GB2545182A

GB2545182A - Adjustable laptop or bed table frame

Info

Publication number: GB2545182A
Application number: GB1521554.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fouladi Hass
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-12-07
Filing date: 2015-12-07
Publication date: 2017-06-14
Also published as: GB201521554D0

Abstract

An adjustable and expandable laptop or bed table frame comprises four long arms1, 3, 6, 7 and four short arms 2, 4, 5, 8 connected to each other at right angles. Extension arms 9, 10 connect the arms via extension arm guides (11, 14 fig 3, 4). A spring loaded pin (12, fig 4) with a knob connects with a series of holes in the arm guides to secure the arm in position.

Description

Adjustable Laptop or Bed Table Frame

Drastic increases in computer use have created a need to provide a platform for laptop table that provides that can accommodate different size laptops. The platform should allow for easy access to the laptop for use in an ergonomically correct manner, as well as allow for quick and easy storage that protects the laptop and does not interfere with the user when the laptop is not being used. To achieve these objectives, a plethora of platforms are commercially available.

Bracketing mechanisms fall into two primary types; side mount and centre mount bracketing mechanisms. Side mount bracketing mechanisms typically include two arms that translate out from the horizontal surface and are connected to the laptop tray along its sides. Centre mount bracketing mechanisms typically include a single arm which translates out from the horizontal surface for connection to the laptop table tray centred on its bottom surface. Side mount, or two arm, bracketing mechanisms typically provide greater strength and stability. Centre mount, or single arm, bracketing mechanisms typically require a smaller footprint for mounting to the horizontal surface but can create stability problems during use when the sides of the laptop tray deflect or teeter about the connection point between the bracketing mechanism and the laptop platform. The invention in question uses a locking pin mechanism.

Stability is another factor that affects the quality and performance of a laptop platform. Stability refers primarily to deflection and damping. Deflection relates to the amount of bounce or spring experienced in the laptop platform when the laptop supported by the platform is used. Damping relates to the time period it takes the laptop platform to return to a rest position once it is deflected. It is desirable to decrease the time it takes the laptop platform to return to its rest position and limit the time that the laptop platform remains in a bouncing state. Weight is another consideration for the laptop platform. The heavier a laptop platform is, the harder it will be to initially mount to the horizontal surface or adjust its position during use once mounted. Weight may also affect the type of bracket mechanism that can be used.

Further considerations regarding a laptop platform include durability and convenience. Laptop platforms must be durable to withstand bumps and jars from being pushed and pulled in and out of position as well as being hit by other equipment, the user or other individuals. Laptop platforms also should be convenient to use and avoid injuring the user or damaging the user's clothing. It is not just the convenience of supporting laptop in a comfortable position. There are a few good reasons for using laptop table; bad sitting position can cause early fatigue and back pain, worse there is also a fire risk particularly those who use their laptop in bed or on sofa. To avoid fire caused by laptops, they need to be placed on a solid surface to make sure there is sufficient ventilation. Due to the nature of laptop tables, they can be used as breakfast or bed tables as well.

But laptops come in different sizes therefore the user needs to make sure has the right size table to support his/her laptop. In a house with more than one laptop of different sizes then there may be a need for more than one laptop table. This increases costs and a need for storage. This arrangement has the following advantages to existing laptop or bed tables; - Eco friendly as less material is used. - Users save by reusing table for different size laptops and purposes. - Less manufacturing time. - Users can create their own table top design. - Everyday objects for example any flat and thin hard material such as a tray can be used as table top.

Different materials are used for laptop tables. However if a table for a bigger laptop is used then weight becomes an issue.

The present invention uses wood and aluminium.

The present invention uses a combination of different material for strength and light weight. However due to the nature of this invention, being just a frame, in general less material can be used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an adjustable laptop table frame for use with a pin lock mechanism. There are two long parallel, opposite and equal arms or sides. These long arms form length of the frame. And there are two short parallel, opposite and equal arms or sides which form width of the frame. Once a table top within frame size range is chosen then the user needs to adjust the frame by extending or reducing both length and width of this frame arms. The idea is to securely fit the table top inside this table frame.

The present invention will be further explained with reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure is referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first preferred embodiment of the adjustable laptop table frame invention. FIG. 2 provides an isometric view, side view and an underneath view of the long arm. FIG. 3 shows an underneath isometric view and a side view of a long frame cover and it's components. FIG. 4 shows an isometric and an underneath view of a short arm. FIG. 5 shows embodiment of the invention.

While the above-identified drawing FIG.s set forth preferred embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated. In all cases, this disclosure presents the present invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of this invention. A preferred embodiment of the adjustable laptop table frame is illustrated in FIG. 1.

The adjustable laptop table frame comprises two long parallel, opposite and equal arms and two short parallel, opposite and equal arms. Arms are made of either wood, glass, metal or plastic and are fixed together at right angles, preferably by usual means. The adjustable laptop table frame is designed for use with and is secured using a pin lock mechanism. Once a table top within frame size range is chosen then the user needs to adjust the frame by extending or reducing both length and width of frame arms. The idea is to securely fit the table top inside the frame.

With reference to FIG. 1, an adjustable laptop table frame in accordance with the present invention comprises two long parallel, opposite and equal arms or sides and two short parallel, opposite and equal arms or sides. These long arms form length of the frame. And two short arms form width of the frame.

Each arm or side has two frame covers, one short and one long, of any material; one spring loaded locking pin mechanism; one solid rectangular extension arm made of metal and one extension arm guide made from thin metal sheet.

Both long and short arms or sides have same components, the only difference being their length.

All four arms or sides are permanently fixed together at right angles. They are connected as shown in FIG. 1; - Long frame cover 1 of long arm is permanently connected to short frame cover 8 of short arm at right angle. - Short frame cover 2 of long arm is permanently connected to long frame cover 3 of short arm at right angle. - Short frame cover 4 of short arm is permanently connected to short frame cover 5 of long arm at right angle. - Long frame cover 6 of long arm is permanently connected to long frame cover 7 of short arm at right angle.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, long extension arms 9 are permanently fixed to the shorter frame covers 2 and 5 but move freely inside extension arm guides 11. Each extension arm guide 11 fixed securely inside long frame covers 1 and 6.

With reference to FIG. 4, short extension arms 10 are permanently fixed to the shorter frame covers 4 and 8 but move freely inside extension arm guides 14. Each extension arm guide 14 fixed securely inside long frame covers 3 and 7.

With reference to FIGS. 3, on the lowest narrow faces of the rectangular extension arms 9 and 10, there are a series of holes. These holes accommodate the locking pin 13.

Each arm has one spring loaded locking pin mechanism. Each pin mechanism has a locking pin 13 which is connected to a knob 12. These pin mechanisms are fixed to lower faces of extension arm guides 11 and 14 under the long frame covers 1, 3, 6 and 7. When locking pins are inserted in extension arm holes they keep extension arms 9 and 10 locked in desired positions. Frame adjustments are done by pulling the pin knobs out and downwards.

When two locking pins of two long arms are adjusted together then the desired length is achieved. Since the frame is square, two locking pins are always opposite to each other.

Similarly when two locking pins of two short arms are adjusted together then the desired width is achieved.

The length and width adjustments are done one at a time.

Since all four extension arm guides 11 and 14 are at the same height then the table top is firmly held between one extended edge of these guides and lower edge of arm covers.

At this point table assembly is complete.

Legs are connected to long arms so they can be extended with table’s length. Legs are not included in drawings for clarification.

An alternative design shown in FIG. 5 allows to adjust the length of this frame by having two fixed short arms. In other words arm 15 replaces 3,4,7,8 and 10.

Claims

CLAIMS The invention claimed is:

1. An adjustable laptop table frame adapted for use with legs, and the laptop table frame comprising two long parallel, opposite and equal arms and two short parallel, opposite and equal arms which in turn are assembled by short and long covers and extension arm guides held together by four extension arms and locking pins mechanism.

2. The adjustable laptop table frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Pin locking device (13) connected to a knob 12.

3. The adjustable laptop table frame as claimed in claim 2, wherein the long arms comprise two frame covers, one short(X) and one long(X), one spring loaded locking pin mechanism (13), a solid rectangular extension arm and an extension arm guide.

4. The adjustable laptop table frame as claimed in claim 3, wherein the four arms or sides further have a long frame cover 1 of long arm, a short frame cover 8 of short arm, a short frame cover 2 of long arm, a long frame cover 3 of short arm, a short frame cover 4 of short arm, a short frame cover 5 of long arm, a long frame cover 6 of long arm, a long frame cover 7 of short arm.

5. The adjustable laptop table frame as claimed in claim 4, wherein the rectangular extension arms 9 and 10 which comprise of a series of holes.

6. The adjustable laptop table frame as claimed in claim 5, wherein extension arm guides 11 and 14 complete the assembly.