Support device for attachment to exercise equipment and other apparatus

A device for supporting equipment and for attaching to an apparatus. The device includes a tray which supports the equipment and which includes a mounting location. The device also includes a back plate which is configured to engage the mounting location. The back plate is also attached to the apparatus. The mounting location may include a tooth and notch, a step or other types of mounts that engage the back plate. The device is suitable for supporting a computer or other equipment, and for attaching to an exercise apparatus or other apparatus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates generally to devices for supporting a computer. More specifically, the invention relates to supporting and attaching a computer to a piece of exercise equipment or other apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Using stationary exercise machines such as treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical trainers, and stair masters is an extremely popular form of cardio vascular exercise. Millions of these types of exercise machines can be found in commercial health clubs, hotel gyms, businesses and homes throughout the world.

For best results, users of these types of exercise machines typically use the machines 30 to 60 minutes at a time (this is the time necessary for the human body to benefit from exercise) several days a week.

Because the exercise machines are typically located indoors, using the machines for 30 to 60 minutes at a time can become somewhat boring without other forms of distraction to “pass the time”. Indeed, many exercise machine users will attempt to read magazines or books while using the machines. For this reason, many exercise machines are designed to include magazine racks that hold the exerciser's magazine or book in front of them so that they can read it while they work out. However, some exercises such as jogging on a treadmill entail excessive body movement that makes it difficult to read small text on a page of a book or magazine.

Watching video is an easier form of distraction while using stationary exercise machines because the images are much larger and do not require the user to read small text. For this reason, many commercial health clubs are equipped with television monitors that the exercisers can watch during their work out. These television monitors are often hung on the wall or from the ceiling in front of the exercise machine so that the users can view them. Home exercisers may position the stationary exercise machine in front of their personal television set so that they too can watch television while they exercise. In addition, more expensive exercise machines have television monitors built into or attached to the machine's control console allowing the user to view their own personal television while they exercise.

However, watching television monitors while using an exercise machine at a health club requires the user to watch whatever programming happens to be on the television monitor at the time of the exercise. In many cases the users do not have control of the television programming and therefore may not enjoy the programming that is presented to them.

If the exerciser does have control of the television set, as is the case for home users, they are still limited to watching whatever shows are available at the time of their workout. In many cases, the time of their workout may not coincide with television programming that they enjoy and they therefore do not get the benefit of the distraction.

Also, exercisers do not typically begin and end their workout on the same schedule as television programming. That is, most television shows begin at the top of the hour or possibly at thirty minutes past the top of the hour. It may not be convenient for the exerciser to begin their workout at the same time a particular television show begins, and therefore they may miss the beginning of the show. In addition, if an exerciser is watching an hour-long show, and their workout ends before the hour is over, they will miss the ending of the show. Unless they have some type of recording device, it will be difficult for them to find the same show again in order to watch the ending.

It would therefore be desirable for the exerciser to have the ability to choose the video they desired, control the time the video starts and have the ability to view it over several workout sessions. One solution to this would be for the exerciser to subscribe to a cable or satellite entertainment provider such as Comcast or DirecTV that provides a multitude of channels as well as movies on-demand. The exerciser could also purchase a digital video recorder (DVR) to be able to save the video that they purchased in order to be able to view it over several workout sessions. However, this solution is very expensive with these services costing hundreds of dollars each month with additional charges to purchase movies. In addition, the purchase of the DVR can also be prohibitively expensive and can cost several hundreds of dollars on top of the monthly service. This solution is also not practical for health clubs, as there would need to be one television and one DVR for each exercise machine.

However, with the recent proliferation of broadband Internet access, online video viewing has become extremely popular. In fact, the top three national broadcasting companies—ABC, NBC and CBS—all offer full episodes of many of their popular television shows on the Internet for free the day after they appear on broadcast television. In addition, millions of other videos are also available online ranging from sports highlights, news programming and a wide variety of other topics. These videos are available for free, and are completely on-demand. That is, the consumer can view the videos whenever they choose, can stop and resume whenever it is convenient, and can do this all for the small cost of an Internet connection.

Given the amount of free online video that is available for on-demand consumption, it would therefore be desirable for the exerciser to be able to view the display of their Internet enabled personal computer or laptop computer while they are using a stationary exercise machine. This way they could watch any online video of their choice at any time they choose using their Internet enabled computer. However, because exercise machines do not have a rack or shelf to hold an Internet enabled computer, the exerciser would need to position the exercise machine such that the display of the personal computer or the laptop is within their view. This may be impractical due to the height and weight of the exercise machine, and there may be no convenient stand or such to hold the computer in the proper position and at the proper height in order to be viewed.

In addition, the user of the exercise machine may also be interested in utilizing other functionality of the Internet and of the computer itself while they use the stationary exercise machine. For instance, they may wish to check their email on their computer while they exercise. In addition, they could view other content in the computer's memory such as documents or videos. They could also listen to music they have stored on the computer, or view content such as movies or other video utilizing the computer's CD or DVD drive. However, this would require that the computer be in very close proximity to the exerciser while they exercise in order to allow the exerciser to engage with the computer's keyboard and mouse. This scenario runs into the same problems as stated above in that there may be no convenient stand or such to hold the computer in the proper position, at the proper height and in close enough proximity for the user to engage with the computer's keyboard and mouse while they use the exercise machine.

Up to this time there has been no system or method to offer a shelf that is either part of the stationary exercise machine or that can be attached to the exercise machine that would hold a computer to allow the exerciser to view online content, check email, view content held in memory within the computer or utilize other functions of the computer while they exercise. Consequently, there has also been no system or method for generating revenue that would benefit from a shelf that is either part of the stationary exercise machine or that can be attached to the exercise machine that would hold a computer, such as a laptop, or a computer monitor to allow the exerciser to view online content, check email, view content held in memory within the computer or utilize other functions of the computer while they exercise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the current invention, the foregoing shortcomings are overcome by the effective design of a shelf that is either part of the exercise machine or that can be attached to the exercise machine upon which a computer may be placed in order to allow the person using the exercise equipment to view content on the computer monitor while they exercise.

Because laptop computers are small, self contained and compact, using a laptop computer in conjunction with the invention exemplifies many of the benefits of the invention in that it allows the exerciser to easily place the laptop on the shelf, to manipulate the laptop computer using the laptop's easily accessible keyboard and mouse, and to view content on the laptop's monitor while they exercise. For this reason, the specification will focus primarily on describing the invention with use in conjunction with a laptop computer and will refer to the invention as a laptop shelf. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that the scope of the invention is not limited for use with only a laptop computer, and that the invention may be used with any type of electronic equipment that provides content to be viewed by the exerciser while engaging with the stationary exercise machine. Examples of such electronic equipment include DVD players, PDAs, Pocket PCs, smart phones, etc. And while the specification will focus primarily on using the invention with exercise equipment, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention may be used with apparatus other than exercise equipment.

The laptop shelf may or may not be a part of the exercise machine's original design.

In several embodiments, the laptop shelf is not originally designed as part of the exercise machine but can be attached to and removed from the exercise machine.

In one embodiment in which the laptop shelf is not part of the exercise machine's original design, the laptop shelf may consist of a back plate and a tray. The back plate may be affixed to the control console or other component of the exercise machine, and the tray may be connected to the back plate so that the tray extends generally horizontally towards the user. This way, the laptop computer may be placed on the tray and the back plate, being connected to the control console or other component of the exercise machine, will hold the tray securely in place. This allows the user to view the laptop screen and utilize the laptop keyboard while engaging the exercise machine.

In one embodiment of this type, the back plate and the tray are permanently connected together and the angle of the tray with respect to the back plate is fixed so that when the back plate is attached to the control console, frame or other component of a particular exercise machine, the tray is generally horizontal with respect to the ground. This allows the laptop to be in a generally horizontal position when resting on the tray.

In another embodiment, the back plate is affixed to the control console, frame or other component of the exercise machine, and the tray is attached to the back plate by a hinge so that the tray may be rotated up and down. This allows the tray to be rotated upward and out of the way for when not in use and downward into a generally horizontal position for when in use with a laptop computer.

In another embodiment, the design of the laptop shelf allows the position of the laptop body when placed on the tray to be adjustable in order to be as close as possible to a horizontal position when the laptop shelf is attached to the exercise machine. The reason this is desirable is that control consoles and other components of different exercise machines are designed to be at different angles with respect to the ground. The angle of the laptop is therefore preferably adjustable so that it can rest in a generally horizontal position independent of the angle of the control console of the exercise machine.

In one embodiment where the angle of the laptop is adjustable with respect to the back plate, the tray upon which the laptop is placed has a series of steps that begin at the back of the tray before the back plate and extend upwards and backwards towards the back plate until the steps intersect the back plate at a position above the plane of the tray. Each of these steps is wide enough and deep enough to securely hold the back of the laptop if the laptop was placed on the particular step. With the laptop placed on a particular step, the back of the laptop is held by the step and the front of the laptop extends forward and intersects the tray portion of the laptop shelf at a position towards the front of the tray. The laptop can therefore be set in a generally horizontal position by choosing the appropriate step upon which to place the back portion of the laptop.

In another embodiment where the angle of the laptop is adjustable with respect to the back plate, the tray is attached to the back plate in such a way that the angle of the tray with respect to the back plate is adjustable. Because the angle of the tray itself with respect to the back plate is adjustable, and the laptop rests fully on the tray, the angle of the laptop body is therefore also adjustable. By adjusting the angle of the tray to be generally horizontal with respect to the ground, the laptop will be held in a generally horizontal position.

In one embodiment of this adjustable type, the tray is attached to the back plate by inserting the back of the tray into a cutout hole in the back plate. The portion of the tray that is inserted into the back plate has an upward pointing lip and a plurality of downward pointing teeth. The lip in conjunction with one of the downward pointing teeth holds the tray attached to the back plate at a particular angle. To set the tray to a generally horizontal position while attached to the back plate, the appropriate downward pointing tooth is chosen to engage with the bottom edge of the cutout hole in the back plate. In this embodiment, the tray is removable so that the back plate may be left in place against the face of the control console when the tray is removed and not in use.

In another embodiment of the adjustable type, the tray is attached to the back plate using a hinge mechanism that allows the tray to be rotated up and down. When the tray is in the down position, it is held in place by an adjustable stop. By adjusting the stop to the proper setting, the tray is held in a generally horizontal position.

There are several ways in which the back plate may be affixed to the exercise machine control console or other component.

In several embodiments, the back plate rests generally flush against the front surface of the exercise machine's control console and is affixed to the exercise machine using one or more straps. These straps may loop through slots in the top or sides of the back plate and extend around the top and back or around the sides of the control console of the exercise machine. The straps may also loop around structural components of the exercise machine such as a cross bar on the frame, or the neck holding the control console.

The straps may be adjustable in length or may be made of elastic material so that they may be drawn tight in order to hold the back plate firmly in place. The straps may also employ snap-in buckles or Velcro so that when the buckles or Velcro are disengaged the ends of the straps may be easily extended around the console or other component of the exercise machine for easy mounting of the back plate. Once in place, the straps can be re-attached to each other or to the back plate re-engaging the buckles or Velcro in order to hold the back plate securely in place.

In another embodiment, the back plate may be secured to the exercise machine control console by one or more hooks that extend from the top of the back plate over the top of the control console and that then hook to some portion of the control console or another component of the exercise machine such as a cross bar.

In another embodiment, the back plate may be secured to the exercise machine control console by one or more straps having hooks with the straps extending from the top of the back plate over the top of the control console and the hooks hooking to some portion of the control console or to another component of the exercise machine such as a cross bar.

In another embodiment, the tray may be affixed to the magazine rack on the control console of an exercise machine through the use of one or more clamps. The clamps may be part of the tray and may be loosened so that the tray is slipped over the magazine rack. The clamps are then tightened to securely attach the tray to the magazine rack on the control console. For additional support, this embodiment may also have a support beam that extends from the bottom of the tray down and backwards until it intersects with the bottom portion of the control console. This support beam will help securely hold the tray generally horizontal when the laptop is placed on the tray for use.

In another embodiment, the back plate and tray are connected together and are held in place against the front face of the exercise machine control console by fitting snugly into the notch formed by the front face of the control console the magazine rack's horizontal top surface and the magazine rack's front vertical front lip.

In another embodiment, the back plate may be secured to the front face of the exercise machine control console and/or to the exercise machine magazine rack using Velcro. Velcro may be affixed to the face of the control console and to the back surface of the back plate. This way, when the back plate is pressed against the face of the control console such that the Velcro on the face of the control console engages with the Velcro on the back surface of the back plate, the back plate is secured in place. In addition, if the exercise machine control console has a magazine rack, Velcro may be affixed to the bottom surface of the back plate or tray and to the top surface of the magazine rack. This way, when the bottom surface of the back plate or tray is pressed against the top surface of the magazine rack such that the Velcro on the bottom surface of the back plate or tray engages with the Velcro on the top surface of the magazine rack, the back plate or tray is held securely in place.

In other embodiments, the laptop shelf may be designed as part of the exercise machine.

In one embodiment where the laptop shelf is designed as part of the exercise machine, the laptop shelf may consist of a tray that extends from the control console of an exercise machine towards the user of the exercise machine in a generally horizontal and secure position upon which a laptop may be placed and used. In this embodiment the laptop shelf may be a permanent part of the exercise machine and may not be removed.

In another embodiment, the laptop shelf is attachable to and detachable from the exercise machine. In this embodiment, the laptop shelf may consist of a tray that is attached to the control console of the exercise machine using a clamp or other means of attachment. When attached, the tray extends from the control console of an exercise machine towards the user of the exercise machine in a generally horizontal and secure position such that a laptop may be placed on the tray and used.

In another embodiment, the laptop shelf consists of a tray that is attached to the exercise machine console or other component of the exercise machine by a hinge such that the tray is able to rotate up or down. In a down position, the laptop shelf is generally horizontal and sturdy so as to hold the laptop for viewing and use. The laptop shelf can be stored by pushing it up into its storage position against the front face of the control console. The tray may be made up of sections that fold upon each other in order to reduce the length of the tray when in storage.

In another embodiment, the laptop shelf is part of the exercise machine console and is deployable by pulling it out horizontally from the control console body. When the laptop shelf is pulled out of the control console it is in a generally horizontal position and is sturdy to hold the laptop for viewing and use. The laptop shelf can then be pushed back into the control console for storage when not in use. The tray may be made up of telescopically collapsing sections to reduce its overall length for when in storage. The tray may also be made up of folding sections to also reduce its overall length when in storage.

In another embodiment, the laptop shelf contains electronic circuitry and buttons that may be programmed to control particular functions of the user's laptop when the laptop is placed on the tray of the laptop shelf. Specifically, the electronic circuitry may be programmed to control which website content the laptop's Internet browser loads for the user to view. For instance, one button on the front of the laptop shelf tray may be programmed to bring up a particular show on the ABC.com website that the user may wish to visit during a workout. Instead of having to use the mouse and keyboard of the laptop to bring up this particular website during a workout (which would necessitate pausing the workout), the user simply pushes the button on the front of the laptop shelf tray that is programmed for that particular website.

The laptop shelf buttons and electronic circuitry may be hardwired with particular web addresses that cannot be changed, or may be programmed using a software program that runs on the user's laptop. The software program may utilize user interfaces that allow the user to enter the desired web addresses into the software program. The software program may then program the laptop shelf's electronic circuitry and the buttons to direct the Internet browser to the websites entered when the buttons are pushed.

In another embodiment, the laptop shelf contains electronic circuitry that control liquid crystal displays (LCD) or other types of displays that are able to display different types of content such as advertising. The LCD displays are positioned on the back plate and/or on the tray to be easily viewed by the user.

The content to be displayed on the LCD displays may be hardwired into the electronic circuitry of the laptop shelf or may be re-programmed periodically. The content to be displayed could be transferred from an outside source such as a computer or a memory stick to the laptop shelf's electronic circuitry. In addition, if the outside source is a computer connected to the Internet, the content could be transferred from the Internet to the computer and then to the electronic circuitry that controls the LCD displays. The LCD displays may be programmed using a software program that utilizes user interfaces in order to identify the content to be displayed and deliver it to the electronic circuitry in the laptop shelf. In this case, the user's laptop could be used with the software program.

In another embodiment, the laptop shelf contains a computer that is built into the laptop shelf. In this case, the user does not require his or her own laptop to view content while they exercise, but instead can use the computer that is built into the laptop shelf for this purpose. The built-in computer may contain all or some of the basic components of a personal computer such as a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and the electronic circuitry, hardware and software necessary to operate the computer.

In the above embodiments, the top surface of the tray may have a lip at the front and/or sides to prevent the laptop from sliding off the tray. The tray may also have pads or strips made of rubber or some other material providing friction on its upper surface that engage with the bottom of the laptop thus helping to hold it securely in place and preventing it from sliding off the tray.

In the above embodiments, there may also be a strap that is looped around the keyboard portion of the laptop and the tray portion of the laptop shelf thus holding the laptop securely in place against the tray. There may also be notches or slots in the tray that hold such a looped strap in place.

In the above embodiments, some portions or all of the back plate and the tray may be transparent or may contain cutout holes so that the user can see portions of the exercise machine control console that may be blocked by the laptop shelf by looking through the transparent or cutout portions of the back plate or tray. This may be desirable in order to allow the exerciser to view the readouts on the control console such as elapsed time spent on the exercise machine.

In another aspect of the invention, various methods are employed to generate revenue. This includes novel methods in and of themselves, as well as existing methods that are used in novel applications.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The current invention allows a person to use a computer while engaging in exercise using an exercise machine such as a treadmill, a stationary bicycle, an elliptical trainer, a stair master, or other type of exercise equipment. The invention generally relates to a shelf that is a part of or attaches to the exercise equipment upon which a computer may be placed and positioned so that the user can view content on the computer's screen while engaging with the exercise equipment.

Because laptop computers are small, self contained and compact, using a laptop computer in conjunction with the invention exemplifies many of the benefits of the invention in that it allows the exerciser to easily place the laptop on the invention, to manipulate the laptop computer using the laptop's easily accessible keyboard and mouse, and to view content on the laptop's monitor while they exercise. For this reason, this specification will focus primarily on describing the invention with use in conjunction with a laptop computer and will refer to the invention as a laptop shelf. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that the scope of the invention is not limited for use with only a laptop computer, and that the invention may be used with any type of electronic equipment that provides content to be viewed by the exerciser while engaging with the stationary exercise machine. Examples of such electronic equipment include DVD players, PDAs, Pocket PCs, smart phones, etc. Furthermore, the invention may be used to support equipment other than electronic devices.

In addition, while this specification focuses primarily on attaching the invention to the control consoles of various exercise equipment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that the invention could also be attached to other components of the exercise equipment such as the frame or neck. The invention may also be used with apparatus other than exercise equipment.

FIG. 1depicts the side view of a laptop shelf1preferably comprising a back plate3and a tray4that are connected together and affixed to the control console5of a stationary exercise machine6. In this embodiment, the laptop shelf1is not necessarily part of the original design of the exercise machine6and is designed so that it can be attached to and removed from the control console5of an exercise machine6.

The back plate3may be affixed to the exercise machine control console5such that it rests on the front face7of the exercise machine control console5. The back of the tray4has a mount or mounting location8that is connected to the back plate3. The mount or mounting location generally refers to the coupling, connection or other engagement between the back plate3and tray4. As described herein, the mount or mounting location8may comprise various configurations in which to couple, connect or otherwise engage the back plate3to the tray4.

While the mounting location8of the tray4is shown to connect to the back plate3at a position towards the bottom of the back plate3, the mounting location8of the tray4may connect to the back plate3anywhere on the back plate3that provides adequate stability.

The back plate3and tray4may be formed as one contiguous piece, such as by molding. Alternatively, these components may be attached by suitable fasteners.

The front face7of the control console5is depicted as being smooth with the back plate3resting against its smooth surface. However, the control console5may include other components that protrude from its front face7such as buttons or lips. In this case, portions of the back plate3may also rest on these components.

The mounting location8of the laptop shelf tray4is connected to the back plate3so that the tray4extends away from the exercise machine's control console's front face7towards the person9exercising on the exercise machine6. Also, the tray4is attached to the back plate3at an angle A with respect to the back plate3that results in the tray4being generally horizontal with respect to the ground. This allows a laptop computer10to be placed on the tray4in a position that results in the body of the laptop computer10to also be generally horizontal with respect to the ground for best use of its keyboard11and viewing of its screen12. In this scenario, the laptop shelf1may be designed for a particular exercise machine6that has a control console5at a particular angle with respect to the ground such that the angle A is chosen to result in a generally horizontal tray4. Because the tray4is securely connected to the back plate3and the back plate3is securely affixed to the exercise machine control console5, the laptop computer10is held securely in place and can be used by the person9exercising on the stationary exercise machine6.

FIG. 2Adepicts the side view of a laptop shelf21preferably comprising a back plate22and a tray23that are connected together and affixed to the control console24of a stationary exercise machine25. In this embodiment, the laptop shelf21is not necessarily part of the original design of the exercise machine25and is designed so that it can be attached to and removed from the control console24of an exercise machine25. This embodiment may provide the same functionality as the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1but with the added functionality that the mounting location23aof the tray23is attached to the back plate22using a hinge mechanism26so that the tray23may be rotated upward into an upper position27for when in storage and downward into a generally horizontal position28for when deployed. Hinge mechanism26may comprise an actual hinge, a flexible piece of material or other suitable hinging means.

When the tray23is rotated downward into a lower or generally horizontal position28, it will engage at least one stop29that will hold the tray23in a generally horizontal position28. This stop29is shown inFIG. 2Ato be part of the back plate22but it could also be a part of the tray23, a part of the hinge mechanism26or a separate part that is not necessarily a part of back plate22, the tray23or the hinge mechanism26but may be connected to the back plate22, the tray23or the hinge mechanism26. The stop29is designed so that when the tray23engages the stop29, the tray23is held at a generally horizontal position28. The stop29is preferably strong enough to hold the tray23at the generally horizontal position28even when the weight of a laptop computer is placed on the tray23. WhileFIG. 2Adepicts one stop29, more than one stop29may be used to provide the strength necessary to hold the tray23in a generally horizontal position28when the weight of the laptop is placed on the tray23.

As depicted inFIG. 2B, when the tray23is rotated upward into an upper position27, it may become more parallel with the back plate22such that it is out of the way for when not in use with holding a laptop. The user simply pushes the tray23upward and the hinge mechanism26allows the tray23to fold upward towards the back plate22into an upper position27. It is not necessary that the tray23end up in a position that is fully parallel with the back plate22, but it is desirable that the tray23be able to fold up to an upper position27that is generally out of the way for when not in use with holding a laptop. The tray23or the back plate22may also have a latching mechanism30that hooks and holds the back plate22and the tray23together in a locked upper position27when the tray23is folded up against the back plate22. This latching mechanism30will prevent the tray23from falling down for when not in use. When the tray23is folded up, the tray23could also be held in place against the back plate22by friction in the hinge mechanism26such that the force of gravity is not sufficient to pull the tray23back down, but instead, the tray23must be pulled down with added force supplied by the user to deploy the tray23into a lower or generally horizontal position28.

FIG. 3depicts the side view of a laptop shelf36that may comprise a back plate37and a tray38that are connected together and affixed to the control console39of a stationary exercise machine40. In this embodiment, the laptop shelf36is not necessarily part of the original design of the exercise machine40and is designed so that it can be attached to and removed from the control console39of an exercise machine40. This embodiment may provide the same functionality as the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1but with the added functionality that the angle B of the laptop body41with respect to the ground47is adjustable depending upon the placement position of the laptop body41on the laptop shelf36. In this case, the angle B of the laptop body41with respect to the ground47is not strictly dependent on the angle C of the exercise machine control console39or the laptop shelf back plate37with respect to ground47.

The reason this is desirable is that control consoles and other components of different exercise machines are designed to be at different angles with respect to the ground. Each exercise machine model may be slightly different. It is desirable that the body of the laptop computer be generally horizontal with respect to the ground, regardless of the angle of the exercise machine control console, for best viewing and stability when the laptop shelf is attached to an exercise machine control console and the laptop is placed on the shelf. When the laptop shelf is attached to an exercise machine control console, which may be at an arbitrary angle with respect to the ground, the angle of the tray attached to the back plate and extending towards the user may or may not be at a generally horizontal position with respect to the ground. Therefore, in order for the laptop computer to be in a generally horizontal position when placed upon the tray, the angle of the laptop computer with respect to the back plate is preferably adjustable in order for the laptop to be set to a generally horizontal position. The fact that the angle of the laptop with respect to the back plate is adjustable allows the laptop shelf to be used with a variety of different exercise machine control consoles, frames or other components at different angles, and still have the ability to accommodate a the laptop in a generally horizontal position.

FIG. 3depicts the side view of a laptop shelf36comprising a back plate37and a tray38connected together and affixed to the control console39of an exercise machine40. In this embodiment, the mounting location of the laptop shelf36includes a series of support steps42located generally at the junction43between the tray38and the back plate37with the series of support steps42beginning near the rear of the tray38before the back plate37and extending upwards and towards the back plate37until the support steps42intersect the back plate37at a position48above the plane of the tray38. These support steps42are preferably wide enough and deep enough to securely hold the back portion of the laptop41when the laptop is placed on a particular support step44. With the laptop placed on a particular support step44, the back of the laptop41is held by the support step44and the front of the laptop41extends forward and intersects the tray38of the laptop shelf at a position45towards the front of the tray as shown inFIG. 3. In this position, the back of the laptop41is held by the support step44and the front of the laptop41is held by the tray38.

With the laptop shelf36affixed to the control console39of the exercise machine40, the angle B of the laptop with respect to the ground47depends on the height of the particular support step44upon which the back portion of the laptop41is resting on relative to the height of the position45where the front of the laptop intersects the front portion of the tray38. Each sequential support step may be slightly higher than the previous support step. When the laptop41is placed on a particular support step44, the front of the laptop41will intersect the front portion of the tray38at a particular position45depending to the length of the laptop body41.

The number of support steps and the height of each support step with respect to the other support steps is preferably chosen to allow the laptop41to be placed at a number of different angles depending on which support step is employed. Having a sufficient number of different support steps and therefore different angles to which the laptop41may be adjusted will help ensure that the laptop41may be set at a generally horizontal angle B with respect to the ground47regardless of the angle C of the exercise machine control console39with respect to the ground47.

In addition, the length of the tray38is preferably designed such that it is long enough to ensure that when a laptop41is placed on any of the support steps42that the there is a forward portion of the tray38that will exist under the front of the laptop41in order to support the front end of the laptop41resulting in the laptop41being held in a generally horizontal angle B with respect to the ground47. It should be noted that the laptop41may not be held in an exactly horizontal position when used with each and every exercise control console available, but it is preferred that there will be at least one support step upon which the laptop may be placed that will result in the laptop being held in a generally horizontal angle B so that the laptop is usable and viewable by the person using the stationary exercise machine40.

Also, the top surfaces46of the different support steps42need not be parallel with one another. In fact, it may be optimal to design the angles of the top surfaces46of the different support steps42to coincide with the resulting angle of the laptop body41that is formed with the laptop's back portion resting on the particular support step44and the front of the laptop41intersecting the tray38at a particular position45towards the front of the tray38. If the resulting angle of the top surface of the particular support step44is similar to the angle of the laptop body41when the laptop41is resting on the particular support step44, the surface area of the back portion of the laptop body that comes into contact with the top surface46of the support step44will be maximized thus providing optimal support to the laptop body41. Thus, with the back plate39attached to an exercise machine control console39or other component of the exercise machine40at a particular angle C, the laptop can be set to be in a horizontal or nearly horizontal angle B with respect to the ground47by choosing the appropriate support step44on the laptop shelf tray38to rest the back of the laptop41on. Resting on the appropriate support step44, the laptop41extends forward and intersects the tray38at a position45towards the front of the tray38and is held in a generally horizontal angle B with respect to the ground47.

In another embodiment where the angle of the laptop is adjustable with respect to the back plate, the back plate is affixed to the control console or other component of the exercise machine, and the tray is attached to the back plate in such a way that the angle of the tray with respect to the back plate is adjustable. Because the angle of the tray itself with respect to the back plate is adjustable, and the laptop rests fully on the tray, the angle of the laptop body is therefore also adjustable. By adjusting the angle of the tray with respect to the back plate, the laptop may be set to a generally horizontal position regardless of the angle of the back plate.

FIG. 4Adepicts the side view of a laptop shelf51wherein a back plate52and a tray53may be connected together and affixed to the control console54of a stationary exercise machine55. In this embodiment, the laptop shelf51is not necessarily part of the original design of the exercise machine55and is designed so that it can be attached to and removed from the control console54of an exercise machine55. This embodiment may have the same functionality as the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2with the tray53attached to the back plate52using a hinge mechanism56as the mount so that the tray53may be rotated upward when in storage, and downward until it engages a stop57when deployed. However, this embodiment has the added functionality that the angle D of the tray53, with respect to the back plate52, when engaging a stop57in the down and deployed position is adjustable by an adjustable stop57. That is, the stop57may be adjusted to hold the laptop shelf tray53at different angles D with respect to the back plate54.

When the tray53is rotated downward, it will engage at least one stop57that will hold the tray53in a generally horizontal position.FIG. 4Adepicts the stop57as being adjustable in its height so that it may hold the tray53at different angles D with respect to the back plate54.FIG. 4Bdepicts the stop58comprising two pieces that screw into each other. The base59of the stop58may be a female receptacle threaded like a nut. The body60of the stop58may be a male stud threaded like a screw. In this case, the male stop body60may be inserted into the female stop base59and the length of the entire stop58may be adjusted by rotating the stop body60clockwise into or counter clockwise out of the stop base59. By doing so, the length of the stop57inFIG. 4Amay be adjusted to hold the laptop shelf's tray53at different angles D with respect to the back plate52. The amount of adjustability provided may be altered according to the pitch of the threads. WhileFIG. 4Bdepicts the stop as being adjustable by employing this screw and nut design, it may also be adjustable by other means such as notches.

The adjustable stop57inFIG. 4Ais shown to be part of the back plate52but it could also be a part of the tray53, a part of the hinge mechanism56or a separate part that is not necessarily a part of any of these but may be connected to the back plate52, the tray53or the hinge mechanism56. The stop57may be designed so that when the tray53engages with the stop57, the tray53is held at a generally horizontal position. The stop57is preferably strong enough to hold the tray53at the position it is adjusted to even when the weight of the laptop is placed on the tray53. More than one adjustable stop57may be necessary to provide the strength necessary to hold the tray53horizontal when the weight of the laptop is placed on the tray53.

FIG. 5depicts a laptop shelf66that may comprise a back plate67and a tray68that are connected together and affixed to the control console69of a stationary exercise machine70. In this embodiment, the laptop shelf66is not necessarily part of the original design of the exercise machine70and is designed so that it can be attached to and removed from the control console69of an exercise machine70. This embodiment may have the same functionality as the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1but with the added functionality that the tray68may be attached to and removed from the back plate67, and that the angle E of the tray68with respect to the back plate67when the tray68is attached to the back plate67may be adjusted.

The design components of the laptop shelf66that allow the tray68to be attached to the back plate67in such a way that the angle E of the tray68is adjustable with respect to the back plate67are now described.

FIG. 6depicts the front view of the back plate75with an opening76configured to receive a mounting location of the tray. In this specification, the opening76in the back plate75is also referred to as a cutout hole. This opening or cutout hole76comprises a top edge77, a left side edge78, a right side edge79and a lower edge80.FIG. 6depicts the cutout hole76to be rectangular in shape but it may also be other shapes.

FIG. 7depicts the side view of the back plate85with an opening or cutout hole86in the back plate face87configured to receive a mounting location of the tray with the opening or cutout hole86being made up by a top edge88in the face87, two side edges89in the face87and a lower edge90in the face87.

FIG. 7depicts the opening or cutout hole86to be comprising edges of the back plate face87, but could also be designed to be comprising edges in the inner body of the back plate85. That is, the top edge88, two sides89and the bottom edge90that make up the opening or cutout hole86do not necessarily have to be flush with the back plate face87, but could exist in the inner portion of the back plate body85. In addition,FIG. 7depicts the opening or cutout hole86extending from the front of the back plate face87all the way through to the back side91of the back plate85. However, this is not necessarily required, and the cutout hole86could extend from the front of the back plate face87to an inner point within the body of the back plate85.

This opening or cutout hole76ofFIGS. 6 and 86ofFIG. 7is designed to accommodate a mounting location of the tray that may comprise the back portion of the tray that may be inserted into the cutout hole76,86to attach the tray to the back plate77,85.

FIG. 8Adepicts the side view of a tray95with a mount or mounting location96acomprising a back portion96of the tray95designed to fit into the cutout hole86in the back plate85depicted inFIG. 7.

FIG. 9depicts the top view of the tray110with a mount or mounting location111acomprising a back portion111of the tray110designed to fit into the cutout hole76of the back plate77depicted inFIG. 6and the cutout hole86in the back plate85depicted inFIG. 7.

FIG. 10depicts the back view of the tray120with a mount or mounting location121acomprising a back portion121of the tray120designed to fit into the cutout hole76in the back plate76depicted inFIG. 6. The back portion121of the tray120as depicted inFIG. 10that fits into the cutout hole76in the back plate75depicted inFIG. 6is designed to have a similar shaped cross section as the cutout hole76—in this case rectangular—with cross section width dimensions that are slightly smaller than the corresponding back plate cutout hole width dimensions so that this portion of the tray may fit into the cutout hole. That is, the width dimension W1of the back portion121of the tray120inFIG. 10that fits into the cutout hole76of the back plate77depicted inFIG. 6is slightly smaller than the width dimension W2inFIG. 6of the cutout hole76in the back plate75.

Referring now back toFIG. 8A, this figure depicts the tray95having a mounting location96acomprising the back portion96of the tray95that fits into the cutout hole86in the back plate85depicted inFIG. 7as having an upward pointing lip94positioned on the top back edge of the tray95.FIG. 10depicts the upward pointing lip122extending the entire width W1of the back portion121of the tray120that fits into the cutout hole76in the back plate75as shown inFIG. 6. While the upward pointing lip122is shown inFIG. 10to extend the entire width dimension W1of the back portion121of the tray120, this is not absolutely necessary. In fact, the upward pointing lip122may only extend a portion of this width W1, or may consist of several upward pointing lips that are side-by-side on the top back edge of back portion121of the tray120.

In addition,FIG. 8Adepicts the mounting location96aof the tray95comprising a back portion96of the tray95that fits into the cutout hole86in the back plate85depicted inFIG. 7as having a plurality of downward pointing teeth97-100positioned on the bottom of the back portion96of the tray95that fits into the cutout hole86in the back plate85inFIG. 7. As will be described in later sections, each tooth in the plurality of teeth97-100is in effect a unique mounting location of the tray95. Thus, in this configuration, the tray95has multiple mounting locations.

FIG. 8Bdepicts a close up side view of the mounting location of the tray102comprising a back portion101of the tray102. The downward pointing teeth103-106each have back surface103a-106aand a front surface103b-106b. Additionally, the downward pointing teeth are in effect separated from each other by notches or upper notch surfaces104c-106crespectively. For instance, the back surface103bof downward pointing tooth103is separated from the front surface104aof downward pointing tooth104by the notch or upper notch surface104c. As shown, the upper notch surface103cto the left of downward pointing tooth103does not separate it from another downward pointing tooth because downward pointing tooth103is the first downward pointing tooth from the left. This upper notch surface103cis also referenced as a notch.

As shown, the downward pointing tooth106inFIG. 8Bmay not identically resemble the other downward pointing teeth in that it does not have a front edge. As shown, because downward pointing tooth106is the last tooth from the left in the plurality of teeth, and since the front edge of the tooth is not necessary to engage with the bottom edge of the back plate's cutout hole, the front edge of downward pointing tooth106has been incorporated into the body108of the tray102.

Each downward pointing tooth103-106and each notch or upper notch surface103c-106cinFIG. 8Bpreferably has an incrementally different horizontal and vertical position with respect to the upward pointing lip107of the back portion101of the tray102such that each downward pointing tooth and notch combination may define a unique mounting location. One or more of these teeth may extend below the bottom plane of the tray's main body while others may not.

WhileFIG. 8Bdepicts the downward pointing teeth103-105front surfaces103b-105bas being clearly distinct from the notches or upper notch surfaces104c-106c, these surfaces may be configured in other manners.FIG. 8Cdepicts a close up side view of the back portion of the tray with the downward pointing teeth103d-105dfront surfaces103f-105fextending continually and all the way to the beginning of the adjacent teeth back surfaces104e-106e. In this case, the teeth are not generally separated by notches or upper notch surfaces independent of the front surfaces103f-105fof the downward pointing teeth103d-105d, and the notices or upper notch surfaces are integrated into the front surfaces103f-105fof the downward pointing teeth103d-105d. For example, front surface103fof downward pointing tooth103dextends upward and to the right continually and all the way to the beginning of the back surface104eof downward pointing tooth104dwithout a clearly defined upper notch surface separating the front surface103fof downward pointing tooth103dand the back surface104eof downward pointing tooth104d.

The integrated front edge of the tooth and upper notch surface combinations103f-105fof this design as depicted inFIG. 8Cwill operate similar to the independent and non-integrated front edges103b-105bof the teeth103-105and upper notch surfaces104c-106cdesign depicted inFIG. 8B. As described later, the integrated front edges of the teeth and upper notch surface combination103f-105fpreferably engages with the top surface of the bottom edge of the cutout hole in the back plate similar to how the upper notch surfaces104c106cengage with the bottom edge of the cutout hole in the back plate as described in a section below.

While the teeth112-115and upper notch surfaces112a-115aare shown inFIG. 9to extend the entire width W3of the back portion111of the tray110, this is not absolutely necessary. The teeth112-115and the upper notch surfaces112a-115amay only extend a portion of the width W3, or may consist of several sections of teeth and upper notch surfaces that are side-by-side on the bottom of the back portion111of the tray110.

The height dimension of the mounting location or portion of the tray that fits into the back plate's cutout hole will now be discussed.

InFIG. 8A, excluding the dimension of the upward pointing lip94on the upper back edge of the back portion96of the tray95, the resulting height dimension H1of the back portion96of the tray95is preferably less than the height dimension H2of the cutout hole86in the back plate85depicted inFIG. 7. As shown, this height dimension H1of the back portion96of the tray95also includes the dimension of any of the downward pointing teeth that extend below the lower plane of the tray's main body such as tooth97.

However, including the dimension of the upward pointing lip94attached to the back upper edge of the back portion96of the tray95inFIG. 8A, the full or overall height dimension H3of the back portion96(including the upward pointing lip94and downward tooth97extending below the tray's main body) of the tray95is larger than the height dimension H2of the cutout hole86in the back plate85inFIG. 7.

As stated before, the width dimension W1of the back portion121of the tray120inFIG. 10is preferably less than the width dimension W2of the cutout hole76in the back plate75inFIG. 6.

The procedure to insert the mounting location96acomprising a back portion96of the tray95inFIG. 8Ainto the opening or cutout hole86in the back plate85inFIG. 7in order to attach the tray95to the back plate85in such a way that the angle of the tray95with respect to the back plate85is adjustable is now described.

Because the full height dimension H3of the back portion96of the tray95(including the upward pointing lip) is larger than the height dimension H2of the opening or cutout hole86in the back plate85, to insert the tray95into the cutout hole86in the back plate85, the upward pointing lip94is preferably first inserted into the opening or cutout hole86in the area underneath the top edge88of the cutout hole86.FIG. 11Adepicts the side view of the upward pointing lip130on the back portion134of the tray135inserted into the opening or cutout hole132of the back plate129and positioned behind the top edge131of the cutout hole132and engaging the back surface133of the top edge131of the cutout hole132in the back plate129.

The tray135can then pivot down with respect to the back plate129around the pivot point created by the junction of the upward pointing lip130on the back portion134of the tray135and the back surface133of the top edge131of cutout hole132in the back plate129to a position shown inFIG. 11B. The top edge131of the cutout hole132in the back plate129may be curved backward along its width as shown inFIG. 11Ato add mechanical strength to this pivot point. However, this is not necessary.

InFIG. 11B, the tray136can then be pushed into the body137of the back plate138to a position shown inFIG. 12. InFIG. 12, the upward pointing lip145of the back portion150of the tray151may no longer make contact with the back surface146of the top edge147of the cutout hole148of the back plate149.

To lock the tray151into the back plate149at a particular angle F with respect to the back plate149, the tray151is next positioned until one of the downward pointing teeth and notches or upper notch surface combinations (such as the downward pointing tooth153and notch156combination inFIG. 12) on the bottom of the back portion150of the tray151is positioned above the bottom edge152of the cutout hole148in the back plate149.FIG. 12depicts the downward pointing tooth153and the notch156as being positioned above the bottom edge152of the cutout hole148in the back plate149.

Once the desired downward pointing tooth153and the notch156on the bottom of the back portion150the tray151is positioned above the lower edge152of the cutout hole148of the back plate149, the tray151may be lowered vertically until the notch156engages the top surface157of the lower edge152of the cutout hole148, and the back surface158of the downward pointing tooth153engages with the front surface154of the lower edge152of the cutout hole148. The tray151may then be slightly rotated downward further until the upward pointing lip145comes into contact and engages with the back surface146of the top edge147of the cutout hole148in the back plate149. This results in the tray and back plate configuration shown inFIG. 13.

FIG. 13depicts the side view of the back surface162of the top edge163of the cutout hole165in the back plate161engaging with the upward pointing lip164on the back portion166of the tray160. In addition,FIG. 13depicts the front surface168of the lower edge170of the cutout hole165engaging with the back surface167of the downward pointing tooth169. As well, the top surface171of the lower edge170of the cutout hole165engages with the notch172immediately to the left of the downward pointing tooth169. In this position, the tray160preferably may no longer rotate forward or move downward, and is therefore locked within the back plate161at a particular angle G.

The upward pointing lip164, the downward pointing tooth169and the notch172on the back portion166of the tray160are preferably strong enough that when the tray160is in this locked position within the back plate161as shown inFIG. 13, that the upward pointing lip164, the downward pointing tooth169and the upper notch surface172can continue to hold the tray160in this locked position within the back plate161and to withstand the weight of the laptop when a laptop is placed on the tray160. In addition, the upper edge163and the lower edge170of the cutout hole165are preferably strong enough to hold the tray160in this locked position within the back plate161and to withstand the weight of a laptop when the laptop is placed on the tray160.

The back plate161and tray160are preferably made of suitably strong material to adequately support the laptop or other device being supported. Example materials include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate and ABS. Another example material is wood. In a preferred embodiment, the back plate161and tray160, as well as their components described above, may be formed by a plastic molding process. The back plate161and tray160may be formed of transparent material, or tinted or colored materials.

To change the angle G of the tray160with respect to the back plate161inFIG. 13, the tray is preferably first simultaneously lifted vertically and rotated slightly counter clockwise to disengage the back surface167of the downward pointing tooth169in the back portion166of the tray160from the front surface168of the lower edge170of the cutout hole165in the back plate161. This motion also preferably disengages the notch172in the back portion166of the tray160from the top surface171of the lower edge170of the cutout hole165in the back plate161. This motion also preferably disengages the upward pointing lip164on the back portion166of the tray160from the back surface162of the top edge163of the cutout hole165in the back plate161.FIG. 12generally depicts the resulting position of the tray151with respect to the back plate149after the above-described procedure.

InFIG. 12, the depth of the back portion150of the tray151in the cutout hole148in the back plate149is next adjusted by pushing the tray151deeper into or pulling it further out of the cutout hole148of the back plate149. By doing so, a different downward pointing tooth and a different notch or upper notch surface (such as downward pointing tooth155and notch or upper notch surface159inFIG. 12) on the bottom of the back portion150of the tray151may be positioned above the lower edge152of the cutout hole148in the back plate149. This different downward pointing tooth155and different notch or upper notch surface159have different horizontal and vertical positions with respect to the upward pointing lip145on the back portion150of the tray151as compared to the previous downward pointing tooth153and the previous notch or upper notch surface156. This new downward pointing tooth155and notch159combination is therefore a different and unique mounting location than the mounting location formed by the prior downward pointing tooth153and notch156combination.

The tray151is preferably next lowered vertically until the back surface159aof the newly chosen downward pointing tooth155engages with the front surface154of the bottom edge152of the cutout hole148in the back plate149, the newly chosen notch or upper notch surface159engages with the top surface157of the bottom edge152of the cutout hole148in the back plate149. The tray is preferably next rotated downward so that the upward pointing lip145on the back portion150of the tray151re-engages with the back surface146of the top edge147of the cutout hole148in the back plate149. In this position, the tray once again preferably locks into position and cannot rotate or move downward.

FIG. 14depicts the resulting position. The back surface192of the downward pointing tooth187is engaged with the front surface191of the lower edge190of the cutout hole186in the back plate181. The upper notch surface188engages with the top surface189of the lower edge190of the cutout hole186in the back plate181. The upward pointing lip182on the back portion185of the tray180engages with the back surface184of the upper edge183of the cutout hole186in the back plate181.

Holding all dimensions of all components of the trays160and180and the back plates161and181inFIG. 13andFIG. 14identical respectively, because the downward pointing tooth187and notch188are at different horizontal and vertical positions with respect to the upward pointing lip182inFIG. 14as compared to the horizontal and vertical positions of the downward pointing tooth169and the notch172with respect to the upward pointing lip164inFIG. 13, the tray180is held at a different angle I with respect to the back plate181inFIG. 14as compared to the angle G of the tray160with respect to the back plate161inFIG. 13.

The above procedure may be repeated while utilizing different downward pointing teeth and different notches on the back portion of the tray in order to set the tray at different angles with respect to the back plate.

While the above-described procedure for inserting the laptop shelf tray into the laptop shelf back plate and adjusting the angle of the tray with respect to the back plate is somewhat detailed, variations of this procedure may also be possible and may result in equivalent outcomes. That is, the tray need not be coupled to the back plate exactly in the manner described above. Indeed, it is preferred that the back plate and tray comprise durable material so that these items may rub against each other without damaging en route to the tray being positioned or repositioned with respect to the back plate.

Each tooth in the plurality of downward pointing teeth on the bottom of the back portion of the tray that fits into the cutout hole in the back plate may be designed to have incrementally different horizontal and vertical positions with respect to the upward pointing lip on the top back portion of the tray, thus giving a specific range of angles that the tray can be set to with respect to the back plate.

FIG. 13depicts the tray160being held at an angle G with respect to the back plate161while employing the furthest to the left downward pointing tooth169and furthest to the left notch or upper notch surface172. In this design, the angle G may be approximately 105 degrees.

FIG. 14depicts the tray180being held at an angle I with respect to the back plate181while employing the second from the left downward pointing tooth187and second from the left notch or upper notch surface188. In this design, the angle I may be approximately 115 degrees.

FIG. 15depicts the tray200being held at an angle J with respect to the back plate201while employing the third from the left downward pointing tooth202and third from the left notch or upper notch surface203. In this design, the angle J may be approximately 125 degrees.

FIG. 16depicts the tray210being held at an angle K with respect to the back plate211while employing the fourth from the left downward pointing tooth212and fourth from the left notch or upper notch surface213. In this design, the angle K may be approximately 135 degrees.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that these angles are examples only and that the tray and back plate may be configured to provide other angles of adjustment.

The tray may be removed entirely from the back plate for when not in use by following a procedure that is generally the reverse of the described procedure to insert the tray into the back plate.

The back plate may be left in place affixed to the exercise machine console or other component while the tray is stored. The back plate may be designed to be small enough to not get in the way of the exerciser so that leaving it in place may be more convenient than removing it entirely. This way, when the exerciser wants to again use the tray to hold a laptop for viewing, he or she needs only to reattach the tray into the back plate and adjust the tray's angle to be generally horizontal by choosing the appropriate downward pointing tooth and upper notch surface on the bottom back portion of the tray to engage with the bottom edge of the back plate's cutout hole. Because the back plate was left in place affixed to the exercise machine, the exerciser does not need to reconnect the back plate to the exercise machine.

The back plate may comprise a transparent material to allow the user to view the exercise equipment console while the back plate is attached.

There are several ways that the laptop shelf s back plate may be attached to the exercise machine's control console or other component. These methods of attachment will now be discussed.

FIG. 17depicts a side view of a laptop shelf220comprising a back plate221and a tray222connected together with the back plate221affixed to the control console223of the exercise machine224using a strap225. The back plate221rests flush against the front surface226of the control console223and is affixed to the control console223using one225strap. While only one strap225is shown, multiple straps may be used. As shown, the strap loops through slots227in the top of the back plate221, extends over the top and down the back of the control console223, loops around a structural component of the exercise machine224(in this case the neck228holding the control console223), extends back up towards the top of the console223and connects back to the other end of the itself using a snap-in buckle229. WhileFIG. 17depicts the back plate221to be affixed to the control console223of the exercise machine224, it may also be attached to any other component of the exercise machine224that allows the back plate221to be secure and that allows the tray222that is connected to the back plate221to be in a position allowing the laptop to be placed on the tray222in view of the exerciser for viewing and use. The slots227in the back plate221through which the strap225is looped will be described in a later section.

The snap-in buckle229used with the strap225inFIG. 17allows the back plate221to be easily attached to and removed from the control console223of the exercise machine224. To secure the back plate221to the control console223, the back plate221is placed on the front face226of the control console223and the strap225is looped through the slot227in the top of the back plate221. Both ends of the strap225are then positioned to hang over the top and down the back of the control console223. One end of the strap225is then looped around the neck228of the exercise machine224supporting the control console223and then connected to the other end of the strap225utilizing the snap-in buckle229. While one end of the strap225is fixedly attached to one side of the buckle229(in this case the female side230), the other end of the strap225is looped through slots231on the other side of the buckle229(in this case the male side232) so that the position of the male side232of the buckle239on the strap225may be adjustable. The slots231in this part of the snap-in buckle229are designed to lock the position of the buckle229on the strap225once the strap225is pulled tight. In the case ofFIG. 17, with the male side232and female side230of the buckle229snapped together, the end of the strap225that is looped through the male side232of the buckle229may be pulled down to tighten the loop of the strap225around the control console223and the supporting neck228of the exercise machine224. Once the loop of the strap225is tightened, the slots231in the male side232of the buckle229lock the male side232of the buckle229to the strap225so that the tightened loop of the strap225is held secure. It should be noted thatFIG. 17does not depict the strap225as being properly tightened to securely hold the back plate221to the front face226of the control console223of the exercise machine224but is instead meant to illustrate the various components discussed.

FIG. 18also depicts a side view of a laptop shelf240comprising a back plate241and a tray242connected together with the back plate241affixed to the control console243of the exercise machine244using a strap245. However, the strap245inFIG. 18uses Velcro strips246in lieu of the snap-in buckles in order to attach the two ends of the strap245together. In this case, a male section247of Velcro is attached to one end of the strap and a female section248of Velcro is attached to the other. The strap245loops through slots249in the top of the back plate241, extends over the top and down the back of the control console243, loops around a structural component of the exercise machine244(in this case the neck250holding the control console243), extends back up towards the top of the control console243and is connected to the other end of the itself when the male section247and the female section248of the Velcro246are pressed together.

FIG. 19also depicts a side view of a laptop shelf255comprising a back plate256and a tray257connected together with the back plate256affixed to the control console258of the exercise machine259using a strap260. However, the strap260inFIG. 19uses a loop261attached to one end of the strap260as well as Velcro sections262in order to tighten and attach the two ends of the strap260together. The strap260loops through slots263in the top of the back plate256, extends over the top and down the back of the control console258, loops around a structural component of the exercise machine259(in this case the neck264holding the control console258), extends back up towards the top of the control console258. One end of the strap260contains a loop262attached to it, while the other end has a male Velcro section265and a female Velcro section266attached to its surface. To attach the strap ends together tightly, the end of the strap without the loop is slipped through the loop261that is attached to the other end of the strap and is then pulled down upon itself so that the male Velcro section265and female Velcro sections266engage with each other to hold the strap tight and the back plate in place. The male Velcro section265and the female Velcro section266are designed to be long enough and in the proper position on the strap260so that a portion of each section is able to engage with a portion of the other section when the strap is pulled tight through the loop261and the back plate256is held flush against the front face267of the control console258of the exercise machine259.

FIG. 20Aalso depicts a side view of a laptop shelf275comprising a back plate276and a tray277connected together with the back plate276affixed to the control console278of the exercise machine279using a strap280. The strap280inFIG. 20Aincludes a snap-in buckle281with the same functionality as the snap-in buckle229as depicted inFIG. 17. However, in this case the strap280loops through slots282in the top of the back plate276and extends from the top of the back plate276, over the top and around the back of the control console278, underneath the control console278and attaches to the bottom of the tray277. WhileFIG. 20Ashows the laptop shelf resting on the magazine rack283of the control console278, other configurations may be used. Also, if the magazine rack278does not exist on control console278, the bottom of strap280could just as well be attached to the bottom portion of the back plate276instead of to the bottom portion of the tray277.

It should be noted that some magazine racks located on control consoles of exercise machines contain a front upward pointing lip as depicted inFIG. 20B.FIG. 20Bdepicts a side view of a laptop shelf275acomprising a back plate276aand a tray277aconnected together and resting on the front face284of the control console278aof an exercise machine279a. The bottom285of the back plate276ais also resting on the top surface283bof the magazine rack283aconnected to the front face284of the control console278a. The magazine rack283aconsists of a generally horizontal surface283band an upward pointing lip283cat the front end of the magazine rack283a. In order for the bottom285of the back plate276ato fit into the magazine rack283aand rest on the top horizontal surface283bof the magazine rack283a, the bottom285of the back plate276athat fits into the magazine rack283apreferably has a thickness that is less than the dimension of the top surface283bof the magazine rack283afrom the front face284of the control console278ato the upward pointing lip283cof the magazine rack283aas shown. In addition, the tray277ais preferably connected to the back plate276aat a distance above the bottom285of the back plate276athat rests inside the magazine rack283aso that the bottom of the tray277adoes not intersect with the upward pointing lip283cat the front edge of the magazine rack283aas shown.

FIG. 21also depicts a side view of a laptop shelf290comprising a back plate291and a tray292connected together with the back plate291affixed to the control console293of the exercise machine294using a strap295. However,FIG. 21depicts the strap295as connected to and extending from the side296of the back plate291and around the back of the control console293and connected to the other side of the back plate291in order to secure the back plate291to the control console293of the exercise machine294. While a snap-on buckle similar to the snap-in buckle229ofFIG. 17is not depicted inFIG. 21, a snap-in buckle may also be employed in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 21in order to easily attach and detach the back plate291and to tighten the length of strap195around the control console293to securely hold the back plate291firmly against the face297of the control console293of the exercise machine294.

In this case, if the strap295does not extend over the top of the control console294or other component that would lend vertical support, the laptop shelf290may be placed on the magazine rack298if the magazine rack298exists as part of the control console293. Placing the laptop shelf290on the magazine rack298of the control console293provides vertical support while the strap295extending around the sides of the control console293provide lateral support such that the laptop shelf290is held securely in position.

FIG. 21also depicts a lower support beam299that extends from the bottom of the tray292of the laptop shelf290to a lower position on the face297of the control console293of the exercise machine294in order to provide added vertical support to the tray292to help the tray292stay in a secure and generally horizontal position when the weight of the laptop300is placed on the tray292. While this lower support beam299may help support the tray292, it may not be required in all cases.

FIG. 22also depicts a side view of a laptop shelf305comprising a back plate306and a tray307connected together with the back plate306affixed to the control console308of the exercise machine309using a strap310with a hook311attached to the strap310. The strap310is connected to and extends from the top of the back plate306over the top of the control console308and the hook311attaches to the upper back edge312of the control console308. WhileFIG. 22depicts the hook311attaching to the upper back edge312of the control console308of the exercise machine309, the hook311could just as well attach to any other convenient component of the control console308or exercise machine309such as a cross bar of the frame.

Similar to the strap225looping through slots231in the male part232of the snap-in buckle229ofFIG. 17, the strap310may be looped through a slot313in the hook311inFIG. 22so that the position of the hook311on the strap310may be adjustable. The slot313in the hook311is designed to lock the position of the hook311on the strap310once the strap310is pulled tight. Given this, the strap310is attached to the top of the back plate306and may be looped through the slots313in the hook311. The length of the strap310from the top of the back plate306to the hook311can then be adjusted so that the hook311is able to engage with the back edge312of the control console308of the exercise machine309with the strap310being taught in order to hold the back plate306in place against the front face314of the control console308of the exercise machine309.

The hook311may be made of ridged material and may also have a portion of hook311that is flexible so that the shape of the hook311may be adjusted to properly and securely hook onto a component of the exercise machine309. The hook311must be made of a strong enough material so that it is able to remain hooked to a component of the exercise machine309and hold the back plate306securely in place when the weight of the laptop is applied to the tray307of the laptop shelf305. While only one strap310with one hook311is depicted inFIG. 22, multiple straps with multiple hooks may be employed.

FIG. 23depicts a side view of a laptop shelf320comprising a back plate321and a tray322connected together with the back plate321affixed to the control console323of the exercise machine324using a strap325. The purpose of this figure is to illustrate the preferred position of the back plate321when it is affixed to the control console323of the exercise machine324.FIG. 23depicts the strap325tightened and holding the back plate321of the laptop shelf320flush against the front face326of control console323, with the top surface327of the back plate321positioned to be close to the same top level as the top surface328of the control console323of the exercise machine324.

This is preferred for the following reason. If the top surface327of the back plate321inFIG. 24Ais not generally level with the top surface328of the control console323, but instead hangs below the top surface328of the control console323while resting on the front face326of the control console323as depicted inFIG. 24A, the weight of the laptop330when placed on the tray331connected to the back plate332inFIG. 24Bmay cause the top of the back surface333of the back plate332to separate from the flush position against the front face334of the control console335as depicted inFIG. 24B. In this scenario, the tray331holding the laptop330may not be held securely.

The straps discussed with relation toFIGS. 17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24A and24B may be made of nylon or other strong yet flexible material. The straps may also be made of an elastic material so that they may be stretched over the exercise machine console or other component in order to attach the laptop shelf back plate to the exercise machine. The elastic straps may or may not require snap-in buckles or Velcro.

The slots in the back plate through which the straps may be looped in order to attach it to the exercise machine will now be discussed.

FIG. 25Adepicts the front view of the laptop shelf back plate340with top slots341a,341b,341clocated along the upper edge345of the back plate340, left side slots342a,342b,342clocated along the left side edge346of the back plate340, right side slots343a,343b,343clocated along the right side edge347of the back plate340, and bottom slots344a,344b,344clocated along the bottom edge348of the back plate340. These slots have width and height dimensions adequate to allow the straps discussed in relation toFIGS. 17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24A and24B to slip through the slots.

Straps discussed above in relation toFIGS. 17,18,19,20,22,23,24A and24B are preferably used with the top slots341a,341b,341clocated along the upper edge345of the back plate340inFIG. 25A. In addition, one or more straps may be used for best support depending on the shape and type of control console on the exercise machine to which the back plate25will be attached.

For instance,FIG. 25Bdepicts a front view of a back plate347aattached to an exercise machine control console349using two straps350aand350b. Strap350ais looped through top slot341aaand strap350bis looped through top slot341cc. By using two straps350aand350binstead of one strap (which could be looped through top slot341bb for instance), the back plate has lateral support due to the two straps350aand350b. The two straps350aand350bprevent the back plate347afrom swinging side-to-side as may occur if only one strap were to be used in conjunction with one top slot341bb.

FIG. 26depicts a side view of a similar back plate355showing a top slot356located towards the upper edge357of the back plate355and passing from the front face358of the back plate355through the body359of the back plate355to the back face360of the back plate355. This slot356is representative of the slots341a,341b,341clocated along the upper edge345of the back plate340depicted inFIG. 25.

FIG. 26also depicts a strap361that has one end extending through the slot356, passing from the front face358of the back plate355through the body359of the back plate355and out the back face360of the back plate355. The other end of the strap361extends over the top edge357of the back plate355towards the back of the back plate355. This configuration allows the strap361and the back plate355to be utilized in a fashion as described inFIGS. 17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24A and24B. In the case ofFIG. 21where the strap295extends from the side296of the back plate290, the strap361inFIG. 26would slip through the slot362located towards the side363of the back plate355instead of the slot356located towards the top edge357of the back plate355.

In another embodiment of the back plate slots,FIG. 27depicts the side view of a laptop shelf back plate372with slots370a,370bin the top surface371of the back plate372. The back plate372is hollow, being made up of a front face373, a top surface371, a bottom surface375and two side surfaces374, but no back surface. It is therefore generally a hollow cavity from the back. The slots370a,370bare located on the top surface371of the back plate372and pass through the top surface371of the back plate372to the inside of the hollow back cavity376of the back plate372. Because there is no back wall of the back plate372, these slots370a,370bare accessible from the top surface371and from the hollow back cavity376.

FIG. 27also depicts a side view of a strap377passing from the top surface371of the back plate372through the slot370ainto the inside of the hollow back cavity376of the back plate372. The strap then passes from the inside of the hollow back cavity376of the back plate372through the slot370bback up to the top surface371of the back plate372. This configuration allows the strap377and the back plate372to be utilized in a fashion as described inFIGS. 17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24A and24B. In the case ofFIG. 21where the strap295extends from the side296of the back plate290, the strap377inFIG. 27would slip through slots378,379located in the side surface374of the back plate372instead of the slots370a,370blocated in the top surface371of the back plate372.

WhileFIG. 27depicts both side-by-side slots370a,370bbeing used, only one slot may also be used instead. For example, if only one slot370ais used, then the strap377passes from the top surface371of the back plate372through the slot370ainto the inside of the hollow back cavity376of the back plate372. The strap can then extend out of the back of the back plate372instead of passing back up through the second slot370b.

Referring briefly back toFIG. 26, it should be noted that while the laptop shelf back plate355depicted inFIG. 26has a back face360, it may also not have a back face360and instead may be a hollow back cavity from the back similar to hollow back cavity376in the back plate372depicted inFIG. 27. If the back plate355depicted inFIG. 26does not have back face360, then the slot356may simply extend through the front face358of the back plate355into the hollow back cavity.

FIG. 28depicts a generally top view of a similar laptop shelf back plate385with slots386a,386b,387a,387b,388a,388bin the top surface389of the back plate385. WhileFIG. 28depicts the slots386a,386b,387a,387b,388a,388bas being configured in sets of two slots with each slot in the set of two being side-by-side and parallel with each other—for instance, slot386aand slot386bare side-by-side and parallel to each other—other configurations are also possible.

FIG. 28depicts the slots386a,386b,387a,387b,388a,388bin the top surface389of the back plate385as having teeth390on the inner sides of the slots as shown. These teeth390are designed to grip onto the strap as it is looped through the slots386a,386b,387a,387b,388a,388bin order to better hold the strap from slipping once the laptop shelf back plate385is attached to the exercise machine control console or other component. While the teeth390are shown inFIG. 28, they are not required.

WhileFIGS. 17,18,19,20,21,22,26and27depict the straps as being attached to the back plate using slots in the back plate, the straps may also be attached to the back plate by other means such as hooks, screws, bolts, loops attached to the back plates, or other means. While the preferred embodiments ofFIGS. 17,18,19,20,21,22,26and27are shown to utilize slots to attach the straps to the back plates, the embodiments are not limited to how the straps are attached to the back plate.

FIG. 29depicts a side view of a laptop shelf395comprising a back plate396and a tray397connected together with the back plate396affixed to the control console398of the exercise machine399using a hook400. In this embodiment, the back plate396is secured to the control console398by a hook400that extends from the top of the back plate401over the top surface402of the control console398and then hooks to the upper back edge403of the control console398. WhileFIG. 29depicts the hook400hooking to the top back edge403of the control console398, it may instead hook to some other portion of the control console398or to another component of the exercise machine399such as a cross bar. The hook400may be made of ridged material and may also have a portion of the hook that is flexible in length and location so that the hook may be positioned and adjusted to be in such a location and position so that it may properly and securely hook onto a component of the exercise machine399. Once the hook400is adjusted and positioned to be in the proper location and position, the hook will hold the back plate396securely in place flush against the front face404of the control console398or other component of the exercise machine399such that the tray397that is connected to the back plate396is held securely in place by the back plate396. The hook400is preferably made of a strong enough material so that it is able to remain hooked to the control console398or other component of the exercise machine399and hold the back plate396securely in place when the weight of the laptop405is applied to the tray397of the laptop shelf395. While only one hook400is depicted inFIG. 29, multiple hooks may be employed.

FIG. 30depicts a side view of a laptop shelf410comprising a tray409attached to magazine rack411on the control console412of an exercise machine413using a generally vertical clamp414and a generally horizontal clamp415. This embodiment may not require a back plate as part of the laptop shelf410as depicted in previous embodiments. The magazine rack411depicted inFIG. 30is made up of a horizontal portion416extending out from the front face417of the control console412and a vertical lip418at the front edge of the horizontal surface416. This vertical lip418is typically intended to better secure a magazine or book when placed on the magazine rack411. The vertical clamp414is designed to attach to the horizontal portion416of the magazine rack411, and the horizontal clamp415is designed to attach to the vertical lip418of the magazine rack411in order to secure the tray409onto the control console412of the exercise machine413.

The vertical clamp414is placed around the horizontal portion416of the magazine rack411such that the vertical clamp414engages the top surface419of the horizontal portion416of the magazine rack411and bottom horizontal surface420of the horizontal portion416of the magazine rack411and is thereupon tightened. The horizontal clamp415is placed around the vertical lip418of the magazine rack411such that the horizontal clamp415engages the inner surface421of the vertical lip418and outer surface422of the vertical lip418of the magazine rack411and is thereupon tightened.

If the magazine rack411does not include a front vertical lip418, the horizontal clamp415need not engage the magazine rack411. By tightening the vertical clamp414around the horizontal portion416of the magazine rack411and the horizontal clamp415around the vertical lip418of the magazine rack411, the tray409is held in securely in place on the control console412of the exercise machine413. This design may also contain a lower support beam423that extends from the bottom of the tray409downward and backward to engage with the lower part of the front face417of the control console412of the exercise machine413in order to add support to hold the tray409generally horizontal when the weight of a laptop is placed on the tray409.

FIG. 31depicts a side view of a laptop shelf430comprising a back plate431and a tray432connected together and resting on the top surface434of the magazine rack425on the control console433of an exercise machine426, and being held in place against the control console433by fitting into the notch formed by the front face436of the control console433, the top horizontal surface434of the magazine rack435and the inner vertical surface437of the front vertical lip438of the magazine rack435. The back plate431rests on the front face436of the control console433with the bottom440of the back plate433resting against the top horizontal surface434of the magazine rack435on the control console433. The front surface439of the bottom440of the back plate431is designed to engage with the inner vertical surface437of the vertical lip438of the magazine rack435. The bottom440of the back plate431is therefore held in place in the notch formed by the front face436of the control console433, the top horizontal surface434of the magazine rack435and the inner vertical surface437of the front vertical lip438of the magazine rack435.

The back portion441of the tray432may also be slanted upward such that its back surface442engages with the front vertical surface443of the vertical lip438of the magazine rack435. This allows the vertical lip438of the magazine rack435to lend further support to the tray432as it is attached to the magazine rack435of the control console433. This design may also contain a lower support beam444that extends from the bottom of the tray432downward and backward to engage with the lower part of the front face436of the control console433of the exercise machine426in order to add support to hold the tray432generally horizontal when the weight of a laptop is placed on the tray432.

FIG. 32depicts a side view of a laptop shelf450comprising a back plate451and a tray452connected together with the back plate451affixed to the control console453of the exercise machine454using Velcro. A male (or female) section of Velcro455is affixed to the front face456of the control console453, and a female (or male) section of Velcro457is affixed to the back surface458of the back plate451. This way, when the back plate451is pressed against the front face456of the control console453, the male section of Velcro455on the front face456of the control console453engages with the female section of Velcro457on the back surface458of the back plate451, and the back plate451is secured in place against the front face456of the control console453.

In addition, if the control console453has a magazine rack459as shown inFIG. 32, a male (or female) section of Velcro460may also be affixed to the bottom surface463of the back plate451and the bottom surface461of the tray452, and a female (or male) section of Velcro462may also be affixed to the top surface463of the magazine rack459. This way, when the bottom surface464of the back plate451and the bottom surface461of the tray452is pressed against the top surface463of the magazine rack459, the male section of Velcro460on the bottom surface463of the back plate451and on the bottom surface461of the tray452engages with the female section of Velcro462on the top surface463of the magazine rack459, and the back plate451and the tray452are held securely in place. This design may also contain a lower support beam464that extends from the bottom of the tray452downward and backward to engage with the lower part of the front face456of the control console453of the exercise machine454in order to add support to hold the tray452generally horizontal when the weight of a laptop is placed on the tray452.

In the next several embodiments, the exercise machine laptop shelf may be part of the original design of the exercise machine.

FIG. 33depicts a side view of a preferred system470comprising a tray471extending out from a control console472of an exercise machine473. The tray471extends from the control console472towards the user474of the exercise machine473and is generally horizontal such that a laptop computer475may be placed on the tray471to be used and viewed by the user474of the exercise machine473. The tray471is attached to or is a part of the control console472in such a way that it is strong enough to withstand the weight of the laptop475when the laptop475is placed on the tray471.

While the tray471inFIG. 33is depicted to extend from the front face476of the control console472of the exercise machine473, the tray471may instead be attached to or be a part of a different component of the exercise machine473(such as its neck477) and may extend form this different component of the exercise machine473in such a way that a laptop475when placed on the tray471may be viewed and used by the user474of the exercise machine473.

FIG. 34Adepicts a side view of an exercise machine laptop shelf485comprising a tray486that may be attached to and removed from the control console487of an exercise machine488. The control console487contains a female receptacle489into which the male portion490of the tray486may be inserted. When the male portion490of the tray486is inserted into the female receptacle489on the control console487, the tray486is held in place in a generally horizontal position so that a laptop may be placed on the tray486for viewing and use.

FIG. 34Bdepicts the male portion491of the tray492inserted into the female receptacle493on the control console494of the exercise machine495. The male portion491of the tray492may be locked inside the female receptacle493on the control console494of the exercise machine495using a pin or a clamp, friction or other means. It is preferred that the locking mechanism that locks the male portion491of the tray492into the female receptacle493of the control console494be easily locked and unlocked so that the tray492may be easily locked into place inside the female receptacle493for when in use and then unlocked and removed from the female receptacle493for when not in use.

WhileFIGS. 34A and 34Bdepict the female receptacle489,493being a part of the control console487,494, it may instead be a part of a different component of the exercise machine488,495that allows the tray486,492to be inserted into the female receptacle489,493and held in place for the use of a laptop computer. In this embodiment, the laptop shelf485may be part of the original design of the exercise machine488.

FIG. 35Adepicts the side view of an exercise machine laptop shelf500comprising a tray that is attached to the control console502of an exercise machine504by a hinge mechanism503so that the tray501may be rotated upward and out of the way for when in storage and downward into a generally stable horizontal position for when deployed for use.

When the tray501is rotated downward as depicted inFIG. 35A, it will engage at least one stop505that will hold the tray501in a generally horizontal position. This stop505is shown inFIG. 35Ato be part of the front face506of the control console502but it could instead be a part of the tray501, a part of the hinge mechanism503or a separate part that is not necessarily a part of any of these but may be connected to the front face506of the control console502, the tray501or the hinge mechanism503. The stop505may be designed so that when the tray501engages with the stop505, the tray501is held at a generally horizontal position. The stop505is preferably strong enough to hold the tray501in a generally horizontal position even when the weight of the laptop is placed on the tray501. More than one stop505may be necessary to provide the strength necessary to hold the tray501generally horizontal when the weight of the laptop is placed on the tray501.

When the tray507is rotated upward as depicted inFIG. 35B, it may become more parallel with the front face508of the control console509of the exercise machine510such that it is out of the way for when not in use with holding a laptop. The user simply pushes the tray507upward and the hinge mechanism512allows the tray507to fold upward towards the face508of the control console509. It is not necessary that the tray507end up in a position that is fully parallel with the front face508of the control console509, but it is desirable that the tray507be able to fold up to a position that is generally out of the way for when not in use with holding a laptop.

The tray507or the control console509of the exercise machine510may also have a latching mechanism511that hooks and holds the tray507to the front face508of the control console509in a locked position when the tray507is folded up against the front face508of the control console509. This latching mechanism511will prevent the tray507from falling down for when not in use. When the tray507is folded up, the tray507could also be held in place by friction in the hinge mechanism512such that the force of gravity is not sufficient to pull the tray507back down, but instead, the tray507must be pulled down with added force supplied by the user. When the tray507is folded up for storage, it may also be designed to fit into the contour of the front face508of the control console509so that it is more completely stored and out of the way. WhileFIGS. 35A and 35Bdepict the tray501,507as being attached to or a part of the control console502,509, it may instead be a part of a different component of the exercise machine504,510that allows the tray501,507to be rotated upward into a storage position and downward into generally horizontal deployed position for the use of a laptop computer.

FIG. 36Adepicts a side view of an exercise machine laptop shelf515comprising a tray516that is attached to the control console517of an exercise machine518such that the tray516may slide into a female receptacle519within the body of the control console517for when not in use and may be pulled out of the female receptacle519within the body of the control console517so that when it is pulled out and deployed it extends towards the user in a sturdy and generally horizontal position in order to hold a laptop for viewing and use.

FIG. 36Adepicts the tray as extending outside the female receptacle519of the control console517of the exercise machine518for when deployed for use whileFIG. 36Bdepicts the tray520pushed into the female receptacle521within the body of the control console522of the exercise machine523for when in storage and not in use. WhileFIGS. 36A and 36Bdepict the female receptacle519,521as being a part of the control console517,522, the female receptacle519,521may instead be a part of another component of the exercise machine518,523that allows the tray516,520to slide into the female receptacle519,521for when in storage and slide out of the female receptacle519,521for when in use with holding a laptop for use and viewing while engaging with the exercise machine518,523. In this embodiment, the laptop shelf515may be part of the original design of the exercise machine518.

While theFIGS. 36A and 36Bdepict the entire tray fitting into the body of the exercise machine control console as one piece,FIG. 37Adepicts a side view of a laptop shelf525where the tray526folds up telescopically when it is pushed inward towards and into a female receptacle528within the body of the control console527of an exercise machine529.FIG. 37Bdepicts the tray530folding up telescopically and pushed into the female receptacle531of the control console532of the exercise machine533.

In this scenario, the overall length dimension of the tray530will decrease as it is folded telescopically to a length dimension L1such that female receptacle531within the body of the of the control console532that receives the tray530need only be deep enough to receive or contain the tray530in its telescopically folded state with length L1as shown inFIG. 37B. That is, the female receptacle528inFIG. 37Aneed not be the full dimension L2of the tray526in its deployed and non-telescopically folded state as shown onFIG. 37A.

In addition, inFIG. 37B, if the tray530is able to fold up telescopically such that its dimension L1is small enough to be non-intrusive to the control console532, the tray530in its telescopically folded state may remain outside the body of the control console532. In this case, the embodiment may not require a female receptacle531within the body of the control console532to receive the tray530.

WhileFIGS. 37A and 37Bdepict the female receptacle528,531as being a part of the control console527,532, the female receptacle528,531may instead be a part of another component of the exercise machine529,533that allows the tray526,530to slide into the female receptacle528,531for when in storage and slide out of the female receptacle528,531for when in use with holding a laptop for use and viewing while engaging with the exercise machine529,533. In this embodiment, the laptop shelf525may be part of the original design of the exercise machine529.

FIG. 38Adepicts a side view of an exercise machine laptop shelf524comprising a tray542made up of two sections543,544that are connected together by a hinge mechanism534so that sections543and544may be folded upon each other to reduce the overall length dimension of the tray from L3inFIG. 38Ato L4inFIG. 38B. Similar to the embodiment described in relation toFIGS. 37A and 37Bwhere the tray folds up telescopically, folding sections543and544of the tray542onto each other preferably allows the depth dimension D1of the female receptacle535within the body of the control console536that receives the tray542to be smaller, i.e., to about the smaller folded dimension L2of the tray538depicted inFIG. 38B.

In addition, if the tray538is able to fold up into a small enough dimension L4so that it is non-intrusive to the control console539of exercise machine540when it is folded up, the folded up tray538may remain outside the body of control console539and may not require a female receptacle541to receive the folded tray538.

While the tray542ofFIG. 38Ais shown to be made up of two sections543,544, the tray542may be made up of more than two sections. Also, whileFIGS. 38A and 38Bdepict the female receptacle535,541as being a part of the control console536,539, the female receptacle535,541may instead be a part of another component of the exercise machine537,540that allows the tray542,538to slide into the female receptacle535,541for when in storage and slide out of the female receptacle535,541for when in use with holding a laptop for use and viewing while engaging with the exercise machine537,540. In this embodiment, the laptop shelf524may be part of the original design of the exercise machine537.

In addition, the foldable tray531,542ofFIGS. 38A and 38Bcould be connected to the control console545of an exercise machine546using a hinge mechanism547as depicted inFIG. 39A. In this case the two sections549and550of foldable tray548can be folded onto each other, and the tray548may then be rotated upward into a generally parallel position with regards to the front face551of the control console545for storage when not in use.FIG. 39Bdepicts the tray sections552and553folded upon each other and folded tray554rotated upward into a position that is generally parallel with the front face555of the control console556of the exercise machine557. While the tray548ofFIG. 39Ais shown to be made up of two sections549,550, the tray548may also be made up of more than two sections. Also, whileFIGS. 39A and 39Bdepict the foldable tray548,554as being connect to the control console545,556, it may instead be connected to a different component of the exercise machine546,557that allows the tray to be rotated upward and out of the way for when not in use and pulled outward and deployed in a stable and generally horizontal position for the use with a laptop computer.

FIG. 40depicts a laptop shelf560that contains electronic circuitry561that may be programmed to control particular functions of the user's laptop when the user's laptop is used in conjunction with the laptop shelf560. Specifically, the electronic circuitry561may be programmed to control which website content the user's laptop Internet browser loads for the user to view. The electronic circuitry561inFIG. 40is shown to be located inside a small box on the underneath side of the tray562.

The laptop shelf561may include buttons563a,563b,563c,563d,563e,563fon the front of the tray562for the user to access, that when pushed, control the electronic circuitry561within the laptop shelf560to in turn control the laptop's Internet browser to go to a particular Internet web address and load particular content. For instance, the far left button563aon the front of the tray562may be programmed to bring up a particular show on the www.abc.com website that the user may wish to visit during a workout. The button's face may be labeled with a name that corresponds to the website that it is programmed to load, such as “abc” on button563ainFIG. 40. Instead of having to use the laptop's mouse and keyboard to control the laptop's Internet browser to bring up this particular website during a workout (which would necessitate pausing the workout), the user simply pushes the button563aon the front of the tray562that is programmed for that particular website, in this case the far left button563a. To this end, the buttons563are preferably sufficiently large so that they may be readily pushed while the user continues to exercise. The button563ais programmed to control the electronic circuitry561to in-turn direct the laptop's Internet browser to bring up the particular website content, in this case www.abc.com.

For the electronic circuitry561to control the laptop's Internet browser, an appropriate link to the laptop may be used such as a control cable, e.g., a USB cable, a wireless technology, e.g., Bluetooth, or by some other means.

The buttons563a-563fmay be programmed in such a way that the user cannot change them, or may be programmed in such a way that they can be changed. If they are the type that cannot be changed by the user, then the electronic circuitry561that controls the buttons563a-563fmay be programmed during the manufacturing process to direct the laptop's Internet browser to load particular web content. This may be the case when a sponsoring website pays the manufacturer of the laptop shelf560to specifically hardwire their web address into the electronic circuitry561that controls particular button563a-563fon the tray of the laptop shelf560. This way, the user of the laptop shelf560may be more inclined to visit these specific web addresses while they are exercising rather than a different website because of the ease of using the buttons563a-563fon the laptop shelf560as compared to using the laptop keyboard and mouse.

If the electronic circuitry561in the laptop shelf560is of the type that can be programmed by the user so that particular buttons563a-563fwill load Internet content of the user's choice, the laptop shelf buttons563a-563fand the electronic circuitry561may be programmed using a software program that runs on the user's laptop. With the laptop linked to the electronic circuitry561within the laptop shelf560using a control cable, a wireless technology or other means, the user launches the software program on the laptop that will program the buttons563a-563f.

The software program may utilize user interfaces that allow the user to enter the desired website addresses into the software program to be programmed into the electronic circuitry561within the laptop shelf560.FIG. 41depicts an example of a software program user interface575that may be used to program the laptop shelf buttons563a-563fon the laptop shelf560inFIG. 40.

With the laptop linked to the electronic circuitry561within the laptop shelf560inFIG. 40and the software programming running on the laptop, the user may use the laptop's keyboard to enter within the user interface575the desired web addresses they wish to visit during their workout into the “Desired Websites” text input fields576a,576b,576c,576d,576e,576fnext to the corresponding button number labels “Button #1”577a, “Button #2”577b, “Button #3”577c, “Button #4”577d, “Button #5”577e, “Button #6”577fthey wish to program. In this scenario, “Button #1”577ain the user interface575inFIG. 41corresponds to button563aon the laptop shelf560inFIG. 40, “Button #2”577bin the user interface575inFIG. 41corresponds to button563bon the laptop shelf560inFIG. 40, “Button #3”577cin the user interface575inFIG. 41corresponds to button563con the laptop shelf560inFIG. 40, “Button #4”577din the user interface575inFIG. 41corresponds to button563don the laptop shelf560inFIG. 40, “Button #5”577ein the user interface575inFIG. 41corresponds to button563eon the laptop shelf560inFIG. 40, and “Button #6”577fin the user interface575inFIG. 41corresponds to button563fon the laptop shelf560inFIG. 40.

The user may then click the “PROGRAM BUTTONS” button578on the software user interface575. Clicking the “PROGRAM BUTTONS” button578causes the software program to download the website addresses entered into the “Desired Websites” text input fields576a-576fto the electronic circuitry561in the laptop shelf560inFIG. 40such that when the buttons563a-563fon the laptop shelf560inFIG. 40are pushed, the electronic circuitry561directs the laptop's Internet browser to the corresponding websites entered into the “Desired Websites” input fields576a-576fwithin the user interface575for each button563a-563f. Once the electronic circuitry561within the laptop shelf560and buttons563a-563fon the laptop shelf560are programmed, the user can begin their workout and simply push the buttons563a-563fduring the workout to redirect their Internet browser to the corresponding programmed website addresses.

An example of this scenario is as follows. With the laptop running the software program with user interface575linked to the laptop shelf560depicted inFIG. 40, the user enters the website address “www.abc.com” into the “Desired Websites” text input field576anext to the “Button #1” text label577ain the software program user interface575as shown inFIG. 41. If the user were to then press the “Program Buttons” button578within the user interface575, the electronic circuitry561and the button563aof the laptop shelf560depicted inFIG. 40would be programmed by the software program running the user interface575inFIG. 41to “www.abc.com. Therefore, if the user were to then push button563aon the laptop shelf560, the electronic circuitry561within the laptop shelf560would direct the laptop's Internet browser to load the www.abc.com website. While six buttons563a-563fon the laptop shelf560are depicted, more or fewer buttons may be used.

FIG. 40also depicts the laptop shelf560containing electronic circuitry561that controls liquid crystal displays (LCD)564a,564b,564c,564don the laptop shelf560that are able to display different types of content such as advertising. The electronic circuitry561inFIG. 40is shown to be located inside a small box on the underneath side of the tray562of the laptop shelf560. The LCD displays564a,564b,564care located on the back plate656and the LCD display564dis located on the tray562to be easily viewed by the user. While this embodiment describes the displays as liquid crystal displays (LCD), the displays may be other types of displays such as plasma displays, light emitting diode displays or other types of displays.

The LCD displays564a-564dmay be controlled by the electronic circuitry561to display specific content. The content may be permanently programmed into the electronic circuitry561so that it may not be changed, or the content may be programmed into the electronic circuitry561in such a way that the content displayed on the LCD displays564a-564dmay be changed periodically.

If the electronic circuitry561in the laptop shelf560inFIG. 40is of the type that allows the programmed content for the LCD displays564a-564dto be changed, there are several ways that the electronic circuitry561can be programmed with new content. One way is that the content can be transferred from an outside source such as a computer, a memory stick or other source, to the electronic circuitry561by establishing a link between the computer, memory stick or other source and the electronic circuitry561using a control cable, a jack, a wireless technology or other means. In addition, if the outside source is a computer connected to the Internet, the content could be first transferred from the Internet to the computer and then to the electronic circuitry561in the laptop shelf560that controls the LCD displays564a-564don the laptop shelf560.

In one scenario, the user's laptop connected to the Internet could be used as the source of the content. The user's laptop could be placed on the laptop shelf560and linked to the electronic circuitry561in the laptop shelf560using a control cable, a wireless technology or other means. The user's laptop could then be connected to the Internet and instructed to download the new content for the LCD displays564a-564d. Once downloaded, the content could then be transferred from the user's laptop to the electronic circuitry561in the laptop shelf560that controls the LCD displays564a-564don the laptop shelf560so that this new content could then be displayed on the LCD displays564a-564d.

In this scenario, the content files for the LCD displays564a-564dcould be downloaded from the Internet to the user's laptop computer memory using a website, an FTP application, email, or other file downloading methods. Once the LCD content files are stored on the user's laptop computer, a software program running on the user's laptop may be used to transfer the LCD content from the user's laptop to the electronic circuitry561in the laptop shelf560that controls the LCD displays564a-564don the laptop shelf560. With the laptop linked to the laptop shelf electronic circuitry561using a control cable, a wireless technology or other means, the user launches the software program on the laptop that will transfer the LCD content from the laptop to the electronic circuitry561in the laptop shelf560. The software program may utilize user interfaces that allow the user to define the content that gets loaded into the electronic circuitry561in the laptop shelf560for each LCD display564a-564don the laptop shelf560.

FIG. 42depicts an example of a software program user interface585that may be used to transfer the LCD content files to the electronic circuitry561in the laptop shelf560for each LCD display564a-564don the laptop shelf560. Using the laptop's keyboard, the user enters the desired LCD content filename they wish to transfer to the electronic circuitry561in the laptop shelf560into the “LCD Content Files” text input fields586a,586b,586c,586dnext to the corresponding LCD display number labels “Back Plate LCD #1”587a, “Back Plate LCD #2”587b, “Back Plate LCD #3”587c, “Tray LCD #1”587dthey wish to program. Additionally, the user may click the “Browse” buttons588a,588b,588c, and588dnext to the “LCD Content Files” text input fields586a-586dto browse the various file directories that are on the user's laptop in order to locate the desired LCD content files.

Once the desired LCD content files are located, the user may choose the filenames and the filenames are then loaded into the “LCD Content Files” text input field586a-586dfor each particular LCD display label587a-587d. In this scenario, “Back Plate LCD #1”587ain the user interface585inFIG. 42corresponds to LCD display564aon the laptop shelf inFIG. 40, “Back Plate LCD #2”587bin the user interface585inFIG. 42corresponds to LCD display564bon the laptop shelf inFIG. 40, “Back Plate LCD #3”587cin the user interface585inFIG. 42corresponds to LCD display564con the laptop shelf inFIG. 40and “Tray LCD #4”587din the user interface585inFIG. 42corresponds to LCD display564don the laptop shelf inFIG. 40.

Once all of the desired LCD content files are entered into the appropriate text input fields586a-586dfor each LCD display label587a-587d, the user then clicks the “PROGRAM LCD DISPLAYS” button589on the software user interface585. Clicking the “PROGRAM LCD DISPLAYS” button589causes the software program running the user interface585to transfer the LCD content files entered into the text input fields586a-586dfor each LCD display label587a-587dinto the electronic circuitry561in the laptop shelf560inFIG. 40such that each LCD display564a-564don the laptop shelf560inFIG. 40will then display the content defined in the user interface585inFIG. 42for that particular LCD display.

As an example, the LCD content file entitled “ESPN Ad File” has been entered into the text input field586afor “Back Plate LCD #1”587ain the software program user interface585depicted inFIG. 42. If the laptop running the software user interface585inFIG. 42were linked to the electronic circuitry561in the laptop shelf560inFIG. 40, and if the user were to then click on the “PROGRAM LCD DISPLAYS” button589in this user interface585inFIG. 42, the “ESPN Ad File” content file would be then transferred from the user's laptop to the electronic circuitry561in the laptop shelf560so that the “ESPN Ad File” content would be displayed on the LCD display564aon the back plate565of the laptop shelf560inFIG. 40.

FIG. 43depicts a laptop shelf595comprising a back plate596and a computer597connected together with the back plate596affixed to the control console598of an exercise machine599. In this case, the user does not require his or her own laptop to view content while they exercise, but instead can use the computer597that is a integral component of the laptop shelf595for this purpose. The built-in computer597contains all the basic components of a personal computer such as a monitor600, a keyboard601, a mouse pad602, and all of the electronic circuitry, hardware and software necessary to operate the computer597, connect to the Internet and view online content.

The back plate596may contain slots as described above in relation toFIGS. 25,26,27, and28and may be attached to the control console598of the exercise machine599using any of the means described above in reference toFIGS. 17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24A,24B,25,26,27,28,29,31and32. The back plate596may also be attached to the control console598of the exercise machine599by other means such as a hook or latch on the control console598.

WhileFIG. 43depicts the back plate596attached to the control console598of the exercise machine599, it may be instead attached to a different component of the exercise machine599that allows the built-in computer597to be a position that the user of the exercise machine599may easily use the computer597and view the monitor600of the computer597while engaging with the exercise machine599. In this embodiment, the laptop shelf595may or may not be part of the original design of the exercise machine599.

In addition, the laptop shelf595depicted inFIG. 43may not require a back plate596if it instead attached to the control console598of the exercise machine599using means described above in relation toFIGS. 30,34A and34B. In these cases, the means described above in relation toFIGS. 30,34A and34B would be integrated directly into the back portion603of the computer597inFIG. 43where the back portion603comes into contact with the control console598of the exercise machine599. In this embodiment, the laptop shelf595may or may not be part of the original design of the exercise machine599.

FIG. 44depicts a laptop shelf610comprising a back plate611and a tray612connected together with the top surface of the tray612having one upward pointing lip613at the front edge of the tray612, one upward pointing lip614at the left side edge of the tray612and one upward pointing lip615at the right side edge of the tray612to prevent a laptop from sliding off the tray when the laptop is placed on the top surface of the tray612. WhileFIG. 44depicts an upward pointing lip613at the front edge, one upward pointing lip614at the left side edge of the tray612and one upward pointing lip615at the right side edge of the tray612, any combination of upward pointing lips could be employed. In addition, with this design, the width and depth of the tray612is preferred to be wider and deeper than the width and depth respectively of the laptop it is designed to hold. With the tray612having wider and deeper dimensions than the laptop, the laptop can be placed on the top surface of the tray612and held in the area inside the front upward pointing lip613, the left side edge upward pointing lip614and the right side edge upward pointing lip615. The front upward pointing lip613, the left side edge upward pointing lip614and the right side edge upward pointing lip615are all designed to be tall enough in order to prevent the laptop from sliding off the top surface of the tray612of the laptop shelf610.

FIG. 44also depicts the tray612of the laptop shelf610as having rubber pads (or other pads made of a material to provide friction)616,617,618,619on its top surface to engage with the bottom of a laptop that is placed on the top surface of the tray612of the laptop shelf610to help hold the laptop securely in place and prevent it from sliding off the tray612. While the rubber pads616-619are shown to be generally circular in shape, any shape rubber pad may be used. In addition, whileFIG. 44depicts four rubber pads616-619located on the top surface of the tray612and positioned generally in the four corners of the tray612, any number of pads may be used and may be positioned anywhere on the top surface of the tray612.

FIG. 45depicts a laptop shelf625comprising a back plate626and a tray627connected together with a laptop628placed on the top surface of the tray627. A strap629is looped around the top of the body portion630of the laptop628and around the sides and bottom of the tray627of the laptop shelf625thus holding the laptop628securely in place against the top surface of the tray627. Sometimes during use of the exercise machine, the exercise machine may vibrate and cause the laptop to shift its position on the laptop shelf attached to the exercise machine. The strap629that is looped around the body portion630of the laptop628and the tray627will hold the laptop628securely against the top surface of the tray627and prevent the laptop628from shifting position if such vibrations occur.

The strap629ofFIG. 45may be made of elastic material so that the strap629may be expanded to slip over the body portion630of the laptop628and tray627combination and then allowed to contract to hold the laptop628securely to the tray627. The strap629may be made of nylon or other flexible material and may employ Velcro as the strap inFIG. 18depicts or a loop and Velcro as the strap inFIG. 19depicts in order to be tightened and secured in the tightened position around the body portion630of the laptop628and the tray627of the laptop shelf625. Additionally, the strap629made of nylon or other flexible material may instead employ a snap-in buckle as the strap inFIG. 17depicts in order to be connected, tightened and secured around the body portion630of the laptop628and the tray627of the laptop shelf625.

With the strap629wrapped around the body portion630of the laptop628and the tray627of the laptop shelf625as shown inFIG. 45, the generally vertical monitor631of the laptop628is in a position behind the strap629and in front of the back plate626. In this position, laptop628is prevented from sliding forward and unless the strap629itself moves. The strap629is held in place by the friction that exists between itself and the top and side surfaces of the body portion630of the laptop628, and the sides and bottom surface of the tray627of the laptop shelf625when the strap629is sufficiently tightened.

However, if this friction between the strap629and the top and side surfaces of body portion630the laptop628and the sides and bottom surface of the tray627of the laptop shelf625is not sufficient to hold the strap629in place when tightened, other means may be necessary to hold the strap629securely in place.

FIG. 46depicts a laptop shelf635comprising a back plate636and a tray637connected together with a laptop638placed on the top surface of the tray637. The tray637of the laptop shelf635contains a rear left side notch639and a rear right side notch640. This embodiment has all the functionality as described with the embodiment with relation toFIG. 45but with the added functionality of the rear notches639and640. A strap641is looped around the top of the body portion642of the laptop638, through the rear left side notch639, around bottom of the tray637and back up through the rear right side notch640. The rear left side notch639and a rear right side notch640hold the strap641from sliding forward or backward when the strap is sufficiently tightened around the body portion642of the laptop638and the tray637of the laptop shelf635. This in turn secures the laptop638onto the top surface of the tray637of the laptop shelf635. This design benefits from the fact that the strap641used to secure the laptop638in place on the top surface of the tray637is not permanently connected to the laptop shelf635and may be removed when it is not required.

FIG. 47depicts a tray portion645of a laptop shelf with slots646and647in the rear corner portions of the laptop shelf tray645passing from the top surface of the laptop shelf tray645through the body of the laptop shelf tray645and out the bottom surface of the laptop shelf tray645. A strap used to secure a laptop to the laptop shelf tray654of a laptop shelf as described in the embodiment with relation toFIG. 46could be threaded through the slots646and647inFIG. 47instead of the notches639and640inFIG. 46in order to secure the strap641from sliding forward or backward.

While the notches639and640inFIG. 46and the slots646and647inFIG. 47are shown to be in the rear portion of the laptop shelf trays637and645, these notches639,640and slots646,647could be positioned elsewhere on the laptop shelf trays637,645in order to properly secure the strap641that is used to secure the laptop638to the trays637,645of the laptop shelf635.

FIG. 48depicts a tray portion650of a laptop shelf with one strap652that is connected to the left rear side of the laptop shelf tray650and one strap651that is connected to the right rear side of the laptop shelf tray650. The strap651and the strap652may be pulled up and over a laptop that is placed on the top surface of the laptop shelf tray650and connected together tightly over the top surface of the laptop in order to securely hold the laptop to the top surface of the laptop shelf tray650. The straps651,652may be made of nylon or other flexible material and may employ Velcro as the strap inFIG. 18depicts or a loop and Velcro as the strap inFIG. 19depicts in order to be connected together and tightened and secured in the tightened position around the body portion of the laptop and the laptop shelf tray650. Additionally, the straps651,652made of nylon or other flexible material may instead employ a snap-in buckle as the strap inFIG. 17depicts in order to be connected together, tightened and secured around the body portion of the laptop and the laptop shelf tray650.

WhileFIG. 48depicts two straps651,652connected to each side of the laptop shelf tray650, the strap may instead be one continual piece with one end of the continual piece of strap connected to one side of the laptop shelf tray650and the other end connected to the other side of the laptop shelf tray650. In this case the strap may be adjustable in length or may be made of an elastic material so that it can be expanded in order to allow the laptop to be placed underneath it and then contracted in order to hold the laptop securely on the top surface of the laptop shelf tray650.

In all of the above embodiments, some or all portions of the back plates and the trays of the laptop shelves may be transparent so that the user can see any portion of the exercise machine control console that is blocked by the laptop shelf back plate or tray by looking through the transparent portions of the back plate or tray when the laptop shelf is attached to the exercise machine control console or other component of the exercise machine. In addition, some portions of the back plates and of the trays may be not solid, that is, may have cutout holes so that the user can see portions of the exercise machine control console that are blocked by the laptop shelf back plate or tray by looking through the non-solid portions of the back plate or tray when the laptop shelf is attached to the exercise machine control console or other component of the exercise machine. This may be desirable in order to allow the exerciser to view the readouts on the exercise machine control console such as elapsed time spent exercising and the level of difficulty while the laptop shelf is attached to the exercise machine control console or other component.

In addition, while this specification primarily focuses on the invention used in conjunction with stationary exercise machines and exercise equipment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that the invention could be used in conjunction with other apparatus where a person engaging with the apparatus would benefit from the ability to attach the invention to the apparatus and place a computer on the invention in order to view content on the computer. One example of such a scenario includes attaching the invention to the box seat in a sporting venue where the user could utilize the invention with a computer to watch instant replays on the Internet or get sports statistics for the sporting match that they are watching.

A description on various mechanisms to generate revenue through the current invention is now described. One revenue stream may be based on selling the invention to consumers. The invention may be sold through online stores, retail stores, wholesale outlets, catalogues, magazine, phone sales or infomercials. The invention could be sold as a stand-alone product or bundled together with laptop computers, exercise machines or with computer games and/or computer game control consoles.

Another revenue stream may be based on selling the invention to commercial health clubs so that the health club would then offer the invention to their members for use in the health club. Another revenue stream may be based on selling the invention to hotels so that the hotels would then offer the invention to their clientele for use in the hotel gyms. Another revenue stream may be based on selling the invention to businesses that offer a corporate gym to their employees so that the businesses would then offer the invention to their employees for use in the corporate gym.

Another revenue stream may involve paid advertisements by manufacturers of products or services that would pay to have their products and logos featured on the invention. One example would be for a shoe manufacturer to advertise its running shoe on the invention since users of the invention often buy running shoes. Another example would be for a bicycle manufacturer to advertise its products to users of the invention riding a stationary bike. Another example would be for a television network to advertise its television shows that are available online on the invention since users of the invention consume online entertainment. The advertisements may be static such as decals placed on the invention or may be animated advertisements shown on the LCD displays on the invention as described above.

Another revenue stream may involve producers of online content paying for one of the buttons on the invention to be hardwired to their website address. As discussed above, the button would then be programmed to direct the user's laptop Internet browser to their particular website address. The user of the invention may be therefore more inclined to visit the sponsor's website address due to the convenience of the using the button programmed to the website address rather than using the laptop's keyboard and mouse to visit a different website address.

Another revenue stream may involve creating and selling content for use with the invention. This content could include websites, audio, video and animated content, and could be available online or through a CD or DVD. The content could be produced to entertain users of the invention during their workout. This revenue stream could be fee based whereupon the viewers of the content pay a single-use or monthly fee. This revenue stream could also be advertisement based whereupon the entertainment content could include paid advertisements. In addition, the content could also contain advertisements embedded into the content. If the content is provided online, the website that provides the content could also sell online advertising such as banner ads. Another revenue stream could involve licensing or selling the entertainment content to other online websites such as Yahoo and AOL.

Another revenue stream may involve creating an online fitness portal that contains not only content for use with the invention but also online functionality that helps the user of the invention with their workouts. This functionality could include online schedules of their various workouts, endurance tracking of their training, weight loss management, etc. The fitness portal could then offer fee-based services to the users of the site as well as selling advertising on the site such as banner ads. The fitness portal could also partner with other online portals to cross-promote the other portals and other products and services offered through the other portals.

Another revenue stream may involve addressing the youth obesity problem currently facing the United States by working with private and governmental agencies to fund the creation of fitness programs that utilize the invention for use by children. This may involve providing the invention to junior high and high schools for use with exercise equipment and may involve creating online entertainment specifically tailored to children to entertain them while exercising and using the invention.

Although certain presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that variations and modifications of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.