U.S. patent application number 10/927700 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-14 for laptop computer stand.
Invention is credited to Rossini, Alfred P..
Application Number | 20050077448 10/927700 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34425876 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050077448 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rossini, Alfred P. |
April 14, 2005 |
Laptop computer stand
Abstract
A laptop computer stand, for holding a laptop computer having a
keyboard portion and a display portion that is pivotable relative
to the keyboard portion. The stand has a base adapted to either sit
on a surface or be coupled to a structure, and a support member
coupled to the base, wherein the laptop keyboard portion sits on
the support member. The support member has a retaining structure
that overlies at least part of the laptop keyboard portion, to
retain the keyboard portion on the support member. The stand also
has a locking mechanism coupled to the base or the support member,
and selectively fixable to the laptop computer.
Inventors: |
Rossini, Alfred P.;
(Southborough, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Brian M. Dingman, Esq.
Mirick, O'Connell, DeMallie & Lougee, LLP
1700 West Park Drive
Westborough
MA
01581
US
|
Family ID: |
34425876 |
Appl. No.: |
10/927700 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60498051 |
Aug 27, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/441.1 ;
108/1; 248/346.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B 73/0082 20130101;
A61B 50/20 20160201; Y10T 70/5027 20150401; A61B 50/10 20160201;
Y10T 70/5009 20150401; A61B 50/13 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/441.1 ;
248/346.01; 108/001 |
International
Class: |
A47B 091/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A laptop computer stand, for holding a laptop computer having a
keyboard portion and a display portion that is pivotable relative
to the keyboard portion, the stand comprising: a base adapted to
either sit on a surface or be coupled to a structure; a support
member coupled to the base, wherein the laptop keyboard portion
sits on the support member, the support member comprising a
retaining structure that overlies at least part of the laptop
keyboard portion, to retain the keyboard portion on the support
member; and a locking mechanism coupled to the base or the support
member, and selectively fixable to the laptop computer.
2. The laptop computer stand of claim 1, wherein the support member
comprises a support plate on which the laptop keyboard portion
sits.
3. The laptop computer stand of claim 2, wherein the support plate
is tilted at an angle from the horizontal.
4. The laptop computer stand of claim 2, wherein the support member
is tiltable relative to the base.
5. The laptop computer stand of claim 1, further comprising a lower
support plate coupled to the support plate.
6. The laptop computer stand of claim 5, wherein the lower support
plate supports the lower edge of the laptop keyboard portion.
7. The laptop computer stand of claim 6, wherein the lower support
plate is adjustably received in the support plate.
8. The laptop computer stand of claim 1, wherein the retaining
structure overlies the entire width of the laptop keyboard
portion.
9. The laptop computer stand of claim 1, wherein the retaining
structure overlies the edges of the laptop keyboard portion.
10. The laptop computer stand of claim 1, wherein the locking
mechanism comprises separable parts.
11. The laptop computer stand of claim 10, wherein the parts are
receivable into one another to mechanically couple them
together.
12. The laptop computer stand of claim 11, wherein the mechanical
coupling is accomplished with mating threads.
13. The laptop computer stand of claim 11, wherein the locking
mechanism further comprises brackets that releasably grip opposite
sides of the laptop computer.
14. The laptop computer stand of claim 13, wherein the opposite
sides are of the display portion of the laptop computer.
15. The laptop computer stand of claim 11, wherein the locking
mechanism further comprises a padlock that is insertable through
one of the separable parts.
16. The laptop computer stand of claim 15, wherein the padlock,
when inserted, prevents the separation of the separable parts.
17. The laptop computer stand of claim 1, wherein the locking
mechanism is slidable relative to the support member.
18. The laptop computer stand of claim 17, wherein the locking
mechanism comprises a tab that selectively overlays one end of the
laptop keyboard portion.
19. The laptop computer stand of claim 1, further comprising a
cable that couples the locking mechanism to another part of the
stand.
20. A laptop computer stand, for holding a laptop computer having a
keyboard portion and a display portion that is pivotable relative
to the keyboard portion, the stand comprising: a base adapted to
either sit on a surface or be coupled to a structure; a support
member comprising a support plate coupled to the base, wherein the
laptop keyboard portion sits on the support plate, the support
member further comprising a retaining structure that overlies at
least part of opposite edges of the laptop keyboard portion, to
retain the keyboard portion on the support member; and a locking
mechanism coupled to the base or the support member, and
selectively fixable to the laptop computer, the locking mechanism
comprising two separable parts that can be mechanically coupled
together and locked in the coupled position, each such part
carrying a structure that releasably grips an edge of the laptop
computer.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority of Provisional application
Ser. No. 60/498,051, filed on Aug. 27, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a stand that supports and secures
a laptop computer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Mobile carts used as workstations are known. These carts are
commonly used in medical facilities and on manufacturing floors.
They are typically adapted to carry a computer, and usually have
additional shelf space available for the user, for such things as
paper work, medications, and/or portable medical equipment.
[0004] These carts are typically used by many different people over
the course of a day or a week. It is thus important that these
carts have certain functional and ergonomic features. For example,
for carts that are adapted for the use of a laptop computer, it is
desirable for the laptop to be securely held in place, yet
accessible for viewing and use while held on the cart. It is
typically also important for the display portion of the computer to
be adjustable for optimal viewing. Further, it is imperative that
there be some facility for locking the laptop while it is held in
the use position, so that theft is deterred.
[0005] Beyond carts, there are many uses of a laptop computer stand
that adjustably maintains the laptop in a position in which it can
be used, and comfortably viewed, by a user, yet is secured from
theft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] This invention features a laptop computer stand, for holding
a laptop computer having a keyboard portion and a display portion
that is pivotable relative to the keyboard portion, the stand
comprising a base adapted to either sit on a surface or be coupled
to a structure, and a support member coupled to the base, wherein
the laptop keyboard portion sits on the support member, the support
member comprising a retaining structure that overlies at least part
of the laptop keyboard portion, to retain the keyboard portion on
the support member. There is a locking mechanism coupled to the
base or the support member, and selectively fixable to the laptop
computer.
[0007] The invention may further include one or more of the
following features. The support member may comprise a support plate
on which the laptop keyboard portion sits. The support plate may be
tilted at an angle from the horizontal. The support member may be
tiltable relative to the base. The laptop computer stand may
further comprise a lower support plate coupled to the support
plate. The lower support plate may support the lower edge of the
laptop keyboard portion. The lower support plate may be adjustably
received in the support plate.
[0008] The retaining structure may overly the entire width of the
laptop keyboard portion, or only the edges of the laptop keyboard
portion. The locking mechanism may comprise separable parts. The
parts may be receivable into one another to mechanically couple
them together. The mechanical coupling may be accomplished with
mating threads. The locking mechanism may further comprise brackets
that releasably grip opposite sides of the laptop computer. The
opposite sides may be of the display portion of the laptop
computer. The locking mechanism may further comprise a padlock that
is insertable through one of the separable parts. The padlock, when
inserted, prevents the separation of the separable parts. The
laptop computer stand may further comprise a cable that couples the
locking mechanism to another part of the stand.
[0009] Also featured in the invention is a laptop computer stand,
for holding a laptop computer having a keyboard portion and a
display portion that is pivotable relative to the keyboard portion,
the stand comprising a base adapted to either sit on a surface or
be coupled to a structure, a support member comprising a support
plate coupled to the base, wherein the laptop keyboard portion sits
on the support plate, the support member further comprising a
retaining structure that overlies at least part of opposite edges
of the laptop keyboard portion, to retain the keyboard portion on
the support member. There is a locking mechanism coupled to the
base or the support member, and selectively fixable to the laptop
computer, the locking mechanism comprising two separable parts that
can be mechanically coupled together and locked in the coupled
position, each such part carrying a structure that releasably grips
an edge of the laptop computer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Other objects, features and advantages will occur to those
skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred
embodiments and the accompanying drawings in which:
[0011] FIGS. 1A through 1C are perspective, exploded and rear
views, respectively, of one preferred embodiment of the laptop
computer stand of this invention;
[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B are separated and assembled views,
respectively, of a locking mechanism for the embodiment of FIGS.
1A-1C;
[0013] FIG. 3 shows the combination of the stand of FIGS. 1A-1C and
locking mechanism of FIGS. 2A and 2B to accomplish a locking stand
system;
[0014] FIG. 4A is an exploded view and 4B a side view of an
alternative preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 5A shows a laptop being inserted into the embodiment of
FIGS. 4A and 4B;
[0016] FIG. 5B shows the top section of a mobile cart on which the
stand of the invention can be mounted: and
[0017] FIGS. 5C and 5D are side views of the stand of FIGS. 4A and
4B mounted on the section of the mobile cart shown in FIG. 5B.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] This invention comprises a stand for laptop computers. The
stand raises the height of the laptop and holds it at a convenient
angle. The stand can be free-standing, or can be mounted to a base
such as a table, desk, or moveable cart.
[0019] The preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS.
1A-1C. An optional locking mechanism that prevents the laptop
computer from being removed from the stand is shown in FIGS. 2A and
2B. The combination of the stand and locking mechanism to
accomplish a locking stand system is shown in FIG. 3. An
alternative preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG.
4.
[0020] Stand 10 comprises angled support member 12 that is held by
base 18. Base 18 can be adapted to sit on a horizontal surface or
be attached another structure, as further explained below.
Overlying retainer member 14 along with member 12 creates a
surround that defines a cavity into which the keyboard portion of a
laptop computer is placed. Lower support plate 16 provides an area
against which the lower (keyboard) portion of the laptop rests.
Adjustable auxiliary plate 20, against which the bottom edge of the
laptop rests, may be included so that the device can accommodate
different size laptops, or to provide additional adjustability.
Plate 20 is adjustable to a number of positions relative to member
12 to move the bottom laptop support area up-and-down as desired,
using a slot 22 and insertable tab 21 arrangement.
[0021] Stand 10 is shown in exploded view in FIG. 1B and rear view
in FIG. 1C. Base 18 includes base member 30 with lower surface 31
that may be placed on a table, desk or the like. Alternatively,
coupling studs and nuts assembly 51 may project from the bottom of
surface 31 to allow the device to be bolted to a mobile cart, desk
or the like.
[0022] Member 12 is coupled to member 30 through bracket 32 and
fasteners 43 that pass through openings 44 and are received in nuts
45. Projecting studs such as studs 39 and 40 pass through
cantilevered plate 34 and are held therein with nuts 41 and 42,
respectively.
[0023] Locking mechanism 60 is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and
comprises separable members 64 and 66 that can be mechanically
coupled together and then prevented from separation by inserting
lock 62 in opening 72. Threaded rod 68 with end member 70 passes
through an opening in member 66 and threads into an insert that is
fastened to member 64. End member 70 can be gripped and rotated,
which causes member 64 to pull in toward member 66. This causes
C-shaped end brackets 65 and 67 to overlap and releasably couple to
opposite sides of the laptop display 84, as shown in FIG. 3. Once
lock 62 is inserted, rod 68 cannot be rotated, so locking mechanism
60 cannot be removed from the laptop. A cable (not shown) can be
looped through openings in members 64 and 66 and through openings
in member 10 (not shown), with the cable ends crimped, to prevent
removal of the locking mechanism from the laptop computer. As a
result, mechanism 60 prevents the laptop from being removed from
stand 10. If stand 10 is fixed to a larger structure, this
increases the security of a laptop computer held in the inventive
stand. An alternative embodiment of the inventive stand 100 is
shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Stand 100 has support member 102 with
integral side members 104 and 106, having keyboard-overlaying
portions 105 and 107, respectively. Portions 105 and 107 overly
only a small portion of each side of the laptop keyboard portion.
This allows the user to access the keys, mouse control functions,
and other functional aspects located on the top side of the
keyboard portion, so that the laptop can be used in a normal
fashion while being supported by and retained by the inventive
stand. Lower integral tabs 108 and 110 support the lowermost edge
of the laptop, while overlying upper tab 125 of sliding retaining
member 124 lies against or very close to the top edge of the
keyboard portion. This arrangement prevents the keyboard portion
from being lifted off of member 102 when tab 125 is in place. As
explained in more detail below, padlock 128 holds member 124 in
place, which effectively locks the laptop in the stand.
[0024] Member 122 is coupled to member 124 such that they mount on
rear bar 131. This allows tab 125 to be slid left and right
relative to the laptop. When the laptop is placed on the stand (as
shown in FIG. 5A, tab 125 is slid to the side. It is then slid back
in place to the middle. Tab 126 fits through member 124 such that
opening 127 of tab 126 is accessible. Padlock 128 is then placed
through opening 127, which effectively locks tab 125 in place over
the end of the laptop keyboard portion. The laptop is now held by
and secured by the stand.
[0025] Stand 100 is preferably constructed such that it is
pivotable relative to the structure to which it is coupled. In the
example shown in FIGS. 5B-5D, this structure is the top portion of
a mobile laptop computer stand such as the Z cart available from
JACO, Inc. of Franklin, Mass. Pivoting can be accomplished by using
continuous torque hinges 144 on fixed member 142, that are coupled
to the stand through openings 114 in support member 102. These
hinges are preferably arranged such that the laptop is pivotable
from an almost vertical position shown in FIG. 5C, to a horizontal
position shown in FIG. 5D. This allows both the keyboard portion
and the display portion of the laptop to be placed at a desired
angle. The cart has inherent height adjustment, which thus
accomplishes adjustability of the laptop in four degrees of
freedom.
[0026] Although specific features of the invention are shown in
some drawings and not others, this is for convenience only, as the
features can be combined as would be apparent to those skilled in
the art, and as the claims set forth the rights granted under the
patent. Other combinations of features would be apparent to those
skilled in the field and are within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *