GB2460757A

GB2460757A - A support device for a portable computer including a sliding mouse pad

Info

Publication number: GB2460757A
Application number: GB0909855A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ceri Charles Davies
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-09
Filing date: 2009-06-08
Publication date: 2009-12-16
Also published as: GB0810562D0; GB0909855D0

Abstract

A support device 2 for a portable computer, comprising upper 6 and lower 4 plate members and a mouse mat or pad 10 positioned between the plate members 4,6 and slidable into and out of the support device 2. The mouse mat 10 may be slidable or retractable into and out of both sides of the support device 2. A product such as a bag 32 containing the support device 2 is also disclosed, where the bag 32 has side members 34,36 that fold underneath the support device 2 to form feet.

Description

A SUPPORT DEVICE FOR A PORTABLE COMPUTER

This invention relates to a support device for a portable computer.

Portable computers are widely used. There are often occasions, for example during travelling, when it is not possible to place the portable computer on a desk, table or other appropriate flat surface. The portable computer is then sometimes balanced on a person's knees but then the portable computer may be awkwardly positioned for ease of use. In addition, during travelling, there may be no available flat surface area for supporting a mouse mat.

It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problems.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a support device for a portable computer, which support device comprises a lower plate member, an upper plate member which is connected to the lower plate member and which is for receiving the portable computer, and a mouse mat member which is positioned between the lower plate member and the upper plate member and which is slidable into and out of the support device.

The support device of the present invention is advantageous in that the upper plate member is always available for receiving the portable computer and providing an appropriate support surface. The support device is also advantageous in that if a mouse mat is required, then the mouse mat member in the support device of the present invention is able easily and conveniently to be slid out of the support device.

Advantageously, the support device is one in which the support device has first and second opposite sides, and in which the mouse mat member is slidable and into and out of the support device from both the first and the second sides. In this case, the support device is able to be used with equal ease by right handed and left handed persons with the mouse mat member being slid out from the right side of the device or the left side of the device as may be required by right handed or left handed persons. Whilst it is preferred that the support device is such that the mouse mat member is slidable into and out of the support device from both the first and the second sides, it is to be appreciated that the support device of the present invention can also be such that it is only slidable into and out of the device from one side if this should be required.

The lower plate member may have upstanding wall portions which receive the upper plate member.

The support device may be a rectilinear support device, and there may be four of the upstanding side wall portions with one of the wall portions being positioned at each one of the four corners of the support device.

The mouse mat member may have a gripping formation for use in gripping the mouse mat member and sliding the mouse mat member into and out of the support plate. The gripping formation is preferably an aperture.

Other types of gripping formations may be employed.

Preferably, the upper plates member has a cut-away portion for facilitating access to the gripping formation.

The support device may be one in which the mouse mat member has channels and ridges which locate with complementary channels and ridges on the lower plate member and which enable the mouse mat member to slide into and out of the support device on the lower plate member.

The present invention also provides a product comprising the support device of the invention. The product may be any suitable and appropriate product. Preferably the product is a bag.

The present invention further provides a bag when comprising the support device, and in which the bag comprises first and second side members which pivot with respect to the support device such that the first and second side members pivot underneath the support device to form feet during use of the bag. If the support device is then being used to support the portable computer on a person's knees, then the first and second side members are able to rest on the person's knees. Overheating of the person's lap can be minimised due to the support device resting on the person's knees. Any harmful emissions from the computer are able to be minimised due to the use of the support device and a bottom part of the bag which rest on the first and second side members.

Preferably, the first and second side members are hollow for storing items. With hollow first and second side members, the first and second side members preferably each has an internal support wall. The internal support walls provide rigidity for the first and second side members. The hollow first and second side members may be closed by closure members, for example, closure flaps. The closure members may be kept shut by fastener means such for example as zips or matrices of plastics members of the type that push together to fasten and that pull apart to unfasten.

The first and second side members are preferably made of a rubber material. Other materials including plastics materials may be employed for the first and second side members.

The support device may be located between front and rear frame members of the bag.

Advantageously, the front frame member is constructed to act as a wrist support.

Also advantageously, the front frame member includes a compartment for items. Any suitable and appropriate items may be included in the compartment. The compartment may be located within the front frame member and may run the length of the front frame member.

The compartment in the front frame member may be closed by a closure member and fastener means. Preferably, the closure member is a flap and/or the fastener means is a zip. Other types of fastener means may however be employed so that, for example, the fastener means may be a matrix of plastics members of the type which push together for fastening and which pull apart for unfastening. Other types of closure members may be employed.

The front frame member may include first and second fasteners. The first and second fasteners may be clips, and they may be used for fastening top and bottom parts of the bag together.

The rear frame member may comprise a flap for covering one or more rear ports in the portable computer.

The rear frame member may include a pair of side cleats. The side cleats may give weather protection and/or stability.

The bag may include a top panel which moves between open and close positions. Preferably the top panel moves by being pivotable about the side cleats. The top panel may move in other ways if desired.

The top panel may include holder means for holding a monitor of the portable computer in place when the monitor is open or closed. The holder means may be one or more suction cups or other devices.

The top panel advantageously has an external container secured to the outer face of the top panel. The external container is advantageously used for storing items such for example as accessories.

The external container preferably has a plurality of compartments and/or holders. If desired however the external container may simply be one large compartment.

Preferably the external container is closed by a zip. Other types of closure means may however be employed so that, for example, the external container may be closed by closure means in the form of a matrix of plastics members of the type which push together for fastening and which pull apart for unfastening.

The top panel may include a document holder which slides in and out of the top panel. Alternatively, the document holder may be secured on either side of the top panel by, for example, a matrix of plastics members of the type which push together for fastening and which pull apart for unfastening.

The bag may include fixing means for enabling the bag to be carried with the bag being vertical and/or fixing means for enabling the bag to be carried with the bag being horizontal. The various fixing means may be lugs, brackets or buckles.

The bag may include one or two carry straps. The bag may also include a carry handle, for example secured to fixing means on top and bottom members.

The present invention also extends to the bag or any other product when including the portable computer.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a support device for a portable computer; Figure 2 is a view like Figure 1 but shows an upper plate member of the support device as being transparent so that the sliding action of a mouse mat member forming part of the support device is able to be appreciated.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a lower plate member forming part of the support device shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a top plan view of the lower plate member as shown in Figure 3 and illustrates in more detail how the lower plate member has slide channels; Figure 5 is a view like Figure 2 but shows also how the mouse mat member has slide channels.

Figure 6 is a view like Figure 2 and also illustrates a fixing for positioning; Figure 7 shows a bag for a portable computer which is in a closed condition and which utilises a support device of the invention; Figure 8 shows the bag of Figure 7 in an open condition; Figure 9 shows the bag of Figure 7 in a closed condition and being carried vertically; Figure 10 shows in various steps how the closed bag is able to be opened so that the closed bag goes from the closed condition shown in Figure 7 to the open condition shown in Figure 8; Figure 11 is an open view of a bag like that shown in Figure 8 and illustrates various working parts; Figure 12 is a bottom view of the bag as shown in Figure 11; Figure 13 is a perspective view of part of the bag as shown in Figure 11; Figure 14 is a bottom plan view of the part of the bag as shown in Figure 13; Figure 15 shows the inside of a side member as employed in the bag shown in Figure 11, with an extended base edge for securing to a base panel of the bag; Figures 16, 17 and 18 show views from the bottom, left and right respectively of a bag containing a support device for a portable computer; Figures 19, 20 and 21 are front, right side and left side views respectively of the bag shown in Figure 11; and Figures 22, 23 and 24 are top and bottom left and right views of the bag as shown in Figure 11.

Referring to the drawings, similar parts in different Figures have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.

Referring to Figures 1 -6, there is shown a support device 2 for a portable computer. The support device 2 comprises a lower plate member 4, and an upper plate member 6 which is connected to the lower plate member 4. The upper plate member 6 is for receiving the portable computer (not shown). Thus the upper plate member 6 has a flat support surface 8. The support device 2 also comprises a mouse mat member 10 which is positioned between the lower plate member 4 and the upper plate member 6. The mouse mat member 10 is slidable into and out of the support device 2 as can be appreciated from Figures 1 and 2. The support device 2 has a first side 12 and a second and opposite side 14. The mouse mat member 10 is slidable into and out of the support device 2 from both of the first and second sides 12, 14. Thus the support device 2 is equally advantageously used by right handed and left handed persons who require the mouse mat member 10 to be on the right or left side of the support device 2.

The lower plate member 4 has upstanding wall portions 16 which receive the upper plate member 6. More specifically, the support device 2 is a rectilinear support device 2. There are four of the upstanding wall portions 16.

There is one of the wall portions 16 positioned at each one of the four corners of the support device 2: The mouse mat member 10 has a gripping formation in the form of an aperture 18. The aperture 18 is for enabling the mouse mat member 10 easily to be gripped and to be slid into and out of the support device. The upper plate member 6 has a cut-away portion 20 for facilitating access to the aperture 18.

The mouse mat member 10 has channels and ridges 22 which locate with complementary channels and ridges 24 on the lower plate member 4.

The channels and ridges 22, 24 enable the mouse mat member 10 to slide into and out of the support device 2.

Because the mouse mat member 10 is able to be slid into and out of the support device 2 from the first side 12 or the second side 14, the mouse mat member 10 has one of the apertures 18 at each of its ends. The upper plate member 6 has one of the cut-away portions 20 at each of its end in order to enable the appropriate aperture 18 to be gripped.

Referring now to Figures 7 10, there is shown a product in the form of a bag 26 which comprises a support device of the invention, for example the support device 2. The bag 26 is shown closed in Figure 7. The bag 26 is I0 shown open in Figure 8. Also shown in Figure 8 is a computer 27 in an open condition showing a monitor 29. The bag 26 is shown as being carried by a person 28 in Figure 9. In Figure 9, it will be seen that the bag 26 is being carried such that the bag 26 extends vertically. A shoulder strap 30 which passes over the left shoulder of the person 28. Figure 10 shows in stages how the bag 26 is able to go from a closed storage position to an open ready-for-work position, with the mouse mat member 10 open and supporting a mouse 31.

Figures 11 -24 show in detail a bag 32 which may be the same as the bag 26 or which may be different in design from the bag 26.

The bag 32 comprises a first side member 34 and a second side member 36. The first and second side members 34, 36 pivot with respect to the support device, for example the support device 2 contained within the bag 32. The pivoting is such that the first and second side members 34, 36 pivot underneath the support device to form feet during use of the bag 32. The first and second side members 34, 36 when they act as feet are able to rest on a person's knees. A space is then provided between the underneath of the bag 32 and its support device and the person's knees. This helps to avoid unwanted heat being passed to the person. It also helps to minimise on any harmful electromagnetic radiation that may be transmitted from the portable computer when it is in use. The first and second members 34, 36 elevate the support device 2 and may help to avoid backache and possible strain.

The first and second side members 34, 36 are hollow for storing items.

They are closed by a cover 37. Each hollow first and second side member 34, 36 has an internal support wall 38 for rigidifying the first and second side members 34, 36. The first and second side members 34, 36 are preferably made of a rubber material in order to give good grip and help reduce impact or shock if the bag is dropped.

The support device, for example the support device 2, is located between a front frame member 40 and a rear frame member 42. The front and rear frame members 40, 42 form part of the bag 32. The front frame member 40 is constructed to act as a wrist support. The front frame member includes a compartment 44 for items. The compartment 44 is closed by a closure member in the form of a zip (not shown).

The rear frame member 42 comprises a flap 46 for covering one or more rear ports in the portable computer.

The rear frame member 42 comprises a pair of side cleats 48.

The first and second side members 34, 36 are permanently fixed to the bottom panel 51 and are closable by means of a zip (not shown) which closes around the front, rear and top parts of the bag.

The bag 32 comprises a top panel 50 and a bottom panel 51. The top panel 50 moves between open and closed positions. The top panel 50 moves by being pivotable about the side cleats 48. The top panel 50 has two suction members 53 to hold a monitor in place when the bag 32 is either opened or closed.

The top panel 50 has an external container 52 secured to an outer face 54 of the top panel 50. The external container 52 has a plurality of compartment and/or holders (not shown). The external container 52 is closed by fastener means in the form of a zip 56 which closes a flap 58. The zip 56 could alternatively be a matrix of opening and closing plastics members, or a magnetic device.

As shown in Figures 8 and 11, if desired, the top panel 50 may optionally be provided with a slide out document holder 60. The document holder 60 may slide from one or both sides, or be stuck on a required side.

As can be appreciated from Figure 9, the bag 32 and the bag 26 have first and second fixing means 62, 64 for fastening the top and bottom panels of the bag together.

The bag 32 and the bag 26 have four fixing members 63. Two of the fixing members 63 are for carrying the bag vertically, and the other two of the fixing members 63 are for carrying the bag horizontally.

The bags 26, 32 are easily able to be opened, closed, used and carried. The support device, for example the support device 2, provides a required working platform for a portable computer for a person travelling and where there is no table, desk or other work surface. If desired, the bag 26, 32 can be used on a table, desk or other work surface to allow the mouse mat member 10 to function and suit the user.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Also, various parts from the various drawings may be interchanged. Any suitable and appropriate type of computer may be carried by the bag 26 or 32. The support device 2 may be used in products other than bags 26, 32. The support device 2 may also be used as a stand-alone device.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A support device for a portable computer, which support device comprises a lower plate member, an upper plate member which is connected to the lower plate member and which is for receiving the portable computer, and a mouse mat member which is positioned between the lower plate member and the upper plate member and which is slidable into and out of the support device.
2. A support device according to claim 1 in which the support device has first and second opposite sides, and in which the mouse mat member is slidable into and out of the support device from both the first and the second sides.
3. A support device according to claim I or claim 2 in which the lower plate member has upstanding wall portions which receive the upper plate member.
4. A support device according to claim 3 in which the support device is a rectilinear support device, and in which there are four of the upstanding wall portions with one of the wall portions being positioned at each one of the four corners of the support device.
5. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the mouse mat member has a gripping formation for use in gripping the mouse mat member and sliding the mouse mat member into and out of the support device.
6. A support device according to claim 5 in which the gripping formation is an aperture.
7. A support device according to claim 5 or claim 6 in which the upper plate member has a cut-away portion for facilitating access to the gripping formation.
8. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the mouse mat member has channels and ridges which locate with complementary channels and ridges on the lower plate member and which enable the mouse mat member to slide into and out of the support device on the lower plate member.
9. A support device for a portable computer, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
10. A product when comprising the support device according to any one of claims I -9.
11. A bag when comprising the support device of any one of claims 1 -9, and in which the bag comprises first and second side members which pivot with respect to the support device such that the first and second side members pivot underneath the support device to form feet during use of the bag.
12. A bag according to claim 11 in which the first and second side members are hollow for storing items.
13. A bag according to claim 12 in which the first and second side members each has an internal support wall.
14. A bag according to claim 12 or claim 13 in which the first and second side members have closure members.
15. A bag according to any one of claims 11 -14 in which the first and second side members are made of a rubber material.
16. A bag according to any one of claims 11 -15 in which the support device is located between front and rear frame members of the bag.
17. A bag according to claim 16 in which the front frame member is constructed to act as a wrist support.
18. A bag according to claim 16 or claim 17 in which the front frame member includes a compartment for items.
19. A bag according to claim 18 in which the compartment is closed by a closure member and fastener means.
20. A bag according to claim 19 in which the closure member is a flap, and in which the fastener means is a zip.
21. A bag according to any one of claims 16 20 in which the front frame member includes first and second fasteners.
22. A bag according to any one of claims 16 -21 in which the rear frame member comprises a flap for covering one or more rear ports in the portable computer.
23. A bag according to any one of claims 16 -22 in which the rear frame member comprises a pair of side cleats.
24. A bag according to any one of claims 16 -23 and including a top panel which moves between open and closed positions.
25. A bag according to claims 22 and 24 in which the top panel moves by being pivotable about the side cleats.
26. A bag according to claim 24 or claim 25 in which the top panel has an external container secured to the outer face of the top panel.
27. A bag according to claim 25 in which the external container has a plurality of compartments and/or holders.
28. A bag according to claim 25 or claim 26 in which the external container is closed by a zip.
29. A bag according to any one of claims 24 -27 in which the top panel includes a document holder which slides in and out of the top panel.
30. A bag according to any one of claims 11 -28 and including fixing means for enabling the bag to be carried with the bag being vertical and/or fixing means for enabling the bag to be carried with the bag being horizontal.
31. A bag according to any one of claims 11 -28 and including one or two carry strap.
32. A bag according to any one of claims 11 -31 and including theportable computer.