Briefcase computer

Abstract

A carrying case (and an integrated briefcase computer including the carrying case) includes a housing having first and second container portions which are selectively opened and closed, the first and second container portions being coupled together, a computer including central processing unit (CPU) integrally housed in one of the first and second container portions of the housing, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen located in the other of the first and second container portions of the housing, and a keyboard, removably housed in the one of the first and second container portions, for communicating with the LCD screen.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] The present invention generally relates to a briefcase carrying device with an integrated portable computer (e.g., a "laptop" computer).[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art[0004] Conventional portable computer systems (e.g., "laptops") are becoming more and more prevalent in business, especially by business travelers, etc. The conventional systems typically utilize liquid crystal display (LCD) screens for their output (display) devices.[0005] However, the sizes of such screens have continually increased over the years. Thus, a problem arises in that as the screens continue to grow, the LCD screens will eventually grow larger than the form factor for a laptop computer.[0006] Secondly, portable computers are inherently fragile and / or contain sensitive information thereon. Accordingly, a passenger (e.g., an airline traveler, train traveler, etc.) typically "carrieson" the portable computer into the passenger compartment of an airplane, train, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] With the inventive configuration, a portable computer and a briefcase can be combined into a convenient carrying case with an attractive form factor, and can include a large LCD screen, with space for peripheral equipment and office materials. Further, a traveler need not check such a structure as "checked baggage", thereby saving valuable time (and potentially costly repairs) by not having to check such a structure with airport / train officials.

[0016] Other advantages include that the electronics of the laptop are embedded into the body of the briefcase, thereby providing better heat dissipation. In addition, reuse of structural support components allows a reduction in total weight Additionally, embedding the battery in the briefcase body will allow additional flexibility in placement of components. Thus, more standard and bulkier shapes can be used, thereby reducing cost.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, a problem arises in that as the screens continue to grow, the LCD screens will eventually grow larger than the form factor for a laptop computer.

Secondly, portable computers are inherently fragile and / or contain sensitive information thereon.

However, yet another problem arises in that airlines etc. typically limit a passenger's carry-on baggage to two small bags, or, for some flights, to only one carry-on bag.

As a result, the passenger typically must check one of these bags and must spend valuable time at the "Baggage claim" area of the airport.

Further, if the laptop is checked, costly or irreparable damage may occur during baggage handling.

Yet another problem is that battery life is generally considered insufficient in today's laptop computers.

While lithium batteries have made great strides over Nickel-cadmium (Nicad) batteries in increasing a usable time period of the portable computer, generally the battery life is still deemed insufficient.

However, the laptop becomes too heavy when loaded with such battery (ies) to extend service life sufficiently.

Fourth, as costs of laptops drop, the casing and carrying bag are becoming a more substantial fraction of the costs of producing a laptop.

Finally, the notebook (laptop) computer is not an attractive form factor because the notebook computer basically looks like a block of plastic.

It is bulky and lumpy.

The laptop carrying case is typically made of nylon and is relatively unattractive, and in some cases appears to have low quality (e.g., looks "cheap").

Further, a traveler need not check such a structure as "checked baggage", thereby saving valuable time (and potentially costly repairs) by not having to check such a structure with airport / train officials.

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