U.S. patent application number 10/856663 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-01 for device for holding a portable computer for operation in a supine position.
Invention is credited to Kim, Yong Hui.
Application Number | 20050263666 10/856663 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35424142 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050263666 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim, Yong Hui |
December 1, 2005 |
Device for holding a portable computer for operation in a supine
position
Abstract
A device for holding a portable computer in an inverted position
for operation while an operator thereof is in a supine position is
provided which comprises at least one substantially planar support
panel having a first face, a second face, and a perimeter of
support; a stand, for bearing the panel above a surface suitable
for a supine operator, comprised of at least two legs for
contacting the surface and forming a substantially planar base of
contact, and a means for securing a face of an open portable
computer to a face of the support panel, wherein the support panel
forms an acute angle of 90.degree. or less with the base of
contact, and wherein upon securing the computer to the panel, an
accessible keyboard face and/or a viewable face of a monitor of the
computer forms an acute angle of 90.degree. or less with the base
of contact, and wherein a distance between the legs where the
surface is contacted and a height of the legs between the surface
and the panel is sufficient for the operator to comfortably fit
beneath and reach the panel.
Inventors: |
Kim, Yong Hui; (Princeton,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patrick H. Higgins
Fox Rothschild LLP
Building 3
997 Lenox Drive
Lawrenceville
NJ
08648
US
|
Family ID: |
35424142 |
Appl. No.: |
10/856663 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/445 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/10 20130101;
F16M 11/041 20130101; F16M 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/445 |
International
Class: |
A47B 023/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A device for holding a portable computer in an inverted position
for operation while an operator thereof is in a supine position
comprising: at least one substantially planar support panel; a
stand, for bearing the panel above a surface suitable for a supine
operator, comprised of at least two legs for contacting the surface
and forming a substantially planar base of contact, and means for
securing a face of an open portable computer to a face of the
support panel, wherein the support panel forms an acute angle of
90.degree. or less with the base of contact, and wherein a distance
between the legs where the surface is contacted and a height of the
legs between the surface and the panel is sufficient for the
operator to comfortably fit beneath and reach the support
panel.
2. The device according to claim 1 wherein means for securing a
face of an open portable computer to a face of the support panel is
selected from the group consisting of clamps, clips, sleeves, tabs,
hook-shaped slide guards, screws, and straps.
3. A device according to claim 1 which comprises a plurality of
support panels adapted for each securing a face of a keyboard and a
face of a monitor.
4. The device according to claim 3 which comprises separate support
panels for securing a back face of a keyboard and a back face of a
monitor.
5. A device according to claim 3 which comprises separate support
panels for securing a front face of a keyboard and a front face of
a monitor.
6. A device according to claim 3 which comprises separate support
panels for securing a back face of a keyboard and a front face of a
monitor.
7. A device according to claim 1 wherein the stand is connected to
a support panel at a perimeter of the support panel.
8. A device according to claim 7 wherein a first of the legs of the
stand is a curved L-shaped leg connected to a left perimeter of a
support panel and a second leg of the stand is a curved L-shaped
leg connected to a right perimeter of a support panel.
9. A device according to claim 8 wherein the support panel is
pivotally attached to each leg thereby enabling rotation of the
support panel about an axis substantially parallel with the base of
contact.
10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the attachment of the
legs to a panel creates an axis of rotation of the panel which is
in substantial adjacent alignment with an axis where a monitor
meets a keyboard of a computer held in the device.
11. A device according to claim 8 wherein the legs each comprise a
flexible junction at each of their points of connection to the
support panel which thereby enable the legs to fold inwardly
beneath the support panel.
12. A device according to claim 8 wherein the first and second legs
each comprise an elbow rest near a terminal end distal from the
support panel.
13. A device according to claim 1 wherein the support panel is a
rectangular planar structure comprising a hook-shaped slide
guard.
14. A device according to claim 13 further comprising a horizontal
rail raised from a top portion of the support panel which provides
space between the rail and support panel to hold a laptop computer
adjacent to the support panel.
15. A device for holding a portable computer in an inverted
position for operation while an operator thereof is in a supine
position comprising: at least one substantially planar support
panel comprised of at least one slidably expandable/contactable
vertical band having a first face, and a second face, wherein said
support panel further comprises a hook-shaped slide guard at at
least one end of the band; a stand, for bearing the panel above a
surface suitable for a supine operator, comprised of at least two
legs for contacting the surface and forming a substantially planar
base of contact, and a means for securing a face of an open
portable computer to a face of the support panel, wherein the
support panel forms an acute angle of 90.degree. or less with the
base of contact, and wherein upon securing the computer to the
panel, an accessible keyboard face and/or a viewable face of a
monitor of the computer forms an acute angle of 90.degree. or less
with the base of contact, and wherein a distance between the legs
where the surface is contacted and a height of the legs between the
surface and the panel is sufficient for the operator to comfortably
fit beneath and reach the panel.
16. A device according to claim 15 which further comprises at least
one substantially planar support panel comprised of at least one
slidably expandable/contactable horizontal band having a first
face, and a second face, wherein said support panel further
comprises a hook-shaped slide guard at at least one end of the
band.
17. A device for holding a portable computer in an inverted
position for operation while an operator thereof is in a supine
position comprising: at least one substantially planar support
panel comprised of at least one slidably expandable/contactable
horizontal band having a first face, and a second face, wherein
said support panel further comprises a hook-shaped slide guard at
least one end of the band; a stand, for bearing the panel above a
surface suitable for a supine operator, comprised of at least two
legs for contacting the surface and forming a substantially planar
base of contact, and a means for securing a face of an open
portable computer to a face of the support panel, wherein the
support panel forms an acute angle of 90.degree. or less with the
base of contact, and wherein upon securing the computer to the
panel, an accessible keyboard face and/or a viewable face of a
monitor of the computer forms an acute angle of 90.degree. or less
with the base of contact, and wherein a distance between the legs
where the surface is contacted and a height of the legs between the
surface and the panel is sufficient for the operator to comfortably
fit beneath and reach the panel.
18. A device for holding a portable computer in an inverted
position for operation while an operator thereof is in a supine
position comprising: at least one substantially planar support
panel having a first face, a second face, and a perimeter of
support; a stand, for bearing the panel above a surface suitable
for a supine operator, comprised of at least two legs for
contacting the surface and forming a substantially planar base of
contact, and a means for securing a face of an open portable
computer to a face of the support panel, and wherein a distance
between the legs where the surface is contacted and a height of the
legs between the surface and the panel is sufficient for the
operator to comfortably fit beneath and reach the panel.
19. A method of operating a portable computer in an inverted
position while an operator thereof is in a supine position
comprising: inserting a portable computer in an inverted position
into a device comprising at least one substantially planar support
panel having a first face, a second face, and a perimeter of
support; a stand, for bearing the panel above a surface suitable
for a supine operator, comprised of at least two legs for
contacting the surface and forming a substantially planar base of
contact, and a means for securing a face of an open portable
computer to a face of the support panel, wherein the support panel
forms an acute angle of 90.degree. or less with the base of
contact, and wherein upon securing the computer to the panel, an
accessible keyboard face and/or a viewable face of a monitor of the
computer forms an acute angle of 90.degree. or less with the base
of contact, wherein a distance between the legs where the surface
is contacted and a height of the legs between the surface and the
panel is sufficient for the operator to comfortably fit beneath and
reach the panel, and operating the computer by means of touching
the keyboard and viewing the monitor.
20. A method of operating a portable computer in an inverted
position while an operator thereof is in a supine position
according to claim 19 wherein the device comprises separate support
panels for securing a face of a keyboard and a face of a monitor.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] A device for holding a portable computer in an inverted
position is described for operating and viewing the computer while
the operator is in a supine position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Laptop computers have evolved to the point where they are
almost indispensable for effective communication and receipt of
timely information in almost all areas of industry and commerce
today. Particularly, laptop computers are necessarily used, for
example, to access critical information and to create and transmit
electronic documents. Laptop computers are also used for
entertainment, e.g., interactive games, music and movies. The
laptop computer, particularly now with the advent of wireless
technology, can be used almost anywhere. However, in contrast to
television, for example, laptop computers are interactive and
controlled normally by physical interaction by the user.
Accordingly, due to the nature of the devices, laptop computers are
very difficult to use while in a supine position, for example,
while lying in bed.
[0003] Laptop computer holders described in the art are generally
upright holders or docking stations that raise the computer for
ergonomic access of operators that are either seated or standing.
Laptop computer holders are generally shelves designed to raise
portables and, in some cases, provide document holders and storage
underneath. U.S. Pat. No. 6,327,982 to Jackson, and U.S. Pat. No.
5,732,910 to Martin, for example, each describe and an apparatus
for supporting a computer keyboard or laptop computer on the lap of
the user.
[0004] Since laptop computers are generally well suited for
portability, but not suited for operation while the user is in a
supine position, a need indeed exists for a device to properly hold
and provide for ease of operation of a laptop computer for example
while the user is lying in bed, for example, or generally in a
supine position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to a device for holding a
portable computer in an inverted position for operation while an
operator thereof is in a supine position comprising:
[0006] at least one substantially planar support panel having a
first face, a second face, and a perimeter of support;
[0007] a stand, for bearing the panel above a surface suitable for
a supine operator, comprised of at least two legs for contacting
the surface and forming a substantially planar base of contact,
and
[0008] a means for securing a face of an open portable computer to
a face of the support panel,
[0009] wherein the support panel forms an acute angle of 90.degree.
or less with the base of contact, and wherein upon securing the
computer to the panel, an accessible keyboard face and/or a
viewable face of a monitor of the computer forms an acute angle of
90.degree. or less with the base of contact, and
[0010] wherein a distance between the legs where the surface is
contacted and a height of the legs between the surface and the
panel is sufficient for the operator to comfortably fit beneath and
reach the panel.
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention comprise a rotatable
support panel rotatably attached to the stand wherein the support
panel forms an acute angle of 90.degree. or less with the base of
contact, and wherein upon securing the computer to the panel, an
accessible keyboard face and/or a viewable face of a monitor of the
computer forms an acute angle of 90.degree. or less with the base
of contact.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] FIG. 1 displays a preferred embodiment of the device wherein
a computer is slidably inserted into a plurality of tabs which
extend from a keyboard support panel suspending the keyboard over
the operator and placing the viewable face of the monitor behind a
transparent support panel.
[0013] FIG. 2A is a separated view of features of an embodiment
which also illustrates an example insertion of a computer. FIG. 2B
shows example features and relationships two separate support
panels.
[0014] FIG. 3 displays details of a preferred embodiment of the
device for holding a portable computer for operation in a supine
position.
[0015] FIG. 4 displays details of a preferred embodiment of the
device holding a portable computer for operation in a supine
position wherein both the monitor and keyboard of the computer are
behind the support panel in relation to the operator.
[0016] FIG. 5 displays details of a preferred embodiment of the
device holding a portable computer for operation in a supine
position for supporting both the monitor and keyboard of a computer
behind the support panel in relation to an operator.
[0017] FIG. 6 displays details of a preferred embodiment of the
device holding a portable computer for operation in a supine
position wherein the monitor is supported by adjustable appendages
which extend from the support panel.
[0018] FIG. 7A is a separated view of features of an embodiment of
a device holding a portable computer for operation in a supine
position. FIG. 7B shows an example feature of a means for securing
a face of an open portable computer to a face of a support
panel.
[0019] FIG. 8A is a separated view of features of an embodiment of
a device holding a portable computer for operation in a supine
position. FIG. 8B shows an exploded view of an example hinge for
attaching adjacent support panels.
[0020] FIG. 9 displays details of an embodiment of the device
holding a portable computer for operation in a supine position,
which employs support panels attached at a base of a support panel
by a hinge.
[0021] FIG. 10 displays details of a device holding a portable
computer for operation in a supine position which employs support
panels attached at a base of a support panel by a hinge.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one
of skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All
publications and patents referred to herein are incorporated by
reference.
[0023] The term computer or portable computer as used herein refers
to a computer generally referred to as an open laptop computer
which comprises a keyboard having a front face for entering
information and a back face, and a monitor having a viewable face
and a back face.
[0024] The term "support panel", as used herein, refers to a
generally flat planar structure which, upon insertion of a computer
into the device, or attachment of a computer, for example, is
superposed (over or under) in relation to a face, e.g., the
keyboard, of the computer. However, a single support panel may be
bent, e.g., a bent planar structure wherein, upon insertion of a
computer into the device, or attachment of a computer, a face of
the keyboard and a face of the monitor are superposed in relation
to the single support panel. Separate support panels, for example,
which do not intersect at their planar perimeters are also employed
in various embodiments of the present invention.
[0025] Referring to the figures, a device of the present invention
is provided that secures and positions an open "laptop" computer 1
for ease of use, i.e., operation and viewing, while the user is in
a supine position. Particularly provided is a device for holding a
portable computer for operating and viewing the computer while the
operator is, for example, lying in bed. The device of the present
invention is comprised of at least one (optionally rotatable,
adjustable) support panel 2 for supporting and positioning the
computer, stand 4 for supporting and positioning support panel 2.
Stand 4 comprises base 6 for resting on a surface 11 which base
substantially forms a plane of contact 8 upon resting on a surface
11, and means of securing 10 an open "laptop" computer to support
panel 2 so that viewable face 12 of a monitor and/or accessible
keys 14 of a keyboard of the computer face downward, wherein the
planar viewable face 12 of the monitor and/or substantially planar
face of the accessible keyboard 14 form an angle 16 less of than
90.degree., in relation to a substantial 0.degree. reference plane
of contact 8 formed by a base of the stand 6, as a result of
securing the computer to support panel 2 by means 10 provided.
Stand 4 is a means for bearing, and in some embodiments for
positioning support panel 2 wherein a base of the stand 6 rests on
a surface 11 while providing ample room on the surface 11 for a
supine person to occupy space 18 beneath the support panel 2 and
comfortably operate the secured computer. The stand functions to
position the open laptop computer 1 a distance 18 from the operator
to enable access to the open laptop computer 1, to allow the
ability of the user to comfortably operate the keyboard 14 as well
as to view the monitor 12 in a supine position, for example, when
the operator is flat on their back. A "face" of an open portable
computer, as used herein, generally refers to a viewable face 12 of
a monitor, a back face of a monitor 13, the substantially planar
face of the accessible keyboard 14, and back 15 of the keyboard
portion. A basic embodiment of a device for holding a laptop
computer 1 for operation while an operator thereof is in a supine
position comprises:
[0026] at least one substantially planar support panel 2 having a
first (front) face 3, a second (back) face 5, and a perimeter of
support 7;
[0027] a stand 4, for bearing the panel 2 above a surface 11
suitable for a supine operator, comprised of at least two legs 9
for contacting the surface 11 and forming a substantially planar
base of contact 8, and
[0028] a means of securing 10 a face of an open portable computer
to a face of a support panel 3, 5.
[0029] wherein each support panel 2 forms an acute angle of
90.degree. or less 16 with the base of contact 8, and wherein upon
securing the computer 1 to the panel 2, an accessible keyboard face
14 and/or a viewable face of a monitor 12 of the computer forms an
acute angle of 90.degree. or less 16 with the base of contact 8,
and
[0030] wherein a distance between the legs 20 where the surface is
contacted 8 and a height of the legs between the surface and the
panel 18 is sufficient for the operator to comfortably fit beneath
and reach the panel 2.
[0031] The support panel 2 feature of the present invention is
fundamentally a structure or series of structures for which to
fasten, hold, or support a portable computer 1 in a position
suitable for use by the operator (user) of the computer. Support
panels 2 described herein may be constructed of either transparent
or opaque material. Transparent, clear or pigmented, as well as
opaque polymeric materials for manufacturing and construction of
stands 4 for computers, for example, are well known in the art.
Each support panel 2 has a first face 3 which faces the computer
user during use and a second face 5, opposite the first face.
[0032] Since either face of the keyboard 14, 15 and/or monitor 12,
13 may be fastened or held to either face 3, 5 of a support panel
2, including separate support panels 22, 24 corresponding to each
of the keyboard 22 and monitor 24, either part of the computer,
i.e., the keyboard 14 or monitor 12 may be in front 3 of or behind
5 a support panel 2, per se, relative to the supine user.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 1, for example, separate support
panels 22, 24, e.g., for independently supporting the monitor 12
and keyboard 15, for example, can be set apart from each other by
separate left 25 and right 27 appendages to enable the slidable
insertion of the computer into the device so that, for example,
after insertion, a viewable face of a monitor 12 is supported by a
rear face 5 of a support panel 24, and the accessible keyboard face
14 is supported (suspended) by a plurality of tabs 28 connected to
a support panel 22 spatially adjacent to the back face 15 of the
inserted keyboard. A device may further comprise a horizontal rail
raised from a top portion of the support panel which provides space
between the rail and support panel to hold a laptop computer
adjacent to the support panel.
[0034] A transparent, and polarized panel can be or be attached to
a support panel 2, for example, to reduce eye strain by dissipating
the glow from the monitor 12. Panels referred to herein 2 may
generally be a solid plane of material or may merely provide a
perimeter, e.g., a rectangular frame of support 26, or a
rectangular frame of support 26 with tabs 28 or members to hold the
monitor 12 and/or keyboard portion 14 of the computer. Several
support panels 2 contemplated herein, for example, form a
transparent sleeve (superposed panels) formed of Lucite of Acrylic,
for example, for which to insert the monitor 12, 13 of the computer
while the keyboard 14 is supported by a second face 5 of an
extended rectangular frame 26 or at least one support panel 2 and a
means for securing 10 a back face of a keyboard 15 to a first face
3 of the support panel 2. The keyboard 14, 15 and/or monitor 12, 13
may be fastened or held 10 to separate support panels 2
corresponding to each of the keyboard 14, 15 and monitor 12, 13.
The stand 4 is comprised of at least two legs 9 for contacting the
surface 11 and forming a substantially planar base of contact
8.
[0035] In one embodiment (FIG. 1, FIG. 3), the back face of a
keyboard 15 of a computer is held against (in front of) a first
face of a support panel 3 by a means for securing 10 a face of an
open portable computer to a face of the support panel, for example,
a plurality of tabs 28, clips, clamps, or a perimeter sleeve, for
example, to suspend the keyboard over the user. The support panel 2
may be large enough to similarly provide support for the monitor
12, 13 of the computer or at least one separate support panel 24
may be provided for the monitor. However, since the monitor does
not generally require physical interaction with the user, the
viewable face of the monitor 12 can be positioned behind the second
face 5 of a transparent support panel 2, e.g., behind a solid
transparent panel. Although preferred embodiments of the present
invention, for example, comprise a panel 2 for the keyboard 14, 15
to provide support for the interactive force necessary during use,
embodiments of the invention do not necessarily have a support
panel 2, 24 for the monitor. Since the monitor does not generally
involve physical interaction with the user, certain embodiments of
the invention are provided wherein a means is provided for merely
propping or holding 30 the monitor in a viewable position against
gravitational force. In this type embodiment at least one,
preferably adjustable, appendage 30 extends from an existing
support panel 2, 22 or the stand 4 of the device, to hold the
monitor 12 of the computer in a desirable position for viewing by a
supine operator.
[0036] As used herein "a means for securing a face of an open
portable computer to a face of the support panel" 10 refers to
mechanical means well-known in the art of temporary attachment
materials including, but not limited to, spring loaded clamps,
ratchet devices, hand-operated screw clamps, elastic or Velcro.RTM.
straps.
[0037] A stand 4 comprised of at least two legs 9, e.g., a first
leg 17 and a second leg 19, bears (supports) a support panel 2 in a
position suitable for use by a supine operator, i.e., above a
surface 11 occupied, for example, by a supine user. The stand 4
including the legs 9 may be associated with or directly connected
to the support panel 2 in any manner that is effective to bear the
panel and computer and effectively position the panel 2 for use of
the computer by the operator further discussed infra and to enable
a suitable distance between legs 20 of the stand. An example
embodiment of the present invention comprises two legs, a left leg
17 and a right leg 19, attached to a left 21 and right 23 perimeter
portion of a support panel 2, 22, respectively. A displayed
embodiment of the present invention comprises a left bar structure
32 and a right bar structure 34, attached to a left 21 and right 23
perimeter portion of a support panel 2, 22, respectively, which in
turn, is connected to (optionally rotatably connected) and is
supported by a left leg 17 and a right leg 19, respectively.
[0038] One curved L-shaped leg 17 of the stand 4 is connected to a
left perimeter 21 of a support panel and one curved L-shaped leg 19
of the stand 4 is connected to a right perimeter 23 of a support
panel 2, 22. The legs 9 of the present invention can each comprise
a flexible junction (e.g., pivotally connected) at each of their
points of connection to the support panel which thereby enable the
legs to fold inwardly beneath the support panel. Particularly,
certain embodiments of the present invention employ a foldable
stand 4, e.g., a stand comprised of legs 9 that each comprise a
flexible junction at each of their points of connection to the
support panel which thereby enable the legs to fold beneath the
support panel. The flexible junctions may be a joint of flexible
polymer material well known in the art or conventional hinges, or
ball joints, for example. Joint structures to accommodate this
optional feature of the present invention are well-known in the
art. Ball joints as well as hand-operated screw joints as well as
ratchet mechanisms are contemplated for use in constructing various
embodiments of foldable legs as an optional feature of the present
invention. Each leg may also, for example, comprises an elbow rest
near a terminal end distal from the support panel, for example,
manufactured of silicone or other relatively soft material to
render comfortable resting of elbows of the user.
[0039] Embodiments of the present invention are further
contemplated, however, which provide for ease of use of the secured
portable computer when the user is in various reclined positions.
The legs 9, in this manner, for example, can be directly or
indirectly integrated into the support panel 2 at their point of
attachment to the panel 2 or bar 32, 34 to provide a fixed position
16 of the panel -or- the legs 9 can similarly be adjustably or
pivotally attached to the panel 2 to allow rotation about an axis
36 between the areas of attachment of the legs. Left and right
appendages 38 are present in embodiments, for example, to set the
support panel 2, 22, 26 away from a suspension bar 40 to enable
slidable insertion of a computer 1.
[0040] The axis 36 created by the attachment of the legs 9 to a
panel 2 need not be in alignment with an axis 35 otherwise created
where the monitor meets the keyboard in a computer held in the
device described herein. The stand 4 of the device described herein
is associated with at least one support panel 2 for bearing the
panel 2 above a surface 11 suitable for a supine operator and is
comprised of at least two legs 9 for contacting the surface 11 and
forming a substantially planar base of contact 6, 8 wherein the
support panels 2, 22, 24 preferably form an acute angle of
90.degree. or less with the base of contact 6, 8 and wherein upon
securing the computer to the panel, an accessible keyboard face 14
and/or a viewable face of a monitor 12 of the computer forms an
acute angle of 90.degree. or less with the base of contact 8, and
wherein a distance between the legs 20 where the surface 11 is
contacted and a height 18 of the legs between the surface 11 and
each panel 2 is sufficient for the operator to comfortably fit
beneath and reach the panel 2, 22.
[0041] Embodiments of the device of the present invention are also
contemplated wherein the support panel 2 is further comprised of
one or a series of sleeves or tab-guide 28 extensions of the panel
which the computer slips into. The function of the panel 2 is
merely to provide a means of supporting the computer, accordingly
the structure 2, although substantially planar as a whole, may be
constructed in a myriad of different embodiments. As stated supra,
although the device of the present invention comprises at least one
support panel 2, as defined herein, embodiments of the present
invention may have two or more support panels 22, 24, for example,
to provide independent support of the keyboard 14, 15 and monitor
12, 13, respectively. Particularly since, during certain reclined
positions of the user, the viewable face of the monitor 12 may be
preferred by the user to be positioned at a smaller angle 16 in
relation to the base 6 than the keyboard 14.
[0042] An example embodiment of the present invention comprises at
least one adjustable arm 30, for support and positioning of the
monitor 12 about the axis of the computer 35 where the monitor
meets the keyboard, which extends from a support panel 2. The arm,
appendage, or tab 30, for example, can be pivotally connected to a
support panel 2 or to a leg 17, 19 portion of the stand 4, for
example, at either axis 35, 36.
[0043] Embodiments of the present invention are further
contemplated wherein a plurality of support panels, e.g., 4,
enclose the computer after insertion. See, FIG. x. In this
embodiment a base of two panels corresponding to the monitor are
attached by a hinge.
[0044] Although not necessary, in part due to the advent of
wireless technology, certain embodiments of the present invention
further comprise means for power, telephone line, and/or cable
internet connections and one or more outlets on the device for
connecting the portable computer and/or cell phone or conventional
telephone. These embodiments of the present invention are
particularly useful for receiving and transmitting information
while in bed, for example, due to an acute or chronic injury or
handicap. Embodiments of the present invention are further
contemplated that have at least one light integrated into or
connected to a support panel, for example, to enable the operator
to view an accessible keyboard face of a secured computer. A
plurality of LED lights, for example, are contemplated for
integration into a support panel to provide light for the operator.
Embodiments of the present invention are further contemplated that
have at least one light integrated into or connected to a support
panel, for example, to enable the operator to view an accessible
keyboard face of a secured computer. A plurality of LED lights, for
example, are contemplated for integration into a support panel to
provide light for the operator.
[0045] Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise
adjustable support panels, for example, to accommodate portable
computers of different sizes as well as for ease of insertion of
the computer into the device described herein. In one embodiment,
for example, a support panel is comprised of at least one slidably
expandable/contactable vertical band (front slide guard) and/or at
least one slidably expandable/contactable horizontal band (side
slide guard) wherein each slidable band further comprises a
hook-shaped slide guard at at least one end of the band to hold the
computer in place. This type embodiment may further comprise at
least one fastening strap to hold the computer in place which
extends across at least one horizontal support panel band. The
front slide guard resembles a rectangular hook from its side, and
holds the laptop from sliding forward, and falling downward. The
length of the front slide guard is adjustable to enable the guard
to hold the laptop. The front slide guard of the support panel is
connected, for example, to the stand by means of a horizontal rail,
for example, that extends between a left leg and a right leg. A
side slide guard similarly holds the computer and prevents it from
sliding side to side. In one example embodiment both the front
slide guard and the fastening strap are attached to the side slide
guard. The side slide guard also slides along the front slide guard
to accommodate the laptop's length. The fastening strap can be
replaced with a rigid fastening bar that runs across before the
viewable face of the monitor. Alternately, the front slide guard
rests on a support panel base which is generally a rectangular
planar base for support. A horizontal rail that runs across its
width raised from a top portion of the support panel provides space
between the rail and support panel to hold a laptop computer
adjacent to the support panel.
[0046] Various modifications and variations of the described
embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in
the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described examples and modes for carrying out the invention which
are obvious to those skilled in the art or related fields are
intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
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