Collapsible Carrying Strap

Abstract

A handle/strap device is disclosed that is suitable for original or retrofit installation onto edge surfaces of portable devices such as notebook computers and portable DVD players and the like. The handle/strap is made up of a base plate to which a pair of complementary upper and lower channel shaped leaf elements are pivotally attached at respective ends thereof. A longitudinal cavity is created in between the folded channel shapes when the device is in the shape of a handle. However, the upper channel can be unlatched from the lower channel so as to release the extendable/adjustable strap contained therein.

1 . A handle assembly for carrying portable objects, comprising:
 a first protrusion secured to a first surface of said object;   a second protrusion secured to said first surface at a spaced distance from said first protrusion;   a bottom leaf, one end of said bottom leaf mounted to said first protrusion so as to rotate toward said second protrusion to a handle forming position spanning said spaced distance so to form a lower portion of a handle to enable carrying of said portable object, said bottom leaf, when lifted from said second protrusion, being able to rotate in an opposite direction to form a 1 st  element of a shoulder strap;   a top leaf, one end of which is mounted to said second protrusion so to rotate toward said first protrusion to a handle forming position and latching securely to said first protrusion so as to form an upper portion of said handle, and creating a longitudinal cavity between said top and bottom leafs, and to rotate in an opposite direction to form a 2 nd  element of said shoulder strap;   flexible strap means for carrying said portable object, said flexible strap means connecting between respective free ends of said bottom leaf and said top leaf so as to be folded into said cavity between said bottom leaf and said top leaf when configured in said handle forming position.   
   
   
       3 . A handle assembly as in  claim 1 , wherein:
 said strap means is separated into two pieces that are connected by a length adjustment means for adjusting an overlapping condition between separate elements of said strap means.   
   
   
       4 . A handle assembly as in  claim 1 , wherein:
 said first surface of said object is recessed within an edge of said object.   
   
   
       5 . A handle assembly as in  claim 1 , wherein:
 said first and second protrusions are each formed on respective ends of a longitudinal base plate that is, itself, attached to said first surface of said object.   
   
   
       6 . A handle assembly as in  claim 1 , wherein:
 said strap means includes a plurality of semi stiff panels to guide a folding sequence of said strap means into said cavity for containment of said strap means when said leafs are configured in a handle position.