U.S. patent application number 13/214108 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-15 for mobile computer lapdesk.
Invention is credited to Jeff Doss, Troy Sherman, Joseph Elijio Velasquez.
Application Number | 20120060724 13/214108 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45805385 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120060724 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doss; Jeff ; et al. |
March 15, 2012 |
MOBILE COMPUTER LAPDESK
Abstract
A mobile computer lapdesk is provided, which includes a desk
portion and soft-goods member coupled to a bottom side of the desk
portion. The desk portion includes a desk surface and an adjustable
member operatively coupled to the desk surface, wherein a mobile
computer is coupled to the adjustable member in one of a portrait
or a landscape orientation. The adjustable member may also include
audio recesses, wherein the audio recesses provide passive sound
amplification in response to coupling a mobile computer to the
rotatable member with the audio recesses adjacent speakers of the
mobile computer.
Inventors: |
Doss; Jeff; (Scottsdale,
AZ) ; Sherman; Troy; (Gilbert, AZ) ;
Velasquez; Joseph Elijio; (Fountain hills, AZ) |
Family ID: |
45805385 |
Appl. No.: |
13/214108 |
Filed: |
August 19, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61401822 |
Aug 19, 2010 |
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61430088 |
Jan 5, 2011 |
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61435028 |
Jan 21, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1632 20130101;
A47B 23/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/43 |
International
Class: |
A47B 21/04 20060101
A47B021/04 |
Claims
1. A mobile computer lapdesk comprising: desk portion comprising a
desk surface and an adjustable member operatively coupled to the
desk surface, wherein the adjustable member holds a mobile computer
in one of a portrait or a landscape orientation; and a soft-goods
member coupled to a bottom side of the desk surface.
2. The lapdesk of claim 1, wherein the soft-goods member is formed
of a flexible material encasing a filler material.
3. The lapdesk of claim 2, wherein the soft-goods member is filled
with filler material at a capacity of approximately 75% to 90%
full.
4. The lapdesk of claim 3, wherein the filler material is moveable
within the flexible material in response to angling the
lapdesk.
5. The lapdesk of claim 1, wherein the desk portion comprises an
axis, wherein the adjustable member rotates about the axis with
respect to the desk surface.
6. The lapdesk of claim 5, wherein the adjustable member is
moveable between various angles with respect to the desk
surface.
7. The lapdesk of claim 6, wherein the adjustable member is
operatively coupled to the desk surface by a friction hinge,
wherein the friction hinge allows for soft stops at any angle
within a range of angles with respect to the desk surface.
8. The lapdesk of claim 1, wherein the desk surface and the
adjustable member comprises recesses for providing access to input
and output connection slots of the mobile computer.
9. The lapdesk of claim 1, wherein the adjustable member comprises
audio recesses, wherein the audio recesses provide passive sound
amplification in response to coupling a mobile computer to the
adjustable member with the audio recesses adjacent speakers of the
mobile computer.
10. The lapdesk of claim 1, wherein soft-goods portion comprises a
storage compartment.
11. The lapdesk of claim 1, further comprising a speaker comprising
a connection device for connecting to the mobile computer for
transmitting sound through the speaker.
12. A mobile computer lapdesk comprising: desk portion for holding
a mobile computer in a position parallel with the desk portion and
a position angled to the desk portion, wherein a mobile computer is
held by the desk portion in one of a portrait or a landscape
orientation; and a soft-goods member coupled to a bottom side of
the desk portion.
13. The lapdesk of claim 12, wherein the soft-goods member is
formed of a flexible material encasing a filler material.
14. The lapdesk of claim 13, wherein the filler material is
moveable within the flexible material in response to angling the
lapdesk
15. The lapdesk of claim 14, wherein the desk portion comprises a
desk surface and an angle support member at a fixed angle with
respect to the desk surface.
16. The lapdesk of claim 15, wherein the desk portion comprises a
slip-resistant material that supports the mobile computer.
17. The lapdesk of claim 14, wherein the angle support member
comprises a channel portion for receiving an edge of the mobile
computer within the channel portion with the mobile computer.
18. The lapdesk of claim 17, wherein the angle support member
adjusts the viewing angle of the mobile computer in response to
moving the filler material within the soft-goods member.
19. A method of using a mobile computer lapdesk, the method
comprising: holding a mobile computer with an adjustable member of
a desk portion of mobile computer lapdesk in one of a portrait or a
landscape orientation; angling the mobile computer lapdesk to move
filler material within a soft-goods portion to a desired side; and
supporting the soft-goods portion of the mobile computer lapdesk
with a support surface, wherein the moving of the filler material
angles the desk portion with respect to the support surface.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising orienting the mobile
computer at a user defined angle with respect to a desk surface of
the desk portion in response to orienting the adjustable member to
the user defined angle with respect to the desk surface.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[S]
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application entitled "Bean Bag Tablet PC Holder," Ser. No.
61/401,822, filed Aug. 19, 2010, now pending, and also claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled "Mobile
Computer Lapdesk," Ser. No. 61/430,088, filed Jan. 5, 2011, now
pending, and further claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application entitled "Mobile Computer Lapdesk," Ser. No.
61/435,028, filed Jan. 21, 2011, now pending, the disclosures of
which are hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This invention relates generally to a lapdesk and more
particularly to a mobile computer lapdesk.
[0004] 2. State of the Art
[0005] Mobile computers are popular for several reasons including
the size, the ease of transport, the speed of operation and the
convenience. The use of a mobile computer requires supporting the
mobile computer and using hands to perform the functions by either
touching the screen or other input devices. With mobile computers
that employ a touch screen, they are equipped with touch capability
for user entry and interfacing with the mobile computer. Often
times, the mobile computer is supported by the user's lap, hands or
a horizontal surface, like a table. This allows the user to use one
or two hands to operate the mobile computer and interface with
programs and applications installed on the computer.
[0006] Additionally, many mobile computers may be connected to
external input devices, such as an external keyboard. The keyboard
may be used to type various alpha, numeric and symbolic characters
on the mobile computer. Other external accessories may be used with
mobile computers.
[0007] Conventional lapdesks exist for use with laptop computers
and allow a user to rest the laptop on a surface, with sometimes a
soft-goods structure under the desk surface for placing on the lap
of the user. These conventional lapdesks, however, do not serve to
secure a mobile computer within the desk surface and further do not
provide for adjustment of the soft-goods structure to user defined
configurations. Additionally, these conventional lapdesks also do
not provide a rotatable member that retains a mobile computer and
allows it to rotate through various angles with respect to a fixed
portion of the desk surface.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need in the field of mobile computer
lapdesks, for an improved mobile computer lapdesk that overcomes
the deficiencies described above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention relates to a lapdesk for a mobile
computer wherein the lapdesk comprises a desk portion to hold a
mobile computer in one of a portrait or landscape orientation and
further allows for movement of the mobile computer through various
angles for viewing and operating the mobile computer. Generally,
the mobile computer lapdesk includes a desk portion and a
soft-goods member.
[0010] An embodiment includes a mobile computer lapdesk comprising
desk portion comprising a desk surface and an adjustable member
operatively coupled to the desk surface; and a soft-goods member
coupled to a bottom side of the desk surface. The desk portion
comprises an adjustable member operatively coupled to the desk
surface, wherein a mobile computer is coupled to the rotatable
member in one of a portrait or a landscape orientation.
[0011] Another embodiment includes a mobile computer lapdesk
comprising desk portion for holding a mobile computer in a position
parallel with the desk portion and a position angled to the desk
portion, wherein a mobile computer is held by the desk portion in
one of a portrait or a landscape orientation; and a soft-goods
member coupled to a bottom side of the desk portion.
[0012] Yet another aspect includes a method of using a mobile
computer lapdesk. The method comprises releaseably coupling a
mobile computer to an adjustable member of a desk portion of mobile
computer lapdesk in one of a portrait or a landscape orientation;
angling the mobile computer lapdesk to move filler material within
a soft-goods portion to a desired side; and supporting soft-goods
portion of the mobile computer lapdesk with a support surface,
wherein the moving of the filler material angles the desk portion
with respect to the support surface.
[0013] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed
description of the particular embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a top view of a mobile computer lapdesk with a
desk surface of a desk portion in a flat position.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a mobile computer lapdesk.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of a mobile computer lapdesk.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of a mobile computer lapdesk with the
filler material of the soft-goods member distributed on one side to
angle the desk portion.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mobile computer lapdesk
with the adjustable member in an angled position.
[0019] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of a mobile computer
lapdesk with the adjustable member in an angled position.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method of using a mobile
computer lapdesk.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a mobile computer lapdesk
with a desk surface having top and bottom clamp devices.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
mobile computer lapdesk.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a side view of the mobile computer lapdesk of
FIG. 9.
[0024] FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the mobile computer
lapdesk of FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0025] As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention
relate to a lapdesk for a mobile computer wherein the lapdesk
comprises a desk portion to hold a mobile computer in one of a
portrait or landscape orientation and further allows for movement
of the mobile computer through various angles for viewing and
operating the mobile computer. Generally, the mobile computer
lapdesk includes a desk portion and a soft-goods member.
Additionally, a mobile computer lapdesk may further function as a
carrying device and a protection device for the mobile
computer.
[0026] Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 depict an embodiment of
a mobile computer lapdesk 10. The lapdesk 10 comprises a desk
portion 11 and a soft-goods member 24 coupled to a bottom side of
the desk portion 11. The desk portion 11 comprises a desk surface
12 and an adjustable member 14. The adjustable member 14 is
operatively coupled to the desk surface 12. A mobile computer 48
may be held by the adjustable member 14. One example of holding a
mobile computer 48 to the adjustable member 14 may include the
adjustable member 14 comprising connectors 30, 32, 34 and 36 for
releaseably coupling a mobile computer 48 to the adjustable member
14 in one of a portrait or a landscape orientation. Other examples
include, without limitation, supporting the mobile computer 48 with
the adjustable member 14, receiving and retaining the mobile
computer 48 within the adjustable member 14, the adjustable member
14 comprising clamping devices to couple the mobile computer 48 to
the adjustable member 14, and the like.
[0027] The adjustable member 14 may be a concave with a recessed
surface 90 and side surfaces 91 and 92 bottom surface 93 and top
surface 94. The adjustable member 14 may further comprise an
opening 95 in the top surface 94. According to this embodiment, a
mobile computer 48 is held in the adjustable member 14, wherein a
bottom side of the mobile computer 48 is adjacent to or in some
embodiments contacts the recessed surface 90. The mobile computer
48 may be held in a landscape orientation, wherein connectors 30,
32 and 34 engage the mobile computer 48 to securely hold the mobile
computer 48 to the adjustable member 14. The mobile computer 48 may
be held in a portrait orientation, wherein connectors 30 and 36
engage the mobile computer 48 to securely hold the mobile computer
48 to the adjustable member 14. The connectors 30, 32, 34 and 36
may each engage a viewing surface of the mobile computer 48. The
connectors 30, 32, 34 and 36 may function to secure the mobile
computer 48 to the lapdesk 10, wherein the lapdesk may be used to
carry the mobile computer 48.
[0028] As is common with mobile computers, an accelerometer or
multiple accelerometers are located within the mobile computer
allowing the screen orientation to respond to rotation of the table
computer. Because certain applications operated on the mobile
computer are optimally run in either a portrait or a landscape
orientation, the adjustable member 14 receives and retains by use
of connectors 30, 32, 34 and 36 a mobile computer in one of a
portrait or a landscape orientation. The mobile computer 48 may be
interacted with by the user in either orientation. Further input
and output slots or receivers of the mobile computer 48 are
accessible while coupled to the lapdesk in either orientation.
[0029] The soft-goods member 24 is formed of a flexible material
encasing a filler material. Further, the soft-goods member 24 may
comprise a plurality of ribs 26. The ribs 26 may be formed of the
same flexible material and couple a top surface of the flexible
material to a bottom surface of the flexible material at a
predetermined distance from each other. The ribs 26 may be formed
of string that spans from the top to the bottom to keep the maximum
spacing between the top and the bottom consistent. In this
embodiment, the flexible material maintains its relative shape when
a user lifts the lapdesk 10, such that the soft-goods member 24 is
not in contact with or supported by a support surface. The shape of
the soft-goods member 24 is maintained and the sagging of the
bottom surface of the flexible material is inhibited. In some
embodiments, the ribs are baffles or in others, the ribs have
apertures to promote ease of movement of the filler material within
the soft-goods member 24.
[0030] Further, the soft-goods member 24 is filled with filler
material at a capacity of approximately 75% to 90% full. In other
embodiments the soft-goods member 24 may be filled with filler
material at a capacity of approximately 50% to 85%, and others at a
capacity of 70% to 95%. In these conditions, the filler material is
moveable within the flexible material in response to angling the
lapdesk 10. For example, a user can lift the lapdesk 10 by one end
such that the filler material flows around the ribs 26 and gathers
toward one end of the soft-goods member 24, resulting in an uneven
distribution of filler material throughout the inner volume of the
soft-goods member 24. The lapdesk 10 may then be placed on a
support surface 42 and the uneven distribution of the filler
material causes the desk portion 11 of the lapdesk 10 to be support
at an angle 44 with respect to the support surface 42, as shown in
FIG. 4. The support surface may be a desk, a table, a floor, a
chair, a user's lap and the like.
[0031] The filler material is a material that occupies an inner
volume of the soft-goods member 24. The filler material may
include, but is not limited to, shredded foam filler, polyurethane
foam, expandable polystyrene beads (including differing qualities
such as, pure, virgin and recycled), polystyrene beads, nylon
beads, glass beads, dried beans (which includes various kinds and
options dried beans, such as organic products), wood shavings (or
other cellulose material), rice, feathers, down, buckwheat husks,
bird seed, other kinds of seeds and the like. Additionally, the
filler material may be air, and further it may be air in a bladder,
wherein a user can fill and/or release air from the bladder until a
desired amount of air is reached.
[0032] Further still, and referring to FIG. 6, the soft-goods
member 24 may also comprise a storage compartment 40. The storage
compartment 40 may be a compartment retained within the inner
volume of the soft-goods member 24. The storage compartment 40 may
be used to store items, such as, but not limited to cables and
accessories of the mobile computer 48.
[0033] Additionally, the soft-goods member 24 may be a filled with
solid shaped foam or other type of material. For example, and
without limitation, the soft-goods member 24 may be filled with a
solid wedge-shaped foam member.
[0034] While the soft-goods member 24 is shown as a rectangular
prism in shape, it will be understood that other shapes and designs
may be used. For example, and without limitation, the soft-goods
member may be circular cylinder, elliptical cylinder, a cube, a
torus shape, a triangular prism shape, other rectilinear prism
shapes and the like.
[0035] Referring again to the desk portion 11, the adjustable
member 14 is moveable between various angles with respect to the
desk surface 12. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the
adjustable member 14 may be a rotatable member 14. The desk portion
11 comprises an axis 50, wherein the rotatable member 14 rotates
about the axis 50 with respect to the desk surface 12. In this way,
the adjustable member 14 is operatively coupled to the desk surface
12. The rotatable member 14 may be rotated from a position wherein
the back surface 52 of the rotatable member 14 is in contact with
the top surface of the desk surface 12 to a position at a user
defined angle 54 with respect to the desk surface 12. The
adjustable member 14 may be coupled to the desk surface 12 at the
axis 50 by a friction hinge, wherein the friction hinge allows for
soft stops at any angle along the range of motion of the hinge. In
some embodiments, the range of motion of the hinge may be between 0
and 90 degrees. In other embodiments the range of motion may be
between 0 degrees and an angle greater than or less than 90
degrees. Further, in this particular embodiment, the user may
adjust the distribution of the filler material of the soft-goods
member 24 and also rotate the rotatable member 14 to provide
additional viewing and interactive angles.
[0036] While it is shown that the adjustable member 14 is a
rotatable member, other types of adjustment may be used. For
example, a slot with a roller or a series of slots or recesses at
varying angles along a width of the desk surface 12. For another
example, the adjustable member 14 may be a single slot that
maintains a mobile computer in an angled position. According to
some embodiments, the slots may function as angled support members.
Another embodiment of the adjustable member 14 may include a
protective cover or shell that couples to a back side of the mobile
computer. The protective shell may then be coupled to a receiver,
wherein the receiver is rotatable, such by a hinged articulation.
The shell may be removably coupled to the receiver in each a
landscape or a portrait orientation. In this embodiment, the shell
function to protect the mobile computer during use with the lapdesk
and when removed from the lapdesk.
[0037] The desk surface 12 and adjustable member comprises recesses
20 and 22 for providing access to input and output connection slots
of the mobile computer 48. Also, the adjustable member comprises
audio recesses 16 and 18, wherein the audio recesses 16 and 18
provide passive sound amplification in response to coupling a
mobile computer 48 to the adjustable member 14 with the audio
recesses 16 and 18 adjacent speakers of the mobile computer 48. The
shape of the recesses 16 and 18 allow for sound to be diverted
toward a front or screen surface of the mobile computer 48 and to a
user of the mobile computer 48. For example, the audio recesses 16
and 18 each comprise a concave surface, wherein the concave surface
is adjacent a speaker of the mobile computer 48 when the mobile
computer 48 is held by the adjustable member 14. The concave
surface of audio recesses 16 and 18 is shaped and sized to deflect
speaker sound output and direct and amplify that sound toward a
viewing surface allowing the user to better hear the sound from the
speaker of the mobile computer 48.
[0038] While it is shown that the adjustable member 14 retains the
mobile computer 48 in a position where the screen is accessible,
the lapdesk may also be used to store the mobile computer 48 when
not in use. For example, the mobile computer 48 may be coupled to
the adjustable member 14 with the screen toward the adjustable
member. This prevents accidental and/or incidental damage to the
touch screen of the mobile computer 48.
[0039] Referring further to the drawings, FIG. 8 depicts another
embodiment of a mobile computer lapdesk 70. The lapdesk 70 includes
a desk portion 71, which comprises a desk surface 72 and an
adjustable member 74, and a soft-goods member 84. The adjustable
member 74 also includes a top clamp member 76 and bottom clamp
member 78. The top clamp member 76 slidingly engages the adjustable
member 74, wherein the distance Dl between the top clamp member 76
and the bottom clamp member 78 is adjustable. A spring may be
engaged between the top clamp 76 and the adjustable member 74,
wherein the spring biases the top clamp member 76 toward the bottom
clamp member, such that as a mobile computer is placed between the
top clamp member 76 and the bottom clamp member 78, the force of
the spring applies force to the mobile computer to retain it on the
adjustable member. The distance Dl may be adjusted to accommodate
the varying size of different mobile computers in a landscape or a
portrait view. Further, the top clamp member 76 and the bottom
clamp member 78 further serve to retain a mobile computer to the
adjustable member 78.
[0040] The adjustable member 74 includes a top surface 80 that a
mobile computer is supported by when coupled to the adjustable
member 74. The top surface and inner surfaces of the top clamp
member 76 and bottom clamp member 78 may include slip-resistant
material to inhibit the sliding of the mobile computer when coupled
to the adjustable member 74.
[0041] The adjustable member 74 may be a rotatable member and the
rotation of the adjustable member 74 operates in a manner that is
substantially the same as the rotation of the adjustable member 14
described previously in this disclosure, and is hereby incorporated
into the description of the adjustable member 74 by reference. When
the adjustable member is in a position that is in contact with the
top surface of the desk surface 72, the top surface 80 of the
adjustable member 74 is substantially within the same plane as
surface 88 of the desk surface. The desk surface 72 may further
include a recessed portion 82 wherein the surface 88 is lower
surface of the recessed portion 82. Another recess 86 in the desk
surface is provided to accommodate movement of the top clamp member
76 as the distance Dl is increased.
[0042] The soft-goods member 84 is substantially the same as the
soft-goods member 24 described previously, and is hereby
incorporated into the description of the soft-goods member 84 by
reference.
[0043] FIGS. 9-11 depict another embodiment of a mobile computer 48
lapdesk 110. The lapdesk 110 comprises a desk portion 111, which
comprises a desk surface 112 and an angle support member 114, and a
soft-goods member 124 the desk surface 112 may support a mobile
computer 48 in a landscape or portrait orientation, wherein the
mobile computer 48 is substantially parallel with the desk surface
112. The desk surface 112 may further include a slip-resistant
material to inhibit the sliding of the mobile computer 48 when
being supported by the desk surface 112. The soft-goods member 124
is substantially the same as the soft-goods member 24 described
previously, and is hereby incorporated into the description of the
soft-goods member 124 by reference. Accordingly, creating an uneven
distribution of the filler material within the soft-goods member
124 causes the desk portion 111 of the lapdesk 110 to be support at
an angle, resulting in the desk surface 112 being at an angle and
thereby supporting the mobile computer 48 at substantially the same
angle.
[0044] The angle support member 114 may be a U-shaped channel that
functions to support a mobile computer 48 at an angle with respect
to the desk surface 112. The angle support member 114 may receive
an edge of the mobile computer 48 within the channel portion 116.
The angle support member 114 may be a fixed angle with respect to
the desk surface 112, wherein adjustment of other viewing angles
may be accomplished by distribution of the filler material within
the soft-goods member 124. The angle support member 114 may further
include a slip-resistant material to inhibit sliding of the mobile
computer 48 once it is received within the channel portion 116 of
the angle support member 114. The angle support member 114 may
further include a notch 115, wherein the notch 115 provides for
access to particular user interface buttons that may be located on
the mobile computer 48. The angle support member 114 may support
and retain the mobile computer 48 in one of a landscape or a
portrait orientation.
[0045] Additionally, each of the embodiments of a mobile computer
48 lapdesk may include a speaker, wherein the speaker may be a
passive speaker or an active speaker. A connection device may be
employed to connect to the audio out of a mobile computer 48, or
may also engage a communication port of the mobile computer 48,
wherein the connection device transmits sound from the mobile
computer 48 through the speaker.
[0046] The components defining any mobile computer lapdesk may be
formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations
thereof that can readily be formed into shaped objects provided
that the components selected are consistent with the intended
operation of a mobile computer stand. For example, the components
may be formed of: rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other
like materials; glasses (such as fiberglass) carbon-fiber,
aramid-fiber, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials;
polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, Fluoropolymers,
Polyacetal, Polyamide; Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polysulfone,
and/or the like), thermosets (such as Epoxy, Phenolic Resin,
Polyimide, Polyurethane, Silicone, and/or the like), any
combination thereof, and/or other like materials; composites and/or
other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium,
copper, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel,
stainless steel, aluminum, any combination thereof, and/or other
like materials; alloys, such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy,
magnesium alloy, copper alloy, any combination thereof, and/or
other like materials; any other suitable material; and/or any
combination thereof.
[0047] Furthermore, the components defining any mobile computer
lapdesk may be purchased pre-manufactured or manufactured
separately and then assembled together. However, any or all of the
components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined
with one another. Manufacture of these components separately or
simultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming,
injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting,
forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning,
grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering,
hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of
the components are manufactured separately, they may then be
coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a
weld, a fastener (e.g. a bolt, a nut, a screw, a nail, a rivet, a
pin, and/or the like), wiring, any combination thereof, and/or the
like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the
particular material forming the components. Other possible steps
might include sand blasting, polishing, powder coating, zinc
plating, anodizing, hard anodizing, and/or painting the components
for example.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 7, embodiments may include a method 60 of
using a mobile computer lapdesk. The method 60 comprises
releaseably coupling a mobile computer to an adjustable member of a
desk portion of mobile computer lapdesk in one of a portrait or a
landscape orientation (Step 61); angling the mobile computer
lapdesk to move filler material within a soft-goods portion to a
desired side (Step 62); and supporting soft-goods portion of the
mobile computer lapdesk with a support surface (Step 63), wherein
the moving of the filler material angles the desk portion with
respect to the support surface.
[0049] The method 60 may further comprise orienting the mobile
computer at a user defined angle with respect to a desk surface of
the desk portion in response to orienting the adjustable member to
the user defined angle with respect to the desk surface. In
particular embodiments, this step may further include a step of
orienting the adjustable member by rotating it about an axis of the
desk portion.
[0050] The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented
in order to best explain the present invention and its practical
application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the
art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill
in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and
examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and
example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the
teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the
forthcoming claims. For example, a mobile computer may also include
e-readers, slate computers, tablet computers and the like. Further,
the desk portion of a mobile computer lapdesk may also include a
recess for holding a keyboard that operates with the mobile
computer.
* * * * *