AU2018100986A4 - Protector for an electronic device or accessory - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract: The present invention provides a protector for an electronic device or accessory, the protector including walls between which the electronic device or accessory can be inserted, at least one wall including an air chamber in fluid connection with an air outlet for letting air into or out of the air chamber and the wall with the air chamber including a flexible inner face and a flexible outer face, wherein the inner face is made of a material that is thinner than the material of the outer face. Figure 2A Figure 2B Figure 2C Figure 2D 22 16

Description

The present invention provides a protector for an electronic device or accessory, the protector including walls between which the electronic device or accessory can be inserted, at least one wall including an air chamber in fluid connection with an air outlet for letting air into or out of the air chamber and the wall with the air chamber including a flexible inner face and a flexible outer face, wherein the inner face is made of a material that is thinner than the material of the outer face.

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Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

2018100986 11 Jul 2018

Title: Protector for an electronic device or accessory

Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to a protector for an electronic device or accessory.

Background

Electronic devices such as laptop computers, tablets, cameras and accessories thereof are generally quite expensive and can be liable to breakage. Protective cases can be ineffective or bulky, which can be problematic particularly when traveling or commuting.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved protector for electronic devices that provides better 0 protection and/or isn’t bulky.

Detailed Description

The present invention provides a protector for an electronic device or accessory, the protector including walls between which the electronic device or accessory can be inserted, at least one wall including an air chamber in fluid connection with an air outlet for letting air into or out of the air 5 chamber and the wall with the air chamber including a flexible inner face and a flexible outer face, wherein the inner face is made of a material that is thinner than the material of the outer face. In some embodiments, the inner face may be made of a material with a higher elasticity than the material of the outer face. As the air chamber can be deflated, the protector can be compact, particularly in embodiments where the outer face is also flexible. Furthermore, the inner face can 0 allow the inner face to perform any one or more protective functions as internal or external pressure on the air chamber is increased: mould around the electronic device; cushion the electronic device; or provide suspension for the electronic device. These functions may be increased when the material of the inner face has elasticity. Internal or external pressure on the air chamber may be facilitated by increasing the amount of air in the air chamber or the application of a force on the protector from inside or outside the protector (e.g. by dropping or hitting the protector). In some embodiments, the inner face may preferentially deform compared with the outer face when internal or external pressure on the air chamber is increased. In some embodiments, an elastic inner face can allow protective functions to the electronic device inside the protector while a less elastic outer face can increase the burst resistance of the protector.

Electronic devices include laptop computers, tablets, cameras, DJ decks and the like. Accessories may include batteries, camera lenses, chargers and the like.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general

2018100986 11 Jul 2018 knowledge in any country. Furthermore, it must be noted that, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural aspects unless the context already dictates otherwise.

To provide the reader with an appreciation of the present invention and to provide context in relation to the following description, an embodiment of the invention will be briefly described. In this embodiment, the protector is a laptop sleeve designed to provide protection to a laptop, particularly in a travel scenario. The laptop sleeve has an air chamber that spans the large opposing faces of the sleeve and the base. A zip runs along the ends and the top of the sleeve, to allow the laptop to be inserted. The inner faces of the walls with the air chamber are made of an air tight elastic fabric while the outer faces are made of an air tight nylon fabric with less elasticity. To use the laptop sleeve, the user inserts the laptop and zips the sleeve closed. The user then opens the air outlet and inflates the air chamber (e.g. by blowing air in or by using a pump). As the inner faces are more elastic, the inner faces mould around the laptop as the air chamber is inflated. When the user is satisfied with the amount of air, the air outlet is closed and the sleeve can be placed in the user’s luggage. If compressive pressure is applied to the sleeve (e.g. a heavy bag is placed on the user’s luggage), the inner face cushions or suspends the laptop against the force. When the user wants to access the laptop, they simply open the air outlet to remove the air, open the zip and pull out the laptop. In this embodiment, as the outer face is also flexible, the entire sleeve can be rolled up or folded to a compact size, which can be useful when using a laptop on a plane. Now that an embodiment of the invention has been described, attention will now be directed to describing alternative arrangements and embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the protector may include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more walls. In some embodiments, the protector may be substantially spherical, egg shaped or ellipsoid and therefore may include a single wall. The number of walls with an air chamber and an inner face made of a material with a higher elasticity than the material of the outer face may be dependent on the intended type of electrical device, the type of protection required and desired shape. For example, if a user is worried about compressive forces on a laptop or tablet when packed in their bag, such air chambers on opposing walls may be sufficient for this type of protection.

In some embodiments, multiple walls of the protector may include an air chamber or a wall may include multiple air chambers. In some embodiments all walls of the protector may include an air 30 chamber. In some embodiments, the protector may include multiple chambers and two or more air chambers may be fluidly connected such that air can flow between the air chambers or multiple air chambers in a wall may be fluidly connected. In this regard, one air outlet may be used to inflate or deflate multiple chambers. In some embodiments, one or more air chambers may not be in fluid connection, in which case, the air chambers may have distinct air outlets.

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In some embodiments, all walls may include discrete or shared air chambers. In this regard, the inner surface of all walls may mould, cushion or suspend an electronic device when pressure is increased on the air chamber. In some embodiments, only some walls include an air chamber or only some inner faces are made of a material with a higher elasticity than the outer face.

In some embodiments, the air chamber may be bent to define multiple walls. In some embodiments, the protector may include opposing walls with a shared air chamber fluidly connected by a base wall.

In some embodiments, the air chamber may include an inflatable bladder provided between the inner face and the outer face. In these embodiments, the inner and outer faces aren’t required to be airtight. In some embodiments, the inner face and/or the outer face are integral to the air chamber 0 and may make up part of or all of the outer surface of the air chamber (i.e. the inner and/or outer faces may be part of the bladder). In these embodiments, the inner face and/or the outer face may include an airtight material. In some embodiments, the inner and outer faces may make up one or more walls.

The walls of the protector may be permanently or removably joined together or may be integral (e.g.

formed together or created by bending one more walls), welded, adhered, sewn, or otherwise attached. In some embodiments, one or more walls may be connected by a fastener including, for example, a zipper, Velcro, a press stud, a button or any other fastener known in the art. In some embodiments, one or more walls are connected by a zipper. In some embodiments, the protector may include a zipper which runs along three sides of the protector to allow the protector to open and 0 take a substantially flat configuration with the inner face comprising the top surface and the outer face comprising the bottom surface, or vice versa. As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, this can allow the protector to form a pillow.

In some embodiments, the protector may include padding behind the fastener. Such padding can be useful to confer protection if the electronic device slips through to the fastener. The padding may include impact foam, thick fabric or the like. Examples may include EVA foam, neoprene foam, polyethylene foam, etc. In some embodiments, the padding may overlap to prevent the electronic device from slipping through. For example, where the fastener is a zipper bringing two walls together, padding may be provided beneath both sides of the zipper with the padding overlapping. In some embodiments, the padding may include fabric hemming.

In some embodiments, the material of the inner face may be an elastic fabric or elastic polymer. The fabric may include, for example, 2-way stretch fabrics, 4-way stretch fabrics, lycra fabrics, spandex fabrics, elastane fabrics and the like. In some embodiments, the fabric may include cotton, wool, linen, hemp, polyester, nylon, acrylic, acetate, rayon, spandex, lycra, elastane or any combination of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the outer face may have a fabric with a denier between 10 and

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1000, between 30 and 700, or between 200 and 600. In some embodiments, the inner face may have a denier between 10 and 800, between 30 and 600 or between 40 and 220. In some embodiments, the inner face may a fabric coated or impregnated on at least one side with a polymer. Depending on the coat or impregnation, the fabric may be waterproof and/or airtight. In some embodiments, the inner face has >2.5%, >5%, >10% or >15% stretch.

In some embodiments, the material of the inner face or the outer face is a polymer or includes a polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer (for the inner or outer face or as coating of a fabric for the inner or outer face) may include one or more of the following materials: silicone, latex, nylon, polyethylene, neoprene, vinyl, polypropylene, polyurethane, viton rubber, PVC, PVC substitute, 0 polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), natural rubber, EPDM rubber, nitrile, butyl rubber, hypalon, pure gum rubber, FRAS, polyolefin, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate polyester (PETP), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, FRAS, and derivatives or combinations of any of the foregoing.

In some embodiments, the inner face may include one or more grip elements for restricting sliding of the electronic device when the air chamber is inflated. The grip elements may include, for example, an elastomeric polymer layer, an elastomeric polymer coat, or elastomeric polymer projections or discrete elastomeric dots or other shapes. The elastomeric polymer layer may take the form of a sheet, a mesh, lattice, or the like. An electronic device may be inserted into the protector when deflated and subsequent inflation can bring the inner face(s) into contact with the electronic device. When in contact with the electronic device the grip elements can prevent the electronic device from sliding along the inner face. In will be appreciated that the grip elements may be applied to all or only part of the inner face. The restricted sliding of the electronic device by the grip elements can aid the suspension functionality of the elastic inner face or restrict sliding towards one or more fasteners, which may not have as much protection. In some embodiments, the grip elements have a higher coefficient of friction that the outer face. The grip elements may include, for example, natural rubbers, butyl rubbers, EPDM rubbers, silicone rubbers (e.g. polydimethyl siloxane), polyisoprenes, polybutadienes, polyurethanes, ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymer elastomers, chloroprene rubbers, styrene-butadiene copolymers (random or block), styrene-isoprene copolymers (random or block), acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers, acrylics, epoxies, polyvinyl chlorides, neoprenes, nitriles, Viton®, polyethylenes, polystyrenes, silicones, Hypalon®, mixtures thereof and copolymers thereof.

The inclusion of grip elements on the inner face may be useful for embodiments whereby air chambers are only provided on some of the walls and/or where the path to the opening of the protector isn’t completely blocked. As can be appreciated, the grip between the grip elements and

2018100986 11 Jul 2018 electronic device increases as the air chamber inflates, thereby conferring protection when the air chamber is inflated and accessibility when the air chamber is deflated.

In some embodiments, the material of the outer face includes cotton, wool, linen, denim, hemp, polyester, nylon, suede, linen, leather, imitation leather, PVC, canvas, tarpaulin, neoprene, acrylic, 5 acetate, rayon, spandex, lycra, elastane or any combination of the foregoing

In some embodiments, the inner and outer faces may include polymers that have bonding compatibility. In some embodiments the polymers may include polymers that have welding compatibility. In some embodiments the air chamber may be made by welding the inner and outer faces together. In some embodiments, the inner and outer faces may both include a polyurethane.

In some embodiments, the outer faces of the protector are made of inflexible materials (e.g. creating a hard case). In these embodiments, the inner face(s) of the air chamber deforms when air is inserted into the air chamber and may moulds around the electronic device or accessory to cushion, suspend or otherwise protect the electronic device. If the protector is dropped or hit, the air chamber provides protection to the device or accessory. Compared with traditional hard case protectors, which may contain foam inserts for inner protection, the expandability of the air chamber can allow the protector to be smaller and/or increase the internal storage of the protector and/or allow protection of electronic devices or accessories with different shapes.

In some embodiments, one or more outer faces of the protector are made of flexible materials. In some embodiments, all outer faces of the protector are made of flexible materials. Having the outer 0 faces made of flexible materials can allow the protector to be rolled or folded to a compact configuration when the air chamber is empty. This can be advantageous for storing the protector when not in use. Furthermore the flexibility of the outer faces can allow deformation of the outer faces when air is inserted into the air chamber, though with particular forces, the higher elasticity of the inner faces will be preferentially deformed. As air is introduced into the air chamber, the inner faces expand and mould around the shape of the electronic device. This can cushion and suspend the electronic device thereby protecting it from external forces. Some of the air will also push on the outer face and press it outwards. The deformation of the outer faces can provide additional protection to the electronic device particularly if the protector receives a focussed impact. In the event of an impact, the more elastic inner face can create suspension for the electronic device and/or dissipation of the force. As the outer faces are expanded, the protector can take a more rounded shape with increased padding, which can make the protector suitable for use as a travel pillow (with or without the electronic device inside). This can be advantageous for a traveller who, for example, desires a small pillow while working on their laptop or wants to take a nap while keeping their laptop safe. For the latter, the filled air chamber protects the laptop from the traveller’s head, while creating

2018100986 11 Jul 2018 a comfortable pillow. Furthermore, there is protection from theft as the traveller will notice a thief trying to remove the laptop from their pillow.

In some embodiments, the protector may be opened such that the inner face is exposed to the outside. For example, where the protector is a laptop sleeve with a zipper running substantially along 3 edges, 5 the zipper can be opened and the opposing walls of the laptop sleeve substantially flattened. In such an embodiment, air may be inserted into the air chamber to inflate the inner face beyond what is possible when the device is closed. The protector may then be used as a larger pillow. In some embodiments the inner face may be made of a softer material to provide soft cushioning for the user’s head.

The extent of deformation of the inner face relative to the outer face may vary depending on the degree of elasticity of the inner and outer faces, the flexibility of the outer face, the thickness of the inner and outer faces, the level of inflation of the air chamber, and any impediments to the deformation of the outer face. In some embodiments, the material of the outer face may be thicker than the material of the inner face. For example, in some embodiments, the inner and outer faces may be made of the same or different materials with the outer face being thicker than the inner face. Generally speaking, preferential deformation of the inner surface will be increased with any one or more of the following factors: higher elasticity of the inner face compared with the outer face; lower flexibility of the outer face; a thinner inner face compared with the outer face (particularly if made from the same material); a highly inflated air chamber and the presence of internal or external impediments to the deformation of the outer face. Examples of an external impediment include, for example, straps, bands or frame structures around part of the protector that restrict expansion of the outer face or an object pressing on the outer face. Examples of an internal impediment include, for example, lamination of foam inside the air chamber to the inner surface of the outer face or drop stitches attached to the outer face.

In some embodiments, the air chamber may include an open cell foam for sucking air into the air chamber when the air outlet is open and the open cell foam changes from a compressed to an uncompressed configuration. Some protection may also be conferred by the presence of the foam even when compressed, but more protection is conferred when the foam is fully expanded and the air outlet is closed to seal the air chamber. Inclusion of open cell foam may be advantageous in that the air chamber self-inflates. Furthermore, when empty storage of the protector is desired, the air outlet can be opened and the protector compressed, folded or rolled to compress the foam and expel the air. After removal of the air from the air chamber and closing the air outlet, the foam will remain in its compressed configuration allowing for compact storage. In some embodiments, the foam will result in >30%, >40%, >50%, >60%, >70%, >80% or >90% inflation of the air chamber when the foam is

2018100986 11 Jul 2018 in the uncompressed configuration. The extent of inflation will depend on the volume of the foam relative to the maximum volume of the air chamber and the shape of the foam in the air chamber.

In some embodiments the foam may be a polymeric foam capable of resilient compression under normal use of more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, more than 90% or more than 95%. In some embodiments, the foam may include, for example, ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, low-density polyethylene foam, nitrile rubber foam, polychloroprene foam, polyimide foam, polypropylene foam, polystyrene foam, polyether foam, polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, silicone foam, microcellular foam or the like.

In some embodiments, the foam may have a density between 0.2 lbs/ft³ and 3 lbs/ft³, between 0.5 lbs/ft³ and 2 lbs/ft³, or between 0.7 lbs/ft³ and 1.6 lbs/ft³.

In some embodiments, the foam when uncompressed may have a thickness between 0.5cm and 10cm, between 1.5cm and 8cm, or between 2cm and 4cm.

In some embodiments, the foam may have an indentation load deflection less than 15, less than 10, less than 8, less than 6, less than 4, or less than 2.

If further inflation of the air chamber is desirable by the user, the user can insert more air through the air outlet (e.g. by blowing into the air outlet). In this regard, the protector may include a range of protection levels ranging from low protection when the foam is compressed, to medium protection when the foam is fully uncompressed and the air outlet is closed and high protection when further air is inserted into the chamber and the air outlet is closed.

The density of the foam, the presence of large or numerous air channels in the foam, the material of the inner face and outer face, the duration of compression and the size of the air outlet will dictate the speed of inflation when the air chamber is open and the foam is permitted to change from a compressed to an uncompressed configuration. A less dense foam will typically uncompress slower but will be lighter, which can be advantageous for travel. In contrast a more dense foam will typically uncompress faster and may confer addition protection when the air chamber isn’t completely inflated.

In some embodiments, the open cell foam may be of any shape. In some embodiments, the open cell foam may include a sheet of foam or discrete pieces of foam (e.g. balls, pellets, irregular shapes, etc.). In some embodiments, the open cell foam may include ridges, valleys, craters, holes or projections. Ridges, valleys, craters, holes or projections may increase the area of the foam when uncompressed relative to the amount of foam used and thereby give greater inflation of the air chamber while using less material, which can make the protector lighter. Ridges, valleys, craters, holes or projections may also be used to increase the level of protection or expansion of the inner

2018100986 11 Jul 2018 face in different parts of the protector. In some embodiments, ridges or projections may be included near the periphery of the air chamber. In some embodiments, the open cell foam may include ridges, valleys, craters, holes or projections facing the inner face.

In some embodiments, the open cell foam may be laminated, adhered or otherwise attached to the inner surface of the outer face. This may be advantageous where restricted expansion of the outer surfaces is desired when the air chamber is inflated. This can increase the deformation of the inner surface relative to the deformation of the outer surface to increase the moulding, cushioning or suspension of the inner surface to the electronic device. Lamination can also result in a flatter outer surface which may have aesthetic appeal. In some embodiments, the outer face of the air chamber may include a layer of padding (laminated or non-laminated to the inner surface of the outer face). The padding may include an impact foam, viscoelastic foam or other padding material as previously described herein.

In some embodiments, the air outlet may include an air outlet with a closable cap or may include a valve or a sealable aperture. Valves may include, for example, screw valves, plug or cap valves, ball 5 valves, valves used for inflatable mattresses, beach balls, or the like. In some embodiments, the air outlet may be a one-way valve or a two-way valve. In some embodiments, the sealable aperture or valve may be covered with a cap to seal the aperture or protect the valve

In some embodiments, the protector may include a pump for inserting air into the air chamber. A pump may be advantageous to minimise a user needing to blow air into the air chamber. The pump 0 may be an electronic pump or a hand/foot powered pump. In some embodiments, the pump may include a 1 way valve between the pump and the air chamber or between the pump and external air. In some embodiments, the pump may include a piece of open cell foam and a 1 way valve between the pump and the air chamber or between the pump and the outside of the pump. In this regard, a user simply needs to repeatedly compress the open cell foam in the pump to inflate the air chamber.

Such a pump can be advantageous as no electricity or external parts are required. Furthermore, if the pump is inbuilt, it is always accessible for use with the protector.

In some embodiments, the protector may include a one-way valve between the air chamber and the outside. In some embodiments, the protector may include a one-way valve and an air outlet.

The present invention also provides an inflator for the protector previously described herein, wherein 30 the inflator is connected or connectable to the air outlet or a one-way valve of the protector, the inflator including an air sac with an opening and wherein in an open configuration air can be collected in the air sac and after the opening is closed the air in the air sac can be pushed through the air outlet into the air chamber of the protector by compressing the air sac.

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In some embodiments, the inflator may connected or connectable to the air outlet or a one-way valve of the protector. The inflator may include an air sac with an opening and wherein in an open configuration air can be collected in the air sac and after the opening is closed, the air in the air sac can be pushed through the air outlet into the air chamber of the protector by compressing the air sac.

In this manner, a user can avoid breathing air into the air chamber. Breathing air into the air chamber can introduce moisture into the air chamber, which can promote microbial growth. The air sac may be made of a range of materials including air tight fabrics (e.g. urethane or PVC coated nylon or polyester or the like) or air tight polymers (e.g. plastics, polyurethane, vinyl, silicone, rubber, latex, nitrile, etc.). In some embodiments, the inflator may be integrated with the protector. Where integrated with the protector, the inflator will ideally be able to be stowed (e.g. rolled and clipped to the protector or stored in a pouch within the protector). In some embodiments the air sac may include a roll down and clip seal with clips at each end of the opening. Such a seal can aid in closing the air sac to allow air to be effectively pushed through the one-way valve. In some embodiments, the protector may include corresponding clips to the roll-down-and-clip closure to allow the ends to be clipped to the protector (ideally after rolling the air sac to a compact state).

In some embodiments, the air sac is sized to receive the protector inside. For example, the volume of the air sac may be greater than the protector and the opening large enough to fit the protector inside. In this regard, the air sac may be used to store the protector or protect the protector from rain or water. In some embodiments, the air sac may include one or more handles or straps to facilitate use 0 of the air sac as a carry bag. In embodiments where the inflator is integrated with the protector, the air sac may be inverted to cover the protector. The closure of the inflator (e.g. a roll-down-and-clip closure or the like) may then be used to close the air sac around the protector. The air sac may include one or more handles or straps inside when it is being used to inflate the protector, such that when it is inverted around the protector, the one or more handles or straps are exposed for use.

Examples of specific embodiments of the invention

Reference will now be made to the following examples which describe particular embodiments of the present invention. These examples should not be taken as limiting the scope of the claims.

Brief description of the figures

Figures 1A, IB, IC and IE show perspective views of a protector according to an embodiment of the 30 present invention. Figure ID and IF are cross-sectional views of Figures IC and IE, respectively.

Figures 2A and 2B show perspective views of a protector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2C and 2D are cross-sectional views of Figure 2B in different states of inflation.

Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D show cross-sectional views of part of a protector in deflated and inflated configurations according to embodiments of the present invention.

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Figures 4A, 4B and 4C show cross-sectional views of part of a protector in varying states of inflation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a protector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E and 5F show side views of the protector in different configurations and states of inflation.

Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and 6E show perspective views of a protector and inflator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 7A and 7B show perspective views of a protector and inflator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1A, protector 10 is flexible and may be folded or rolled into a compact configuration. Figure IB shows protector 10 in a flat configuration with outer faces 22 of walls 14 compressed flat but exposed. Inner face 20 of lid 11 is also exposed.

Figure IC shows protector 10 in a deflated configuration with electronic device 12 in protector 10 between walls 14. In this embodiment, electronic device 12 is shown as a camera lens. Walls 14 include air chamber 16. Air chamber 16 is defined by outer faces 22 and inner faces 20 of each wall

14. Air chamber 16 is in fluid connection with air outlet 18, which takes the form of a twist style valve. While in the embodiment shown air chamber 16 is common to all walls 14 including the wall designed as lid 11, it should be appreciated that one or more walls 14 may not include an air chamber 16 or may have one or more discrete air chambers 16. Where multiple air chambers 16 are provided, 0 each may have a separate air outlet 18. Inner faces 20 include grip elements 21 in the form of PVC dots or lines applied to inner faces 20. With air chamber 16 deflated, grip elements 21 don’t impede insertion of electronic device 12 into protector 12.

Outer face 22 is made of a urethane coated 210 denier nylon fabric, while inner face 20 is made of urethane coated fabric including an elastomer to provide more than 5% stretch.

Fastener 24 in the form of a zipper is provided on lid 11 to enable lid 11 to close protector 10. In normal use, fastener 24 will be closed before air chamber 16 is inflated.

Figure ID shows cross section a from Figure IC. Electronic device 12 rests on the inner face 20 of bottom wall 14. A gap is present between the sides of electronic device 12 and inner faces 20 of side walls 14. To increase the protection of electronic device 12 in protector 10, air is inserted through air 30 outlet 18, thereby inflating air chamber 16.

As shown in Figures IE and IF (cross section β of Figure IE), inflation of air chamber 16 leads to inner faces 22 contacting electronic device 12. The elasticity of inner faces 22 allows inner faces 22 to mould around electronic device 12 to cushion and provide suspension of electronic device 12.

After inflation air outlet 18 is closed thereby retaining air in air chamber 16 to protect electronic

2018100986 11 Jul 2018 device 12. With lid 11 closed, electronic device 12 is protected on all sides. If protector 10 is dropped or hit, air chamber 16 provides protection of electronic device 12 and the elasticity of inner face 20 compared to outer face 22 can provide suspension of electronic device 12. Optionally, air chamber 16 may or may not include open cell foam 28. As air chamber 16 is inflated, grip elements

21 come into contact with electronic device 12 and can act to restrict electronic device 12 from sliding along inner faces 20.

To remove electronic device 12, a user simply need to open air outlet 18 and press on walls 14 to partially deflate air chamber 16 and allow electronic device 12 to be removed from protector 10.

Figure 2A shows a protector 10 for a laptop or tablet in a compact rolled configuration. Figure 2B 0 shows electronic device 12 in the form of a laptop being inserted into protector 10 through opening such that electronic device 12 is located between walls 14. Walls 14 include air chamber 16 in fluid connection with air outlet 18. Air chamber 16 may be shared between walls 14 though fluid connection at the join of any one of more walls 14 (e.g. including a bottom wall, not shown). Opening 26 may be closed by a fastener (not shown).

Figure 2C and Figure 2D show cross section γ of Figure 2B in deflated and inflated configurations, respectively. Air chamber 16 includes open cell foam 28, which is compressed in Figure 2C. Open cell foam 28 is laminated to the inner surface of outer face 22 but not to inner surface of inner face

20. As air outlet 18 is opened, open cell foam 28 uncompresses and draws air into air chamber 16 thereby pushing inner faces 20 towards electronic device 12. If further inflation is desired after foam

28 is uncompressed, a user can blow more air through air outlet 18. The elasticity of inner faces 20 allows them to mould around electronic device 12 and can provide suspension to electronic device 12 in the event protector 10 is dropped or hit.

Figure 3 A shows the change in configuration between inner face 20 and outer face 22 of wall 14 as air is inserted into air chamber 16. Figure 3B also shows the change in configuration between inner 25 face 20 and outer face 22 of wall 14 as air is inserted into air chamber 16, which includes open cell foam 28. Open cell foam 28 is in the form of discrete foam pellets which draw air into air chamber when allowed to move from a compressed configuration to an uncompressed configuration. Figure 3C and Figure 3D show the same as Figure 3B but with open cell foam 28 taking different forms. In Figure 3C foam 28 takes the form of a sheet of open cell foam. In some embodiments, 30 foam 28 in the form of a sheet may be laminated to the inner surface of outer face 22. In Figure 3D, foam 28 has an irregular shape and includes peaks 30, troughs 32 and gaps 34. Peaks 30 can still push inner face 20 away from outer face 22 while troughs 32 and gaps 34 can make protector 10 lighter. Troughs 32 and gaps 34 may also be used to aid the bending of walls 14 in specific locations or to provide complimentary shapes to part of a specific electronic device 12 (e.g. to better receive or 35 hold electronic device 12 in protector 10).

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Figure 4 shows a cross section of part of protector 10 used to protect a shaped electronic device 12 in different states of inflation (deflated in Figure 4A, partially inflated in Figure 4B and inflated in

Figure 4C). As air is inserted into air chamber 16 through air outlet 18 (not shown), air chamber 16 inflates with inner faces 20 moving away from outer faces 22. Outer faces may be made of a flexible material (e.g. leather, rubber, polymer or fabric) or inflexible material (e.g. plastic, metal, etc.). Inner faces may be made of an elastic polymer or coated elastic fabric. For easier discrimination between the top and bottom walls 14, bottom wall 14 is shown with open cell foam 28 inside air chamber 16, while top wall has no foam in air chamber 16. It will be appreciated that one of, both or neither walls may include open cell foam 28 in air chamber 16. As air chamber 16 inflates inner faces 20 contact and mould around electronic device 12. The moulding is aided by the elasticity of inner face 20. Inner face 20 can also assist in suspending electronic device 12 within protector 10, thereby increasing the protection. The elasticity of inner face 20 and/or flexibility of outer face 22 can aid in protection of the electronic device from over-inflation or absorbtion of forces applied to the protector.

Figure 5A shows protector 10 in the form of a laptop satchel with flexible outer faces 22. Protector 10 includes anchor points 36 for shoulder strap 38. Protector 10 also includes fastener 24 in the form of a zipper than runs along three sides of protector 10. Figure 5B shows protector in a deflated state with minimal air in air chamber 16. Figure 5B shows protector in an inflated state with air in air chamber 16 providing relatively flat outer faces 22. This level of inflation may be achieved by the provision of open cell foam in air chamber 16 as described in previous examples. Figure 5D shows protector 12 in a hyper-inflated state whereby sufficient air has been introduced in air chamber 16 to round outer faces 22. This may be advantageous for travellers who desire to use the protector as a travel pillow either with or without electronic device 12 inside. If a traveller is using protector 10 with electronic device 12 device inside as a pillow, it can also protect electronic device from theft as 25 the traveller will waken during the theft. As outer face 22 is made from a less elastic material than inner face 20, outer face 22 provides burst protection in this configuration.

Figure 5E shows protector 10 with fastener 25 completely undone and walls 14 pulled apart to expose inner faces 20. Air may be introduced into air chamber 16 through air outlet 18 to expand air chamber 16 and push inner faces 20 outwards to form a larger pillow. As inner face 20 is elastic, it 30 can provide a comfortable pillow. As outer face 22 is less elastic it may have increased durability or puncture resistance, thereby providing protection to the pillow structure.

Figure 6A shows protector 10 with inflator 40 in a rolled configuration and clipped to protector 10 via clips 42. Inflator 40 may be integrated with protector 40 as shown or may be a separate unit that is attachable to one-way valve 50. Inflator 40 may be unclipped from protector 10 and unrolled to 35 expose sac 48 which is made from air tight material. Inflator 40 includes sac opening 44 and roll13

2018100986 11 Jul 2018 down closure 46. To introduce air into air chamber 16, air is collected in sac 48 and sac opening 44 is closed by rolling roll-down closure 46. Pressure is then applied to sac 48 to force air from sac 48 into air chamber 16 of protector 10 through one-way valve 50. This process can be repeated until sufficient air is introduced into air chamber 16 to protect electronic device 12 (not shown). Inflator

40 may then be rolled and re-clipped to protector 10. Air may be removed from protector 10 through air outlet 18.

Inflator 40 may be shaped to receive protector 10 in its entirety. Where inflator 40 is integrated with protector 10, inflator 40 may be inverted to receive protector 10 inside (Figures 6D and 6E). Where inflator 40 is detachable from protector 10, protector 10 may be received inside inflator 40 without 0 inversion. Roll-down closure 46 and clips 42 may be used to close inflator 40 with protector 10 inside. Inflator 40 may include one or more shoulder straps 38 or handles for ease of carrying.

When used as a bag for protector 10, inflator 40 can also provide water proof protection to protector 10.

Figure 7A shows protector 10 with a non-integrated inflator 40. Inflator 40 includes connector 52 that connects to one-way valve 50. Air is collected in sac 48 and sac opening 44 is closed using rolldown closure 46. As shown in Figure 7B, inflator 40 is connected to one-way valve 50 and pressure is placed on sac 48 to push air through one-way valve 50 into air chamber 16 of protector 10. The process can be repeated until sufficient air is received in air chamber 16. Air may be expelled from air chamber 16 through air outlet 18. When not in use, inflator 40 may be used as a carry bag for accessories (e.g. laptop chargers or cables).

2018100986 11 Jul 2018

Claims (6)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. A protector for an electronic device or accessory, the protector including walls between which the electronic device or accessory can be inserted, at least one wall including an air

   5 chamber in fluid connection with an air outlet for letting air into or out of the air chamber and the wall with the air chamber including a flexible inner face and a flexible outer face, wherein the inner face is made of a material that is thinner than the material of the outer face.
2. 2. The protector of claim 1, wherein the flexible inner face is more elastic than the flexible outer

   0 face.
3. 3. The protector of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the air chamber includes open cell foam for sucking air into the air chamber when the air outlet is open and the open cell foam changes from a compressed to an uncompressed configuration.
4. 4. The protector of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the protector includes a fastener that allows the protector to open and take a substantially flat configuration with the inner face comprising a top surface and the outer face comprising a bottom surface, or vice versa, thereby allowing the protector to double as a pillow while the electronic device or accessory

   0 is in use.
5. 5. The protector of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flexible outer face is made from a polymer coated or impregnated nylon or polyester fabric and the flexible inner face is made from an elastic fabric or elastomeric polymer.

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   20 14/16

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   Figure 2A

   Figure 2B

   Figure 2C

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   Figure 3A ²I° 14/16 I 1 20 / 14/16 / 1 f —> \ 22 \ 22

   Figure 3B

   Figure 3C

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   Figure 4A

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   Figure 5E

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6. 6/7

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   Figure 7A

   Figure 7B