US20090078168A1 - Holder for laptop computer - Google Patents
Holder for laptop computer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090078168A1 US20090078168A1 US11/915,083 US91508306A US2009078168A1 US 20090078168 A1 US20090078168 A1 US 20090078168A1 US 91508306 A US91508306 A US 91508306A US 2009078168 A1 US2009078168 A1 US 2009078168A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- holder
- support member
- tabletop
- laptop computer
- handle
- 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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Classifications
-
- 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
- A47B21/00—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
- A47B21/03—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards with substantially horizontally extensible or adjustable parts other than drawers, e.g. leaves
- A47B21/0314—Platforms for supporting office equipment
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1632—External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to holders for devices such as a laptop computer that is typically used on or at a table and more specifically to such holders provided with means for protecting a device housed in or supported on the holder against theft.
- laptop computers are often used in the same manner as stationary computers are being used, for instance in the office.
- a so-called docking station is applied, which connects the laptop computer with the network (LAN) of the office and hence external communication networks such as the Internet and with the display screen, computer mouse, keyboard or other external devices.
- the laptop computer is now used in the same manner and substantially with the same functionalities as the stationary computer.
- the laptop computer is often placed on the user's desk together with the docking station and a number of cables and hence occupies a not inconsiderable amount of space on the desktop, which is a distinct disadvantage to the user.
- the laptop or other device is when not in use removed from a traditional position on the tabletop of for instance a desk to a position beneath the tabletop in such a manner that it takes up as limited a space beneath the tabletop as possible, hence not interfering with for instance the legs of a person seated at the desk.
- a cover or lid member which together with a handle member makes access to the computer or other device in the holder system impossible when the holder system is in its retracted position totally or at least partly beneath the tabletop.
- the usable area of the tabletop is increased by removal of the laptop computer from this area. 2. No inconvenience will be caused by the above-mentioned cables. 3.
- the laptop computer will not inconvenience the user as it is not placed under the desk but is in stead suspended in the holder system at an end of the desk. A shorter desk may hence for instance be applied without the person sitting at the desk being annoyed by the presence of the computer, for instance in a drawer below the tabletop. 4.
- the laptop computer or the holder and support member itself can be used as an extra table when the holder is placed in a horizontal position. 5.
- the laptop computer can be secured against theft or unauthorised usage when it is suspended below the desk.
- FIGS. 1 through 18 relate to a first embodiment of the invention
- FIGS. 19 through 23 relate to a second embodiment
- FIGS. 24 through 33 relate to a third embodiment.
- FIGS. 1 through 18 relate to a first embodiment of the invention
- FIGS. 19 through 23 relate to a second embodiment
- FIGS. 24 through 33 relate to a third embodiment.
- FIG. 1 shows a holder system according to a first embodiment of the invention shown in a retracted, vertical position under the tabletop of a desk or table;
- FIG. 2 shows the holder system of FIG. 1 shown in an extended state, but with the holder still in the vertical position;
- FIG. 3 shows various details of the holder system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 shows a detail of the holder system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 shows the holder system of FIG. 1 with the holder brought to a horizontal position parallel with the tabletop;
- FIG. 6 shows further details of the holder system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 shows the holder system of FIG. 1 with a handle member rotated to an open state providing access to a laptop computer placed on the holder;
- FIG. 8 shows a laptop computer supported by the holder system of the invention
- FIG. 9 shows various members of the holder system of the invention used to secure the holder in the horizontal position
- FIGS. 10 and 11 show the holder system of FIG. 1 and attachment and support means for a laptop computer
- FIGS. 12 , 13 and 14 show a cover portion used to cover the holder and laptop computer when the holder system is in its retracted, vertical position
- FIGS. 15 , 16 , 17 and 18 show attachment means for attaching the holder system according to the invention to a tabletop;
- FIGS. 19( a ) and 19 ( b ) show a second embodiment of the holder system according to the invention.
- FIG. 20 shows the holder system of FIG. 19 in an extended, vertical position
- FIG. 21 shows the holder system of FIG. 19 in an extended, horizontal position
- FIG. 22 shows the holder system of FIG. 19 with the cover in an open state
- FIG. 23 shows an alternative view of the holder system as shown in FIG. 22 ;
- FIGS. 24 to FIG. 33 show a third embodiment of the holder system according to the invention depicted in various operational states.
- FIG. 1 there is thus shown a first embodiment of the holder system according to the invention generally indicated by reference numeral 1 .
- the holder system is shown in its retracted, vertically extending position under the tabletop 2 of for instance a desk.
- the holder system comprises basically a holder and support part 3 for holding and supporting a laptop computer 4 .
- This holder and support part 3 is attached to the bottom surface of the tabletop by means of an extendable/retractable carrier system to be described in detail in the following by means of which system the holder and support member 3 can be displaced between the retracted position under the tabletop as shown in FIG.
- FIG. 1 furthermore shows a pull handle 7 for pulling the holder and support member 3 outwardly into the extended position free of the tabletop and a lock 5 for locking the holder and support member 3 in its retracted position tinder the tabletop as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the holder system is furthermore in the shown embodiment provided with a docking station 6 for the computer, although the provision of a docking station is to be regarded as an option.
- the holder system according to this embodiment comprises a shield or cover 101 which in the retracted position shown in FIG.
- the extendable/retractable carrier system is attached to the bottom surface of the tabletop via a frame portion 50 (not shown in FIG. 1 but visible for instance in FIG. 3 , 4 , 18 or 19 among others) to be described in some more detail in the following.
- FIG. 2 there is shown the holder system of FIG. 1 in a state where the holder and support member 3 has been extended or drawn out to an extended state free of the tabletop 2 .
- the laptop computer 4 is in this state supported by the central portion 16 of the handle member 8 and rests furthermore on abutment means 9 , for instance rubber blocks.
- FIG. 3 there is shown the holder and support member 3 in the extended/drawn out state seen from the bottom side of this member in order to show various constructional details of the system.
- the holder and support member itself comprises basically side portions 13 and a central support portion 14 upon which the laptop computer 4 may rest for instance during application hereof.
- the holder and support member 3 is pivotally (as symbolically indicated by reference numeral 17 ) connected to a system of rails 11 , 12 , such that the holder and support member can be rotated about a longitudinal axis X from the shown vertical position to the horizontal position shown in the following.
- a gas cylinder or compression spring member 15 which on rotating the holder and support member 3 from the vertical to the horizontal position aids this movement and which tends to prevent a sudden, unintentional rotation of the holder and support member 3 from the horizontal back to the vertical position.
- the figure furthermore depicts the pull handle 7 , which is partly used for pulling out the holder and support member 3 to its extended state, but which also performs a locking function as described in connection with FIG. 6 below.
- the pull handle 7 continues in a rod member comprising sections 7 ′, 7 ′′, 7 ′′′ and 7 ′′′′, but other designs would be possible also.
- the rail member 11 is according to this embodiment formed as a telescopic member comprising sections 11 ′ and 11 ′′ and serves to provide vertical stability/rigidity of the rail system 11 , 12 at any degree of extension of the holder and support member 3 from its initial position as shown for instance in FIG. 1 .
- the rail member 11 is mounted on a further rail member 12 , which when the holder and support member 3 is being extended or drawn out slides against a fixed abutment means.
- An embodiment of such means is shown in FIG. 4 where the top portion 12 ′ of the rail member 12 during displacement of the rail member 12 remains in engagement with tap members or rollers 8 (that may be fixed).
- tap members or rollers 8 that may be fixed.
- Other guide systems could also be envisaged.
- the holder and support member 3 is now swung as indicated by the arrow A from its vertical position shown in the preceding figures to its horizontal position shown in FIG. 5 .
- the gas cylinder or compression spring member 15 aids this movement as described previously.
- the pull handle 7 and associated rod members 7 ′, 7 ′′ 7 ′′′ and 7 ′′′ lock the holder and support member in the horizontal position. This is accomplished by the means shown in FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 6 shows the rod portion 7 ′′′′ of the rod system associated with the pull handle 7 passed through a mounting member 22 .
- a compression spring 20 urging the distal end of the rod portion 7 ′′′′ against a plate member 18 fixed to the frame portion 50 , i.e. to the attachment structure by which the holder system is attached to the tabletop.
- the plate member 18 is provided with an opening for engagement with the distal end portion of the rod 7 ′′′.
- the holder and support member 3 is now in the position where the laptop computer 4 can be used or where either the upper surface of the computer or of the holder and support member 3 itself can be used as an extension of the tabletop 2 .
- the handle member 8 , 16 is rotated as shown in FIG. 7 , whereby the screen portion 26 of the computer 4 can be opened as shown in FIG. 8 .
- FIGS. 7 and 8 it is advantageous to prevent unintentional release of the holder and support system 3 caused by accidentally pulling the pull handle 7 .
- rotation of the handle member 8 , 16 into the open position as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 results in that the pull handle 7 and associated rod sections 7 ′, 7 ′′, 7 ′′′ and 7 ′′′′ by rotation of the handle member to its open position lock the pull handle and associated rod system in its engagement with the mounting member 22 described above.
- FIG. 9 This locking function of the handle member 8 , 16 is described with reference to FIG. 9 .
- An end portion 8 ′ of the handle member 8 is passed through the mounting member 22 and provided with a gripper member 24 , which rotates with the end portion 8 ′ of the handle member 8 .
- a spring member 25 urges the gripper member 24 —and hence the handle member 8 , 16 —in the rotational direction indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 9 .
- the end portion 26 of the gripper member 24 is brought to rest against the rod portion 7 ′′′′, which is provided with a collar 23 fixed to the rod portion 7 ′′′′.
- the docking station 6 can be secured to the surface of the holder and support member by various means for instance by means of a Velcro strip 27 .
- the surface of the holder and support member can furthermore be provided with abutment means for instance a pair of rubber blocks 9 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 .
- FIG. 12 there is now shown an embodiment of a cover portion 10 used to cover the holder and support member 3 and the laptop computer 4 when the holder system is in its retracted, vertical position, as shown for instance in FIG. 1 .
- the cover 10 according to this embodiment comprises curved or planar side portions 10 ′ that may be provided with a pattern of through apertures, the side portions 10 ′ being connected by a bottom portion 29 .
- the structure thus formed is laterally flexible, thus facilitating mounting and/or removal of the cover 10 to/from the holder system.
- the cover 10 is at the upper portion of the side portions provided with inwardly extending edge portions 10 ′′ provided with openings 28 for attachment means for instance screws for the cover 10 .
- Attachment of the holder and support system 3 and of the cover portion 10 to the tabletop 2 is according to a specific embodiment accomplished by means of an attachment member 30 that may be attached to the bottom surface of the tabletop 2 by screws as schematically shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 .
- the mounting of the frame portion 50 of the holder system by means of attachment member 30 is probably most apparent from FIGS. 15 , 17 and 18 that shows the holder and support member 3 in its extended, vertical state, free of the tabletop 2 and of the cover 10 .
- the attachment member 30 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 16 and 17 and comprises a central portion and lateral edge portions 32 , the surface of which is displaced relative to the surface of the central portion.
- FIG. 18 shows mounting of the holder system according to the invention on the tabletop 2 by means of the attachment member 30 , 32 .
- the upper frame portion 50 can slide along the edge portions 32 on mounting the holder system to the tabletop.
- the cover portion 10 can be attached to the edge portions 32 by screws or other means through the openings 28 in the edge portions 10 ′′ of the cover 10 .
- FIGS. 19 through 23 there is now shown a second embodiment of the holder system according to the invention. Constructional elements and members identical with those of the first embodiment shown and described previously are indicated by the same reference numerals and will generally not be described again.
- FIGS. 19( a ) and 19 ( b ) there is thus shown a second embodiment of the holder system according to the invention generally indicated by reference numeral 34 .
- the cover 10 which in the first embodiment described above was attached to the tabletop by means of the attachment member 30 , 32 and hence to the bottom surface of the tabletop is in this embodiment replaced by the lid portion 35 pivotally attached to the holder and support member 3 partly via a pivotable rod member 37 (preferably one on either side of the lid portion, but only one of these being visible in FIG. 19) and partly via the handle member 8 , which in this embodiment is pivotally attached to the lid 35 as indicated by reference numeral 51 (most apparent in FIG. 22 ).
- the upper frame portion 50 used for attaching the holder system to the tabletop as described previously is according to the second embodiment provided with a retainment member or plate 36 for preventing the lid portion 35 from being opened, when the holder and support member 3 is in its retracted position under the tabletop.
- the retainment member 36 is either a separate member attached to the upper frame portion 50 or formed as an integral part of the upper frame portion 50 .
- FIGS. 24 through 33 there is now shown a third embodiment of the holder system according to the invention generally indicated by reference numeral 38 .
- FIGS. 24 and 25 thus illustrate the holder system 38 positioned in its retracted, vertical position below the tabletop 2 and basically comprising a cover 41 , a holder and support member 3 and rail members 11 , 12 for allowing extension and retraction of the holder and support member 3 in a manner similar to the one described previously in connection with the first embodiment.
- the cover 41 can not be opened as it is locked by the tongue member 39 , which is fixedly attached to the attachment means used for attaching the holder system 38 to the tabletop 2 .
- the holder and support member 3 is prevented from being displaced to the drawn out position shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 by a locking member 42 .
- the inner surface of the cover 41 is provided with a sheet of resilient material 43 such as foam rubber.
- a sheet (of sufficient thickness) of resilient material also provides for the possibility of the holder to accommodate laptop computers of different thickness.
- the holder with the laptop is now shown in a drawn out position relative to the tabletop.
- the holder and support member 3 is carried by a system of displaceable rail members 11 , for instance forming a telescopic configuration, i.e. the various individual rail members are accommodated within each other, although other arrangements of displaceable rail members may also be conceived and fall within the scope of the present invention.
- the holder and support member 3 is locked in the shown vertically suspended state by the handle member 44 , but by releasing/drawing out this handle member 44 , the holder and support member 3 can rotate about a hinge portion 51 ( FIG. 29 ) to the horizontally extending state shown in the following figures.
- the holder and support member 3 with the laptop computer 4 is now shown rotated to an elevated horizontal position, where the upper surface of the cover 41 can extend in parallel with the tabletop 2 although the upper surface may also extend at an angle relative to the tabletop.
- the upper surface of the cover 41 may extend substantially at the same vertical level as the upper surface of the tabletop 2 or at other levels if desired.
- the holder and support member 3 is brought to the horizontal position by releasing/drawing out the handle member 44 as explained above.
- a spring member 45 or gas cylinder as previously described facilitates the rotation of the holder and support member 3 from the initial vertical position to the final horizontal position.
- the handle member 44 automatically locks the holder and support member 3 in this position.
- the supporting or locking rod 46 provided between the bottom portion of the holder and support member 3 and the above mentioned system of rail members 11 , 12 will approach a final supporting position, thus extending in a direction of for instance 45 degrees relative to the vertical plane, thereby providing extra support for the holder and support member 3 in the horizontal position.
- the cover 41 is opened by activation of a snap fastener 48 or other equivalent means.
- Abutment members 9 are positioned for maintaining the laptop computer 4 in place on the holder and support member 3 .
- the laptop computer 4 can now be operated from all sides.
- the holder system 38 according to this embodiment of the invention is shown with the laptop computer 4 removed from the docking station 6 .
- the docking station 6 can be formed as an integral part of the holder or as a separate component attached to the holder by appropriate means such as Velcro tape 27 , in which case the docking station 6 may be removed from the holder for alternative uses.
- the holder system according to the invention in the preceding has been shown and described comprising a docking station for a laptop computer, this is not considered a limitation of the invention, and the holder system according to the invention may be used without a docking station. It may furthermore also be used for housing and supporting other objects or devices than the laptop computer described above attaining the same advantages with regard to space requirements under a tabletop and security against theft.
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Abstract
A holder system for supporting and accommodating a laptop computer or other device comprises —an extendable/retractable carrier system provided with frame portion means for attachment to a tabletop; —a holder and support member for holding and/or accommodating and/or supporting a laptop computer or other device, and —pivot means pivotally connecting said carrier system and said holder and support member, whereby the holder and support member can be brought from a substantially vertical orientation to a substantially horizontal orientation when the carrier system is in its extended or drawn out position. The holder system according to the invention is provided with a pull handle and associated rod system enabling locking of the holder and support member in the horizontal position by releasable engagement between a distal end portion of the rod system and corresponding engagement means provided on said frame portion means of the holder system.
Description
- The invention relates generally to holders for devices such as a laptop computer that is typically used on or at a table and more specifically to such holders provided with means for protecting a device housed in or supported on the holder against theft.
- An increasing number of laptop computers is being sold today partly due to the desirable mobility offered by such devices and partly due to the fact that the capabilities (processing speed, data storage capacity etc.) of such portable computers have reached a level where they can cover the requirements of most users. Therefore, laptop computers are often used in the same manner as stationary computers are being used, for instance in the office. Often a so-called docking station is applied, which connects the laptop computer with the network (LAN) of the office and hence external communication networks such as the Internet and with the display screen, computer mouse, keyboard or other external devices. The laptop computer is now used in the same manner and substantially with the same functionalities as the stationary computer. The laptop computer is often placed on the user's desk together with the docking station and a number of cables and hence occupies a not inconsiderable amount of space on the desktop, which is a distinct disadvantage to the user.
- On the above background it is an object of the present invention to provide means for holding a laptop computer or similar portable device and optionally for connecting it to a docking station, if required, in such a manner that the desktop of the user is kept free from the laptop computer, docking station and the various cables used to establish the necessary interconnections.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a holder of the above kind provided with means for protecting a laptop computer or other device housed in or supported on said holder against unauthorised use of the device or against theft.
- According to the principles of the invention the laptop or other device is when not in use removed from a traditional position on the tabletop of for instance a desk to a position beneath the tabletop in such a manner that it takes up as limited a space beneath the tabletop as possible, hence not interfering with for instance the legs of a person seated at the desk.
- The above and other objects and advantages are attained with a holder system according to the invention comprising:
- (a) an extendable/retractable carrier system provided with means for attachment to a tabletop or similar object;
- (b) a holder and support member for holding/accommodating and supporting a laptop computer or other device, said member being connected to said carrier system such that the holder and support member by extension/retraction of the carrier system can be displaced relative to said tabletop, between a retracted position where the holder and support member is located at least partly below the tabletop and an extended or drawn out position where the holder and support member is entirely free of the tabletop;
- (c) pivot means pivotally connecting said carrier system and said holder and support member, whereby the holder and support member can be brought from a substantially vertical orientation to a substantially horizontal orientation when the carrier system is in its extended or drawn out position.
- According to the invention there is furthermore provided a cover or lid member which together with a handle member makes access to the computer or other device in the holder system impossible when the holder system is in its retracted position totally or at least partly beneath the tabletop.
- A number of advantages are attained by the holder system according to the invention:
- 1. The usable area of the tabletop is increased by removal of the laptop computer from this area.
2. No inconvenience will be caused by the above-mentioned cables.
3. The laptop computer will not inconvenience the user as it is not placed under the desk but is in stead suspended in the holder system at an end of the desk. A shorter desk may hence for instance be applied without the person sitting at the desk being annoyed by the presence of the computer, for instance in a drawer below the tabletop.
4. The laptop computer or the holder and support member itself can be used as an extra table when the holder is placed in a horizontal position.
5. The laptop computer can be secured against theft or unauthorised usage when it is suspended below the desk. - The holder system according to the present invention will be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention and to the appended figures where
FIGS. 1 through 18 relate to a first embodiment of the invention,FIGS. 19 through 23 relate to a second embodiment andFIGS. 24 through 33 relate to a third embodiment. Specifically: -
FIG. 1 shows a holder system according to a first embodiment of the invention shown in a retracted, vertical position under the tabletop of a desk or table; -
FIG. 2 shows the holder system ofFIG. 1 shown in an extended state, but with the holder still in the vertical position; -
FIG. 3 shows various details of the holder system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 shows a detail of the holder system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 shows the holder system ofFIG. 1 with the holder brought to a horizontal position parallel with the tabletop; -
FIG. 6 shows further details of the holder system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 shows the holder system ofFIG. 1 with a handle member rotated to an open state providing access to a laptop computer placed on the holder; -
FIG. 8 shows a laptop computer supported by the holder system of the invention; -
FIG. 9 shows various members of the holder system of the invention used to secure the holder in the horizontal position; -
FIGS. 10 and 11 show the holder system ofFIG. 1 and attachment and support means for a laptop computer; -
FIGS. 12 , 13 and 14 show a cover portion used to cover the holder and laptop computer when the holder system is in its retracted, vertical position; -
FIGS. 15 , 16, 17 and 18 show attachment means for attaching the holder system according to the invention to a tabletop; -
FIGS. 19( a) and 19(b) show a second embodiment of the holder system according to the invention; -
FIG. 20 shows the holder system ofFIG. 19 in an extended, vertical position; -
FIG. 21 shows the holder system ofFIG. 19 in an extended, horizontal position; -
FIG. 22 shows the holder system ofFIG. 19 with the cover in an open state; -
FIG. 23 shows an alternative view of the holder system as shown inFIG. 22 ; and -
FIGS. 24 toFIG. 33 show a third embodiment of the holder system according to the invention depicted in various operational states. - The invention is illustrated in the following with reference to three specific embodiments hereof, but it is understood that other embodiments may be envisaged by a person skilled in the art without such embodiments deviating from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
- With reference to
FIG. 1 there is thus shown a first embodiment of the holder system according to the invention generally indicated by reference numeral 1. The holder system is shown in its retracted, vertically extending position under thetabletop 2 of for instance a desk. The holder system comprises basically a holder and supportpart 3 for holding and supporting alaptop computer 4. This holder andsupport part 3 is attached to the bottom surface of the tabletop by means of an extendable/retractable carrier system to be described in detail in the following by means of which system the holder andsupport member 3 can be displaced between the retracted position under the tabletop as shown inFIG. 1 and an extended position, where the holder and support member is free of the tabletop and thereby able to undergo a rotational movement bringing it to a substantially horizontal position parallel with the tabletop.FIG. 1 furthermore shows apull handle 7 for pulling the holder andsupport member 3 outwardly into the extended position free of the tabletop and alock 5 for locking the holder and supportmember 3 in its retracted position tinder the tabletop as shown inFIG. 1 . The holder system is furthermore in the shown embodiment provided with adocking station 6 for the computer, although the provision of a docking station is to be regarded as an option. Finally the holder system according to this embodiment comprises a shield or cover 101 which in the retracted position shown inFIG. 1 surrounds the holder andsupport member 3 and thelaptop computer 4. The holder system is furthermore provided with apivotal handle member 8, which when in the position shown inFIG. 1 prevents thelaptop computer 4 from being drawn out of thecover 10 in a manner to be described in more detail in the following. When thelock 5 is locked, thecover 10 and thehandle member 8 thus secure the laptop computer against theft. The extendable/retractable carrier system is attached to the bottom surface of the tabletop via a frame portion 50 (not shown inFIG. 1 but visible for instance inFIG. 3 , 4, 18 or 19 among others) to be described in some more detail in the following. - Referring to
FIG. 2 there is shown the holder system ofFIG. 1 in a state where the holder andsupport member 3 has been extended or drawn out to an extended state free of thetabletop 2. Thelaptop computer 4 is in this state supported by thecentral portion 16 of thehandle member 8 and rests furthermore on abutment means 9, for instance rubber blocks. - Referring to
FIG. 3 there is shown the holder andsupport member 3 in the extended/drawn out state seen from the bottom side of this member in order to show various constructional details of the system. The holder and support member itself comprises basicallyside portions 13 and acentral support portion 14 upon which thelaptop computer 4 may rest for instance during application hereof. The holder andsupport member 3 is pivotally (as symbolically indicated by reference numeral 17) connected to a system ofrails support portion 14 and therail member 12 there is provided a gas cylinder orcompression spring member 15, which on rotating the holder andsupport member 3 from the vertical to the horizontal position aids this movement and which tends to prevent a sudden, unintentional rotation of the holder andsupport member 3 from the horizontal back to the vertical position. The figure furthermore depicts thepull handle 7, which is partly used for pulling out the holder andsupport member 3 to its extended state, but which also performs a locking function as described in connection withFIG. 6 below. In the shown embodiment, thepull handle 7 continues in a rodmember comprising sections 7′, 7″, 7′″ and 7″″, but other designs would be possible also. Therail member 11 is according to this embodiment formed as a telescopicmember comprising sections 11′ and 11″ and serves to provide vertical stability/rigidity of therail system support member 3 from its initial position as shown for instance inFIG. 1 . Therail member 11 is mounted on afurther rail member 12, which when the holder andsupport member 3 is being extended or drawn out slides against a fixed abutment means. An embodiment of such means is shown inFIG. 4 where thetop portion 12′ of therail member 12 during displacement of therail member 12 remains in engagement with tap members or rollers 8 (that may be fixed). Other guide systems could also be envisaged. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , the holder andsupport member 3 is now swung as indicated by the arrow A from its vertical position shown in the preceding figures to its horizontal position shown inFIG. 5 . The gas cylinder orcompression spring member 15 aids this movement as described previously. As the holder andsupport member 3 reaches the horizontal position, thepull handle 7 and associatedrod members 7′, 7″ 7′″ and 7′″ lock the holder and support member in the horizontal position. This is accomplished by the means shown inFIG. 6 . - Thus
FIG. 6 shows therod portion 7″″ of the rod system associated with thepull handle 7 passed through a mountingmember 22. Between this mountingmember 22 and acollar 21 provided on and attached to therod portion 7″″ there is provided acompression spring 20 urging the distal end of therod portion 7″″ against aplate member 18 fixed to theframe portion 50, i.e. to the attachment structure by which the holder system is attached to the tabletop. Theplate member 18 is provided with an opening for engagement with the distal end portion of therod 7′″. Thus, when the holder andsupport member 3 reaches the horizontal position, the distal rod end is brought into engagement with this opening urged by thespring member 20, and the holder andsupport member 3 locks in the horizontal position. By pulling thepull handle 7, thedistal rod end 7″″ is brought out of engagement with theopening 19 and the holder andsupport member 3 can be swung back to its vertical position. - As shown in
FIG. 7 the holder andsupport member 3 is now in the position where thelaptop computer 4 can be used or where either the upper surface of the computer or of the holder andsupport member 3 itself can be used as an extension of thetabletop 2. In order to be able to open the compute, thehandle member FIG. 7 , whereby thescreen portion 26 of thecomputer 4 can be opened as shown inFIG. 8 . In this state of the system (and of the computer) it is advantageous to prevent unintentional release of the holder andsupport system 3 caused by accidentally pulling thepull handle 7. To avoid this, rotation of thehandle member FIGS. 7 and 8 results in that thepull handle 7 and associatedrod sections 7′, 7″, 7′″ and 7″″ by rotation of the handle member to its open position lock the pull handle and associated rod system in its engagement with the mountingmember 22 described above. - This locking function of the
handle member FIG. 9 . Anend portion 8′ of thehandle member 8 is passed through the mountingmember 22 and provided with agripper member 24, which rotates with theend portion 8′ of thehandle member 8. Aspring member 25 urges thegripper member 24—and hence thehandle member FIG. 9 . Thus, when thehandle member end portion 26 of thegripper member 24 is brought to rest against therod portion 7″″, which is provided with acollar 23 fixed to therod portion 7″″. By engagement between thecollar 23 and the end of thegripper member 24, retracing of thepull handle 7 and associatedrod system 7′, 7″, 7′″ and 7″″ is thereby prevented when thehandle member - With the
handle member laptop computer 4 anddocking station 6 from the holder andsupport member 3 or to mount them hereon. Thedocking station 6 can be secured to the surface of the holder and support member by various means for instance by means of aVelcro strip 27. In order to offer further support for the computer when in the vertical position, the surface of the holder and support member can furthermore be provided with abutment means for instance a pair ofrubber blocks 9 as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11 . - Referring to
FIG. 12 there is now shown an embodiment of acover portion 10 used to cover the holder andsupport member 3 and thelaptop computer 4 when the holder system is in its retracted, vertical position, as shown for instance inFIG. 1 . Thecover 10 according to this embodiment comprises curved orplanar side portions 10′ that may be provided with a pattern of through apertures, theside portions 10′ being connected by abottom portion 29. The structure thus formed is laterally flexible, thus facilitating mounting and/or removal of thecover 10 to/from the holder system. Thecover 10 is at the upper portion of the side portions provided with inwardly extendingedge portions 10″ provided withopenings 28 for attachment means for instance screws for thecover 10. - Attachment of the holder and
support system 3 and of thecover portion 10 to thetabletop 2 is according to a specific embodiment accomplished by means of anattachment member 30 that may be attached to the bottom surface of thetabletop 2 by screws as schematically shown inFIGS. 13 and 14 . The mounting of theframe portion 50 of the holder system by means ofattachment member 30 is probably most apparent fromFIGS. 15 , 17 and 18 that shows the holder andsupport member 3 in its extended, vertical state, free of thetabletop 2 and of thecover 10. It is to be specifically noted that when the holder andsupport member 3 is in its retracted position within the cover 1, access to the fastening screws 31 is in fact prevented and provided the holder andsupport member 3 is locked by thelock 5 as described previously, unauthorised release of the holder system according to the invention from thetabletop 2 is thereby effectively prevented. - The
attachment member 30 is shown in more detail inFIGS. 16 and 17 and comprises a central portion andlateral edge portions 32, the surface of which is displaced relative to the surface of the central portion. -
FIG. 18 shows mounting of the holder system according to the invention on thetabletop 2 by means of theattachment member upper frame portion 50 of the holder system, to which therail members support member 3 are attached, is according to the shown embodiment provided withtongue members 33 for engagement with theedge portions 32 of theattachment member 30. Thus, theupper frame portion 50 can slide along theedge portions 32 on mounting the holder system to the tabletop. Also thecover portion 10 can be attached to theedge portions 32 by screws or other means through theopenings 28 in theedge portions 10″ of thecover 10. - With reference to
FIGS. 19 through 23 there is now shown a second embodiment of the holder system according to the invention. Constructional elements and members identical with those of the first embodiment shown and described previously are indicated by the same reference numerals and will generally not be described again. - Referring to
FIGS. 19( a) and 19(b) there is thus shown a second embodiment of the holder system according to the invention generally indicated byreference numeral 34. Thecover 10 which in the first embodiment described above was attached to the tabletop by means of theattachment member lid portion 35 pivotally attached to the holder andsupport member 3 partly via a pivotable rod member 37 (preferably one on either side of the lid portion, but only one of these being visible inFIG. 19) and partly via thehandle member 8, which in this embodiment is pivotally attached to thelid 35 as indicated by reference numeral 51 (most apparent inFIG. 22 ). Theupper frame portion 50 used for attaching the holder system to the tabletop as described previously is according to the second embodiment provided with a retainment member orplate 36 for preventing thelid portion 35 from being opened, when the holder andsupport member 3 is in its retracted position under the tabletop. Theretainment member 36 is either a separate member attached to theupper frame portion 50 or formed as an integral part of theupper frame portion 50. - When the holder and
support member 3 is in its retracted position under the tabletop, thelid 35 is being prevented from opening due to a retaining engagement between the upper (as seen inFIGS. 19( a) and 19(b)) lid portion and the lower portion of theretainment member 36. This is more clearly shown inFIG. 19( b), according to which theretainment member 36 at its lower edge is provided with a laterally extendingedge portion 36′ abutting against the upper lid portion. As an opening of thelid 35 due to its pivotal attachment to the holder andsupport member 3 by means of therod 37 and thehandle member 8 will require a certain upward displacement of thelid 35 relative to the holder andsupport member 3 and hence to theupper frame portion 50 and theattachment member 36, the required upward displacement can not take place and thelid 35 is kept in its closed position by theretainment member 36. - When the holder and
support member 3 is extended/drawn out from its initial vertical position under the tabletop, the upper lid portion and theedge portion 36′ of theretainment member 36 are brought out of engagement with each other as shown inFIG. 20 with the result that it now becomes possible to open thelid 35, which will typically take place after the holder andsupport member 3 has been brought to the horizontal position as shown inFIG. 21 . This situation is shown inFIGS. 22 and 23. In this state, where the lid is actually opened, thehandle member 8 will lock the holder and support member in its horizontal position as described previously. - With reference to
FIGS. 24 through 33 there is now shown a third embodiment of the holder system according to the invention generally indicated byreference numeral 38. -
FIGS. 24 and 25 thus illustrate theholder system 38 positioned in its retracted, vertical position below thetabletop 2 and basically comprising acover 41, a holder andsupport member 3 andrail members support member 3 in a manner similar to the one described previously in connection with the first embodiment. In the retracted state shown inFIGS. 24 and 25 , thecover 41 can not be opened as it is locked by thetongue member 39, which is fixedly attached to the attachment means used for attaching theholder system 38 to thetabletop 2. The holder andsupport member 3 is prevented from being displaced to the drawn out position shown inFIGS. 26 and 27 by a lockingmember 42. In order to keep the laptop computer stationary within the holder, the inner surface of thecover 41 is provided with a sheet ofresilient material 43 such as foam rubber. The provision of a sheet (of sufficient thickness) of resilient material also provides for the possibility of the holder to accommodate laptop computers of different thickness. - Referring to
FIGS. 26 and 27 , the holder with the laptop is now shown in a drawn out position relative to the tabletop. The holder andsupport member 3 is carried by a system ofdisplaceable rail members 11, for instance forming a telescopic configuration, i.e. the various individual rail members are accommodated within each other, although other arrangements of displaceable rail members may also be conceived and fall within the scope of the present invention. The holder andsupport member 3 is locked in the shown vertically suspended state by thehandle member 44, but by releasing/drawing out thishandle member 44, the holder andsupport member 3 can rotate about a hinge portion 51 (FIG. 29 ) to the horizontally extending state shown in the following figures. - Referring to
FIGS. 28 and 29 , the holder andsupport member 3 with thelaptop computer 4 is now shown rotated to an elevated horizontal position, where the upper surface of thecover 41 can extend in parallel with thetabletop 2 although the upper surface may also extend at an angle relative to the tabletop. The upper surface of thecover 41 may extend substantially at the same vertical level as the upper surface of thetabletop 2 or at other levels if desired. The holder andsupport member 3 is brought to the horizontal position by releasing/drawing out thehandle member 44 as explained above. Aspring member 45 or gas cylinder as previously described facilitates the rotation of the holder andsupport member 3 from the initial vertical position to the final horizontal position. When the horizontal position is reached, thehandle member 44 automatically locks the holder andsupport member 3 in this position. During the described rotation of the holder andsupport member 3 from the initial vertical to the final horizontal position, the supporting or lockingrod 46 provided between the bottom portion of the holder andsupport member 3 and the above mentioned system ofrail members instance 45 degrees relative to the vertical plane, thereby providing extra support for the holder andsupport member 3 in the horizontal position. - Referring to
FIGS. 30 and 31 , thecover 41 is opened by activation of asnap fastener 48 or other equivalent means.Abutment members 9 are positioned for maintaining thelaptop computer 4 in place on the holder andsupport member 3. Thelaptop computer 4 can now be operated from all sides. - Finally referring to
FIGS. 32 and 33 , theholder system 38 according to this embodiment of the invention is shown with thelaptop computer 4 removed from thedocking station 6. A sheet orpanel 44 of a suitable material, for instance rubber, elevates the laptop computer from the upper surface of the holder, thereby offering increased possibility of cooling air supply to the laptop computer. Thedocking station 6 can be formed as an integral part of the holder or as a separate component attached to the holder by appropriate means such asVelcro tape 27, in which case thedocking station 6 may be removed from the holder for alternative uses. - It is understood that although the holder system according to the invention in the preceding has been shown and described comprising a docking station for a laptop computer, this is not considered a limitation of the invention, and the holder system according to the invention may be used without a docking station. It may furthermore also be used for housing and supporting other objects or devices than the laptop computer described above attaining the same advantages with regard to space requirements under a tabletop and security against theft.
Claims (12)
1. A holder system for supporting and accommodating a laptop computer or other device comprising:
(a) an extendable/retractable carrier system (11, 12) provided with frame portion means (50) for attachment to a tabletop (2);
(b) a holder and support member (3) for holding and/or accommodating and/or supporting a laptop computer (4) or other device, said holder and support member (3) being connected to said carrier system (11, 12) such that the holder and support member (3) by extension/retraction of the carrier system (11, 12) can be displaced substantially parallel relative to said tabletop, between a retracted position, where the holder and support member (3) is located at least partly below the tabletop (2) and an extended or drawn out position, where the holder and support member (3) is entirely free of the tabletop (2);
(c) pivot means pivotally connecting said carrier system (11, 12) and said holder and support member (3), whereby the holder and support member (3) can be brought from a substantially vertical orientation to a substantially horizontal orientation when the carrier system (11, 12) is in its extended or drawn out position.
2. A holder system according to claim 1 , characterised in that it is provided with a pull handle and associated rod system (7, 7′, 7″, 7′″, 7″″) enabling locking of the holder and support member (3) in the horizontal position by releasable engagement between a distal end portion (7″″) of the rod system and corresponding engagement means (18, 19) provided on said frame portion means (50) of the holder system.
3. A holder system according to claim 2 , characterised in that it comprises a handle member (8, 16) pivotally mounted so that the handle member (8, 16) can rotate between an open and a closed position, in the closed position extending from side portions (13) of the holder and support member (3) along side portions of a laptop computer (4) or other device housed and/or supported by the holder and support member (3), whereby the laptop computer is being prevented from removal from the holder and support member (3).
4. A holder system according to claim 2 , characterised in that said handle member (8, 16) is provided with a gripper member (24), which rotates with an end portion (8′) of the handle member (8), where the gripper member comprises a portion (26) for engagement with at least one of the sections (7′, 7″, 7′″, 7″″) of the rod system, and where said section is furthermore provided with a collar means (23) attached to the section of the rod system, whereby the rod system (7′, 7″, 7′″, 7″″) of the pull handle (7) is prevented from unlocking due to locking engagement between said collar means (23) and said portion (26) of the gripper means (24) when the handle member (8, 16) is in its open state.
5. A holder system according to claim 1 , characterised in that a gas cylinder or spring member (15) is provided between the holder and support member (3) and said carrier system (11, 12) impeding a rotational movement of the holder and support member (3) between said vertical and horizontal position or vice versa.
6. A holder system according to claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises locking means (5) for locking the holder and support member (3) to the frame portion (50), when the holder and support member is in its retracted, vertical position.
7. A holder system according to claim 1 , characterised in that it is furthermore provided with a cover (10) at least partly surrounding the holder and support member (3), when this is in its retracted position at least partly under the tabletop (2), said cover (10) being attached either to the bottom surface of the tabletop (2) itself or to the frame portion (50) of the holder system.
8. A holder system according to claim 7 , characterised in that said cover (10) comprises curved or planar side portions (10′) at one end connected by a bottom portion (29) and at the opposite end provided with edge portions (10″) for attachment of the cover (10) to the tabletop (2) or to the frame portion (50).
9. A holder system according to claim 1 , characterised in that said holder and support member (3) is provided with a lid portion (35) pivotally attached (8, 37) to the holder and support member (3) and where said frame portion (50) is provided with a retainment member (56) for preventing opening of the lid portion (35), when the holder and support member (3) is at least partly in its retracted state, said opening being prevented by locking engagement between an upper edge portion of the lid portion (35) and a portion of said retainment member (36).
10. A holder according to claim 9 , characterised in that said portion of the retainment member (36) is a laterally extending edge portion (36′).
11. A holder system according to claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises means (27) for attaching a docking station (6) to the holder and support member (3).
12. A holder system according to claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises a docking station (6).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/915,083 US20090078168A1 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-03 | Holder for laptop computer |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US68286005P | 2005-05-20 | 2005-05-20 | |
PCT/IB2006/051386 WO2006123266A1 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-03 | Holder for laptop computer |
US11/915,083 US20090078168A1 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-03 | Holder for laptop computer |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090078168A1 true US20090078168A1 (en) | 2009-03-26 |
Family
ID=36763127
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/915,083 Abandoned US20090078168A1 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-03 | Holder for laptop computer |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090078168A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1889138A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006123266A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110019360A1 (en) * | 2009-07-23 | 2011-01-27 | Ahmed Thabit | Laptop accessory holder |
USD779239S1 (en) * | 2015-10-19 | 2017-02-21 | Interior Office Design | Mobile workstation |
JP2018068961A (en) * | 2016-11-04 | 2018-05-10 | 株式会社岡村製作所 | Furniture with top board |
JP2018068965A (en) * | 2016-11-04 | 2018-05-10 | 株式会社岡村製作所 | Top plate elevating type furniture |
JP2018068966A (en) * | 2016-11-04 | 2018-05-10 | 株式会社岡村製作所 | Top plate elevating type furniture |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE202009001504U1 (en) * | 2009-02-09 | 2010-06-24 | VS Vereinigte Spezialmöbelfabriken GmbH & Co. KG | table furniture |
EP2434926A4 (en) * | 2009-05-28 | 2013-06-19 | Kondator Ab | Device for storing a notebook computer |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5680820A (en) * | 1993-06-10 | 1997-10-28 | Randolph; Travis M. | Computer work station |
US6533229B1 (en) * | 2001-12-14 | 2003-03-18 | Ray Hung | Adjustable keyboard tray for a desk |
US20040100167A1 (en) * | 2000-09-01 | 2004-05-27 | Alain Rudolf | Computer room desk |
-
2006
- 2006-05-03 EP EP06744860A patent/EP1889138A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2006-05-03 US US11/915,083 patent/US20090078168A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-05-03 WO PCT/IB2006/051386 patent/WO2006123266A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5680820A (en) * | 1993-06-10 | 1997-10-28 | Randolph; Travis M. | Computer work station |
US20040100167A1 (en) * | 2000-09-01 | 2004-05-27 | Alain Rudolf | Computer room desk |
US6533229B1 (en) * | 2001-12-14 | 2003-03-18 | Ray Hung | Adjustable keyboard tray for a desk |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110019360A1 (en) * | 2009-07-23 | 2011-01-27 | Ahmed Thabit | Laptop accessory holder |
US8064193B2 (en) * | 2009-07-23 | 2011-11-22 | Ahmed Thabit | Laptop accessory holder |
USD779239S1 (en) * | 2015-10-19 | 2017-02-21 | Interior Office Design | Mobile workstation |
JP2018068961A (en) * | 2016-11-04 | 2018-05-10 | 株式会社岡村製作所 | Furniture with top board |
JP2018068965A (en) * | 2016-11-04 | 2018-05-10 | 株式会社岡村製作所 | Top plate elevating type furniture |
JP2018068966A (en) * | 2016-11-04 | 2018-05-10 | 株式会社岡村製作所 | Top plate elevating type furniture |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1889138A1 (en) | 2008-02-20 |
WO2006123266A1 (en) | 2006-11-23 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LADECON APS, DENMARK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LARSEN, JORGEN;REEL/FRAME:020492/0011 Effective date: 20080131 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |