US20160270526A1 - Portable, foldable work table - Google Patents
Portable, foldable work table Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160270526A1 US20160270526A1 US15/029,511 US201415029511A US2016270526A1 US 20160270526 A1 US20160270526 A1 US 20160270526A1 US 201415029511 A US201415029511 A US 201415029511A US 2016270526 A1 US2016270526 A1 US 2016270526A1
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- Prior art keywords
- work table
- base
- portable
- holder
- tablet
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
- F16M11/24—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other
- F16M11/38—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other by folding, e.g. pivoting or scissors tong mechanisms
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A47B23/001—Trays, e.g. with foldable legs
-
- 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
- A47B23/002—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else supported only by a person
-
- 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
- A47B23/02—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else releasably mounted on the bedstead or another item of furniture
-
- 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
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
- F16M11/06—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
- F16M11/10—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a horizontal axis
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
-
- 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
- A47B2023/049—Desk stand for laptop computer
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a portable, foldable work table. More particularly, the work table can be folded and stored substantially flat in a briefcase, luggage or other carrying equipment and is particularly well-suited for a tablet or laptop computer.
- a tablet computer or simply a “tablet,” is a mobile computer with display, circuitry and battery in a single unit. Tablets are equipped with numerous features such as cameras, microphones, accelerometer and touchscreens, with finger or stylus gestures replacing computer mouse and keyboard. Tablets may include physical buttons, e.g., to control basic features such as speaker volume and power and ports for network communications and to charge the battery. An on-screen, popup virtual keyboard is usually used for typing. Tablets are typically larger than smart phones or personal digital assistants at 7 inches (18 cm) or larger, measured diagonally.
- Hybrid tablets that include detachable keyboards have been sold since the mid-1990s.
- Convertible touchscreen notebook computers have an integrated keyboard that can be hidden by a swivel or slide joint.
- Booklet tablets have dual-touchscreens and can be used as a notebook by displaying a virtual keyboard on one of the displays.
- Apple is often credited for defining this new class of consumer device and has shaped the commercial market for tablets. iPads and competing devices have been tested by the US military. The most successful tablet is the Apple iPad, using the iOS operating system. Its debut in 2010 pushed tablets into the mainstream and revolutionized the form of communication for most people. Samsung's Galaxy Tab and others followed, continuing the trends towards the features listed above.
- Tablets can be used in beds, cars, on the floor, in chairs while watching television and in an airplane while traveling. Nevertheless, there are not any appropriate portable tables to support the tablet, especially when it is used for typing messages or working on a document with an external keyboard.
- an external source of battery power such as a Mophie device
- traveling on an airline it is simply not possible to use a tablet (with or without an external keyboard) in the amount of room provided, especially when the table attached to the seat is occupied with food or drink.
- a work table that can be used on an individual's lap and that can accommodate a tablet or laptop computer is provided.
- a work table that is small, foldable, portable and easily stored in a suitcase, briefcase or other similar device is provided.
- a work table that can secure a tablet and/or laptop computer and prevent it from falling off an individual's lap is provided.
- a work table that includes a tray having compartments for external batteries, cell phones and the like is also provided.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a work table in accordance with an aspect invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of a work table in accordance with an aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective back view of a work table in accordance with an aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a work table showing the desk in a collapsed and folded configuration.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a front side of a work table in accordance with a further aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a back side of a work table in accordance with another aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a work table showing the table in a collapsed and folded configuration.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another aspect of the work table of FIG. 5 shown attached to a locking valise that may be utilized to store a lap top computer and/or tablet.
- the work table 10 broadly includes base 12 , upright tablet holder 14 and a pair of articulating arms 15 operably coupling base 12 and upright table holder 14 .
- base 12 is shown as being of solid construction to accommodate keyboards, mouses and the like, for example, but base 12 also may comprise parallel slats or laid out in a grid configuration in close proximity to one another and such other types of construction so long as accessories cannot fall through the base.
- Base 12 is also shown as including optional tray 16 .
- Optional tray 16 may be integrally molded with base 12 or may be added on as a separate component.
- Optional tray 16 includes four sides that form a contained area. The contained area may be sub-divided and comprise any number of compartments that are sized to fit a plurality of items such as a mouse, an external battery pack, a cellular telephone and the like.
- the underside of base 12 may include a slip-resistant surface that creates a friction hold between the base 12 and a user's lap to prevent the base 12 from slipping or being misplaced from the lap.
- a slip-resistant surface may include chemical surface treatment or mechanical etching of the base 12 itself.
- a slip-resistant material may be operably coupled to the underside of the base, the slip-resistant material including natural and synthetic rubbers, silicone and the like.
- the slip-resistant material may also include a texture, grooves or other pattern or may simply be applied in strips across the underside of the base.
- Pair of articulating arms 15 operably and foldably couple base 12 to tablet holder 14 .
- Articulating arms 15 may comprise wood, plastic, metals and combinations of the foregoing.
- Each articulating arm 15 is coupled at a first end 18 to base 12 or alternatively to optional tray 16 and at a second end 20 to tablet holder 14 .
- Each articulating arm 15 is coupled by a graspable fastener 22 at the first 18 and second 20 ends.
- each fastener includes a finger operable arm portion 23 that allows the user to operably tighten and loosen the fastener to position the tablet holder 14 relative to base 12 .
- fastener 22 is depicted as a two arm clamping knob but any type of knob that is capable of tightening and loosening the articulating arms 15 may be provided such as a bar clamping knob, a three, four, five and six arm clamping knobs, fluted clamping knob, lobed clamping knob, leo clamping know, octagonal clamping knob, trigon clamping knob and the like.
- Tablet holder 14 includes a ledge 24 that operates to support a tablet (as shown) or laptop computer.
- Ledge 24 may also optionally include a bounding or restraining bar (not shown) that extends in front of the tablet or laptop to further secure the tablet from falling.
- Crossbar 26 extends from the first articulating arm to the second articulating arm and is operably coupled thereto. Crossbar 26 conveniently serves to hold the tablet's cover 28 out of the way and further serves to maintain tablet 25 in position on ledge 24 .
- Crossbar 26 also is a convenience to a user because the user does not need to remover the tablet's cover 28 prior to positioning in on the lap top desk.
- articulating arms 15 fold down or articulate to a position adjacent base 12 .
- Tablet holder 14 lies substantially flat over a portion of base 12 .
- Fasteners may then be tightened to hold pair of articulating arms 15 fixed against base 12 so that lap top desk may be easily stored in a briefcase, in luggage, at the side of a chair and such.
- FIGS. 5-7 depict an arm chair desktop 500 for holding tablets. Like elements are labeled with like numbers.
- Arm chair desktop 500 may be fastened to the arm of a chair, a table top, or may be fastened to, for example, the tray table provided with airplane seating or the arm of the seat.
- Arm chair desktop 500 broadly includes base 12 , tablet holder 14 having ledge 24 , pair of articulating arms 15 and fasteners 22 .
- Base 12 is coupled to clamp 13 which removably couples base 12 to the arm of a chair (as shown) or to a tray table on an airplane.
- Pair of articulating arms 15 includes first ends 18 that are operably coupled to base 12 and second ends 20 that are operably coupled to base 12 thereby foldably connecting tablet holder 14 to base.
- articulating arms 15 may be indirectly coupled to base and tablet holder by supports 30 , 30 ′.
- supports 30 , 30 ′ may be eliminated and articulating arms 15 may be coupled directly to table holder 14 and base 12 .
- a pair of articulating arms 15 are depicted, a single articulating arm may be used and still fall within the scope of the invention.
- Each articulating arm 15 is coupled by a fastener 22 at the first 18 and second 20 ends.
- Each fastener includes a finger operable wing portion 23 that allows the user to operably tighten and loosen the fastener to position the tablet holder 14 relative to base 12 .
- fastener 22 is depicted as a bolt with a wing nut but any type of fastener that is capable of tightening and loosening the articulating arms 15 may be utilized as previously noted.
- any number of fasteners may be used to secure articulating arms 15 to tablet holder 14 and base 12 .
- Tablet holder 14 includes ledge 24 that operates to support a tablet (as shown) or laptop computer.
- a crossbar may extend horizontally from the first articulating arm to the second articulating arm and is operably coupled thereto.
- a crossbar may conveniently serve to hold a tablet's cover out of the way and further serves to maintain the tablet in position on ledge without displacing.
- the addition of a crossbar to the arm chair desk top would also be a convenience to a user because the user does not need to remover the tablet's cover prior to positioning in on the arm chair.
- articulating arms 15 fold down or articulate to a position such that tablet holder 14 and base lie substantially flat over the articulating arms 15 .
- Fasteners may then be tightened to hold pair of articulating arms 15 fixed in position so that lap top desk may be easily stored in a briefcase, in luggage, at the side of a chair and such.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another aspect of the work table of FIG. 5 shown attached to a valise 800 that may be utilized to store a lap top computer and/or tablet.
- Valise 800 is substituted for base 12 in alternate embodiments and may lock or not lock.
- clamp 13 may be operably coupled directly or indirectly to a portion of valise 800 .
- a support similar to supports 13 , 13 ′ may be used.
- Work table 500 in this aspect of the invention may be fixedly or removably coupled to valise 800 .
- the work table of FIG. 8 operates substantially similar to the work table of FIG. 5 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
Abstract
A portable, foldable work table for a laptop or tablet comprising a base, a holder for holding a laptop or tablet, said holder movable between an extended position and an unextended position, at least one articulating arm having first and second ends, said articulating arm operably coupling said base and said holder, at least first and second fasteners, said first fastener coupling the first end of said articulating arm to said base and said second fastener coupling the second end of said articulating arm to said holder, said first and second fasteners structured to fasten and unfasten said at least one articulating arm; wherein when said first and second fasteners are unfastened said holder is structured to move between the extended position and unextended position.
Description
- The present invention relates to a portable, foldable work table. More particularly, the work table can be folded and stored substantially flat in a briefcase, luggage or other carrying equipment and is particularly well-suited for a tablet or laptop computer.
- Due to the popularity of computers almost every family owns a computer. Computers have been quickly replaced by laptops because of their portability. Recently, tablets are replacing laptops as the preferred means of computing as their features compete with features that only computers used to have.
- A tablet computer, or simply a “tablet,” is a mobile computer with display, circuitry and battery in a single unit. Tablets are equipped with numerous features such as cameras, microphones, accelerometer and touchscreens, with finger or stylus gestures replacing computer mouse and keyboard. Tablets may include physical buttons, e.g., to control basic features such as speaker volume and power and ports for network communications and to charge the battery. An on-screen, popup virtual keyboard is usually used for typing. Tablets are typically larger than smart phones or personal digital assistants at 7 inches (18 cm) or larger, measured diagonally.
- Hybrid tablets that include detachable keyboards have been sold since the mid-1990s. Convertible touchscreen notebook computers have an integrated keyboard that can be hidden by a swivel or slide joint. Booklet tablets have dual-touchscreens and can be used as a notebook by displaying a virtual keyboard on one of the displays.
- Conceptualized in the mid-20th century and prototyped and developed in the last two decades of that century, the devices became popular in 2010. As of March 2012, 31% of U.S. Internet users were reported to own some type of tablet. Among tablets available in 2012, the top-selling line of devices was Apple's iPad with 100 million sold by mid October 2012 since its release on Apr. 3, 2010, followed by Amazon's Kindle Fire with 7 million, and Barnes & Noble's Nook with 5 million.
- Today's tablets use capacitive touchscreens with multi-touch, unlike earlier stylus-driven resistive touchscreen devices. After 2010, multi-touch and other natural user interface features, as well as flash memory solid state storage and “instant on” warm-booting; external USB and Bluetooth keyboards defined tablets. Some have 3G mobile telephone applications.
- Apple is often credited for defining this new class of consumer device and has shaped the commercial market for tablets. iPads and competing devices have been tested by the US military. The most successful tablet is the Apple iPad, using the iOS operating system. Its debut in 2010 pushed tablets into the mainstream and revolutionized the form of communication for most people. Samsung's Galaxy Tab and others followed, continuing the trends towards the features listed above.
- Tablets can be used in beds, cars, on the floor, in chairs while watching television and in an airplane while traveling. Nevertheless, there are not any appropriate portable tables to support the tablet, especially when it is used for typing messages or working on a document with an external keyboard. In addition, when an external source of battery power (such as a Mophie device) is used it can become cumbersome for the user to balance all of the devices when a stationary desk or other table is not available. Moreover, when traveling on an airline it is simply not possible to use a tablet (with or without an external keyboard) in the amount of room provided, especially when the table attached to the seat is occupied with food or drink.
- Therefore, what is needed is a work table that is foldable, easily stored, portable and can be used in a variety of places and with a variety of devices such as tablets and laptop computers.
- The foregoing needs are addressed by the work table in accordance with the invention.
- In one aspect of the invention a work table that can be used on an individual's lap and that can accommodate a tablet or laptop computer is provided.
- In another aspect of the invention, a work table that is small, foldable, portable and easily stored in a suitcase, briefcase or other similar device is provided.
- In another aspect of the invention, a work table that can secure a tablet and/or laptop computer and prevent it from falling off an individual's lap is provided.
- In another aspect of the invention a work table that includes a tray having compartments for external batteries, cell phones and the like is also provided.
- While multiple embodiments, objects, features and advantages are disclosed, still other embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying figures, the foregoing being illustrative and not restrictive.
- For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a work table in accordance with an aspect invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of a work table in accordance with an aspect of the invention. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective back view of a work table in accordance with an aspect of the invention. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a work table showing the desk in a collapsed and folded configuration. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a front side of a work table in accordance with a further aspect of the invention. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a back side of a work table in accordance with another aspect of the invention. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a work table showing the table in a collapsed and folded configuration. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another aspect of the work table ofFIG. 5 shown attached to a locking valise that may be utilized to store a lap top computer and/or tablet. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1-4 a work table in accordance with various aspects of the invention will be described. The work table 10 broadly includesbase 12,upright tablet holder 14 and a pair of articulatingarms 15 operablycoupling base 12 andupright table holder 14. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited to work table for tablets alone but can accommodate other devices such as laptop computers. For ease of reference, however, “tablet” will be used herein generically to mean all types of small computing devices.Base 12 is shown as being of solid construction to accommodate keyboards, mouses and the like, for example, butbase 12 also may comprise parallel slats or laid out in a grid configuration in close proximity to one another and such other types of construction so long as accessories cannot fall through the base.Base 12 is also shown as includingoptional tray 16.Optional tray 16 may be integrally molded withbase 12 or may be added on as a separate component.Optional tray 16 includes four sides that form a contained area. The contained area may be sub-divided and comprise any number of compartments that are sized to fit a plurality of items such as a mouse, an external battery pack, a cellular telephone and the like. - The underside of
base 12 may include a slip-resistant surface that creates a friction hold between thebase 12 and a user's lap to prevent thebase 12 from slipping or being misplaced from the lap. Such a slip-resistant surface may include chemical surface treatment or mechanical etching of thebase 12 itself. Alternatively, a slip-resistant material may be operably coupled to the underside of the base, the slip-resistant material including natural and synthetic rubbers, silicone and the like. The slip-resistant material may also include a texture, grooves or other pattern or may simply be applied in strips across the underside of the base. - Pair of articulating
arms 15 operably and foldably couplebase 12 totablet holder 14. Articulatingarms 15 may comprise wood, plastic, metals and combinations of the foregoing. Each articulatingarm 15 is coupled at afirst end 18 tobase 12 or alternatively tooptional tray 16 and at asecond end 20 totablet holder 14. Each articulatingarm 15 is coupled by agraspable fastener 22 at the first 18 and second 20 ends. As shown, each fastener includes a fingeroperable arm portion 23 that allows the user to operably tighten and loosen the fastener to position thetablet holder 14 relative tobase 12. Those of skill in the art will appreciate thatfastener 22 is depicted as a two arm clamping knob but any type of knob that is capable of tightening and loosening the articulatingarms 15 may be provided such as a bar clamping knob, a three, four, five and six arm clamping knobs, fluted clamping knob, lobed clamping knob, leo clamping know, octagonal clamping knob, trigon clamping knob and the like. -
Tablet holder 14 includes aledge 24 that operates to support a tablet (as shown) or laptop computer.Ledge 24 may also optionally include a bounding or restraining bar (not shown) that extends in front of the tablet or laptop to further secure the tablet from falling.Crossbar 26 extends from the first articulating arm to the second articulating arm and is operably coupled thereto.Crossbar 26 conveniently serves to hold the tablet'scover 28 out of the way and further serves to maintaintablet 25 in position onledge 24. Those of skill in the art will appreciate thatcrossbar 26 also is a convenience to a user because the user does not need to remover the tablet'scover 28 prior to positioning in on the lap top desk. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , whenfasteners 22 are loosened, articulatingarms 15 fold down or articulate to a positionadjacent base 12.Tablet holder 14 lies substantially flat over a portion ofbase 12. Fasteners may then be tightened to hold pair of articulatingarms 15 fixed againstbase 12 so that lap top desk may be easily stored in a briefcase, in luggage, at the side of a chair and such. - Referring now to
FIGS. 5-7 another aspect of the invention is depicted.FIGS. 5-7 depict anarm chair desktop 500 for holding tablets. Like elements are labeled with like numbers.Arm chair desktop 500 may be fastened to the arm of a chair, a table top, or may be fastened to, for example, the tray table provided with airplane seating or the arm of the seat. -
Arm chair desktop 500 broadly includesbase 12,tablet holder 14 havingledge 24, pair of articulatingarms 15 andfasteners 22. -
Base 12 is coupled to clamp 13 which removably couples base 12 to the arm of a chair (as shown) or to a tray table on an airplane. Pair of articulatingarms 15 includes first ends 18 that are operably coupled tobase 12 and second ends 20 that are operably coupled tobase 12 thereby foldably connectingtablet holder 14 to base. As best seen inFIG. 6 articulatingarms 15 may be indirectly coupled to base and tablet holder bysupports arms 15 may be coupled directly totable holder 14 andbase 12. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that although a pair of articulatingarms 15 are depicted, a single articulating arm may be used and still fall within the scope of the invention. - Each articulating
arm 15 is coupled by afastener 22 at the first 18 and second 20 ends. Each fastener includes a fingeroperable wing portion 23 that allows the user to operably tighten and loosen the fastener to position thetablet holder 14 relative tobase 12. Those of skill in the art will appreciate thatfastener 22 is depicted as a bolt with a wing nut but any type of fastener that is capable of tightening and loosening the articulatingarms 15 may be utilized as previously noted. In addition, any number of fasteners may be used to secure articulatingarms 15 totablet holder 14 andbase 12. -
Tablet holder 14 includesledge 24 that operates to support a tablet (as shown) or laptop computer. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that although not shown a crossbar may extend horizontally from the first articulating arm to the second articulating arm and is operably coupled thereto. A crossbar may conveniently serve to hold a tablet's cover out of the way and further serves to maintain the tablet in position on ledge without displacing. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the addition of a crossbar to the arm chair desk top would also be a convenience to a user because the user does not need to remover the tablet's cover prior to positioning in on the arm chair. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , whenfasteners 22 are loosened, articulatingarms 15 fold down or articulate to a position such thattablet holder 14 and base lie substantially flat over the articulatingarms 15. Fasteners may then be tightened to hold pair of articulatingarms 15 fixed in position so that lap top desk may be easily stored in a briefcase, in luggage, at the side of a chair and such. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another aspect of the work table ofFIG. 5 shown attached to avalise 800 that may be utilized to store a lap top computer and/or tablet.Valise 800 is substituted forbase 12 in alternate embodiments and may lock or not lock. As can be seen inFIG. 8 clamp 13 may be operably coupled directly or indirectly to a portion ofvalise 800. Alternatively, a support similar to supports 13, 13′ may be used. Work table 500 in this aspect of the invention may be fixedly or removably coupled tovalise 800. Operationally, the work table ofFIG. 8 operates substantially similar to the work table ofFIG. 5 . When upper andlower fasteners 22 are loosened, articulatingarms 15 fold down or articulate to a position such thattablet holder 14 lies substantially flat overvalise 800.Fasteners 22 may then be tightened to hold articulatingarms 15 fixed in position so that work table may be easily stored along withvalise 800. - While the invention has been described with reference to various aspects it is to be understood that modifications or other variations may be easily made without departing from the spirit of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.
Claims (10)
1. A portable, foldable work table for a laptop or tablet comprising:
a base;
a holder for holding a laptop or tablet, said holder movable between an extended position and an unextended position;
at least one articulating arm having first and second ends, said articulating arm operably coupling said base and said holder;
at least first and second fasteners, said first fastener coupling the first end of said articulating arm to said base and said second fastener coupling the second end of said articulating arm to said holder, said first and second fasteners structured to fasten and unfasten said at least one articulating arm;
wherein when said first and second fasteners are unfastened said holder is structured to move between the extended position and unextended position.
2. The portable, foldable work table of claim 1 wherein said at least one articulating arm comprises first and second articulating arms, said first articulating arm operably coupled to a first side of said base and second articulating arm operably coupled to an opposing side of said base.
3. The portable, foldable work table of claim 1 wherein said base includes a tray operably coupled thereto, said tray comprising four walls that create an enclosed area, said enclosed area including one or more compartments.
4. The portable, foldable work table of claim 1 wherein said holder including a ledge coupled thereto, said ledge structured to provide support for the laptop or tablet.
5. The portable, foldable work table of claim 4 wherein said ledge a restraining bar coupled thereto.
6. The portable, foldable work table of claim 1 wherein said holder includes a crossbar on a backside thereof, said crossbar structured to accommodate a leaf of a cover for the laptop or tablet.
7. The portable, foldable work table of claim 1 wherein said base further includes a clamp operably coupled thereto, said clamp structured to clamp said work table to an arm of a chair, a tray table or a valise.
8. The portable, foldable work table of claim 1 wherein said base includes an underside portion in contact with a user's lap; said underside including a slip resistant material.
9. The portable, foldable work table of claim 8 wherein said slip resistant material comprises silicone or rubber.
10. The portable, foldable work table of claim 1 wherein said base includes an underside portion in contact with a user's lap; said underside being mechanically or chemically etched to create friction between said underside and the user's lap.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/029,511 US20160270526A1 (en) | 2013-10-31 | 2014-10-31 | Portable, foldable work table |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361898134P | 2013-10-31 | 2013-10-31 | |
PCT/US2014/063348 WO2015066427A1 (en) | 2013-10-31 | 2014-10-31 | Portable, foldable work table |
US15/029,511 US20160270526A1 (en) | 2013-10-31 | 2014-10-31 | Portable, foldable work table |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160270526A1 true US20160270526A1 (en) | 2016-09-22 |
Family
ID=53005167
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/029,511 Abandoned US20160270526A1 (en) | 2013-10-31 | 2014-10-31 | Portable, foldable work table |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20160270526A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015066427A1 (en) |
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US20170135468A1 (en) * | 2015-11-17 | 2017-05-18 | B/E Aerospace, Inc. | Integral tray table personal electronic device holder and tray table |
US9867460B2 (en) * | 2016-03-01 | 2018-01-16 | Joyce Copeland Haskins | Adjustable lap table |
US10364031B2 (en) * | 2015-04-02 | 2019-07-30 | Atlas Divertissement Inc. | Touchscreen tablet computing device support |
US20190373756A1 (en) * | 2018-05-21 | 2019-12-05 | James Huffaker | Tablet Computer Positioning Assembly |
CN112056757A (en) * | 2020-08-10 | 2020-12-11 | 河北汉光重工有限责任公司 | Foldable operating unit for naval standard display and control console |
CN112783269A (en) * | 2021-01-22 | 2021-05-11 | 聊城市孩室宝家俱有限公司 | Book end based on thing networking eyesight health management |
US20230129761A1 (en) * | 2021-10-22 | 2023-04-27 | Nilesh N. Kotecha | Electronic device support system and method |
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Also Published As
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---|---|
WO2015066427A1 (en) | 2015-05-07 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |