Supports – Stand – Understructure
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-08
2001-08-28
King, Anita (Department: 3632)
Supports
Stand
Understructure
C248S688000, C248S689000, C248S918000, C361S689000, C361S689000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279861
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to portable computers, e.g., laptop or notebook computers, and is more particularly concerned with an accessory for elevating the rear part of the body portion of the portable computer so that it has a front to back tilt or slope for comfort in using the keyboard.
Laptop computer, notebook computers and other small portable computers have enjoyed great popularity in recent years. These computers are generally self-contained, having a body portion with a keyboard on its upper wall, and a viewing screen that is hinged to the body portion and easily folds down for storage and carrying. Portable computers are typically battery powered, and can be set up for use on any convenient table or desk.
The main body portion of the computer is a box-like case containing the electronics and drives, with the keyboard and other touch controls located on the top wall. There are also various cable access ports, access to internal CD ROM drive and floppy drive, and access port for dial-up modem located along the side walls. Typically, the bottom wall may have a maintenance access panel, and panels or doors that permit change-out of battery, or adding RAM chips or other devices. Various makers of portable computers may have different configurations, but most have this same general configuration. Consequently, when the portable computer is set up for use, the keyboard lies horizontal, i.e., parallel to the table or desk on which it is supported. This is not an optimum arrangement for user comfort, and it is often desirable to provide the keyboard with a slant or tilt so that the rear of the computer body portion is elevated in respect to the front.
Various proposals have been made for elevating the rear of the keyboard portion of a portable computer. Cheng U.S. Pat. No. 5,469,327 and Akahane U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,424 address this by including swing-down foot members into the case of the computer. In each case these have to be built in as part of the original equipment, and it is difficult to retro-fit the tilting feature to an existing portable computer. Hale U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,985 relates to a V-shaped support device that attaches to the base of a portable computer by means of Velcro strips. This arrangement requires that Velcro strips be adhesively applied onto specific locations on the bottom of the laptop or notebook computer.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a means for elevating the keyboard and body unit of a portable computer, which is more convenient and inexpensive to use than the devices of the prior art.
It is another object to provide elevator clips for a portable computer which clip onto the side walls of the body and keyboard portion of the computer, and which provide an optimal tilt or slant to the keyboard for user comfort.
It is a further object of this invention to provide improved means for elevating the rear part of the portable computer to create a desired tilt or slant and facilitate user comfort in using the keyboard.
It is another object to provide a pair of elevator clamps that fit onto the sides of the portable computer main body and keyboard unit, and which have pedestals or support legs that lift the rear part of the computer above the surface of a table or desk.
It is still another object to provide elevator clamps that can be used on a portable computer without having to modify the case of the computer, and which are inexpensive and durable.
According to an aspect of the invention, a pair of elevator clamps are used with a portable computer of the type that has a screen portion and a body and keyboard portion. The latter has a case with top wall, a bottom wall, and left and right sides, with the top and bottom walls defining a predetermined thickness for the case. The computer keyboard is integrated into the top wall of the case. Respective left and right elevator clips are fitted onto rearward parts of the left and right sides of said portable computer body and keyboard portion. Each of the elevator clips includes an upper plate member and a lower plate member. A riser joins the upper and lower plate members and holds the upper and lower plate members at a separation that corresponds to the thickness of the case. Each of the clips fits snugly when installed on a respective side of the body and keyboard portion. Also, for each elevator clip there is a support pedestal extending downward below the lower plate member to rest on a support surface and define an amount of incline for the body and keyboard portion.
In one embodiment, the elevator clip has the support pedestal extending downward substantially in line with the riser member, so that the clip has a generally F-shaped profile. In this case, the pedestal can have a front-to-back taper at its lower edge so that it rests flat on the work table.
In another embodiment, the elevator clip has the riser member joined to the upper plate member and a brace extends parallel to the upper member. The brace has a socket or threaded aperture. A threaded post passes through said threaded aperture and its an upper end adjustably supports the lower plate member. The threaded post serves as pedestal with its lower end resting upon the support surface. There can be a footing member of hard rubber or other suitable material affixed onto the lower end of the threaded post, for non-slip support on the table or other surface. The footing also facilitates gripping for rotating the threaded post.
The above and many other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the ensuing detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which is illustrated in the accompanying Drawing.
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Bernhard P. Molldrem, Jr.
King Anita
Wood Kimberly
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