in mobile computing device section 130 without having to remove the contents.
In other examples, the user unfastens a portion of interior wall 834 (FIG. 8) from mobile computing device section 130 (FIG. 8) and bends or wraps the unfastened portion of interior wall 834 (FIG. 8) over personal item section 120 (FIG. 8). With this configuration, the security personnel can again see what is in mobile computing device section 130 without having to remove the contents. After the security check of mobile computing device section 130, the user can bend or wrap the fastened portion of interior wall 834 back over mobile computing device section 130 to close mobile computing device section 130.
Activity 955 continues with a procedure 1062 of security screening the personal item section and any items in the personal item section. As an example, the user can open personal item cavity 526 (FIG. 5) using personal item section zipper channel 125 (FIG. 1). With this configuration, the security personnel can see what is in personal item section 120 without having to remove the contents. After the security check of personal item section 120, the user can bend or wrap closed personal item section 120 using personal item section zipper channel 125 (FIG. 1).
In the same of different embodiment, after opening portable electronic device carrier system in procedure 1061, portable electronic device carrier system can be placed in an x-ray machine and the contents examined with the x-ray machine. In these embodiments, the portable electronic device carrier system allows for a security screen to occur without have to remove the contents of the portable electronic device carrier system from the portable electronic device carrier system.
In some examples, x-raying the contents of portable electronic device carrier system can be performed instead of or in addition to procedures 1061 and 1062. In various embodiments, the x-raying can be the security screening of the mobile computing device section, the personal item section, and the contents of both sections.
Activity 955 continues with a procedure 1063 of closing portable electronic device carrier system. As an example, a user can pick-up portable electronic device carrier system by grasping by carrying handle 111, and portable electronic device carrier system self-closes. In some examples, the user can also zip mobile computing device section 130 to personal item section 120 for extra security, but the zipping together these sections is not necessary. After procedure 1063, activity 955 and method 900 are complete.
FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method 1100 of providing a portable electronic device carrier system, according to an embodiment. Method 1100 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 1100 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. As an example, the portable electronic device carrier system can be similar or identical to portable electronic device carrier system 100 or 800 of FIGS. 1 and 8, respectively.
Method 1100 of FIG. 11 includes an activity 1150 of providing a first section. The first section can have: (1) a top portion; (2) a bottom portion; (3) a front portion; (4) a back portion; (5) an interior side; and (6) an exterior side. The top portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, a back portion, an interior side, and an exterior side define a computing device carrier cavity. In some examples, the computing device carrier cavity is sized to removably receive and accommodate a portable computing device. As an example, the first section can be similar or identical to mobile computing device section 130 of FIG. 1.
Method 1100 of FIG. 11 continues with an activity 1151 of providing a second section. The second section can have: (1) a top portion mechanically coupled to the top portion of the first section to form a carrier top portion; (2) a bottom portion; (3) a front portion; (4) a back portion; (5) an interior side and (6) an exterior side. The second section sized to accommodate personal items. As an example, the second section can be similar or identical to personal item section 120 of FIG. 1.
Method 900 in FIG. 9 continues with an activity 1152 of attaching the interior side of the first section to the interior side of the second section. In some examples, the interior side of the first section is removably attached to the interior side of the second section. In some examples, the first section attached to the second side can be similar or identical to the mobile computing device section 130 attached to personal items section 120 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Although aspects of the subject matter described herein have been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the subject matter described herein and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the subject matter described herein shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. To one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that the devices and method discussed herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and that the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment, and may disclose alternative embodiments.
All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to the subject matter described herein and claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims.
Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A portable computing device carrier comprising:

a first section, the first section having a top portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, a back portion, an interior side, and an exterior side, the top portion, the bottom portion, the front portion, the back portion, the interior side, and the exterior side defining a computing device carrier cavity, the computing device carrier cavity sized to removably receive and accommodate the portable computing device; and

a second section, the second section having a top portion mechanically coupled to the top portion of the first section to form a carrier top portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, a back portion, an interior side, and an exterior side, the second section sized to accommodate one or more personal items; and

wherein the interior side of the first section is removably attached to the interior side of the second section.

2. The portable computing device carrier of claim 1, wherein the interior side of the first section includes a windowed opening for viewing the portable computing device.

3. The portable computing device carrier of claim 1, wherein:

the exterior side of the first section is removably coupled to the bottom portion, the front portion and the back portion of the first section; and

the computing device carrier cavity includes a transparent computing device securing window mechanically coupled to an interior of the computing device carrier cavity and includes a slot for receiving the portable computing device.

4. The portable computing device carrier of claim 1, wherein the interior side of the first section is removably attached to the interior side of the second section using a coupling device comprises at least one of: a zipper assembly, a hook and loop fastener assembly, a hole and button assembly, a clasp assembly and a snap fastener assembly.

5. The portable computing device carrier of claim 1, further comprising a handling device mechanically coupled to the carrier top portion.

6. The portable computing device carrier of claim 5, wherein the handling device is coupled to the top portion of the first section.

7. The portable computing device carrier of claim 5, wherein the handling device is coupled to the top portion of the second section.

8. The portable computing device carrier of claim 1, further comprising:

a first carry strap connector mechanically coupled to the front portion of the second section;

a second carry strap connector mechanically coupled to the back portion of the second section; and

a removable carry strap having a first end and a second end, the first end of the removable carry strap removably coupled to first carry strap connector and the second end of the removable carry strap removably coupled to second carry strap connector.

9. The portable computing device carrier of claim 1, wherein:

the mechanical coupling of the top portion of the second section to the top portion of the first section is a removable coupling; and

the carrier top portion is formed when the top portion of the second section is removably coupled to the top portion of the first section.

10. The portable computing device carrier of claim 1, wherein:

the second section further comprises one or more pockets.

11. A portable computing device carrier system configured to hold a portable computing device, the portable computing device carrier system comprising:

a portable computing device carrier configured to be placed in an open position and a closed position, the portable computing device carrier comprising:

a first compartment;

a second compartment; and

a fastener,

wherein:

the first compartment is configured to removably hold the portable computing device;

the first compartment comprises:

a first margin;

a second margin;

two or more side margins; and

a first side having a transparent window;

a second side opposite the first side;

a second compartment comprises:

a first margin,

a second margin;

two or more side margins;

a first side; and

a second side opposite the first side;

the first margin of the first compartment is coupled to the first margin of the second compartment;

the fastener is configured to couple at least a portion of the two or more side margins of the first compartment to at least a portion of the two or more side margins of the second compartment to place the portable computing device carrier in the closed position and conceal the transparent window; and

the portable computing device carrier is configured such that the transparent window is revealed when the at least the portion of the two or more side margins of the first compartment is uncoupled from the at least the portion of the two or more side margins of the second compartment.

12. The portable computing device carrier system of claim 11, wherein the first margin of the first compartment is releasably coupled to the first margin of the second compartment.

13. The portable computing device carrier system of claim 11, further comprising a handling device mechanically coupled to the first margin of the first compartment.

14. The portable computing device carrier system of claim 11, further comprising:

a first carry strap connector mechanically coupled to a first side margin of the two or more side margins of the second compartment;

a second carry strap connector mechanically coupled to a second side margin of the two or more side margins of the second compartment; and

a removable carry strap having a first end and a second end, the first end of the removable carry strap removably coupled to the first carry strap connector and the second end of the removable carry strap removably coupled to the second carry strap connector.

15. The portable computing device carrier system of claim 11, wherein

the fastener comprises at least one of: a zipper assembly, a hook and loop fastener assembly, a hole and button assembly, a clasp assembly, and a snap fastener assembly.

16. The portable computing device carrier system of claim 11, wherein

the second compartment further comprises one or more pockets.

17. A method providing a portable computing device carrier, the method comprising:

providing a first section comprising: a top portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, a back portion, an interior side, and an exterior side, the top portion, the bottom portion, the front portion, the back portion, the interior side, and the exterior side defining a computing device carrier cavity, the computing device carrier cavity sized to removably receive and accommodate the portable computing device; and

providing a second section comprising: a top portion mechanically coupled to the top portion of the first section to form a carrier top portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, a back portion, an interior side and an exterior side, the second section sized to accommodate one or more personal items; and

removably attaching the interior side of the first section to the interior side of the second section.

18. A method of using a portable electronic device carrier system, the method comprising:

providing a portable computing device;

placing the portable computing device in the portable electronic device carrier system; and

before submitting to a security screening of the portable electronic device carrier system, opening the portable electronic device carrier system such that the portable computer device can be security screened without removing the portable computing device from the portable electronic device carrier system

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

closing the portable electronic device carrier system after the security screening.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein.

the security screening comprises x-raying the portable electronic device carrier system, and the portable computing device.