COMPUTER SUPPORT

Abstract

A computer support for a notebook or laptop computer is disclosed. The computer support provides a supported surface on which the computer can be used by a standing computer user.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a supporting structure for a portable computer, such as for a ‘laptop’ or ‘notebook’ computer.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of portable computers being used. With increases in battery life, computing power and storage capacity, and decreases in cost, portable computers are now commonplace.

One limitation to the use of portable computers is the need to have a surface on which the computer can be located. Although portable computers have long been referred to as ‘laptop’ computers, in reality it is difficult to use a computer located on one's lap. A table or bench surface is often required. In particular, in circumstances where a user is required to stand, there is frequently no way in which the computer can be used.

A further limitation to the use of portable computers is that a user must remain reasonably stationary while using the computer. Unlike ‘handheld’ devices, which can be used while moving, a portable computer is too unwieldy to be used in such a fashion.

The present invention seeks to provide a structure which allows for use of a portable computer where no other resting place is readily available, or when a user wishes to use a portable computer while walking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a support for a computer, the support including a platform, a platform positioning means and a restraining means, whereby the restraining means can be worn by a user and acts to locate the platform positioning means in a desired location relative to the user, and whereby the platform can be locked into position relative to the platform positioning means such that the platform extends in a direction away from the user.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a support for a computer, the support including a platform, a supporting structure, and straps; the straps fixed to the supporting structure and able be worn over the torso of a user; the platform connected to the supporting structure in such a way that it can be rigidly held in an engaged position on which a computer may be located for use.

The platform may be moveable between a plurality of positions. These include the engaged position, which may be substantially horizontal when a user is standing with the straps worn over their torso; and may also include a stored position which may be substantially perpendicular to the engaged position. The platform may be moveable between a plurality of engaged positions, such as the one substantially horizontal and a second position which may be inclined at an angle such as 30° to the horizontal.

The supporting structure may include a platform positioning means which permits movement of the platform between positions. The platform positioning means may include resiliently biased locking means associated with each platform position, to enable the platform to be held rigidly in a desired position.

It is preferred that the supporting structure includes a bracing member, arranged to be in a substantially vertical position when the user is standing. The bracing member may be fixed to the platform positioning means, such that movement of the platform between positions corresponds to rotation of the platform relative to the bracing member.

The support may be located within a bag, with the brace and the straps fixed to a rear of the bag, and the platform associated with a front of the bag. The arrangement is preferably such that positioning of the platform in the stored position corresponds to closure of the bag. The bag may include suitable closure means such as zippers between the rear and front.

The platform may include computer restraints, such as straps which may be secured around a computer. The platform may also include computer guides, which may be adjusted to hold a computer of a particular size and to maintain it in position relative to the platform.

The platform may include a swiveling portion which allows for rotation of a computer in the plane of the platform.

In a preferred embodiment the support includes a storage compartment located between the platform and the front of the bag.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be convenient to further describe the invention with reference to preferred embodiments of the computer support of the present invention.

Other embodiments are possible, and consequently the particularity of the following discussion is not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a computer support in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, shown in a closed configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the computer support of FIG. 1, shown during opening;

FIG. 3 is a perspective of the computer support of FIG. 1, shown when open;

FIG. 4 is a perspective of the computer support of FIG. 1, shown with computer guides open;

FIG. 5 is a perspective of the computer support of FIG. 1, shown with a shut computer in position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective of the computer support of FIG. 1, shown with a computer located between computer guides;

FIG. 7 is a perspective of the computer support of FIG. 1, shown with a computer in an operating position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective of a user carrying the computer support of FIG. 1 in a stowed position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective of a user using the computer support of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective of a computer support in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, shown during fixing of a computer;

FIG. 11 is an under perspective of a portion of the computer support of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an expanded view of a portion of the computer support of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective of a user carrying a computer support in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, in a stowed position; and

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the Figures, FIG. 1 shows a computer support 10 enclosed 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 14 and the rear 16.

The bag 12 has two straps 20 fixed to the rear 16, to allow wearing of the backpack about the torso of a user.

The front 14 and rear 16 are connected by a hinge 22, located along the base of the bag 12. The hinge 22 is arranged to selectively allow movement of the front 14 relative to the rear 16 of the bag, with the hinge 22 having a resiliently biased or spring-loaded button 24 at either end to disengage a catch mechanism. In the embodiment shown the catch mechanism will hold the front 14 and rear 16 of the bag at one of three pre-determined relative positions: adjacent each other (as in the closed position shown in FIG. 1); at a relative angle of 60° and at a relative angle of 90°. It will be understood that in other embodiments other relative positions may be available.

FIG. 2 shows the bag 12 while opening. Two significant features of the bag can be seen in FIG. 2: a platform 30 and a brace 32.

The platform 30 is fixed to the hinge 22, and is able to rotate between a stored position, where it locates substantially within the rear 16 of the bag 12 enabling the bag 12 to be closed; a first engagement position within the front 14 of the bag when the front 14 and rear 16 of the bag are disposed at a relative angle of 60°; and a second engagement position within the front 14 of the bag when the front 14 and rear 16 of the bag are disposed at an angle of 90°. FIG. 2 shows the platform 30 moving towards the second engagement position, and FIG. 3 shows the platform 30 in the second engagement position.

The platform 30 is rigid, and is preferably constructed from a rigid plastic such as polypropylene. It includes a plurality of feet 34, situated on the front side of the platform 30, which space the platform 30 from the front 14 of the bag when in an engagement position.

The brace 32 is located within the rear 16 of the bag 12, and acts to add rigidity to the rear 16 of the bag 12 near the hinge 22. The brace 32 is also preferably constructed from a rigid plastic such as polypropylene.

The platform 30 includes a computer guide 36, and two computer restraints 38. The guide 36 comprises two sliding portions arranged to locate on either side of a portable computer, in order to prevent lateral movement of the computer. The restraints 38 comprise elastic straps passing around the platform 30, into which a portable computer can be inserted to maintain it in position on the platform 30 during transport.

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

FIG. 5 shows the computer support 10 in substantially the same position as FIG. 3, but with a computer 40 stowed on the platform 30. The computer 40 is oriented such that it is entirely contained on the surface of the platform 30, within the guides 36 in their narrow position. The restraints 38 are both passed around the computer 40, holding it in position. It will be appreciated that with the computer 40 thus restrained, the platform 30 can be raised to the stored position, and the bag 12 closed by means of the zipper 18, without damage to or dislodgement of the computer 40.

FIG. 6 shows the computer support 10 in the position of FIG. 4, with the computer 40 oriented ready for use. The guides 36 have been moved out to a wide position to accommodate the computer in this orientation.

FIG. 7 shows the computer 40 in a useable position. The computer 40 has been opened from its configuration in FIG. 6, and at least one of the restraints 38 has been re-engaged about the computer 40 to hold it in this position.

Use of the computer support means 10 can be seen with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. When the computer 40 is in the stowed configuration, and the bag 12 closed, it can be worn on the back of a user 50, with the straps 20 passing over the user's 50 shoulders.

When the user 50 desires to use the computer 40, the computer support 10 can be switched to the user's 50 chest, with the straps 20 passing over the user's 50 torso. The computer support 10 can then be moved into the position of FIG. 7. It will be appreciated that the brace 32 locates against the abdomen of the user 50, providing stability to the computer support 10. The hinge 22 locks in the engagement position, allowing the platform 30 to extend in a substantially horizontal manner. The user 50 is thus able to use the computer 40 with both hands while standing, with the computer 40 being 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 swiveling mechanism 42. The swiveling mechanism 42 includes attachment means 44 for rigid connection to the computer 40.

The swiveling mechanism 42 includes a supporting plate 46 which sits, in use, above the platform 30. The supporting plate 46 is arranged so as to be able to rotate relative to the platform 30, and also to be able to move laterally relative to the hinge 22. In this way, when a computer 40 is fixed to the supporting plate 46, the computer 40 can be moved between the stowed position of FIG. 5 and the use position of FIG. 6, while remaining all the time fixed to the supporting plate 46. In the embodiment shown, the supporting plate 46 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced locating apertures 48 which provide locking means for the supporting plate 46 in a desired angular configuration.

A further alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. FIGS. 13 and 14 show a computer support 60 similar to the computer support 10, with a bag 62 having a front 64, and with a telescoping strut 65 located within the front 64 of the bag 62. The strap 70 of the bag 62 is arranged to pass around the waist of the user 50. In use, the strut 65 can be extended to the ground to provide a weight bearing support for the computer 40.

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A support for a computer, the support including a platform, a platform positioning means and a restraining means, whereby the restraining means can be worn by a user and acts to locate the platform positioning means in a desired location relative to the user, and whereby the platform can be locked into position relative to the platform positioning means such that the platform extends in a direction away from the user.

2. A support for a computer, the support including a platform, a supporting structure, and straps; the straps fixed to the supporting structure and able be worn over the torso of a user; the platform connected to the supporting structure in such a way that it can be rigidly held in an engaged position on which a computer may be located for use.

3. The support for a computer as claimed in claim 2, wherein the platform is moveable between a plurality of positions.

4. The support for a computer as claimed in claim 3, wherein the platform is moveable between a stowed position and a plurality of engaged positions.

5. The support for a computer as claimed in claim 4, wherein the supporting structure includes a platform positioning means which permits movement of the platform between positions.

6. The support for a computer as claimed in claim 5, wherein the platform positioning means includes resiliently biased locking means associated with each platform position, to enable the platform to be held rigidly in a desired position.

7. The support for a computer as claimed in claim 2, wherein the supporting structure includes a bracing member, arranged to be in a substantially vertical position when the user is standing.

8. The support for a computer as claimed in claim 7, wherein the support is located within a bag, with the brace and the straps fixed to a rear of the bag, and the platform associated with a front of the bag.

9. The support for a computer as claimed in claim 2, wherein the platform includes computer restraints, such as straps which may be secured around a computer.

10. The support for a computer as claimed in claim 2, wherein the platform also includes computer guides, which may be adjusted to hold a computer of a particular size and to maintain it in position relative to the platform.