Computer mounted file folder apparatus

Healy, Paul Timothy

Patent Application Summary

U.S. patent application number 10/754135 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-14 for computer mounted file folder apparatus. Invention is credited to Healy, Paul Timothy.

Application Number20050152621 10/754135
Document ID /
Family ID34739313
Filed Date2005-07-14

United States Patent Application 20050152621
Kind Code A1
Healy, Paul Timothy July 14, 2005

Computer mounted file folder apparatus

Abstract

A file folder apparatus adapted to be mounted to a computer display and conveniently house papers and/or file folders, particularly suited for use during travel and effective for use on a laptop computer or a desktop monitor. The apparatus includes a plurality of planar member configured to form a compartment for retaining paper. The planar member sidewalls may be expandable to accommodate large files. A number of convenience accessories may be integral to the apparatus including a handle, a retractable paper attachment device, and a light. The apparatus is attached to the computer display with at least one attachment device that may be a hook and loop fastener assembly, an engager-receiver assembly, a cooperating sliding track assembly, an adjustable corner holster assembly, or an adjustable hanger assembly. A pivoting cam may be incorporated into the sliding track assembly to position the contents of the apparatus for improved viewing.


Inventors: Healy, Paul Timothy; (Maineville, OH)
Correspondence Address:
    GALLAGHER & DAWSEY CO., L.P.A.
    P.O. BOX 785
    COLUMBUS
    OH
    43216
    US
Family ID: 34739313
Appl. No.: 10/754135
Filed: January 9, 2004

Current U.S. Class: 383/22 ; 383/120; 383/40
Current CPC Class: B42F 7/00 20130101
Class at Publication: 383/022 ; 383/120; 383/040
International Class: B65D 033/14

Claims



I claim:

1. A file folder apparatus adapted to be releasably mounted to a computer display and conveniently house at least one file folder, comprising: a substantially rectangular first planar member having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge; a substantially rectangular second planar member having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge, wherein the first planar member and the second planar member are joined together on at least two edges to define a compartment for releasably housing the at least one file folder; and at least one attachment device adapted to releasably secure the apparatus to the computer display.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a bottom joins the first planar member bottom edge and the second planar member bottom edge, a left sidewall joins the first planar member left edge and the second planar member left edge, and a right sidewall joins the first planar member right edge and the second planar member right edge.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the left,sidewall and-the right sidewall are expandable such that the compartment for releasably housing the at least one file folder may expand and retract.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment device includes at least one hook and loop fastener assembly having at least one hook fastener attached to the first planar member and at least one loop fastener attached to an exterior surface of the computer display.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment device includes at least one engager-receiver assembly having at least one engagement member attached to an exterior surface of the computer display and at least one capture member attached to the first planar member.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment device includes at least one sliding track assembly having at least one male track attached vertically to an exterior surface of the computer display and at least one female track attached vertically to the first planar member such that the at least one female track and the apparatus may move relative to the male track.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment device includes at least one adjustable corner holster assembly having at least one stationary corner holster formed to fit over a corner of the computer display and a retractable corner holster formed to fit over a corner of the computer display and adapted to extend and retract from the apparatus to facilitate mounting of the apparatus on computer displays of varying dimensions.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment device includes an adjustable hanger assembly having a plurality of articulable hangers slidably mounted on a guide attached to the apparatus, the hangers formed to conform and grip the top surface of a computer display thereby permitting the apparatus to hang substantially vertically from the computer display when the computer display is oriented at an obtuse angle from a horizontal plane.

9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one attachment device includes at least one sliding track assembly having at least one male track attached vertically to an exterior surface of the computer display and at least one female track attached vertically to the first planar member such that the at least one female track and apparatus may move relative to the male track, further including at least one pivoting cam attached to the apparatus and having a folder lobe and a computer lobe such that as the computer display is rotated to an angle greater than ninety degrees from a horizontal plane the computer lobe contacts a rear surface of a computer and the folder lobe contacts the bottom thereby forcing the apparatus to move vertically toward a top surface of the computer display thereby improving the view of the top edge of the first planar member and any contents of the apparatus.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second planar member has a left edge chamfered access area, substantially where the top edge and left edge would intersect, and a right edge chamfered access area, substantially where the top edge and the right edge would intersect, the chamfered access areas improving accessibility to the contents of the compartment.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a CD holder on the second planar member.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a retractable paper attachment device, having a clip to grip sheets of paper, adapted to retract into the apparatus when not in use and extend from the apparatus when in use.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further including a light attached to the retractable paper attachment device and oriented to shine upon the sheets of paper gripped in the clip.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a removable paper attachment device, having a clip to grip sheets of paper, adapted to be releasably housed in a storage sleeve in the apparatus when not in use and adapted to be releasably installed in a mounting sleeve in the apparatus when in use.

15. A file folder apparatus adapted to be releasably mounted to a computer display and conveniently house at least one file folder, comprising: a substantially rectangular first planar member having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge; a substantially rectangular second planar member having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge, wherein a bottom joins the first planar member bottom edge and the second planar member bottom edge, a left sidewall joins the first planar member left edge and the second planar member left edge, and a right sidewall joins the first planar member right edge and the second planar member right edge, to define a compartment for releasably housing the at least one file folder, and the second planar member has a left edge chamfered access area, substantially where the top edge and left edge would intersect, and a right edge chamfered access area, substantially where the top edge and the right edge would intersect, the chamfered access areas improving accessibility to the contents of the compartment; and at least one attachment device adapted to releasably secure the apparatus to the computer display.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the left sidewall and the right sidewall are expandable such that the compartment for releasably housing the at least one file folder may expand and retract.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one attachment device includes at least one hook and loop fastener assembly having at least one hook fastener attached to the first planar member and at least one loop fastener attached to an exterior surface of the computer display.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one attachment device includes at least one engager-receiver assembly having at least one engagement member attached to an exterior surface of the computer display and at least one capture member attached to the first planar member.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one attachment device includes at least one sliding track assembly having at least one male track attached vertically to an exterior surface of the computer display and at least one female track attached vertically to the first planar member such that the at least one female track and the apparatus may move relative to the male track.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one attachment device includes at least one adjustable corner holster assembly having at least one stationary corner holster formed to fit over a corner of the computer display and a retractable corner holster formed to fit over a corner of the computer display and adapted to extend and retract from the apparatus to facilitate mounting of the apparatus on computer displays of varying dimensions.

21. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one attachment device includes an adjustable hanger assembly having a plurality of articulable hangers slidably mounted on a guide attached to the apparatus, the hangers formed to conform and grip the top surface of a computer display thereby permitting the apparatus to hang substantially vertically from the computer display when the computer display is oriented at an obtuse angle from a horizontal plane.

22. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one attachment device includes at least one sliding track assembly having at least one male track attached vertically to an exterior surface of the computer display and at least one female track attached vertically to the first planar member such that the at least one female track and apparatus may move relative to the male track, further including at least one pivoting cam attached to the apparatus and having a folder lobe and a computer lobe such that as the computer display is rotated to an angle greater than ninety degrees from a horizontal plane the computer lobe contacts a rear surface of a computer and the folder lobe contacts the bottom thereby forcing the apparatus to move vertically toward a top surface of the computer display thereby improving the view of the top edge of the first planar member and any contents of the apparatus.

23. The apparatus of claim 15, further including a CD holder on the second planar member.

24. The apparatus of claim 15, further including a retractable paper attachment device, having a clip to grip sheets of paper, adapted to retract into the apparatus when not in use and extend from the apparatus when in use.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, further including a light attached to the retractable paper attachment device and oriented to shine upon the sheets of paper gripped in the clip.

26. The apparatus of claim 15, further including a removable paper attachment device, having a clip to grip sheets of paper, adapted to be releasably housed in a storage sleeve in the apparatus when not in use and adapted to be releasably installed in a mounting sleeve in the apparatus when in use.

27. A file folder apparatus adapted to be releasably mounted to a computer display and conveniently house at least one file folder, comprising: a substantially rectangular first planar member having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge; a substantially rectangular second planar member having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge, wherein a bottom joins the first planar member bottom edge and the second planar member bottom edge, an expandable left sidewall joins the first planar member left edge and the second planar member left edge, and an expandable right sidewall joins the first planar member right edge and the second planar member right edge, to define a compartment for releasably housing the at least one file folder, and the second planar member has a left edge chamfered access area, substantially where the top edge and left edge would intersect, and a right edge chamfered access area, substantially where the top edge and the right edge would intersect, the chamfered access areas improving accessibility to the contents of the compartment; at least one hook and loop attachment device adapted to releasably secure the apparatus to the computer display; and a removable paper attachment device, having a clip to grip sheets of paper, adapted to be releasably housed in a storage sleeve in the apparatus when not in use and adapted to be releasably installed in a mounting sleeve in the apparatus when in use.
Description



TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of file folders; in particular, to a computer mounted file folder apparatus adapted to releasably attach to the display portion of a laptop computer or desktop monitor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Devices for use in the transport of papers and file folders have been in existence for hundreds of years. However, the high mobility of today's population has presented new problems associated with conventional storage and transport devices. The classic paper and file folder storage and transport device is a briefcase. However, for most traveling professionals the briefcase has been overtaken by the laptop computer case or bag. Modern laptop computer cases are padded for the protection of the computer and often include a number of pockets to store paper and files.

[0003] Modern computer cases are extremely effective in the safe transport of a computer and miscellaneous items necessary to work from a remote location. However, computer cases are generally so bulky and cumbersome that the computer is removed from the case during use and the case is set aside in a convenient location. This is illustrated when a traveler is using a laptop computer on an airplane and typically removes the laptop and places the case under the seat or in an overhead compartment. Unfortunately the traveler often must refer to papers and files stored in the case as they work on the computer. This leaves the traveler in the uncomfortable situation of looking for a convenient place to store the papers or files that does not require significant movement when it is desired to reference the papers or files. As such, the files are generally placed underneath the laptop computer or between the traveler and their armrest, but the highly limited seat space will generally make this unsuitable. Obviously, either of these locations requires a great deal of movement and disruption when reference to the papers or files is desired. Additionally, the papers or files must be reviewed and then tucked away again to proceed with work on the laptop computer. Further, it is virtually impossible to constantly reference a paper while typing on the laptop computer.

[0004] Accordingly, the art has needed an apparatus that facilitates storage and easy retrieval of papers and files while working on a computer in areas having limited surrounding surface area. The art has further needed a convenient means for displaying papers while working on a computer. The instant invention accomplishes these, and other, objectives.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] In its most general configuration, the present invention advances the state of the art with a variety of new capabilities and overcomes many of the shortcomings of prior devices in new and novel ways. In its most general sense, the present invention overcomes the shortcomings and limitations of the prior art in any of a number of generally effective configurations.

[0006] In one of the numerous configurations, the invention generally comprises a file folder apparatus adapted to be releasably mounted to a computer display and conveniently house papers, file folders, and accessories. The apparatus is suited equally as well for use with laptop computers or desktop monitors. Additionally, the device could be non-portable, that is, configured as part of the computer or computer display by the appropriate manufacturer, or added as an after market, permanently mounted device. The apparatus consists of a substantially rectangular first planar member, a substantially rectangular second planar member, and at least one attachment device adapted to releasably secure the apparatus to the computer display. The first planar member and the second planar member are joined together on at least two edges to define a compartment for releasably housing papers and/or file folders. The size and configuration of the compartment may be widely varied in alternative embodiments to accommodate the size and thickness of the papers and/or file folders. The apparatus may be designed to house large loads and may incorporate expandable features such as expandable sidewalls and bottom. Further, the physical dimensions of the planar members may be varied to accommodate virtually any of the paper and/or file folder sizes currently on the market, including, but not limited to, 81/2".times.11", A4, legal, and 11".times.17", just to name a few.

[0007] The at least one attachment device for releasably securing the apparatus to the computer display may include a number of unique variations. For example, the at least one attachment device may incorporate at least one hook and loop fastener assembly, at least one engager-receiver assembly, at least one adjustable corner holster assembly, at least one sliding track assembly, or an adjustable hanger assembly, just to name a few. Additionally the apparatus may include at least one pivoting cam attached to the computer display to work in conjunction with rotational motion of a laptop computer display to improve the presentation of the contents of the apparatus to the user. Further, the adjustable hanger assembly permits the papers and/or file folder to always hang vertically regardless of the orientation of the computer display. Among other benefits, the substantially vertical orientation permits improved visibility of the contents of the compartment.

[0008] These variations, modifications, alternatives, and alterations of the various preferred embodiments, arrangements, and configurations may be used alone or in combination with one another as will become more readily apparent to those with skill in the art with reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Without limiting the scope of the present invention as claimed below and referring now to the drawings and figures:

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a rear elevation view of a laptop computer and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0011] FIG. 2 shows a left side elevation view of a laptop computer and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0012] FIG. 3 shows a left side elevation view of a laptop computer and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0013] FIG. 4 shows a rear elevation view of a laptop computer and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0014] FIG. 5 shows a left side elevation view of a laptop computer and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0015] FIG. 6 shows a left side elevation view of a laptop computer and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0016] FIG. 7 shows a rear elevation view of a laptop computer and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0017] FIG. 8 shows a left side elevation view of a laptop computer and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0018] FIG. 9 shows a left side elevation view of a laptop computer and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0019] FIG. 10 shows a rear elevation view of a laptop computer and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0020] FIG. 11 shows a left side elevation view of a laptop computer and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0021] FIG. 12 shows a rear elevation view of a laptop computer and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0022] FIG. 13 shows a left side elevation view of a laptop computer and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0023] FIG. 14 shows a rear elevation view of the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0024] FIG. 15 shows a rear elevation view of the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0025] FIG. 16 shows a left side elevation view of a laptop computer and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0026] FIG. 17 shows a rear elevation view of a laptop computer of the present invention, not to scale;

[0027] FIG. 18 shows a rear elevation view of the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0028] FIG. 19 shows a left side elevation view of a laptop computer and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0029] FIG. 20 shows a left side elevation view of a laptop computer and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale;

[0030] FIG. 21 shows a left side elevation view of a desktop monitor and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale; and

[0031] FIG. 22 shows a rear elevation view of a desktop monitor and the computer mounted file folder apparatus of the present invention, not to scale.

[0032] Also, in the various figures and drawings, the following reference symbols and letters are used to identify the various elements described herein below in connection with the several figures and illustrations: M, and R.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The computer mounted file folder apparatus of the instant invention enables a significant advance in the state of the art. The preferred embodiments of the apparatus accomplish this by new and novel arrangements of elements and methods that are configured in unique and novel ways and which demonstrate previously unavailable but preferred and desirable capabilities. The detailed description set forth below in connection with the drawings is intended merely as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the designs, functions, means, and methods of implementing the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and features may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0034] In one embodiment, the invention generally comprises a file folder apparatus 100 adapted to be releasably mounted to a computer display 30, 60 and conveniently house papers and/or file folders 400, and accessories. Additionally, the device could be non-portable, that is, configured as part of the computer or computer display 30, 60 by the appropriate manufacturer, or added as an after market, permanently mounted device. The apparatus 100 may be equally effectively implemented on a laptop computer 10 or the monitor of a desktop monitor 60. Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the apparatus 10 includes a substantially rectangular first planar member 110, a substantially rectangular second planar member 120, and at least one attachment device 200 adapted to releasably secure the apparatus 100 to the computer display 30, 60. The first planar member 110 has a top edge 112, a bottom edge 114, a left edge 116, and a right edge 118, and, similarly, the second planar member 120 has a top edge 122, a bottom edge 124, a left edge 126, and a right edge 128.

[0035] The first planar member 110 and the second planar member 120 are joined together on at least two edges to define a compartment for releasably housing papers and/or file folders 400. The size and configuration of the compartment may be widely varied in alternative embodiments to accommodate the size and thickness of the papers and/or file folders 400. For example, the edges of the first planar member 110 and the second planar member 120 may be directly joined when a thin compartment for storing less than approximately 50 sheets of papers, or only a few file folders, is desired. Alternatively, the apparatus 110 may be designed to house larger loads and may incorporate a bottom 150 to join the first planar member bottom edge 114 and the second planar member bottom edge 124, a left sidewall 130 to join the first planar member left edge 116 and the second planar member left edge 126, and a right sidewall 140 to join the first planar member right edge 118 and the second planar member right edge 128.

[0036] Additionally, the compartment may be made expandable by incorporating an expandable left sidewall 132 to join the first planar member left edge 116 and the second planar member left edge 126 and an expandable right sidewall 142 to join the first planar member right edge 118 and the second planar member right edge 128, as illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. Such expandable embodiments may produce an apparatus 100 having the versatility to house packets of paper and/or file folders 400 that are several inches thick. The bottom 150 may also be expandable. Further, the physical dimensions of the first and second planar members 110, 120 may be varied to accommodate virtually any of the paper and/or file folder sizes currently on the market, including, but not limited to, 81/2".times.11", A4, legal, and 11".times.17", just to name a few.

[0037] The laptop computer 10 referred to herein, and illustrated in FIG. 1 through FIG. 20, is generally composed of a base portion 20 having a rear surface 22 joined by a hinge 50 to a display portion 30 having a display surface 32, and exterior surface 34, a top surface 36, a left side surface 38, and a right side surface 40. The apparatus 100 is suited equally as well for use with laptop computers 10 or desktop monitors 60, illustrated in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22. One with skill in the art will recognize that all of the embodiments described herein may be incorporated into apparatus 100 used with laptop computers 10 or desktop monitors 60 and that the desktop monitor display surface 62 is analogous to the laptop computer display surface 32, the desktop monitor rear surface 64 is analogous to the laptop computer exterior surface 34, the desktop monitor top surface 66 is analogous to the laptop computer top surface 36, the desktop monitor left side surface 68 is analogous to the laptop computer left side surface 38, and the desktop monitor right side surface 70 is analogous to the laptop computer right side surface 40.

[0038] The at least one attachment device 200 for releasably securing the apparatus 100 to the computer display 30, 60 may include a number of unique variations. First, referring again to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the at least one attachment device 200 may incorporate at least one hook and loop fastener assembly 210 having at least one hook fastener 214 attached to the first planar member 110 and at least one loop fastener 212 attached to an exterior surface 34, 64 of the computer display 30, 60. The at least one hook fastener 214 may alternatively be attached to the exterior surface 34, 64 of the computer display 30, 60 and the at least one loop fastener 212 may be attached to the first planar member 110. The at least one hook and loop fastener assembly 210 permits easy, quick, reliable, and durable connection of the apparatus 100 to the computer display 30, 60 that is familiar to the general population. The cooperating hook fastener 214 and loop fastener 212 may be of similar or dissimilar sizes. In fact, dissimilar sizes may be preferred in that they allow for some degree of misalignment. As with all of the attachment devices 200 described herein, the portion of the hook and loop fastener assembly 200 that is attached to the computer display 30, 60 may be attached via simple adhesives, or may incorporate other joining technologies.

[0039] Secondly, the at least one attachment device 200 may include at least one engager-receiver assembly 220 having at least one engagement member 222 attached to an exterior surface 34, 64 of the computer display 30, 60 and at least one capture member 224 attached to the first planar member 110, illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. One with skill in the art will appreciate that the at least one engagement member 222 may be attached to the first planar member 110 and the at least one capture member 224 may be attached to the exterior surface 34, 64 of the computer display 30, 60. Further, one with skill in the art will recognize that the at least one engager-receiver assembly 220 may include any number of male engagement members and cooperating female capture members. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 6 illustrates the engagement members 222 as hook shaped appurtenances that cooperate with bell-shaped capture members 224. Such an embodiment permits the easy removal of the apparatus from the engagement members 222, yet provides for a reliable connection when engaged. Additional variations may incorporate snap, or locking, engagement between the engagement members 222 and the capture members 224 ensuring that the apparatus 100 does not unintentionally become disengaged.

[0040] Yet another embodiment of the at least one attachment device 200 includes at least one adjustable corner holster assembly 240 having at least one stationary corner holster 242 formed to fit over a corner of a computer display 30, 60 and a retractable corner holster 244 formed to fit over an opposing corner of the computer display 30, 60, as seen in FIG. 14. While certain embodiments may be sized and configured to cooperate with specific computer displays 30, 60, a preferred embodiment utilizes a retractable corner holster 244 adapted to extend and retract from the apparatus 100 to facilitate mounting of the apparatus 100 on computer displays 30, 60 of varying dimensions. The retractable corner holster 244 may be mounted on a retractable shaft that slides within a sleeve formed in, or attached to, the apparatus 100. The sleeve may be conveniently formed simply by folding a portion of the first or second planar member 110, 120 upon itself and adhering the edge. For most laptop computers 10 the magnitude of retractability only needs to be 2-4 inches, while the magnitude of retractability for desktop monitors 60 is preferably 5-9 inches. The holsters 242, 244 may be lined with pliable materials that give way to the corners of the computer display 30, 60 and serve to grip the corners.

[0041] A still further embodiment of the at least one attachment device 200 includes at least one sliding track assembly 230 having cooperating tracks that facilitate the joining of the computer display 30, 60 and the apparatus 100, illustrated in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18. The at least one sliding track assembly 230 has at least one male track 234 attached vertically to an exterior surface 34, 64 of the computer display 30, 60 and at least one female track 232 attached vertically to the first planar member 110 such that the at least one female track 232 and the apparatus 100 may move relative to the male track 234. One of the tracks 232, 234 is formed with a stop such that their relative location is fixed once the tracks 232, 234 are engaged.

[0042] A further variation of this embodiment includes at least one pivoting cam 340 attached to the exterior surface 34 of the computer display 30 and having a folder lobe 342 and a computer lobe 344, illustrated best in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20. The at least one pivoting cam 340 is located near the bottom edge 114 of the first planar member 110 such that as the computer display 30 is rotated to an angle greater than ninety degrees from a horizontal plane the computer lobe 344 contacts a rear surface 22 of a computer 10 and the folder lobe 342 contacts the bottom 150. As rotation continues the at least one pivoting cam 340 remains stationary, due to the contact with the rear surface 22, and the bottom 150 is forced against the folder lobe 342. Continued rotation causes sliding motion between the cooperating tracks 232, 234 thereby causing the apparatus 100 to move vertically toward the top surface 66 of the computer display 30, thus improving the view of the top edge 112 of the first planar member 110 and any contents of the apparatus 100. One with skill in the art will recognize that the bottom 150 may be slidably connected to the surrounding planar members 110, 120 and sidewalls 130, 140 such that the rotation of the computer display 30 results in only the bottom 150, and the contents of the compartment, is moved vertically toward the top surface 36 of the computer display 30. Such an embodiment further eases access to the papers and/or file folders 400 housed within the compartment. One with skill in the art will appreciate that the location of the at least one male track 234 and the at least one female 232 track may be reversed.

[0043] In yet another embodiment, the at least one attachment device 200 includes an adjustable hanger assembly 250 having a plurality of articulable hangers 252 slidably mounted on a guide 254 attached to the apparatus 100, as seen in FIG. 15. The hangers 252 are formed to conform and grip the top surface 36 of a computer display 30 thereby permitting the apparatus 100 to hang substantially vertically from the computer display 30 when the computer display 30 is oriented at an obtuse angle from a horizontal plane, as seen in FIG. 16. Among other benefits, the substantially vertical orientation permits improved visibility of the contents of the compartment.

[0044] The apparatus 100 may incorporate a number of features further improving the functionality and desirability of the invention. For example, the second planar member 120 may have a left edge chamfered access area 127, located substantially where the top edge 112 and left edge 116 would intersect, and a right edge chamfered access area 129, substantially where the top edge 112 and the right edge 118 would intersect, as seen in FIG. 1. Such chamfered access areas 127, 129 improve accessibility to the contents of the compartment. Additionally, the apparatus 100 may further include a CD holder 300 on the second planar member 120. The apparatus 100 may further include such features as pull-out calendars, telephone or other information lists, or other accessories.

[0045] The apparatus 100 may include additional features to more securely transport papers and/or file folders 400 in the apparatus 100. One embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, incorporates an overlay cover 164 forming a top 160 that may have a closure 166 and a closure receiver 168 to totally enclose and retain the contents of the apparatus 100. In lieu of the overlay cover 164 the apparatus 100 may incorporate a snap 170 and a cooperating receiver 172, as illustrated in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9. In this embodiment, a cooperating receiver 172 may be mounted on the top surface 36 of the computer display 30, 60 as well as on the first planar member 110 so that the paper and/or file folders 400 may be secured both when the apparatus 100 is mounted on the computer display 30, 60 or when the apparatus 100 is transported individually.

[0046] The apparatus 100 may further include attachments to make the transport more convenient. One such embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, incorporates a handle 162 generally shaped to conform to the human hand. Other convenience receptacles, such as a writing instrument storage device 330 as illustrated in FIG. 13, may be incorporated into the apparatus 100. The writing instrument storage device 330 may include individual sleeves 332 for writing instruments and any number of elastic retainers 334 to retain the instruments in the device during transport.

[0047] The apparatus 100 may further include a retractable paper attachment device 310, as seen in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, or a removable paper attachment device 320, as seen in FIG. 12, having a clip to grip 312 and display sheets of paper 316. The retractable paper attachment device 310 may be adapted to retract into the apparatus 100 when not in use and extend from the apparatus 100 when in use. Conversely, the removable paper attachment device 320 is adapted to be releasably housed in a storage sleeve 322 in the apparatus 100 when not in use and adapted to be releasably installed in a mounting sleeve 324 in the apparatus 100 when in use. The apparatus 100 may include a plurality of mounting sleeves 324 offering the user a variety of mounting locations. Either paper attachment device 310, 320 may further incorporate a battery powered light 314 oriented to shine upon the sheets of paper 316 gripped in the clip 312. Additionally, the light 314 could be powered from the USB or other port on the computer, or even from an alternative power source. Still further, either paper attachment device 310, 320 may incorporate a plurality of measurement indicia 326 such as IPS or SI measurement units.

[0048] Numerous alterations, modifications, and variations of the preferred embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art and they are all anticipated and contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the instant invention. For example, although specific embodiments have been described in detail, those with skill in the art will understand that the preceding embodiments and variations can be modified to incorporate various types of substitute and or additional or alternative materials, relative arrangement of elements, and dimensional configurations. Accordingly, even though only few variations of the present invention are described herein, it is to be understood that the practice of such additional modifications and variations and the equivalents thereof, are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or acts for performing the functions in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

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