BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Within the area of computer accessories, many and diverse devices have been developed for transporting and carrying portable computers. These devices have been developed to simplify the transportation of portable computers as well as provide protection.

Carrying and transporting portable computers has conventionally been accomplished by providing hard or soft sided cases similar to briefcases or conventional luggage.

While efficient in carrying computers and in providing adequate protection for same, these conventional cases have a serious limitation. Specifically, these conventional cases are effective only in carrying a portable computer while not in use. These conventional cases do nothing to facilitate the use of portable computers. In fact, conventional cases actually tend to obstruct the use of portable computers, because the portable computers must first be removed from the case and positioned on a substantially flat surface to be made useful. Having to remove the portable computer from its carrying case and repositioning the portable computer onto a flat surface can be inconvenient and awkward in many situations, especially in cramped quarters, and most especially in locations where the user cannot sit down.

It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus for supporting and carrying a portable computer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus for supporting and carrying a portable computer while in use.

And another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus for supporting and carrying a portable computer which is simple and inexpensive.

SUMMARY In one embodiment, the invention is a portable computer comprising (a) a housing having a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a bottom wall, the intersection of the rear wall and the first side wall defining a first rear corner and the intersection of the rear wall and the second side wall defining a second rear corner, (b) a keyboard disposed within the housing, (c) a computer display panel pivotally coupled to the housing proximate to the rear wall of the housing, (d) a first strap attachment element disposed proximate to the first rear corner of the housing, (e) a second strap attachment element disposed proximate to the second rear corner of the housing, and (f) a strap having a first end and an opposed second end, the first end of the strap being attached to the first strap attachment element and the second end of the strap being attached to the second strap attachment element.

In another embodiment, the invention is a combination comprising a portable computer and a portable computer carrying case. The portable computer has a computer housing, a keyboard and a display panel. The portable computer case comprises (i) a carrying case housing having a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a bottom wall, the intersection of the rear wall and the first wall defining a first rear corner of the carrying case and the intersection of the rear wall and the second side wall defining a second rear corner of the carrying case, (ii) a cover which cooperates with the carrying case housing to define a fully enclosed portable computer enclosure, (iii) cover attachment means for reversibly opening and closing the cover so as to provide access to the computer enclosure, (iv) a first strap attachment element disposed proximate to the first rear corner of the carrying case housing, (v) a second strap attachment element disposed proximate to the second corner of the carrying case housing, and (vi) a strap having a first end and an opposed second end, the first end of the strap being attached to the first strap attachment element and the second end of the strap being attached to the second strap attachment element.

In still another embodiment, the invention is a combination comprising (a) a platform defining a footprint and having a front edge, a rear edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, the intersection of the rear edge and the first side edge comprising a first rear corner, and the intersection of the rear edge and the second side edge defining a second rear corner, (b) a first strap attachment element disposed proximate to the first rear corner, (c) a second strap attachment element disposed proximate to the second rear corner, (d) a strap having a first end and an opposed second end, the first end of the strap being attached to the first strap attachment element and the second end of the strap being attached to the second strap attachment element, and (e) a retractable support member having a proximal end coupled to the platform and a distal end, the retractable support member being alternatively moveable between an extended position wherein the distal end is disposed rearwardly of the rear edge of the platform and a retractable position wherein the distal end is disposed proximal to the platform.

DRAWINGS These features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying figures where: Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a portable computer having features of the invention; Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a second portable computer having features of the invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a combination having features of the invention;

Figure 4 is a second combination having features of the invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a third combination having features of the invention; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a fourth combination having features of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention and several variations of that embodiment. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the invention is a portable computer 10 having a housing 12 with a front wall 14, a rear wall 16, a first side wall 18, a second side wall 20 and a bottom wall 22. The intersection of the rear wall 16 and the first side wall 18 defines a first rear corner 24 and the intersection of the rear wall 16 and the second side wall 20 define the second rear corner 26.

The computer 10 has a standard keyboard 28 disposed within the housing 12 and a computer display panel 30 which is pivotally coupled to the housing by a hinge 32 proximate to the rear wall 16 of the housing 12.

The computer 10 of the invention further comprises a first strap attachment element 34 disposed proximate to the first rear corner 24 of the housing 12 and a second strap attachment element 36 disposed proximate to the second rear corner 26 of the housing 12. The portable computer 10 further comprises a strap 38 having a first end 40 and an opposed second end 41. The first end 40 of the strap 38 is attached to the first strap attachment element 34 and the second end 41 of the strap 38 is attached to the second strap

attachment element 36. Thus, the computer 10 of the invention is unique in that it has a strap 38 attached proximate to the rear wall 16 of the computer 10, rather than proximate to the front wall 14 of the computer 10. By disposing the strap 38 proximate to the rear wall 16 of the computer 10, a user can simply and conveniently support the computer 10 on the user's lap using the strap 38 placed around the neck of the user to firmly retain the portable computer 10 in place.

The first strap attachment element 34 and the second strap attachment element 36 can be any of a wide variety of elements adapted to facilitate the attachment of the strap 38 to the computer 10. As illustrated in Figure 1, the first strap attachment element 34 and the second strap attachment element 36 can be brackets which are manufactured integral with the housing 12 of the computer 10. In one embodiment (not shown), the first strap attachment element 34 and the second strap attachment element 36 can be provided by a band tightly encircling the housing 12. The brackets can be coupled to the housing by means of adhesives, bolts, clips, etc. The brackets are typically coupled to the housing 12 so as to be positioned proximate to the display panel hinge 32. In Figure 1, the brackets are coupled to the rear wall 16 of the housing 12. In Figure 2, the brackets are coupled to a bus bar 43 which is attached to the rear wall 16.

The strap 38 can be attached to the first attachment element 34 and the second attachment element 36 in a myriad of ways, such as by tying, stitching, riveting or by removable methods such as by fasteners like clips, snap hooks,"D"rings, swivel rings, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, the strap 38 is attached to the first strap attachment element 34 and the second strap attachment element 36 by a pivotable coupling 40.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the portable computer further comprises a retractable support member 42 as illustrated with the embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 3-6. The retractable support member 42 provides a means for attachment to the user during use of the computer 10. The retractable support member 42 has a proximal end 44 coupled to the housing 12 and a distal end 46. The retractable support member 42 is alternatively moveable between an extended position wherein the distal end 46

is disposed forwardly of the front wall 14 of the housing 12 and a retracted position wherein the distal end 46 is disposed proximate to the housing 12. Most preferably, in the retracted position, the distal end 46 of the retractable support member 42 is disposed within the footprint of the housing 12. By"footprint,"it is meant the perimeter of the housing 12, typically consisting of the front wall 14, the first side wall 18, the rear wall 16 and the second side wall 20.

The retractable support member 42 illustrated in the drawings has a pair of rearward-most termini 48 which collectively constitute the proximal end 44 of the retractable support member 42. In other embodiments, the proximal end 44 of the retractable support member 42 can be a single rearward-most terminus 48.

In a typical embodiment, the proximal end 44 of the retractable support member 42 is pivotally coupled to the bottom wall 22 of the housing 12. In another embodiment of the invention, the proximal end 44 of the retractable support member 42 is slidably coupled to the housing 12. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the proximal end 44 of the retractable support member 42 is fixedly coupled to the housing 12, but the retractable support member 42 is adapted to telescopically extend and contract.

The distal end 46 is adapted to attach to the user of the computer 10 in any of a wide variety of ways. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the distal end 46 of the retractable support member is a clip 50 adapted to clamp onto the belt or waistband of the trousers of the user.

In the extended position, the retractable support member 42 is preferably disposed forwardly of the front wall 14 of the computer 10 by a distance between about 8 inches and about 15 inches. This distance facilitates the support of the portable computer 10 for most adult users in a most preferred embodiment, the distance between the distal end 46 of the retractable support member 42 and the front wall 14 of the computer 10, when the retractable support member 42 is in the extended position, is adjustable to suit the needs and preferences of differing users and differing use situations.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the invention is a combination 110 comprising a portable computer 111 and a carrying case 154. In this embodiment, the portable computer 111 is an ordinary portable computer of the prior art having a housing 112, a keyboard 128 and a display panel 130. In a typical embodiment, the display panel 130 is pivotally coupled to the computer housing 112 by a hinge.

The portable computer 111 is nested within the carrying case 154. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the carrying case 154 comprises a carrying case housing 156 typically made from a flexible material. The carrying case housing 156 has a front wall 158, a rear wall 160, a first side wall 162, a second side wall 164 and a bottom wall 166.

The intersection of the rear wall 160 and the first side wall 162 defines a first rear corner 168 of the carrying case housing 156 and the intersection of the rear wall 160 and the second side wall 164 defines a second rear corner 170 of the carrying case housing 156. The carrying case 154 further comprises a cover 172 which cooperates with the carrying case housing 156 to define a fully enclosed portable computer enclosure. Attachment means 173 are further provided for reversibly opening and closing the cover 172 so as to provide access to the computer enclosure. Such cover attachment means 173 can be any of the many cover attachment means presently known in the industry, including, but not limited to, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clips, clamps, buttons and buckles.

Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the combination wherein the bottom wall 166 of the carrying case housing 156 is essentially a flat plate 174. The portable computer 111 can be secured to the bottom wall 166 by means of strips 176. Such strips 176 can be made of elastic or any other suitable material. The portable computer 111 can also be secured to the bottom wall 166 by means of straps, adhesives or adhesive backed attachment means, such as adhesively backed hook and loop fasteners.

As in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the computer carrying case 156 further comprises a first strap attachment element 34 disposed proximate to the first rear corner 168 of the carrying case housing 156 and a second strap attachment element 36

disposed proximate to the second rear corner 170 of the carrying case housing 156. A strap 38 is further provided having a first end 40 and an opposed second end 41. The first end 40 of the strap 38 is attached to the first strap attachment 34 element and the second end 41 of the strap 38 is attached to the second strap attachment element 36. Both the first strap attachment element 34 and the second strap attachment element 36 can be integral with the carrying case housing 156. In the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4, both the first strap attachment element 34 and the second strap attachment elements 36 are brackets. In a typical embodiment, the strap 38 is attached to the first strap attachment element 34 and the second strap attachment element 36 by a pivotable coupling 40.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the portable computer 111 further comprises a retractable support member 42 similar to the retractable support member 42 described for use with the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The retractable support member 42 has a proximal end 44 coupled to the carrying case housing 156 and a distal end 46. The retractable support member 42 is alternatively moveable between an extended position wherein the distal end 46 is disposed forwardly of the front wall 158 of the carrying case housing 156 and a retracted position wherein the distal end 46 is disposed proximal to the carrying case housing 156. Most preferably, in the retracted position, the distal end 46 of the retractable support member 42 is disposed within the footprint of the carrying case housing 156.

The retractable support member 42 illustrated in the drawings has a pair of rearward-most termini 48 which collectively constitute the proximal end 44 of the retractable support member 42. In other embodiments, the proximal end 42 of the retractable support member 42 can be a single rearward-most terminus 48.

In a typical embodiment, the proximal end 44 of the retractable support member is pivotally coupled to the bottom wall 166 of the carrying case housing 156. In another embodiment of the invention, the proximal end 44 of the retractable support member 42 is slidably coupled to the carrying case housing 156. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the proximal end 44 of the retractable support member 42 is fixedly coupled to the

housing 12, but the retractable support member 42 is adapted to telescopically extend and contract.

The distal end 46 is adapted to attach the user of the computer 42 in any of a wide variety of ways. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the distal end 46 of the retractable support member 42 is a clip 50 adapted to clamp onto the belt or waistband of the trousers of the user.

In the extended position, the retractable support member 42 is preferably disposed forwardly of the front wall 158 of the computer carrying case 156 by a distance between about 8 inches and about 15 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, the distance between the distal end 46 of the retractable support member 42 and the front wall 158 of the computer carrying case 156, when the retractable support member 42 is in the extended position, is adjustable to suit the needs and preferences of differing users and differing use situations.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a third embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the invention is a combination 210 comprising a platform 212, a first strap attachment element 34, a second strap attachment element 36 and a retractable support member 42.

The platform 212 defines a generally planar surface 214 having a front edge 216, a rear edge 218, a first side edge 220 and a second side edge 222. The intersection of the rear edge 218 and the first side edge 220 defining a first rear corner 224 and the intersection of the rear edge 218 and the second side edge 222 defining a second rear corner 226.

In one embodiment of the invention, the platform 212 is the housing 112 of a portable computer 111. In another embodiment of the invention, the platform 212 is the housing 156 of a portable computer case 154. In yet another embodiment, the platform 212 is a simple plate 228 typically made from a semi-rigid material, such as sheet ABS Plastic of

approximately 1/8". The platform 212 has means for attaching a portable computer 111 to the platform 212. Such means for attachment can be any of the many means for attachment presently known in the industry, including screws, bolts, pins, clips, clamps, hook and loop fasteners, snaps and straps.

As in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-4, the first strap attachment element 34 is disposed proximate to the first rear corner 224 and the second strap attachment element 36 is disposed proximate to the second rear corner 226. The combination 210 further comprises a strap 38 having a first end 40 attached to the first attachment element 34 and an opposed second end 41 attached to the second strap attachment element 36.

The retractable support member 42 is also similar to the retractable support member 42 described for the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-4. The retractable support member 42 has a proximal end 44 coupled to the platform 212 and a distal end 46. The retractable support member 42 is alternatively moveable between an extended position wherein the distal end 46 is disposed forwardly of the front edge 216 of the platform 212 and a retracted position wherein the distal end 46 is disposed proximal to the platform 212. In one embodiment of the invention, the proximal end 44 of the retractable support member 42 is pivotally coupled to the platform 212. In another embodiment, the proximal end 44 of the retractable support member 42 is slidably coupled to the housing platform 212.

The distal end 46 of the retractable support member 42 is adapted to attach to the user. In the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, the distal end 46 is a clip 50 adapted for attaching the distal end 46 of the retractable support member 42 to the belt or waistband of the trousers of the user.

Preferably, the distal end 46 of the retractable support member 42, when in the extended position, is disposed forwardly of the front edge 216 by a distance of between about 8 inches and about 15 inches. Most preferably, the distance which the distal end 46 is disposed forwardly of the front edge 216, when the retractable support member 42 is in the extended position, is adjustable to suit the needs and preferences of the user.

In operation, all embodiments of the invention greatly facilitate the support, control and use of a portable computer. Where a conventional table or other horizontal surface is not readily available to the user, the user can use the invention to support a portable computer on the user's lap by placing the computer on the user's lap and disposing the strap behind the neck of the user. The strap safely retains the rear portion of the computer on the user's lap during operation. With those embodiments employing a retractable support member, the computer can be even more firmly retained on the user's lap by disposing the retractable support member in the extended position and attaching the distal end of the retractable support member to the user, such as by attaching the distal end to the belt or waistband of the user.

In such embodiments of the invention having a retractable support member, the user can even effectively use his or her portable computer while standing. This is accomplished by supporting the rear portion of the computer using the strap disposed around the back of the user's neck and supporting the front portion of the computer with the retractable support member attached at the user's waist.

Having thus described the invention, it should be apparent that numerous structural modifications and adaptations may be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning of the instant invention as set forth hereinabove and as described hereinbelow by the claims.