GB2472841A - Multimedia rucksack - Google Patents

Abstract

A multimedia rucksack comprises a backpack and a media device. The media device comprises a casing 101 having display screen, loudspeakers and an SD card reader. The display screen may function as a digital photograph frame or may be used to shows audio and video files. The media device may also comprise an earphone socket and buttons for user control over the media and viewing options. The rucksack has a recess 121 and a mounting mechanism shared with the device for mounting the device on the recess of the rucksack, the mounting mechanism allowing the media device to be locked in place within the recess. A recharging unit may be provided to recharge the electric power supply of the media device.

Description

Patent Application of Mansur Elakama for Customizable Bag Organizer

Background of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to a digital photo frame, located in a recess on a bag, such as a rucksack, briefcase, handbag, or the like.

[2] Rucksacks for carrying personal property are well known in the art. There are various types and sizes of rucksacks and backpacks. Rucksacks contain one or more pockets and are especially useful for storage and carrying the things that one wishes to accompany a person outdoors.

[3] Digital photo frames, for displaying pictures and videos are also well known in the art.

[4] Furthermore, it is known in the art to have a message and display device on a personal item.

[5] For example, US Application No. 20060059745 to Maqui et al discloses a digital message and display device for use on a vehicle, structure or personal item. It includes a processing unit, having a memory storage device for location in the vehicle.

A power connector connects the processing unit to a source of power. A data input mechanism is provided for inputting data such as text and/or images to the memory storage device. A display screen located on or in the vehicle then displays the text and/or images received from the processing unit such that the text :1-and/or images are formed and can be observed as part of the external appearance of the vehicle.

[6] It is known in the art to use locks for holding portable equipment onto surfaces, so that they should not fall or be stolen. For example US 7,499,270 to Allen describes a portable music player or other personal electronic device locking assembly, including a locking base frame. The locking base frame locks the portable music player or other personal electronic device securely in place to a work surface such as a desk top or table top. The lock is adapted to engage the portable music player or other personal electronic device screen in the open position, leaving a front surface of the screen viewable. The lock prevents removal of the portable music player or other personal electronic device from the work surface. A security table top/work surface clamp includes a cable clamp having a fixed or adjustably sized generally C-shaped clamp body insertable over a table top or other flat work surface. The lower operating knob has a transverse hole or slot preventing loosening of the threaded bolt once the flexible cable is installed through the transverse hole or slot. The music/video playback device can also engage a belt loop, for securing the device to a belt loop or backpack ring which is also engaged with a lock hasp.

[7] Digital photo frames, also capable of showing videos or playing audio files, are well known in the art. For example, Brief Sununary of the Invention [8] In the following, the term rucksack' is used to denote a bag carried by a wearer by means of one or two shoulder straps.

[9] It can be seen from the forgoing that it might be very novel and pleasing to have a rucksack sporting a digital photo frame on the exterior so that other people can see photos that the rucksack wearer wishes to share. The digital photo frame is prominently displayed so that other people can easily see photos that are displayed on it.

[101 It can further be seen that a need has arisen to provide a rucksack that is moulded with a recess and a mounting mechanism so that the digital photo frame can be securely mounted in the recess.

[11] It would be advantageous if the digital photo frame were to be able to be locked to the bag, for further protection against falling and theft. It would further be advantageous if the digital photo frame were removable from the bag.

[12] It is a further advantage if the digital photo frame is able to support video and audio files too.

[13] It is an object of the present invention to provide a rucksack with a mount and lock for a digital photo frame.

[14] In further aspects of the invention, the rucksack further sports a mounting and a locking mechanism enabling the digital photo frame to be easily removed from the rucksack. The digital photo frame includes access to a power supply, for example rechargeable batteries are located within the device, and the device also has an access aperture, for connecting the rechargeable batteries to a battery charger via a lead, and wherein a plug, for plugging into the mains, contains the battery charger and has place for the lead to be retracted into it, and wherein the plug is moulded to fit into the back of the digital photo frame for storage. The digital photo frame contains a slot for an SD card or other means for providing photos, videos or audios. The digital photo frame has controls for the user, including an On/Off Control, a Menu Control, providing a selection of one or more menu options, a Scroll Control for scrolling between menu options, enabling one menu option at a time to be available for selection, a Select Control, for selecting a menu option that has been scrolled to, and a Skip Control, for skipping, i.e. not displaying or playing, a certain picture, audio or video.

[15] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a digital photo frame device mounted on a rucksack, wherein the digital photo frame device has a casing, and a screen, surrounded by the casing, and an SD card slot in the casing, for inputting media tracks, and an SD card reader associated with the SD card, and having an output, and speakers, surrounded by the casing for outputting sound tracks, means, housed by said casing, for playing the output of the SD card reader on the screen and through the speakers, user controls, connected to electronic means, for controlling how the media tracks are played on said screen and speakers, and an electric power supply for the device, and wherein the rucksack comprises a hard section onto which the device is mounted, and wherein the device and the rucksack have a shared mounting mechanism and locking mechanism, in which the shared mounting mechanism has a first mounting unit on the back of the casing and a second mounting unit on the hard surface of the rucksack which interact together to mount the device on the rucksack, and in which the locking mechanism includes an adjustable locking unit on the inside of the rucksack attached to a lock on the outside of the rucksack, associated with a hollow in the casing so that the lock can be inserted into the casing and adjusted to selectively lock and unlock the device to the rucksack, whereby the device may be mounted on the rucksack and locked thereto.

[16J It is further an object of the present invention to provide a mounting mechanism as above in which the mounting unit on the rucksack is a ring mount with a lip, and wherein the mounting unit on the back of the casing is a circle mount with four sprung triangular pins at 90 degree intervals around the diameter which are pushed in by said lip and spring outward under the lip to hold the device in place. [17]

[18] It is an object, therefore, of the present invention, to provide a means for displaying photos on the outside of a bag.

[19] It is a further object of the invention to provide a means for mounting and supporting a digital photo frame on the outside of a bag.

[20] It is a further object of the invention to provide a means for locking a digital photo frame in position on the exterior of a bag.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawing [21] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings, in which: [22] Figs la -id show a feature of the present invention, respectively showing the front, rear, rear/base isometric and top views.

[23] Fig 2a shows an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2b shows an enlarged view of a part of Fig. 2a.

[24] Figs 3a-3c show a feature of the present invention from different perspectives, respectively left isometric, right isometric, and side view.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[25] With reference now to Fig la, a device for a digital photo frame is provided, including casing 101. Electronics (not shown) are incorporated into casing 101, for translating media into images and/or sounds, as are well known in the art.

Preferably electronics are also capable of playing or displaying any form of media, including audio files and videos. Videos, audio tracks or photos are now referred to generically herein as "media tracks", and the act of showing, playing or displaying them is called "playing", although it will be understood that the invention also includes digital photo frames that are not capable of sound or video production. Casing 101 surrounds screen 102.

Preferably screen 102 is recessed and has a clear acrylic cover.

The size of casing 101 is variable but in a preferred embodiment, it is 170mm x 110mm.

[261 As shown in Fig la, casing 101 is fitted with integrated speakers 103 that are displayed in prominent positions at the bottom right and bottom left of casing 101. If the device is to be used only for photos, speakers 103 need not be included.

Speakers 103 could be any type of speakers known in the art.

Preferably, mesh grills cover speakers 103.

[271 With reference now to Fig lc, casing 101 is fitted with an SD card reader (not shown), as part of the electronics, associated with SD card slot 109 at the base of casing 101. SD cards are standard photo and video storing hardware that feature in many digital cameras so it would be easy for a user to transfer their SD card from a digital camera to SD card slot 109.

In other embodiments casing 101 includes other card readers besides SD card readers, and other ways of importing media tracks. SD card location does not have to be in this specific location shown.

[281 With regard to Figure ld, buttons 112, 113 and 114 are shown at the top of casing 101. In a preferred embodiment, these controls are indeed situated on the top of casing 101, in order to provide easy access to them for the user, however, it is within the scope of the invention to position buttons 112, 113, and 114 anywhere on casing 101. In a preferred embodiment, and as shown, the controls are in the form of rectangular buttons 112, 113 and 114, as buttons are well known in the art; however, they may alternatively be any form of access control known in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, the controls are distributed between buttons 112, 113 and 114, in the following fashion. The controls are compacted into three buttons; first button 112 provides a "Menu" feature, when this button is pressed, a menu is shown displaying different options, including for example viewing options, and a list of media tracks; second button 113 provides "On/Off Control" using a hold feature, in which alternate holdings turn the device on and off alternately; second button 113 also has provides "Select" mode, via a press feature, as follows: when second button 113 is pressed, a menu item that has been scrolled to is selected; third button 114 has a pivot and can be pressed in two directions, this third button 114 is operable in two modes: a first "Scroll" mode for third button 114 is applied when menu items are displayed on the screen, in this mode pressing third button 114 scrolls through the menu items, scrolling through the menu items in the presented order if third button 114 is pressed in one direction and scrolling through the menu items in the reverse of the presented order if pressed in the other direction; a second "Skip" mode for third button 114 is applied when other conditions are present, eg if an actual photo, audio, or video track is played on the screen, a press on third button 114 in a first direction causes the currently playing track to not be played and instead, the next track in predefined series of media tracks is played, and a press on third button 114 in the other direction causes the previous track in the series of media tracks to be played; continued pressing of third button 114 in either direction repeats the action of a single press multiple times, according to the length of time button 114 is held.

[29] With reference now to Figs 2a and 2b, of which Fig 2b is simply enlarged details of Fig 2a, rucksack 120 is shown.

Rucksack 120 is a feature in one embodiment of the present invention, but the invention is not limited only to rucksacks, but rather represents a digital photo frame mounted on any human carried bag, such as a handbag, a briefcase, a school bag, a shopping bag, etc. However, rucksack 120 represents a preferred embodiment because rucksacks are often associated with a sporty and fun attitude, and so is the idea of a digital photo frame displaying pictures to the world, thus they are a good combination. Rucksack 120 features a recess 121 for protecting the digital photo frame. Recess 121 represents a preferred embodiment, since the invention works even if the device is mounted on rucksack 120 without a recess. However, it is envisioned that recess 121 will protect the device from knocks and bangs, which could damage the device, and will also give a small measure of protection against the device being stolen.

[30] With reference to Figure 2b, details of rucksack 120 are shown in an enlarged view. Rucksack 120 sports mount 126 for mounting casing 101. Mount 126 is made of any material known in the art suitable for this purpose. Mount 126 could alternatively be any mounting mechanism known in the art suitable for mounting casing 101 on rucksack 120. In this embodiment, mount 126 is made of plastic. Mount 126 is made of one piece and comprises a cross-section resembling three attached co-axial hollow rings of identical outer diameter. First ring 126a is attached to rucksack and has an inner diameter d, second ring 126b is adjacent first ring 126a and has an inner diameter greater than d, third ring 126c is adjacent second ring 126b and has an inner diameter of d. Third ring 126c forms a lip. Diameter d is not fixed to any specific diameter, it is just being used to show relative diameters.

[31] With reference to Figure ib, the back of casing 101 comprises mounting disc 106 for mounting in mount 126. Mounting disc 106 has four sprung triangular metal pins 107 protruding from the sides. Mounting disc 106 has a diameter slightly less than d so that it may be inserted into and supported by mount 126. The distance between the tips of a pair of opposite triangular sprung pins 107 is greater than d. When a user pushes casing 101 into recess 121 of rucksack 121, the third ring 126c of cylindrical mount 126 causes pins 107 to retract temporarily.

Pins 107 then spring out again as they align with second ring 126b of mount 126.

[32] As shown in Fig. 2b, at the back of casing 101, in a preferred embodiment, there is provided earphone socket 112. This is located behind speakers 103, and allows a user to plug in earphones to listen to an audio part of media tracks. A matching hole 122 is provided in rucksack recess 121 to allow the wire of the user's earplugs to continue through the inside of the rucksack. The earphones could exit the rucksack via another hole in the rucksack, for example the wire might continue through a hollow in the rucksack straps where a pouch is provided for earphone storage, with a hole in the pouch, through which they can be pulled out to listen with. In a different embodiment, earphone socket 112 can be located in a different position on casing 101, not at the rear, so that the earphones do not need to go through rucksack 120.

[33] With reference now to Figs 3a-3c, three diagrams are provided showing different views of the same ratchet and pawl mechanism. Handle 401 is located on the inside of rucksack wall 406, and may be moved by a user to a vertical position associated with the word OPEN 402, or to a vertical position associated with the word CLOSE 403. Handle is connected to small plastic panel 404 via a ratchet and pawl mechanism, of which ring of small teeth 405 is visible in Fig 3a. The action of moving handle 401 acts to move bar 407, located on the other side of rucksack wall 406, into either a horizontal or a vertical position. In action, and with reference also to Figure lb, casing 101 is pressed against bar 407 when bar 107 is in a horizontal position. Bar 407 is thus inserted into horizontal slot 108. Handle 401 is moved 90 degrees, to turn bar 407 to a vertical position inside casing 101. This locks casing 101 to rucksack wall 406. The ratchet and pawl mechanism, as depicted by ring of small teeth 405, creates friction to hold bar 407 in the position selected by the user.

This prevents bar 407 from being accidentally pushed to a horizontal, unlocked position. Other locking mechanisms, are within the scope of the patent, or variations on this mechanism or described positioning that are well known in the art may be used to provide a system that locks the device to the rucksack.

[34] Rucksack 120 may be a dedicated rucksack 120, designed with a recess for carrying the device, or any rucksack can be adapted to carry the device with the addition of a mount and a lock. It is recommended that the rucksack should have a hard wall, where it is to be connected to casing 101, even if it is not recessed, to provide adequate support for the device and the contents of the rucksack, and to prevent the device from being cut out of the rucksack in theft.

[35] With reference to Figure lc, casing 101 is preferably provided with rechargeable batteries or other rechargeable medium (not shown). These may be recharged via recharging socket 110. In a preferred embodiment, a plug with a retractable lead is provided, and the plug also houses the recharging unit. In order to recharge the device, a user will plug the plug into a wall socket and the lead into recharging socket 110. In a particularly preferred embodiment the plug is also moulded to fit into a designed hollow in casing 101, thus it may be easily carried around with the user.

[36] The invention is not limited to rucksacks, but can be used in conjuction with tote bags, handbags, non-disposable carrier bags, shopping trolley, suitcases, hand luggage cases, two handled shopping bags, laptop bags, briefcases, school bags, camera cases, pushchair bags, or any type of human moved bag known in the art.

Claims (2)

1. Claims I claim: 1. A digital photo frame device mounted on a rucksack, wherein said digital photo frame device comprises: a casing, and a screen, surrounded by said casing, and an SD card slot in said casing, for inputting media tracks, and an SD card reader associated with said SD card, and having an output, and speakers, surrounded by said casing for outputting sound tracks, and means, housed by said casing, for playing the output of said SD card reader on said screen and through said speakers, and user controls, connected to electronic means, for controlling how the media tracks are played on said screen and speakers, and a power supply for electrically powering the device, and wherein said rucksack comprises a hard section onto which said device is mounted, and wherein said device and said rucksack have a shared mounting mechanism and locking mechanism, said shared mounting mechanism comprising a first mounting unit on the back of said casing and a second mounting unit on the hard surface of said rucksack which interact together to mount said device on said rucksack, and wherein said locking mechanism comprising an adjustable locking unit on the inside of said rucksack attached to a lock on the outside of said rucksack, associated with a hollow in said casing so that said lock can be inserted into said casing and adjusted to selectively lock and unlock the device to the rucksack, whereby the device may be mounted on said rucksack and locked thereto.
2. 2. The mounting mechanism of claim 1 wherein said mounting unit on said rucksack comprises a ring mount with a lip, and wherein said mounting unit on the back of said casing comprises a circle mount with four sprung triangular pins at degree intervals around the diameter which are pushed in by said lip and spring outward under the lip to hold the device in place.