U.S. patent application number 12/804455 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-03 for portable utility shelf.
Invention is credited to Albert Manuel Lopez, JR..
Application Number | 20110266238 12/804455 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44872660 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110266238 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lopez, JR.; Albert Manuel |
November 3, 2011 |
Portable utility shelf
Abstract
A portable utility shelf includes a first shell, a second shell,
a latching member, a channel located on the first shell and an
attachment object connected to the channel and the attachment
object, such as a magnet or suction cup, is capable of connecting
the shelf to a stationary object. The portably utility shelf is
simple to manufacture via injection molding. The portable utility
shelf is self supportive to aid a user in supporting a variety of
objects, such as a laptop computer.
Inventors: |
Lopez, JR.; Albert Manuel;
(Lansing, MI) |
Family ID: |
44872660 |
Appl. No.: |
12/804455 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61343491 |
Apr 29, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/134 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 3/02 20130101; A47B
96/027 20130101; A45C 2011/003 20130101; A47B 96/02 20130101; G06F
2200/1633 20130101; G06F 1/1616 20130101; G06F 1/1628 20130101;
A45C 2005/037 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/134 |
International
Class: |
A47B 96/02 20060101
A47B096/02 |
Claims
1. A portable utility shelf 300 comprising: a first shell 100 with
a front sidewall 100a and a back sidewall 200a; a second shell 200
with a front sidewall and a back sidewall, a latching member 118; a
channel 124 located on the front sidewall of the first shell 100;
and an attachment object 400 operatively connected to said channel
and the object is capable of connecting said shelf to a stationary
material.
2. The portable utility shelf of claim 1, wherein said shelf is
made of injection molded plastic.
3. The portable utility shelf of claim 1, further comprising a
hinge stop integrally molded to a bottom end of said shelf, wherein
the first and second shell are rotatably connected.
4. The portable utility shelf of claim 3, wherein said hinge
comprises a molded half sleeve and a molded pivot shaft.
5. The portable utility shelf of claim 1, further comprising an
integrally molded slot adjacent the channel, and wherein said
attachment object is attached to said slot and the attachment
object is slidably adjustable along said slot.
6. The portable utility shelf of claim 1, wherein said latching
member engages said first shell and said second shell.
7. The portable utility shelf of claim 6, further comprising an
integrally molded handle positioned at the top end of the first
shell and the top end of the second shell.
8. The portable utility shelf of claim 1, wherein the channel is
recessed and configured in an orientation selected from vertically,
horizontally, and a t-shape.
9. The portable utility shelf of claim 8, wherein the channel is
recessed and configured in the t-shape orientation.
10. The portable utility shelf of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of ribs on the back sidewall of the first shell and on
the back sidewall of the second shell.
12. The portable utility shelf in claim 1, wherein the attachment
object is selected from a magnet and a suction cup positioned on
the front sidewall of the first shell.
13. The portable utility shelf in claim 1, wherein the shelf
comprises at least two attachment objects on the front sidewall of
the first shell.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates generally to a portable utility
shelf, and more specifically to a portable utility shelf that
provides a quick connect/disconnect means, to attach the shelf to
an object, and provide a user with a hands free shelf to operate a
laptop computer. The features and improvements of the present
invention, as described herein, are achieved while providing a
portable workspace for a user.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0002] Laptop carriers are known in the art. Known laptop carriers
require attachment to a user, such as a strap around the user's
neck, or require a stand, such as a tabletop. For example,
US2010/0038393A1 describes a laptop carrier including a case
portion, a strap and a pair of clipping members. WO2010040754A2,
describes a portable stand for a laptop computer to be used by a
person who is sitting, lying or reclined, comprising an upturned
U-shaped framework for supporting a laptop computer. Other examples
include utility shelves that require permanent attachment to an
object, such as described in US2006137937, which describes a
utility shelf including a housing, a pair of brackets to secure to
an object, such as a ladder, and a pair of extendable arms
configured to receive large rolls of spooled items such as tape,
paper towels, and the like.
[0003] Thus, utility shelves known in the art must be permanently
attached to an object and are thus, not portable, or the portable
utility shelf requires attachment to the user or a bulky framework
that isn't easily transported by a user for use in a variety of
environments.
[0004] The inventor of the present invention has discovered that
there is a need for a portable utility shelf that allows a user to
quickly and simply attach a utility shelf to an object and to
enable a user to efficiently enter data into a laptop in a
handsfree mode. Accordingly, if a user must hold a laptop computer
in one hand, while being required to input data with the other
hand, it is impossible to maintain efficient keyboard entry or
perform other curser control (e.g., touch-pad, and attaching
interrogation cables to an electric meter). Furthermore, if the
user must perform a task (such write handwritten notes) during
keyboard entry, it is not suitable to have the laptop connected to
the user for use.
[0005] The inventor of the present invention has also discovered
that there is a need for a portable utility shelf that can easily
be manufactured via an injection molding process, wherein only two
molds are required to make the base utility shelf article.
[0006] Accordingly, what is needed is a simple, easy-to-use,
easy-to-transport, easy-to-manufacture, portable utility shelf that
is self supportive to aid a user in supporting a laptop in a
variety of environments and to perform a variety of tasks.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the principles of the present invention,
in one embodiment, there is a portable utility shelf comprising, a
first shell 100 with a front sidewall and a back sidewall, a second
shell 200 with a front sidewall and a back sidewall, a latching
member 118, a channel 124 located on the front sidewall of the
first shell 100; and an attachment object 400, such as a magnet or
suction cup, operatively connected to said channel 124 and the
attachment object 400 is capable of easily and quickly connecting
said shelf to an object.
[0008] In another embodiment, the shelf is made of injection molded
plastic. In other embodiment, the shelf consists essentially of two
pieces of injection molded plastic. In other embodiment, the shelf
further comprises a hinge stop 104/110 integrally connected to a
bottom end of said shelf.
[0009] In another embodiment, the utility shelf is made out of only
one material. Thus, all of the materials to make the shelf (not
including the attachment object) are composed of the same
material.
[0010] In another embodiment, the utility shelf is used as a
portable holder for a laptop computer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing aspects and others will be readily appreciated
by the skilled artisan from the following description of
illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front view of the first shell, front sidewall,
of the portable utility shelf.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a front view of the inside of the first shell,
back sidewall; of the portable utility.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the portable utility shelf in a
closed position.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top view of the portable utility shelf in a
closed position.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of the utility shelf, opposite side
being a mirror image thereof.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the portable utility shelf
in an open position, showing the first and second shell back
sidewalls.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side view of the first shell and the second
shell in an open position, the opposite side being a mirror image
thereof.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a front view of the first shell, front sidewall,
of the portable utility shelf including an attachment object.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective front view of the first shell, front
sidewall of the portable utility shelf in a closed position.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an alternative perspective view of the portable
utility shelf in an open position, showing the first and second
shell back sidewalls, which are mirror images thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like
numerals refer to like parts throughout.
[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are
illustrated in the context of a portable utility shelf for a laptop
computer. The skilled artisan will readily appreciate, however,
that the materials and methods disclosed herein will have
application in a number of other contexts where a portable utility
shelf may be used in a variety of different environments to hold a
variety of different objects.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a front view of the
first shell 100, front sidewall 100a, of the portable utility
shelf. The utility shelf comprises a second shell 200 (not shown in
FIG. 1) which may be comprised of the same material as the first
shell 100. The first shell 100 and second shell 200 may be
comprised of different configurations, as shown in FIG. 6. The
inventor of the utility shelf found that the configuration of the
first shell 100, front sidewall 100a, enables a user to create an
adjustable, hands free workstation for an object, such as a lap
top. Alternatively, the second shell 200 may have the same
configuration as the first shell 100, and thus, the first and
second shells may be mirror images thereof, as shown in FIG. 10.
This configuration allows the manufacturer to use one mold, twice,
thus it may result in a lower cost solution to make the utility
shelf.
[0025] In one embodiment, the utility, shelf can be comprised of
any suitable material known in the art. In one embodiment, the
utility shelf is comprised of an injection molded polymeric
material. The polymeric material may be selected from a plastic
material, such as, a polypropylene homopolymer material. Other
plastic materials which would be suitable for fabricating the shelf
include PS (polystyrene), CPET (crystalline polyethylene
terephthalate), APET (amorphous polyethylene terephthalate), HDPE
(high density polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PC
(polycarbonate), and foamed polypropylene.
[0026] In one embodiment, the utility shelf may contain a pivot
shaft 106 to function as a half of a snap hinge and a half sleeve
108 to function as the other half of a snap hinge. In another
embodiment, the hinge(s) are integrally molded with and made of the
same material as the utility shelf. Any type of hinge known in the
art may be used, so long as it is possible to manufacture the hinge
via injection molding or the like for production purposes. There
are several other methods and types of hinges that can be utilized
such as a simple metal hinge, pinned hinge or snap hinge. The hinge
system 106/108 allow for the first and second shells to rotate from
a closed position to an open position and vice versa.
[0027] In another embodiment, the utility shelf may contain a
handle 116. In one embodiment, the handle 116 is integrally molded
with and made of the same material as the utility shelf. The handle
116 may be molded into the first shell 100 and the second shell 200
of the utility shelf during the manufacturing process. In one
embodiment, the handle is formed when the first and second shells
are in the closed position. The handle 116 can be configured in any
shape, preferably an oval shape.
[0028] FIG. 2, there is shown a front view of the first shell 100,
back sidewall 200a, of the portable utility shelf. Further to FIG.
1, FIG. 2 shows a plurality of vertical ribs 126 which may be added
for strength and support and/or a plurality of horizontal ribs 128
which can be added for strength and support. Accordingly, since the
ribs increase the strength and support of the sidewalls, it is
possible to use less material in the manufacturing process, thus,
resulting in a thinner, lighter weight utility shelf. Furthermore,
the ribs may provide a dual function of also creating secure
compartments to hold small objects, such as fittings, washers, nuts
electrical connecters, etc. In one embodiment, the ribs 126/128 are
integrally molded with and made of the same material as the utility
shelf.
[0029] FIG. 4 there is shown the utility shelf may contain a snap
latch, comprised of a first half 118 located on an outer lip 120 of
the top of the first shell 100. The other half of the snap latch
118a, shown in FIG. 9, is integrally molded on the top of the
second shell 200. The snap latch functions to secure the first
shell 100 and the second shell 200 together. In one embodiment, the
snap latch is a pressure latch, however, any latch known in the art
may be used such as, a push button latch, hasp latch, bolt latch
etc. In one embodiment, the first half and the second half of the
latch system are integrally molded with and made of the same
material as the utility shelf. Also shown in FIG. 4, is an outer
lip 120 which can function to align parts together when the utility
shelf is closed. The outer lip 120 may also be integrally molded
with and made of the same material as the utility shelf.
[0030] FIG. 5, there is shown a side view of the utility shelf in a
closed position. The shelf may contain a hinge stop (104/110). The
stop may be configured as any stop known in the art. The stop
functions to inhibit rotation of the hinge system on the first and
second shells past a certain point. Thus, in one embodiment, when a
user opens the utility shelf, the first and second shells will open
at a 90 degree angle. In other embodiments, it is possible for a
user to configure the stops so that the first and second shells
open at other angles, such as, for example, 180 degrees, 145
degrees, 120 degrees, 100 degrees, 45 degrees or 25 degrees.
[0031] FIG. 7 shows the utility shelf open at a 90 degree angle and
stops 104 and 110 adjacent to one another. In one embodiment, the
hinge stops (104/110) are integrally molded with and made of the
same material as the utility shelf.
[0032] FIG. 8, there is shown the first shell 100, front sidewall
100a, including at least one attachment object 400a. In another
embodiment, a second attachment object 400b, may be included. The
attachment object 400a/400b is any object which can attach the
shelf to a stationary material. In another embodiment, the
attachment object is capable of a quick connect attaching means to
an object. In another embodiment, the attachment object is capable
of a quick dis-connect from an object. In another embodiment, the
attachment object is Capable of a quick connect and dis-connect
from an object. In one embodiment, the attachment object is a
magnetic material. In another embodiment, the object is a magnet.
In another embodiment, the attachment object is a suction cup. The
attachment object can be configured to hold any type of weight. In
one embodiment, the magnet is a 90 lb pull magnet. In another
embodiment, the stationary material is made of metal or an alloy
thereof. In another embodiment, the stationary object is any
material a suction cup can adhere to, such as glass, metal, or
plastic.
[0033] The attachment object 400a/400b may be secured to the
utility shelf via a slot 112 adjacent a channel 124. In one
embodiment, the channel is recessed. In another embodiment, the
slot 112 is recessed within the channel 124. The attachment object
400a/400b can be secured by any means that affords the attachment
object the ability to be slidably adjustable along the slot 112.
For example, the attachment object may be secured with a bolt and
nut. The channel 124 may be located on the first shell 100, front
side 100a, on the second shell 200, front side, or on both the
first and second shell front sides. FIG. 6 shows a utility shelf
having channels on only one shell 100. FIG. 10 shows an alternative
embodiment 300 where the first shell 100 and the second shell 200
are mirror images thereof and thus channels are located on the both
the first shell front sidewall and the second shell front
sidewall.
[0034] In one embodiment, the channel 124 is configured in a
horizontal orientation. In one embodiment, the channel 124 is
configured in a vertical orientation. In yet another embodiment,
the channel 124 is configured in a both a horizontal and vertical
configuration in a T-shape. The horizontal and vertical channel(s)
124 may or may not be formed as one continuous configuration.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective front view of the first shell 100,
front sidewall 100a of the portable utility shelf in a closed
position showing a possible configuration of a snap latch
118/118a.
[0036] FIG. 10 is an alternative perspective view of the portable
utility shelf 300 in an open position, showing the first shell and
second shell having front and back sidewalls 300a/300b, which are
mirror images thereof for ease of manufacturing.
[0037] The utility shelf may be manufactured by an injection
molding process or any process known the art. In one embodiment,
the front shell and the second shell are injection molded in only
two molds, which are snap fitted together. Accordingly, the two
molds may be fitted together via the hinge stops 104/110 attached
at opposite ends of the bottom of the first shell 100 and second
shell 200.
[0038] The portable utility shelf can be utilized in several ways
and applications. In a preferred embodiment, it is used in the
electric utility industry to provide a hands free, safe workplace
to operate a laptop computer in the field. Accordingly, the utility
shelf can quickly attach to an electric meter. In other
embodiments, it can be used in a variety of other industry and/or
trades for a variety of uses. For example, by the U.S. Military, to
attach a laptop computer to a vehicle during an operation. It can
also be used to set ammunition on, to clean a weapon, do paperwork,
to use as a lunch table. Contractors can use it for paperwork,
lunch table or laptop use when out in the field and want to be
outside their vehicle to watch crews. For home use, the utility
shelf could be attached to windows for painting, to hold plants, or
knickknacks, clothes, pictures, whatever the user prefers. The
automotive industry can utilize the portable utility shelf for a
work table for putting tools on while working under a vehicle. For
example, the utility shelf could be attached to a fender of a car
or a door sill to set up tools. EMS/law enforcement personnel can
utilize the portable utility shelf to aid in an investigation or
aid in treatment, when something has to be off the ground. The
medical field could utilize this device for a portable utility
shelf in an operating room where there is a need for extra space to
hold surgical equipment or the like.
[0039] It is believed that the present embodiments and their
advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and
it will be apparent that various changes may be made thereto
without departing from the sprit and scope of the disclosure, the
examples hereinbefore described merely being preferred or exemplary
embodiments of the disclosure.
* * * * *