U.S. patent application number 12/684396 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-10 for devices for providing a workstation and methods of making and using the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Phifer Incorporated. Invention is credited to Thomas G. Grammer, Beverly C. Phifer.
Application Number | 20110056412 12/684396 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43646669 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110056412 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grammer; Thomas G. ; et
al. |
March 10, 2011 |
Devices For Providing A Workstation And Methods Of Making And Using
The Same
Abstract
The invention provides a device, and method of making and using
the device, for providing at least one work surface. The device may
include (a) a base portion 110 that includes an upper base portion
120 and a lower base portion 130, the upper base portion 120 and
the lower base portion 130 forming a base portion cavity 115
disposed there between; and (b) at least one base portion extension
300, each base portion extension 300 attached to the base portion
110, each base portion extension 300 movable between a stored
position in which the base portion extension 300 is mostly disposed
in the base portion cavity 115, and an extended position, in which
the base portion extension 300 is mostly extended out from the base
portion 110 so as to form a working surface. The at least one base
portion extension 300 may include four base portion extensions 300.
The device may further comprise a work surface assembly 200, the
work surface assembly 200 pivotally disposed upon the base portion
110 so as to form a work surface such that the angle of the work
surface may be varied. Yet further, the device may further comprise
a leveling assembly 500, the leveling assembly 500 pivotally
disposed under the base portion 110 and attached to the lower base
portion 130, the leveling assembly 500 pivotally disposed such that
the angle that the base portion 110 is disposed upon a surface may
be varied.
Inventors: |
Grammer; Thomas G.;
(Northport, AL) ; Phifer; Beverly C.; (Tuscaloosa,
AL) |
Assignee: |
Phifer Incorporated
|
Family ID: |
43646669 |
Appl. No.: |
12/684396 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61143322 |
Jan 8, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/6 ; 108/1;
108/25; 108/38 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 9/00 20130101; A47B
23/043 20130101; A45C 2013/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/6 ; 108/38;
108/1; 108/25 |
International
Class: |
A47B 21/02 20060101
A47B021/02; A47B 1/00 20060101 A47B001/00; A47B 13/08 20060101
A47B013/08; A47B 83/04 20060101 A47B083/04 |
Claims
1. A device for providing at least one work surface, the device
comprising: a base portion that includes an upper base portion and
a lower base portion, the upper base portion and the lower base
portion forming a base portion cavity disposed there between; at
least one base portion extension, each base portion extension
attached to the base portion, each base portion extension movable
between a stored position in which the base portion extension is
mostly disposed in the base portion cavity, and an extended
position, in which the base portion extension is mostly extended
out from the base portion so as to form a working surface.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one base portion
extension is four base portion extensions.
3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a work surface
assembly, the work surface assembly pivotally disposed upon the
base portion so as to form a work surface such that the angle of
the work surface may be varied.
4. The device of claim 3, the work surface assembly pivotally
disposed upon the upper base portion of the base portion.
5. The device of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of work
support assemblies mounted on the work surface assembly, the work
support assemblies provided to support an item on the work surface
assembly.
6. The device of claim 5, the work support assemblies provided to
support a lap top computer on the work surface assembly.
7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a leveling assembly,
the leveling assembly pivotally disposed under the base portion and
attached to the lower base portion, the leveling assembly pivotally
disposed such that the angle that the base portion is disposed upon
a surface may be varied.
8. The device of claim 1, each of the base portion extensions being
pivotally attached to the base portion, so as to pivot from the
stored position to the extended position.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein at least one of the base portion
extensions is provided to support a mouse pad.
10. The device of claim 8, wherein at least one of the base portion
extensions is provided with a plurality of receptacles to house a
pad of paper and a writing instrument, respectively.
11. The device of claim 8, wherein at least one of the base portion
extensions is provided with a receptacle shaped to support a
beverage receptacle.
12. The device of claim 8, wherein each of the base portion
extensions is independently rotatable from the other base portion
extensions.
13. The device of claim 8, further including a respective rotation
assembly to pivotally support a respective base portion.
14. The device of claim 13, each rotation assembly including a
plurality of seating surfaces so as to pivotally support the
corresponding base portion extension between the upper base portion
and the lower base portion.
15. The device of claim 14, each rotation assembly further
including a plurality of friction o-rings to interface with the
seating surfaces so as to pivotally support the corresponding base
portion extension between the upper base portion and the lower base
portion.
16. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a work surface
assembly, the work surface assembly pivotally disposed upon the
base portion so as to form a work surface such that the angle of
the work surface may be varied; and a leveling assembly, the
leveling assembly pivotally disposed under the base portion and
attached to the lower base portion, the leveling assembly pivotally
disposed such that the angle that the base portion is disposed upon
a surface may be varied.
17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of work
support assemblies mounted on the work surface assembly, the work
support assemblies provided to support an item on the work surface
assembly.
18. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is constructed
primarily of plastic.
19. A device for providing at least one work surface, the device
comprising: a base portion that includes an upper base portion and
a lower base portion, the upper base portion and the lower base
portion forming a base portion cavity disposed there between; at
least one base portion extension, each base portion extension
attached to the base portion, each base portion extension movable
between a stored position in which the base portion extension is
mostly disposed in the base portion cavity, and an extended
position, in which the base portion extension is mostly extended
out from the base portion so as to form a working surface; a work
surface assembly, the work surface assembly pivotally disposed upon
the base portion so as to form a work surface such that the angle
of the work surface may be varied; a leveling assembly, the
leveling assembly pivotally disposed under the base portion and
attached to the lower base portion, the leveling assembly pivotally
disposed such that the angle that the base portion is disposed upon
a surface may be varied; and a plurality of work support assemblies
mounted on the work surface assembly, the work support assemblies
provided to support an item on the work surface assembly.
20. A method of using a device for providing at least one work
surface, the method comprising: providing a base portion that
includes an upper base portion and a lower base portion, the upper
base portion and the lower base portion forming a base portion
cavity disposed there between; providing at least one base portion
extension, each base portion extension attached to the base
portion, each base portion extension movable between a stored
position in which the base portion extension is mostly disposed in
the base portion cavity, and an extended position, in which the
base portion extension is mostly extended out from the base portion
so as to form a working surface; and rotating the base portion
extension from the stored position to the extended position so as
to support an item on the base portion extension.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application 61/143,322 filed Jan. 8, 2009 (Attorney Docket No.
56730.000024), the content of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to devices to support a laptop
computer, document, and/or other item or items.
[0003] Various devices have been used in the past to support a
laptop computer, as well as various other associated items, such
that the laptop computer may be conveniently and workably disposed,
while still allowing access to the various other items also needed
in a user's work.
[0004] However, known devices for supporting a laptop computer and
other items have various deficiencies. Some known devices are
difficult to support for extended periods of time, as is often
desired. Even more so, some known devices are difficult to both
support a laptop while conveniently allowing access to other needed
items. Other problems exist with known devices.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention provides a device 100, and method of making
and using the device, for providing at least one work surface. In
one embodiment, the device 100 may constitute a document holder
and/or a computer holder. The device may include (a) a base portion
110 that includes an upper base portion 120 and a lower base
portion 130, the upper base portion 120 and the lower base portion
130 forming a base portion cavity 115 disposed there between; and
(b) at least one base portion extension 300, each base portion
extension 300 attached to the base portion 110, each base portion
extension 300 movable between a stored position in which the base
portion extension 300 is mostly disposed in the base portion cavity
115, and an extended position, in which the base portion extension
300 is mostly extended out from the base portion 110 so as to form
a working surface. The at least one base portion extension 300 may
include four base portion extensions 300. The device may further
comprise a work surface assembly 200, the work surface assembly 200
pivotally disposed upon the base portion 110 so as to form a work
surface such that the angle of the work surface may be varied. Yet
further, the device may further comprise a leveling assembly 500,
the leveling assembly 500 pivotally disposed under the base portion
110 and attached to the lower base portion 130, the leveling
assembly 500 pivotally disposed such that the angle that the base
portion 110 is disposed upon a surface may be varied.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention can be more fully understood by
reading the following detailed description together with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference indicators are used
to designate like elements, and in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device 100, in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of a device 100, with
the base portion extensions 300 in a stored position. in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of the device 100 from
a back side, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device 100 from a back
angle, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the work surface assembly
200, with the work surface assembly 200 removed from the upper base
portion 120, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a top view of the work surface assembly 200, with
the work surface assembly 200 removed from the upper base portion
120, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the work surface assembly 200,
with the work surface assembly 200 removed from the upper base
portion 120, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device 100 with the base
portion extensions 300 in an extended position and the work surface
assembly 200 in a raised position, and supporting a laptop computer
600, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the device 100 with an
expanded view showing the work supports 231 supporting the laptop
computer 600, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the device 100 with the
base portion extensions 300 in an extended position and the work
surface assembly 200 in a lowered, i.e., stored, position, and
supporting a laptop computer 600, in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the device 100 with the
base portion extensions 300 in a stored position, i.e., a closed
position, and the work surface assembly 200 in a lowered, i.e.,
stored, position, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the device 100 with the
base portion extensions 300 in an extended position, and the work
surface assembly 200 in a lowered, i.e., stored, position, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the device 100 in a further
arrangement, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an alternative
embodiment to the work surface legs 260, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing details of the
rotation assembly 150, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view showing various further
details of the rotation assembly 150, the base portion extension
300 and other components, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0023] FIG. 17 is a cross sectional diagram showing the device 100
and details of the rotation assembly 150, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 18 is a cross sectional diagram showing the work
surface assembly 200, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0025] FIG. 19 is a partial cross sectional view of a work support
assembly 230, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 20 is a cross sectional diagram showing the device 100
and details of the base portion extensions 300, in accordance with
one embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 21 is a partial cross sectional view showing details of
the hinge assemblies, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0028] FIG. 22 is partial perspective view of the device 100
showing details of the hinge assembly 250, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the device 100 showing
details of the leveling assembly 500, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the work surface
assembly 200 disposed above a laptop computer 600, in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the work surface
assembly 200 disposed upon a laptop computer 600, in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the device 100 showing a
flip-up portion and other variations, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the device 100 showing a
leveling portion, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] Hereinafter, aspects of the invention in accordance with
various embodiments will be described. As used herein, any term in
the singular may be interpreted to be in the plural, and
alternatively, any term in the plural may be interpreted to be in
the singular.
[0035] The inventive device is used to hold, in particular, a
laptop computer and/or documents. However, the described device may
be used to hold books, and/or various other items.
[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device 100, in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention. The device 100 includes a
base portion 110. A work surface assembly 200 is attached to the
base portion 110 by a hinge assembly 250, i.e., such that the work
surface assembly 200 is disposed in a pivoting manner upon the base
portion 110. A plurality of base portion extensions 300 are
attached to the base portion 110, so as to be selectively
extendable from the base portion 110.
[0037] With regard to the work surface assembly 200, in a closed
position, the work surface assembly 200 may be disposed upon and
laid against a top surface of the base portion 110. In an
operational position, the work surface assembly 200, via the hinge
assembly 250, may be disposed at different angles vis-a-vis the top
of the base portion 110. In such operational position, the work
surface assembly 200 is supported via the hinge assembly 250, as
well as a prop 140. In accordance with one embodiment of the
invention, by varying the arrangement, i.e., the angle, of the prop
140, the angle at which the work surface assembly 200 is disposed
may be varied. Further details are described below.
[0038] The base portion 110 includes various components. The base
portion 110, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention,
includes an upper base portion 120 and a lower base portion 130.
The upper base portion 120 and the lower base portion 130 may be in
the form of molded plastic portions, for example, that are attached
together so as to form the base portion 110. The upper base portion
120 and lower base portion 130 collectively form a base portion
cavity 115 there between, i.e., the upper base portion 120 and the
lower base portion 130 go to form an interior volume of the base
portion 110. The base portion extensions 300 are disposed between
the upper base portion 120 and the lower base portion 130, i.e., in
the base portion cavity 115.
[0039] As described in detail below, the base portion extensions
300 are pivotally attached to the base portion 110 such that the
base portion extensions 300 are selectively disposed in what might
be characterized as a stored position, i.e., tucked away within the
base portion cavity 115, within an interior space of the base
portion 110. On the other hand, the base portion extensions 300 may
be rotated, so as to be disposed in an operational position, in
which the base portion extensions 300 extend out from the base
portion 110, as shown in FIG. 1. In such operational position, the
base portion extensions 300 serve to support various items which
may be thus made accessible to a user, i.e., such that the items
might be used in conjunction with a laptop disposed on the work
surface assembly 200, for example. As described below, for example,
the base portion extensions 300 may be attached to the base portion
110 using a rotation assembly 150, as shown in FIG. 15, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the base portion extensions 300 may
include various structures. For example, the base portion
extensions 300 may include the base extension portion 310, the base
extension portions 320 and the base extension portion 340.
[0041] Illustratively. the base extension portion 310 includes a
pen/pencil receptacle 312 and a pad receptacle 314. The pen/pencil
receptacle 312 may be a recessed portion in the base extension
portion 310 that can retain a pen, pencil, other writing
instrument, stylus, or the like, for example. The pad receptacle
314 may be provided to retain a writing pad. It is appreciated that
various other items may be disposed upon the base portion extension
310, and that the base portion extensions 300, may be provided to
retain a wide variety of items.
[0042] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the
device 100 may include two base extension portions 320 (320, 320'),
as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, such two base extension portions 320,
320' may be provided to selectively retain a mouse 602 and mouse
pad 604 depending on whether the user is right or left handed. As
shown in FIG. 1, the device 100 is set up for a right handed
person. However, alternatively, a left handed person may dispose
the mouse pad/mouse on the base extension portion 320'. The
deviation in distance from the user, i.e., the distance of the base
extension portion 320 vis-a-vis the base extension portion 320', as
shown in FIG. 1, may be compensated, as needed by the position of
the device 100 vis-a-vis the user.
[0043] As shown in the arrangement of FIG. 1, the base extension
portion 320' may be used as a shelf 326. Accordingly, a notebook or
some other item may be disposed on the shelf 326.
[0044] The device 100 may also include the base extension portion
340. The base extension portion 340 may also be particularly
designed to hold particular items. In the example of FIG. 1, the
base extension portion 340 may include an accoutrement bin 344 (for
holding paper clips, for example) and a cup holder 342, for
example.
[0045] As noted above, the device 100 includes a work surface
assembly 200, which is pivotally attached to the base portion 110
via a hinge assembly 250. In accordance with one aspect of the
invention, the work surface assembly 200 may be used so as to
support a laptop computer.
[0046] In particular, features may be provided so as to assist in
such use. For example, a work surface 210 of the work surface
assembly 200 may be provided with bumpers 202. Each bumper 202 may
be provided to cushion the disposition of the laptop upon the work
surface assembly 200 and to prevent slippage of a laptop off the
work surface assembly 200. In accordance with one embodiment of the
invention, each bumper 202 may be constructed of plastic,
elastomeric, rubber, or any other suitable material.
[0047] The work surface assembly 200 may also include a plurality
of work support assemblies 230. In accordance with one embodiment
of the invention, each work support assembly 230 includes a work
support 231 that is pivotally attached to the work surface assembly
200. In an extended position (as shown in FIG. 1), the work support
231 is extended to support a laptop computer or other item. Further
details of the work support assembly 230 are described below.
[0048] The device 100 further includes a handle 190. The handle 190
may be integrally formed with the base portion 110. In particular,
as shown in FIG. 3, the handle 190 may be arcuate in shape, with
the upper base portion 120 forming an upper portion of the handle
190, and the lower base portion 130 forming a lower portion of the
handle 190.
[0049] FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of a device 100, with
the base portion extensions 300 in a stored position. in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention. Further details of moving the
base portion extensions 300 from an extended position, as shown in
FIG. 1, to a stored position, as shown in FIG. 2, are described
below. Both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show that the work surface assembly
200 may be provided with a logo portion 204. The logo portion 204
may be disposed in a central portion of the work surface 210 and
include any of a wide variety of indicia. The logo portion 204 may
be in the form of a molded imprint, a sticker, and/or some other
arrangement, for example.
[0050] FIG. 2 also shows that the base portion 110 may be provided
with a recessed portion 116. The recessed portion 116 may be
integrally molded into a top surface of the base portion 110, so as
to receive the work surface assembly 200. Accordingly, in a
lowered, i.e., stored position, the work surface 210 of the work
surface assembly 200 is disposed flush with an adjacent surface of
the base portion 110, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention, the base portion 110 is provided with a set of latches
112. Each latch 112 serves to retain the work surface assembly 200
in a lowered/stored position. For example, each latch may be in the
form of a resilient finger that clicks over a portion of the work
surface assembly 200, i.e., upon the work surface assembly 200
being lowered into the recessed portion 116.
[0052] FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of the device 100 from
a back side, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
The device 100 includes a finger groove 180. The finger groove 180
may be in the form of an integral groove in the surface 117 of the
upper base portion 120. Accordingly, when the work surface assembly
200 is in a stored position, the finger groove 180 allows a user to
engage a side/edge of the work surface assembly 200, and apply
pressure so as to raise the work surface assembly 200. In
accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a finger
receptacle 280 may be disposed in the work surface assembly 200 as
shown in FIG. 3. In accordance with one embodiment of the
invention, the finger receptacle 280 may be in the form of a
recessed portion molded into the lower surface 220 of the work
surface assembly 200.
[0053] FIG. 3 also shows further details of the prop 140. As shown,
the prop 140 may be pivotally attached to the upper base portion
120 at pivot points 141. In particular, the prop 140 may be
provided with a prop pin 148 at each side. The base portion 110 may
be provided, as shown, with prop pin receptacles 147. Each prop pin
receptacle 147 receives a prop pin 148, such that the prop 140 is
pivotally attached to the base portion 110.
[0054] As shown, the prop 140 may be in the form of a web shape.
However, the particular shape of the prop 140 may vary widely, so
long as the particular shape affords the structural strength needed
to support the work surface assembly 200.
[0055] The prop 140 is selectively connected to the work surface
assembly 200 via a pair of prop connecting rib portions 142. Each
prop connecting rib portion 142 interfaces with a prop clip 240
that are integrally disposed on a lower side of the work surface
assembly 200. More specifically, the prop connecting rib portion
142 includes a connecting rib 143 and a terminus end 144. The
connecting rib 143 engages into a selected prop clip 240. In
accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the connecting rib
143 and the prop clip 240 are dimensioned such that the connecting
rib 143 "clicks" into the prop clip 240. In order to release the
connecting ribs 143 from a respective prop clip 240, a user simply
applies pressure, i.e., so as to click the connecting ribs 143 out
of it respective prop clip 240. Each prop connecting rib portion
142 includes a terminus end 144. The terminus ends 144 serve to
retain the connecting ribs 143 in a respective prop clip 240.
[0056] FIG. 3 also shows work surface legs 260, which are attached
to a lower surface 220 of the work surface assembly 200. Each work
surface leg 260 is pivotally attached to the work surface assembly
200, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
Accordingly, each work surface leg 260 may be selectively pivoted
from a stored position (as shown in FIG. 3) to an extended position
(as shown in FIG. 5). In the stored position, each work surface leg
260 is disposed so as to be in parallel with i.e., laid against the
lower surface 220 of the work surface assembly 200. In such
position, the work surface assembly 200 may be positioned against
the base portion 110, i.e., in a stored position as shown in FIG.
7, for example. Alternatively, the work surface legs 260 may be
rotated so as to disposed in an extended position, as shown in FIG.
5 and FIG. 14, for example. In the extended position, the work
surface legs 260 serve to support the work surface assembly 200
upon the base portion 110, upon a laptop, or upon some other
surface, as desired.
[0057] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each
work surface leg 260 is pivotally mounted to the lower surface 220
of the work surface assembly 200 with a leg hinge 264. More
specifically, each work surface leg 260 may be provided with a pair
of "L" shaped leg base portions 262, the ends of which respectively
fit in suitable leg retaining apertures 263. Each leg base portion
262, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, is
selectively disposed in a respective groove 265 for both an
extended position and a stored position. Due to the overall shape
of the work surface leg 260, the leg base portions 262 are spring
biased, i.e., so as to be biased to stay disposed in the grooves
265.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, the base portion 110, as well as other
components of the device 100, may include molding apertures 114.
Such molding apertures 114 may be selectively provided for various
reasons, such as for clearance between parts, effective molding
practices, and/or other reasons.
[0059] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device 100 from a back
angle, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In
particular, FIG. 4 shows that the device 100 may be provided with a
leveling assembly 500, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. The leveling assembly 500 provides for the device 100 to
be leveled on an uneven surface or otherwise angled as desired by a
user. The arrangement of the prop 540 may be similar in structure
to the prop 140 (and the structure provided to support the prop
140).
[0060] As shown, the prop 540 may be pivotally attached to the base
portion 110 (and specifically the lower base portion 130) at pivot
points 541. In particular, the prop 540 may be provided with a prop
pin 548 at each side. The lower base portion 130 may be provided,
as shown, with prop pin receptacles 547. Each prop pin receptacle
547 receives a prop pin 548, such that the prop 540 is pivotally
attached to the lower base portion 130.
[0061] The prop may be provided with a prop connecting rib portion
542 and terminus end 544, which collectively interface with a
desired prop clip 546, i.e., in a similar manner to the prop 140. A
user may selectively position the prop connecting rib portions 542
in a particular prop clip 546, so as to provide the desired angle
of the leveling assembly 500 vis-a-vis the base portion 110.
[0062] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the
lower base portion 130 may be provided with a prop retaining hook
149. The prop retaining hook 149 is provided to snap over the prop
540, upon the prop 540 being disposed in a stored position, i.e.,
in such manner that the prop 540 is secured in the stored position
in conjunction with the leveling assembly 500 disposed in a closed
position (adjacent the lower base portion 130), as shown in FIG.
20. The prop 540 may be provided with a hook receptacle 549, e.g. a
recessed portion, so as to interface with the prop retaining hook
149. Further, the lower base portion 130 may be provided with a
recessed portion, in which both the prop 540 and the leveling
assembly 500 may be disposed (as also shown in FIG. 20, for
example).
[0063] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the work surface assembly
200, with the work surface assembly 200 removed from the upper base
portion 120, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a top view of the work surface assembly 200, with the
work surface assembly 200 removed from the upper base portion 120,
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Further, FIG. 7
is a bottom view of the work surface assembly 200, with the work
surface assembly 200 removed from the upper base portion 120, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0064] As described above, the work surface assembly 200 may also
include a plurality of work support assemblies 230. In accordance
with one embodiment of the invention, each work support assembly
230 includes a work support 231 that is pivotally attached to the
work surface assembly 200. In an extended position (as shown in
FIG. 1), the work support 231 is extended to support a laptop
computer or other item. Each of the work supports 231 may be
pivoted between the extended position and a stored position. In the
stored position, the work support assembly 230 is disposed in a
work support receptacle 234, as shown in FIGS. 5-7, for example.
The work support receptacle 234 may be a recessed portion that is
molded into the work surface assembly 200, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention. The dimensions of the work support
receptacle 234 may be such that the work support receptacle 234
accepts the work support 231, i.e., such that the exposed surface
of the work support 231 lays flush or below the work surface
210.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 6, a finger groove 239 may be provided to
assist a user to move each work support 231 from the stored
position to an extended position. The finger groove 239 may be in
the form of a recessed groove that allows a user to position their
finger under the upper edge of each work support 231.
[0066] Each of the work supports 231 may be hinged in any suitable
manner. As described below with reference to FIG. 19, for example,
the end of each of the work supports 231 that is attached to the
work surface 210 may be provided with opposing pivot pins that
extend from each side of the work support 231. Further, the work
surface 210 may be provided with a pair of pin retaining tabs 235
for each work support 231. Each pin retaining tab 235 serves to
retain a respective pivot pin 233 via a tab concave portion 237,
i.e., a recessed portion, integrally formed in each pin retaining
tab 235. Thus, the arrangement including the pivot pin 233 retained
by the pin retaining tab 235 (on each side of the work support 231)
allows the work support 231 to be retained, while allowing pivoting
motion.
[0067] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device 100 with the base
portion extensions 300 in an extended position and the work surface
assembly 200 in a raised position, and supporting a laptop computer
600, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown,
the work supports 231 are in the extended position and the laptop
computer 600 is supported on the work supports 231. FIG. 9 is a
perspective view of the device 100 with an expanded view showing
the work supports 231 supporting the laptop computer 600, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0068] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the device 100 with the
base portion extensions 300 in an extended position and the work
surface assembly 200 in a lowered, i.e., stored, position, and
supporting a laptop computer 600, in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention.
[0069] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the device 100 with the
base portion extensions 300 in a stored position, i.e., a closed
position, and the work surface assembly 200 in a lowered, i.e.,
stored, position, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. As shown, the upper base portion 120 and the lower base
portion 130 may be provided with recessed edge sections 118. The
recessed edge sections 118 provide a relieved portion of an edge
wall of the base portion 110 so as to allow a user to grasp a base
portion extension 300. The user may so grasp a base portion
extension 300 and rotate the particular base portion extension 300
to a desired extended position.
[0070] Relatedly, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the device 100
with the base portion extensions 300 in an extended position, and
the work surface assembly 200 in a lowered, i.e., stored, position,
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0071] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the device 100 in a further
arrangement, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As
shown, the work surface assembly 200 is removed from the base
portion 110. That is, a laptop computer 600 is positioned upon the
base portion 110, and the work surface assembly 200 is in turn
positioned upon the laptop computer 600. Accordingly, the work
surface assembly 200 provides a work surface upon which a user may
work, while still having ready access to the laptop computer 600.
As shown in FIG. 13, and described above, the work surface legs 260
of the work surface assembly 200 are in an extended position, so as
to support the work surface assembly 200 over the laptop computer
600.
[0072] Relatedly, FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an
alternative embodiment to the work surface legs 260, in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention. That is, FIG. 14 shows that,
in lieu of the work surface legs 260, the work surface assembly 200
may be supported with pads 270 and integral feet 272. The pads 270
and the integral feet 272 serve to support the work surface
assembly 200 upon a desired surface in a stable manner. Further,
the pads 270 and the integral feet 272 provide a more simplified
structure vis-a-vis the work surface legs 260, which may be
desired.
[0073] As related to FIG. 14, FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing
the work surface assembly 200 disposed above a laptop computer 600,
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The laptop
computer 600 is in turn disposed upon the base portion 110. As
shown, the work surface assembly 200 is provided with the pads 270
and the integral feet 272. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing
the work surface assembly 200 disposed upon a laptop computer 600,
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 25 further
illustrates operation of pads 270 and the integral feet 272, i.e.,
that such arrangement may provide for the work surface assembly 200
to rest upon a laptop computer 600, and provide a working surface
for the user.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 1 and described above, the device 100
includes a plurality of base portion extensions 300 that extend
from the base portion 110. In particular, each of the base portion
extensions 300 pivot from a stored position (as shown in FIG. 2) to
an extended position (as shown in FIG. 1). Each of the base portion
extensions 300, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention,
are mounted to a rotation assembly 150 so as to provide for such
pivoting.
[0075] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing details of the
rotation assembly 150, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view showing various
further details of the rotation assembly 150, the base portion
extension 300 and other components, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention. Specifically, FIG. 16 is a
cross-sectional view of portion 16-16 of FIG. 17. As shown, the
rotation assembly 150 is attached to and extends through the upper
base portion 120, extends through a base portion extension 300, and
is attached and extends through the lower base portion 130.
[0076] The rotation assembly 150 includes a plug head 171 that
serves to secure the plug 151 on the upper base portion 120. The
plug head 171 may be seated in plug well 126 that is disposed in
the upper base portion 120. The plug 151 may include a lock groove
152. The lock groove 152 is provided to interface in some manner
with a detent (or other structure) in the plug well 126, i.e., so
as to preclude rotational movement of the plug 151. A lower portion
of the plug 151, as shown, is provided with a tube portion 153. The
tube portion 153 includes a threaded interior portion 154.
[0077] The rotation assembly 150 also includes a plug 160 with a
tube portion 169. The plug 160 may be disposed in a suitable plug
well in the lower base portion 130. As shown, a screw, bolt or
other suitable fastener 166 extends through a central aperture in
the plug 160 so as to pass into and be threadably secured in the
threaded interior portion 154 (of the plug 151). In this manner,
the plug 160 is attached to the plug 151, and in turn attaches the
upper base portion 120 with the lower base portion 130, passing
through a pivot aperture 315 (of the base portion extension
310).
[0078] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, as shown
in FIG. 16, the plug 160 is provided with a seating surface 161
that slidably interfaces with a seating wall 125 of the upper base
portion 120. To further seat the components and allow rotational
movement, seating surface 156 including a shoulder of the seating
surface 156 (on the upper base portion 120) interfaces both with an
interior seating surface 311 of the base extension portion 310 (as
shown in FIG. 16) and with a seating surface 158 (on the lower base
portion 130).
[0079] FIG. 16 also shows the manner in which the base portion
extension 300 is rotationally sandwiched between the upper base
portion 120 and the lower base portion 130, and rotationally
disposed about the rotation assembly 150 (including the plug 151
and the plug 160). In particular, the rotation assembly 150
includes a friction o-ring 155 and a friction o-ring 165. The
friction o-ring 155 is disposed between a seating wall 101 (of the
upper base portion 120) and a seating wall 106 of the base
extension portion 310. Further, the friction o-ring 165 is disposed
between a seating wall 102 (of the lower base portion 130) and a
seating wall 107 of the base extension portion 310. The base
extension portion 310 is otherwise provided clearance to freely
rotate vis-a-vis the upper base portion 120 and the lower base
portion 130. The friction o-rings (155, 165) serve to frictionally
retain the base extension portion 310 in a particular position
(vis-a-vis the base portion 110, inclusive of the upper base
portion 120 and lower base portion 130) while allowing movement of
the base extension portion 310 if sufficient rotational pressure is
provided by the user, i.e., so as to rotate the base extension
portion 310 from the stored position to an extended position.
[0080] As described herein, the arrangement of the rotation
assembly 150, upper base portion 120, lower base portion 130 and
base extension portion 310 provides substantial structural support
for the base extension portion 310. Thus, such arrangement provides
for stable and strong base portion extensions 300.
[0081] While a particular arrangement has been described to seat
and allow rotational movement of the base portion extension 310 (as
the base portion extension 310 is sandwiched between the upper base
portion 120 and the lower base portion 130), it is appreciated that
various other arrangements may be used. Such other arrangements
might vary in the shape of the components and the manner in which
the components interface and seat with each other. The particular
arrangement of the base extension portion 310 and rotation assembly
150, along with the upper base portion 120 and the lower base
portion 130 has been described. In accordance with one embodiment
of the invention, the other base portion extensions (320, 330) are
supported by a similar arrangement.
[0082] Relatedly, FIG. 17 is a cross sectional diagram showing the
device 100 and details of the rotation assembly 150, in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention. Specifically, FIG. 17 is a
cross-sectional view along line 17-17 of FIG. 11. As shown, the
work surface assembly 200 and the leveling assembly 500 are in the
stored position.
[0083] FIG. 18 is a cross sectional diagram showing the work
surface assembly 200, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. Specifically, FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view along
line 18-18 of FIG. 6. As shown, the work support 231 is in an
extended position, i.e., so as to support a laptop computer 600 or
some other device.
[0084] FIG. 19 is a partial cross sectional view of a work support
assembly 230, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
Specifically, FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of portion 19-19 of
FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 19, and noted above, the work support 231
(of the work support assembly 230) includes a pair of retaining
tabs 232, which are mounted on opposing sides of the work support
231. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each
retaining tab 232 interfaces with a corresponding snap portion 236,
as shown in FIG. 7. That is, as a work support 231 is moved from an
extended position to nearing the stored position, each retaining
tab 232 snaps over (or otherwise engages with) a corresponding snap
portion 236. For example, each snap portion 236 may include an
integrally molded shoulder that allows a retaining tab 232 to snap
over, thus retaining each work support 231 in the stored position.
Upon a user wanting the work support 231 again disposed in an
extended position, the user would apply pressure to the work
support back 238 (via placing the user's finger in the finger
groove 239). Such pressure on the work support back 238 forces the
work support 231 (and specifically the retaining tabs 232) to snap
past the snap portions 236, such that the work support 231 may be
then further moved out into the extended position, i.e., so as to
support a laptop or other item thereon.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 19, the work surface assembly 200 also
includes the hinge pivot shaft 252, as is also shown in FIG. 6, for
example. The hinge pivot shaft 252 serves to connect the work
surface assembly 200 to the base portion 110. Further details of
the hinge assembly 250 (including the hinge pivot shaft 252 are
described below).
[0086] FIG. 20 is a cross sectional diagram showing the device 100
and details of the base portion extensions 300, in accordance with
one embodiment of the invention. Specifically, FIG. 20 is a
cross-sectional view along line 20-20 of FIG. 11. As shown, the
work surface assembly 200 and the leveling assembly 500 are in the
stored position. FIG. 21 is a partial cross sectional view showing
details of the hinge assemblies, in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention. Specifically, FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view
of portion 21-21 of FIG. 20. In particular, FIG. 21 shows details
of the hinge assembly 250 (for the work surface assembly 200) and
details of the hinge assembly 590 (for the leveling assembly 500).
FIG. 22 is partial perspective view of the device 100 showing
details of the hinge assembly 250, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 21 and described above, the hinge assembly
250 pivotally attaches the upper base portion 120 with the work
surface assembly 200. A hinge pivot shaft 252 is attached to the
work surface assembly 200 via a plurality of hinge support
shoulders 254, as also shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 22. The hinge pivot
shaft 252 interfaces with a hinge shaft retaining leaf 256, as
shown in FIG. 21. In particular, the hinge shaft retaining leaf 256
runs the width of the hinge assembly 250. The hinge shaft retaining
leaf 256 includes a leaf elongated recess 257 and a leaf elongated
protuberance 258. The leaf elongated recess 257 and the leaf
elongated protuberance 258 also run the width of the hinge assembly
250. The leaf elongated recess 257 serves to receive the hinge
pivot shaft 252, in conjunction with the leaf elongated
protuberance 258 retaining the hinge pivot shaft 252, i.e., such
that the hinge pivot shaft 252 is allowed to pivotally rotate but
not to move past the leaf elongated protuberance 258 while the work
surface assembly 200 is in a working position (i.e., and not
positioned vertically). As shown in FIG. 21, the upper base portion
120 includes an interior support web 255 disposed adjacent the
hinge shaft retaining leaf 256. The interior support web 255 serves
to interface with the hinge support shoulders 254, i.e., such that
the hinge pivot shaft 252 is retained against the hinge shaft
retaining leaf 256 while the work surface assembly 200 is in a
working position, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. The interior
support web 255 further serves to structurally connect the surfaces
of the upper base portion 120, as shown.
[0088] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the
hinge pivot shaft 252 is in the form of a cylinder with a portion
of the diameter 252' flattened, or reduced, i.e., such that the
hinge pivot shaft 252 includes a large diameter and a small
diameter. As noted above, as the work surface assembly 200 is in a
working position (i.e., and not positioned vertically), the hinge
pivot shaft 252 is retained by the leaf elongated recess 257.
However, upon the user positioning the work surface assembly 200 in
a vertical position (or substantially vertical position), the hinge
pivot shaft 252 is disposed such that the hinge pivot shaft 252 can
pass past the leaf elongated protuberance 258, due to the smaller
cross section of the hinge pivot shaft 252. Thus, in this manner,
the work surface assembly 200 may be removed, so as to be used by
the user in other configurations of the device 100, i.e., such as
that shown in FIG. 14.
[0089] As noted above, FIG. 22 is partial perspective view of the
device 100 showing details of the hinge assembly 250, in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 22 shows the work
surface assembly 200 removed from the upper base portion 120, and
the relative position of the work surface assembly 200 and the
upper base portion 120 so as to allow such removal. As shown the
upper base portion 120 is positioned sufficiently in a vertical
position so as to allow the reduced diameter side of the hinge
pivot shaft 252 to pass by the leaf elongated protuberance 258.
However, relatedly, it is appreciated that the hinge shaft
retaining leaf 256 (and the leaf elongated protuberance 258) may
spring, i.e., give or deflect to some degree, so as to allow the
hinge pivot shaft 252 to pass by.
[0090] FIG. 22 also shows that the upper base portion 120 may
include a plurality of structural supports 259. Each structural
support 259 serves to structurally connect and support the surfaces
of the upper base portion 120, as shown, along with the interior
support web 255.
[0091] FIG. 21 further shows details of the hinge assembly 590, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The hinge assembly
590 (also shown in FIG. 4) may be of similar structure to the of
the hinge assembly 250. The hinge assembly 590 hinge pivot shaft
552 that is connected to the leveling assembly 500 via a plurality
of hinge support shoulders 554. The lower base portion 130 receives
and holds the hinge pivot shaft 552, along with the hinge support
shoulder 554, between a hinge shaft retaining leaf 556 and a
interior support web 555 (in a manner similar to the hinge assembly
250). However, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention,
the hinge pivot shaft 552 is of constant diameter, since the
leveling assembly 500 and hinge pivot shaft 552 are not intended to
be removed in operation of the device 100.
[0092] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the device 100 showing
details of the leveling assembly 500, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention. In particular, FIG. 23 (and FIG. 21)
show that the lower base portion 130 includes a plurality of pads
132 that may serve to support the device 100. In conjunction with
the pads 132, the leveling assembly 500 may also be provided with a
larger pad 520. The pad 520, in accordance with one embodiment of
the invention, is received in a matching size recess 510 in the
lower surface of the leveling assembly 500. The pad 520 serves to
provide a cushioned surface while resting the device 100 upon a
user's legs or any other supporting surface. For example, the pads
132 and the pad 520 may be constructed of suitable elastomeric
material.
[0093] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the device 100 showing a
flip-up portion 136 and other variations, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention. In particular, the device 100 may be
provided with a flip-up portion 136 to retain a gadget 137. The
flip-up portion 136 may be constructed to retain the gadget 137 and
be pivotally connected to one of the base extension portions 300.
The gadget 137 might clip to, snap into, or in some other manner be
physically retained by the flip-up portion 136, while being
removable from the flip-up portion 136 as needed. The flip-up
portion 136 may be pivotally attached to one of the base extension
portions 300, i.e., so as to pivot between a use position (as
shown) to a closed position (such that the gadget 137 lies parallel
to the base extension portion 300 and is protected by the flip-up
portion 136 for example). Upon the flip-up portion being in the
closed position, the base portion extension 300 may be rotated into
the base portion 110, i.e., into the stored position. The gadget
137 might be a MP3 player, iPOD, Personal Digital Assistant,
BLACKBERRY, cell phone, and/or some other device, for example.
[0094] FIG. 26 also shows that the shape of the work surface
assembly 200 may be varied, as well as the manner in which the work
surface assembly 200 is hingedly connected to the upper base
portion 120. Also, the position of the work support assemblies 230
may be varied as desired.
[0095] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a device 100 showing a
leveling portion 133, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. As shown, the leveling portion 133 may include two
cushion portions (134,134') that are connected by a hinge portion
135. One or both of the two cushion portions (134,134') may be
connected to the lower base portion 130 in some suitable manner,
i.e., such as by using clips or other releasable fasteners, for
example. In one embodiment, the one of the two cushion portions
(134,134') may be released from the lower base portion 130 and
folded under the other cushion portion (134,134'). That is, the
hinge portion 135 allows for one cushion portion 134 (either 134 or
134') to be folded under the other cushion portion 134 to add more
height and/or adjust to a different angle, as desired. The leveling
portion 133, including the cushion portion 134 and the hinge
portion 135 may be constructed of any suitable material such as a
coated foam and be varied in dimension as desired, for example.
[0096] As described herein, the devices above, in accordance with
the various embodiments of the invention, have been described in
the context of holding a laptop computer and other items. However,
it is appreciated that the devices of the invention may be used to
hold a wide variety of materials for viewing and other items, as
may be desired. Accordingly, the devices of the invention might
hold books, magazines, papers, photographs or any other object that
might be physically supported on the device.
[0097] The devices of the invention, in accordance with the various
embodiments, may be made from any of a wide variety of materials,
as is desired. For example, the invention might be made of wood,
plastic, metal, and/or foam, for example, or any other material.
Further, a variety of production techniques may be used to make the
device as described herein. For example, suitable molding
techniques might be utilized. Also, the various components of the
device may be integrally formed, as may be desired, in particular
when using molding construction techniques. The respective
arrangements may be provided in various sizes and relative
dimensions, as desired.
[0098] In conclusion, it will be readily understood by those
persons skilled in the art that the present invention is
susceptible to broad utility and application. Many embodiments and
adaptations of the present invention other than those herein
described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent
arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the
present invention and foregoing description thereof, without
departing from the substance or scope of the invention.
[0099] Accordingly, while the present invention has been described
here in detail in relation to its exemplary embodiments, it is to
be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and
exemplary of the present invention and is made to provide an
enabling disclosure of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing
disclosure is not intended to be construed or to limit the present
invention or otherwise to exclude any other such embodiments,
adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent
arrangements.
* * * * *