US20180279767A1

US20180279767A1 - Bathroom stand for computing device

Info

Publication number: US20180279767A1
Application number: US15/934,976
Authority: US
Inventors: Otto M. DUNKER
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-03-29
Filing date: 2018-03-24
Publication date: 2018-10-04

Abstract

A bathroom stand for a computing device is described which is designed for quick setup, and storage. The bathroom stand is designed to hold a computing device at a proper height and angle for use when a user is sitting on a standard toilet. It is made of materials that are water and humidity resistant, mold and mildew resistant. The bathroom stand is designed to fold into a splash resistant container that is sized to fit beside a standard toilet. It may include flexible feet or suction cups designed to be stable on tiled floors. The bathroom stand may employ an alternative embodiment which includes one or more stabilizers attached between a lower part of the bathroom stand and the toilet. These may be connected to the toilet by suction cups. It may also include hollow legs which may receive weights, such as pennies, to weight down the legs and lower the center of gravity. It may also be designed to adjust to at least two preset heights, and orientations one for the use of a laptop, a computing pad or a smartphone.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/478,580 entitled “BATHROOM STAND FOR COMPUTING DEVICE” by the same inventor, Otto M Dunker, filed Mar. 29, 2017 which is hereby incorporated by references as if set forth in its entirety herein to the extent that it does not conflict with this application.

FIELD

Aspects of the present invention relate to a device for holding a personal computing device in proper position for use in front of a toilet, and more specifically to a device for holding a personal computing device in proper position for use in front of a toilet, that is stable and easily folds into a small space.

BACKGROUND

No Tables, Small Space

Most people have time to read email and otherwise work on computing devices when in the bathroom. It is private, well-lit and is free of interruptions. However, it is hard to hold a laptop, tablet, or other personal computing device when sitting on a toilet. Dropping one will cause significant damage.
Bathrooms do not typically have tables or stands allowing one to place the computing device on the table or stand in front of the toilet. Also, it is not common to pull a table or stand into the bathroom when one enters.
Bathrooms typically are small and have little extra space. If one were to put a table or stand into the bathroom, it would be cramped. There is the possibility of using conventional folding tables or stands. These will not take up much room when folded, and can be unfolded to be used. Many conventional folding stands do not have any support when folded. When folded, they are typically leaned against a wall or other object. They tend to fall when bumped, and possibly break something.

Quick Setup

Conventional folding stands or tables may take some time to unfold and fold. Since the user is not in the bathroom for extended periods of time, it does not make sense to spend significant time setting up and folding away such a stand.

Stability

Some conventional stands that stand alone and are not connected to another stationary fixture and are not very stable. Since floors in bathrooms are tiled and not flat, conventional stands designed to work on flat surfaces tend to be wobbly and unstable on tiled surfaces.
Since the computing devices may be damaged if a stand tips over, it is important to be able to stabilize the stand.

Inclined Surface

Also, conventional stands and tables must be able to adjust to an inclined angle to allow for easier typing on the computing device. If they adjust to create an inclined surface, there is the potential that the computing device slides off the inclined surface, and onto the floor, damaging it.

Wet, High Humidity Environment

Bathrooms typically have high humidity, due to running water, and vapor from showers. If one puts a conventional stand or table in the bathroom, it will not be long before it is affected by the high humidity, causing rusting of metal parts and mildew on other surfaces.
Running water in the sink may splash on a stand stored near it. This causes further corrosion of a stand.

Airflow

Some computing devices require air flow to cool them. Placing such a computing device flat on the surface of a conventional stand or table would block air flow and cause the computing device to overheat.

Wet Tiled Floors

Since the floor is tiled and sometimes wet, it is difficult for certain feet to make secure contact with the floor. Folding tables with angled legs many times have squared off ends. When these are in their usable position, they contact the floor at one of their corners. This results in a small surface area on a wet tiled floor. Since tiled floors do not have a flat surface, the legs do not make secure contact with the floor and tend to be wobbly.
Currently, there is a need for a device which overcomes the problems associated with holding a computing device in a bathroom.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to aspects of the present inventive concepts there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the inventive concepts will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.
The current invention may be embodied as a bathroom stand 100 adapted for holding a computing device at a position and orientation to allow a user for use when seated on a toilet having a substantially flat desktop assembly 110, a pair of parallel pivot legs 141 pivotally connected to a front portion of the desktop assembly 110, a retainer 165 attached to a bottom surface of the desktop assembly, an upper support 145 positioned between the lower side of the desktop assembly 110 and the retainer 165, adapted to freely slide under the retainer 165, a pair of sliding legs 165 each attached to the upper support 165, and pivotally attached to the pivot legs 161. The upper support 145 is adapted to slide from an open position adjacent a rear section of the desktop assembly 110 to the front portion in a folded position, and a stabilizing means to stabilize the bathroom stand 100. In one embodiment, the stabilizing means has at least one stabilizer rod 203 adapted to connect between the bathroom stand 100 and the toilet, stabilizing the bathroom stand 100.
In another embodiment, the stabilizing means has flexible feet 190 which conform to a tile floor, stabilizing the bathroom stand 100.
In another embodiment, the stabilizing means has the flexible feet that are suction cups which attach to a tile floor, stabilizing the bathroom stand 100.
At least one embodiment the invention employs non-corrosive materials to with stand the high humidity in the bathroom.
In at least one embodiment, the invention employs anti-microbial materials to resist the growth of mold, mildew and other microbes common in wet environments such as bathrooms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further advantages may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the concepts. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various example embodiments. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various example embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a computing device stand in its fully opened position according to an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the computing device stand in its partially closed position according to an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the computing device stand in its fully closed position according to an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the computing device stand in its fully opened position secured to a toilet according to an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the computing device stand in its fully opened position secured to a toilet according to the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the computing device stand in its fully opened position secured to a toilet according to another embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the computing device stand in its fully opened position secured to a toilet according to the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the splash guard container of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Theory

The current invention is a folding stand for holding a computing device in a bathroom which can quickly and easily be set up.
In an optional embodiment, the stand has a connection to the toilet. Toilets are fixed to the floor and are stationary objects. Also, bathrooms tend to have counters or cabinets which are fixed to the floor, making them stationary objects. A stand which is not connected to other objects, can be unstable. Therefore, by connecting the stand to the toilet, counter or another stationary object, the bathroom stand 100 can become significantly more stable.
A stand according to an embodiment of the current invention may allow for an inclined surface to facilitate typing. It may also include a frictional surface and/or a raised stop for preventing the computing device from sliding off the inclined surface.
The stand should be large enough to easily hold the computing device, but small enough to be stored in a cramped bathroom. When stored, it should have a base which receives the folded stand that hold it in a stable position.
If the computing device is placed flat on a surface, there should be a means to provide air flow for cooling. This may include air holes through the surface of the stand, offset to hold the computing device slightly away from the surface allowing for air flow.
In an optional embodiment, it may include a fan to increase air circulation.
The feet are designed to be able to maximize the surface contact with a floor which is typically tiled and not flat. It includes swivels which allow it to contact the floor at various angles.
Due to the wet conditions, the floor is typically wet and slippery. The feet are made of a frictional material to reduce slippage.
At least one embodiment of the current invention is shown and described below.

Implementation

No Tables, Small Space

It is common for people to use computing devices, such as a laptop computer, computing tablet or smartphone when in the bathroom seated on the toilet. Since there typically are cabinets fixed to the floor and no other stands, it is difficult to hold the computing device while using it. Some have placed a small table in the bathroom; however, this takes up much of the space in the bathroom. The current computing device stand 100 is designed to fold into a small volume and be stored for use.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computing device stand 100 in its fully opened position according to an embodiment of the current invention. In this embodiment, a pair of parallel pivot legs 141 each attach to an underside of a desktop assembly 100 at a leg connection. This allows pivot legs 141 to pivot with respect to desktop assembly 110. As is shown in FIG. 1, pivot legs 141 angle from a front side of desktop assembly 110 toward a rear side as they extend lower. The lower ends of pivot legs 141 end in rear feet 149.
In its fully open position, a pair of sliding legs 161 extend from the underside of the rear of desktop assembly 110, cross pivot legs 141 to extend forward to end in front feet 147. A sliding leg 161 and pivot leg 141 are pivotally connected at a leg connection 180.
The top ends of sliding legs 161 are attached together with an upper support (145 of FIG. 2). A lower support 155 is connected between front feet 147 to stabilize stand 100.
In an alternative embodiment, each of the legs are extendable. This may be by conventional means used to currently extend legs. For example, they may be telescoping, or fastened together in an overlapping fashion, such that they may be extended or retracted and fixed in the new positions.
The extending legs may have at least two settings, one to accommodate a standard height toilet, and another height to accommodate an American Disabilities Act (ADA) approved toilet, which is higher.
A desktop assembly 110 includes a lift board 111 which is pivotally connected to a base 121. The base 121 may be a frame or a panel which supports the lift board 111. The lift board is adjustably angled using an angle adjustment device 117. This allows a computing device to be positioned at a correct angle for use. Desktop assembly is typically smaller than a laptop computer and may hold any type of personal computing device. This may be a laptop, computing tablet or cell phone.
It has a height which is from the height of a seat of a conventional toilet, to about a foot higher. This is the proper height to use the computing device. In an alternative embodiment, the legs may be telescoping which would allow adjustment of their height. It may have two preset adjustable heights, one approximately at the height of a conventional toilet seat for use of a laptop computer and a second, higher height for the use of a tablet or smartphone. This may be typically up to a foot higher.

Air Flow

Usually, laptops have air vents in their lower surface. If these are blocked, the device overheats and can possibly be damaged. Sometimes, the lift board 111 is not large enough for the feet to fit on the surface of the stand. In these cases, the surface of the computing device rests flat against the lift board 111 blocking the ventilation holes.
Therefore, the lift board 111 is designed to have air holes 113 allowing ventilation for the laptop, or other computing device.
Alternatively, there may be standoff buttons 115 on the surface of the lift board 111. These may be a small structure which hold the computing device a slight distance away from the lift board 111. This creates a conduit between the computing device and the lift board 111 allowing for air flow.

Table Angle

As indicated above, it is desirable to have the computing device at a proper angle. Lift board 111 is connected to base 121 by a hinge or other pivoting means. This allows the lift board 111 to be angled with respect to the base 121. An angle adjustment device 117 may be a mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic device which can be set to hold the lift board 111 at a specified angle with respect to the base 121. It also can be released to allow the lift board 111 to rest flat against the base 121.

Quick Setup

Since the computing stand 100 is set up, used for a short time then stored, repeatedly, it should be able to be set up and stored quickly and easily. The computing device stand of FIG. 1 has a handle 119 on the front of the desktop assembly 110. By simply lifting the handle 119, it causes the front to be pulled up and the computing device stand 100 to begin to fold, as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates the computing device stand 100 in its partially closed position according to an embodiment of the current invention. As the user pulls upward on handle 119, the two pivot legs 141 on each side of the stand pivot relative to the desktop assembly 110.
The upper support 145 is connected between the top ends of the sliding legs 161. Upper support 145 moves from the rear of desktop assembly 110 toward the front side between retainer 165 and a lower surface of desktop assembly 110.
The lower two ends of sliding legs 161, the front feet 147, move toward the rear feet 149. The computing device stand 100 is shown in FIG. 3 in its fully closed and stored position.

Wet, High Humidity Environment

Since it is humid in the bathroom and many surfaces develop moisture, all parts of the computing device stand 100 must be made of a material which does not corrode, can withstand exposure to moisture for long periods of time, and resists mold and bacterial growth. Non-corrosive materials and anti-microbial materials should be used. This may include sacrificial materials which dissolve over a long period of time that continually deposit substances which stop the growth of microbes.
When not in use, the bathroom stand 100 can be placed into a splash guard container 300. The splash guard container 300 has an elongated body 320 which is sized to receive the bathroom stand 100 when it is in its folded position as shown in FIG. 3. The bathroom stand 100 is inserted through a top opening into the elongated body 320.
A cap 310 is designed to fold over and cover, and preferably overlap the top opening. This results in a splash proof covering of the bathroom stand 100.
Splash guard container 300 employs at least one stabilizer 330 which extends substantially perpendicular to the body 320.

Wet Tiled Floors—Stability

The computing device stand 100 is specifically designed to be used in a bathroom. Since most bathrooms have tiled floors, stands and tables designed to be used on flat floors do not grip the floor well. This makes them wobbly, and less stable than stands designed for tiled floors. Some have no additional structure on the feet and result in a flat, hard edge that meet an uneven tile floor. They do not conform to the floor shape and are unstable.
The current design employs flexible rubber feet 190, preferably having an angled shape as shown as 190 in FIGS. 1-3.
Since the floors are typically tiled in bathrooms, and they may be moist, suction cups may be used in place of the flexible feet 190. The suction cups 190 will stick well to the floor, and significantly stabilize the bathroom stand 100.
The feet may also employ a soft foam which contours to both the tiles and connections between the tiles. A soft foam rubber may be used on the feet or angled feet 190. Since they contour, there is significant surface area which reduces slipping, thereby stabilizing the stand 100.
Since bathrooms typically have tile floors and since there is considerable condensation, the floors can be very slippery. In another embodiment, if foam rubber has increased frictional (traction) properties, there will be even less slippage. The problem is that conventional foam rubber absorbs water and contaminants. Therefore, if stored in the splash guard container 300 with a significant amount of water, mold may form. Therefore, it is preferred to use closed cell foam rubber with increased traction properties such as the material used in the “EVA Surf Traction Pad” found at: http://www.foamtechchina.com/products/sports/marine-products/surf-traction-pad/This uses material which combines increased traction with minimal water absorption.

General Stability

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the computing device stand 100 in its fully opened position secured to a toilet 3 according to an embodiment of the current invention. In this embodiment, a stabilizer rod 203, that is also shown in in FIGS. 1 and 3, is pivotally attached to a lower support 155. Although it is shown as connected to lower support 155, it is understood that it is within the spirit of the invention to connect to various other structures of the bathroom stand 100. The stabilizer rod 203 preferably has a suction cup at its other end that is attached to a lower portion of the toilet 3. Since the toilet 3 is very stable, stabilizer rod 203 stabilizes bathroom stand 100.
The attachment point of the stabilizer rod 203 to the bathroom stand 100 allows for pivoting of stabilizer rod 203 relative to the bathroom stand 100. This allows for it to be folded against the legs when it is stored.
In an alternative embodiment, the bathroom stand 100 can be made more stable by adding weight to the lower portion of the legs. The pivot legs 141 and/or sliding legs 161 can be hollow legs which have an opening to receive weights. In one embodiment, they may have a circular cross section and there may be an opening to add pennies to weight down the legs and lower the center of gravity.
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the computing device stand 100 in its fully opened position secured to a toilet 3 according to the embodiment of FIG. 4. In this embodiment, a single stabilizer rod 203 is employed.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the computing device stand 100 in its fully opened position secured to a toilet 3 according to another embodiment of the current invention. In this embodiment, there are two stabilizer rods 203 that connect to lower support 155. Again, although it is shown as connected to lower support 155, it is understood that it is within the spirit of the invention to connect to various other structures of the bathroom stand 100.
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the computing device stand 100 in its fully opened position secured to a toilet 3 according to the embodiment of FIG. 6. Here the two stabilizers are visible connected to the lower support 155.
In another alternative embodiment, the user typically has their pants and underwear at their feet holding them together in front of them. In this embodiment, there are folding foot plates 169 hinged by foot hinges 167 to front feet 147 as show in in FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the foot plates 169 are shown in in their upright and stored position. In FIG. 2, the footplates 169 are also shown in phantom in their open position folded down inwardly. The user steps on each of the foot plates 169 when they are in the downward, unfolded position. This stabilizes the bathroom stand 100.
In an alternative embodiment, folding footplates 169 are replaced with a cross piece 171 which connects the bottom of pivot legs 161. The user can place his/her feet on this cross piece 171 to hold and stabilize the stand 100.
In still another embodiment, the side of cross piece adjacent the floor has a covering of a compliant material, such as foam rubber. It is best if this foam rubber employs closed cell structure, so that it does not absorb much water. It is also preferred that the foam rubber has high frictional (traction) properties.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the splash guard container 300 of FIG. 3. In this more detailed view, the splash guard container 300 is shown having a body 320 and a cap 310. The cap in this embodiment is hinged to body 320 and is in its open position. The stand 100 is intended to be inserted into the body 320 through the opening 321, as shown by arrow “A”.
The cap 310 is sized and shaped to close over opening 321 and protect it from splashing and contamination. As is known in the art, water-tight seals may be used to seal the cap 310 when it is closed over the opening 321.
In alternative embodiment, the cap 310 may be separate, but still used to fit over the opening 321 to prevent water or contaminants from reaching the stand 100.
The lower section of body 320 is a flared base 323 which has a wider footprint than the body 320 to allow the splash guard container 300 to stand upright.
In an alternative embodiment, a stabilizer 330 may project horizontally away from the body 320 to add stability. Only one stabilizer 320 is required on the side opposite the toilet 3 when the splash guard container 300 is standing against the toilet 3.
In another embodiment, the splash guard container 300 employs stabilizers 330 on both sides of the body 320 and allows the splash guard container 300 to be stabilized and stand upright.
Since one must use toilet paper after defecating, there may be receptacle for sanitary bags attached to the underside of the desktop assembly 110. This allows the user to put objects and papers into the sanitary bag before using the toilet paper which stays there until the user has wash up. This keeps the objects and papers sanitary.
Although a few examples have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A folding bathroom stand adapted for holding a computing device at a position and orientation to allow a user for use when seated on a toilet comprises:

a. a substantially flat desktop assembly;

b. a pair of parallel pivot legs, pivotally connected to a front portion of the desktop assembly;

c. a retainer attached to a bottom surface of the desktop assembly;

d. an upper support positioned between the lower side of the desktop assembly and the retainer, adapted to freely slide under the retainer;

e. a pair of sliding legs, each attached to the upper support, and pivotally attached to the pivot legs, adapted to slide from an open position adjacent a rear section of the desktop assembly to the front portion in a folded position; and

f. a stabilizing structure to stabilize the bathroom stand.

2. The folding bathroom stand of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing structure comprises:

at least one stabilizer adapted to connect between the bathroom stand 100 and the toilet, stabilizing the bathroom stand.

3. The folding bathroom stand of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing structure comprises:

flexible feet which conform to a tile floor, stabilizing the bathroom stand.

4. The folding bathroom stand of claim 3, wherein the flexible feet comprise:

suction cups which attach to a tile floor, stabilizing the bathroom stand.

5. The folding bathroom stand of claim 1, wherein all materials used are corrosion-resistant.

6. The folding bathroom stand of claim 1, wherein all materials used are anti-microbial.

7. A folding bathroom stand, comprising:

a. a desktop assembly sized and shaped to hold a computing device;

b. support legs each having an upper end attached to the desktop assembly, and a lower end opposite the lower end; the legs sized to hold the desktop assembly at a height allowing a person sitting on a toilet to use the computing device; and

c. at least one stabilizing structure which stabilizes the stand.

8. The folding bathroom stand of claim 7, wherein the stabilizing structure is a cross bar attached between two support legs, wide enough to receive a user's feet, stabilizing the stand.

9. The folding bathroom stand of claim 7 wherein the stabilizing structure is at least one folding foot plate 169 wide enough to receive a user's foot, thereby stabilizing the stand.

10. The folding bathroom stand of claim 7 wherein the lower end of at least one of the legs employs a conforming material which is designed to conform to an irregular floor and not to absorb water.

11. The folding bathroom stand of claim 7 wherein the lower end of at least one leg has a wedge-shaped flexible foot.

12. The folding bathroom stand of claim 7 wherein the stand is made of anti-microbial materials which do not develop mold.

13. The folding bathroom stand of claim 7 wherein the stand is made of anti-corrosive materials which do not corrode.

14. The folding bathroom stand of claim 7 wherein the legs are extendable and extend to a second height that allows a person sitting on a toilet, having a height approved by the American Disabilities Act (ADA), to use the computing device.

15. A folding bathroom stand, comprising:

a. a desktop assembly sized and shaped to hold a computing device;

b. support legs each having an upper end attached to the desktop assembly, and a lower end opposite the lower end; the legs sized to hold the desktop assembly 110 at a height allowing a person sitting on a toilet to use the computing device; and

c. at least one stabilizing structure which stabilizes the stand.

16. The folding bathroom stand of claim 15, wherein the stabilizing structure comprises:

a. a support rod having a first end attached to the stand; and

b. a second end attached to the toilet.

17. The folding bathroom stand of claim 16, further comprising:

at least one suction cup attached to the second end of the stabilizer rod that is adapted to attach to the toilet.

18. The folding bathroom stand of claim 16, comprising:

a cross piece attached between two support legs;

wherein the stabilizer rod is attached between the cross piece and the toilet.

19. The folding bathroom stand of claim 16, wherein the splash guard container comprising:

a. a body having an internal recess;

b. an opening leading to the internal recess sized to receive and store the stand,

c. a cover sized and shaped to cover the opening; and

d. at least one support adapted to hold the splash guard container upright with the opening at the top.

20. The folding bathroom stand of claim 19 wherein the splash guard container is shaped to resemble a briefcase.