US20060113203A1 - Computer bag - Google Patents

Abstract

A bag apparatus for carrying a portable computer where the computer is mounted to an outside surface of the bag for quick and convenient access where a user can perform computing tasks ergonomically with the hands and eyes in their normal positions. The bag includes a means for providing electrical connections to access the interior surface of the bag. The bag further provides extra storage for carrying additional computer components, accessories or peripherals.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of Invention
• The present invention relates to a carrying case for a computer and peripherals.
• 2. Background of the Invention
• Most computer bags are made for a lap top with the primary purpose of carrying them from desk to desk in safety. Further, most carrying cases for portable computers enclose the computer within the case. Some carrying cases are adapted for use as both a carrying case for a computer and as a work platform for the computer. One apparatus has been described as an article of luggage or a carrying case which protects the laptop computing device during periods of non-use, including transport and further provides a means for stabilizing the computing device on one's lap during use. The carrying case remains in contact with the computing device during use of the computer when positioned on a user's lap. However, the problem is that the carrying case is designed so that the user can only use the computer on a user's lap while the computer is in contact with the carrying case. A user cannot perform computing functions while standing and when mobile.
• Others describe a carrying case for small electronic devices that serves as both a carrying case and work platform for use while the wearer is sitting or standing and particularly when the wearer is also mobile. The carrying case comprises a case structure, and a strap arrangement which supports the case over a wearer's shoulder for transporting a computer contained within the case structure. The strap arrangement is attached to the case structure in a manner which enables the wearer to position the case structure in a generally horizontal position in front of the wearer when the wearer is standing. The problem here is that the structure of the carrying case is strictly designed to carry only the portable computer. The case does not provide any storage means should the user desire to carry additional peripherals.
• Still others describe a laptop computer support which provides a portable computer support that a user may wear over the shoulders and across the back so that a user may stand erect and be mobile while using a portable computer. The support base is attached with quick connect/disconnect buckles to shoulder straps near the support base's leading edge, and back straps attached near the support base's trailing edge. When the laptop computer is not use, utility flaps are folded over the computer and joined to each other, providing a protective pocket in which the computer may be kept. However, the disadvantage is that the computer unit is stored within the carrying case and must first be unpacked before it is used. Further, besides the utility flaps and pockets, the carrying case does not provide general storage for other computer peripherals.
• Still others describe a protective carrying bag which allows a user to carry as well as operate a general purpose portable computer without removing the computer from the bag. This carrying bag provides a foldable protective jacket for the portable computer. The problem here is similar to other apparatuses such that the protective carrying bag is strictly designed to carry only the portable computer. The case does not provide any additional storage room for the user to carry additional peripherals.
• Other apparatus for providing an improved protective case for carrying portable electronic devices are available. One such apparatus describes a flexible, protective case for a disc or tape drive unit having adjustable windows in the case. Wiring connections pass through the windows and to the ports to establish wiring connections to the power source and to the computer. While the carrying case provides a means to pass wiring connections to a computer through adjustable windows in the case, the computer drive case does not provide housing for a computer unit. A separate carrying case is required for carrying the computer.
• While these prior computer bags are mainly for use with a laptop computing device which protects the device during transport as well as provides a work platform for a portable computer, these bags do not provide additional storage compartments for computer peripherals. Additionally, many prior carrying cases have the portable computers enclosed within the carrying case and require unpacking and set-up of the computer before use.
• Therefore, there is a need in the art for a carrying case for a computer unit that allows a user to have the computer ready to use with no unpacking and limited set up because the computer is mounted on the outside of the bag. The prior approaches are primarily focused on enclosing the computer within the case for protection during transport. Other prior art disclose a computer carrying case that allows a user to carry as well as operate a general purpose portable computer without removing the computer from the bag while the wearer is sitting or standing and particularly when the user is also mobile. However, these carrying cases do not provide extra storage for carrying additional computer components, accessories or peripherals.
• Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a carrying apparatus for a portable computer and desired peripherals which enables a user to use and carry a computer ergonomically with the hands and eyes in their normal resting positions.
• It is a further object of the present invention to provide a carrying apparatus which allows quick and ready access to the computer with minor set up because the computer is mounted on the outside of the bag.
• It is a further object of the present invention to provide a carrying apparatus that appears as a normal accessory item and does not interfere with the user's everyday clothing.
• It is still another object of the present invention to provide a carrying case that can be used as both a computer bag and a general purpose bag such that extra baggage is not needed.
• It is still another object of the present invention to provide a carrying case that can be used with various computer makes and models.
• It is still another object of the present invention to provide a carrying case that allows the user to move the computer with all files and programming to a new bag for purpose of style, replacement or upgrading.
• It is still another object of the present invention to provide a carrying case that is easy to manufacture.
• Further objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The embodiments of the present invention solve the problems and address the drawbacks of the approaches in the above description. An embodiment of the present invention includes a bag apparatus that mounts a computer to the outside surface of the bag where a user can perform computing tasks ergonomically with the hands and eyes in their normal, resting positions.
• An embodiment of the present invention is a bag apparatus for carrying a portable computer having a rigid panel and a docking port. The rigid panel is fixed to the inside surface of the bag. The docking port is fixed to the outside surface of the bag. Various attachment means such as snap pins, stamped plate, and stamped plate with receptacle mounts, clips or other fasteners are used to attach the docking port located on the outside surface of the bag to the rigid panel located on the inside surface of the bag. A computer is attached to the docking port on the outside surface of the bag.
• An additional alternative embodiment of the present invention is a bag apparatus for carrying a portable computer having a rigid rim. The rigid rim is sewn or similarly attached onto the exterior surface of the bag and uses a rigid wire or elastic band along the edge to secure the computer. A computer slides in place from the top or sides behind the rigid rim. Alternatively, the rigid rim may be used with a hook attachment for securing the computer from the front instead of sliding in from the top or sides.
• A further embodiment of the present invention is a bag apparatus for carrying a portable computer having a holster. The holster is sewn or similarly attached onto the outside surface of the bag. The computer unit slides into the holster and is secured to the outside surface of the bag through a retaining flap attachment. The retaining flap may have snaps, toggles, velcro or buttons which match complementary fixtures on the computer module for securing the computer to the outside surface of the bag.
• Another embodiment of the present invention is a bag apparatus for carrying a portable computer, having a molded front part. The molded front part may be attached to the outside surface of the bag and may comprise the entire bag front. The molded front part contains an opening for an electrical plug to pass electrical connections between the inside and outside surfaces of the bag. The molded front part may embed in or protrude out from the front surface of the bag. Various attachment means are used in conjunction with the molded front to secure the computer to the outside surface of the bag.
• Another embodiment of the present invention is a bag apparatus for carrying a portable computer having an exterior panel. The exterior panel is attached to the outside surface of the bag by sewing, riveting, gluing, or thermal bonding. The exterior panel may receive attachments such as a hanger for securing the computer to the outside surface of the bag. The exterior panel may be a pocket. A hanger attached to the computer fits snuggly into the pocket. The hanger attached to the computer has teeth, pins, or snaps. Small openings in the pocket are used to accept teeth, pins, or snaps that are fixed on the hanger to further secure the computer. An electrical docking port attached to the outside surface of the bag may be used with the pocket to provide electrical connections to pass between the inside and outside surfaces of the bag.
• Another embodiment of the present invention is a bag apparatus for carrying a portable computer where the computer removably attaches to the outside surface of the bag by attachment parts. Attachment parts are fixed to the outside of the bag by such attaching means as sewing, riveting, gluing, or thermal bonding.
• Another embodiment of the present invention is a bag apparatus for carrying a portable computer having a flap panel mounting. The computer is secured to the inside surface of the flap mounting through attachment to a rigid panel, rim, holster, exterior panel, or attachment parts rigidly fixed to the inside surface of a flap panel.
• These and other embodiments of the present invention are further made apparent, in the remainder of the present document, to those of ordinary skill in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• In order to more fully describe embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are not to be considered limitations in the scope of the invention, but are merely illustrative.
• FIG. 1 refers to a basic structure of a computer bag apparatus having a rigid panel for mounting a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 refers to a computer bag apparatus having a rigid rim for mounting a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 3A refers to a computer bag apparatus having a holster for mounting a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 3B refers to a computer bag apparatus having a two corner piece holster attachment for mounting a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 4A refers to a computer bag apparatus having a molded front part comprising the entire front of the bag for mounting a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 4B refers to a computer bag apparatus having a molded front part that attaches to the front wall of the bag by hinging, snapping, or toggling, for mounting a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 refers to a computer bag apparatus having an exterior panel for mounting a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 refers to a computer bag apparatus where the computer is mounted directly onto the outside of the bag according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 refers to a computer bag apparatus having a flap panel for mounting a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
• The description above and below and the drawings of the present document focus on one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention and also describe some exemplary optional features and/or alternative embodiments. The description and drawings are for the purpose of illustration and not limitation. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize variations, modifications, and alternatives. Such variations, modifications, and alternatives are also within the scope of the present invention. Section titles are terse and are for convenience only.
• An embodiment of the present invention includes a computer bag apparatus as shown inFIG. 1.Bag1 has afront wall2, an opposingback wall3, abottom wall10, andside walls4 connecting the front wall to the back wall.Bag1 has afront wall2, an opposingback wall3, abottom wall10, and a plurality ofside walls4,bottom wall10 andside walls4 connect thefront wall2 to theback wall3. Each wall has an inside surface and an outside surface. A front side edge of theside walls4 attaches to a side edge of thefront wall2 and a back side edge of theside walls4 attaches to a side edge of the opposing backwall3. A front side edge of thebottom wall10 attaches to a bottom edge of thefront wall2 and a back side edge of thebottom wall10 attaches to a bottom edge of the opposing backwall3. The preferred material for the bag walls is a waterproof synthetic fabric, although not limited to this material.Front wall2 has anopening8 for providing electrical connections to pass between the inside and outside surface of thebag1. Attached to the inside surface offront wall2 is a support panel which may be arigid support panel5.Rigid panel5 has abacking plate6, facing backwall3, andattachment parts7.Attachment parts7 project throughopenings2binfront wall2 and attach to complementary fixture parts, not shown, oncomputer13.Attachment parts7 can be snap pins, stamped plate, stamped plate with receptacle mounts, clips, bent or molded edge, screw, or hook and pin attachments. There may be a semi-rigid panel, not shown, betweenrigid panel5 andfront wall2, designed to add fullness to the material. The semi-rigid panel may be placed on either or both sides ofrigid panel5 and may be made of a thin sheet of closed cell flexible foam. The semi-rigid panel(s) may extend beyondrigid panel5 edges for the purpose of creating a softer bump absorbing edge. The semi-rigid panel(s) have openings forattachment parts7 to pass through and secure tocomputer13. The semi-rigid panel(s) may also have an opening for allowing electrical connections to pass between the inside and outside surfaces ofbag1.
• A further embodiment of the present invention may include adocking port9 that is attached to the outside surface offront wall2.Docking port9 has a back side and a front side. The back side has receiving parts, not shown, for attaching toattachment parts7 ofrigid panel5. The front side of dockingport9 has matchingparts12 for attaching to complementary fixture parts, not shown, oncomputer13.Docking port9 acts to seal the connection to the interior ofbag1 and to seal the connection withcomputer13. Further,docking port9 mounted on the outside ofbag1 allowscomputer13 to be easily shifted to another bag.
• Bag apparatus1 may further include an electrical docking port such as a plug, mounted to the outside surface offront wall2 for connecting electrical connections between the inside surface and the outside surface ofbag1. Anopening8 infront wall2 provides electrical access to the inside ofbag1. Anopening8 in dockingport9 andrigid panel5 allow electrical wires to pass betweencomputer13 mounted on the outside ofbag1 to the inside ofbag1. Wires leading to the inside ofbag1 could include those for computer components, such as but not limited to telecommunications, computer link, power, sound, microphone, antenna, and cell phone SIM card mounts. The wires may also lead to plugs or to a common receptacle that is mounted to the interior ofbag1.
• Bag apparatus1 may also include a lining, not shown, attached to the inside surface ofbag1 to support and carry other computer peripheral attachments, such as but not limited to a head mounted display, battery case, external disks, scanner, portable printer, joystick, antenna, and camera. The lining may also cover wiring or provide a mount for an electrical connection receptacle.
• Bag apparatus1 may further include aflap15 attached to the outside surface ofbag1 to cover mountedcomputer13.Flap15 may be a fold backflap15 and may covercomputer13 by elastic, spring mounting, roll-up, slide-down, zipper, or Velcro means.
• Bag apparatus1 may further include one or more side pockets45 for storing accessories or other computer peripherals. Side pockets45 may contain wire leads for connecting to one or more computer peripheral accessories, such as but not limited to a head mounted display.
• Referring now toFIG. 2, is acomputer bag apparatus20 where the support panel is arigid rim21 attached to the outside surface offront wall2 for mountingcomputer13.Rigid rim21 may be comprised of a rigid wire, an elastic band along the edge of rim, redoubled material, distortion resistant material, or extra heavy material, for securingcomputer13 to the outside surface.Computer13 may slide in behindrigid rim21 from the top or the sides ofrigid rim21. Alternatively,rigid rim21 may also be used with a hook attachment, not shown, for securingcomputer13 from the front instead of sliding in computer from the top or sides.
• Bag apparatus20 may further include an electrical docking port mounted to the outside surface offront wall2 for connecting electrical connections between the inside and outside surface ofbag20, anopening8 infront wall2 for passing wiring leads between the inside and outside ofbag20, a lining attached to the inside surface ofbag20 to cover wiring and to carry other computer peripheral attachments, aflap15 for covering mountedcomputer13, and one or more side pockets45 attached to the outside ofbag20 for storing accessories or other computer peripherals.
• Another embodiment of the present invention includes acomputer bag apparatus30 where the support panel is aholster31 for mounting aportable computer13, as shown inFIG. 3A.Holster31 is attached to outside surface offront wall2.Holster31 may be a panel attached to the outside surface offront wall2.Computer13 fits snuggly intoholster31. A retainingband32 may be attached to the outside surface offront wall2 at an opposite end thanholster31. Retainingband32 may have aflap attachment33.Flap attachment33 may have a snap, toggle, Velcro strip, or button which attaches to a matching fixture on retainingband32 for securingcomputer13 to holster. An electrical docking port may be mounted to the outside surface offront wall2. An opening infront wall2 may allow wire connections to pass from the outside to the inside surface ofbag30. Wires to the interior may include, but are not limited to, wiring for other computer components, telecommunications, computer links, power sources, sound, microphone, and cell phone SIM card mounts.
• Another embodiment of the present invention includes acomputer bag apparatus34 where theholster31 ofFIG. 3A may alternatively be a two-corner piece attachment35, as shown inFIG. 3B.Front wall2 should be sufficiently rigid to keep two-corner piece attachment35 evenly spaced to preventcomputer13 from disengaging ifbag34 is full. Aflap attachment33amay be attached tofront wall2 for securing directly tocomputer13 to two-corner piece attachment35.Flap attachment33asecurescomputer13 to holster35.Flap attachment33amay have one or more snaps, toggles, Velcro strips, or buttons which secure directly to complementary fixtures oncomputer13.
• Bag apparatus34 may further include an electrical docking port mounted to the outside surface offront wall2 for connecting electrical connections between the inside and outside surface ofbag34, an opening infront wall2 for passing wiring leads between the inside and outside ofbag34, a lining attached to the inside surface ofbag34 to cover wiring and to carry other computer peripheral attachments, a fall downflap15afor covering mountedcomputer13, and one or more side pockets45 attached to the outside ofbag34 for storing accessories or other computer peripherals.
• Referring now toFIG. 4A, a further embodiment of the present invention may include acomputer bag apparatus40 where support panel is a moldedfront part41 for mountingportable computer13 to the outside ofbag40. Moldedfront41 may comprise entirefront wall2. Moldedfront41 may be conditioned with a stiffener making it rigid. Alternatively, moldedfront41 may be made of regular plastic. Moldedfront41 may attach toside walls4 by sewing, crimping or thermal bonding. Moldedfront41 may be a depression or an outward projection, not shown. A preferred embodiment includes matchingparts41arigidly fixed to moldedfront41 that directly attach to complementary fixture parts, not shown, oncomputer13. Alternatively, a sewn-in elastic band or a flap, not shown, may be used with moldedfront41 to mountcomputer13 to the outside ofbag40. Adocking port46 may attach to moldedfront41 by riveting, screwing or thermal bonding means and is used for sealing the connection betweencomputer13 and moldedfront41. Dockingport46 has anopening46afor allowing electrical connections to pass between the inside and outside surfaces ofbag40. Dockingport46 may also haveopenings46bfor allowingmatching parts41ato connect tocomputer13. Further, dockingport46 allowscomputer13 to be easily shifted to another bag with similarly configured matchingparts41a, if desired.
• Bag apparatus40 may further include anelectrical docking port43 mounted to the outside surface offront wall2 for connecting electrical connections between the inside and outside surface ofbag40, an opening infront wall2 for passing wiring leads between the inside and outside ofbag40, a lining44 attached to the inside surface ofbag40 to cover wiring and to carry other computer peripheral attachments, aflap15 for covering mountedcomputer13, and one or more side pockets45 attached to the outside ofbag40 for storing accessories or other computer peripherals.
• FIG. 4B shows another embodiment of the present invention having a moldedfront48 which may be attached tofront wall2 ofbag47 by sewing, hinging, snapping, toggling, gluing, or other fastener means. Moldedpart48 may include a plurality of matchingparts49. Matchingparts49 attach to complementary fixture parts, not shown, oncomputer13 for securingcomputer13 to moldedfront48.Bag apparatus47 may further include an electrical docking port mounted to the outside surface offront wall2, for connecting electrical connections between the inside and outside surface ofbag47, an opening infront wall2 for passing wiring leads between the inside and outside ofbag47, a lining attached to the inside surface ofbag47 to cover wiring and to carry other computer peripheral attachments, and one or more side pockets45 attached to the outside ofbag47 for storing accessories or other computer peripherals.
• Another embodiment of the present invention includes acomputer bag apparatus50 where the support panel may be anexterior panel51 for mounting aportable computer13 to the outside surface ofbag50, as shown inFIG. 5.Exterior panel51 may be made out of metal, plastic or cloth material, andexterior panel51 may further be sewn, riveted, glued, or thermally bonded to the outside surface offront wall2.Exterior panel51 may be a pocket for receiving ahanger52.Hanger52 is fixed tocomputer13 and fits snuggly intoexterior panel51.Hanger52 may have teeth, pins, or snaps, not shown, that fit intocomplementary holes53 inexterior panel51 for further securingcomputer13 toexterior panel51. A retainingflap15battached tofront wall2 coverscomputer13 when retainingflap15bis down and in the closed position. Retainingflap15bmay be lifted up in an open position to allow access tocomputer13.
• Bag apparatus50 may further include anelectrical docking port43 mounted to the outside surface offront wall2 for connecting electrical connections between the inside and outside surface ofbag50, an opening infront wall2 for passing wiring leads between the inside and outside ofbag50, a lining attached to the inside surface ofbag50 to cover wiring and to carry other computer peripheral attachments, and one or more side pockets45 attached to the outside ofbag50 for storing accessories or other computer peripherals.
• Still another embodiment of the present invention is acomputer bag apparatus60 where acomputer13 may directly attach to the outside surface, as shown inFIG. 6.Attachment parts61 such as but not limited to tabs, flaps or snaps are fixed to the outside surface ofbag60 by sewing, riveting, gluing, or thermal bonding.Attachment parts61 removably secure to complementary fixture parts, not shown, oncomputer13 to mountcomputer13 to the outside ofbag60.
• Bag apparatus60 may further include anelectrical docking port43 mounted to the outside surface offront wall2 for connecting electrical connections between the inside and outside surface ofbag60, an opening infront wall2 for passing wiring leads between the inside and outside ofbag60, a lining attached to the inside surface ofbag60 to cover wiring and to carry other computer peripheral attachments, aflap15 for covering mountedcomputer13, and one or more side pockets45 attached to the outside ofbag60 for storing accessories or other computer peripherals.
• Still another embodiment of the present invention is acomputer bag apparatus70 where acomputer13 may be mounted to aflap panel71, as shown inFIG. 7.Flap panel71 may be attached to the outside surface of thefront wall2 by sewing, hinging, snapping, toggling, gluing, or other fastener means.Flap panel71 has an inside surface and an outside surface. Aflap seal72 is attached to the outside surface offront wall2 for keepingflap panel71 folded up and in a closed position.Flap seal72 has one ormore attachment parts72afor securingflap panel71 in the closed position. Whenflap panel71 is in the closed position, the inside surface offlap panel71 faces towardbag70. Whenflap panel71 is unfolded and in an open position, the inside surface offlap panel71 faces away frombag70.Computer13 may be mounted to the inside surface offlap panel71 through attachment to a rigid panel, rim, holster, exterior panel, orattachment parts71arigidly fixed to the inside surface offlap panel71, as previously described in detail above.Computer13 mounted toflap panel71 faces away frombag70 whenflap panel71 is in the open position, thus allowing a user access tocomputer13.
• Flap panel71 may have wire leads embedded within flap panel, that connect to anelectrical docking port43.Electrical docking port43 may be mounted to the outside surface offront wall2 for connecting electrical connections between the outside and inside surfaces ofbag70.
• Bag apparatus70 may further include a lining attached to the inside surface ofbag70 to cover wiring and to carry other computer peripheral attachments and one or more side pockets45 attached to the outside ofbag70 for storing accessories or other computer peripherals.
• Throughout the description and drawings, example embodiments are given with reference to specific configurations. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms. Those of ordinary skill in the art would be able to practice such other embodiments without undue experimentation. The scope of the present invention, for the purpose of the present patent document, is not limited merely to the specific example embodiments of the foregoing description, but rather is indicated by the appended claims. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents within the claims are intended to be considered as being embraced within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims (84)

1. An apparatus for carrying a computer unit comprising:

a. a bag having a front wall, an opposing back wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls connecting the front wall to the back wall, each wall having an inside surface and an outside surface, wherein a front side edge of the side walls attaches to a side edge of the front wall and a back side edge of the side walls attaches to a side edge of the opposing back wall and a front side edge of the bottom wall attaches to a bottom edge of the front wall and a back side edge of the bottom wall attaches to a bottom edge of the opposing back wall; and

b. a support panel attached to either the inside surface or outside surface of the front wall for mounting the computer to the outside surface of the front wall.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising an opening in the front wall and an electrical docking port mounted to the outside surface of the front wall for passing electrical connections between the inside surface and the outside surface of the bag through the opening in the front wall.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising a lining attached to the inside surface of the bag for covering wiring and for supporting one or more computer peripheral accessories.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising a flap attached to a top side of the opposing back wall for covering the mounted computer.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising one or more pockets attached to the outside surface of the side wall.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 5 wherein the pocket contains one or more wire leads for connecting to one or more computer peripheral accessories.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the support panel comprises a rigid panel attached to the inside surface of the front wall, the rigid panel comprising a backing plate facing the back wall, and a plurality of attachment parts, the attachment parts project through a plurality of openings in the front wall and attach to a plurality of complementary fixture parts on a computer, the attachment parts are selected from the group consisting of: snap pins, stamped plate, stamped plate with receptacle mounts, clips, bent or molded edge, screw, and hook and pin.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein the support panel further includes a docking port attached to the outside surface of the front wall, the docking port having a front side and a back side, the back side having a plurality of receiving parts for attaching to the attachment parts of the rigid panel, and the front side having a plurality of matching parts for attaching to the complementary fixture parts on the computer.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 7 further comprising one or more semi-rigid panels placed in parallel and against either side of the rigid panel.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 7 further comprising an opening in the front wall and an electrical docking port mounted to the outside surface of the front wall for passing electrical connections between the inside surface and the outside surface of the bag through the opening in the front wall.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 7 further comprising a lining attached to the inside surface of the bag for covering wiring and for supporting one or more computer peripheral accessories.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 7 further comprising a flap attached to a top side of the opposing back wall for covering the mounted computer.

13. The apparatus ofclaim 7 further comprising one or more pockets attached to the outside surface of the side wall.

14. The apparatus ofclaim 13 wherein the pocket contains one or more wire leads for connecting to one or more computer peripheral accessories.

15. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the support panel comprises a rim attached to the outside surface of the front wall for mounting a computer.

16. The apparatus ofclaim 15 wherein the rim is made of wire and has a hook attachment for securing the computer to the outside surface of the front wall.

17. The apparatus ofclaim 15 wherein the rim comprises an elastic band lining an edge of the rim for securing the computer to the outside surface of the front wall.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 15 further comprising an opening in the front wall and an electrical docking port mounted to the outside surface of the front wall for passing electrical connections between the inside surface and the outside surface of the bag through the opening in the front wall.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 15 further comprising a lining attached to the inside surface of the bag for covering wiring and for supporting one or more computer peripheral accessories.

20. The apparatus ofclaim 15 further comprising a flap attached to a top side of the opposing back wall for covering the mounted computer.

21. The apparatus ofclaim 15 further comprising one or more pockets attached to the outside surface of the side wall.

22. The apparatus ofclaim 21 wherein the pocket contains one or more wire leads for connecting to one or more computer peripheral accessories.

23. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the support panel comprises:

a. a holster attached toward a bottom side of the outside surface of the front wall for mounting a computer; and

b. a retaining band attached toward a top side of the outside surface of the front wall for securing the computer to the holster.

24. The apparatus ofclaim 23 wherein the holster comprises a ledge attached toward the bottom side of the outside surface of the front wall for supporting the computer, wherein a side of the computer fits snuggly into the ledge.

25. The apparatus ofclaim 23 wherein the holster comprises a two-corner piece attachment attached toward the bottom side of the outside surface of the front wall for supporting the computer, wherein a corner of the computer fits into each of the two-corner piece attachments.

26. The apparatus ofclaim 23 wherein the retaining band comprises a flap attachment attached toward the top side of the outside surface of the front wall and a matching fixture attached to the retaining band for securing the computer to the holster, the flap attachment is removably fixed to the matching fixture by a means selected from the group consisting of: snap, toggle, Velcro strip, and button.

27. The apparatus ofclaim 23 further comprising an opening in the front wall and an electrical docking port mounted to the outside surface of the front wall for passing electrical connections between the inside surface and the outside surface of the bag through the opening in the front wall.

28. The apparatus ofclaim 23 further comprising a lining attached to the inside surface of the bag for covering wiring and for supporting one or more computer peripheral accessories.

29. The apparatus ofclaim 23 further comprising a flap attached to a top side of the opposing back wall for covering the mounted computer.

30. The apparatus ofclaim 23 further comprising one or more pockets attached to the outside surface of the side wall.

31. The apparatus ofclaim 30 wherein the pocket contains one or more wire leads for connecting to one or more computer peripheral accessories.

32. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the support panel comprises:

a. a holster attached toward a bottom side of the outside surface of the front wall for mounting a computer; and

b. a flap attachment attached toward a top edge of the outside surface of the front wall for securing the computer to the holster, the flap attachment having one or more snaps, toggles, Velcro strips, or buttons which secure to one or more complementary fixtures on the computer.

33. The apparatus ofclaim 32 wherein the holster comprises a ledge attached toward the bottom side of the outside surface of the front wall for supporting the computer, wherein a side of the computer fits snuggly into the ledge.

34. The apparatus ofclaim 32 wherein the holster comprises a two-corner piece attachment attached toward the bottom side of the outside surface of the front wall for supporting the computer, wherein a corner of the computer fits into each of the two-corner piece attachments.

35. The apparatus ofclaim 32 further comprising an opening in the front wall and an electrical docking port mounted to the outside surface of the front wall for passing electrical connections between the inside surface and the outside surface of the bag through the opening in the front wall.

36. The apparatus ofclaim 32 further comprising a lining attached to the inside surface of the bag for covering wiring and for supporting one or more computer peripheral accessories.

37. The apparatus ofclaim 32 further comprising a flap attached to a bottom side of the front wall for covering the mounted computer.

38. The apparatus ofclaim 32 further comprising one or more pockets attached to the outside surface of the side wall.

39. The apparatus ofclaim 38 wherein the pocket contains one or more wire leads for connecting to one or more computer peripheral accessories.

40. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the support panel is a rigid molded front part serving as the front wall of the bag, the molded front part attached to the side walls by sewing, crimping, gluing or thermal bonding.

41. The apparatus ofclaim 40 wherein the molded front comprises a depression, the molded front having a means for mounting a computer selected from the group consisting of: sewn-in elastic, Velcro flap, and latch and bolt.

42. The apparatus ofclaim 40 wherein the molded front comprises an outward projection, the molded front having a means for mounting a computer selected from the group consisting of: sewn-in elastic, Velcro flap, and latch and bolt.

43. The apparatus ofclaim 40 further comprising a molded front having a plurality of matching parts for directly attaching to a plurality of complementary fixtures parts on the computer for securing the computer to the molded front.

44. The apparatus ofclaim 43 further comprising an a docking port attached to the outside surface of the front wall, the docking port having a plurality of openings for allowing the matching parts to secure to computer for sealing the connection between the computer and the bag.

45. The apparatus ofclaim 40 further comprising an opening in the front wall and an electrical docking port mounted to the outside surface of the front wall for passing electrical connections between the inside surface and the outside surface of the bag through the opening in the front wall.

46. The apparatus ofclaim 40 further comprising a lining attached to the inside surface of the bag for covering wiring and for supporting one or more computer peripheral accessories.

47. The apparatus ofclaim 40 further comprising a flap attached to a top side of the opposing back wall for covering the mounted computer.

48. The apparatus ofclaim 40 further comprising one or more pockets attached to the outside surface of the side wall.

49. The apparatus ofclaim 48 wherein the pocket contains one or more wire leads for connecting to one or more computer peripheral accessories.

50. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the support panel comprises a rigid molded front part attached to the outside surface of the front wall by hinging, snapping or toggling.

51. The apparatus ofclaim 50 wherein the molded front has a plurality of matching parts for directly attaching to a plurality of complementary fixtures parts on the computer for securing the computer to the molded front.

52. The apparatus ofclaim 50 further comprising an opening in the front wall and an electrical docking port mounted to the outside surface of the front wall for passing electrical connections between the inside surface and the outside surface of the bag through the opening in the front wall.

53. The apparatus ofclaim 50 further comprising a lining attached to the inside surface of the bag for covering wiring and for supporting one or more computer peripheral accessories.

54. The apparatus ofclaim 50 further comprising a flap attached to a top side of the opposing back wall for covering the mounted computer.

55. The apparatus ofclaim 50 further comprising one or more pockets attached to the outside surface of the side wall.

56. The apparatus ofclaim 55 wherein the pocket contains one or more wire leads for connecting to one or more computer peripheral accessories.

57. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the support panel comprises an exterior panel attached to the outside surface of the front wall.

58. The apparatus ofclaim 57 wherein the exterior panel comprises a pocket for receiving a hanger, the hanger being rigidly attached to the computer, and further comprising a retaining flap is attached to the outside surface of the front wall for securing the computer to the pocket.

59. The apparatus ofclaim 58 wherein the hanger further comprises one or more attachment parts rigidly fixed to hanger, the attachment parts secure into a plurality of complementary holes in the pocket.

60. The apparatus ofclaim 57 further comprising an opening in the front wall and an electrical docking port mounted to the outside surface of the front wall for passing electrical connections between the inside surface and the outside surface of the bag through the opening in the front wall.

61. The apparatus ofclaim 57 further comprising a lining attached to the inside surface of the bag for covering wiring and for supporting one or more computer peripheral accessories.

62. The apparatus ofclaim 57 further comprising a flap attached to a top side of the front wall for covering the mounted computer.

63. The apparatus ofclaim 57 further comprising one or more pockets attached to the outside surface of the side wall.

64. The apparatus ofclaim 63 wherein the pocket contains one or more wire leads for connecting to one or more computer peripheral accessories.

65. An apparatus for carrying a computer unit comprising:

a. a bag having a front wall, an opposing back wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls connecting the front wall to the back wall, each wall having an inside surface and an outside surface, wherein a front side edge of the side walls attaches to a side edge of the front wall and a back side edge of the side walls attaches to a side edge of the opposing back wall and a front side edge of the bottom wall attaches to a bottom edge of the front wall and a back side edge of the bottom wall attaches to a bottom edge of the opposing back wall; and

b. one or more attachment parts rigidly fixed to the outside surface of the front wall, the attachment parts secure directly to one or more complementary fixture parts on the computer.

66. The apparatus ofclaim 65 further comprising an opening in the front wall and an electrical docking port mounted to the outside surface of the front wall for passing electrical connections between the inside surface and the outside surface of the bag through the opening in the front wall.

67. The apparatus ofclaim 65 further comprising a lining attached to the inside surface of the bag for covering wiring and for supporting one or more computer peripheral accessories.

68. The apparatus ofclaim 65 further comprising a flap attached to a top side of the opposing back wall for covering the mounted computer.

69. The apparatus ofclaim 65 further comprising one or more pockets attached to the outside surface of the side wall.

70. The apparatus ofclaim 69 wherein the pocket contains one or more wire leads for connecting to one or more computer peripheral accessories.

71. An apparatus for carrying a computer unit comprising:

a. a bag having a front wall, an opposing back wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls connecting the front wall to the back wall, each wall having an inside surface and an outside surface, wherein a front side edge of the side walls attaches to a side edge of the front wall and a back side edge of the side walls attaches to a side edge of the opposing back wall and a front side edge of the bottom wall attaches to a bottom edge of the front wall and a back side edge of the bottom wall attaches to a bottom edge of the opposing back wall;

b. a support panel attached to either the inside surface or outside surface of the front wall for mounting the computer to the outside surface of the front wall; and

c. an opening in the front wall and an electrical docking port mounted to the outside surface of the front wall for passing electrical connections between the inside surface and the outside surface of the bag through the opening in the front wall.

72. An apparatus for carrying a computer unit comprising:

a. a bag having a front wall, an opposing back wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls connecting the front wall to the back wall, each wall having an inside surface and an outside surface, wherein a front side edge of the side walls attaches to a side edge of the front wall and a back side edge of the side walls attaches to a side edge of the opposing back wall and a front side edge of the bottom wall attaches to a bottom edge of the front wall and a back side edge of the bottom wall attaches to a bottom edge of the opposing back wall;

b. a flap panel secured to a bottom side of the outside surface of the front wall for mounting the computer, the flap panel having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the computer is attached by an attachment means to the inner surface of the flap; and

c. a flap seal attached to a top edge of the outside surface of the front wall for securing the flap panel in a closed position, the flap seal having one or more attachment parts that secure to one or more complementary fixture parts on the flap panel.

73. The apparatus ofclaim 72 wherein the attachment means for mounting the computer comprises a rigid panel attached to the outer surface of the flap panel, the rigid panel comprising a backing plate and a plurality of attachment parts, the attachment parts project through a plurality of openings in the flap panel and attach to a plurality of complementary fixture parts on the computer, the attachment parts are selected from the group consisting of: snap pins, stamped plate, stamped plate with receptacle mounts, clips, bent or molded edge, screw, and hook and pin.

74. The apparatus ofclaim 72 wherein the attachment means for mounting the computer comprises a rim attached to the inner surface of the flap panel.

75. The apparatus ofclaim 72 wherein the attachment means for mounting the computer comprises:

a. a holster attached to the inner surface of the flap panel for supporting the computer; and

b. a retaining band attached to the inner surface of the flap panel for securing the computer to the holster, the retaining band having a flap attachment and a matching fixture for securing the computer to the holster, the flap attachment is removably fixed to the matching fixture by a means selected from the group consisting of: snap, toggle, Velcro strip, and button.

76. The apparatus ofclaim 72 wherein the attachment means for mounting the computer comprises:

a. a holster attached to the inner surface of the flap panel for mounting the computer; and

b. a flap attachment attached to the inner surface of the flap panel for securing the computer to the holster, the flap attachment having one or more snaps, toggles, Velcro strips, or buttons which secure to one or more complementary fixtures on the computer.

77. The apparatus ofclaim 72 wherein the attachment means for mounting the computer comprises an exterior panel attached to the inner surface of the flap panel.

78. The apparatus ofclaim 77 wherein the exterior panel is a pocket for receiving a hanger, the hanger being rigidly attached to the computer, and further comprising a retaining flap is attached to the inner surface of the flap panel for securing the computer to the pocket.

79. The apparatus ofclaim 78 wherein the hanger further comprises one or more attachment parts rigidly fixed to hanger, the attachment parts secure into a plurality of complementary holes in the pocket.

80. The apparatus ofclaim 72 wherein the attachment means for mounting the computer is a plurality of attachment parts rigidly fixed to the inner surface of the flap panel, the attachment parts secure directly to one or more complementary fixture parts on the computer.

81. The apparatus ofclaim 72 further comprising wire leads embedded within the flap panel and front wall for connecting to an electrical docking port, wherein the electrical docking is mounted to the outside surface of the front wall and passes electrical connections between the inside surface and the outside surface of the bag through an opening in the front wall.

82. The apparatus ofclaim 72 further comprising a lining attached to the inside surface of the bag for covering wiring and for supporting one or more computer peripheral accessories.

83. The apparatus ofclaim 72 further comprising one or more pockets attached to the outside surface of the side wall.

84. The apparatus ofclaim 83 wherein the pocket contains one or more wire leads for connecting to one or more computer peripheral accessories.

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