FR3114950A1 - Support for a laptop and support construction kit - Google Patents

Abstract

A laptop stand (O) is intended to rest on a flat, horizontal work surface. The support comprises two sides (1, 1', 1") intended to receive a keyboard unit (Oc) of the computer on which a screen (Oe) is articulated. The front ends (11) are intended to rest on the working surface. The support comprises stop means (3) to serve as a stop for the keyboard unit (Oc) and connection means (2) to connect the sides (1). The stop means comprise a ruler (3) connecting the sides (1) at the level of the front ends (11) and engaging with the sides (1) by interlocking, and the connecting means (2) comprise a rear section (2) connecting the sides (1) at the rear ends and engaged with the sides (1) by interlocking. Kit for making a support. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Support for a laptop and support construction kit

The invention relates to a support for a portable computer making it possible to raise it in order to improve the ergonomics of its use. It also relates to a kit for producing the support.

Such supports have already been proposed. Document EP 1 447 024 A1 shows different models of such supports. In one of the embodiments, the support has two sides extending symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane between a front end and a rear end. The sides are connected at the top by a reading panel. The sides have a slot under the reading panel to receive a keyboard unit of the computer on which a screen is hinged, the keyboard unit abutting against the ends of the slots. The sides rest on a work surface. The reading panel makes it possible to receive documents so that a user can read them without making major movements, in particular with the head, while using a keyboard or a mouse. The assembly is made from a sheet material, for example thermoplastic material or metal, cut and folded.

Such a support is bulky when not in use. It also does not allow to adapt the position of the computer, in particular according to its size, because the size of the slots is fixed in advance. It also does not allow you to adjust the position of the screen in height.

In another embodiment, the support comprises two mutually parallel panels connected by two mutually parallel partitions. A first of the partitions is connected to the front ends of the panels, while the other is connected at a distance from the first partition. The partitions are hinged with the panels so that the support is movable between two positions, an extended position in which the partitions are substantially perpendicular to the panels and a stowed position in which the panels are almost against each other. The space between the panels in the extended position allows to receive the keyboard unit. A base allows the panels to be held with the rear end raised.

This support also does not make it possible to adapt the position of the computer according to its size, because the position of the second partition which serves as a stop for the keyboard unit is fixed in advance. In addition, the manufacture of such a support is complex and expensive.

The aim of the invention is to propose a laptop computer support allowing it to be raised in order to improve the ergonomics of its use and having a reading panel. It is also an objective that the position obtained be adjustable. It is also an objective that the support has a position in which it is space-saving in order to facilitate its storage and transport.

With these objectives in view, the subject of the invention is a support for a portable computer, intended to rest on a flat and horizontal work surface, the support comprising two sides extending symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane between a front end and a rear end, the sides being intended to receive a keyboard unit of the computer on which a screen is hinged, the front ends being intended to rest on the work surface, the support comprising abutment means for serving to the keyboard unit and connection means for connecting the flanks, characterized in that the abutment means comprise a ruler connecting the flanks at the front ends and in engagement with the flanks by interlocking, and the means for connection comprise a rear panel connecting the flanks at the rear ends and in engagement with the flanks by interlocking.

By making a support with elements that are assembled by interlocking, the support can be supplied with the elements detached, which allows them to be stored with a small footprint. The user is thus able to quickly build the support himself. The ruler and the rear panel ensure the stability and the spacing of the sides.

According to an improvement, the support comprises a document holder comprising a crosspiece connecting the flanks at the front ends, projecting upwards and in engagement with the flanks by interlocking, and at least one reading panel in engagement with the crosspiece and extending over the sides leaving sufficient space for the keyboard unit. Since the crossbar and the reading panel fit together, they can be separated for easy transport.

According to a constructive arrangement, the connection between the reading panel and the crosspiece comprises at least one stud and a notch in which the stud is housed. The tenon can be on the reading panel and the notch on the crosspiece. Conversely the tenon can be on the crosspiece and the notch on the reading panel. In both cases, the crosspiece can protrude from the surface of the reading panel and thus form a stopper for sheets that the reading panel can receive.

According to a first embodiment, the rear panel is configured to rest on the work surface and lift the rear ends. A rear panel can be supplied in different sizes in order to adjust the height of the rear ends of the sides, and therefore the height at which the screen is located.

According to an improvement, the sides have a plurality of notches to receive the rule in different positions and thus adapt to different sizes of the keyboard unit. We can thus find an adjustment for each size of computer so that the axis of articulation between the keyboard unit and the screen is located substantially at the rear end of the sides.

According to a constructive arrangement, at least one of the elements of the support is made of hard cardboard in double thickness obtained by folding a sheet. The inventor found that this material was strong enough to support the computer securely. The two flaps of the folded sheet can hold simply because of the interlockings. The residual tendency of the flaps to move away from each other makes it possible to exert a slight tension in the fittings and to limit the appearance of play. It is also possible to provide adhesive strips to stick the flaps together to increase their rigidity. Cardboard can be coated with a material that provides waterproofing to make it more durable and easier to clean without risk of deterioration. It can also receive prints to decorate the support or add messages.

According to another arrangement, at least one of the elements of the support is made of material based on chipboard. This material is light and can be cut easily in the form of plates to form the elements of the support, while being sufficiently resistant.

According to a second embodiment, each flank comprises at least two slats hinged together at the front end and one of which is provided to rest on the work surface, the rear panel locking the slats together in different positions to choose a screen height relative to the work surface. We can thus distinguish a lower slat which rests on the worktop and an upper slat which receives the keyboard unit. Adjusting the relative orientation of the slats allows you to choose the height position of the screen.

According to an improvement, for each flank, the slats comprise a pivot hole, the crosspiece comprising a tongue passing through the orifices of the slats and forming a pivot for the articulation of the slats between them. The tongue guides the slats in pivoting between them and the crosspiece maintains the spacing between the sides.

According to a constructive arrangement, one of the pivot orifices comprises two sectors forming a stop to limit the pivoting of the tongue in the pivot orifice. This determines an indexed position of the tongue in the pivot hole which also corresponds to a determined orientation of the crosspiece with respect to the blade. In addition, due to the stop, the crosspiece can no longer tilt under the stresses it supports.

According to a variant of the second embodiment, the rear panel is inserted between the blades of each side. It thus makes it possible to lock the blades together. Depending on the position of the rear panel supports on the slats, the angle between them is modified. The supports can be predetermined by notches in the slats to receive the rear panel.

According to another variant of the second embodiment, the slats overlap at the rear end, the rear panel fitting into shearing notches carried by one and the other of the slats to block the slats in a position when the respective shear notches of the blades are aligned.

The invention also relates to a kit for making a support for a laptop computer according to one of the preceding claims, the support being intended to rest on a flat and horizontal work surface, the kit comprising two sides intended to extending symmetrically about a vertical plane between a front end and a rear end and receiving a keyboard unit of the computer on which a screen is hinged, the front ends being intended to rest on the work surface , the kit comprising abutment means for acting as an abutment for the keyboard unit and connection means for connecting the sides, the abutment means comprising a ruler intended to connect the sides at the front ends by being in engagement with the flanks by interlocking, and the connecting means comprise a rear panel intended to connect the flanks at the level of the rear ends by being in engagement with the flanks by interlocking.

Brief description of figures

The invention will be better understood and other particularities and advantages will appear on reading the description which follows, the description referring to the appended drawings, among which:

: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a support according to a first embodiment of the invention;

: Figure 2 is a perspective view of the support of Figure 1 with a laptop computer;

: Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 without the computer;

: Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the support of Figure 1;

: Figure 5 is a perspective view of a support according to a first variant of a second embodiment of the invention;

: Figure 6 is a perspective view of a detail of the front of the support of Figure 5;

: Figure 7 is a perspective view of a detail of the front of a support according to a second variant of the support of Figure 5;

: Figure 8 is a perspective view of the support of Figure 7;

: Figure 9 is a perspective view of a side of the support of Figure 7;

: Figure 10 is a view during the insertion phase of a tab in the sidewall of Figure 9;

: Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 10 when the tongue is inserted and in abutment against sectors.

detailed description

A portable computer support O according to a first embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. The portable computer O comprises a keyboard unit Oc comprising a keyboard and on which is hinged a screen Oe between a folded position in which the screen Oe is against the keyboard and a raised position in which the keyboard is accessible to the user and the screen Oe is visible. The support is intended to rest on a flat and horizontal work surface, for example on a table or a desk, and to receive the laptop O in order to place the screen Oe raised in relation to the work surface. In the rest of the description, the top and the bottom refer to the positions when the support rests on the work surface. Similarly, front and back refer to positions when the support is oriented facing a user who is looking at the Oe screen of the computer and presenting the front facing the user.

The support comprises two sides 1 extending symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane between a front end 11 and a rear end 12, the sides 1 being intended to receive the keyboard unit Oc of the computer, the front ends 11 being intended to rest on the work surface. The front ends 11 have a rounding to soften the support on the work surface. The support further comprises connecting means 2 for connecting the flanks 1 which comprise a rear panel 2 connecting the flanks 1 at the rear ends 12 and in engagement with the flanks 1 by interlocking. The rear panel 2 is configured to rest on the work surface and lift the rear ends 12, that is to say to keep them apart from the work surface. The support further comprises abutment means 3 to act as an abutment for the keyboard unit Oc in the form of a rule 3 connecting the sides 1 at the level of the front ends 11 and in engagement with the sides 1 by fitting into notches 13.

The support further comprises a document holder 4 comprising a crosspiece 41 connecting the flanks 1 at the front ends 11, projecting upwards and engaging with the flanks 1 by interlocking. The crosspiece 41 is located closer to the front end 11 than the rule 3. The document holder 4 further comprises two reading panels 42 which are engaged with the crosspiece 41 and extend above the sides 1 in leaving sufficient space for the keyboard unit Oc. The connection between the reading panel 42 and the crosspiece 41 comprises a notch 410 per panel on the crosspiece 41 and a tenon 420 in each panel which is housed in the notch 410. The reading panels 42 are intended to receive objects such as as sheets, notebooks, books, written, drawn or printed to facilitate reading or allow their annotation.

The interlocking connections between the rear panel 2 and the sidewalls 1, between the sidewalls 1 and the rule 3 and between the sidewalls 1 and the crosspiece 41 are made according to the same model, namely that one of these elements respectively comprises a first and a second notch whose width is greater than or equal to the thickness of the element to be received. The elements are placed at right angles between them with coincidence of the axes of the notches, the solid part of one of the elements in the extension of the notch being placed in the notch of the reciprocal element.

In the case of the assembly between the sides 1 and the crosspiece 41, the sides 1 have a plurality of notches 13 to receive the rule 3 in different positions and thus adapt to different sizes of the keyboard unit Oc. The function of the abutment means 3 could be performed by the crosspiece 41 in the case of a large keyboard unit Oc. The crosspiece is also fitted in the notch closest to the front end 11.

In the first embodiment presented, the elements are obtained by cutting them out of a sheet of thick hard cardboard, for example with a thickness of between 2 and 3 mm. As can be seen in FIG. 4 concerning a flank 1, an element 1 can be produced in two reflex flaps 1a, 1b which bend along an axis of symmetry A. An element 1 is thus obtained in double thickness. The flaps 1a, 1b are held against each other after assembly by interlocking.

In a first variant of a second embodiment, shown in Figures 5 and 6, each flank 1 'comprises at least two blades 14, 15 hinged together at the front end 11 and of which a lower one 14 is provided to bear on the work surface and the other upper 15 serves as a support for the keyboard unit Oc. The rear panel 2 is interposed between the slats 14, 15 of each side 1, thus achieving a locking of the slats 14, 15 between them. The rear panel 2 can take different positions and thus modify the angle between the blades 14, 15 to choose a height of the screen Oe relative to the work surface. The blades 14, 15 respectively comprise a lower 140 and upper 150 pivot hole at the front end 11 into which is inserted a tab 412 coming from the crosspiece 41'. The tongue 412 thus forms a pivot allowing the articulation of the blades 14, 15 between them. Tabs 412 project outward. The details of the orifices are described below in connection with the second variant.

In a second variant of the second embodiment, shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the blades 14', 15' overlap at the rear end 12, the rear panel 2" being inserted into shearing notches 16 carried by one and the other of the blades 14', 15' to lock the blades 14', 15' in a position when the respective notches of the blades 14', 15' are aligned Several notches 16 are provided in order to choose different heights for the position of the screen Oe. In one of the positions, not shown, the lower blade 14' can come to rest on the rear panel 2" by a corner break 151. As shown in FIG. 7, the crosspiece 41" extends beyond the sides 1" and the tabs 412" protrude towards each other. The lower blade 14' has a cutout 142 for the passage of the ruler 3. The notches in the ruler 3 for interlocking with the 15' slats are wide enough to accept the combination of the thicknesses of the lower and upper slats 1 4', 15'.

As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the upper pivot orifice 150 is circular in shape along a base diameter and comprises two diametrically opposed abutment sectors 1501 with a diameter smaller than the base diameter. The upper pivot hole 150 also includes two insertion slots 1502 which extend diametrically opposite beyond the base diameter and delimit one end of each of the abutment sectors 1501. The abutment sectors 1501 extend each about a quarter turn. The lower pivot hole 140 is circular in shape along the base diameter and has two insertion slots 1401 which extend diametrically opposite beyond the base diameter. When the blades 14', 15' of the sidewall are superimposed, the pivot holes 140, 150 are centered one on the other and the insertion slots 1401, 1502 are superimposed. The insertion slots 1401, 1502 determine an insertion width corresponding to the distance between the bottoms of the insertion slots 1401, 1502. The width of the tongue 412'' is greater than the base diameter but less than or equal to the insertion width. The tab 412'' further comprises two insertion notches 4120 delimiting a neck 4121 whose width is at most equal to the base diameter. When the blades 14', 15' are superimposed, the tongue 412'' is inserted into the pivot holes 140, 150 through the insertion slots 1401, 1502 as far as the insertion notches 4120. The tongue then pivots so that the blades 14', 15' are caught in the insertion notches 4120 to prevent their separation. The pivoting can be continued until the edge of the insertion notches 4120 are in abutment against the ends of the sectors 1501, which determines the orientation between the crosspiece 41" and the upper blade 15' as shown in particular on figures 6 and 7.

For all the embodiments, all the elements can be packaged in a kit with the elements already cut or pre-cut in a sheet of cardboard, the user having only to detach the elements from the sheet. As the elements are flat, they are stackable and thus the kit takes up little space. It can for example be carried in a backpack. The assembly can be carried out easily by the end user by fitting the elements together using tools or accessories. The assembly order is for example the following, for the first embodiment:
- rule 3 and both flanks 1;
- the back panel 2;
- The crosspiece 41;
- the computer;
- the panels of the briefcase 4.

The support can be used or supplied without the document holder 4 or without the panels 42.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been described solely by way of example. At least one of the elements of the support can be made of a material based on chipboard. Briefcase 4 has been shown in two parts, but it could be one part or three or more parts. The assembly with the crosspiece 41 could be achieved by folding the material.

Claims (13)

Support for a laptop computer (O), intended to rest on a flat and horizontal work surface, the support comprising two flanks (1, 1', 1") extending symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane between one end front (11) and a rear end (12), the sides (1) being intended to receive a keyboard unit (Oc) of the computer on which a screen (Oe) is hinged, the front ends (11) being intended to rest on the work surface, the support comprising abutment means (3) to serve as an abutment for the keyboard unit (Oc) and connecting means (2) to connect the sides (1), characterized in that that the abutment means comprise a ruler (3) connecting the flanks (1) at the front ends (11) and in engagement with the flanks (1) by interlocking, and the connecting means (2) comprise a rear panel ( 2) connecting the flanks (1) at the rear ends and engaging with the flanks (1) by interlocking. Support according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a document holder (4) comprising a crosspiece (41) connecting the flanks (1) at the level of the front ends (11), projecting upwards and engaging with the sides (1) by interlocking, and at least one reading panel (42) engaging with the crosspiece (41) and extending above the sides (1) leaving sufficient space for the keyboard unit ( Oc). Support according to Claim 2, in which the connection between the reading panel (42) and the crosspiece (41) comprises at least one stud (420) and a notch (410) in which the stud (420) is housed. Support according to one of the preceding claims, in which the rear panel (2) is configured to rest on the work surface and lift the rear ends (12). Support according to one of the preceding claims, in which the flanks (1) have a plurality of notches (13) to receive the ruler (3) in different positions and thus to adapt to different sizes of the keyboard unit ( Oc). Support according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the elements (1, 2, 3, 4) of the support is made of hard cardboard in double thickness obtained by folding a sheet. Support according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the elements of the support is made of a material based on chipboard. Support according to one of Claims 1 to 3 or 5 to 7, in which each flank (1', 1") comprises at least two blades (14, 15) hinged together at the front end (11) and whose 'one is provided to rest on the work surface, the rear panel (2', 2") performing a locking of the blades (14, 15) between them in different positions to choose a height of the screen (Oe) by relative to the work surface. Support according to Claim 8, in which, for each flank, the blades (14, 15) comprise a pivot orifice (140, 150), the crosspiece (41') comprising a tongue (412) passing through the pivot orifices (140 , 150) of the blades and forming a pivot for the articulation of the blades between them (14, 15). Support according to Claim 9, in which one of the pivot orifices (150) comprises two sectors (1501) forming a stop to limit the pivoting of the tongue (412'') in the pivot orifice (150). Support according to one of Claims 8 to 10, in which the rear panel (2') is inserted between the blades (14, 15) of each side (1'). Support according to one of Claims 8 to 10, in which the blades (14', 15') overlap at the rear end (12), the rear face (2") being inserted into shearing notches (16 ) carried by one and the other of the blades (14', 15') to lock the blades (14', 15') in a position when the respective shearing notches (16) of the blades (14, 15) are aligned. Kit for making a support for a laptop computer (O) according to one of the preceding claims, the support being intended to rest on a flat and horizontal work surface, the kit comprising two sides (1) intended to extending symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane between a front end (11) and a rear end (12) and receiving a keyboard unit (Oc) of the computer on which a screen (Oe) is hinged, the ends front (11) being intended to rest on the work surface, the kit comprising abutment means to act as an abutment for the keyboard unit (Oc) and connecting means (2) to connect the sides (1), the abutment means comprising a rule (3) intended to connect the flanks (1) at the level of the front ends (11) by being in engagement with the flanks (1) by interlocking, and the connecting means (2) comprise a flat rear (2) intended to connect the flanks (1) at the level of the rear ends (12) by being in engagement with c the sides (1) by interlocking.