Columbia Technology Ventures

Laptop protector for reclining seats

This technology is a curved attachment for laptops or tablets designed to prevent damage from reclining seats in various public settings.

Unmet Need: Preventing damage caused by rapidly reclining seats in crowded settings

Traveling with laptops exposes the laptop to several unforeseen risks that can ruin it. For example, placing laptops on seatback trays while on airplanes and trains can result in damage if the individual in the front seat decides to recline. Additionally, conference rooms, convention centers, and crowded workspaces are susceptible to similar accidental laptop damage. To date, there is no simple technology that prevents this, highlighting the need for improved methods to minimize or prevent damage caused by recliners.

The Technology: Curved laptop or tablet protector for recliners in cramped spaces

This technology describes an apparatus designed to prevent damage by recliners in crowded areas such as conferences, busy workspaces, as well as airplanes or other forms of mass transit. It is a curved laptop or tablet attachment such that a sudden recline of the front seat leads to only a gentle closing of the laptop rather than physical damage. Therefore, this technology is a lightweight and consumer-friendly solution that obviates the common problem of laptop damage on flights, as well as other forms of transportation, saving individuals and businesses unnecessary costs associated with replacement of the laptop and its data.

Applications:

  • Protective laptop attachment for reclining seats
  • Protective tablet attachment for reclining seats
  • Protective electronics travel case

Advantages:

  • Lightweight and sturdy
  • Consumer-friendly
  • Cost-effective
  • May be engineered to fit multiple laptop or tablet models
  • Portable

Lead Inventor:

Mulugeta Semework Abebe, Ph.D.

Tech Ventures Reference:

  • IR CU20130

  • Licensing Contact: Ron Katz