1. The background of the invention. A. ^' The field of the invention. The embodiments of the present invention relate to a bag for a laptop computer, and more particularly, the embodiments of the present invention relate to a checkpoint-friendly bag for allowing a laptop computer stored in a dedicated portion thereof to provide a clear, unobstructed, and distinct image thereof when X-ray screened at an inspection station without having to remove the laptop computer from the dedicated portion

B. The description of the prior art. Since 9/1 1, the world of public transportation has changed significantly In fact, there is now a government agency — the Transportation Security Agency ("TSA") — that is responsible for the heightened security at airports and other facilities The security measures taken by TSA personnel to check each passenger and all packages earned on- board airplanes has resulted in long lines and increased pre-flight boarding times While TSA personnel use sophisticated instruments to determine the absence of illegal compounds and objects, there remains a requirement for visual inspection of certain devices Packages, boxes, and carry-on bags must be opened for these visual inspections Because the airlines have been permitting passengers to carry on just about anything, opening and closing of these articles adds to the delays of clearing security points The laptop computer has become a normal accessory for many travelers, both for work and entertainment during a tπp The conventional laptop computer has no integrated carrying devices, and therefore, usually is placed in a carry case Most cases have various pockets and compartments to carry peripheral equipment and other things the owner may include with the laptop computer The carrying cases may be made of soft or hard materials, which may be padded and completely enclose the laptop computer for protection To help streamline the security process and better protect laptops, the TSA now allows passengers to leave their laptop computers in bags that meet the "checkpoint friendly" standards For a bag to be considered "checkpoint friendly," it should meet the following standards • Have a designated laptop-only section, • Allow the laptop-only section to completely unfold to he flat on the X-ray belt, • Have no metal snaps, zippers, or buckles inside, underneath, or on top of the laptop-only section, • Have no pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section, and • Have nothing packed in the laptop-only section other than the laptop computer itself Thus, there exists a need for a laptop bag to be checkpoint fπendly by having a designated laptop-only section, by allowing the laptop-only section to completely unfold to he flat on the X-ray belt, by having no metal snaps, zippers, or buckles inside, underneath, or on top of the laptop-only section, by having no pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section, and by having nothing packed in the laptop-only section other than the laptop computer itself Numerous innovations for laptop computer bags have been provided in the pπor art, which will be described below in chronological order to show advancement in the art, and which are incorporated herein by reference thereto Even though these innovations may be suitable for the individual purposes which they address, nevertheless, they differ from the embodiments of the present invention in that they do not teach a checkpoint- friendly bag for allowing a laptop computer stored in a dedicated portion thereof to provide a clear, unobstructed, and distinct image thereof when X-ray screened at an inspection station without having to remove the laptop computer from the dedicated portion

( 1 ) The United States Patent Number 5, 010, 988 to Brown. The United States Patent Number 5,010,988 issued to Brown on Apπl 30, 1991 in U S class 190 and subclass 104 teaches a carrying case specifically adapted for use in carrying laptop computers, pπnters, fax machines, and the like, and which includes a case having an outer shell formed of a durable waterproofed material and a case inteπor including a main storage compartment and a secondary storage compartment An expansion zone formed on a surrounding side wall structure allows the secondary storage compartment to be adjustable between a collapsed stowed position and an expanded operative position, thereby providing a second compartment to store computer equipment The carrying case further includes a shock barrier construction defined by a layer of shock absorbent material fitted between the exteπor shell and an inner lining in surrounding protecting relation to the case inteπor

(2) The United States Patent Number Des. 360, 978 to Willard et al The United States Patent Number Des 360,978 issued to Wi Hard et al on August 8, 1995 in U S Class D3 and subclass 301 teaches the ornamental design for a laptop computer case

(3) The United States Patent Number 5,676,223 to Cunningham. The United States Patent Number 5,676,223 issued to Cunningham on October 14, 1997 in U S Class 190 and subclass 109 teaches a business case including a front compartment, a middle compartment, an expandable rear compartment, a removable portable computer carrying case designed to carry a portable computer, and a suit earner The bag member can be dropped into one of two panels located on the front face of the front compartment The panels additionally allow for easy access to a portable computer and related accessoπes stored within the carrying case Alternatively, the carrying case can be closed and stored in the expandable rear compartment when the suit earner is stored in the front compartment of the case The middle compartment is sized to hold clothing and travel related items for business trips and is equipped with pouches for smaller items Furthermore, the middle compartment of the housing may include wheels, handles, and feet for easily moving and balancing the case

(4) The United States Patent Number Des. 432,311 to Weinreb. The United States Patent Number Des 432,311 issued to Weinreb on October 24, 2000 in U S class D3 and subclass 319 teaches the ornamental design for a lap top computer carrying case

(5) The United States Patent Number US 6,213,267 Bl to Miller. The United States Patent Number US 6,213,267 B l issued to Miller on Apπl 10, 2001 in U S class 190 and subclass 108 teaches a portable luggage carrying case having a detachable carry tote portion capable of housing a laptop computer and various computer accessoπes The detachable carry tote is joined to the main portion of the luggage enclosure via a zipper situated around the periphery of the main portion and the carry tote Once separated from the main portion, the carry tote, including an upper and a lower section joined together along its adjacent edges via material along the inner-facing surface of each section, can be folded, and a secuπng zipper used to secure the upper and lower portions to each other in a face-to-face configuration The carry tote, with a laptop computer stored within one of its zippered pouches can now be utilized separately and independently from the main portion of the luggage enclosure A zipper secures the carry tote bag sections to each other, and also is used to join the main portion with the detachable portion of the luggage enclosure, thereby eliminating the need for an additional zipper or joining apparatus A combination luggage carrying case and portable computer storage case are in one unit

(6) The United States Patent Number US Des. 443, 983 S to Hillmaiu The United States Patent Number US Des 443,983 S issued to Hillman on June 26, 2001 in U S class D3 and subclass 276 teaches the ornamental design for a notebook computer case

(7) The United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2004/0217027 Al to Harris et al The United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2004/0217027 Al published to Hams et al on November 4, 2004 in U S class 206 and subclass 320 teaches a carrying case for a computer, which is made of webbing to permit security personnel to view the computer without removing it from the case The laptop can be opened and used without removing the case

(8) The United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2006/0090976 Al to Repke et al The United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2006/0090976 Al published to Repke et al on May 4, 2006 in U S class 190 and subclass 1 10 teaches a travel bag for organizing a computer and other items, which has a computer compartment that includes pockets for small items and a dual-entry pocket Flat pockets are provided on two large sides of the dual-entry pocket An opening on the outer body of the bag provides access to contents of the dual-entry pocket and flat pockets The flat pockets are made of elastic material for securely holding small items and devices that are frequently retrieved, such as a cell phone, travel tickets, sunglasses, etc A bπefcase style includes a retractable flap that covers the top of the bag and slides down into the bag to provide unfettered access to contents A tote style has deep pockets in expandable side gussets for holding a water bottle, an umbrella, shoes, etc Straps are rope-filled tubular leather A cord kit, a tool kit, and a purse may be included

(9) The United Kingdom Patent Application Publication Number GB 2434085 A to Roberts. The United Kingdom Patent Application Publication Number GB 2434085 A published to Roberts on July 18, 2007 in UK class A4G teaches a carrying bag for a computer, which includes a support structure attached to the top surface of the bag The support structure is arranged so as to keep the computer spaced from the bottom wall of the bag The support structure is, preferably, attached to the top wall by πvets The support structure may include first and second segments that may be elasticised and that can be adjustably secured together by a buckle In use, the support structure holds the computer in isolation from the bottom wall of the carrying bag and acts to absorb any energy transferred to the bag in the event that the bag collides with an external surface

(10) The United States Patent Number US 7,293,635 B2 to Repke et al The United States Patent Number US 7,293,635 B2 issued to Repke et al on November 13, 2007 in U S class 190 and subclass 109 teaches a travel bag for organizing a computer and other items, which has a computer compartment that includes pockets for small items and a dual -entry pocket Flat pockets are provided on two large sides of the dual-entry pocket An opening on the outer body of the bag provides access to contents of the dual- entry pocket and flat pockets The flat pockets are made of elastic material for securely holding small items and devices that are frequently retrieved, such as a cell phone, travel tickets, sunglasses, etc A bπefcase style includes a retractable flap that covers the top of the bag and slides down into the bag to provide unfettered access to contents A tote style has deep pockets in expandable side gussets for holding a water bottle, umbrella, shoes, etc Straps are rope-filled tubular leather A cord kit, a tool kit, and a purse may be included

(11) The United States Patent Number US 7,360,379 Bl to Lopez. The United States Patent Number US 7,360,379 Bl issued to Lopez on Apπl 22, 2008 in U S class 70 and subclass 58 teaches a laptop computer securing system that includes a luggage case having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall The peripheral wall has an upper edge defining an opening into the luggage case A cover is pivotally coupled to the upper edge and is selectively positionable in a closed position extending over and closing the opening A closure is attached to the cover to selectively secure the cover in the closed position A cable has a first end and a second end The cable is attached to the peripheral wall The cable extends into the luggage case from the peripheral wall A locking assembly is attached to the second end of the cable, and is configured to be extended into and releasably locked to a laptop computer

It is apparent that numerous innovations for laptop bags have been provided in the prior art that are adapted to be used Furthermore, even though these innovations may be suitable for the individual purposes which they address, nevertheless, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the embodiments of the present invention as heretofore descπbed, namely, a checkpoint-fπendly bag for allowing a laptop computer stored in a dedicated portion thereof to provide a clear, unobstructed, and distinct image thereof when X-ray screened at an inspection station without having to remove the laptop computer from the dedicated portion.

2. Summary of the invention. Thus, an object of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a checkpoint- friendly bag for allowing a laptop computer stored in a dedicated portion thereof to provide a clear, unobstructed, and distinct image thereof when X-ray screened at an inspection station without having to remove the laptop computer from the dedicated portion, which avoids the disadvantages of the pπor art Briefly stated, another object of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a checkpoint-friendly bag for allowing a laptop computer stored in a dedicated portion thereof to provide a clear, unobstructed, and distinct image thereof when X-ray screened at an inspection station without having to remove the laptop computer from the dedicated portion The bag includes a dedicated compartment and a non-dedicated compartment The non-dedicated compartment stores items other than the laptop computer The dedicated compartment stores only the laptop computer itself, is hingedly attached to the non-dedicated compartment at a common edge, is free of metallic snaps, zippers, and buckles, is free of pockets, and has a non-screening mode where it is replaceably fastened in side-by-side relationship to the non-dedicated compartment at discrete and spaced-apart points so as to facilitate unfastening the dedicated compartment from the non-dedicated compartment, and a screening mode where it is unfastened from the non-dedicated compartment and unfolded therefrom to lie unobstructed, flat, and coplanar with the non-dedicated compartment on the inspection station so as to allow the laptop computer stored in the dedicated compartment to provide the clear, unobstructed, and distinct image thereof when X-ray screened at the inspection station without having to remove the laptop computer from the dedicated compartment The novel features considered characteristic of the embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims The embodiments of the present invention themselves, however, both as to their construction and their method of operation together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with the accompanying drawing

3. Brief description of the drawing. The figures of the drawing are briefly descπbed as follows FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the checkpoint-fπendly bag of the embodiments of the present invention allowing a laptop computer stored in a dedicated portion thereof to provide a clear, unobstructed, and distinct image thereof when X-ray screened at an inspection station without having to remove the laptop computer from the dedicated portion, FIGURE 2 is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view of the checkpoint-fπendly bag in the X-ray screening mode identified by ARROW 2 in FIGURE 1 with the flap pivoted to be over the non-dedicated compartment, FIGURE 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the checkpoint-fπendly bag in the non-X-ray screening mode, and FIGURE 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the checkpoint-fπendly bag with the flap pivoted to be over the dedicated compartment

4. List of reference numerals utilized in the drawing.

A. General.

10 checkpoint-friendly bag of embodiments of present invention for allowing laptop computer 12 stored in dedicated portion 14 thereof to provide clear, unobstructed, and distinct image 16 thereof when X-ray screened at inspection station 18 without having to remove laptop computer 12 from dedicated portion 14

12 laptop computer

14 dedicated portion

16 clear, unobstructed, and distinct image

18 inspection station

B. Configuration of checkpoint-friendly bag 10.

20 dedicated compartment for stoπng only laptop computer 12 itself

22 non-dedicated compartment for stoπng items 24 other than laptop computer 12

24 items other than laptop computer 12

25 common edge of dedicated compartment 20 and non-dedicated compartment 22

26 discrete and spaced-apart points

28 first pair of quick release buckles of discrete and spaced-apart points 26

30 adjacent side walls of dedicated compartment 20 and non-dedicated compartment

22

32 male portion of each first quick release buckle of first pair of quick release buckles

28 of discrete and spaced-apart points 26

34 female portion of each first quick release buckle of first pair of quick release buckles 28 of discrete and spaced-apart points 26 36 first non-metallic zipper of dedicated compartment 20 for accessing laptop computer 12

38 top wall of dedicated compartment 20

40 second non-metallic zipper of non-dedicated compartment 22 for accessing items

24 other than laptop computer 12

42 top wall of non-dedicated compartment 22

44 third non-metallic zipper of non-dedicated compartment 22

46 side walls of non-dedicated compartment 22

48 bottom wall of non-dedicated compartment 22

50 pair of flat, expandable, side gusset pockets of non-dedicated compartment 22 for stoπng items 24 other than laptop computer 12

52 outer wall of non-dedicated compartment 22

54 upper portion of outer wall 52 of non-dedicated compartment 22

56 lower portion of outer wall 52 of non-dedicated compartment 22

58 fourth non-metallic zipper of non-dedicated compartment 22

60 fifth non-metallic zipper of non-dedicated compartment 22

62 third flat, expandable, side gusset pocket in non-dedicated compartment 22 for stoπng items 24 other than laptop computer 12

64 sixth non-metallic zipper for accessing third flat, expandable, side gusset pocket 62 in non-dedicated compartment 22

66 flap

68 handle

70 outer wall of flap 66

72 free end of flap 66

74 second pair of quick release buckles 76 male portion of each second quick release buckle of second pair of quick release buckles 74 78 female portion of each second quick release buckle of second pair of quick release buckles 74 80 inner wall of flap 66 82 shoulder strap

5. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments. A. General. Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts, and particularly to FIGURE 1, which is a diagrammatic perspective view of the checkpoint-friendly bag of the embodiments of the present invention allowing a laptop computer stored in a dedicated portion thereof to provide a clear, unobstructed, and distinct image thereof when X-ray screened at an inspection station without having to remove the laptop computer from the dedicated portion, the checkpoint-friendly bag of the embodiments of the present invention is shown generally at 10 for allowing a laptop computer 12 stored in a dedicated portion 14 thereof to provide a clear, unobstructed, and distinct image 16 thereof when X-ray screened at an inspection station 18 without having to remove the laptop computer 12 from the dedicated portion 14

B. The configuration of the checkpoint-friendly bag 10. The configuration of the checkpoint-friendly bag 10 can best be seen in FIGURES 2-4, which are, respectively, an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view of the checkpoint- fπendly bag in the X-ray screening mode identified by ARROW 2 in FIGURE 1 with the flap pivoted to be over the non-dedicated compartment, a diagrammatic perspective view of the checkpoint-friendly bag in the non-X-ray screening mode, and a diagrammatic perspective view of the checkpoint-fπendly bag with the flap pivoted to be over the dedicated compartment, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto As shown in FIGURES 2-4, the checkpoint-fπendly bag 10 compπses a dedicated compartment 20 and a non-dedicated compartment 22. The non-dedicated compartment stores items other than the laptop computer The dedicated compartment 20 stores only the laptop computer 12 itself, is hingedly attached to the non-dedicated compartment 22 at a common edge 25, is free of metallic snaps, zippers, and buckles, is free of pockets, and has a non-screening mode where it is replaceably fastened in side-by-side relationship to the non-dedicated compartment 22 at discrete and spaced-apart points 26 so as to facilitate unfastening the dedicated compartment 20 from the non-dedicated compartment 22, and a screening mode where it is unfastened from the non-dedicated compartment 22 and unfolded therefrom to lie unobstructed, flat, and coplanar with the non-dedicated compartment 22 on the inspection station 18 so as to allow the laptop computer 12 stored in the dedicated compartment 20 to provide the clear, unobstructed, and distinct image 16 thereof when X-ray screened at the inspection station 18 without having to remove the laptop computer 12 from the dedicated compartment 20 As further shown in FIGURES 2-4, the discrete and spaced-apart points 26 compπses a first pair of quick release buckles 28 Each first quick release buckle 28 is disposed on adjacent side walls 30 of the dedicated compartment 20 and the non-dedicated compartment 22, respectively, so as to facilitate unfastening the dedicated compartment 20 from the non-dedicated compartment 22 when obtaining the screening mode is desired As further shown in FIGURES 2-4, each first quick release buckle 28 of the discrete and spaced-apart points 26 compπses a male portion 32 and a female portion 34 that are disposed on the adjacent side walls 30 of the dedicated compartment 20 and the non-dedicated compartment 22, respectively As further shown in FIGURES 2-4, the dedicated compartment 20 is accessible for the laptop computer 12 via a first non-metallic zipper 36 The first non-metallic zipper 36 is disposed on a top wall 38 of the dedicated compartment 20, adjacent to the common edge 25 As further shown in FIGURES 2-4, the non-dedicated compartment 22 is accessible for the items 24 other than the laptop computer 12 via a second non-metallic zipper 40 The second non-metallic zipper 40 is disposed on a top wall 42 of the non- dedicated compartment 22, adjacent to the common edge 25 As further shown in FIGURES 2-4, the non-dedicated compartment 22 is expandable via a third non-metallic zipper 44 The third non-metallic zipper 44 is disposed continuously on side walls 46 and a bottom wall 48 of the non-dedicated compartment 22 As shown in FIGURE 4, the non-dedicated compartment 22 further compπses a pair of flat, expandable, side gusset pockets 50 The pair of flat, expandable, side gusset pockets 50 are disposed on an outer wall 52 of the non-dedicated compartment 22, at an upper portion 54 thereof and at a lower portion 56 thereof, respectively, for stoπng the items 24 other than the laptop computer 12 As further shown in FIGURE 4, the pair of flat, expandable, side gusset pockets 50 of the non-dedicated compartment 22 are accessible via a fourth non-metallic zipper 58 and a fifth non-metallic zipper 60, respectively, (FIG. 4) As further shown in FIGURE 4, the flat, expandable, side gusset pocket 50 on the upper portion 54 of the outer wall 52 of the non-dedicated compartment 22 harbors a third flat, expandable, side gusset pocket 62 therein The third flat, expandable, side gusset pocket 62 is accessible for the items 24 other than the laptop computer 12 via a sixth non- metallic zipper 64 As further shown in FIGURES 2-4, the checkpoint-friendly bag 10 further comprises a flap 66 The flap 66 is hingedly attached to the dedicated compartment 20, adjacent to the common edge 25, and overlies the outer wall 52 of the non-dedicated compartment 22 when in the X-ray screening mode, but overlies the dedicated compartment 20 when in the non-screening mode and access to any of the pair of flat, expandable, side gusset pockets 50 and the third flat, expandable, side gusset pocket 62 is required As further shown in FIGURES 2 and 4, the checkpoint-friendly bag 10 further comprises a handle 68 The handle 68 is attached to the flap 66, on an outer wall 70 thereof, and is offset from center towards its free end 72 As further shown in FIGURES 2 and 4, the checkpoint-friendly bag 10 further compπses a second pair of quick release buckles 74 Each second quick release buckle 74 is disposed on the outer wall 52 of the non-dedicated compartment 22, at the lower portion 56 thereof, and on an inner wall 76 of the flap 66, adjacent to the free end 72 thereof, so as to facilitate unfastening the flap 66 from the non-dedicated compartment 22 when access to any of the pair of flat, expandable, side gusset pockets 50 and the third flat, expandable, side gusset pocket 62 is required As further shown in FIGURES 2 and 4, each second quick release buckle 74 comprises a male portion 76 and a female portion 78 that are disposed on the outer wall 52 of the non-dedicated compartment 22, at the lower portion 56 thereof, and on the inner wall 80 of the flap 66, respectively, adjacent to the free end 72 thereof As shown in FIGURE 3, the checkpoint-friendly bag 10 further compπses a shoulder strap 82 The shoulder strap 82 extends replaceably from one side wall 30 of the dedicated compartment 20 to the other side wall 30 of the dedicated compartment 20

C. The impressions. It will be understood that each of the elements descπbed above or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of constructions diffeπng from the types descπbed above While the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and descπbed as embodied in a checkpoint-friendly bag for allowing a laptop computer stored in a dedicated portion thereof to provide a clear, unobstructed, and distinct image thereof when X-ray screened at an inspection station without having to remove the laptop computer from the bag, however, they are not limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions, and changes in the forms and details of the embodiments of the present invention illustrated and their operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spiπt of the embodiments of the present invention Without further analysis the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the embodiments of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt them for various applications without omitting features that from the standpoint of pπor art fairly constitute characteπ sties of the geneπc or specific aspects of the embodiments of the present invention