Tablet bay and bag incorporating the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storage apparatus for stowing a device, and more particularly to a storage apparatus with a compartment that allows a user to operate a device while the device is stowed. In an embodiment, a compartment for stowing a tablet device includes a frame panel having an opening, the opening configured to expose a display screen of the tablet device when the tablet device is stowed, a plurality of side panels for retaining the tablet device in the compartment, and an open edge along a side of the compartment. The open edge is configured for insertion of the tablet device into the compartment and removal of the tablet device from the compartment.

1 . A tablet stowing device, comprising:
 a bag;   a frame panel having an opening;   a plurality of side panels coupling the frame panel to the bag defining said compartment; and   a tablet insertion opening along a side of the compartment, the tablet insertion opening being configured for insertion of the tablet device into the compartment and removal of the tablet device from the compartment, wherein the frame panel opening is configured to expose a display screen of the tablet device when the tablet device is stowed allowing a user to use the tablet device while being stowed.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the frame panel has a cutout configured to expose a user interface element of the tablet device. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the cutout has a semi-circle shape. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one side panel of the plurality of side panels has an aperture for exposing a port of the tablet device. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one side panel of the plurality of side panels has an aperture for exposing a user interface element of the tablet device. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the user interface element is a pushbutton. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a fastener at the open edge for securing the tablet device in the compartment. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the frame panel opening is at least 7.5 inches long by at least 5 inches wide. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the frame panel opening is rectangular and has a diagonal dimension of about 9.5 inches. 
     
     
         10 . A storage apparatus comprising:
 a container for storing objects and having a plurality of outer walls defining a cavity therebetween for storing objects;   a compartment attached to an outer wall of the plurality of outer walls, and configured to stow a tablet device; and   an outer flap configured to cover the compartment,   wherein the compartment comprises:
 a frame panel having an opening, the opening configured to expose a display screen of the tablet device when the tablet device is stowed allowing a user to use the table device while being stowed; 
 a plurality of side panels extending from the frame panel to the container, wherein the compartment is defined by said side walls, said outer wall and said frame panel; and 
 an opening defined along a side of the compartment between the container and the frame panel, the opening being configured for insertion of the tablet device into the compartment and removal of the tablet device from the compartment. 
   
     
     
         11 . The storage apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a protective surface on the outer flap, the protective surface corresponding to the opening of the frame panel, wherein the protective surface covers the opening of the frame panel when the outer flap is in a closed position. 
     
     
         12 . The storage apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a fastener at the open edge of the compartment for securing the tablet device in the compartment. 
     
     
         13 . The storage apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the frame panel opening is at least 7.5 inches long by at least 5 inches wide. 
     
     
         14 . The storage apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the frame panel opening is rectangular has a diagonal dimension of about 9.5 inches.