Luggage with Removable Laptop Computer Compartment

Abstract

A carrying case is comprised of a valise or brief case with an internal compartment for a computer case which is tethered to the valise and which may be fully removed through an opening in the valise to which it is tethered. The computer storage case includes at least one side made of a mesh or transparent fabric or material so that the contents of the computer case may be visually inspected and so that the computer case can be totally segregated and yet remain tethered to the luggage item or valise.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This is a utility application based upon provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 045,699 filed Apr. 17, 2008 entitled “Luggage with Removable Laptop Computer Compartment” for which priority is claimed and which is incorporated herewith by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In a principal aspect the present invention relates to a business valise or case in combination with a computer carrying case. More particularly, the invention relates to a business brief case or luggage item which is designed to house a personal computer (PC) in a sleeve or case which may be removed from the brief case but remain tethered thereto to ensure that the computer will not be forgotten when, for example, being inspected at a Transportation Safety Administration checkpoint or similar security checkpoint.[0003]In the United States, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) requires that personal computers be removed from any carrying case and placed in ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Briefly, the present invention comprises a luggage item, brief case or valise which includes a special computer carrying case that is removable from the valise but which remains attached by a tether to the interior of the valise or luggage item. Thus, the computer case with a computer (PC) stored therein may be removed from the brief case or valise and placed on a conveyor belt for purposes of inspection visually as well as by an x-ray or other screening device. The case with the PC therein may then be easily replaced within the luggage item or valise. The tether ensures that the computer case will remain connected with the business luggage or brief case. The computer carrying case has a design which requires, in an embodiment, that one of the sides of the carrying case to be made from a generally transparent mesh or another transparent material. Also importantly the computer carrying case is made from x-ray and screening device transparent fabric and other materials. For example, no metallic zippers are utilized. The tether is typically a band of a fabric which is flexibly attached to the outside of the bottom side of the computer carrying case and which extends through a medial opening in the luggage item into the interior of the luggage item where it is attached to the bottom side or one of the other inside surfaces of the luggage item to maintain the tether connection. Placement of the computer case within the medial portion of the valise provides extra security and cushioning for the computer within the case. The transparency of the case both visually and with respect to x-ray inspection and screening equipment permits ease of inspection by the security authorities. The tethering of the computer case to the luggage item ensures that the case will remain associated with the luggage item for purposes of identification and effectively reminds the traveler of the need to maintain custody of the computer within the carrying case. A zippered opening to the interior of the computer case enables ease of removal of the computer in the event the inspection officials desire to conduct an enhanced examination. Various embodiments of the invention depict removal of the computer case from the top of a brief case or luggage item as well as from one of the opposite ends thereof.

[0009]A further object of the invention is to provide a luggage item which provides enhanced cushioning for protection for a computer within a separate carrying case inside the luggage item.

[0010]A further object of the invention is to provide an economical, easy to use, and easy to carry combination computer carrying case and luggage item.

Problems solved by technology

Required removal of the laptop from a case for inspection is a common complaint.

Although it poses an inconvenience to passengers, it is a necessary requirement to ensure proper x-ray imaging of the laptop computer.

Maintaining the personal computer within a carry bag becomes typically inappropriate inasmuch as the other contents of the bag may interfere with the inspection process.

Thus the inconvenience of the inspection process coupled with the potential misplacement or loss of a personal computer has incited various inspection authorities to solicit ways to overcome the described problems.

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