Ergonomic laptop computer support assembly

Abstract

An ergonomic laptop computer support assembly comprises a wheeled base to which a supporting arm assembly in the form of a pair of pantograph arms is rotatably attached. A pivot arm is pivotally attached at one end to the free end of the supporting arm assembly for pivoting in a horizontal plane. A laptop computer-mounting platform is double pivotally attached along one edge to the free end of the pivot arm. Thus, the mounting platform can be selectively pivoted or swung in a horizontal plane and also selectively tilted at a desired angle relative to horizontal. In use, a laptop computer is mounted to the mounting platform and can be positioned at any desired location and orientation for comfortable and convenient use by a user sitting or reclining in a chair.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention disclosed in this provisional patent application relates generally to computer accessories and more specifically to accessories for enhancing the use of laptop computers.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] The use of compact portable laptop computers such as, for example, the IBM® Thinkpad®, has become more and more prevalent in recent years. Reasons for the increasing popularity and use of laptop computers are many, but include their ever decreasing size and weight, their constantly increasing reliability and compatibility, the fact that laptops may be carried easily on business trips and the like, and the general convenience of having the power of a full featured computer with important software and data files wherever one may go. For these and other reasons, the use of laptop computers is expected to continue to grow in the foreseeable future.

[0005] Because of their small size and weight, many users of laptop computers prefer to use their computers, particularly when away from the office, while sitting in a comfortable chair or reclining in an easy chair. In such situations, it often is necessary that the computer be supported on the user's lap. However, despite the term “laptop,” laptop computers can be anything but convenient to use while resting on the lap for a variety of reasons. For instance, the screen and keyboard of the computer in many cases are not positioned at an optimum distance for viewing and typing when the computer is resting on the lap of a user. There also is no convenient way to adjust the angle of the keyboard for optimum use when the computer rests on the lap and one usually has to make do with an awkward or uncomfortable angle. Further, since the lap of a user inherently is an unstable platform, a laptop computer resting there tends to rock and move during use, which can be frustrating. Obviously, a user's lap provides no surface that will accommodate the use of a traditional mouse, and a user is confined to use of the generally more cumbersome tactile mouse feature provided with most laptop computers. Finally, if a user needs to get up from his or her chair to retrieve materials or take a break, the laptop computer and any connections such as a power supply cable or phone line must be carefully moved to a secure location. Moving the laptop and its connections can be frustrating and creates a risk that the laptop will be dropped accidentally or that the user or someone else will trip over or become tangled in a connection wire. For the forgoing and other reasons, users of laptop computers generally try to avoid resting them in their laps but prefer instead a sturdier platform such as a table, the fold down tray top of an airline seat, or other stable surface.

[0006] Even when using a laptop computer at the office or in a more formal business setting, it is not always easy to locate and orient the computer at the optimal location and angle for comfortable use. Generally, one is limited to placing the laptop computer on the flat surface of a desk or its return and must make do with the resulting placement and orientation of the computer. In addition, some users who may use their computers infrequently during the workday may prefer not to have significant desk space permanently dedicated to a laptop computer.

[0007] In some cases, it is preferable to type or otherwise use a laptop computer in the office while reclining in a comfortable position in an office chair rather than sitting up straight to use a desk born laptop computer. However, this more comfortable way to use a laptop computer generally is precluded in the office because the computer would have to be rested in the user's lap with all the problems and inconveniences discussed above relative to such use.

[0008] In other cases, a user may wish or be required to use a laptop computer while lying in a prone position in bed. For instance, the user may be permanently or temporarily confined to a bed. In these cases, there simply has been no convenient way to support the laptop computer for use.

[0009] Thus, a need exists for an apparatus designed to allow the comfortable and convenient use of a laptop computer while sitting or reclining in a comfortable chair or while sitting in a more comfortable position in an office chair. Such an apparatus should be portable and allow the laptop computer to be positioned at any desired location relative to the user and oriented at any desired angle so that the laptop computer can be located and oriented easily and at the most convenient position for the user. Further, the apparatus should allow the laptop computer to be displaced easily and safely when the user needs to get up from his chair and should be usable by infrequent computer users in the office to free up desk space when not using their laptop computers. It is to the provision of an apparatus that addresses all of these needs and otherwise solves the problems of the prior art that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Briefly described, the present invention, in a preferred embodiment thereof, comprises an ergonomic laptop computer support assembly for locating and orienting a laptop computer for easy and convenient use while sitting or reclining in a chair. In one configuration, the assembly comprises a base unit having an array radially extending legs provided with casters for rolling across the floor. A vertically adjustable stanchion is mounted to and extends upwardly from the apex of the legs and is capped with a mounting plate, which preferably is rotatable through a full 360 degrees about a vertical axis. An adjustable supporting arm assembly in the form of a pair of tensioned pantograph arms is mounted at one end to the rotatable mounting plate atop the stanchion and extends to a free end. The free end of the supporting arm assembly is thus rotatable about the axis of rotation of the mounting plate and can be moved radially toward and away from the vertical stanchion as well as up and down by virtue of the pantograph arm structure.

[0011] A pivot arm is attached at one end to the free end of the supporting arm assembly and preferably is pivotable through 360 degrees about a vertical axis extending through its point of attachment. A laptop computer-mounting platform is generally rectangular in shape and is mounted along one of its sides to the free end of the pivot arm. The mounting platform is secured to the free end of the pivot arm such that the mounting platform can be pivoted about a vertical axis relative to the pivot arm and also rotated about a horizontal axis to tilt the mounting platform at a desired angle relative to horizontal. The laptop computer mounting platform is shaped and sized to receive and support a laptop computer and is provided with means for releasably locking the laptop computer in place on the mounting platform.

[0012] In use, a laptop computer is positioned and locked into place on the mounting platform. Because of the pivotal attachments of the various elements of the invention as described above and because of the action of the pantograph arms, the laptop computer, once positioned and locked in place, can easily be positioned at any desired vertical location and oriented at any desired angle simply by grasping the computer mounting platform and moving and tilting it as needed. Further, the entire assembly can be rolled on the floor by virtue of its casters to any desired location.

[0013] With the forgoing in mind, it will be seen that a user may mount his or her laptop computer to the mounting platform of the present invention, roll it to the side of an easy chair of office chair, sit in a reclined or otherwise comfortable position in the chair, and position and orient the laptop computer at the optimum location and angle for typing. The computer is then used in the normal way to perform work as needed. If the user needs to get up from his chair temporarily, the computer is simply pushed to the side and may be repositioned easily when work is resumed. When work is complete or it is desired to pack and transport the laptop computer, the computer may simply be released from the mounting platform and the computer support assembly rolled to a storage location.

[0014] In other embodiments of the computer support assembly of this invention, the pantograph arms may be mounted to a rolling file cabinet rather than a vertical stanchion so that files and other items that may be needed while working on the computer are conveniently located for access. In yet another embodiment, the pantograph arms are mounted to a wall or other surface adjacent to the office desk of a user. With this later embodiment, infrequent computer users may position their laptop computer on or over a desk for use when it is needed and move it out of the way to free the desktop when the computer is not needed.

[0015] Thus, a laptop computer support assembly is now provided that addresses successfully all of the problems and shortcomings of the prior art. The assembly allows a laptop computer user to use a laptop computer conveniently while sitting or reclining in a comfortable position in virtually any chair, allows the computer to be optimally positioned and oriented for use, and allows the computer to be moved out of the way safely and easily when the user needs to get up from his or her chair. These and other features, objects, and advantages of the support assembly of this invention will become more apparent upon review of the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, which are briefly described as follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a photograph of an ergonomic laptop computer support assembly that embodies principles of the present invention in a preferred form.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view illustrating one possible configuration of a computer-mounting platform that embodies principles of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a computer support assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the computer support assembly illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of an ergonomic laptop computer support assembly that embodies principles of the invention in an alternate form.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of an ergonomic laptop computer support assembly that embodies principles of the invention in yet another alternate form.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view illustrating one embodiment of the computer mounting platform of the invention and showing a laptop computer secured thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Referring now in more detail to the drawing figures, in which like numerals refer where appropriate to like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is a photograph of a laptop computer support assembly that embodies principles of the invention. The assembly 11 is shown positioned adjacent a chair 12 and ottoman 13 as it might appear when positioned for use. The chair 12 may be any type of chair in which a user might sit or recline while working on his or her computer, including lounge chairs, office chairs, and the like.

[0024] The assembly 11 includes a base 14, which, in this embodiment, is configured as an array of radially extending legs 16 projecting from a central hub. Each of the legs 16 is provided on its free end with a rolling caster 17 so that the base and thus the entire assembly is freely rollable across a floor to locate the assembly as needed. A vertical stanchion 18 extends upwardly from the hub of the base and includes a lower section 19 and an upper section 21. The upper section 21 is telescopically mounted in the lower section 19 for selective vertical positioning thereof.

[0025] A locking mechanism, illustrated as a screw lock 22 in FIG. 1, is provided for locking the upper section 21 of the vertical stanchion 18 in a desired vertical position relative to the lower section 19. While a screw lock 22 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as the locking mechanism, it will be understood that a variety of mechanisms for fixing the vertical position of the upper section 21 of the stanchion may be employed including pneumatic or hydraulic adjusters. Alternatively, the stanchion may not be vertically adjustable at all in some embodiments, in which case no locking mechanism is necessary. The vertical stanchion 18 is capped by a mounting plate 23, which preferably but not necessarily is rotatable through a complete 360° angle about a vertical axis.

[0026] An adjustable supporting arm assembly 24 has a first end 25 that is secured to the mounting plate 23 atop the stanchion 18 and extends to a free end 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable supporting arm assembly 24 is seen to comprise a pair of conventional pantograph arms 26 tensioned by a pair of tensioning springs 27. While tensioned pantograph arms are preferred because of their reliability and ease of operation, it should be understood that a variety of equivalent mechanisms may be substituted and all such mechanisms are considered to be equivalent to the pantograph arms illustrated in FIG. 1. Conventionally, the supporting arm assembly 24 provides for selective adjustment of the free end 28 thereof both horizontally toward and away from the vertical stanchion 18 and vertically.

[0027] A pivot arm 29 is attached at one end to the free end 28 of the adjustable supporting arm assembly 24 and extends therefrom to a free end. Preferably, the pivot arm 29 is attached to the supporting arm assembly by means of a rotating connection such that the pivot arm can be pivoted through a predetermined angle, preferably 360 degrees, in a horizontal plane and about a vertical axis extending through its point of attachment to the supporting arm assembly. However, in some cases, the pivot arm may not pivot and such a configuration is considered to be within the scope of the invention.

[0028] A laptop computer-mounting platform 31, described in more detail below, is generally rectangular in shape and is attached along one edge to the free end of the pivot arm 29. In the preferred embodiment, the mounting platform 31 is secured to the pivot arm in such a way that the mounting platform can be swung in a horizontal plane and also rotated about a horizontal axis extending through its attachment point to tilt the mounting platform 31 to any desired angle relative to horizontal. In this way, a laptop computer mounted on the mounting platform can be oriented at an optimal angle for use by a user sitting in a chair 12.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates in more detail one possible configuration of a laptop computer-mounting platform according to the invention. The mounting platform 31 is secured at 36 to the free end of pivot arm 29. In this illustration, the mounting platform 31 has a base 34, a raised forward edge 32, which may be shaped to define a rest for a user's hands while typing, and a raised rear edge 33. However, the mounting platform may take on any of a variety of configurations different from that illustrated in FIG. 2 and any such configuration is deemed to be within the scope of the invention. For example, the mounting platform may be provided with a mouse pad that may or may not be retractable into the mounting platform. Obviously, many such configurations may be conceived by those of skill in the art.

[0030] The computer-mounting platform 31 is double pivotally mounted to the pivot arm 29 such that it is tiltable to any desired angle as indicated by arrow 37 and also swingable in a horizontal plane, which would be a plane extending out of the page in FIG. 2. Further, because of the pantograph arms 26, the mounting platform 31 can be moved vertically to any desired location as indicated by arrow 38 as well as horizontally to any desired location as indicated by arrow 39. Accordingly, complete versatility in positioning and orienting the mounting platform 31 and, consequently, a laptop computer secured thereto, is provided.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates the invention in a side elevational view. As previously described, the laptop computer support assembly includes a base 14 formed from an array of legs 16 provided with casters 17. A vertical stanchion 18 having a lower section 19 and a vertically adjustable telescoping upper section 21 extends upwardly from the base 14 and is capped with a mounting plate 23, which preferably rotates about a vertical axis, as indicated by the phantom lines, through a 360 degree angle. Adjustable supporting arm assembly 24 comprising, in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of pantograph arms 26 tensioned with tensioning springs 27, is secured at one end 25 to the mounting plate 23 and extends to free end 28. Pivot arm 29 is pivotally attached to the free end 28 of the supporting arm assembly 24 and is pivotable about a vertical axis extending through its attachment point as indicated by the phantom lines, preferably through a 360 degree angle.

[0032] Laptop computer mounting platform 31 is mounted along one edge to the free end of the pivot arm 29 with a double pivoting attachment, generally indicated at 35. When attached in this way, the mounting platform 31 can be pivoted about a vertical axis, as indicated by phantom lines, in a horizontal plane extending out of the page in FIG. 3. The platform 31 can also be tilted or rotated about a horizontal axis, indicated by phantom lines just below the mounting platform in FIG. 3, to orient the platform at any desired angle relative to its horizontal orientation.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the support assembly of FIG. 3 illustrating better some of the adjustability of the mounting platform 31 and consequently a laptop computer mounted thereto. As in previously discussed figures, the assembly 11 has a base of radially extending legs 16 with casters 17, a vertical stanchion capped by a rotatable mounting plate 23. Adjusting arm assembly 24 formed by pantograph arms 26 is mounted at one end to the mounting plate 23 and extends to free end 28. Pivot arm 29 is pivotally secured to the free end 28 of the supporting arm assembly 24 and is thus selectively pivotable or swingable in a horizontal plane, as indicated by arrows 58. Computer mounting platform 31 is secured along one edge to the free end of pivot arm 29 as shown for rotation of the platform in a horizontal plane about is point of attachment, as indicated by arrows 57. The mounting platform 31 also is tiltable about axis 61 to orient it at a desired angle, as described above.

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Here, the adjusting arm assembly, pivot arm, and computer-mounting platform are as described above. However, instead of being mounted to a legged base with vertical stanchion as in prior embodiments, the adjusting arm assembly is mounted to a wheeled cabinet 43, which may be a file cabinet, an accessory cabinet, or otherwise. More specifically, the cabinet 43 is provided with a vertical track 75 in which rides a mounting block 76, which can be selectively vertically positioned and locked within the track 75. The end of the adjusting arm assembly 24 in this embodiment is rotatably attached to the mounting block 76 for selective rotation about a vertical axis extending through its point of attachment. Thus, it will be seen that functionality similar to that of the previous embodiments is provided with the advantageous addition of a cabinet in which files, accessories, or other items that may be needed by a user are stored and readily accessible.

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention for use in an office with the adjusting arm assembly 24 being mounted to a mounting block 76 secured within a vertical track 75 attached to a wall 41. The wall 41 may be a conventional wall or the wall of an office cubicle. With this embodiment, a user may position and orient his or her laptop on or above a desk for use and then easily move it out of the way when not in use to preserve desk space.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view illustrating a laptop computer 51 mounted to the computer-mounting platform 31. Here, the platform 31 is seen to have a forward edge or lip configured to capture the nose or front edge of the laptop computer. The back end of the laptop computer may be secured to the platform 31 by any appropriate means 52 such as, for example, Velcro or a releasable clip assembly. In any event, the laptop is securely but releasably mounted to the mounting platform 31 in a position for use by a user. Obviously, many and varying configurations of mounting platforms may be conceived by those of skill in the art and an equal variety of mechanisms for securing a computer to the platform may be used. All such platform configurations and securing schemes should be considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0037] With the various embodiments of the invention having been described in detail, it will be seen that, in use of the present invention, a laptop computer user initially attaches his or her laptop computer to the mounting platform of the assembly, rolls the assembly to a location adjacent a chair, and takes a seat or reclines in the chair. The mounting platform is then grasped by the user and its vertical and horizontal position adjusted so that the laptop computer is appropriately positioned in front of the user. Finally, the mounting platform and computer are tilted to present the user with a keyboard oriented at the optimum angle for typing, whereupon the user may work comfortably on his or her computer. If the user needs to get up for any reason, the computer is simply swung safely to one side and pulled back into position when work resumes. Thus, the user may work efficiently and comfortably in a relaxed position without encountering the problems and shortcomings heretofore encountered when using laptop computers while sitting or reclining in a chair.

[0038] The invention has been described herein in terms of preferred embodiments and methodologies. For example, the invention has been described primarily in terms of its use while sitting in a chair. However, it is equally and perhaps more useful by persons confined to a bed and such use is intended to be encompassed by the invention. In addition, while the invention has been described above with respect to its use for supporting a laptop computer, it will be understood that the present invention further can be used for and supporting various other types of devices, including various other types of user input and interface devices, such as keyboards, pads data entry devices, and other systems.

[0039] It further will be understood by those of skill in the art that a wide range and variety of additions, deletions, and modifications to, as well as substitution of equivalent elements in the illustrated embodiments may well be made by those of skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An ergonomic laptop computer support assembly comprising a base, a computer mounting platform for receiving and securing a laptop computer, and a supporting mechanism connecting said mounting platform to said base, said computer mounting platform being selectively positionable horizontally and vertically and being selectively tiltable to position and orient a laptop computer attached thereto at an optimum location for use by a user seated or reclined in a chair located adjacent said support assembly.