U.S. patent application number 09/768999 was filed with the patent office on 2001-06-21 for laptop computer workstation.
Invention is credited to Hodge, Ronald, Hodge, Teresa M., Letherwood, Charles Lewis JR..
Application Number | 20010003961 09/768999 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23643471 |
Filed Date | 2001-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010003961 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hodge, Ronald ; et
al. |
June 21, 2001 |
Laptop computer workstation
Abstract
The present invention discloses a device for holding a laptop
computer further having means for attaching the device to a tray
table such as would be found on an airplane train or the like. The
present invention discloses a platform for placement thereon of the
laptop computer having a foam pad on its lower edge to prevent the
computer from falling off the platform and for ergonomic reasons.
An elevational member is provided comprising a pivot head which
causes the platform to be inclined at an ergonomically acceptable
angle. The elevational member attaches to the tray table by means
of a mounting member having a recess therein for receiving the
pivot head. The mounting member has a wire frame attached thereto
which frame attaches to opposite edges of the platform. The lower
end of the elevational member is attached to a stand member, or, in
an alternative embodiment, a stand member to be placed under the
legs of a seated user for securely holding the present
invention.
Inventors: |
Hodge, Ronald; (Richardson,
TX) ; Hodge, Teresa M.; (Richardson, TX) ;
Letherwood, Charles Lewis JR.; (Portland, OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
George L. Williamson
P.O Box 508
Fairhope
AL
36533
US
|
Family ID: |
23643471 |
Appl. No.: |
09/768999 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09768999 |
Jan 23, 2001 |
|
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09414897 |
Oct 8, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/97 ; 108/42;
248/227.2; 248/228.6; 248/231.71; 248/447.2; 248/455;
297/188.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2023/045 20130101;
B64D 11/00155 20141201; B64D 11/0638 20141201; B60N 3/004 20130101;
A47B 23/044 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/97 ; 108/42;
248/231.71; 248/227.2; 248/228.6; 248/447.2; 248/455;
297/188.2 |
International
Class: |
A47B 023/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An apparatus for holding a laptop computer onto a work surface
such as a tray table as might be found on an airplane seat,
comprising: a) a platform upon which is placed a laptop computer,
said platform being generally rectangular shaped, said platform
having a topside and an underside, a top edge, a bottom edge, a
right edge and a left edge; b) an elevational member for disposing
said platform at an angle to the horizontal plane, said elevational
member having a top end and a bottom end; c) a base upon which said
elevational member is disposed; d) a first means for connecting
said platform to said elevational member; and, e) a second means
for connecting said elevational member to said base.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said elevational member
further comprises a pivotable head, said pivotable head being
disposed on a shaft, said shaft being disposed on said base, said
pivotable head having a connector member thereon.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said pivotal head further
comprises an adjustment means whereby said pivotal head can be
adjustably fixed at varying angles.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said base is planar.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said base further comprises a
U-shaped member having an upper lip and a lower lip, said upper lip
and said lower lip having a tray table disposed thereinbetween,
said lower lip having means for clamping to a tray table.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said base further comprises
means for a plate whereby said plate can be placed under the legs
of a seated user.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said first means for
connecting said platform to said elevational member further
comprises a receiving member disposed on said underside of said
platform.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said receiving member further
comprises a plurality of wire members for connecting said receiving
member to said platform, said right edge and said left edge of said
platform having horizontal apertures therein, said apertures for
receiving the end of said wire members.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein four wire members are
provided, wherein two of said wire members connect to said right
side of said platform and two of said wire members connect to said
left side of said platform so that said platform is secured to said
receiving member.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said recess is
complementarily sized to removably fixedly receive said connector
thereon so that said platform is thereby connected to said pivotal
head.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a foam pad
disposed on said bottom edge of said platform.
12. An apparatus for holding laptop computer onto a work surface
such as a tray table as might be found on an airplane seat,
comprising: a) a platform upon which is placed a laptop computer,
said platform being generally rectangular shaped, said platform
having a topside and an underside, a top edge, a bottom edge, a
right edge and a left edge. b) a foam pad disposed on said bottom
edge of said platform; and, c) means for wire frame base whereby
said platform is connected to a tray table.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said means for a wire frame
base further comprises a first wire piece and a second wire piece,
said right edge and said left edge of said platform having
horizontal apertures therein, said apertures for receiving ends of
said first wire piece and ends of said second wire piece whereby
said platform is connected to said wire frame base.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said first wire piece
further comprises a means for attaching to a tray table.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said means for attaching to
a tray table further comprises said first wire piece having a
curved portion therein, said curve forming a U-shaped fold
underneath a tray table for receiving a tray table thereinbetween
said first wire piece and said curved portion.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said second wire piece
cooperates with said first wire piece to elevate said platform.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said first wire piece
further comprises notches for receiving said second wire piece to
vary the elevation of said platform.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 09/414,897 filed Oct. 8, 1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a laptop computer
workstation. More particularly, the invention relates to an
ergonomically designed laptop computer workstation for use in an
airplane, train or the like.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Devices for holding articles have been described in the
prior art. However, none of the prior art devices disclose the
unique features of the present.
[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,969, dated Feb. 20, 1990, Yaeger
disclosed a device capable of being clamped onto a peripheral edge
of a desk or table, that can support reading material in either a
horizontal or elevated position for convenient viewing. Said device
is composed of a backrest with lower lip that will holding reading
material, and spring-loaded clamping mechanism, attached to said
backrest via hinged clamp lever, that allows backrest to be rested
flatly or elevated by propping in an upright position with support
leg. This device can also be used on the top of a worksurface by
using spring-loaded clamping mechanism as a supportive base, or
folded compactly for easy storage and carrying.
[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,952, dated Aug. 8, 2000, Tonn
disclosed a laptop computer support for use in supporting a laptop
computer on a top of a desk adjacent an edge of the desk. The
laptop computer support supports the laptop computer such that a
front end of the laptop computer extends past the edge of the desk
to a position just above the lap of an individual sitting at the
desk. The laptop computer support has a plate member for engaging a
bottom surface of the computer supporting the computer. A flange is
fixed at the front end of the plate member and extends laterally
across at least a portion of the plate member projecting outwards
from the top surface of the plate member. The flange engages the
front end of the laptop computer and prevents the computer from
sliding forwards and off of the laptop computer support. A leg is
connected to the plate member and supports the plate member on the
desk top at one of a plurality of angles to the top of the desk,
and at least one foot member engages the top of the desk adjacent
the edge of the desk. The foot members are attached to the bottom
of the plate member adjacent the front of the plate member and are
spaced downwards from where the leg is connected to the plate
member.
[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 3,746,295 dated Jul. 17, 1973, Stephanek,
et al., disclosed a merchandising fixture for displaying a stack of
articles which has a clamp for attaching the fixture to the edge of
a shelf and a support arm adapted to have attached thereto one of
said articles to form a base for the stack thereof.
[0009] In U.S. Pat. No. 161,026, dated Mar. 23, 1875, Grummon
disclosed an invention which relates to a book-rest; and consists
of an adjustable bent standard having an adjustable clamping screw,
the desk or table being mounted upon a universal joint, which is
adjustable and movable upon the arm of the standard, the object of
the invention being to provide a bookrest that may be adjusted at
any height or angle, as desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention discloses a device for holding a
laptop computer further having means for attaching the device to a
tray table such as would be found on an airplane train or the like.
The present invention discloses a platform for placement thereon of
the laptop computer having a foam pad on its lower edge to prevent
the computer from falling off the platform and for ergonomic
reasons. An elevational member is provided comprising a pivot head
which causes the platform to be inclined at an ergonomically
acceptable angle. The elevational member attaches to the tray table
by means of a mounting member having a recess therein for receiving
the pivot head. The mounting member has a wire frame attached
thereto which frame attaches to opposite edges of the platform. The
lower end of the elevational member is attached to a stand member,
or, in an alternative embodiment, a stand member to be placed under
the legs of a seated user for securely holding the present
invention.
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a laptop
workstation that may be used to house a laptop in an airplane or
train. Accordingly, a laptop workstation is provided that clips
onto a tray table of an airplane or a train.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
laptop workstation that holds the laptop at an angle to provide an
appropriate elevation which facilitates use of the laptop.
Accordingly, a pivot head member is provided that holds the laptop
at an angle from the tray table.
[0013] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a laptop workstation that is easy to use.
[0014] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide a laptop workstation that will maintain the laptop upon the
workstation in the event of a sudden jerk. Consequently, a foam pad
member is provided that prevents the laptop from falling.
[0015] To accomplish the above and related objects, the invention
may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the
drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as
being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the
claims.
[0016] The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be
taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention
is best defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it
will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which like elements are depicted by like
reference numerals:
[0018] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of
the present invention as shown in FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of parts of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 5.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of parts of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 5.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0025] With regard to reference numerals used, the following
numbering is used throughout the drawings.
1 10 present invention 12 user 20 platform 22 foam pad 25 lower
edge 30 base member 32 receiving member 33 tip of wire 34 wire
member 36 edge of platform 38 aperture 40 elevational member 42
pivot head 43 shaft 44 adjustment knob 45 recess 46 U-shaped
bracket 47 connector 52 laptop computer 54 wire leg 55 wire frame
56 curved wire 58 notches 60 plate 62 legs 64 foam pad 100 tray 102
seat
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0026] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate the present invention being a
laptop computer workstation.
[0027] Turning to FIG. 1, therein is shown the present invention 10
being a laptop computer workstation 10. Laptop workstation 10
comprises a flat platform 20, which is substantially rectangular.
The platform 20 may be made from a flat board measuring
approximately twelve inches in length and ten inches in breadth.
Platform 20 is provided with a foam pad member 22 at its lower edge
25 which pad slides over the lower edge somewhat like a glove.
Platform 20 can be made of wood, plastic, metal or recyclable
materials or any materials that can be formed into a suitable,
thick plate-like platform. The foam pad 22 also provides a soft
wrist support reducing potential carpal tunnel problems. Pad 22
doubles as a block in order to keep the computer (not shown) on the
platform.
[0028] The platform 20 is attached to an elevational member 40
having a top pivot head 42 portion and a bottom shaft 43 portion.
The platform 20 is remotely, fixedly attached to the pivot head 42
of the elevational member 40. The bottom portion 43 of the
elevational member 40 is securely attached to a base member 30 in
the standard manner as would be done by one skilled in the art.
Platform 20 attaches to elevational member 40 by means of a
receiving member 32 disposed approximately in the middle of the
backside of platform 20 which member 32 has a recess 45 therein for
receiving a mating connector member 47 disposed on pivot head 42.
Receiving member 32 has a plurality of wire members 34 which extend
radially from the receiving member 32 to the left and right edges
36 of platform 20. The edges 36 of platform 20 have small apertures
38 disposed therein for receiving the tips or ends 33 of the wire
members 34. Elevational member 40 has a pivotal head 42 having an
adjustment knob 44 thereon which functions in the conventional
manner.
[0029] Turning to FIG. 2, in another embodiment, the shaft of 43
elevational member 40 is securely attached to the U-shaped bracket
46. The U-shaped bracket 46 has an upper and lower lip for
placement of the tray table 100 thereinbetween. The U-shaped
bracket 46 has means as would be done in the standard manner by one
skilled in the art, e.g., a threaded member or a clamp, for being
removably fixedly attaching around the edge of a tray table 100 or
the like of an airplane or a train by engageably enveloping the top
and bottom surfaces of the tray table 100.
[0030] Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, shown therein is another
embodiment of the present invention. The laptop workstation 10 may
be provided with a lower plate 60 that allows the present invention
to be securely held under the legs 62 of a seated user. Plate 60
has foam pads 64 thereon. Platform 10 mounts on top of an elevated
member 40 as previously disclosed, but having a longer shaft 43
thereon for forming a workstation for a seated user 12.
[0031] Turning to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, shown therein is an alternative
embodiment of the present invention showing a laptop computer 52
disposed on platform 20 having an alternative wire frame member 55
attached to platform 20, all of which is attached to tray 100 which
is disposed onto the back an airplane or like seat 102. The wire
frame member 55 is shown attached to the tray 100 by having a
curved portion 56 of the wire which forms a U-shaped portion which
goes underneath and clamps to a tray 100. Wire piece 55 has notches
58 thereon which adjustably receives the wire support leg 54 of
frame member 55 and allows for adjustment of height. Also shown are
ends 33 of the wire member which connect to the platform 20 inside
the foam pad 22 of the laptop holder by being inserted into the
apertures 38.
[0032] Many specific details contained in the above description
merely illustrate some preferred embodiments and should not be
construed as a limitation on the scope of the invention. Many other
variations are possible.
[0033] What is claimed to be new and desired to be protected by
Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *