U.S. patent application number 09/932044 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-20 for foldable keyboard work platform and carrying case.
Invention is credited to D'Hoste, Christian.
Application Number | 20030034263 09/932044 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25461682 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030034263 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
D'Hoste, Christian |
February 20, 2003 |
Foldable keyboard work platform and carrying case
Abstract
A compact, rigid work platform and carrying case for a foldable
keyboard is disclosed. The disclosed device has multiple flat
panels, connected with hinges, that can be arranged into two
configurations: a thin, rigid, planar working surface and a secure
carrying case. The working surface has dimensions approximately
equal to the outer dimensions of the fully expanded keyboard with a
handheld computer attached to it. The interior dimensions of the
carrying case are at least as large as an envelope enclosing the
keyboard when it is in its folded configuration. Means are provided
for securing the device in both configurations. Means are also
provided to secure the keyboard to the face of the working surface
when it is being operated by the user.
Inventors: |
D'Hoste, Christian;
(Clermont, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Christian D'Hoste
12935 Amber Ave.
Clermont
FL
34711
US
|
Family ID: |
25461682 |
Appl. No.: |
09/932044 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 9/00 20130101; A45C
2013/025 20130101; A45C 7/0054 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A device for holding and carrying a foldable keyboard
comprising: a. a plurality of panels, having top faces and bottom
faces, hingedly connected to form a planar surface configuration
having dimensions at least equal to the dimensions of a foldable
computer keyboard in its expanded configuration; and b. a plurality
of movable stiffeners disposed on the bottom faces of said panels;
wherein said panels can fold into a box configuration having
interior dimensions greater than the exterior dimensions of said
keyboard when it is in its folded configuration; and wherein each
of said stiffeners has a locked position that holds said panels in
said planar surface configuration and a closed position that allows
said panels to be folded into said box configuration.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising means for holding said
panels in said box configuration.
3. The device of claim 1, further comprising means for holding said
keyboard on the top faces of said panels when said panels are in
said planar surface configuration.
4. A device for holding and carrying a foldable keyboard
comprising: a. a clip panel, having a top face, a bottom face, a
left edge, and a right edge; b. a front panel, having a top face, a
bottom face, a left edge, a right edge, and a top edge, said left
edge of said front panel hingedly coupled to said right edge of
said clip panel; c. a bottom panel, having a top face, a bottom
face, a left edge, and a right edge, said left edge of said bottom
panel hingedly connected to said right edge of said front panel; d.
a back panel, having a top face, a bottom face, a left edge, and a
right edge, said left edge of said back panel hingedly connected to
said right edge of said bottom panel; e. a top panel, having a top
face, a bottom face, a left edge, a right edge, and a bottom edge,
said left edge of said top panel hingedly connected to said right
edge of said back panel; f. a right panel, having a top face, a
bottom face, and a top edge, said top edge of said right panel
hingedly connected to said bottom edge of said top panel; g. a left
panel, having a top face, a bottom face, and a bottom edge, said
bottom edge of said left panel hingedly connected to said top edge
of said front panel; wherein said clip panel, said front panel,
said bottom panel, said back panel, said top panel, said right
panel, and said left panel alternately form a box when folded into
a first configuration and a flat, planar surface when unfolded into
a second configuration; said box having interior dimensions greater
than the dimensions of an area encompassing a foldable keyboard in
its folded configuration.
5. The device of claim 4, further comprising means for holding said
foldable keyboard on the top faces of said panels when said panels
are in the planar surface configuration.
6. The device of claim 4, further comprising means for holding said
panels in said first configuration and means for holding said
panels in said second configuration.
7. The device of claim 4, further comprising: a. a plurality of
stiffeners mounted on one or more of said panels, wherein i. each
of said stiffeners has a locked position when said panels are in
said second configuration and wherein each of said stiffeners lies
across at least two of said panels and prevents said panels from
folding into said first configuration, ii. each of said stiffeners
has a closed position when said panels are in said first
configuration and wherein each of said stiffeners lies across only
one of said panels, and iii. each of said stiffeners is constructed
of a magnetic metallic material; and b. a plurality of stiffener
stops positioned adjacent to said stiffeners when said stiffeners
are in said locked positions and in said closed positions, wherein
each of said stiffener stops comprises a magnet.
8. The device of claim 7, whereby: a. said top edge of said right
panel is connected to said bottom edge of said top panel by a
spring hinge, the spring hinge biased so as to hold said top face
of said right panel against said top face of said top panel; and b.
said bottom edge of said left panel is connected to said top edge
of said front panel by a spring hinge, the spring hinge biased so
as to hold said top face of said left panel against said top face
of said front panel.
9. The device of claim 7, further comprising: a. means for
releasably securing said bottom face of said clip panel to said
bottom face of said front panel when said device is folded into
said first configuration; and b. means for releasably securing said
right edge of said top panel to said left edge of said front panel
and said right edge of said clip panel when said device is folded
into said first configuration.
10. The device of claim 7, further comprising a plurality of
magnets disposed on said right edge of said top panel, and wherein:
a. said clip panel and said front panel are connected by a hinge
constructed of a metallic, magnetic material; b. said hinge extends
beyond the edges of said clip panel and front panel when said
device is folded into said first configuration; and c. said magnets
on said top panel engage said hinge when said device is folded into
said first configuration.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to work platforms and carrying
cases for small electronic devices and keyboards. More
particularly, the invention relates to a collapsible work platform
that provides a rigid, flat surface upon which a foldable keyboard
and handheld computer can be mounted and that provides a carrying
case for the foldable keyboard when the work platform is
collapsed.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] With the recent advances in computer technology, small
handheld computers have become increasingly popular. Although many
of these computers are "pen-based" computers, i.e., a stylus pen is
used to enter data and select options on the computer, it is
generally accepted that data entry is more easily accomplished
through the use of a traditional keyboard. Therefore, most handheld
computers have the capability to interface with traditional
keyboards. To accommodate this new capability and still satisfy the
consumer's demand for compactness and portability, foldable
keyboards are now widely available on the market. For example,
Targus markets a device known as the Stowaway.RTM.. These foldable
keyboards provide full-size keys in the traditional "QWERTY" layout
when the keyboards are in their expanded configuration. However,
when they are not in use, these keyboards fold up into a compact,
rectangular configuration.
[0005] One persistent problem encountered by a person using a
handheld computer with a foldable keyboard is that the keyboard has
a tendency to collapse when the person tries to operate it while it
is laying on an uneven surface. This problem is commonly
encountered when the person tries to operate the keyboard while
sitting, e.g., in an airport lobby or on a subway train. A search
of the market for handheld computer accessories and of existing
patents produced no device that provides a firm, compact working
surface upon which a person can operate a foldable keyboard when
there are no other working surfaces available. Also, there are no
carrying cases designed for foldable keyboards that can be expanded
to provide such a working surface.
[0006] Clipboards with storage compartments are common in the
market. However, their storage compartments are not deep enough to
store a folded keyboard or the clipboards are larger than
necessary. U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,075 B1 discloses a collapsible
clipboard. However, it only collapses to make it thinner in depth
and the user is still left with a bulky device to carry around.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,200 discloses a keyboard system for use with a
handheld computer. The device has a cover that folds over to
enclose and protect the keyboard. However, the keyboard does not
fold into a compact configuration and the device remains bulky
after it is closed.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No.'s 6,151,012, 6,168,331 B1, and 3,940,758
disclose foldable keyboard/computer systems. However, each of these
systems is a complex, self-contained device that is not suitable to
form a stiff working surface or carrying case for the foldable
keyboards currently available on the market. Also, the keyboards of
U.S. Pat. No.'s 6,151,012 and 6,168,331 B1 have only one folding
point in the middle and, thus, will not fold into the small compact
configuration of the device disclosed herein and the foldable
keyboards for which it was designed.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,250 discloses a large carrying case and
work platform designed particularly for use with laptop computers.
Even if it was used as a work platform for handheld computers and
foldable keyboards, it is large and bulky and does not collapse
into a smaller carrying case when it is not in use. U.S. Pat. No.
5,445,266 discloses a carrying case for a handheld computer but the
device does not support a fully-expanded keyboard or provide a
solid working surface for any keyboard.
[0009] One purpose of the device disclosed in this application is
to provide a flat, rigid working surface upon which a foldable
computer keyboard, commonly found on the market, can be operated.
These computer keyboards typically have a means of mounting a
handheld computer to the rear of the keyboard. The disclosed device
can be placed, e.g., on the user's lap, have a foldable keyboard
and handheld computer securely mounted to it, and allow the user to
easily operate the keyboard and computer. Another purpose of the
disclosed device is to provide a protective carrying case for the
foldable keyboard when it is not in use. Therefore, the device can
be collapsed into a box shape that can accommodate the folded
keyboard. Yet another goal is to design a device that is simple,
easy to construct, and inexpensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The invention described herein addresses a need found in the
market for accessories for handheld computers. The disclosed device
provides a rigid working platform upon which a foldable keyboard
can be mounted and operated. It doubles as a carrying case for the
keyboard. The working platform has dimensions approximately equal
to, or greater than, the outer dimensions of the fully expanded
keyboard with a handheld computer attached to it. The carrying case
has interior dimensions equal to, or slightly greater than, the
dimensions of the folded keyboard. The device has a plurality of
thin rigid panels that are hingedly connected. The panels can be
arranged in two configurations: a closed configuration in which the
panels form a box into which the folded keyboard can be inserted
and a locked configuration in which the panels lock into a rigid
planar surface upon which the keyboard can be mounted and operated.
Means are provided for securing the panels in the closed and locked
configurations.
[0011] The preferred embodiment of the invention has seven panels
constructed of a thin, strong, lightweight material such as
aluminum that are connected with hinges. Magnets and spring hinges
are used to maintain the panels in the closed box configuration.
When the user wants to operate the keyboard, the panels can easily
be released and laid flat to provide a working surface for the
keyboard. A means for securing the keyboard to the top face of the
invention, such as a spring clip, is provided. Stiffeners are
positioned on the bottom faces of one or more panels. The
stiffeners can be moved into a locked position so that they cross
the junction between one or more panels and, thus, hold the panels
firmly in a rigid, flat configuration. The stiffeners can also be
moved into a closed position so that the panels can be folded back
into the folded box configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 provides a plan view of the top of the preferred
device in the fully expanded configuration.
[0013] FIG. 2 provides a plan view of the bottom of the preferred
device in the fully expanded configuration.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a right side elevation of the preferred device
in the fully expanded configuration.
[0015] FIG. 4 shows a front elevation of the preferred device with
the stiffeners in the locked configuration.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows a front elevation of the preferred device with
the stiffeners ready for folding.
[0017] FIG. 6 shows a front elevation of the preferred device when
it is being folded.
[0018] FIG. 7 shows a side elevation of the preferred device in the
folded configuration with the right panel removed.
[0019] FIG. 8 shows a side elevation of the preferred device in the
fully folded configuration.
[0020] FIG. 9 provides a plan view of the device expanded to accept
a keyboard.
[0021] FIG. 10 provides a plan view of the bottom of the
alternative embodiment with the stiffeners in the locked
configuration.
[0022] FIG. 11 provides a plan view of the bottom of the
alternative embodiment with the stiffeners ready for folding.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] The invention consists of a series of lightweight panels
hingedly connected to each other to form a flat working surface in
one configuration, the "expanded" configuration, and an enclosure
for a foldable keyboard in another configuration, the "closed"
configuration. When it is in the expanded configuration, the device
has dimensions at least slightly larger than the dimensions of a
foldable keyboard such as a Targus Stowaway.RTM.. FIG. 1 shows the
preferred embodiment of the invention in the expanded
configuration. FIG. 8 shows a right side view of the invention in
the closed configuration. FIG. 7 shows the same view with the right
panel removed. As shown in FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment has
seven panels: a clip panel 1, a front panel 2, a bottom panel 3, a
back panel 4, a top panel 5, a right panel 6, and a left panel 7.
These panels are constructed of a thin, stiff, lightweight,
nonmagnetic material, such as aluminum. The length and width
dimensions of the clip panel 1, front panel 2, and back panel 4,
are slightly larger than the length and width of the foldable
keyboard when it is in its folded configuration. The width of the
bottom panel 3 and the top panel 5 are slightly larger than the
depth of the folded keyboard. As shown in FIG. 1, a spring clip 8
of sufficient size to hold the keyboard in place is mounted on the
top face of the clip panel 1.
[0024] The panels are connected to each other by small hinges. The
front panel 2, bottom panel 3, back panel 4, and top panel 5 are
all connected by small piano-style hinges 9. As shown in FIG. 4,
these hinges 9 have low profiles to minimize interference with the
keyboard when it is placed on the face of the device. The left
panel 7 is connected to the front panel with two small, stiff
spring hinges 11. Similarly, the right panel 6 is connected to the
top panel 5 with a spring hinge 11. The front panel 2 is connected
to the clip panel 1 with a small piano-style hinge 10 constructed
of a magnetic material. Magnetic hinge 10 is mounted so that it
extends beyond the edges of the front panel 2 and the clip panel 1
when the two panels are folded against each other as shown in FIG.
7. Small, high-powered magnets 14 are embedded in the right edge of
the top panel 5 so that when the device is in the closed
configuration, the magnets 14 engage hinge 10 and hold the device
firmly in the closed configuration. The magnets 14 are embedded in
the top panel 5 so that they are flush with the right edge and
planar surfaces of the top panel 5 as shown in FIG.'s 1, 2 and 3.
Also, two magnets 12 are mounted on the bottom side of the clip
panel 1 as shown in FIG. 2. Two magnet pads 13 are mounted in
corresponding positions on the bottom side of the front panel 2 so
that, when the device is in the closed configuration, the clip
panel magnets 12 come into contact with the magnet pads 13. The
magnet pads 13 are made of a magnetic material, such as carbon
steel.
[0025] A means for maintaining the device in a flat, stiffened
condition for laptop use is necessary. Otherwise, the device would
fold in onto itself and collapse when it was placed on the lap of
the user or on some other uneven surface. Stiffening of the device
is accomplished by the use of stiffeners 15 installed on the bottom
face of the device as shown in FIG. 2. The preferred device has
four stiffeners 15 mounted on the bottom face of the front panel 2.
Each stiffener 15 is constructed of a thin, strong, magnetic
material. The stiffeners 15 are pivotally mounted on the front
panel 2. A pivot pin 17 is attached to one end of each stiffener 15
and mounted through the front panel 2, allowing the stiffeners to
swing between a locked position (when the device is locked in the
expanded configuration) and a closed position (when the device is
in the closed configuration). Note that FIG. 2 shows the stiffeners
15 in the locked position and their closed positions are indicated
by the dashed lines in FIG. 2. Eight stiffener stops 16 are
positioned on the bottom face of the device so that one stiffener
stop 16 is contacting each stiffener 15 when that stiffener is in
either the locked or closed position as shown in FIG. 2. The
stiffener stops 16 are small high-powered magnets that will firmly
hold the stiffeners 15 in place when the stiffeners are in either
the locked or closed positions. FIG. 4 shows a front elevation of
the device with the stiffeners 15 in the locked position. FIG. 5
shows a front elevation of the device with the stiffeners 15 in the
closed position, ready for folding.
[0026] In operation, the invention is designed to be used in two
configurations, as discussed above. First, when it is in the
expanded configuration, the device is ready to be used as a base
upon which a foldable keyboard, such as a Targus Stowaway.RTM., can
be mounted. In this configuration, the foldable keyboard can be
mounted on the device and operated while it is sitting on the
user's lap or some other uneven surface. For example, the device
can be useful to a person who wants to use his or her foldable
keyboard on a soft bed that would yield whenever the person pressed
a key if the device wasn't being used. The foldable keyboard is
mounted to the device by placing the left edge of the keyboard
under the clip 8.
[0027] The spring hinge 11 connecting the right panel 6 to the top
panel 5 is positioned to hold the face of the right panel 6 flat
against the face of the top panel 5 when the device is in the
expanded configuration. The minimal thickness of the panels 5 and 6
will prevent them from interfering with the keyboard when it is
mounted on the device. FIG. 9 shows the device ready to accept the
keyboard, having the right panel 6 lying flat against the top panel
5. Similarly the spring hinges 11 connecting the left panel 7 to
the front panel 2 are positioned to hold the face of the left panel
7 flat against the face of the front panel 2 when the device is in
the expanded configuration. However, if a handheld computer is
mounted to the keyboard, it will typically be positioned in way of
the left panel 7. If so, the computer will hold the left panel 7
down in its expanded position. Alternatively, in the absence of a
computer, the left panel 7 will lay flat against the front panel 2
and not interfere with the keyboard when it is mounted on the
device.
[0028] To lock the device in the expanded configuration, the
stiffeners 15 are swung out into their locked positions where they
will come into contact with the stiffener stops 16 as shown in FIG.
2. Being magnets, the stiffener stops 16 will hold the stiffeners
15 firmly in their locked positions until they are manually swung
away from the stiffener stops 16 by the user when ready to fold up
the device.
[0029] When the user is finished with the keyboard (and handheld
computer), the device is folded up to form a carrier for the
keyboard as follows. First, the keyboard is removed from under the
clip 8 and folded into its folded configuration. Next, the
stiffeners 15 are rotated into their closed positions as indicated
by the dashed lines in FIG. 2. Stiffener stops 16 engage the
stiffeners 15 and firmly hold them in their closed positions.
[0030] The user can then fold the device into its folded
configuration. FIG. 6 shows the direction in which panels 1-5
rotate. Note that, in order to fold the top panel 5, the right
panel 6 will have to be pulled away from the top panel 5 and held
in the open position against the force of the spring hinge 11 as
shown in FIG. 1. Similarly, the left panel 7, will have to be held
in the open position in order to fold the clip panel 1 and the
bottom panel 3. Also note that the hinges 9 are designed to limit
the rotation of the panels to a maximum 90 degree angle of
rotation. Hinge 10 is not so limited and will allow the clip panel
1 to be rotated 180 degrees until it's magnets 12 contact the
magnet pads 13 on the front panel 2.
[0031] When the clip panel 1 is folded against the front panel 2,
the clip panel magnets 12 will engage the magnet pads 13, thereby
holding the clip panel 1 firmly against the front panel 2 until it
is pulled away by the user. Also, when the clip panel 1 is folded
against the front panel 2, the stiffeners 15 will be covered by the
clip panel 1 and, therefore, will be out of sight and protected
from unintentional damage or snagging. Finally, after folding the
clip panel 1 and front panel 2, the clip panel hinge 10 will extend
beyond the edges of the two panels as shown in FIG.'s 7 and 8. When
the device is in the folded configuration, the magnets 14 on the
top panel 5 will engage the clip panel hinge 10 and hold the device
firmly in the folded configuration.
[0032] After panels 1-5 are rotated into their folded positions,
the right panel 6 and the left panel 7 can be released. The spring
hinges 11 will cause the right panel 6 and left panel 7 to snap
shut against the edges of the front panel 2, the bottom panel 3,
and the back panel 4, thus completing the closed box shown in FIG.
8. The interior dimensions of the closed box will be slightly
greater than the dimensions of the folded keyboard. The user can
place the folded keyboard inside the box, or "carrying case", by
pulling open either the right panel 6 or the left panel 7 and
inserting the keyboard.
[0033] An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in
FIG.'s 10 and 11. In this embodiment, stiffener grooves 19 are cut
into the bottoms of the clip panel 1, front panel 2, bottom panel
3, and back panel 4. Stiffeners 18 are disposed in the stiffener
grooves 19 and are allowed to slide horizontally within the
grooves. As in the preferred embodiment described above, stiffener
stops 16 consisting of small magnets, are used to hold the
stiffeners 18 in the locked and closed positions. One stiffener
stop 16 is installed at each end of each stiffener groove 19. FIG.
10 shows the stiffeners 18 in their locked positions. FIG. 11 shows
the stiffeners 18 in their closed positions.
[0034] While the preferred embodiment and one alternative
embodiment of the present invention is described above, it should
be understood that it has been presented by way of example and not
limitation. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art
that equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. It is
intended that all such alternative embodiments shall be covered by
the claims set forth herein.
* * * * *