Electronic Reader Bag

Abstract

A flexible electronic reader bag including a mounting frame, including a non-slip backing surface, adapted to removably secure an electronic device therein. A number of continuous sections include a front pocket flap, an exterior middle panel, a back top panel and a bottom panel arranged in a tri-fold configuration for folding into a carrier bag configuration. The exterior middle panel includes a non-slip surface. The electronic reader bag has a display configuration wherein the number of continuous sections is operable to drape over a horizontal structure so that the non-slip surface grips the horizontal structure to secure the electronic reader bag thereto such that the mounting frame hangs in a vertical position to display the electronic device when the electronic device is secured therein.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention is related to an apparatus and method for transporting, securing and displaying an electronic display device such as an electronic tablet, tablet computer or electronic reader.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Devices exist for transporting and/or displaying an electronic tablet or similar electronic display device. For example, some electronic reader bags have been designed for displaying a GPS device below the dash level of a vehicle. Other devices exist for the purpose of providing transportable mounting devices for electronic readers and the like.

[0003] One known device is disclosed in patent publication US 2011204112 (A1) entitled "Wrap-Around Carrying Case For Selectively Displaying An Electronic Device" and published Aug. 25, 2011 which discloses an electronic device carrying case that selectively alternates between a display configuration that displays a portable electronic device such as a GPS receiver below the dash level of a vehicle and a transport configuration that wraps around the electronic device. The carrying case includes a storage compartment for removably receiving the electronic device and a relatively planar panel having a first end coupled to the storage compartment and a weighted second end. In the display configuration, the weighted second end lies flat against the dash of a vehicle to secure the carrying case thereto, and the panel is sufficiently long such that the electronic device is displayed below the dash level. In the transport configuration, the panel wraps around and encircles the electronic device. When folded the sides of the bag are inconveniently blocked by cumbersome weighting sections that protrude from the border of the case when opened.

[0004] Another known device is disclosed in patent publication US 2011203955 (A1) entitled "Multipurpose iPad® Case" discloses an iPAD case which opens to form a light/privacy shade around the iPAD and folds up around itself to create a protective case with a shoulder strap, worn to make the iPAD portable. It is made of rigid and pliable materials such as padded board and leather or any pliable material.

[0005] Another known device is disclosed in patent publication US 2011221319 (A1) entitled "Tablet Computer Case for Multiple Viewing Orientations," discloses a hinged for an electronic device, such as a tablet computer. This case allows the user to protect and personalize their tablet computer. It describes a distinct hinge, with a stop that limits its rotational travel allowing the user to prop the tablet computer up, at a viewing angle. In another alternative, this friction hinge can have an angular zone of travel, where little or no friction is encountered. Other examples include hard shell cases, laptop computer carrying cases for transporting laptop computers of small and oversized dimensions and handbag systems.

[0006] Despite available known devices, there remains a need for a flexible electronic reader bag that readily, safely and easily converts from a transport device to a display device that may be used with exercise equipment, standard furniture and the like without the need for removing the electronic reader from its protective holder within the bag and without the need for additional weighting or connective elements.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] A flexible electronic reader bag including a mounting frame is disclosed including a non-slip backing surface, adapted to removably secure an electronic device therein. A plurality of continuous sections includes a front pocket flap with a strap handle, an exterior middle panel, a back top panel and a bottom panel arranged in a tri-fold configuration for folding into a carrier bag configuration. The plurality of continuous sections substantially forms a rectangle having a continuous even border with rounded corners when opened and having completely open sides when folded. The exterior middle panel has a surface made from a non-slip material. The electronic reader bag includes a display configuration wherein the plurality of continuous sections is operable to drape over a horizontal structure so that the exterior middle panel non-slip surface grips the horizontal structure to secure the electronic reader bag thereto such that the mounting frame hangs in a vertical position to display the electronic device when the electronic device is secured therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] While the novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims, the invention, both as to organization and content, will be better understood and appreciated, along with other objects and features thereof, from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a top view illustration of an example of a flexible electronic reader bag;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a bottom view illustration of an example of a flexible electronic reader bag of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a top view illustration of an example of an electronic reader and electronic tablet of the electronic reader bag of FIG. 1 with the front pocket flap opened;

[0012] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example of the outside surfaces of a flexible electronic reader bag of FIG. 1 when fully opened;

[0013] FIG. 4A is an illustration in a cross-sectional view of an example of foam padding distributed throughout the electronic reader bag;

[0014] FIG. 5 is an illustration of the inside elements and surfaces of an opened electronic reader bag of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a more detailed illustration of the pocket closure of an opened electronic reader bag of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the device holder of a flexible electronic reader bag of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 8 is an illustration of the device holder of a flexible electronic reader bag of FIG. 1 including an electronic tablet held in place; and

[0018] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B illustrate a flexible electronic reader bag draped over a piece of furniture.

[0019] In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or components. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The following disclosure describes several embodiments for a flexible electronic reader bag. Several features of methods and systems in accordance with example embodiments are set forth and described in the Figures. It will be appreciated that methods and systems in accordance with other example embodiments can include additional procedures or features different than those shown in Figures. Example embodiments are described herein with respect to a bag for carrying and displaying an electronic reader. However, it will be understood that these examples are for the purpose of illustrating the principles, and that the invention is not so limited. Additionally, methods and systems in accordance with several example embodiments may not include all of the features shown in these Figures.

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 1, there shown is a top view illustration of an example of a flexible electronic reader bag. A flexible electronic reader bag 10 includes a plurality of integral or continuous sections arranged in a tri-fold configuration for folding into a carrier bag configuration including a front pocket flap 12, a strap handle 14, an exterior middle panel 16, and a pair of strap connectors 22. The front pocket flap 12 includes a pocket 18 that may be accessed by a zipper 24 or equivalent closure device. The plurality of continuous sections substantially forms a rectangle having a continuous even border with rounded corners when opened and having completely open sides when folded. The exterior middle panel includes a non-slip surface.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 2, there shown is a bottom view illustration of an example of a flexible electronic reader bag of FIG. 1. A back top panel 30 extends under and is sown together with the front pocket flap 12 so as to form the pocket 18 between the back top panel and the front pocket flap. The exterior middle panel 16 is connected at one end with the bottom end of the back top panel 30, as by sowing. A shoulder strap 20 may optionally be connected to the pair of strap connectors 22. In one useful embodiment the pair of strap connectors 22 comprised 1 inch double bar D-ring nylon rings. In one useful embodiment the strap handle 14, shoulder strap 20 and reinforced strip 31 may comprise 600×600 polyester CTD available in multiple colors.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 3, there shown is a top view illustration of an example of an electronic reader and electronic tablet of the electronic reader bag of FIG. 1 with the front pocket flap opened. A backing surface 70 may advantageously extend the length of the electronic reader bag. A section 12B formed into the backing surface 70 by stitching of the reinforced strip 31 forms a backing surface for holding padding material contained between the portion of back top panel 30 that, together with front pocket flap 12, forms the pocket 18. The top of the reinforced strip 31 is attached between the front pocket flap 12 and the back top panel 30. A bottom panel 32 includes a first closure element 34A that mates with a second closure element 34B to secure the electronic reader bag in a closed position when the front pocket flap is folded over. The bottom panel is secured at one end to a bottom end of the exterior middle panel 16.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 4, there shown is an illustration of an example of the outside surfaces of a flexible electronic reader bag of FIG. 1 when fully opened. Here particularly shown is the layout of the front pocket flap 12, the back top panel 30, the strap handle 14, the exterior middle panel 16, and the pair of strap connectors 22 when the electronic reader bag is fully opened. The reinforced strip 31 is shown with the pair of strap connectors 22 and the strap handle 14. The reinforced strip is advantageously sized with a width sufficient to maintain secure closing of the bag when an electronic device is secured within the bag. For example, the width of the reinforced strip may be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) or more. In some examples the strip may advantageously have a width in a range of about 0.5 to 3 inches (1.25 to 7.5 cm) or more depending on the width of the electronic device to be held. The exterior middle panel 16 may comprise a non-slip material.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 4A, there shown in a cross-sectional view is an illustration of an example of foam padding distributed throughout the electronic reader bag. Foam padding 40 may generally be distributed throughout the bag by, for example, sewing it or placing it between the backing surface 70 and the continuous opposite sections including the back top panel 30, the exterior middle section 16 and the bottom panel 32. The protective pocket particularly includes a layer of polymer foam, for example.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 5, there shown is an illustration of the inside elements and surfaces of an opened electronic reader bag of FIG. 1. A mounting frame 50 is attached to the inside portion of the electronic reader bag below a protective envelope 52. The protective envelope 52 may advantageously be constructed by placing a cloth panel 53 over a middle portion of the backing surface 70. The protective envelope 52 is advantageously padded as described above, as for example, with polymer foam padding, and is sized to easily accept an electronic device for storage therein for added protection of the electronic device during activities such as while the user is traveling or while the device is stored. In one useful embodiment, the mounting frame 50 includes a non-slip surface 56 and a set of corner slots 58. The corner slots 58 are advantageously made of a heavy duty elastic material and are sized to accept the corners of an electronic reader or other device so as to hold it in place while in a display configuration while having enough elasticity to allow removal when desired. The non-slip surface 56 further operates to keep an inserted device from slipping or falling out when held vertically in a display mode. In one useful embodiment each of the set of corner holders comprised 1.5 inch suspender elastic.

[0027] A second set of mating closure elements 54A, 54B is shown. The closure element 54A is attached proximate the opening of the protective envelope and a mating closure element 54B is attached proximate the bottom of the mounting frame. A second set of mating closure elements 54A, 54B can operate to close the mounting frame panel 56 over the protective envelope 52 with an electronic device held either in the mounting frame or the protective envelope when folded together for ease in carrying. When folded the sides of the bag are completely open and unblocked by cumbersome extra weighting sections as are used in some prior art devices. A more detailed illustration of the pocket closure of an opened electronic reader bag is shown in FIG. 6. In one useful embodiment the set of mating closure elements included 1 inch (2.5 cm) hook and loop material. The zipper comprised a #3 zip coil and slide pair.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 7, there shown is an illustration of the device holder of a flexible electronic reader bag 10. The mounting frame 50 may advantageously be attached to the backing surface 70 covering the bottom panel 32. A stiffener 72 may be sandwiched between the backing surface 70 and the bottom panel 32. The stiffener at least partially operates to stiffen the mounting frame 50. In one useful embodiment the stiffener 72 extends almost the full width of the bottom panel 32 and has a height of about 50% of the height of the bottom panel 32 in order to allow for flexibility. It has been found that inclusion of the stiffener 72 helps to keep an electronic device held in the mounting frame when opening the bag to expose the electronic device in a display configuration. The stiffener 72 may comprise cardboard, card stock, plastic, foam board or the like.

[0029] In one useful embodiment, the non-slip surface of the mounting frame 50 comprises Slip-Not® brand black grip fabric as supplied by Eastex Products, Inc. of Holbrook Mass. Eastex Slip-Not® Anti-Abrasion Grip material features a random size dot pattern and a soft, supple texture that looks like a powder-coat finish and provides a sure grip. Suitable for use in a wide range of finished products requiring a grippy surface, it can be supplied with an adhesive on the back or laminated to other materials and performs well in wet or dry conditions. Non-slip materials that may be used include, for example, PVC coated fabric and combinations of PVC and other materials. Other materials include tacky or nonslip material that tends to cling to a surface in a mechanical fashion including expanded vinyl material such as polymeric plasticizer, a UV stabilizer, a vinyl heat stabilizer, a blowing agent for vinyl plastisol, or vinyl resin (plastic) and equivalent materials. The exterior middle panel 16 may comprise a similar or identical non-slip material. The backing surface 70 and other surfaces such as the front protective pocket may comprise protective material such as canvas, cloth, synthetic leather, leather, or tarpaulin. Ruggedized materials, such as waterproof material like Cortex® and similar materials may also be used for certain applications. With the exception of the stiffener, the materials are sufficiently flexible so as to allow easy folding and draping of the bag in use.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 8, there shown is an illustration of the device holder of a flexible electronic reader bag of FIG. 1 including an electronic tablet held in place. Here an electronic tablet 80 is held within the mounting frame 50 as removably attached within corner slots 58. Note that the bag and/or frame can have suitable access holes for plugging in external devices such as earphone jacks, charging adaptors and the like as needed for specific devices. For example, in some cases an access hole may be required in the upper right hand corner of the frame for an Ipad® type electronic tablet. This can be made by cutting, burning or any known technique.

[0031] Referring now jointly to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, there shown is a flexible electronic reader bag draped over a horizontal structure such as a piece of furniture or exercise equipment such as, for example, the front of a treadmill. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are intended to illustrate how the electronic reader bag 10 can be used to vertically display an electronic device. The middle panel gripping material serves to hold the bag and electronic device vertically to allow a user to view a display without the need to hold the bag or the device. This is especially useful when a user is otherwise occupied as when exercising, doing chores or similar activities. When finished, the bag and device may be easily folded and stored without the need for positioning weighted sections, folding magnetic tabs or other inconveniences.

[0032] The invention has been described herein in considerable detail to provide those skilled in the art with the information needed to apply the novel principles of the present invention, and to construct and use such exemplary and specialized components as are required. However, it is to be understood that the invention may be carried out by specifically different equipment, and devices, and that various modifications, both as to the equipment details and operating procedures, may be accomplished without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention. It will also be understood that each feature of each embodiment discussed herein, and of each reference cited herein, can be used in combination with the features of any other embodiment. For example, although described herein for displaying or protecting an electronic reader, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that electronic reader bag may be utilized to display and/or safely store any type of electronic device including for example a tablet computer, a camera, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an MP3 player, or other handheld portable electronic device. All patents and publications discussed herein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Claims

1. A flexible electronic reader bag comprising: a mounting frame, including a non-slip backing surface, adapted to removably secure an electronic device therein; a plurality of continuous sections including a front pocket flap, an exterior middle panel, a back top panel and a bottom panel arranged in a tri-fold configuration for folding into a carrier bag configuration, wherein the plurality of continuous sections substantially forms a rectangle having a continuous even border with rounded corners when opened and having completely open sides when folded; where the exterior middle panel includes a non-slip surface; and wherein the plurality of continuous sections operably includes a carry configuration that unfolds to a display configuration wherein the plurality of continuous sections is operable to drape over a horizontal structure so that the exterior middle panel non-slip surface grips the horizontal structure to secure the electronic reader bag thereto such that the mounting frame hangs in a vertical position to display the electronic device when the electronic device is secured therein.

2. The electronic reader bag of claim 1, wherein the mounting frame includes a non-slip backing and a set of frame corners configured to stretch around corners of the electronic device allowing visibility to a front panel of the electronic device.

3. The electronic reader bag of claim 1, wherein the front pocket flap includes a pocket.

4. The electronic reader bag of claim 1, further comprising a reinforced strip attached between the front pocket flap and the back top panel.

5. The electronic reader bag of claim 1, further comprising a pair of strap connectors adapted to receive a shoulder strap.

6. The electronic reader bag of claim 1, wherein the reinforced strip is advantageously sized with a width greater than the width of the electronic device to maintain secure closing of the bag when the electronic device is secured within the bag.

7. The electronic reader bag of claim 1, further comprising padding within the plurality of continuous sections.

8. The electronic reader bag of claim 7, wherein the padding comprises foam padding.

9. The electronic reader bag of claim 1 wherein the non-slip surfaces comprise a material selected from the group consisting of PVC coated fabric, tacky material that tends to cling to a surface in a mechanical fashion, expanded vinyl material, polymeric plasticizer, UV stabilizer, vinyl heat stabilizer, blowing agent for vinyl plastisol, vinyl resin, and combinations thereof.

10. The electronic reader bag of claim 1 wherein the front pocket flap and the bottom panel comprise material selected from the group consisting of canvas, cloth, synthetic leather, leather, and tarpaulin.

11. The electronic reader bag of claim 1 further comprising a first mating closure element attached proximate the opening of the protective envelope and a second mating closure element is attached proximate the bottom of the mounting frame which operate to close the mounting frame over the protective envelope with an electronic device held either in the mounting frame or the protective envelope when folded together for ease in carrying.

12. The electronic reader bag of claim 1 wherein the first mating closure and the second mating closure element comprise hook and loop material.

13. The electronic reader bag of claim 1 further comprising a stiffener 72 sandwiched between a backing surface of the bottom panel and the mounting frame.

14. The electronic reader bag of claim 1 further comprising an electronic tablet held within the mounting frame.

15. A flexible electronic reader bag comprising: a mounting frame, including a non-slip backing surface, adapted to removably secure an electronic device therein; a plurality of padded continuous sections including a front pocket flap attached to a strap handle, an exterior middle panel, a back top panel and a bottom panel arranged in a tri-fold configuration for folding into a carrier bag configuration, the plurality of padded continuous sections having a continuous even border when opened and having completely open sides when folded; where the exterior middle panel includes a non-slip surface; and wherein the plurality of padded continuous sections includes a strap handle for a carry configuration and unfolds to a display configuration wherein the plurality of padded continuous sections is operable to drape over a horizontal structure so that the exterior middle panel non-slip surface grips the horizontal structure to secure the electronic reader bag thereto such that the mounting frame hangs in a vertical position to display the electronic device when the electronic device is secured therein; wherein the mounting frame includes a non-slip backing and a set of frame corners configured to stretch around corners of the electronic device allowing visibility to a front panel of the electronic device; wherein the front pocket flap includes a pocket; a reinforced strip attached between the front pocket flap and the back top panel, wherein the reinforced strip is advantageously sized with a width greater than the width of the electronic device to maintain secure closing of the bag when the electronic device is secured within the bag; and a pair of strap connectors adapted to receive a shoulder strap.

16. The electronic reader bag of claim 15 wherein the non-slip surfaces comprise a material selected from the group consisting of PVC coated fabric, tacky material that tends to cling to a surface in a mechanical fashion, expanded vinyl material, polymeric plasticizer, UV stabilizer, vinyl heat stabilizer, blowing agent for vinyl plastisol, and vinyl resin and combinations thereof.

17. The electronic reader bag of claim 15 wherein the front pocket flap and the bottom panel comprise material selected from the group consisting of canvas, cloth, synthetic leather, leather, and tarpaulin.

18. The electronic reader bag of claim 15 further comprising a first mating closure element attached proximate the opening of the protective envelope and a second mating closure element is attached proximate the bottom of the mounting frame which operate to close the mounting frame over the protective envelope with an electronic device held either in the mounting frame or the protective envelope when folded together for ease in carrying.

19. The electronic reader bag of claim 15 further comprising a stiffener sandwiched between a backing surface of the bottom panel and the mounting frame.

20. The electronic reader bag of claim 15 further comprising an electronic tablet held within the mounting frame.

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