CN103153129A - Computer support - Google Patents

Abstract

A computer stand for a notebook or laptop computer is disclosed herein. The computer stand provides a supported surface on which a standing computer user can use the computer.

Description

computer stand

technical field

The present invention relates to a support structure for a portable computer, such as a "laptop" computer or a "notebook" computer.

Background technique

In recent years, the number of uses of portable computers has increased dramatically. With longer battery life, increased computing power and storage capacity, and lower costs, portable computers have become commonplace.

One limitation of the use of portable computers is the need for a surface on which the computer can be placed. Although portable computers have long been referred to as 'laptop' computers, the reality is that using a computer on one's lap is not easy. Often a table or a workbench is required. Specifically, in situations where the user must stand, the computer is often not available for use.

Another limitation of portable computer use is that the user must remain reasonably steady while using the computer. Unlike 'handheld' devices that can be used on the go, portable computers are too cumbersome to be used in this way.

The present invention aims to provide a structure that enables a user to use a portable computer at a place where there is no available rest place or when he wants to use the computer while walking.

Contents of the invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stand for a computer comprising a platform, a platform positioning device and a restraint device, whereby the restraint device can be worn by a user and act as a To position the platform positioning device at a desired position relative to the user, and thereby allow the platform to be locked in place relative to the platform positioning device so that the platform is in a direction away from the user extend.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a stand for a computer comprising a platform, a support structure and straps; the straps are secured to the support structure and can be worn On a user's body; the platform is attached to the support structure in such a way that it can be held securely in an engaged position on which a computer can be positioned for use.

The platform can be movable between locations. The positions include the engaged position, which may be substantially horizontal when the user wearing the straps is standing; and the positions may also include a stowed position substantially perpendicular to the engaged position. The platform may be movable between engaged positions, such as the substantially horizontal position and a second position at an angle of, eg, 30°, from the horizontal position.

The support structure may include a platform positioning device that allows the platform to move between positions. The platform positioning means may include resiliently biased locking means associated with each platform position, thereby enabling the platform to be held securely in the desired position. Preferably the support structure comprises a support member arranged in a substantially vertical position when the user is standing. The support member may be secured to the platform positioning device such that movement of the platform between positions corresponds to rotation of the platform relative to the support member.

The stand may be placed in a bag with the brace and straps secured to the back of the bag and the platform associated with the front of the bag. The arrangement is preferably such that positioning the platform at the storage position corresponds to closure of the bag. The bag may include suitable closure means, such as some zippers between the front and the back.

The platform may include computer tethers, such as straps that may be secured around the computer. The platform can also include computer guides that can be adjusted to hold a particular size computer and hold it in place relative to the platform.

The platform may include a swivel portion that allows a computer to rotate within the plane of the platform.

In a preferred embodiment, the stand includes a storage compartment between the platform and the front of the bag.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the bag front may include an extendable support, such as a telescoping strut.

Description of drawings

The invention will be further described with reference to a preferred embodiment of the computer stand of the invention.

Other embodiments are possible, but the specificity of the following discussion should not be construed as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the invention. In the attached picture:

1 is a perspective view of a computer stand shown in a closed configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the computer stand of Figure 1 shown in the opening process;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the computer stand of Figure 1 shown when opened;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the computer stand of Figure 1 shown with the computer guides open;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the computer stand of Figure 1 shown with the closed computer in place;

6 is a perspective view of the computer stand of FIG. 1 shown with the computer positioned between two computer guides;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the computer stand of Figure 1 shown with the computer in the working position;

8 is a perspective view of a user carrying the computer stand of FIG. 1 in a storage position;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a user using the computer stand in Figure 1;

10 is a perspective view of a computer stand shown in a process of fixing a computer according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the computer stand of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is an expanded view of a portion of the computer stand of Figure 10;

13 is a perspective view of a user carrying a computer stand in a storage position according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the user of FIG. 13 using the computer stand.

Detailed ways

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a computer stand 10 closed within a bag 12 . The bag 12 is a "backpack" style bag with a front 14 and a rear 16 . A zipper 18 is located between the front portion 14 and the rear portion 16 .

The bag 12 has two straps 20 secured to the rear, thereby allowing the user to wear the backpack on the body.

The front portion 14 and the rear portion 16 are connected by a hinge 22 located at the bottom of the bag 12 . The hinge 22 is arranged to selectively allow the front 14 to move relative to the rear 16 of the bag 12, wherein the hinge 22 has a resiliently biased or spring-adjusted button at either end for releasing a capture agency. In this embodiment, the capture mechanism shown can hold the front 14 and back 16 of the bag in one of three predetermined relative positions: adjacent to each other (closed position as shown in FIG. 1 ); A 60° included angle and a relatively 90° included angle. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments other relative positions may be useful.

Figure 2 shows the bag 12 being opened. Two important features of the pack can be seen in FIG. 2 : a platform 30 and a brace 32 .

The platform 30 is fixed to the hinge 22 and can rotate between three positions: a storage position in which the platform is substantially within the rear 16 of the bag 12 so that the bag 12 can be closed; In the first engagement position in the front portion 14 of the bag, when the front portion 14 and the rear portion 16 of the bag are placed at a relative 60° angle; in the second engagement position in the front portion 14 of the bag, when the When placed at an angle of 90° between the front portion 14 and the rear portion 16 of the bag. Figure 2 shows the platform 30 moved towards the second engaged position, while Figure 3 shows the platform 30 in the second engaged position.

The platform 30 is rigid and is preferably manufactured from a rigid plastic, such as polypropylene. The platform also has feet 34 located at the front of the platform 30 separating the platform 30 from the front 14 of the pack at an engaged location.

The brace 32 is located within the rear portion 16 of the bag 12 and may increase the rigidity of the rear portion 16 of the bag 12 near the hinge 22 . The brace 32 is also preferably made of a rigid plastic, such as polypropylene.

The platform 30 includes a computer guide 36 and two computer tethers 38 . The guide 36 comprises two sliding parts arranged to be positioned on either side of the portable computer to prevent lateral movement of the computer. The tethers 38 include elastic straps that go around the platform 30 into which a laptop computer can be inserted to hold it in place on the platform 30 during transport.

The action of this guide 36 can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 . In Fig. 3, the guide 36 is located in a narrow position. In FIG. 4, the guide 36 is in an open wide position.

FIG. 5 shows the computer stand 10 in substantially the same position as FIG. 3 , but with a computer 40 stored on the platform 30 . The computer 40 is oriented so that it is fully housed within the guides 36 at its narrow position on the surface of the platform 30 . The straps 38 all go around the computer 40, keeping it in place. It will be appreciated that after the computer 40 is thus secured, the platform 30 can be raised to the storage position and the bag 12 closed with the zipper 18 without damaging or moving the computer 40 .

FIG. 6 shows the computer stand 10 in the position shown in FIG. 4 with the computer 40 oriented for use. The guides 36 have been moved to a wide position to accommodate the computer in this orientation.

Figure 7 shows the computer 40 in a usable position. The computer 40 has been opened from the configuration in FIG. 6 and at least one strap 38 has been reengaged around the computer 40 to hold it in this position.

Use of the computer stand assembly 10 can be seen with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 . When the computer 40 is in the storage configuration and the bag 12 is closed, it can be worn on the back of the user 50 with the straps 20 over the shoulders of the user 50 .

When the user 50 wants to use the computer 40 , the computer stand 10 can be turned to the chest of the user 50 , wherein the straps 20 go over the body of the user 50 . The computer stand 10 can then be moved into the position of FIG. 7 . It will be appreciated that placing the brace 32 against the abdomen of the user 50 increases the stability of the computer stand 10 . The hinge 22 locks in the engaged position, allowing the platform 30 to extend in a substantially horizontal manner. In this way, the user 50 can use the computer 40 with both hands while standing, wherein the computer 40 is supported in a substantially rigid position.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 . In this embodiment, the platform 30 incorporates a swivel mechanism 42 . The swivel mechanism 42 includes attachment means 44 for rigid connection to the computer 40 .

The swivel mechanism 42 includes a support plate 46 which, in use, sits above the platform 30 . The support plate 46 is arranged so as to be rotatable relative to the platform 30 and also horizontally movable relative to the hinge 22 . In this way, when a computer 40 is secured to the support plate 46, the computer 40 can be moved between the storage position of FIG. 5 and the engaged position of FIG. 6 while being secured to the support plate 46 at all times. In the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 46 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced locating holes 48 which provide locking means to the support plate 46 in a desired angular configuration.

Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 . 13 and 14 show a computer stand 60 similar to the computer stand 10 in which a bag 62 has a front 64 and in which a telescoping post 65 is located within the front 64 of the bag 62 . The strap 70 of the bag 62 is arranged to be wrapped around the waist of the user 50 . In use, the post 65 can be extended to the ground to provide a load bearing stand for the computer 40 .

Modifications and changes obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

1. A stand for a computer, the stand comprising a platform, a platform positioning device and a restraint device, whereby the restraint device can be worn by a user and serve to position the platform positioning device At a desired position relative to the user, and thereby the platform may be locked in place relative to the platform positioning means such that the platform extends in a direction away from the user. 2. A stand for a computer comprising a platform, a support structure and straps; the straps are secured to the support structure and can be worn on a user's body ; the platform is connected to the support structure in such a way that it can be held securely in an engaged position where a computer can be positioned for use. 3. The stand for a computer of claim 2, wherein the platform is movable between positions. 4. A stand for a computer as claimed in claim 3, wherein the platform is movable between a storage position and engaged positions. 5. A stand for a computer as claimed in claim 4, wherein the support structure includes a platform positioning device which allows movement of the platform between positions. 6. A stand for a computer as claimed in claim 5, wherein the platform positioning means includes resiliently biased locking means associated with each platform position so that the platform is securely held at a desired in position. 7. A stand for a computer as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the support structure includes a support member arranged to be in a substantially vertical position when the user is standing. in the location. 8. A stand for a computer as claimed in claim 7, wherein the stand is positioned within a bag, the brace and the straps are secured to the back of the bag, and the platform is aligned with the associated with the front of the package. 9. A stand for a computer as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the platform includes computer restraints, such as straps, which can be fastened around a computer. 10. A stand for a computer as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the platform further comprises a plurality of computer guides which can be adjusted to hold a computer of a particular size computer and maintain it in place relative to the platform.

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