COLLAPSIBLE COMPUTER PLATFORM

Abstract

The principles of the present invention relate to a collapsible computer platform suitable for use on a seatback tray of an airplane, train, or the like. One example embodiment includes a first platform which may be used to place a laptop or other portable computing device on. The collapsible platform also includes two or more support assemblies. The support assemblies have a top portion coupled to the first platform and a second portion configured to rest on a surface. The support assemblies are configured to be collapsible relative to the first platform and to define a cavity or open space between the first platform and the surface on which the support assemblies rest when the deployed. The defined cavity may provide an open space for storage and work while a laptop computer is placed on the first platform.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

The use of laptop computers and other portable computing devices has become widespread. A laptop computer is typically designed to give a user the computing power of a conventional desktop computer with the added bonus of being portable. This portability allows the laptop computer to be used in a variety of locations that are not accessible to a desk top computer, adding to their appeal.

One location where a laptop computer or other portable computing device is often used is on an airplane or train. The laptop computer is typically placed on the seatback tray of the airplane or train seat in front of the laptop computer. However, such a setup often does not leave any space on the seatback tray for other purposes. For example, there generally is not any room left on the seatback tray in which to use a wireless, optical mouse with the laptop computer. This is inconvenient for users who do not desire to use the built in mouse of the laptop computer.

In addition, many laptop users on an airplane or train have a need to access papers while working on the laptop computer. Because the laptop computer has taken all the space on the seatback tray, these papers often must be placed under the laptop computer. A user must then physically move the laptop computer before accessing the papers. This process may be very inconvenient and difficult for many users, especially in the cramped conditions of an airplane or train cabin.

Also, on many airplanes and trains it is common for food and beverages to be served. However, if a laptop computer is already placed on a seatback tray, there may be no convenient location to place the food. A user may have to place the food or beverage on top of the laptop computer, which may cause damage to the laptop computer if spilled or otherwise allowed to come into contact with the computer. Alternatively, he or she may have to hold the food or beverage in his or her lap, which may lead to spilling or damage to clothing.

Therefore, what is needed in the art is a compact, portable laptop computer platform designed to hold a laptop computer on a seatback tray or other location while still providing additional space for other tasks.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The principles of the present invention relate to a collapsible computer platform suitable for use on a seatback tray of an airplane, train, or the like. One example embodiment includes a first platform which may be used to place a laptop or other portable computing device on. The collapsible platform also includes two or more support assemblies. The support assemblies have a top portion coupled to the first platform and a second portion configured to rest on a surface. The support assemblies are configured to be collapsible relative to the first platform and to define a cavity or open space between the first platform and the surface on which the support assemblies rest when the deployed. The defined cavity may provide an open space for storage and work while a laptop computer is placed on the first platform.

A second example embodiment also discloses a collapsible computer platform suitable for use on a seatback tray of an airplane, train, or the like. This embodiment includes a first platform which may be used to place a laptop or other portable computing device on. The platform also includes two or more support assemblies. Each of the support assemblies includes a first rotational member coupled to the first platform, a first support member having a top portion coupled to the first rotational member, a second rotational member coupled to a bottom portion of the first support member and a second support member having a top portion coupled to the second rotational member that is configured to rest on a surface. The support assemblies are configured such that the second rotational member is interior to the first rotational member when collapsed relative to the first platform in a stored position and the second rotational member is exterior to the first rotational member when deployed. In addition, a cavity is defined between the first platform and the surface on which the support assemblies rest when the support assemblies are deployed. The defined cavity may provide an open space for storage and work while a laptop computer is placed on the first platform.

A third example embodiment further discloses a collapsible computer platform suitable for use on a seatback tray of an airplane, train, or the like. This embodiment includes a first platform, a second platform and two or more support assemblies. Each of the support assemblies includes a first rotational member coupled to the first platform, a first support member having a top portion coupled to the first rotational member, a second rotational member coupled to a bottom portion of the first support member, a second support member having a top portion coupled to the second rotational member and a third rotational member coupled to a bottom portion of the second support member and coupled to the second platform. The support assemblies are configured such that the second rotational member is interior to the first and third rotational members when collapsed relative to the first platform in a stored position and the second rotational member is exterior to the first and third rotational members when deployed. Further a cavity is defined between the first platform and the second platform when the support assemblies are deployed. The defined cavity may provide an open space for storage and work while a laptop computer is placed on the first platform.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a view of a collapsible computer platform in a fully deployed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a view of the collapsible computer platform of FIG. 1A in a collapsed position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a fully deployed view of a collapsible computer platform in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention fully deployed;

FIG. 3A illustrates a view of the collapsible computer platform of FIG. 2 also in a deployed position;

FIG. 3B illustrates a view of the collapsible computer platform of FIG. 2 in a partially collapsed position; and

FIG. 3C illustrates a view of the collapsible computer platform of FIG. 2 in a fully collapsed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present invention disclose a collapsible computer platform suitable for use on a seatback tray of an airplane, train, or the like. The various embodiments include a first platform which may be used to place a laptop or other portable computing device on. The various embodiments of the collapsible platform also include two or more support assemblies. The support assemblies have at least a top portion coupled to the first platform and a second portion configured to rest on a surface. The support assemblies are configured to be collapsible relative to the first platform and to define a cavity or open space between the first platform and the surface on which the support assemblies rest when the deployed. The defined cavity advantageously provides an open space beneath the first platform for storage and work while a laptop computer is placed on the first platform. Thus, a user has no need to move the laptop computer when having need of space on the seatback tray. The user may simply utilize the open space for whatever purpose is necessary.

Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe various aspects of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of the exemplary embodiments, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to one skilled in the art after having read this description that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details.

Reference is first made to FIG. 1A, which illustrates a collapsible computer platform 100. Collapsible computer platform 100 is configured to be used on the seatback tray of an airplane, train, or the like, although platform 100 may be used on other surfaces as well. The platform 100 is further configured to allow a user to place a laptop computer on the platform while providing an open space for storage or work. As illustrated, computer platform 100 includes a top platform 110 and two support assemblies 120 and 130.

As mentioned, collapsible computer platform 100 includes a top platform 110. The top platform 110 is configured to hold a laptop computer or other portable computing device when platform 100 is fully deployed and may be parallel to a surface the platform 100 rests on. Top platform 110 will normally have a depth and width that match the depth and width of typical laptop computers. These dimensions advantageously allow top platform 110 to hold most commercially available laptop computers and other portable computing devices. In some embodiments, top platform 110 may be made of a suitable plastic strong enough to support the weight of a typical laptop computer, although this is not required. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, top platform 110 may be made of numerous other suitable materials. Further, the material comprising top platform 110 will typically have a thickness sufficient to support the weight of a typical laptop computer.

Collapsible computer platform 100 also includes support assemblies 120 and 130, although more support assemblies may be used as necessary. As illustrated, the support assemblies 120 and 130 are coupled to the top platform 110 and are configured to support top platform 110 when fully deployed. In addition, the support assemblies 120 and 130 are configured to be collapsible relative to top platform 110 in a stored position. Advantageously, the collapsibility of the support assemblies allows collapsible computer platform 100 to be compactly stored when not in use, for example in the case with the laptop computer.

Specifically, support assemblies 120 and 130 include a top portion 125 and 135 respectively that are coupled to the top platform 110. The top portions 125 and 135 may be coupled through the use of a rotational device 127 and 137 respectfully such as a hinge that allows support assemblies 120 and 130 to collapse. The support assemblies 120 and 130 also include a second portion 126 and 136 respectively that are configured to rest on a surface 150. In some embodiments, the surface may be the seatback tray itself, while in other embodiments the surface may be an additional platform coupled to the support assemblies 120 and 130. The support assemblies 120 and 130 may be made of a suitable plastic, although other material strong enough to support a laptop computer may also be used.

In one specific embodiment, support assemblies 120 and 130 may include an assembly that comprises a first side support member that is rotatably coupled to the first platform with a hinge or like device. The assembly also may include a second side support member rotatably coupled to the first member with a hinge or like device. The hinges allow the support assembly to be collapsed for storage. In still other embodiments, the support assemblies may include a second platform that is rotatably coupled to the second side support through a hinge or like device.

As illustrated, the top platform 110 and support assemblies 120 and 130 define a cavity or open space 140 when fully deployed. In one embodiment, the height of the cavity or open space 140 may be 3½ inches, although other heights may also be implemented depending on the height of support assemblies 120 and 130 when fully deployed. The cavity or open space 140 advantageously provides an open space typically large enough for a user to operate an optical mouse while still using the laptop computer that is placed on top platform 110. In addition, the cavity or open space 140 advantageously provides a space to store papers or food while still using the laptop computer that is placed on top platform 110, thus removing the need to put food in contact with the laptop computer or having to physically move the laptop computer to access needed papers and the like.

Referring to FIG. 1B, a view of collapsible computer 100 in a collapsed position is illustrated. As shown, the support assemblies 120 and 130 have been collapsed with the aid of rotational devices 127 and 137. When collapsed, the support assemblies 120, 130 and the top platform 110 no longer define the cavity or open space 140. Instead, the collapsible computer platform 100 is collapsed into a compact unit that advantageously may be placed in a laptop computer case, thus allowing a user to easily move it from one location to another with the laptop computer.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a second embodiment 200 of a collapsible laptop computer platform is illustrated. As with the embodiment discussed in relation to FIG. 1, collapsible computer platform 200 is also configured to be used on the seatback tray of an airplane, train, or the like, although platform 200 may be used on other surfaces as well. The platform 100 is further configured to allow a user to place a laptop computer 260 on the platform while providing an open space for storage or work.

Collapsible computer platform 200 includes a top or first platform 210. As with top platform 110 discussed above, top platform 210 is configured to hold a laptop computer 260 or other portable computing device when platform 200 is fully deployed and may be parallel to a surface 250 that the platform 200 rests on. Top platform 210 will normally have a depth and width that match the depth and width of typical laptop computers. These dimensions advantageously allow top platform 210 to hold most commercially available laptop computers 260 and other portable computing devices. In some embodiments, top platform 210 may be made of a suitable plastic strong enough to support the weight of a typical laptop computer, although this is not required. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, top platform 210 may be made of numerous other suitable materials. Further, the material comprising top platform 210 will typically have a thickness sufficient to support the weight of a typical laptop computer.

Collapsible computer platform 200 also includes support assemblies 220 and 230 that are configured to allow collapsible computer platform 200 to collapse into a compact size suitable for being stored in a laptop computer bag. The support assembly 220 includes a first rotational member 221, a side support member 222, a second rotational member 223, and a second side support member 224. In some embodiments, support assembly 220 may also include a third rotational member 225 that is coupled to a second platform or surface 250.

The first rotational member 221 is coupled to the top platform 210. The rotational member 221 may be a hinge or similar device that extends the entire depth of top platform 210. The rotational member or hinge 221 may be any reasonable hinge or similar device and may be made of any suitable materials used in the art to create rotational members such as hinges. The rotational member or hinge 221 is configured to at least partially allow side support member 222 to collapse as will be explained in further detail to follow.

The first rotational member or hinge 221 is also coupled to a top portion of the first side support member 222. The first side support member 222 may be made of the same plastic material as top platform 210 or of some other plastic or material suitable strong enough to support the weight of a laptop computer. The side support member 222 will typically have the same depth dimension as the top platform 210. The side support member 222 will typically have a thickness just thick enough to support the weight of the laptop computer. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it is important to keep side support member 222 as thin as possible as this will help to keep collapsible computer platform 200 as thin as possible when collapsed.

A bottom portion of the support member 222 is coupled to a second rotational member 223. The second rotational member 223 may be a hinge or similar device that extends the entire depth of first side support 222 and second side support 224. The rotational member or hinge 223 may be any reasonable hinge or similar device and may be made of any suitable materials used in the art to create rotational members such as hinges. The rotational member or hinge 223 is configured to at least partially allow side support member 222 and side support member 224 to collapse as will be explained in further detail to follow. As illustrated in FIG. 2, when collapsible computer platform 200 is fully deployed, second rotational member or hinge 223 is exterior of the positions of first and third rotational members 221 and 225.

In some embodiments, rotational member or hinge 223 includes a locking member 226, which may be any reasonable locking mechanism. The locking member 226 is configured to lock rotational member 223 into place, thus locking the other rotational members and side support members into place when placed in a locking position. When placed in a non-locking position, locking member 226 is configured to allow the other rotational members and the side support members to collapse. For example, a user deploying collapsible computer platform 200 may place locking member 226 into the locked position to lock the platform in place. At a later time, the user may move locking member 226 into the non-locking position to allow collapsible computer platform 200 to collapse.

The rotational member or hinge 223 is also coupled to a top portion of second side support member 224. The second side support member 224 may be made of the same plastic material as top platform 210 and first side support member 222 or of some other plastic or material suitable strong enough to support the weight of a laptop computer. The side support member 224 will typically have the same depth dimension as the top platform 210 and first side support member 222. The side support member 224 will typically have a thickness just thick enough to support the weight of the laptop computer. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it is important to keep side support member 224 as thin as possible as this will help to keep collapsible computer platform 200 as thin as possible when collapsed. In some embodiments, side support member 224 is configured to rest on a surface 250. The surface 250 may be the surface of the seatback tray or other surface collapsible computer platform 200 is placed on. In other embodiments, surface 250 may be a second platform 250.

In those embodiments where surface 250 is a second platform 250, a bottom portion of second side support member 224 may be coupled to a third rotational member 225. The third rotational member 225 may also be a hinge or similar device that extends the entire depth of second side support 224 and second platform 250. The rotational member or hinge 225 may be any reasonable hinge or similar device and may be made of any suitable materials used in the art to create rotational members such as hinges. The rotational member or hinge 225 is configured to at least partially allow side support member 224 to collapse.

As mentioned, some embodiments include a second platform 250 that is coupled to the third rotational member 225. In such embodiment, second platform 250 may be parallel to top platform 210. Second platform 250 may be constructed of the same plastic or other material as top platform 210, although this is not required. In one example embodiment, second platform 250, as well as first platform 210 and side assemblies 220 and 230, may be made of a light colored plastic of a sufficient color that allows a wireless or other optical computer mouse to work on the second platform 250.

As discussed previously, collapsible computer platform 200 also includes a support assembly 230. Support assembly 230 includes a first rotational member 231, a first side support member 232, a second rotational member 233, which may include a locking member 236 in some embodiments, and a second side support member 234. Support assembly 230 may also include a third rotational member 235 that is coupled to the second or bottom platform 250. The various subparts of the support assembly 230 are analogous to the corresponding subparts of support assembly 220 already discussed and accordingly need not be separately described.

As illustrated, the top platform 210, support assemblies 220 and 230, and the surface 250 or bottom platform (when present) 250 define a cavity or open space 240 when fully deployed. In one embodiment, the height of the cavity or open space 240 may be 3½ inches, although other heights may also be implemented depending on the height of support assemblies 220 and 230 when fully deployed. The cavity or open space 240 advantageously provides an open space typically large enough for a user to operate an optical mouse while still using the laptop computer 260 that is placed on top platform 210. In addition, the cavity or open space 240 advantageously provides a space to store papers or food while still using the laptop computer 260 that is placed on top platform 210, thus removing the need to put food in contact with the laptop computer 260 or having to physically move the laptop computer 260 to access needed papers and the like.

In some embodiments, top platform 210 may be configured to slide forward of the front edge of bottom platform 250. In such embodiments, top platform 210 may be coupled to sliding members such as c-shaped rails that are configured to allow top platform to move forward and back again into a position that is parallel to bottom platform 250. This is illustrated in FIG. 2 as 270. In some embodiments, the top platform 210 may be configured to slide forward approximately 3 inches. In other embodiments, collapsible platform 200 may include a third platform 270 that sits under top platform 210 and may be constructed of the same material as top platform 210. Sliding members such as c-shaped rails may be coupled to platform 270 to allow it to side forward of bottom platform 210 approximately 3 inches. Either embodiment advantageously allows a user to slide his or her laptop computer closer to him or her when desirable, such as when a user of the seat on which the seatback tray is attached leans the seat backward, thus causing an inconvenient angle.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3B, an illustration of collapsible computer platform in various different stages of deployment is illustrated. For example, FIG. 3A illustrates collapsible computer platform 200 as being in a fully deployed position. Note that when fully deployed, second rotational members 223 and 233 are exterior to second and third rotational members 221, 225 and 231, 235. Further note that side support members 222, 224 and 232, 234 form a “V” shape with second rotational members 223 and 233 respectively. In addition, a cavity 240 is defined by the top platform 210, support assemblies 220 and 230, and the bottom surface or platform 250.

FIG. 3B illustrates collapsible computer platform 200 in a partially collapsed position. Note that when collapsing, second rotational members 223 and 233 are moved interior to second and third rotational members 221, 225 and 231, 235. Further note that side support members 222, 224 and 232, 234 now form a “V” shape with second rotational members 223 and 233 respectively that is inverted from the prior “V” shape. Also, cavity 240 is still defined by the top platform 210, the side assemblies 220 and 230, and the bottom surface or platform 250, although the cavity is smaller than when the collapsible computer platform 200 is fully deployed.

FIG. 3C illustrates collapsible computer platform 200 in a fully collapsed position. Note that when fully collapsed, second rotational members 223 and 233 are moved interior to second and third rotational members 221, 225 and 231, 235. Further note that that side support members 222, 224 and 232, 234 are completely compressed against each other. This in turn causes top platform 210 and bottom surface or platform 250 to be as close as physically possible, the distance between the two being determined by the thickness of the support assemblies 220 and 230 when collapsed. Note that collapsible computer platform 200 collapses into a compact unit that advantageously may be placed in a laptop computer case, thus allowing a user to easily move it from one location to another with the laptop computer.

Although specific embodiments of collapsible computer platform 200 have been described, this is for illustration only. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments are also possible. For example, side support members 222, 224 and 232, 234 may be metal rods that are rotationally connected to each other. Further, the rotational members or hinges may be configured other than to run the length of the support members and there may be more than is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3A-3C.

Accordingly, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1-12. (canceled)

13. The collapsible computer platform in accordance with claim 17, wherein the cavity provides an open space large enough for using an optical mouse or suitable for storage of food or papers.

14. The collapsible computer platform in accordance with claim 17, wherein the first platform and the first and second support members are made of a plastic.

15. The collapsible computer platform in accordance with claim 17, wherein the fourth rotational member includes a locking member configured to lock the third and fourth support members in place when the computer platform is deployed and configured to allow the third and fourth support members to collapse when the computer platform is in the stored position.

16. (canceled)

17. A collapsible computer platform comprising:

a first platform;

a second platform;

a plurality of support assemblies comprising: a first rotational member coupled to the first platform; a first support member having a top portion coupled to the first rotational member; a second rotational member coupled to a bottom portion of the first support member; a second support member having a top portion coupled to the second rotational member, a third rotational member coupled to a bottom portion of the second support member and coupled to the second platform; a fourth rotational member coupled to the first platform opposite the first rotational member; a third support member having a top portion coupled to the fourth rotational member; a fifth rotational member coupled to a bottom portion of the third support member; a fourth support member having a top portion coupled to the fifth rotational member a sixth rotational member coupled to a bottom portion of the fourth support member and coupled to the second platform opposite the third rotational member;

wherein the plurality of support assemblies are configured such that the second rotational member is interior to the first and third rotational members and the fifth rotational member is interior to the fourth and sixth rotational members when collapsed relative to the first platform in a stored position and the second rotational member is exterior to the first and third rotational members and the fourth rotational member is exterior to the fourth and sixth rotational member when deployed; and

wherein a cavity is defined between the first platform and the second platform when the support assemblies are deployed.

18. The collapsible computer platform in accordance with claim 17, further comprising a third platform configured to slide forward approximately 3 inches.

19. The collapsible computer platform in accordance with claim 17, wherein the cavity defined between the first platform and the second platform has a height of approximately 3½ inches.

20. The collapsible computer platform in accordance with claim 17, wherein the first platform is parallel to second platform and wherein the first platform and the second platform are sized to substantially hold a laptop computer.

21. The collapsible computer platform in accordance with claim 17, wherein the second rotational member includes a locking member configured to lock the first and second support members in place when positioned in a first position the computer platform is deployed and configured to allow the first and second support members to collapse when the computer platform is in the stored position.

22. The collapsible computer platform in accordance with claim 17, wherein the first platform, the second platform and the plurality of support members are made of a light colored plastic suitable for an optical mouse to be used on.