Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a notebook/laptop computer stand adapted to support a notebook/laptop computer and having a recessed surface area portion to sufficiently cool the computer while situated thereon.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/066,948, entitled “LAPTOP COOLING STAND”, filed Feb. 25, 2008, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is generally related to notebook computer accessories, and more particularly to notebook/laptop ergonomic stands including cooling mechanisms. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Notebook/laptop computer stands are desired to ergonomically support a notebook/laptop computer, and also provide suitable cooling for same when supported thereon. Structural integrity, as well as aesthetic designs are important in such stands. 
         [0004]    Notebook/laptop computers generate a significant amount of heat during operation, particularly due to the electronics operating in a very confined housing. The bottom surface of these computers generate an uncomfortable amount of heat when situated upon the lap of the user which bottom surface need ambient air to suitable cool the surface. A variety of notebook/laptop computer stands are available on the market that include fans to direct air flow thereupon to increase the thermal cooling thereof. 
         [0005]    It is important to users to have a notebook stand that can provide both suitable cooling to a supported notebook/laptop computer, structural integrity, ergonomic design, and also an aesthetic design. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention is directed to a Notebook/Laptop Computer Stand adapted to support a Notebook/Laptop Computer and having a recessed surface area portion to sufficiently cool the Computer while situated thereon. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  shows a longitudinal cross-section taken along line  1 - 1  in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  shows a cross-section line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-section taken along line  1 - 1  in  FIG. 4 ; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  shows a cross-section taken along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 4 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0013]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective top view of a notebook/laptop computer cooling stand  10  according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  shows a longitudinal cross section taken along line  1 - 1  of  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 3  of the drawings shows a cross section view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . Notably, the midsection area  12  of the computer support stand  10  is shaped as a saddle, wherein the recessed portion of the notebook stand extending between the raised ends is bowed outwardly in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. Advantageously, one end  14  of the stand  10  rises higher than the other end  16  such that a notebook computer supported thereon is angled with respect to the surface supporting the stand. This design provides both a recessed surface below the notebook computer bottom surface, as well as an ascetically pleasing appearance. This midsection  12  has a generally saddle shape which can be created by a single mold during tooling. 
         [0014]    Referring now to  FIG. 4  of the Figures, there is shown another preferred embodiment of the present invention at  20 .  FIG. 5  shows a cross-section of the invention of  FIG. 4  taken along line  1 - 1  in a longitudinal direction, and  FIG. 6  shows a cross-section taken in the lateral direction along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , section  1 - 1 , a recessed surface  22  portion extending between opposing ends  24  and  26  of the notebook stand is curved outwardly in the longitudinal direction, as shown in section  1 - 1 , and curved inwardly in the lateral direction, as shown in section  2 - 2 . Advantageously, this embodiment shows notebook stand  20  having one end  24  rising higher than the other end  26  to angle the notebook computer (not shown) with respect to the surface it rests upon. In addition, the midsection surface area of the notebook stand forms a recessed portion formed as a saddle, providing a cooling space beneath the bottom surface of the notebook computer, providing structural integrity, and also an aesthetically pleasing design. 
         [0015]    Though the invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present application. The intention is therefore that the appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications.