1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a cover assembly for an electronic device, specifically including a laptop computer, having a base removably mounted in an operative, protective position on the electronic device and movable therewith between open and closed positions. A retaining assembly is disposed at least partially on the interior of the electronic device and is structured to facilitate selective and complete closure thereof. The base is structured to provide access to the connecting ports and other operative components of the electronic device, whether it is in the open or closed positions.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various electronic devices, including laptop or notebook computers are currently being used in commercial, domestic and educational environments. In particular, the younger generation has made ubiquitous use of small, lightweight portable computers in a school or educational environment, wherein such portable computers are carried from class to class. The portability of the laptop computer also lends itself to being carried or utilized during travel on both private and commercial modes of transportation including airlines, automobiles and the like.
Therefore, laptop computers are designed for substantial portability thereby facilitating an individual's access in almost an unlimited number of locations. As such, one problem commonly associated with the transport and use of a portable computer is the requirement for at least some minimal protection against situations where the computer may be dropped or otherwise be subjected to other traumatic forces. In order to overcome such potential problems, there have been developed a variety of different “carrying case” structures. These known structures are similar to luggage type products, inclusive of shoulder straps, handles, etc.
These known carrying cases are available in a wide variety of styles and sizes and are used not only to protect the computer against damage but also to facilitate the transport of the computer in a convenient and comfortable manner. Also, many of the known carrying case devices are structured to protect the portable computer against adverse weather conditions, as well as damage from being dropped, etc. However, many of the known structures of this type are bulky, somewhat heavy and commonly involve relatively complicated enclosure or locking assemblies. As such, known devices of this type mandate that the computer be removed from the interior of the device, placed on an appropriate support structure then disposed in an open orientation for use.
Accordingly, there is a long existing need in the area of cover assemblies for portable computers, which provide protection from both adverse weather conditions as well as traumatic impact. Such a proposed cover assembly should be lightweight, easily mounted in an operative, protective position on the laptop computer in an efficient manner. Further, such a proposed cover assembly should be capable of maintaining the preferred operative position in protective, covering relation to the portable computer or other electronic device during its use, storage or transport. More specifically, the operative position of the proposed cover assembly is maintained when the computer, etc. is in an open position, such as when it is being used, as well as a closed position, such as when the computer is being stored or carried. The ability to maintain the proposed cover assembly in its operative position thereby eliminates the necessity of removing it in order to use the portable computer as is common place with most protective, carrying case type of structures, now available.
Therefore, a proposed cover assembly of the present invention should be formed of a lightweight material having capabilities which facilitate the protection of the computer from adverse weather conditions, as well traumatic force or impact. Moreover, the various structural and operative features of such a proposed cover assembly should enable the portable computer or like device to be used in an intended, conventional manner. Such conventional use would include it being opened and fully closed, while certain retaining structures associated with the proposed cover assembly remain in place. Thereby the proposed cover assembly would be securely but removably disposed in its intended operative position without interfering with the orientation or use of the portable computer or other electronic device.