Special receptacle or package – Combined or convertible – Packaged assemblage or kit
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-12
2001-11-27
Ackun, Jacob K. (Department: 3728)
Special receptacle or package
Combined or convertible
Packaged assemblage or kit
C206S320000, C224S276000, C224S584000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321912
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to worksurfaces and, in particular, to a mountable worksurface for a portable computer.
In today's society, there is an ever increasing burden upon individuals to be more productive. Both academically and professionally, individuals are required to accomplish a greater number of tasks in order to remain competitive. In response to this demand, it is not uncommon to witness people working at times which were heretofore spent in a leisurely fashion. In airport lobbies, parked vehicles, and all types of waiting rooms, people are often seen performing business or school related tasks. The work performed in these settings usually involves reading and/or writing particular documents of interest.
One tool which has become necessary, and often indispensable to both professionals and students alike, is the portable computer. Due to the ever decreasing size and increasing speed of the circuitry used in these computers, in conjunction with the advancement of rechargeable batteries which provide longer use times between chargings, the portable computer enables an individual to effectively use a computer in almost any location.
Most portable computers comprise a visual screen or monitor hingedly connected to the rear of a keyboard section. In operation, the computer is positioned on a substantially horizontal surface and the screen rotated away from the keyboard until the proper viewing angle is achieved. When not in use, or in transportation, the screen is rotated over the top of the keyboard and removably attached thereto by a clip, lever, or other form of attachment. Usually the computer weighs no more than ten pounds, and when in the closed position, resembles a slender rectangular box which is easily transported.
Due to their convenience and portability, those computers are used by a wide variety of individuals for a number of different purposes. They can be used to permit an individual to work, study, or simply for entertainment. Moreover, due to their compact nature, portable computers can be used in a variety of different environments.
One environment in which a portable computer is utilized is in a bus or train station, and most prevalently, an airport. In these situations many business people and students use their portable computers while they await their respective form of transportation. Additionally, portable computers can often be found in the vehicles of those whose business requires travel. Traveling salesmen, construction site supervisors, and a variety of other professionals rely upon the portable computer.
One problem routinely encountered by users of portable computers is the lack of adequate support given to the computer while it is in use. Whether one is sitting in an airport lobby or the driver's seat of a parked vehicle, use of a portable computer requires the individual to place the keyboard section upon one's legs. Using one's legs as support for a personal computer is unsatisfactory for a number of reasons. First, the computer is exposed, and when in public areas, is susceptible to damage caused by inadvertent contact with individuals or equipment. Also, when the computer is situated upon one's legs, the user must remain relatively still so as to maintain the stability or balance of the computer. Requiring the user to maintain relative stillness is both uncomfortable and may lead to muscle aches and injury. Furthermore, one is forced to maintain a static and often awkward position of one's arms and hands in order to type on the keyboard. Continued long term or repeated placement of one's hands and arms in this position can lead to discomfort and/or muscular damage to the forearms, wrists and hands.
Consequently, there exists a need for an adjustable worksurface which is removably mountable to an object, thereby permitting rigid support of a paper tablet, calculator, book or computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides an adjustable worksurface having a support hingedly connected thereto, wherein a closed position is achieved by placing the support over the worksurface. Rotation of the support away from the worksurface defines an open position and enables the individual to utilize the worksurface. The support is mounted on an object to provide rigid suspension for the worksurface. An adjustment assembly permits an individual to vary the distance between the support and the worksurface.
In a preferred aspect, the mountable worksurface of the present invention is embodied in a computer case having a compartment dimensioned to receive a portable computer.
A cover is hingedly connected to the rear wall of the compartment and can be rotated from a closed position wherein the cover is positioned atop the compartment, to an open position wherein the cover is rotated away from the compartment. In the closed position, the cover is fastened to the compartment by means of a fastener, preferably a zipper running along the top edge of the compartment and the edge of the cover. The exterior surface of the cover is formed with a sleeve attached to the opposing sides of the cover, while a pocket is formed along the sides and top of the exterior surface of the cover. Both the sleeve and the pocket permit the computer case to be mounted on a rigid object by placing such object between the inner surface of the sleeve and the pocket and the exterior surface of the cover. Thus when mounted, and in the open position, the present invention provides rigid support for a portable computer, with the compartment acting as a worksurface upon which one may use the computer.
According to another aspect of the invention, both the pocket and sleeve are equipped with a fastener which removably fastens the same to the exterior surface of the cover. These fasteners serve to hold an object firmly in place between the cover and sleeve or pocket, and also facilitate transportation of the case when used in conjunction with luggage having extendable rails.
According to another aspect of the invention, the case includes an adjustment assembly permitting the user to adjust the distance of the compartment relative to the cover when the case is mounted and in the open position. Preferably, the assembly includes a pair of straps extending from the interior surface of the bottom wall of the compartment and being received by a pair of loops formed in the interior surface of the cover. These straps maintain the compartment a fixed distance away from the cover. Each strap is equipped with an adjustable fastener, enabling the individual to adjust the distance between the cover and the compartment.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, both the cover and the bottom wall of the compartment are formed with a space between their interior and exterior surfaces. Into these spaces are placed supports, imparting rigidity to the case as well as protection for the computer against damage caused by inadvertent contact.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a mountable computer case which allows a user to removably attach the computer case to a stable object. For example, when it is desired to work in one's car, the case cover may be mounted on the steering wheel such that the wheel is positioned between the interior surface of the sleeve and the exterior surface of the cover. When in the lobby of an airport or a train station, the cover may be mounted on the extended rails of a piece of luggage. Specifically, the rails would be positioned between the sleeve and the cover, while the top of the rail, or handle, abuts the interior surface of the pocket.
Additionally, when in a classroom or conference room, the cover may be mounted on the back of a chair having a rigid back such as a typical straight back chair or folding chair. When mounted, the compartment projects away from the back of the chair, thus allowing an individual sitting therebehind to use the computer. When mounted and in the open position, the present invention provides rigid, self-sustained suppo
Dreier Bradley D.
Lippert Charles E.
Ackun Jacob K.
Mobile Office Vehicle, Inc.
Van Dyke Gardner, Linn & Burkhart, LLP
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