EP1947983A2 - Support de livre/ordinateur portatif a plateau en x - Google Patents

Support de livre/ordinateur portatif a plateau en x

Info

Publication number
EP1947983A2
EP1947983A2 EP06847469A EP06847469A EP1947983A2 EP 1947983 A2 EP1947983 A2 EP 1947983A2 EP 06847469 A EP06847469 A EP 06847469A EP 06847469 A EP06847469 A EP 06847469A EP 1947983 A2 EP1947983 A2 EP 1947983A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
stand
base
mounting platform
book
user
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06847469A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
David Russell Sparling
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SPARLING, DAVID RUSSELL
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1947983A2 publication Critical patent/EP1947983A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B23/00—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else
    • A47B23/007—Overhead reading-racks or book-rests
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B23/00—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B23/00—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else
    • A47B23/04—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else supported from table, floor or wall
    • A47B23/042—Book-rests or note-book holders resting on tables
    • A47B23/043—Book-rests or note-book holders resting on tables adjustable, foldable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B23/00—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else
    • A47B23/04—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else supported from table, floor or wall
    • A47B23/046—C-shaped bed tables, e.g. foldable

Definitions

  • TMs application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. ⁇ 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/734,553, filed November 8, 2005, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
  • the invention relates to book and laptop holders. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and method for holding a book or laptop such that a user, in a substantially supine position, can ergonomically read the book and/or operate the laptop.
  • Book holders have been in existence for a very long period of time, and some have been adopted and/or adapted for use with laptops.
  • book holders are heavy, clumsy devices that are not very ergonomic, and have limited usefulness.
  • lecterns are typical of known book holding devices that, while relatively useful for holding a book up at a height that is convenient when standing and lecturing, are far less useful when sitting at a table or desk, or reclining.
  • Many different book holders have been developed over the years in an attempt to improve these apparently relatively simple mechanical devices.
  • a first example of a computer stand is U.S. Patent No. D410,910, issued to Martell on June 15, 1999 (hereinafter the " '910 patent”).
  • the computer stand illustrated in the '910 patent resembles early known book holders in that it consists of a simple flat piece upon which the computer rests. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art of the present invention that "book holder” and “book stand” are interchangeable, and the term “computer” includes or means "laptop.”
  • the '910 patent further consists of a ledge to hold the computer upright, two legs and two base leg pieces. The base leg and legs can be adjusted to change the angle between them, from about 0° to about 90°, or a little less.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,512,542 issued to Black on April 23, 1985 (hereinafter the " '542 patent"), describes a book holder for holding a book in open condition at a selected page.
  • the book holder described in the '542 patent comprises a pair of elongate limbs extending in opposite directions from a central zone and terminating at their free ends in reversely turned, page engageable fingers extending alongside and spaced from the associated limb.
  • the limbs are coupled together in such a manner as to enable them to be adjusted relative to each other and vary the distance between the fingers.
  • Supporting legs may be connected to the limbs to enable the book holder to support a book at an inclination to the horizontal.
  • the legs preferably are pivoted to one another and to the limbs so as to enable the limbs and legs to be folded to a small-size unit when the holder is not being used.
  • the book holder of the '542 patent can be folded up for storage, it suffers from at least the shortcoming of not being adjustable in terms of holding different numbers of pages under the reversely turned page engageable fingers, hi other words, the reversely turned page engageable fingers are a fixed height, and no adjustment of their height over the book can be made.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,112,021, issued to Greene on May 12, 1992 discloses a bookholder device that includes a main arm portion for hinged attachment to a wall (or alternatively, for free standing support on the floor).
  • a clutch assembly portion is attached to the main arm, and releasably engages a rod member.
  • a tray bracket is pivotally connected to the rod member, and further pivotally supports a book tray portion.
  • This book tray supports the book in question by a combination of contact by a tray base, tray perimeter flanges, and a height-adjustable tray crossmember.
  • the book holder disclosed in the '021 patent is a large, unwieldy, mechanically complex apparatus that must be attached to a wall when the user is in a supine position.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,615,856, issued to Simington on April 1, 1997 discloses a book-holder assembly that has a first-side book-support plate and a second-side book-support plate that are oppositely disposed at a desired angle on a plate- connecting member that is attachable to a connector bracket with which universality of positioning is provided by stand means that are designedly foldable or optionally mobile.
  • a first-side page holder that is adjustable separately to thickness of page bunches and a first- side book holder that is adjustable separately to book thicknesses are attachable to the first- side book-support plate.
  • a second-side page holder that is adjustable separately to thickness of page bunches and a second-side book holder that is adjustable separately to book thicknesses are attachable to the second-side book-support plate.
  • a first-side book-holder groove on a bottom side of the first-side book-support plate and a first-side adjustable clamp on a top side of the first-side book support plate provide linear book support on the first-side book-support plate.
  • a second-side book-holder groove on a bottom side of the second-side book-support plate and a second-side adjustable clamp on a top side of the second-side book support plate provide linear book support on the second-side book-support plate.
  • the '856 patent aside from its obvious mechanical complexity, suffers in that the page holders are not substantially frictionless, and therefore it appears a user would encounter significant resistance in turning and retaining pages of a book. Further still, the book holder disclosed in the '856 patent would be ill suited for holding laptops.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,979,857 discloses an adjustable book holder that can be attached to a stand to permit hands-free reading and hand-assisted page turning in a sitting or reclining position.
  • the book holder of the '857 patent provides for a one piece book support shelf and back of rigid material, such as a molded clear plastic or metal, onto which a book is secured and one or more pages are held open and flat by a single length of monofilament line attached to opposite sides of a swing arm held in a closed position.
  • a swing arm in the open position allows unobstructed page turning after which the swing arm is returned to the closed position.
  • the swing arm is held in the closed position by free swinging latches fastened to the swing arm and turned up behind the book support back.
  • the swing arm is moved to the open position by pushing back against the swing arm which removes the pressure against the latches allowing the latches to drop clear.
  • the swing arm is rotated down until parallel with the bottom of the book support shelf, limited by a stop rigidly connected to the bottom center of the swing arm and with the stop extension in contact with the underside of the book support bracket, hi this position the monofilament line is below the book support shelf and the book page can now be turned.
  • the swing arm is then returned to the closed position.
  • the book holder disclosed in the '857 patent is ill suited for holding a laptop, or for even holding a book such that a user can read it while substantially supine.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,027,092, issued to Gordon on February 22, 2000 discloses a book stand with a base adapted to fit under a person's leg, a first arm pivotally connected to the base, a second arm telescopically attached to the first arm, and a book rack pivotally mounted on the second arm for supporting a book.
  • An I-shaped page retainer is pivotally mounted on the rack and includes laterally extending upper and lower fingers for holding opposing pages of the book open for reading.
  • the page retainer includes telescoping segments such that the distance between the fingers can be adjusted to accommodate different size books.
  • a book light optionally can be attached to the book rack for lighting the pages.
  • the upper plate has a clasp for a central upper edge of an open book and the lower plate has a lower ledge supporting a lower edge of the book and formed with differently spaced sockets receiving plugs to trap open stacks of pages on both sides of an open book by engaging outermost pages exposed for reading, even when a reader is supine. Removing and transferring plugs between sockets releases trapped pages for turning and transfer of plugs between sockets accommodates progressive changes in cumulative total thickness of the stacks of pages on respective opposite sides of the book as the pages are turned during reading.
  • a first aspect of the present invention comprising a stand for use in holding a viewable object for a user, the stand comprising a base; a mounting platform that includes a plurality of slots and a plurality of clamps, wherein each slot contains a clamp, and further wherein the clamp is configured to secure the viewable object to the generally x-shaped mounting platform, and wherein, each of the clamps includes a locking lever, and further wherein each locking lever includes a roller configured to allow a user to move a portion of the viewable object when desired; and a mounting platform coupler configured to fiictionally engage the generally x-shaped mounting platform at a user selectable angle to the base.
  • the stand according to the first aspect of the present invention further includes a mounting platform that is generally x-shaped, and wherein the mounting platform comprises: a first substantially planar surface configured to hold the viewable object in a planar relationship with the user; and a second substantially planar surface substantially parallel to the first substantially planar surface; and a recessed area formed between the first and second substantially planar surfaces, wherein the recessed area is configured to ventilate excess heat generated by the viewable object, hi the stand according to the first aspect of the present invention, the mounting coupler is configured to frictionally engage the base at any one of a set of predetermined detent angles, and the base is configured to be adjusted in width and/or height, and further wherein a plurality of detent angles and positions are provided to adjust the width and/or height of the base.
  • the stand further comprises an adjustable stabilizer armature adjustable in height above the base, wherein the adjustable stabilizer armature is configured to provide a wedging force to an underside of an object such that the stand is substantially stable and is substantially incapable of tipping, swaying or leaning as a result of securing the viewable object to the mounting platform.
  • the base comprises a first and second L-shaped cross bar, the first and second L-shaped cross bars including a first end and a second end; and a first and second base leg, the first and second base legs including a substantially horizontal portion and an angled portion, and wherein the first and second base legs are configured to frictionally engage the first end of the first and second L-shaped cross bars at the angled portion of the first and second base legs, and wherein the first and second L-shaped cross bars are configured to fiictionally engage each other at their respective second ends.
  • the angled portion of the first and second base legs can be formed at an angle from about 48° to about 68° with respect to the substantially horizontal portion, the angled portion of the first and second base legs can be formed at an angle from about 53° to about 63° with respect to the substantially horizontal portion, and wherein the angled portion of the first and second base legs can be formed at an angle of about 58° with respect to the substantially horizontal portion.
  • the base further comprises a rotational coupler configured to rotationally couple the substantially horizontal portion to the angled portion of each of the first and second base legs, and wherein the angled portion of the first and second base legs are configured to be adjusted at a plurality of angles, and wherein a plurality of detent angles are provided to adjust the angled portion of the first and second base legs.
  • the detent angles are substantially equally spaced at about 5° apart, or the detent angles are not substantially equally spaced apart.
  • the first and second cross bars are replaced by a single cross bar having a first and second end, and the single cross bar is configured to frictionally engage the angled portion of the first and second base legs, and the stand further means for adjusting a width of the stand.
  • the means for adjusting the width of the stand according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises adjustment of the frictional engagement at the second ends of the first and second L-shaped cross bars thereby adjusting the distance between the first and second base legs.
  • the base comprises a substantially "[" shaped cross bar, wherein the cross bar includes a first and second end, and a first and second base leg, the first and second base legs including a substantially horizontal portion and an angled portion rotationally coupled to the substantially horizontal portion, and wherein the first and second base legs are configured to frictionally engage the first and second end of the substantially "[" shaped cross bar at the angled portion of the first and second base legs respectively.
  • the substantially “[" shaped cross bar comprises a first and second substantially “L” shaped cross bar part, each of the first and second cross bar part comprising a first and second end; and a substantially straight cross bar part, the substantially straight cross bar part comprising a first and second end, wherein, the first end of the "L” shaped cross bar parts are configured to frictionally engage the angled portion of the first and second base leg, respectively, and the second end of the "L” shaped cross bar parts are configured to frictionally engage the first and second end of the substantially straight cross bar part, respectively.
  • the angled portion of the first and second base legs can be rotated to form an angle from about 48° to about 68° with respect to the substantially horizontal portion, or the angled portion of the first and second base legs can be rotated to form an angle from about 53° to about 63° with respect to the substantially horizontal portion, or the angled portion of the first and second base legs can be rotated to form an angle of about 58° with respect to the substantially horizontal portion.
  • the angled portion of the first and second base legs are configured to be adjusted at a plurality of angles, and wherein a plurality of detent angles are provided to adjust the angled portion of the first and second base legs, and wherein the detent angles are substantially equally spaced at about 5° apart, or wherein the detent angles are not substantially equally spaced apart, and still further wherein each of the first and second base legs are further configured to rotationally fold together such that the substantially horizontal portion and the angled portion are substantially parallel and adjacent one another.
  • the angled portion of each of the first and second base legs further comprise a first outer tube, a first inner tube spring coupled to the first outer tube, and a twist lock configured to retain the first inner tube at a user selectable height with respect to the first outer tube as a result of the spring force applied by the spring between the first outer tube and the first inner tube.
  • the base further comprises a rotational coupler configured to rotationally couple the substantially horizontal portion to the angled portion of each of the first and second base legs.
  • the user can occupy a range of positions from a substantially supine position to a substantially sitting up position.
  • the stand further comprises means for adjusting a width of the stand, and the means for adjusting the width of the stand comprises means for adjusting the width of the "[" shaped cross bar.
  • the means for adjusting the width of the "[" shaped cross bar according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a first and second substantially “L” shaped cross bar part, each of the first and second cross bar part comprising a first and second end, and a substantially straight cross bar part, the substantially straight cross bar part comprising a first and second end, wherein, the first end of the "L” shaped cross bar parts are configured to frictionally engage the angled portion of the first and second base leg, respectively, and the second end of the "L” shaped cross bar parts are configured to frictionally engage the first and second end of the substantially straight cross bar part, respectively.
  • adjustment of the width of the "[" shaped cross bar comprises adjustment of the frictional engagement at the second end of the first L-shaped cross bar and the substantially straight cross bar, or, adjustment of the frictional engagement at the second end of the second L-shaped cross bar, or adjustment of the frictional engagement at the second end of the 1 st L- shaped cross bar and the substantially straight cross bar, and adjustment of the frictional engagement at the second end of the 2 nd L-shaped cross bar and the substantially straight cross bar.
  • the plurality of slots comprises a first upper pair of slots, each of the respective upper pair of slots having both a substantially horizontal portion, and an angled portion that is formed at about a 45° angle with respect to the substantially horizontal portion, and a second lower pair of slots, each of the respective lower pair of slots having both a substantially horizontal portion, and an angled portion that is formed at about a 140° angle with respect to the substantially horizontal portion.
  • each roller comprises a substantially spherical ball rotationally attached to the respective locking lever, or each roller comprises a substantially cylindrical rolling cylinder rotationally attached to the respective locking lever, or still further the roller comprises a frictionally reduced surface attached to the respective locking lever.
  • the viewable object comprises a laptop computer, and wherein the slots are configured to allow a user to adjust the clamps to accommodate a plurality of different sized laptops.
  • the stand further comprises a removable strap attached to the mounting platform, and configured to segregate a user selectable portion of the viewable object, the viewable object comprises a book, and the user selectable portion comprises at least one page of the book.
  • a method for enabling a user to hold and view a viewable object in a stand, wherein the stand comprises a base, a generally x-shaped mounting platform that includes a plurality of slots and clamps, the clamps including locking levers with rollers, the stand further comprising a mounting platform coupler, wherein the method comprises providing a user with the stand, and wherein the user employs the stand to hold and adjustably view the viewable object by adjusting a height of the base; coupling the generally x-shaped mounting platform to the base; positioning the viewable object onto the generally x-shaped mounting platform; clamping the viewable object onto the mounting platform with the clamps; adjusting a viewing angle of the mounting platform with respect to the user using the mounting platform coupler; and moving a first portion of the viewable object from a first and second clamp to a third and fourth clamp by rolling the first portion out from under the first and second clamp and inserting and rolling the first portion under the third and fourth clamps,
  • the method further comprises isolating a user-selected portion of the viewable object with a removable strap attached to the generally x-shaped mounting platform, adjusting a width of the stand, and wherein the user is substantially supine.
  • each roller comprises a substantially spherical ball rotationally attached to the respective locking lever, or each roller comprises a substantially cylindrical rolling cylinder rotationally attached to the respective locking lever, or wherein the roller comprises a frictionally reduced surface attached to the respective locking lever.
  • the method further comprises segregating a user selectable portion of the viewable object with a removable strap attached to the mounting platform, and wherein the viewable object comprises a book, and the user selectable portion comprises at least one page of the book.
  • the viewable object according to the second aspect of the present invention comprises a laptop, wherein the step of moving a first portion is not performed, and wherein the method further comprises adjusting the position of one or more of the clamps within their respective slots to allow a user to accommodate a plurality of different sized laptops.
  • the method further comprises adjusting the position of one or more of the clamps within their respective slots to allow a user to accommodate a plurality of different sized books
  • the step of adjusting the height of the base comprises raising the height of the base by loosening a twist lock on the base to allow the user to raise the height of the base, and lowering the height of the base by loosening the twist lock on the base to allow the user to lower the height of the base.
  • the base includes a first and second base leg, each of the base legs including the twist lock, a first outer tube and a first inner tube, and a spring coupled between the first outer tube and the first inner tube, and wherein the steps of raising and lowering the height of the base comprises raising the inner tube up in relation to the outer tube via an expansion force provided by the spring, and lowering the inner tube in relation to outer tube by preventing the inner tube from dropping via the expansion force provided by the spring.
  • the method further comprises lifting an adjustable stabilizer armature against an underside of an object, thereby providing a wedging force such that the stand is substantially stable and substantially incapable of tipping, leaning or swaying with the viewable object mounted on the mounting platform.
  • a method for using a stand to hold and view a viewable object, wherein the stand comprises a base, a generally x-shaped mounting platform that includes a plurality of slots and clamps, the clamps including locking levers with rollers, the stand further comprising a mounting platform coupler, the method comprising adjusting a height of the base, coupling the generally x-shaped mounting platform to the base, positioning the viewable object onto the generally x-shaped mounting platform, clamping the viewable object onto the mounting platform with the clamps, adjusting a viewing angle of the mounting platform with respect to the user using the mounting platform coupler, and moving a first portion of the viewable object from a first and second clamp to a third and fourth clamp by rolling the first portion out from under the first and second clamp and inserting and rolling the first portion under the third and fourth clamps, such that a second and subsequent portions of the viewable object can now be viewed, and wherein the second and subsequent portions of the viewable object and the
  • the method further comprises isolating a user selected portion of the viewable object with a removable strap attached to the generally x-shaped mounting platform, and adjusting a width of the stand.
  • the user is substantially supine.
  • Each roller in the stand according to the third aspect of the present invention comprises a substantially spherical ball rotationally attached to the respective locking lever, or a substantially cylindrical rolling cylinder rotationally attached to the respective locking lever, or wherein the roller comprises a frictionally reduced surface attached to the respective locking lever.
  • the method further comprises segregating a user selectable portion of the viewable object with a removable strap attached to the mounting platform, and wherein the viewable object comprises a book, and the user selectable portion comprises at least one page of the book.
  • the viewable object comprises a laptop, wherein the step of moving a first portion is not performed, and wherein the method further comprises adjusting the position of one or more of the clamps within their respective slots to allow a user to accommodate a plurality of different sized laptops.
  • the method according to the third aspect of the present invention further comprises adjusting the position of one or more of the clamps within their respective slots to allow a user to accommodate a plurality of different sized books
  • the step of adjusting the height of the base comprises raising the height of the base by loosening a twist lock on the base to allow the user to raise the height of the base, and lowering the height of the base by loosening the twist lock on the base to allow the user to lower the height of the base.
  • the base includes a first and second base leg, each of the base legs including the twist lock, a first outer tube and a first inner tube, and a spring coupled between the first outer tube and the first inner tube, and wherein the steps of raising and lowering the height of the base comprises raising the inner tube up in relation to the outer tube via an expansion force provided by the spring, and lowering the inner tube in relation to outer tube by preventing the inner tube from dropping via the expansion force provided by the spring.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a XDeck book/laptop holder short stand
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the short stand shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the short stand shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the short stand shown in FIG. 1
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the short stand shown in FIG 1 in an expanded configuration.
  • FIGS. 6 A and 6B illustrate perspective views of an XDeck book/laptop holder tall stand (tall stand) according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6C illustrates a perspective view of a tall stand with an adjustable stabilizer armature providing a wedging stabilizing force for the tall stand under a piece of furniture according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the tall stand shown in FIG. 6 A.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the tall stand shown in FIG. 6 A.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the tall stand shown in FIG. 6A.
  • FIGS. 10A-F illustrate perspective views of several different embodiments of a tall stand according to further embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 1 IA and 1 IB illustrate front perspective views of a mounting platform according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of the mounting platform shown in
  • FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the mounting platform shown in FIGS. 1 IA and
  • FIGS. 14A-D illustrate several left side views of several embodiments of the mounting platform shown in FIGS. 1 IA and 1 IB.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of slide clamps on a mounting platform according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the slide clamps and mounting platform shown in FIG. 15.
  • FIG. 17A illustrates a side view of the slide clamp shown in FIG. 15.
  • FIG. 17B illustrates an expanded side view of an outermost portion of the slide clamp shown in FIG. 17A illustrating a rolling ball according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 18A illustrates an expanded side perspective view of the slide clamp shown in FIG. 15.
  • FIGS. 18B and 18C illustrate additional embodiments of a rolling ball used in the locking lever illustrated in FIG. 15 according to additional embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting coupler in an open configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting coupler shown in FIG. 19 in a coupled configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of the mounting coupler shown in FIG. 19 attached to the mounting platform shown in FIG. 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 22 illustrates an expanded side view of the mounting coupler shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 23 A illustrates a front view of a book strap according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 23B illustrates a front view of a book strap according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 24A illustrates a front perspective view of the book strap shown in FIG. 23 restraining pages of a book according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 24B illustrates a front perspective view of a book and the book strap shown in FIG. 24A attached to the mounting platform shown in FIG. 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 25 A-S illustrate several additional embodiments of a mounting platform according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate a front and side view of short stand according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 28 is a flow chart of a method for using the XDeck book/laptop stand according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 29 illustrates a front perspective view of the XDeck book/laptop stand retaining a laptop according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 30 illustrates a front perspective view of the XDeck book/laptop stand retaining a book according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 31 illustrates an XDeck book/laptop short stand on a bed retaining a book for use while the user is in a substantially supine position according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 32 illustrates an XDeck book/laptop tall stand adjacent to a bed for use while the user is in a substantially supine position according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the XDeck book/laptop (book/laptop) stand 34 disclosed herein comprises two main components: a stand 10, 60, and a mounting deck 12.
  • Mounting deck 12 comprises several major sub-components: mounting platform 2, slide clamps 4, slide clamp slots 6, and mounting platform coupler 8.
  • Book/laptop stand 34 comprises at least two different embodiments: A short stand 10 and a tall stand 60.
  • short stand 10 can be used by users when laying down, either partially or in a fully supine position, in bed, on a couch, the floor, or other locations.
  • tall stand 60 can be used when sitting in a chair, in a substantially supine position on a bed, standing, or other locations.
  • Mounting platform 2, attached to either short or tall stand 10, 60 is adjustable to substantially any angle of inclination between the stands 10, 60 and the user, and is further configured to retain book 50 or laptop 52 securely, also at an angle of inclination.
  • book/laptop stand 34 allows users to turn the pages of books substantially easily, without fear of dropping the book, even when the book is facing straight down over the user.
  • Book/laptop stand 34 allows users of laptop computers 52, readers of books 50, electronic book devices (e-books, i.e. Sony Reader), and console videogame (i.e. Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation2, and PlayStation3) players the widest available range of body positions while interacting with the above-mentioned media or equipment — from seated upright to substantially or fully supine. Users of the book/laptop stand 34 benefit tremendously by virtue of its adjustability, as the device can quickly and safely be adjusted to a comfort-enhancing position. [0084] II. Stands [0085] A. Short Stand 10
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a book/laptop holder short stand (short stand) 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • short stand 10 comprises a plurality of short stand components 15a-f.
  • First and second short stand components 15 a, b are substantially horizontally inclined, intended to rest on the floor, sofa, or bed within which a user is either seated, reclining or laying down (or somewhere in between these positions).
  • Attached to distal ends of first and second short stand components 15a, b respectively are rotational couplers 62a, b, to which are attached fourth and sixth short stand components 15d, f.
  • Fourth and sixth short stand components 15d, f can therefore rotate to approximately any angle with respect to first and second short stand components 15 a, b because of rotational couplers 62a, b.
  • rotational couplers 62a, b can be provided with detents at pre-set angles, or can be detent-free.
  • pre-set detent angles are detents set at every 5°, 10° or even 15°. The angles between detents need not be substantially the same, for example, there can be a first detent at 5°, then another at 15°, the third at 25°, and so on.
  • rotational couplers 62a, b can be detent-free, rotating smoothly and can be set at nearly any desired angle. Further still, even with the preset detents, the rotational couplers 62a, b can be smoothly adjustable between the pre-set detent angles.
  • first and second short stand components 15a, b Slidingly engaged to first and second short stand components 15a, b are third and fifth short stand components 15c, e.
  • Third and fifth short stand components 15c, e are fixedly and rotationally engaged with fourth and sixth short stand components 15d, f.
  • the weight of a laptop 52 or book 50 will be directly transferred to the horizontally inclined first and second short stand components 15a, b.
  • the upper end of third and fifth short stand components 15c, e are located flip lock levers 17a, b respectively.
  • Flip lock levers 17a, b secure third and fifth short stand components 15c, e in place along fourth and sixth short stand components 15d, f such that any desired angle ⁇ can be formed between first and fourth short stand components 15a and 15d, and between second and sixth short stand components 15b and 15f (as shown in FIG. 3), thereby adjusting the height of short stand 10.
  • first and fourth twist locks, 16a, d which engage and retain first and second L-shaped armatures 14a, b, respectively.
  • Twist locks 16 permit two separate components to be joined together.
  • the twist locks allow a first component to slide within or alongside a second component when the twist lock is in a loosened state, and then, once relative positioning of the first and second components is complete, the twist lock can be tightened coupling the two components together.
  • the aforementioned description of twist locks is merely illustrative, and not meant to be limiting, and all different means for twist-locks known are considered to be included within the various embodiments of the present invention.
  • first and second L-shaped armatures 14a, b At a distal end of first and second L-shaped armatures 14a, b are second and third twist locks 16b, c that engage sixth short stand component 15g. Coupled to sixth short stand component 15g is mounting platform 2 via mounting coupler 8, both of which are described in greater detail below.
  • the net effect of twist locks 16a, d, and first and second L-shaped armatures 14a, b is to give the user the ability to adjust the height of short stand 10 to a desired height within the design limits of the components.
  • third and fifth short stand components 15c, e are manipulated to push the angle between horizontal and angled portions (the angle between first and fourth short stand components 15a, d and between second and sixth short stand components 15b, f to about 58°.
  • Flip locks 17a, b are then used to lock the third and fifth short stand components 15c, e at the desired position, thereby setting a desired angle between first and fourth short stand components 15a, d, and between second and sixth short stand components 15b, f.
  • pre-set detents can be provided between fourth short stand component 15d and first L-shaped armature 14a, and between sixth short stand component 15f and second L-shaped armature 14b.
  • the pre-set detents (at 0.5", 1.0", or other increments), can assist a user with safely and quickly adjusting the height of short stand 10.
  • height adjustment can be further assisted with the inclusion of two springs (one on each side) to assist user in raising the height of short stand 10, and substantially preventing short stand 10 from being lowered too rapidly because of a heavy laptop 52.
  • springs an alternative embodiment of the present invention can utilize pneumatic cylinders to assist a user with safely and quickly adjusting the height of short stand 10.
  • any desired height of short stand 10 can be accomplished by suitable sizing of short stand components 15a-g, use of flip lock levers 17a, b, and use of telescoping L-shaped armatures 14a, b.
  • the width of short stand can be changed through use of second and third twist locks 16b, c and sixth short stand component 15g.
  • second or third twist locks 16b, c, sixth short stand component 15g can then be retracted into, or extracted from, either or both first and second L-shaped armatures 14a, b.
  • a typical user, laying down in bed will adjust their short stand to a height of about 12"-14", and a width of about 28".
  • the length of each of first and second short stand components 15a, b, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is about 24".
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of short stand 10
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of short stand 10 shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 26 illustrates a front view of a different version of short stand 10 (hereinafter referred to as "short stand 10'") according to another embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 27 is a side view of short stand 10'.
  • Short stand 10' looks similar to short stand 10, but is made up slightly different components.
  • Short stand 10' comprises first and second short stand components 15a', b' that have both a substantially horizontal and an angled portion.
  • the angle between the horizontal and angled portions of short stand components 15a', b' of short stand 10' can be fixed at the time of manufacture.
  • the angle between the substantially horizontal portion and angled portion of first and second short stand component 15a', b' is about 58°.
  • rotational couplers 62a, b can be inserted between the horizontal and angled portions of short stand components 15a', b', thereby allowing the angle between the horizontal and angled portions to be adjustable, either continuously, or with the use of detents, at preset variable or constant angles.
  • Short stand 10' further comprises first and third twist locks 16a', c', which are engaged with first and second L-shaped armatures 14a', b'.
  • first and second L-shaped armatures 14a', b' instead of there being an additional short stand component 15g' between first and second L-shaped armatures 14a', b', they are connected via second twist lock 16b'.
  • FIG. 27 illustrates a side view of short stand 10' with laptop 52 retained securely thereon.
  • the use of detents and springs as previously described in regard to short stand 10 applies equally as well to short stand 10'.
  • An alternative embodiment of either short stand 10 or 10' incorporates adjustable reading light(s) (L.E.D. or halogen, among other possibilities) into short stand components 15 a, b and/or 15d, f as depicted in FIG. 1. These lights could be powered by, for example, batteries or ordinary household electrical service (120-volt AC).
  • adjustable reading light(s) L.E.D. or halogen, among other possibilities
  • These lights could be powered by, for example, batteries or ordinary household electrical service (120-volt AC).
  • FIG. 29 illustrates a front perspective view of the XDeck book/laptop stand 34 retaining laptop 52 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Laptop 52 is held by clamps 4a-d securely in place so that a user can ergonomically lay in a substantially supine configuration and operate laptop 52 with ease and comfort.
  • FIG. 30 illustrates a front perspective view of the XDeck book/laptop stand 34 retaining book 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Book 50 is held by clamps 4a-d securely in place so that a user can ergonomically lay in a substantially supine configuration and read book 50 in ease and comfort with the user's head substantially flat on the surface upon which the user lays.
  • book strap 54 discussed in greater detail below, that aids in retaining book 50 against mounting platform 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of book/laptop holder tall stand (tall stand) 60 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • tall stand 60 can be used, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, by users that are standing up, or laying down on a bed.
  • Tall stand 60 comprises tall stand base 64, first tall stand component 66a, first twist lock 16a, second tall stand component 66b, second twist lock 16b, L-shaped armature 14a, third twist lock 16c, adjustable stabilizer armature 76 and third tall stand component 66c, which is identical to short stand component 15g.
  • Mounting platform 2 is coupled to third tall stand component 66c, which is substantially horizontal, via mounting coupler 8.
  • a user can adjust the height of tall stand 60 by either of first and second twist locks 16a, b, and can adjust final placement of mounting platform 2 by either mounting coupler 8 or via twist lock 16c, and extending or retracting third tall stand component 66c.
  • a user can locate tall stand base 64 under a bed such that tall stand components 66a, b stand adjacent to the side of the bed, and third tall stand component 66c and mounting platform 2 extend over the bed.
  • Adjustable stabilizer armature (armature) 76a as depicted in FIGS.
  • Armature 76a is substantially perpendicular to tall stand component 66a and substantially parallel to tall stand component 64.
  • Armature 76a can be adjusted to apply upward pressure to the underside of a chair or bed to further improve the stability of tall stand 60.
  • Armature 76a either slidingly engages tall stand component 66a, or is fabricated as an L-shaped component fixed to base 64 that slides up and down to engage the underside of the bed.
  • armature 76a protrudes from within tall stand component 66a and through the use of detents, springs and pneumatic cylinders, the user can raise or lower armature 76 such that it wedges under the bed.
  • tall stand 60 With armature 76a applying an upward force to the underside of the bed, base 64 is forced down onto the floor and a substantially secure footing is available for tall stand 60.
  • the height of tall stand 60 coupled with an 8-10 pound laptop, for example, could make tall stand 60 susceptible to tipping and/or wobbling without the use of armature 76a.
  • the use of detents, springs, and pneumatic cylinders as previously described in regard to short stand 10 and short stand 10' applies equally as well with armature 76a.
  • tall stand 60 can be fabricated without armature 76a.
  • FIG. 6B illustrates an alternative embodiment of tall stand 60 with armature 76b according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6C illustrates armature 76b on tall stand 60a wherein armature 76b is shown applying a force to the underside of a bed or chair.
  • tall stand 60a is substantially immobile and stable, and can support a great deal of weight on mounting platform 8 such as, for example, a laptop 52, without swaying or tipping.
  • the combination of armature 76a and base 64 can be envisioned as an adjustable wedge.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of tall stand 60, FIG.
  • FIGS 7-9 illustrate tall stand 60 with armature 76a though, as one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate, armature 76b can be used equally as well, or no armature 76a, b can be used with tall stand 60.
  • FIGS. 10A-F illustrate a perspective view of several different embodiments of tall stand 60 according to further embodiments of the present invention. Shown in FIG. 1OA is tall stand 60b according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein fourth tall stand component 66d, an 18" extender tube, takes the place of first and second tall stand components 66a, b, and first twist lock 16a.
  • FIGS. lOB-F illustrate different embodiments of tall stand bases 64 according to alternative embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIGS 10A-F do not include armature 76a, b, one of ordinary skill in the art of the present invention can appreciate that use of either armature 76a, b with the alternate embodiments of tall stand 60 shown in FIGS 10A-F is within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.
  • tall stand base 64 between the mattress and box spring of a typical bed such that tall stand components 66a, b stand adjacent to the side of the mattress and third tall stand component 66c and mounting platform 2 extend over the surface of the bed.
  • tall stand 60 incorporates adjustable reading light(s) (L.E.D. or halogen, among other possibilities) that can be attached to predetermined points on tall stand components 66a, b and/or 14a as depicted in FIG. 6. These lights could be powered by, for example, batteries or ordinary household electrical service (120-volt AC).
  • FIGS. 1 IA and B illustrate front perspective views of mounting platform 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Mounting platform 2 can be fabricated of plastic, for example polycarbonate, lexan, acrylic, high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
  • plastic for example polycarbonate, lexan, acrylic, high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
  • HDPE high density polyethylene
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • wood, or metal can also be used to manufacture mounting platform 2, or even ceramics, glass, composite materials (i.e., carbon fibers), fiberglass, cardboard, particleboard, or still even quarried materials, such as marble or granite.
  • Mounting platform 2 as illustrated in FIGS. 11-14, and 25 A-F is generally X-shaped, though this need not always be the case.
  • mounting platform 2 could be manufactured as a rectangle, circle, square, oval or many other different shapes or designs, as depicted in FIGS. 25G-S.
  • Mounting platform 2 comprises a front side 68, rear side 70, slide clamp slots 6a-d, mounting platform recessed area (recessed area) 72 and a mounting coupler access area (access area) 74.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of the mounting platform shown in FIG. 11,
  • FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the mounting platform shown in FIG. 11.
  • Ventilation area 72 is designed to allow cooling air to circulate under and around laptop 52 that can be mounted on mounting platform 2, as shown in FIGS. 14A-D.
  • FIGS. 14A-D illustrate several left side views of several embodiments of mounting platform 2 as shown in FIG. 11, according to different embodiments of the present invention.
  • Laptop 52 as well known to any who use them, generates a great deal of heat due to their power usage.
  • Large amounts of electrical power are provided by either rechargeable batteries (generally nickel metal hydride battery packs, lithium ion battery packs, or, in the near future, fuel cells), or an external power supply.
  • the large amounts of electrical power are needed for the high speed circuitry, especially microprocessors, which are operating at frequencies in excess of 2 GHz.
  • FIG. 14C, D illustrate different embodiments of mounting platform 2 with different shaped ventilation areas 72.
  • recessed area 72 is formed by a generally concave shaped mounting platform 2, and in FIG. 14D, a plurality of ventilation areas 72a-d are formed in mounting platform 2.
  • mounting platform 2 can also be perforated with holes of various shapes and sizes to further facilitate cooling.
  • mounting platform 2 can incorporate cooling fan(s) that can be powered by, for example, batteries, ordinary household A.C. current or laptop-supplied power via a USB port and cable connected to laptop 52.
  • Slide Clamp Slots 6 [00109] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 25 A-F, and 26, slide clamp slots 6a- d are shown.
  • Slide clamp slots (slots) 6a-d are cut-out areas in mounting platform 2 that enable slide clamps 4a-d to be located at the best possible position to retain book 50 or laptop 52 onto mounting platform 2.
  • slots 6a-d are areas that deliberately left open during the manufacturing of mounting platform 2.
  • slots 6a-d can be cutaway if mounting platform 2 is made of wood or metal, or even plastic. As indicated in FIGS.
  • slots 6a-d many different alternative designs are possible for slots 6a-d, and these illustrations are by no means intended to encompass all the possible variations considered to be within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.
  • the number of slots 6a-d numbers four, but again, as few as one can be used according to alternative embodiments of the present invention, or more than four, depending on the design of the mounting platform 2, aesthetics, or other considerations, all of which are considered to be within the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention.
  • Use of slots 6a-d will be discussed below in reference to slide clamps 4a-d. [00110] D. Slide Clamps 4
  • slide clamps 4 While mounting platform 2 itself is of fixed dimensions (the preferred shape a "squat" X), the adjustability of the slide clamps 4 within slots 6 enables many different devices to be held by book/laptop stand 34, including, but not limited to laptops 52, books 50, video games, and LCD monitors of different sizes, among other devices. As shown in FIGS. 15 through 18, slide clamps 4 resemble "quick release" bicycle seat post clamps in form and operation. Slide clamp 4 comprises several components: molded locking lever (locking lever) 26, clamp post 18, washers 20a, b, nut 24 (that attaches to the opposite end of the clamp post 18), slide clamp handle 27, and rolling ball 48.
  • slide clamp 4 is at its maximum tension point.
  • the angle that should preferably be made between locking lever 26 and clamp post 18 and still maintain enough tension to lock a book 50 and/or laptop 52 to mounting platform 2 can be as much as about 30° above a line perpendicular to clamp post 18 (i.e., if one were to draw an imaginary line perpendicular to the top of clamp post 18, locking lever 26 must be within about +/- 15° of that imaginary line).
  • the user will have to adjust the effective tension point of all of the slide clamps 4a-d as the number of pages increases or decreases under them by increasing or decreasing the effective length of clamp post 18, as needed.
  • the effective length is the distance between the washer on rear side 70 of mounting platform 2 and the point where locking lever 26 is attached to clamp post 18. [OO 113] While slide clamps 4 can be easily removed in their entirety from mounting platform 2, operationally there is no need to do so to adjust them. Locking lever 26 and most of clamp post 18 protrude from the top of mounting platform 2, held within slot 6 by nut 24 on rear side of mounting platform 70. Across both front and rear surfaces 68, 70 of mounting platform 2 are collars 20 a, b, preferably made with a rubber or plastic material, or, optionally, of various types of metal, that provide some compression and friction between slide clamp 4 and mounting platform 2. Thus, locking lever 26 can effectively hold even a single page of book 50 in place, be it the first or last page.
  • slide clamps 4a-d allows for free and easy movement within slots 6a-d by simply loosening the locking lever 26, as discussed above.
  • "closing" locking lever 18 both tightens slide clamp 4 to mounting platform 2 and provides rigid retention points that either secure laptop 52, LCD monitor, or the pages of book 50.
  • Slide clamps 6 can be manufactured from molded plastic, metal, or other materials. As discussed above, there can be a minimum of one slide clamp 4, or as many as four or even more, as determined partly by aesthetic determinations and the weight/size of the object to be retained. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the above-mentioned drawings, four slide clamps 4a-d operate completely independently of each other within their respective slots 6a-d, though they work in unison to provide the desired retention functionality.
  • FIG. 17A illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of slide clamp 4
  • FIG. 17B illustrates an expanded side view of a portion of slide clamp 4 shown in FIG. 17A illustrating rolling ball 48 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Rolling ball 48 is a substantially spherical ball that is frictionally retained or press fitted within a partially spherical hole at an outermost portion 29 of locking lever 26.
  • Rolling ball 48 provides a substantially reduced factional surface that enables a user to slide pages from one side to another of book 50 when retained by slide clamps 4. When the user retains book 50 and the book's pages, rolling ball 48 is in direct contact with the book's pages and presses down upon them.
  • rolling ball 48 can also be used in slide clamp 4 shown in FIGS. 15, 16, and 18, as shown.
  • rolling ball 48 can be replaced by a substantially frictionally reduced material such as plastic, different types of glasses, stainless steel, and other metals, or even paper products.
  • rolling ball 48 can be a rolling cylinder 48a, or bead-shaped apparatus 48b, as shown in FIG. 18B, each of which rotates about axis A-A.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of mounting platform 2 and mounting platform coupler 8.
  • Mounting platform coupler (coupler) 8 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 19-22.
  • Coupler 8 adjustably rotationally connects mounting platform 2 to stands 10, 60 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, among others).
  • Coupler 8 comprises several sub-components: coupler rings 36a, b; coupler clamps 38a, b; first portion coupler base 40 and second portion coupler base 42.
  • coupler 8 can include only a first base portion 40 that can be coupled or attached directly to rear side of mounting platform 70 via screws 44a, b, or even adhesive 46.
  • Adhesive 46 comprises any type of appropriate adhesive material suitable for adhering the materials the coupler 8 and mounting platform 2 are manufactured from. Coupler 8 can also be attached to mounting platform 2, as shown in FIG. 21, via first and second coupler base portions 40, 42, and, according to another embodiment of the present invention, via adhesive 46. Screws 44a, b retain second portion coupler base 42 to rear side of mounting platform 70, and then adhesive 46 secures second portion coupler base 40 to first portion coupler base 42, thereby securing coupler 8 to mounting platform 2.
  • Coupler clamps 38a, b clamp mounting platform 2 to the base component at the intended position, and the user can then place book 50, laptop 52, or other devices onto mounting platform 2, and lock them into place with slide clamps 4, after they have been put into their proper position (sliding in slots 6a-d).
  • pre-determined angle detents can be provided at, for example, every 5°, 10°, 15°, and so on.
  • the angle detents can be any set of angles, and need not be the same amount from any one detent to another detent. As one of ordinary skill in the art of the present invention can appreciate, any different set of detent angles is considered to be within the scope of the several different embodiments of the present invention. FIG.
  • coupler 22 is a close up side view of coupler 8 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • loosening both coupler clamps 38a, b provides relatively little or no resistance to rotation of mounting platform 2.
  • Closing either coupler clamp 38a or 38b provides greater rotational friction, so that the user can rotate mounting platform 2 without fear that, if loaded with laptop 52, it will be difficult to keep in a certain position. That is, closing either of coupler clamps 38a, b provides just enough retention force to keep mounting platform 2 relatively static, yet it can still be moved or rotated, but will not rotate freely.
  • FIG. 23 A illustrates a front view of a first book strap 54a used with book/laptop stand 34 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Book strap 54a is used to facilitate retention of book 50 on book/laptop stand 34.
  • book strap 54a is formed from a single piece of preferably translucent material, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a clear plasticized material such as vinyl or other synthetic polymer, including neoprene.
  • book strap 54a can be made from any substantially flexible material, including, but not limited to, leather, fabric, cloth, animal skins, paper, or other materials, whether or not they are translucent.
  • book strap 54a To use book strap 54a, the user first places book 50 onto book/laptop stand 34 and secures it according to the method discussed above (and below in regard to FIG. 26), and then isolates a section of pages the user believes will be read at the present time. The user then inserts the selected group of pages through open area 56 and places first and second straps 58a, b over the top of book 50 and book/laptop stand 34 to upper securing points located on rear side of mounting platform 68, and places third and fourth straps 58c, d, under the bottom of book 50 and book/laptop stand 34 to lower additional securing points located on rear side of mounting platform 68. The effect of book strap 54a is to isolate several pages of book 50 (as shown in FIG.
  • book strap 54b is generally rectangular in shape with an open area 56 for the pages of book 50 to fit within.
  • Book strap 54b operates similarly to book strap 54a in its interaction with book 50 and mounting platform 2.
  • holes 55 are spaced Ms" apart for about 5" on each side and both ends of book strap 54b as shown in FIG. 23B.
  • book straps 54a, b can be constructed of a rigid material, molded with a bit of flexibility so both sides could accommodate different thicknesses of left and right sides of the book.
  • book straps 54a, b can be fabricated from one, two or more separate components, for example, a left and a right strap.
  • FIG. 28 is a flow chart of a method 100 for using book/laptop stand 34 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Method 100 generally discusses use of book/laptop stand 34 in regard to viewing/using laptop 52, but applies equally as well to books 50, except where otherwise noted and discussed. Further, for the purpose of this discussion of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is presumed that there are four slide clamps as shown in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, though, as discussed above, there can be only one slide clamp 4, and as many as desired.
  • the user will assemble or have assembled book/laptop stand 34 in step 102, and position book/laptop stand 34 in step 104.
  • Adjustment of height in step 106 can comprise use of flip lock levers 17a, b to grossly adjust height of book/laptop stand 34, and can further include adjustment of height as described above using L-shaped armatures 14a, b (if present in the particular stand in use).
  • step 108 the user places laptop 52 on mounting platform 2 and then in step 110, moves lower slide clamps 4c, d through slots 6c, d so that clamp posts 18c, d of lower slide clamp 4c, d contacts, or is close to contacting, the front edge of laptop 52, on both the left and right sides of lap top 52, and clamp posts 18a, b of upper slide clamps 4a, b touches, or almost touches, the left and right sides of the laptop's bottom piece as close to the LCD screen as possible.
  • slide clamps 4a-d With slide clamps 4a-d in place, the user "closes" the locking levers 26a- d of each slide clamp 4a-d, in step 110, pushing them so they are firmly up against the surface of laptop 52 itself, the clamping action also further tightening the slide clamps 4a-d at those positions.
  • the wide range of adjustability of slide clamps 4a-d within slots 6a-d means a user can nearly always find positions for slide clamps 4a-d that do not substantially impede any edge-mounted buttons, optical media drawers, USB/Fire Wire/Ethernet ports, wireless Cards, among other components, of laptop 52.
  • step 114 with laptop 52 properly attached to mounting platform 2, the user can then make final adjustments in positioning the book/laptop stand 34 and laptop 52 over their lap, torso, or chest, depending on the user's body position. As discussed above, the user can adjust the height of the book/laptop stand 34 and its width using twist-locks 16.
  • step 116 the user can make final adjustments of the tilt-angle of mounting platform 2 and attached laptop 2 using coupler 8 and coupler clamps 38a, b. With both coupling clamps 38a, b fully released, mounting platform 2 rotates substantially freely around the axis of base components 15g. Mounting platform 2 can be rotationally adjusted with just one of coupler clamps loosened, providing a frictionally retarded rotational motion thereby substantially preventing an unexpected, quick rotation of laptop 52 in a way that surprises or potentially strikes the body of the user.
  • step 114 While performing step 114 discussed above, if the user is using book/laptop stand 34 in a substantially supine position, a significant ergonomic benefit is derived by adjusting the angle of mounting platform 2 so that it is roughly perpendicular to the surface the user is laying on. The height of mounting platform 2 can then be adjusted so that the user can operate the keyboard and trackpad while his/her upper arms are fully resting on the laying surface alongside the user's body. Book/laptop stand 34 can then be moved to a position such that the keyboard/trackpad of laptop 52 can be operated with the lower arms perpendicular to the laying surface. In this way, a straight line is achieved by the lower arms, wrists, and hands, and fatigue is dramatically reduced. Naturally, the design of laptops themselves allows the LCD screen to be angled for best viewing.
  • step 110 lower slide clamps 4c, d are adjusted within slots 6c, d so that clamp posts 18c, d touch, or almost touch, the bottom edge of the opened book 50. Locking levers 27c, d of lower slide clamps 4c, d are then tightened (step 112) to retain the pages at the lower right and left corners of book 50.
  • step 114 the user can adjust the height (or width) of book/laptop stand 34, as discussed above, and then adjust the viewing angle (step 116).
  • decision step 118 the user determines whether or not to use book strap 54.
  • step 122 Page turning (step 122) is easily accomplished by slipping a page from under rolling balls 48b, d (presuming that the user is turning pages from left to right) located at outermost portion 29b, d of locking levers 26b, d on the right side of book 50, flipping the page, then tucking it under rolling balls 48a, c of outermost portions 29a, c of locking levers 26a, c located on slide clamps 4a, c on the left side of book 50.
  • the wide range of adjustability of the locking levers 26a-d ensures that they can be progressively tightened when the halves of book 50 begin to significantly vary in thickness due to the progression through the pages. Slots 6a-d ensures that slide clamps 4a-d themselves never need obscure the actual text.
  • the user can determine whether to use book strap 54 in decision step 118. If the user decides to use book strap 54 ("Yes" path from decision step 118), the user inserts book strap 54 in step 120. The user then opens book 50 so that either all the pages, or just the portion that may be read during the reading session, are held together and slipped through open area 56 of book strap 54.
  • Book strap 54 then drapes over the top of the mounting platform 2 and loops under the bottom of mounting platform 2, attaching to posts or snaps that are located on rear side of mounting platform 70.
  • Other mechanisms for retaining straps 58a-d of book strap 54 include buckles, and snaps, among other retention means.
  • mounting coupler 8 can include several or more predetermined angular detents of at 90°, 180°, 270°, and 360°, to accommodate taller books or achieve a preferred arrangement of slide clamps 4a-d.
  • the detents can be provided at 5°, 10°, or other angular separations. As those of ordinary skill in the art of the present invention can appreciate, the separations between detent positions need not be the same angle between each detent. When used at a height high enough to facilitate supine reading, it may be desirable, particularly with heavier books, to actually flip book/laptop stand 34 90° in terms of its orientation over the user's body (versus that shown in FIG.
  • the mounting coupler 8 can have detents in its rotational adjustments, so that a user can more easily select a swivel angular position of mounting coupler 8.
  • the book/laptop stand 34 to facilitate video gaming is similar to using it with laptop computer 52.
  • the user mounts a (thin panel) LCD monitor that serves as the monitor for the videogame to mounting platform 2 using slide clamps 4a-d, as described above. Adjustment of the angle/tilt of mounting platform 8 with an attached LCD screen and the height of the mounting platform 2 and attached screen can also be adjusted as discussed above.
  • various other means can be employed to suspend book/laptop stand 34 over the user at the desired height.
  • tall stand 60 that rests on the floor, instead of the short stand 10, which generally rests on the surface the user is laying on.
  • the height of mounting platform 2 over the user is adjusted by twist locks 16a, b, as shown in FIG. 6.
  • Using mounting deck 12 in conjunction with tall stand 60 can be a preferred way to use book/laptop stand 34 while seated or slightly reclined in a chair, as mounting deck 12 can easily emulate a tiltable table-like surface.
  • Mounting deck 12 can also be used with a bed- frame mount, a bedrail mount (for hospital beds), and a wall-mounted articulating arm.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un système et un procédé d'utilisation d'un socle de livre/ordinateur. Ledit socle est petit ou grand et comprend un plateau de montage. Ce dernier comporte une plate-forme de montage, un coupleur de montage, des fixations coulissantes et des fentes destinées aux fixations. Ladite plate-forme de montage peut, à la fois, tourner et pivoter à 360°, et elle est attachée à l'un des montants par le coupleur de montage. La hauteur et la largeur de chaque montant peuvent être ajustées, avec des crans facultatifs, de manière à les fixer à des emplacements prédéterminés. Le coupleur de montage permet de coupler, de façon rotative et avec des frottements, la plate-forme de montage aux montants. La plate-forme de montage présente des fixations coulissantes ajustables au sein desdites fentes. Ladite invention a aussi pour objet des crans destinés au coupleur de montage. Les fixations coulissantes comprennent un levier de verrouillage auquel est attaché une boule roulante qui permet aux utilisateurs du socle de livre/ordinateur portable de tourner facilement les pages d'un livre.
EP06847469A 2005-11-08 2006-11-06 Support de livre/ordinateur portatif a plateau en x Withdrawn EP1947983A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US73455305P 2005-11-08 2005-11-08
PCT/US2006/043324 WO2007056356A2 (fr) 2005-11-08 2006-11-06 Support de livre/ordinateur portatif a plateau en x
US11/556,970 US20070120034A1 (en) 2005-11-08 2006-11-06 Xdeck laptop/book-holder

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1947983A2 true EP1947983A2 (fr) 2008-07-30

Family

ID=38086534

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06847469A Withdrawn EP1947983A2 (fr) 2005-11-08 2006-11-06 Support de livre/ordinateur portatif a plateau en x

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20070120034A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1947983A2 (fr)
JP (1) JP2009514607A (fr)
CA (1) CA2627131A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2007056356A2 (fr)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2007056356A2 (fr) 2007-05-18
CA2627131A1 (fr) 2007-05-18
WO2007056356A3 (fr) 2008-01-17
JP2009514607A (ja) 2009-04-09
US20070120034A1 (en) 2007-05-31

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