WO2018187847A1

WO2018187847A1 - Portable computer transport case with adjustable ergonomic stand

Info

Publication number: WO2018187847A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050336
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kieran BALL
Original assignee: Elevation Industries Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 2017-04-13
Filing date: 2018-04-13
Publication date: 2018-10-18

Abstract

A case suitable for transporting a portable computer between locations includes an adjustable stand mechanism for relatively ergonomic deployment of the computer for use. The adjustable stand mechanism includes a rigid support member hingedly coupled to the base of the case, and a flexible support member also coupled between the rigid support member and the base. The flexible support member is connected to the base at an adjustable fastener which enables the length of the flexible support member between the rigid support member and base to be selectively varied to thereby raise or lower a portable computer supported thereon.

Description

Portable Computer Transport Case with Adjustable Erqonomic Stand

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a case suitable for transporting a portable computer between locations and including an adjustable stand mechanism for relatively ergonomic deployment of the computer for use.

Background

A portable computing device provides a user with a convenient and transportable means for work and leisure activities. Although devices such as smartphones and tablet computers that have touchscreen interfaces are becoming particularly prevalent, many people prefer or require a computer that includes a physical keyboard. Portable computers of this type are generally referred to as "laptop" or "notebook" computers, being a small, battery-powered, portable personal computer with a clamshell form factor having a base portion with an alphanumeric keyboard and an articulating upper portion including the computer screen which has an adjustable angle relative to the base. The terms laptop and notebook may be used interchangeably to describe a portable computer in this specification. The laptop can be transported within a home or place of work, or be brought with a user on travel. Physical portability allows a laptop to be used in many places— not only at home and at the office, but also during commuting and aircraft flights, in coffee shops, in lecture halls and libraries, at clients' locations or at a meeting room, etc. A laptop may be folded shut for transportation, which is one of the features making it suitable for mobile use.

In a traditional desktop computer environment, the keyboard and display are separate, allowing them to be positioned at the height and distance most appropriate for the user. On the other hand, with a laptop computer the keyboard and screen are coupled together which restricts the ergonomics of use in their various applications and locales. Notably, with the computer resting on the user's legs, or even on a desk or table, the display screen is generally low compared to the user's head, and extended use can lead to back and neck strain. Some typical solutions to this challenge include: a) plugging a separate display into the notebook and continue using the keyboard of the notebook (the display can be positioned at the desired height); b) plugging both a separate display and a separate keyboard into the notebook and position them both independently at the desired height; c) raising the notebook onto a stand so that the notebook's display is at the desired height and use a separate keyboard; and d) raising the notebook at an angle using a support (e.g., a wedge-shaped stand) so that the display is closer to eye-level while the keyboard is still usable, though it is angled toward the user. Since many notebook users do not use their notebook exclusively, they often do not go through the extra effort to create an economically improved notebook computer work environment. Often, notebook users have their backs arched and their neck tilted forward in an uncomfortable way. Also, because notebook computers are used in a variety of places, mobile users cannot typically carry, or choose to carry, ergonomic devices with them because they are usually too bulky.

International patent publication WO2010017548, for example, discloses a case for a computing device and an integrated stand, which provides the user of the computing device a case for carrying a computing device and a mechanism that supports the computing device in an elevated manner. However, the mechanism described therein is complex, potentially heavy and space consuming.

It would be desirable to provide a case for carrying and transportation of a laptop computer that enables deployment of the computer in a relatively ergonomic configuration in a quick and simple way, without requiring complex and bulky mechanisms

Summary of the invention

A carrying case for a portable computing device, in accordance with the present invention, comprises: a first housing portion; a second housing portion hingedly connected to said first housing portion for relative movement between open and closed conditions, said first housing portion and said second housing portion adapted to at least substantially enclose a portable computing device within a cavity formed between the first and second housing portions when in the closed condition; a rigid support member hingedly coupled at one end to the first housing portion; and a flexible support member coupled between the rigid support member and the first housing portion.

The flexible support member is preferably coupled to the rigid support member at an anchor location displaced from the hinged coupling, and to the first housing portion at an adjustable fastener, also at a location displaced from the hinged coupling to the rigid support member.

The adjustable fastener may be in the form of a buckle, clasp, clamp, clip, hasp or the like and is preferably coupled to the flexible support member in such a way as to allow a user to selectively adjust the length of the flexible support member extending between the adjustable fastener and the anchor location.

When in a configuration adapted for carrying the portable computing device may be sandwiched between the first housing portion and the rigid support member with the portable computing device and rigid support member enclosed between the first and second housing portions.

When deployed for use the first housing portion may form the base upon which the case is supported on a surface such as a desk, table or user's legs. Upon opening the computing device the rigid support member may be pivoted away from the first housing portion together with the computer screen. This comprises an initial deployment configuration in which the computing device is supported on the first housing portion. From the initial deployment configuration the height and/or angle of deployment of the portable computing device may be selectively determined by the user by adjustment of the flexible support member through said adjustable fastener. By selectively reducing the length of the flexible support member extending between the adjustable fastener and the anchor location, the portable computing device becomes supported by the first housing portion, the rigid support member and the flexible support member.

A case for transportation and deployment of a laptop computer, including a base member, a rigid support member hingedly connected to the base member, the base member and rigid support member being adapted to accommodate a laptop computer sandwiched therebetween for transportation, the rigid support member and base member being additionally interconnected by a flexible support member coupled to the rigid support member at an anchor location displaced from the hinged coupling, and to the base member at an adjustable fastener, also at a location displaced from the hinged coupling to the rigid support member, wherein the laptop computer, when opened for use, may be at least partially supported by the flexible support member to enable adjustment for height and/or angle of deployment. Embodiments of the present invention may offer one or more of the following benefits:

• Lightweight due to utilising structure of bag and webbing;

• Laptop mechanism does not add additional bulk/thickness to size of bag;

• Interior pockets etc. can still be accessed whilst using laptop in raised position by folding the laptop screen down temporarily;

· Laptop stand can be deployed without removing the laptop from the bag;

• Laptop stand can be configured to any height within the range of motion to find the optimal position for each user;

• Laptop stand can be deployed and collapsed in under 5 seconds; and

• Adjusts to suit a range of laptop sizes.

Brief description of the drawings

In order that the invention may be more easily understood, the following detailed description is provided including description of an embodiment, presented by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a case for transportation and deployment of a portable computer according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown in a closed, transportation configuration;;

Figure 2 is a top view of the case in the transportation configuration;

Figure 3 is a rear view of the case in the transportation configuration;

Figure 4 is a bottom view of the case in the transportation configuration;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the case containing a laptop computer and in an open configuration; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the case in an open configuration with laptop computer open for use;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the case in an open configuration with laptop stand deployed in working position;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the case in an open configuration with laptop computer removed;

Figure 9 is a side view of the case in an open configuration;

Figure 10 is a side view of the case in a closed configuration

Figure 1 1 is a front view of an interior standing panel of the case in isolation;

Figure 12 is a side sectional view through section D-D of the interior standing panel of Figure 1 1 ;

Figure 13 is a top sectional view through section C-C of the interior standing panel of Figure 1 1 ;

Figure 14 is a rear view of the interior standing panel in isolation;

Figure 15 is a side view of the interior standing panel;

Figure 16 is a top view of the interior standing panel;

Figure 17 illustrates the interior of a base portion of the case adjusted to accommodate a large laptop computer;

Figure 18 illustrates the interior of a base portion of the case adjusted to accommodate a small laptop computer; and

Figure 19 illustrates an upper portion of the case as seen in isolation.

Detailed description

It will be appreciated that where terms such as side, front, top, bottom, upper, lower and the like are used in this description their use may be relative to the mode or configuration of the article. For example, the "rear" of the case when closed and configured for carrying may become the "base" or "bottom" of the case when open and configured for computer deployment. A case 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is depicted in the figures. The case 10 is adapted for carrying a laptop computer 100, and includes features for deployment of the laptop computer for use in relatively ergonomic manner without requiring the computer to be removed from the case. The case 10 has an external shell comprising first and second housing portions 1 1 , 12 of generally rectangular outline and coupled together along a bottom edge by a hinged connection 14. The first housing portion 1 1 has a substantially flat tray-like configuration with a peripheral lip. The second housing portion 12 has a greater depth than the first housing portion, larger at the bottom near the hinged connection 14 and decreasing toward the top. The housing portions 1 1 , 12 may be formed from molded polymer foam, such as compression molded EVA, together with surface coverings of vinyl, fabric or the like. Other materials may alternatively be used, bearing in mind the housing portions are preferably made to be relatively light for ease of carrying whilst maintaining adequate stiffness and cushioning for protection of the case contents, in use. The hinged connection 14 between the first and second housing portions may be in the form of a flexible material sewn, adhered or otherwise fastened along the respective edges of the housing portions, or may comprise some other kind of hinge mechanism. The hinged connection 14 allows the case 10 to be opened and closed by relative pivotal movement of the first and second housing portions about the hinge.

Each of the housing portions is provided with a centrally located handle 24, 26 at the top thereof (ie. Opposite to the hinged connection 14) such that the handles can be grasped together by a user when the case is in a closed configuration, such as seen in Figures 1 , 2, 3 and 10 for example. The first and second housing portions may be fastened together in the closed configuration by means of a zip fastener 16 extending around the edge of the case. The case 10 is also provided with reinforcing webs 18, 20 extending around the outside of the first and second housing portions from top to bottom on either side of the handles 24, 26. At the top of the reinforcing webs 18, 20 are respective carrying loops 19, 21 to which may be attached a shoulder strap (not shown). The carrying loop 21 is attached to the reinforcing web 20 at the top of the first housing portion 1 1 , whilst the carrying loop 19 is attached to the reinforcing web 18 at the top of the second housing portion 12. This arrangement causes the case to naturally remain closed when slung on a shoulder strap attached to the loops, regardless of the zip fastener or any other fastening means that may alternatively or additionally be provided to secure the two housing portions together. With the zip fastener 16 undone, the two housing portions 1 1 , 12 can be pivoted apart from one another about the hinged connection 14 into an open configuration as seen in side view in Figure 9 for example. When opening the case in this way, typically the case 10 will be placed to rest on the generally flat outer surface of the first housing portion 1 1 , and the second housing portion pivoted open by the handle 26, for example. The extent of hinged movement of the second housing portion 12 is restricted to somewhat greater than ninety-degrees (as seen in Figure 9) by limit webs 28, 30 that interconnect the first and second housing portions on each side. The limit webs 28, 30 may be adjustable, however, to permit a greater or lesser amount of opening of the case.

Inside the case 10 is a standing panel 40 that is commensurate in size with the internal dimensions of the case, and hingedly attached (at 58) to the first housing portion near the hinged connection 14 to the second housing portion. The hinged attachment 58 is parallel to the hinged connection 14 and thus allowed pivotal movement of the standing panel 40 relative to the first housing portion is similar to the pivotal movement permitted of the second housing portion, but within the confines of the open case defined by the extent of the second housing portion. The standing panel 40 is further coupled to the first housing portion 1 1 by way of a flexible stand adjustment strap 45 that is affixed to the standing panel at a location 50 displaced from the hinged attachment 58 and extends to an adjustable fastening in the form of a buckle mechanism 60 positioned within the first housing portion 1 1 toward the 'front' of the case near the handle 24. The standing panel 40 may be formed from similar materials as the housing portions, and includes flutes 52 for enhanced structural rigidity. The case 10 is adapted to accommodate a laptop computer 100 therewithin, having the base of the laptop computer sitting within the first housing portion 1 1 . When so positioned, and with the laptop computer folded closed, the standing panel 40 may be pivoted so as to lie against the upper surface of the computer, sandwiching the computer between the standing panel and the first housing portion, as seen in Figure 5. The end 42 of the stand adjustment strap can be fastened to the standing panel by engagement of respective snap connectors 44, 41 on the strap and panel, to hold the computer in place for transport. With the snap connector on the end 42 of the adjustment strap disengaged from the standing panel, the laptop computer 100 can be opened for use by pivoting the screen 104 about its hinges 106 away from the computer base 102 as seen in Figure 6. The standing panel 40 moves with the computer screen, pivoting about the hinged attachment 58. This places the computer 100 in an initial working configuration, allowing the user to operate the keyboard and cursor controls on the base 102 and view the screen 104 without requiring the computer to be removed from the case 10. However, the initial working configuration of the computer shown in Figure 6 is not generally very good ergonomically, for the reasons earlier outlined. In order to address this issue, the case 10 enables adjustment of the working height of the computer screen 104, in a manner as described hereinbelow.

Figure 7 illustrates the case 10 with computer 100 configured such that the computer screen 104 is raised substantially above the base 102 and above the first housing portion 1 1 , placing the base of the computer at an inclined angle and the screen in an improved eye-line for the user. The raised configuration is achieved by user manipulation of the adjustment strap 45 as explained below with particular reference to Figures 6, 7 and 8.

As best seen in Figure 8, the adjustment strap 45 actually comprises several sections of flexible webbing in a Y-shaped form, with the ends of the bifurcated sections 48 attached to the standing panel 40 at 50 toward the top corners thereof. The bifurcated sections 48 are joined at 47 to a single length 46 that terminates at end 42. The webbing section 46 passes through a friction buckle 64 which comprises part of the buckle mechanism 60 attached near the front of the first housing portion 1 1 .

To adjust the configuration of the case and raise the computer screen the user may simply grasp the end 42 of the adjustment strap and pull on it relative to the rest of the case. Pulling on the end 42 of the adjustment strap 45 draws the webbing section 46 through the friction buckle and shortens the length of the strap between the buckle and the fastening 50 on the standing panel. As the length of the strap 45 shortens it is drawn up by the attachment to the standing panel at 50 to support the underside of the computer base 102. The front edge of the computer base is forward of the buckle 64 and therefore is not raised up by the strap, but the rear edge at which the screen is attached is raised and supported by the bifurcated webbing sections 48. As the strap is pulled further through the friction buckle the computer base is further inclined, and the user may adjust the angle of the screen 104 for optimal viewing. In the process the standing panel 40 is drawn toward the buckle 64 and therefore tilts forward somewhat, as seen in Figure 7.

Laptop computers typically include cooling ventilation openings on the sides and/or rear of the computer base for rejecting heat generated by the internal components. In addition to allowing for improvement of the computer screen height and/or angle for user viewing, the adjustment system incorporated into the case 10 also permits increased airflow to and around the computer for enhanced cooling of the circuits and components.

The buckle 64 applies friction on the webbing section 46 of the strap so that it may support the laptop computer when raised, but the friction may be readily overcome by the user to raise or lower the computer in use. To lower the computer, to pack it away for transport for example, the base of the computer may be gently pressed down toward the first housing portion 1 1 , applying sufficient tension to the strap 45 to draw the webbing section 46 through the friction buckle. The extent through which the strap can be drawn through the buckle is limited by the end 42 of the webbing section provided with the snap fastener 44, and the attachment 47 to the bifurcated sections 48.

To ensure smooth operation the hinge of the laptop computer 100 should be positioned near the hinged attachment 58 of the standing panel 40, and should be restricted from forward displacement as the base 102 is inclined. To restrict forward displacement of the computer base in use, the buckle mechanism 60 includes a stop rest 62 in the form of a protrusion against which the front edge of the computer base may bear. The position of the stop rest 62 is adjustable to suit laptop computers of different sizes, as illustrated in Figures 17 and 18. In particular, Figure 17 shows the first housing portion 1 1 with a relatively large laptop computer 100L seated therein. The buckle mechanism 60 has been adjusted so that the stop rest 62 is relatively forward to accommodate the front edge 1 10L of the computer base. On the other hand, Figure 18 shows a relatively small computer 100S, and in this case the buckle mechanism has been adjusted to shift the stop rest 62 toward the rear to maintain position against the computer base front edge 1 10S whilst the computer hinge is adjacent the standing panel hinge 58. To allow for this adjustability, the friction buckle 64 remains in a fixed position attached to the first housing portion 1 1 by screw threaded fasteners 65. The fasteners 65 pass through slots 66 of a slidable tray 67 that supports the stop rest 62. For adjustment, the fasteners 65 may be loosened by the user which allows the tray 67 and stop rest 62 to slide forward and backward within the extent defined by the slots 66. When in a desired position to suit the particular computer the fasteners 65 are retightened, clamping the tray 67 between the buckle 64 and the first housing portion. Other forms of adjustment mechanism to achieve the function as described are of course possible and will be readily recognised by those skilled in the art.

Other features shown and enumerated in the drawings include grooves 54, 56 moulded into the first and second housing portions, respectively. These add to the structural rigidity of the case, and provide locating features within which the reinforcing webs 18, 20 may be retained. The second housing portion 12 is also constructed with a pocket arrangement 32 in known fashion, which provides the user with means for storing accessories and peripherals. The pocket arrangement 32 is readily accessible to the user behind the standing panel 40 even when the case is open and computer deployed. The invention has been described by way of non-limiting example only and many modifications and variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims

1 . A carrying case for a portable computing device, comprising:

a first housing portion;

a second housing portion hingedly connected to said first housing portion for relative movement between open and closed conditions, said first housing portion and said second housing portion adapted to at least substantially enclose a portable computing device within a cavity formed between the first and second housing portions when in the closed condition;

a rigid support member hingedly coupled at one end to the first housing portion; and

a flexible support member coupled between the rigid support member and the first housing portion.

2. A carrying case according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible support member is coupled to the rigid support member at an anchor location displaced from the hinged coupling, and to the first housing portion at an adjustable fastener, also at a location displaced from the hinged coupling to the rigid support member.

3. A carrying case according to claim 2, wherein the adjustable fastener is coupled to the flexible support member in such a way as to allow a user to selectively adjust the length of the flexible support member extending between the adjustment buckle and the anchor location.

4. A carrying case according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein, in a carrying configuration, the portable computing device is sandwiched between the first housing portion and the rigid support member with the portable computing device and rigid support member enclosed between the first and second housing portions.

5. A carrying case according to claim 4 wherein, in an initial deployment configuration, the first housing portion forms a base upon which the case may be supported on a working surface such as a desk, table or user's legs, and upon opening the computing device the rigid support member is pivoted away from the first housing portion together with the computer screen.

6. A carrying case according to claim 5, wherein the height and/or angle of deployment of the portable computing device may be selectively determined by the user by adjustment of the flexible support member through said adjustable fastener by selectively reducing the length of the flexible support member extending between the adjustable fastener and the anchor location.

7. A case for transportation and deployment of a laptop computer, including a base member, a rigid support member hingedly coupled to the base member, the base member and rigid support member being adapted to accommodate a laptop computer sandwiched therebetween for transportation, the rigid support member and base member being additionally interconnected by a flexible support member coupled to the rigid support member at an anchor location displaced from the hinged coupling, and to the base member at an adjustable fastener, also at a location displaced from the hinged coupling to the rigid support member, wherein the laptop computer, when opened for use, may be at least partially supported by the flexible support member to enable adjustment for height and/or angle of deployment.

8. A case according to claim 7 further including a lid member hingedly connected to the base member nearby the coupling to the support member whereby the lid member and base member are coupled for relative pivotal movement between closed and open configurations with the support member therebetween.

9. A case according to claim 7 or 8 further including a carrying handle on each of the base member and lid member, which carrying handles are adjacent one another when the base and lid members are in the closed configuration.

10. A case according to any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the flexible support member has a Y-shaped construction with bifurcated ends attached to the support member and a single length of webbing extending through said adjustable fastener.

1 1 . A case according to claim 10 wherein the end of the single length of webbing of the flexible support member includes a detachable fastener for connection to the support member in order to in use secure the laptop computer between the support member and the base member for transportation.

12. A case according to any one of claims 7 to 1 1 wherein the adjustable fastener comprises a friction buckle.