GB2467301A

GB2467301A - Collapsible laptop support

Info

Publication number: GB2467301A
Application number: GB0901286A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leslie Greenhalgh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-01-27
Filing date: 2009-01-27
Publication date: 2010-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2029-01-27
Also published as: GB0901286D0; GB2467301B

Abstract

A support 10 for a laptop computer comprises first and second support members 12, 14 which are movable between a stowed position in which the first and second support members are disposed adjacent one another, and an operative position in which the first and second support members are disposed spaced from one-another. A linkage 16 connects the first and second support members together for maintaining the laptop support in either the stowed or operative position. A fan 28 is provided in between the support members 12, 14 for providing cooling. Other embodiments include non-slip surface, a retractable screen 56, a light, a rechargeable battery 30, USB cable connecting to said battery and storage compartments in the form of drawers in the support members.

Description

Title: Laptop Support The present invention relates to a laptop support and particularly but not exclusively to a laptop support for supporting a laptop computer.

Background to the Invention

It is known that some laptop computers tend to overheat, particularly when used in hot countries. Furthermore, laptop computers sometimes have vents in the bottom, which can become obstructed when the laptop is placed on certain surfaces. This can add to the problem of overheating by reducing the flow of cooling air through the laptop casing.

It is an object of the invention to provide a laptop support which substantially reduces or obviates the problem of a laptop computer overheating.

Statement of Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a laptop support comprising first and second support members for supporting a laptop computer, the first and second support members being movable between a stowed position in which the first and second support members are disposed adjacent one another and an operative position in which the first and second support members are disposed spaced from one-another, and a linkage connecting the first and second support members together for maintaining the laptop support in either the stowed or operative position.

Advantageously, in use the laptop supports are spaced apart and facilitate airflow around a laptop computer supported on top of the supports, which reduces overheating.

Preferably a first link member extends from the first support member and a second link member extends from the second support member, the link members terminating at a central housing. The link members may be supported further from the support members by additional support arms.

Preferably a fan is mounted in the central housing for directing air over the underside of a laptop computer disposed on top of the first and second support members. This further assists cooling.

Preferably the first and second support members are substantially straight elongate members, disposed parallel with one-another. This convenient arrangement allows a laptop computer to be supported on either side.

Preferably at least one portion of non-slip material is applied to the upper surfaces of the first and second support members.

Preferably a retractable screen is mounted in one of the first and second members, the screen being movable between a retracted position and an extended position in which the screen extends to the other of the first and second members and connects thereto.

Advantageously, the screen may pass over and protect the keyboard of the laptop computer, protecting it from airborne dust and insects.

Preferably a light is mounted on a flexible arm and extends from one of the support members. This facilitates working at night, particularly on location, where there may not be any other light source.

Preferably a groove is disposed in the side of one of the support members for receiving the light and flexible arm in a stowed position.

A storage compartment may be provided in at least one of the first and second support members.

Preferably a drawer is provided in the end of each support member.

Preferably a rechargeable battery is disposed within one of the support members for powering the laptop support.

Preferably a USB cable is connected to the rechargeable battery for receiving an electrical power supply. The USB cable may be connected to a laptop computer resting on the laptop support.

Preferably flip down feet are provided at the rear underside region of each of the support members. The flip down feet are advantageous, because they enable the angle of the keyboard to tilt downwards towards a user for increased positional comfort of the user.

Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a laptop support, with part of the casing cut-away to reveal a fan, battery and retractable screen; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a laptop resting on the laptop support of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of part of the laptop support of Figure 1, with storage compartments in an open position; Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a light on a flexible arm of the laptop support of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of part of the laptop support of Figure 1, including a USB cable extending from the laptop support to a laptop computer; Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the laptop support of Figure 1 in an operative and a closed position; Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a flip up foot of the laptop support of Figure 1; Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a retractable screen wrapped around the keyboard portion of the laptop computer supported on the laptop support of Figure 1.

Description of Preferred Embodiment(s)

Referring firstly to Figure 1 a laptop support is indicated generally at 10. The laptop support 10 includes first and second support members 12, 14 which are connected together by a linkage indicated generally at 16. The linkage 16 includes a central housing 18, which is substantially circular in shape, and first and second link members 20, 22 extending between the first support member and the housing 18 and the second support member 14 and the housing 18, respectively. First and second support arms 24, 26 are mounted between the first support member 12 and first link member 20 and the second support member 14 and second link member 22, as shown also with reference to Figure 6. The first and second support members 12, 14 are moveable between an operative position in which the support members are spaced apart, and a stowed position in which the support members are disposed adjacent one another. The link members 20, 22 are pivotally mounted to the support members 12, 14 and are also pivotally mounted to the housing 18. The support arms 24, 26 are pivotally mounted to the link members 20, 22 but are slidingly and pivotally mounted to the support members 12, 14.

A cooling fan 28, is mounted in the housing 18, which is powered by an electric motor (not shown). A rechargeable battery 30 is mounted within the first support member 12, and is connected to the fan motor. An onloff switch 32 is disposed on the side of the first support member 12. When a laptop computer 34, as shown in Figure 2, is mounted on the laptop support 10, operation of the fan 28 will cause airflow to be forced around the underside of the computer 34, thereby assisting cooling of the computer. Non slip pads 36, best seen in Figure 6, are provided on the front and rear upper surfaces of the first and second support members 12, 14, and prevent the computer 34 from slipping off the laptop support 10, in use.

Referring also to Figure 3, the first and second support members 12, 14 are substantially elongate hollow members, and the first and second drawers 38, 40 for containing small items, such as pens, are mounted in the distil ends of the first and second support members 12, 14. The drawers 38, 40 are held in the ends of the support members 12, 14 by detents, but when the drawers are pressed, then they are forced to an open position by spring biasing. Referring also to Figure 4, a light 42 comprising a number of LEDs is mounted on a flexible arm 44 attached to the first support member 12. A channel or groove 46 is disposed in the side of the support member 12 for receiving the flexible arm and light in a stowed position. An onloff switch 48 for operation of the light is mounted in the side of the support member 12, behind the slot 46, best seen in Figure 5.

As seen best in Figures 5 and 6, the USB cable 50 extends from the rear of the first support member 12 and is connected to the rechargeable battery 30. The USB cable can be connected to the computer 34 resting on top of the laptop support 10, for powering the lamp and fan, and for recharging the rechargeable battery 30. The USB cable may conveniently connected to any other suitable power supply by means of an adapter. Referring also to Figure 7, a pair of flip up feet 52, 54, also shown in Figure 1, are housed in recesses in the rear of the first and second support members 12, 14 and can be flipped down in conventional manner to raise up the rear of the laptop support 10 for the puipose of changing the angle of support of the laptop and laptop keyboard.

Referring now to Figure 8, a retractable screen 56 is mounted on a sprung roller 58 (Figure 1) in the rear portion of the second support member 14. The screen 56 can be extended out of the support member 56, wrapped around a laptop 34, and attached to the first support member 12 by means of a clip disposed at the end of the retractable screen 56. The retractable screen serves to protect the keyboard 34 from airborne dust, insects and the likes.

In use, the laptop support 10 can be carried in the stowed position, as shown in the lower portion of Figures 6, and can be moved to the operative position by pulling the first and second support members 12, 14 apart as indicated by arrow A. Tf desired, the feet 52, 54 can be flipped out of the respective first and second support members 12, 14 such that the support members slope downwards from their rear to their front. A laptop computer 34 can then be placed on top of the laptop support 10 as shown in Figure 2. The non slip portions 36 serve to prevent the laptop 34 from sliding of the support 10. If required, the laptop support 10 can be plugged into a laptop computer 34 by virtue of the USB cable 50. Also, if desired, the light 42 can be removed from the slot 46 for use. In the event that the laptop computer 34 is not in use, then the retractable screen 56 can be extended from the support member 14 and wrapped around the keyboard, thus offering some protection. Most importantly, the fan 28 can be operated to cool the laptop 34, by circulating air around the underside of the laptop.

This is particularly advantageous in hot countries, where laptops can very easily become overheated, causing sluggish performance and possible breakdown.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A laptop support comprising first and second support members for supporting a laptop computer, the first and second support members being movable between a stowed position in which the first and second support members are disposed adjacent one another and an operative position in which the first and second support members are disposed spaced from one-another, and a linkage connecting the first and second support members together for maintaining the laptop support in either the stowed or operative position.
2. A laptop support as claimed in claimi, in which a first link member extends from the first support member and a second link member extends from the second support member, the link members terminating at a central housing.
3. A laptop support as claimed in claim 2, in which a fan is mounted in the central housing for directing air over the underside of a laptop computer disposed on top of the first and second support members.
4. A laptop support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first and second support members are substantially straight elongate members, disposed parallel with one-another.
5. A laptop support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one portion of non-slip material is applied to the upper surfaces of the first and second support members.
6. A laptop support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a retractable screen is mounted in one of the first and second members, the screen being movable between a retracted position and an extended position in which the screen extends to the other of the first and second members and connects thereto.
7. A laptop support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a light is mounted on a flexible arm and extends from one of the support members.
8. A laptop support as claimed in claim 7, in which a groove is disposed in the side of one of the support members for receiving the light and flexible arm in a stowed position.
9. A laptop support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a storage compartment is provided in at least one of the first and second support members.
10. A laptop support as claimed in claim 7, in which a drawer is provided in the end of each support member.
11. A laptop support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a rechargeable battery is disposed within one of the support members for powering the laptop support.
12. A laptop support as claimed in claim 10, in which a USB cable is connected to the rechargeable battery for receiving an electrical power supply.
13. A laptop support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which flip down feet are provided at the rear underside region of each of the support members.
14. A laptop support substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures ito 8 of the accompanying drawings.