U.S. patent application number 10/270880 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-17 for portable computer support system.
Invention is credited to Parkinson, Roger A..
Application Number | 20030071184 10/270880 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26954555 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030071184 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parkinson, Roger A. |
April 17, 2003 |
Portable computer support system
Abstract
A portable computer support system for providing a convenient
and effective support platform upon a user's lap that supports a
portable computer. The portable computer support system includes a
support platform, a first support strap and a second support strap
attached to opposing sides of the support platform, and opposing
fasteners attached to the distal portions of the straps for
selective interconnection to one another. The support platform has
an upper surface for supporting an object such as a portable
computer. The straps are extended about the legs of the user in a
secured manner with the platform positioned upon the lap thereof.
Alternatively, a first bracket and a second bracket may be directly
connected to the portable computer for receiving the straps.
Inventors: |
Parkinson, Roger A.;
(Bakersfield, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael S. Neustel
Suite No. 4
2534 South University Drive
Fargo
ND
58103
US
|
Family ID: |
26954555 |
Appl. No.: |
10/270880 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60329368 |
Oct 15, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/346.01 ;
248/918 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 23/002
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/346.01 ;
248/918 |
International
Class: |
B65D 019/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A support apparatus for use upon a lap of an individual,
comprising: a support platform having an upper surface and a lower
surface; a first support strap attached to said support platform; a
second support strap attached to said support platform extending
opposite of said first support strap; a first end fastener attached
to a distal end of said first support strap; and a second end
fastener attached to distal end of said second support strap for
selectively securing to said first end fastener.
2. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support platform
has a flat structure.
3. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said upper surface has
a straight planar structure.
4. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first end
fastener and said second end fastener are comprised of a hook and
loop fastener material.
5. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first end
fastener is comprised of a buckle unit and wherein said second end
fastener is comprised of a plurality of apertures.
6. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first support
strap and said second support strap are comprised of a flexible
material.
7. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first support
strap and said second support strap are comprised of an elastic
material.
8. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first support
strap and said second support strap are comprised of a textile
material.
9. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first support
strap and said second support strap are comprised of a tapered
structure.
10. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support platform
is comprised of a rigid structure.
11. A support apparatus for use upon a lap of an individual,
comprising: a first bracket attached to a portable computer; a
first support strap attached to said first bracket; a second
bracket attached to said portable computer; a second support strap
attached to said second bracket extending opposite of said first
support strap; a first end fastener attached to a distal end of
said first support strap; and a second end fastener attached to
distal end of said second support strap for selectively securing to
said first end fastener.
12. The support apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first bracket
has a first opening for receiving said first support strap and
wherein said first support strap includes at least one first
fastener for securing about said first bracket, and wherein said
second bracket has a second opening for receiving said second
support strap and wherein said second support strap includes at
least one second fastener for securing about said second
bracket.
13. The support apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first bracket
and said second bracket are removably attached to said portable
computer.
14. The support apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first end
fastener and said second end fastener are comprised of a hook and
loop fastener material.
15. The support apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first end
fastener is comprised of a buckle unit and wherein said second end
fastener is comprised of a plurality of apertures.
16. The support apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first support
strap and said second support strap are comprised of a flexible
material.
17. The support apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first support
strap and said second support strap are comprised of an elastic
material.
18. The support apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first support
strap and said second support strap are comprised of a textile
material.
19. The support apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first support
strap and said second support strap are comprised of a tapered
structure.
20. A method of attaching a portable computer support apparatus,
wherein said support apparatus is comprised of a support platform
having an upper surface and a lower surface, a first support strap
attached to said support platform, a second support strap attached
to said support platform extending opposite of said first support
strap, a first end fastener attached to a distal end of said first
support strap, and a second end fastener attached to distal end of
said second support strap for selectively securing to said first
end fastener, said method comprising the steps of: (a) positioning
said support platform upon a lap of a user with said first support
strap and said seconds support strap extending about opposing sides
of said lap; (b) extending distal portions of said first support
strap and said second support strap beneath said lap of said user
adjacent and overlapping one another; (c) securing said first end
fastener and said second end fastener together; and (d) positioning
a portable computer upon said upper surface of said support
platform.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code,
Section 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Serial No.
60/329,368 filed Oct. 15, 2001. The 60/329,368 application is
currently pending. The 60/329,368 application is hereby
incorporated by reference into this application.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable to this application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to portable computer
support devices and more specifically it relates to a portable
computer support system for providing a convenient and effective
support platform upon a user's lap that supports a portable
computer.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Conventional support devices for portable computers and
other devices are generally comprised of standing table devices.
Since conventional support devices are typically not suitable for
individuals who travel to various locations, these individuals are
forced to position a portable computer upon their lap with their
legs in a closed position in an attempt to adequately support the
portable computer.
[0007] The main problem with conventional support devices is that
they are large and cumbersome to utilize. A further problem with
conventional support devices is that they are relatively expensive.
Another problem with conventional support devices is that they are
not easily transported to various locations. A further problem with
conventional support devices is that they are not easily stored
within compact locations.
[0008] While these devices may be suitable for the particular
purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for
providing a convenient and effective support platform upon a user's
lap that supports a portable computer. Conventional support devices
are not suitable for usage in situations where the user requires
the support device in various locations which require storage and
transporting of the support device.
[0009] In these respects, the portable computer support system
according to the present invention substantially departs from the
conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing
provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of
providing a convenient and effective support platform upon a user's
lap that supports a portable computer.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of support devices now present in the prior art, the present
invention provides a new portable computer support system
construction wherein the same can be utilized for providing a
convenient and effective support platform upon a user's lap that
supports a portable computer.
[0011] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new
portable computer support system that has many of the advantages of
the support devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features
that result in a new portable computer support system which is not
anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of
the prior art support devices, either alone or in any combination
thereof.
[0012] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a
support platform, a first support strap and a second support strap
attached to opposing sides of the support platform, and opposing
fasteners attached to the distal portions of the straps for
selective interconnection to one another. The support platform has
an upper surface for supporting an object such as a portable
computer. The straps are extended about the legs of the user in a
secured manner with the platform positioned upon the lap thereof.
Alternatively, a first bracket and a second bracket may be directly
connected to the portable computer for receiving the straps.
[0013] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims
appended hereto.
[0014] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0015] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
portable computer support system that will overcome the
shortcomings of the prior art devices.
[0016] A second object is to provide a portable computer support
system for providing a convenient and effective support platform
upon a user's lap that supports a portable computer.
[0017] Another object is to provide a portable computer support
system that may be utilized to support various items including but
not limited to a portable computer, a food plate, writing materials
and related items.
[0018] A further object is to provide a portable computer support
system that is lightweight, compact in size and easy to
utilize.
[0019] An additional object is to provide a portable computer
support system that may be easily secured to and removed from the
lap of a user.
[0020] A further object is to provide a portable computer support
system that attaches to the lap of a user in a secure and
relatively non-movable manner.
[0021] Another object is to provide a portable computer support
system that provides increased comfort and usability to an
individual operating a portable computer.
[0022] A further object is to provide a portable computer support
system that supports a portable computer in a relatively level
manner.
[0023] Another object is to provide a portable computer support
system that does not require the individual to maintain their legs
in perfectly closed position.
[0024] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects
and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.
[0025] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this
invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however,
that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be
made in the specific construction illustrated and described within
the scope of the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and
wherein:
[0027] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention
with a portable computer in an exploded relationship to the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a top view of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a front view of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a top view of the present invention secured to a
lap of an individual.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a front view of the present invention secured to a
lap of an individual.
[0032] FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the present invention
with an alternative securing means comprised of a buckle structure
with a portable computer in an exploded relationship thereto.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a top view of the present invention with the
alternative securing means comprised of a buckle structure.
[0034] FIG. 8 is an exploded upper perspective view of a securing
structure for securing the portable computer to the support
platform.
[0035] FIG. 9 is an exploded upper perspective view of a securing
structure for securing the portable computer to the support
platform with the alternative securing means.
[0036] FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention with the support straps
connected to the opposing sides of the portable computer by
securing brackets.
[0037] FIG. 11 is an exploded upper perspective view of the
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, FIGS. 1 through 11 illustrate a portable computer support
system 10, which comprises a support platform 20, a first support
strap 30 and a second support strap 40 attached to opposing sides
of the support platform 20, and opposing fasteners 32, 42 attached
to the distal portions of the straps 30, 40 for selective
interconnection to one another. The support platform 20 has an
upper surface 22 for supporting an object such as a portable
computer 12. The straps 30, 40 are extended about the legs of the
user in a secured manner with the platform positioned upon the lap
14 thereof. Alternatively, a first bracket 60 and a second bracket
62 may be directly connected to the portable computer 12 for
receiving the straps 30, 40.
[0039] FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate the main embodiment of the
present invention. The present invention includes a support
platform 20 capable of receiving and supporting an item such as but
not limited to a portable computer 12. The support platform 20 has
an upper surface 22 that receives the item to be supported and a
lower surface 24 that engages the lap 14 of the user.
[0040] The support platform 20 is preferably comprised of a rigid
or semi-rigid structure and may be comprised of various materials
such as but not limited to plastic, wood, metal, composite or
fiberglass. The support platform 20 may also be comprised of a
solid structure, hollow structure or other structure capable of
supporting an item such as but not limited to a portable computer
12. The support platform 20 preferably has a square or rectangular
shape as best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 of the drawings, however
the support platform 20 may have various other well-known shapes
such as but not limited to oval or circular.
[0041] FIGS. 3 and 5 best illustrate that the support platform 20
preferably has a flat structure. FIGS. 3 and 5 further illustrate
that the upper surface 22 of the support platform 20 is preferably
straight for supporting the item in a level manner. The support
platform 20 may have various thickness, widths and lengths as
desired.
[0042] The support platform 20 may also include one or more first
support fasteners 70 attached to the upper surface 22 for securing
the item to be supported to the support platform 20 in a
non-movable relationship as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the
drawings. A corresponding one or more second support fasteners 72
are secured to the bottom surface of item for selectively and
removably securing to the first support fasteners 70. The first
support fasteners 70 and the second support fasteners 72 may be
comprised of but not limited to hook and loop fasteners, snap
fasteners, adhesive or other well-known fasteners.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings, a first
support strap 30 and a second support strap 40 are attached to
opposing sides of the support platform 20. The first support strap
30 and the second support strap 40 have a length sufficient to
extend about both legs of the user and overlap a finite distance as
best illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings.
[0044] The first support strap 30 and the second support strap 40
may be comprised of various structures such as straight, curved,
constant width, tapered width and other related structures. FIG. 2
best illustrates that the first support strap 30 and the second
support strap 40 are preferably tapered from the support platform
20 to the opposing distal portions thereof for providing increased
comfort to the user.
[0045] The first support strap 30 and the second support strap 40
may be comprised of materials having stretchable or non-stretchable
characteristics. The first support strap 30 and the second support
strap 40 must be comprised of a material having a flexible
characteristic for allowing conforming to the shape of the legs and
lap 14 of the user. The first support strap 30 and the second
support strap 40 may be comprised of materials such as but not
limited to cloth, textile, elastic, canvas or plastic.
[0046] A first end fastener 32 is attached to the distal portion of
the first support strap 30 as best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of
the drawings. A second end fastener 42 is attached to the distal
portion of the second support strap 40 as best illustrated in FIGS.
1 and 3 of the drawings. The first end fastener 32 and the second
end fastener 42 are selectively securable for securing the first
support strap 30 and the second support strap 40 together about the
legs of the user. The first end fastener 32 and the second end
fastener 42 may be comprised of but not limited to hook and loop
fasteners, snap fasteners, or other well-known fasteners. FIGS. 6
and 7 illustrates the usage of a buckle unit 50 attached to the
first support strap 30 and a plurality of apertures 52 extending
within the second support strap 40 for securing the straps 30, 40
together.
[0047] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the alternative embodiment of the
present invention. More particularly, FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate
the usage of a first bracket 60 and a second bracket 62 attached to
opposing sides of the portable computer 12. The first bracket 60
and the second bracket 62 have an inner slot or opening within that
receive a portion of the first support strap 30 and the second
support strap 40. The first bracket 60 and the second bracket 62
may be permanently or removably attached to the portable computer
12 by the usage of various fasteners such as but not limited to
snap fasteners, hook and loop fastener, permanent adhesive or
removably adhesive. The first bracket 60 and the second bracket 62
may be integrally formed within the portable computer 12.
[0048] FIGS. 10 and 11 further illustrate the usage of one or more
first fasteners 34 and second fasteners 44 attached to the first
support strap 30 and the second support strap 40 respectively for
securing to the first bracket 60 and the second bracket 62. The
first fasteners 34 and the second fasteners 44 are preferably
comprised of snap fasteners, but various other conventional
fasteners may be utilized. The inner ends of the first support
strap 30 and the second support strap 40 are looped through the
respective bracket 60, 62 and then are secured by the first
fasteners 34 and the second fasteners 44.
[0049] For the main embodiment, the user first positions the
support platform 20 upon their lap 14 with the first support strap
30 and the second support strap 40 extending about the sides of the
user's lap 14. The user may adjust the overall position of the
support platform 20 along the length of their lap 14 as desired.
The user then extends the distal portions of the straps 30, 40
beneath the lap 14 and secures the first end fastener 32 to the
second end fastener 42 in the desired location. The user may expand
their legs which will increase the tension upon the straps 30, 40
which results in increased stability to the support platform 20.
The user then positions the item such as but not limited to a
portable computer 12 upon the upper surface 22 of the support
platform 20. The user then may work upon the portable computer 12
as desired. When finished, the user simply unfastens the first end
fastener 32 and the second end fastener 42 from one another which
allows for removal of the support platform 20 from the lap 14 of
the user.
[0050] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and
operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent
from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion
relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
[0051] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed to be within the expertise of those skilled in the art, and
all equivalent structural variations and relationships to those
illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are
intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
[0052] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
1 Index of Elements for Portable Computer Support System
.quadrature.ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS .quadrature. .quadrature.
.quadrature. .quadrature. .quadrature. .quadrature. .quadrature.
.quadrature. .quadrature. .quadrature.10. Portable Computer Support
System .quadrature.11. .quadrature.12. Portable Computer
.quadrature.13. .quadrature.14. Lap .quadrature.15. .quadrature.16.
.quadrature.17. .quadrature.18. .quadrature.19. .quadrature.20.
Support Platform .quadrature.21. .quadrature.22. Upper Surface
.quadrature.23. .quadrature.24. Lower Surface .quadrature.25.
.quadrature.26. .quadrature.27. .quadrature.28. .quadrature.29.
.quadrature.30. First Support Strap .quadrature.31. .quadrature.32.
First End Fastener .quadrature.33. .quadrature.34. First Fasteners
.quadrature.35. .quadrature.36. .quadrature.37. .quadrature.38.
.quadrature.39. .quadrature.40. Second Support Strap
.quadrature.41. .quadrature.42. Second End Fastener .quadrature.43.
.quadrature.44. Second Fasteners .quadrature.45. .quadrature.46.
.quadrature.47. .quadrature.48. .quadrature.49. .quadrature.50.
Buckle Unit .quadrature.51. .quadrature.52. Apertures
.quadrature.53. .quadrature.54. .quadrature.55. .quadrature.56.
.quadrature.57. .quadrature.58. .quadrature.59. .quadrature.60.
First Bracket .quadrature.61. .quadrature.62. Second Bracket
.quadrature.63. .quadrature.64. .quadrature.65. .quadrature.66.
.quadrature.67. .quadrature.68. .quadrature.69. .quadrature.70.
First Support Fasteners .quadrature.71. .quadrature.72. Second
Support Fasteners .quadrature.73. .quadrature.74. .quadrature.75.
.quadrature.76. .quadrature.77. .quadrature.78. .quadrature.79.
* * * * *