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 Number | 20050152621 10/754135 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34739313 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-14 |
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.
* * * * *