U.S. patent application number 09/725575 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-30 for computer case/table.
Invention is credited to Pham, Thuan Minh.
Application Number | 20020063072 09/725575 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24915100 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020063072 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pham, Thuan Minh |
May 30, 2002 |
Computer case/table
Abstract
A computer case/table for a laptop computer. When used as a
case, the compact design allows for easy and convenient transport
of a laptop computer from one location to another. Upon reaching
the destination, the user may readily convert the case to a
computer table on which the laptop computer can be placed for use.
The case includes retractable, telescopic legs and a variety of
computer accessories, such as a backup battery pack, and connectors
for telephone and Internet access. An internal support system
allows the laptop computer to rise in a forward tilted position
from a stowed position to an upward position. Upon lifting of the
case lid. This allows for the comfortable use of the computer, and
promotes cooling of the rear portion of the computer, where heat
tends to build up, by exposure to and promotion of the circulation
of cooling environmental air.
Inventors: |
Pham, Thuan Minh;
(Gaithersburg, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard C. Litman
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. Box 15035
Arlington
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
24915100 |
Appl. No.: |
09/725575 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 ;
190/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1628 20130101;
A45C 5/14 20130101; G06F 1/20 20130101; A45C 15/00 20130101; A45C
9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 ;
190/11 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A combination computer case and table for a laptop, palmtop, or
similar compact computer comprising: a) a computer case having a
front wall, a rear wall, a first end wall, a second end wall, a
bottom wall, and an openable lid serving as a top wall; b) said
computer case having a hinge on said rear wall connecting said rear
wall with said lid and opposite to latches on said front wall for
connecting said front wall to said lid; c) means for supporting and
lifting said computer positioned therein upon opening said lid,
such that at least a rear portion of said computer is exposed to
cooling environmental air; and d) a mouse board slidably deployable
from said first end wall.
2. A combination computer case and table according to claim 1,
further comprising retractable wheels at the intersection of said
second end wall, said bottom wall and said front wall such that
said mouse board, when deployed, acts as a handle for easily moving
said case when resting on said retractable wheels.
3. The combination computer case and table according to claim 1,
further comprising telescoping legs, storable in recesses in said
case and vertically insertable in recesses located at each of four
corners of said bottom wall.
4. The combination computer case and table according to claim 1,
wherein at least a portion of said bottom wall comprises a printer
support, movable from a raised position wherein a printer is
contained within said case, and a lowered position wherein said
printer support is suspended from articulated hangers at each of
four corners, thereof, such that said printer is available for
use.
5. The combination computer case and table according to claim 4,
wherein said articulated hangers comprise upper printer support
arms attached to lower hanger support arms by arm connections which
are so constructed as to allow inward bending of said printer
support arms so as to adjust the height of said printer support,
said printer support having wheels at each corner thereof to allow
easy movement of said case and adjustment of its height.
6. The combination computer case and table according to claim 1,
having a retractable mouse board mounted within said front wall and
parallel to said bottom wall.
7. The combination computer case and table according to claim 1,
said means of supporting and lifting said computer support
comprising a support, connected by rear support pins and front
support pins which travel in curved rear pin tracks and oppositely
curved front pin tracks, respectively, said rear pin tracks being
located on opposite ends of said case lid, said tracks being so
located that when said case latches are opened and said case lid is
opened around said led hinge, each of said support pins is movable
from a lower end of said pin tracks to an upper end of said pin
tracks, respectively, thus raising said computer support and said
computer resting thereon, from a lower position within said case to
an upper position at least partially above said case.
8. The combination computer case and table of claim 7, further
comprising a computer positioning device located on the lower end
of said computer support and having computer support fingers
conforming to the shape of a laptop computer to maintain said
computer in a desired position.
9. The combination computer case and table of claim 3, wherein said
telescoping legs are adjustable to differing lengths to match the
terrain, and further comprising a lamp and an articulated lamp
support attachable to one of said first and said second end
wall.
10. The combination computer case and table of claim 1, further
comprising a handle, centrally mounted on said front wall, and
wherein said combination computer case and table, when in its
closed configuration, approximates the size and configuration of a
standard brief case.
11. A combination computer case and table according to claim 10,
further comprising a lamp connected with an articulated support and
foldable into a recess in one of said first and second end walls
and held in said recess by a latch when the lamp is not in use.
12. A combination computer case and table according to claim 10,
further comprising a telephone cable connection recessed in one of
said first and said second end walls.
13. A combination computer case and table according to claim 10,
further comprising telescoping legs at each of the four corners of
said combination computer case and table, each of which are
stowable in a first position and rotatable around a retractable leg
pivot to an upright position where said telescoping legs may be
individually telescoped downward to a desired length, thus forming
a table with said lid as the table surface.
14. The combination computer case and table according to claim 13,
wherein said legs are stowable in individual recesses in the bottom
wall of said combination computer case and table.
15. The combination computer case and table according to claim 10,
wherein said means for supporting and lifting is connected by rear
support pins and front support pins which travel in curved rear pin
tracks and oppositely curved front pin tracks, respectively, said
rear pin tracks being located on opposite ends of said case lid,
said tracks being so located that when said case latches are opened
and said case lid is pivoted around said lid hinge, each of said
support pins is movable from a lower end of said pin tracks to an
upper end of said pin tracks, respectively, thus raising said
computer support and said computer resting thereon, from a lower
position within said case to an upper position at least partially
above said case.
16. The combination computer case and table of claim 15, wherein
said rear pin tracks and said front pin tracks are so arranged that
said computer support tilts forward toward said front wall of said
case.
17. The combination computer case and table of claim 15. further
comprising an AC adapter electrically connected with an automobile
cigarette lighter probe connector with a probe connector wire, and
a DC backup battery within said computer case.
18. The combination computer case and table of claim 10, wherein at
least a portion of said bottom wall comprises a lowering storage
bottom rotatable on pins located near the rear wall of said case
and having pins near the front thereof located on storage bottom
tracks such that said storage bottom is movable from a stowed
position, level with the bottom wall of said case to a tilted open
position, extending downward toward the front wall of said
case.
19. The combination computer case and table of claim 10, further
comprising an AC adapter, a DC backup battery, and telephone cable
located within said case and accessible from the outside of said
case.
20. A combination computer case and table according to claim 10,
further comprising an optional box attached to said bottom side for
carrying a printer and computer supplies as desired.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to article carriers and
supports, and, more particularly, a combination computer case and
computer table for a laptop computer.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The laptop computer has become a necessity for those who
travel on business. There are many instances where it would be
helpful to have a combination carrying case, docking station and
platform, having a fold out table and lamp for ease of use of the
laptop computer, but none is known to be available. It would also
be desirable to provide a laptop computer case which, upon opening,
automatically raises the computer and slants it forward for
comfortable use and to provide for the rear of the laptop computer
to be exposed to the outside atmospheric environment to allow for
cooling air circulation, but none are known to be available.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,627, issued on Aug. 15, 1989, to Polatov
describes a work briefcase and table system. The combination
briefcase and table system includes a set of telescoping legs
mounted on the underside of the briefcase. Projecting shelves can
be extended from the briefcase to define a flat table.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,011, issued on Mar. 14, 2000, to
DeCurtis et al. describes a carrying case for transporting a laptop
computer and an associated mouse. The case has a lower base element
provided with four pivoted and telescoping legs and a sliding shelf
that acts as a mouse pad.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,540, issued Jul. 13, 1993, to Bradbury
describes a carrying case for a portable work station having a
personal computer, printer, and other peripherals. External
controls allow the work station to be operated when the case is
closed. The case includes an internal power source, an external DC
power jack, and external transceiver antenna jack, a phone
connector, etc.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,492, issued on Jul. 26, 1988, to Walsh
describes a printer stand and carrying case. The dual wall case
serves as a storage, shipping, and computer printer stand.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,893, issued on Jul. 26,1988,to Ruiz
describes an attache case having a partition whose upper surface
supports a laptop computer. The computer is removably affixed to
the partition by hook and loop fasteners.
[0010] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant
invention as claimed. Thus, a computer case/table solving the
aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention is a combination computer case and
computer table for a laptop computer. When used as a case, the
compact design allows for easy and convenient transport of a laptop
computer from one location to another. Upon reaching the
destination, the user may readily convert the case to a computer
table which, upon opening its lid, the laptop computer is raised
and tilted forward for ease and comfortable access and to promote
cooling air circulation near the rear of the case to avoid heat
buildup. The case includes retractable, telescopic legs and a
variety of computer accessories, such as a backup battery pack, and
connectors for telephone and Internet access.
[0012] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide a combination laptop computer case and table having a
storable mouse board.
[0013] It is another object of the invention to provide a
combination case/table as above, wherein the storable mouse board
may be extended from an end, thereof, to serve as a handle while
moving the case/table on retractable wheels.
[0014] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
combination case/table as above, having telescoping legs, foldable
into recesses for storage.
[0015] Still another object of the invention is to provide a
combination case/table as above, having a printer support with
articulated hangers, movable from a raised position when stored,
and to a selectable lowered position for use.
[0016] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a
combination case/table as above, having a storable front table,
useful as a mouse board or for writing, etc.
[0017] Still another object of the invention is to provide a
combination case/table as above, having a computer support which
raises and tilts forward on tracks upon the opening and raising of
the lid, thereof, thus avoiding heat buildup.
[0018] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a
combination laptop computer case/table which is of such proportions
as to be carried by a handle in the manner of a brief case.
[0019] Still another object of the invention is to provide a
combination case/table having foldable telescoping legs and a
storable front board useful as a mouse board, etc.
[0020] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a
combination case/table having a bottom portion which can be lowered
and tilted forward for access to stored papers, etc.
[0021] Still another object of the invention is to provide a
combination case/table as above, having a computer support which
raises and tilts forward on tracks upon the opening and raising of
a lid, thereof.
[0022] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a case
having a tilting computer support is useful in an automobile, and
which has a D.C. connector to plug into an automobile cigarette
lighter receptacle for access to electrical power.
[0023] It is an object of the invention to provide improved
elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which
is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its
intended purposes.
[0024] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a computer
case/table according to the present invention in its transportable
configuration.
[0026] FIG. 2 is an end view in elevation of the computer
case/table of FIG. 1 in its fully deployed configuration.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a front view in elevation of the computer
case/table of FIG. 1 having a front wall broken away.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a side view in elevation of the computer
case/table of FIG. 3 having a side wall broken away.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a front view in elevation as in FIG. 3 having the
printer deployed for use.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a side view in elevation as in FIG. 4 having the
printer deployed for use.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a side view in elevation as in FIG. 6 illustrating
an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein either a compact
printer, or no printer at all is employed and the height of the
computer case/table of FIG. 5 is adjustable in height.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a view in perspective of a computer positioning
device, useful in each of the embodiments of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a front view in elevation of the computer
case/table of FIG. 1, having adjustable legs deployed at differing
heights to match an uneven resting surface and having a reading
light deployed over the top surface, for use in a desk
configuration.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
computer case/table of the invention, transportable as a brief
case.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a view in perspective as in FIGS. 1 and 10 having
a front and side broken away to illustrate the adjustable legs in
their stored position.
[0036] FIG. 12 is a side view in elevation of the computer
case/table of FIG. 10, comparable to the configuration of FIG.
8.
[0037] FIG. 13 is a broken away side view in elevation of the
embodiment of FIG. 10 in a fully deployed configuration.
[0038] FIG. 14 is a front view in elevation of the embodiment of
FIG. 10 illustrating the adjustable legs in a partially deployed
configuration.
[0039] FIG. 15 is a side view in elevation of the embodiment of
FIG. 10 having the end wall broken away, showing a configuration
useful in an automobile.
[0040] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings. For the sake of
clarity, not all views of an embodiment illustrate all elements,
and variations in elements illustrated indicate their equivalence.
Not all elements in all drawings of each embodiment are mentioned
in each corresponding passage in the following "Detailed
Description," below.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] The present invention is a case/table for a laptop computer.
When used as a case, the compact design allows for easy and
convenient transport of a laptop computer from one location to
another. Upon reaching the destination, the user may readily
convert the case to a table may be opened upward, moving the laptop
computer upward in a forward tilting position, and so providing
easy and comfortable access to the laptop computer mounted therein.
The case includes retractable, telescopic legs and a variety of
computer accessories, such as a backup battery pack, and connectors
for telephone and Internet access.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown, respectively, a
perspective view of the closed case and a side view of a fully
deployed embodiment of the invention wherein computer case/table
system 10 includes case 12 having case front wall 14, first end
wall 16, second end wall 18, case bottom wall 20, and case upper
wall 22. Case lid 24 covers computer case/table 12 and is kept in
the closed position during transport by lid latches 26. Case handle
28 is useful for carrying the case/table 12. Case retractable mouse
board 29 includes mouse board hand pull 30 and is deployable from
case first end wall 16, and may be further extended by means of
mouse board extensions 31. Case back wall 32 is connected with lid
24 by a hinge 34, such as a piano hinge, and has retractable wheels
35 near its lower end which are stowed in the a retracted position
and, when deployed in the downward position are useful in towing
the computer case/table 12. Mouse board hand pull 30 is useful as a
handle when towing case/table 12 when mouse board 29 is extended by
extension 31, and when wheels 35 are in the downward position.
[0043] Referring more specifically to FIG. 2, there is shown the
computer case/table 12 in a fully deployed configuration where
printer support 38 for printer B and is supported by articulated
hangers 39 at each of its four corners and comprise rear upper
printer support arms 40, front upper printer support arms 42, rear
lower printer support arms 44, front lower printer support arms 46,
rear printer support arm connections 48, and front printer support
arm connections 50. Printer support wheels 51(see FIG. 7, below)
may be of the simple axle type as shown, or have swivel mountings
or their equivalent. Printer support 38 becomes part of case bottom
wall 20 when retracted. Case/table 12 is supported by retractable
telescoping legs 52, foldable into case bottom 20 on retractable
leg pivots 54 and having upper telescoping leg portions 56, lower
telescoping leg portions 58, and lower leg pads 60. A plurality of
telescoping leg portions 58 may be employed to add additional
height to the case/table 12.
[0044] Laptop computer A is held on laptop computer support 62 for
use. Laptop computer support 62 is supported by rear computer
support pins 64 and front computer support pins 66. These pins are
free to travel in rear pin track 68 and front pin track 70,
respectively, to allow laptop computer support 62 to rise in a
forward-tilted position from a stowed position to an upward
position for use. This allows for the comfortable use of the
computer, and promotes cooling of the rear portion of the computer,
where heat tends to build up, by exposure to and promotion of the
circulation of cooling environmental air. Front latch 26 features
front latch lock 74. Front mouse board 76 is retractable from
case/table 12 and is useful for writing, using a computer mouse, or
for other purposes.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a front view of the
computer case/table 12 having a front wall broken away and showing
retractable telescoping legs 56 in their stored position. Printer
support 38 and printer B are shown in their stored position. The
computer A is also shown in its stored position.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a side view of the
computer case/table of computer case/table 12 having a side wall
broken away. Printer support 38 and printer B are shown in their
stored position. Printer support 62 and computer A are shown in
their stored position. Rear computer support pins 64 and front
computer support pins 66 are shown in rear pin tracks and front pin
tracks respectively, in their stored position.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a front view of computer
case/table 12 as in FIG. 3 showing printer B and support 38 in a
deployed position. As diagrammatically shown, printer B may be
retained in a recess in support 38 so as to be secure during
transport.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a side view of computer
case/table 12 as in FIG. 4, showing printer B and support 38 in
their deployed position. In this configuration, the lid 24 may be
opened and computer A deployed for use as in FIG. 2.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a side view of computer
case/table 12 as in FIG. 6, showing computer support 38 in a
partially lowered position with printer support articulated hangers
39 folded inward so as to adjust the height of computer case/table
29. Wheels 51 may be attached at each of the four corners of
printer support 38 for ease of movement. In this embodiment, if at
all, a compact printer is used.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a perspective view of a
computer positioning device 79 attachable to laptop computer
support 62 and having fingers 80 for engaging laptop computer
A.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 9 there is shown a front view of the
computer case/table of FIG. 1 in a desk configuration, having
adjustable legs 52 deployed at differing lengths to match the
terrain. Upper leg portions 56 are supported by retractable leg
pivots 54 in the four corners of case/table bottom 20. A lamp 82 is
supported for use by articulated support 84 and is stowable in
case/table 12. Solar charger 86, which acts as a shade an reflector
for lamp 82, is connected with articulated lamp support 84 and
solar power battery 88 to supplement electricity to operate lamp
32.
[0052] In operation, mouse board 29 and retractable wheels 35 are
extended for easily transporting the computer case/table 12. To set
up as a computer table, lock 74 is unlocked and latches 26 are
opened, allowing lid 22 to be raised to its open position.
Telescoping legs 52 are rotated and extended from retractable leg
pivots 54. Printer support 38 is lowered on articulated printer
support hangers 39. Upon raising lid 22, laptop computer A is
raised by laptop computer support 62 by means of support pins 64
and 66 traveling in tracks 68 and 70. The front extendable board 76
may be pulled out from its stored position within case 12 for use
as desired(see FIG. 10, below).
[0053] Computer case/table 12 may also be used as a table with the
telescoping legs 52 in place and lid down. Telescoping legs 52 may
be individually adjusted in length to allow the case 12 to be used
as a table on uneven terrain. A lamp 82 and articulated lamp
support 84 may be stored in case/table 12 and attached to an end
wall of said case/table 12 as desired.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a perspective view of
another embodiment of the invention as a computer case/table,
transportable as a brief case, wherein computer case system 100
features computer case 112 having case front wall 114, case first
end wall 116, case second end wall 118, case bottom wall 120, and
case upper wall 122. Case upper wall 122 is part of case lid 124.
Case lid 124 is maintained in a closed condition for carrying by
lid latches 126. Case handle 128 is useful in carrying the closed
case. Case 112 features a retractable mouse board 130 for use when
the enclosed computer is in use. Lamp shade 182 of lamp 181(not
shown) is stored in first end wall 116, in recess 183, along with
articulated folding lamp support 184 and secured by lamp latch 188.
Also, accessibly stored is telephone plug and cable 190.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a view as in FIGS. 1
and 10 above, having front and side walls broken away, illustrating
telescoping legs 152 in their stored position, wherein case back
wall 132 is attached to case lid by case lid hinge 134 (see FIG.
13, below). Case 112 features retractable telescoping legs 152
having upper telescoping leg portions 156 attached to case 112 near
case bottom wall 120 by retractable leg pivots 157. Lower
telescoping leg portions 158 are slidably encased in upper
telescoping leg portion 156, and there may be a plurality of
concentric leg portions 158 as desired. Lower telescoping leg
portion 158 ends in lower leg pad 160. Lower box 194 is optionally
a part of the invention and is available to carry a compact printer
or supplies as desired.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a side view of the
computer case/table similar to that of FIG. 8, above, wherein
retractable telescoping legs 152 are rotated on their respective
retractable leg pivots 157 to a standing position. Lid 124 remains
closed for use as a desk top and lamp 181, having shade 182 is
deployed by articulated support 184 for use from lamp storage
compartment 183. (Note that lamp storage compartment 183 is shown
on the opposite side of case 112 from FIG. 10 for illustration
purposes.) Lamp shade 182 acts as a solar collector as in the
embodiments of FIG. 1 and shown thereby. The corresponding solar
battery is not shown in FIG. 12. Mouse board 130 is partially
deployed for use as desired.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a side view with the
side of the embodiment of the computer case/table of FIG. 10 broken
away, illustrating a fully deployed configuration wherein
case/table 112 is supported by retractable telescoping legs 152
rotated from a horizontal stored position to a vertical position
around retractable leg pivots 157 as discussed above.
[0058] Laptop computer A is held on laptop computer support 162.
Laptop computer support 162 is supported by rear computer support
pins 164 and front computer support pins 166. The pins 164 are free
to travel in rear pin track 168. Front foldable support bracket 169
is divided by front support bracket swivel 170 allowing foldable
bracket lower portion 171 to fold over foldable bracket upper
portion 172, respectively, to allow laptop computer support 162 to
rise in a forward tilted position from a stowed position to an
upward position. This allows for the comfortable use of the
computer, and promotes cooling of the rear portion of the computer,
where heat tends to build up, by exposure to and promotion of the
circulation of cooling environmental air. Front latch 126 features
front latch lock 174. Front mouse board 176 is retractable from
case/table 112 and is useful for writing, using a computer mouse,
or for other purposes.
[0059] Case bottom wall 120 comprises a lowering storage bottom
195, rotatable on pins 196 near case back wall 132 and having front
storage bottom pins 198 near the front, thereof, located on storage
bottom tracks 210 such that storage bottom 195 is movable from a
stowed position, level with bottom wall 120 of case 112 to a tilted
open position, extending downward toward from case front wall 114.
AC adapter 212, a DC backup battery 214, and telephone cable 190
are located on the interior of case end wall 118 and are accessible
for connection to the outside of the case 112.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 14 there is shown a view of the embodiment
of FIG. 10 illustrating the telescoping legs in a partially
deployed configuration. Case 112 features lid 124 and latches 126.
A left leg 152 is partially deployed by rotation about retractable
leg pivot 157 with telescoping left leg 152 still retracted. Right
leg 152 is shown in the fully extended vertical position, having
fully rotated around leg pivot 157 and lower telescoping leg
portions 158 extended such that lower leg pad 160 rests at the
desired level. Telescoping legs 152 may be extended to differing
lengths to accommodate uneven terrain in a similar manner to the
embodiment of FIG. 9.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 15, there is shown a side view of the
embodiment of FIG. 10 having an end wall broken away, showing a
configuration useful in an automobile. Computer case 112 is in the
open position with lid 124 in the open position. Computer A is
resting on computer support 162 in an upward, forward-tilted
position, ready for use, having rear computer support pin 164 and
front computer support pin 166 located in rear pin track 168 and
rotatably located on front foldable support bracket 169. Support
bracket swivel 170 allows fordable bracket lower portion 171 to
fold over foldable bracket upper portion 172. AC power converter
212 is connected to the automobile electrical system by means of
cigarette lighter probe 218 connected by electrical wire 220. Power
is stored in backup battery 214.
[0062] In operation, laptop computer case/table 112 may be carried
as a brief case by handle 128. Lamp shade and solar collector 182,
along with articulated lamp support 184 is stored in recess 183 of
a side wall 116 or 118 of case/table 112 and is held in its stowed
position by lamp latch 188. Telephone and Internet cable and
connector 190 (a standard telephone plug, or coaxial cable as
shown) is recessed in side wall 116 or 118 for connection of the
computer A with appropriate utilities. Computer case/table 112 may
be turned into a table by rotating telescoping legs 152 from their
stowed position recessed in the bottom wall 120 of case/table 112
to their vertical position around retractable leg pivots 157 and
adjusted for desired length to obtain a level table surface. An
upgrade box 194 is attachable to the bottom wall 120 if desired,
and is useable for carrying computer related equipment and notes.
By extending legs 152 while leaving the lid 124 closed and
deploying lamp 181, with articulated lamp support 184, upper wall
122 of lid 124 serves as a desk or table top. Lid 124 may be opened
after unlocking lock 174 of latch 126.
[0063] Upon raising lid 122, laptop computer A is raised by laptop
computer support 162 by means of support pins 164 traveling in
tracks 168, and support pins 166 rotating at the top of front
foldable support bracket 169. Front mouse board 130 is retractable
from case/table 112 and is useful for writing, using a computer
mouse, or for other purposes. Storage bottom 195 may be lowered
from a stored position in case bottom wall 120 to a tilted, open
position by rotating it around pins 196 near case back wall 132.
The front of storage bottom 195 is positioned by pins 198 located
in storage bottom tracks 210. AC adapter 212, having DC backup
battery 214, and telephone and Internet cable 190 are located on
the interior of case end wall 118 and are accessible for connection
to utilities outside of the case 112.
[0064] The laptop computer case/table 12 may be configured for use
in an automobile by lifting the lid 124 exposing computer A for use
and plugging automobile cigarette lighter probe connector 218 into
a cigarette lighter connector to supply power to the power
system
[0065] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *