Abstract:
A lap desk having a highly adjustable surface to hold a variety of electronics and media, including tablet and handheld devices, laptops, portable gaming and electronic devices, writing pads, books and magazines for use while sitting, laying down, reclining, and standing, including multiple angle adjustments between 0 and 90 degrees, a foam base for comfort, and storage and pocket areas for devices, cables, and other accessories. The lap desk can include a removable or permanent travel cover that holds the entire unit and any stored equipment, and it can include a detachable stuffed animal to make it more child friendly.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present disclosure is directed to structures that support documents, equipment, books, working tools, and other objects on the lap of a user and, more particularly, to a portable device that provides adjustability in the presentation of supported articles, concealed storage, portability, and enhanced comfort to users. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Table stands, lecterns, music stands, and similar devices have long existed to hold media and other objects. Some have included various ways of angling the media to a user&#39;s desired preference. These units have a limitation of only being able to be used while a user is seated or standing at a desk or table. 
     Lap desks have long existed to hold media and other objects. These include breakfast trays, book frames, writing desks, wedges, bean bag pillows, etc. These units have been designed to be used either on or above users&#39; laps. Most lap desks only offer a single flat or angled surface to support objects, such as books, documents, and the like. Attempting to adjust the angle on a lap desk today is a cumbersome and often times impossible task because of the lap desk design. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a lap desk that combines ease of angle adjustment with the comfort and portability not found in current lap desks, creating a unique all-in-one solution. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a support device is provided that includes an adjustable smooth flat surface with a stop member for media and objects to rest on for viewing and other use by a user. The surface includes an integrated angle-adjuster that folds up and out of the smooth flat surface to create a prop for media or objects to rest against. The angle adjustment can be implemented in a simple structure that provides a series of rows to give users a variety of choices and flexibility in finding the desired angle for reclined, sitting, laying, or standing use. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the stop is a lip at the front to act as a fulcrum point as well as a stop for supported objects. Because the support surface only has one lip or stop along a single edge of the lap desk, supported articles can be longer or wider than the size of the lap desk, offering nearly endless possibilities for what can be used on the lap desk. 
     A foam base is provided that is cut into a wedge or flat shape and then into two pieces and upholstered to define an expandable enclosure, providing a full-length two-sided foam protected enclosed storage area to store electronic tablet devices and other media. The storage area can be concealed by including an additional storage pocket on the front or rear of the base. It can also be concealed using a flap with a locking closure mechanism (magnet, button, hook, snap, etc.). This smaller storage area or pocket can be used to hold a permanent or removable product travel cover. 
     The foam base can include integrated magnets to adapt the base into new applications. As an example custom made stuffed animal toys with receiver magnets can snap onto the foam base and create a child friendly tablet stand, lap desk, book easel or any combination thereof. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a device to support objects on a user&#39;s lap is provided, the device includes a base having a cushioned bottom surface and a top having a planar surface and mounted to the base. The top includes an articulated bi-fold support stand to support objects at a selected angle relative to the planar surface on the top. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the base includes an expandable storage compartment. Ideally an opening is formed on one side of the base to provide access to the storage pocket. In addition, a pouch is formed on the exterior of the base on another sidewall of the base. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the articulated support stand includes a first panel and a second panel, the first panel having a first edge attached to the top with a hinge for pivotal movement, and an opposing second edge attached with a hinge to a first edge of the second panel. Ideally, the top includes a recessed area sized and shaped to receive the first and second panels in a coplanar relationship with each other and with the planar top surface. 
     In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of stops are formed in the recess that are structured to receive a second edge of the second panel and hold the stand at the selected angle as determined by the position of a selected stop relative to the first edge of the first panel. 
     In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, a lip is formed at or adjacent to a proximal edge of the top, the lip being sized and shaped to retain objects on the top when the objects are supported by the stand or when the top is at an orientation that would cause objects to slide off the top. 
     In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a cover is provided that is sized and shaped to receive the device and enclose the device therein. Ideally the cover is formed of fabric material, is attached to the base, and is structured to be stored in the pouch. Preferably, the cover includes at least one strap that is structured to be used as a handle or shoulder strap, and two straps can be provided so that the stored portable lap desk and cover can be worn as a backpack. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a stuffed animal is provided that is structured to be attached to the base or the top or both the base and the top. 
     In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, a portable lap desk is provided that includes a base formed of cushioned material and having an internal storage compartment formed in the cushioned material that is accessible via at least one opening in the cushioned material; a rigid planar top attached to the base, the top having a plurality of stops formed in a recess on a working surface of the top; and a bi-fold stand attached by a hinge mechanism to the top and configured to cooperate with the plurality of stops to be deployed at a selected angle relative to the working surface of the top. 
     In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, the articulated support stand includes a first panel and a second panel, with the first panel having a first edge attached to the top with a hinge for pivotal movement and an opposing second edge attached with a hinge to a first edge of the second panel. Preferably the recess in the working surface of the top is sized and shaped to receive the first and second panels in a coplanar relationship with each other and with the planar top surface. 
     In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of stops are formed in the recess and are structured to receive a second edge of the second panel and hold the stand at the selected angle as determined by the position of a selected stop relative to the first edge of the first panel. 
     In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, a lip is formed at or adjacent to a proximal edge of the top, the lip sized and shaped to retain objects on the top when the objects are supported by the stand or when the top is at an orientation that objects could slide off the working surface of the top at the proximal edge of the top. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily appreciated as the same become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front isometric view of a lap desk formed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure having a front internal storage compartment and rear storage pocket with detachable cover; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric side view showing the lap desk of  FIG. 1  with a support surface in a deployed configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is a front isometric view of a lap desk with storage pocket formed in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a front isometric view of a lap desk formed in accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure having a rear storage pocket, rear internal storage compartment, and detachable cover; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric side view of the lap desk of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric side view of the lap desk of  FIG. 4  showing the opposite side of the view of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a front plan view of yet another embodiment of a lap desk formed in accordance with the present disclosure having a rear storage compartment with magnetically closed flap; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of the lap desk of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric front view of the lap desk of  FIG. 7  showing the flap in an opened configuration; 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric top front view of the plastic top of the lap desk of  FIG. 7  in a stored configuration; 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric top front view of the top component of  FIG. 10  in a deployed configuration; 
         FIG. 12  is a side plan view of a lap desk storage container formed in accordance with still yet a further embodiment of the present disclosure having a rear storage pocket, rear internal storage compartment, and detachable cover; 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric side bottom view of the storage container of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a production version of an unassembled plastic top; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates the assembled plastic top of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a flat foam base; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a stuffed animal attached to the base; and 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a molded plastic contour that creates angles for the prop stand to rest on. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or components or both associated with supports, lecterns, desks, and other similar devices, have not been shown or described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. 
     Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.” The foregoing applies equally to the words “including” and “having.” 
     Reference throughout this description to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
     The present disclosure is directed to a lap desk as shown in the accompanying figures. More particularly,  FIGS. 1-3  show a lap desk  30  formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure to include a top  32  mounted on a base or cushioned bottom  34 . 
     The top  32  has a front lip  36  centered along a front edge  37  of the top  32  that, ideally, does not span the entire width of the top  32 . The lip  36  is sized and shaped to provide a supporting shoulder for objects that are placed on the exposed planar surface  38  of the top  32 . The rear edge  40  and first and second opposing side edges  42 ,  44  of the top  32  have no stops, ridges, or other projections extending out of the planar surface  38 , allowing a user to place objects of almost any size on the top  32  without interference from other structures. 
     In one embodiment, the top  32  can be removed from the base or cushioned bottom  34 . For example, the top  32  can be made of plastic and can be mounted on the base  34  so that it is removable. The top can be attached to the foam base through a number of means that allow it to be removed, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, metal or plastic fasteners, snaps, zippers, straps, and the like. One example would be the use of embedded magnets inside the top  32  and corresponding magnets in the foam base  34  that, when aligned for magnetic attraction, hold the top in place by the force of magnetic attraction alone or in combination with a snap. Another method is to use legs or posts on the base  34  that lock into a slot on the plastic top  32 . When the top is removed and the legs deployed, the top  32  becomes a desk stand without the bulk of the foam base  34 . The top  32  would include non-slip feet or surfaces on its base to prevent it from sliding on a supporting surface when the legs are not used. 
     Formed in the top  32  is a bi-fold support stand  46  that extends out of the surface of the top to support objects resting on the top  32  at a selected angle towards a user, as shown in  FIG. 2 . More particularly, the bi-fold support  46  is formed of two articulated panels  48 ,  50  coupled at a transverse center hinge point  52 , preferably by a piano hinge, and mounted for pivotal movement to the top  32  at the forward edge  54  of the forward most panel  48 . A plurality of transverse stop members  56  are formed in a recess  58  in the top  32  that retain the rearward most panel  50  at selected upright angled positions relative to the top  32 . The recess  58  is sized and shaped to allow the panels  48 ,  50  to unfold and lay flat in the recess  58  so as to be substantially planar with the surface  38  of the top  32 . 
     Also shown is a transverse opening  60  on a front portion  62  of the cushioned bottom  34  that provides access to an expandable internal storage compartment. Ideally, the internal storage compartment is sized slightly smaller than the outside dimensions of the desk  30  and is lined with the material of the exterior of the cushioned bottom  34 . The opening  60  is ideally not closed, although a flap or zipper or other closing mechanism can be provided if desired. 
     Shown in  FIG. 3  is a rear pocket  64  in the form of a pouch having an open top  66  that extends almost the entire width of the desk  30 . Articles such as a removable cover or handle can be stored in the pocket  64 . 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 4-6 , shown therein is a lap desk  70  formed in accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure having a rear storage pocket  72 , rear internal storage compartment  74 , and detachable cover  76 . 
     Other elements of the desk  70  similar to those of the desk  30  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-3  are similarly numbered. 
       FIGS. 7-9  illustrate yet a further embodiment of a lap desk  80  formed in accordance with the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the lap desk  80  has the top  32  with forward lip  36  as previously described. The cushioned bottom  82  in this embodiment has a substantially smooth and planar yet cushioned bottom surface  84  with an internal storage compartment dimensioned as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 , which is accessed by a rear opening  86  (shown more clearly in  FIG. 9 ). A flap  88  attached to the bottom  82  immediately adjacent the top  32  extends downward to completely cover the opening  86 . A magnetic snap  90  having a matching receptacle  92  is used to hold the flap  88  in a closed position. An optional handle  94  is shown attached at the attachment point of the flap  88  immediately adjacent the top  32 . 
       FIG. 10  shows the components of the plastic top  32 , and  FIG. 11  shows the top  32  installed on the base  82  of the embodiment of the lap desk  80  shown and described in conjunction with  FIGS. 7-9 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  show a removable cover  100  sized and shaped to receive the lap desk of any of the foregoing embodiments through a closable top  102 . Straps  104  can be used to cinch down and close the top  102  as well as for carrying the lap desk. As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the straps  104  are attached to a bottom  106  of the carrying case  100  to form a pair of straps to be placed over a user&#39;s shoulders to enable a user to wear the carrying case  100  as a pack on their back (or front) as desired. Alternatively only one strap can be used to wear the pack over one shoulder. 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate production models of the top  32 . 
     Set forth below is a list of materials and further construction details for one embodiment of the lap desk of the present disclosure. 
     Materials List: 
     Base of Prop: 
     High Density Foam 
     Batting 
     Plywood 
     Covering: Vinyl, Micro-suede, Rip-stop nylon, cotton, cording 
     Base Top: 
     Plywood Cut to desired size with square cut out to accommodate prop stops allowing for up to 20 different angle adjustments. Fabric overlay is stapled around the square hole to cover wood. 
     Base: 
     Foam is placed in base covering and then plywood is placed on top of foam 
     Covering is stapled to top of plywood to upholster base. A fabric strap can be attached to the back edge creating a handle. 
     Base Covering: 
     The base can also include a permanent or removable covering for the product. The covering can be velcroed, buttoned, sew, or otherwise attached to the base. The covering is typically made of rip-stop nylon with cotton cording attached for easier transport. 
     Prop Stops: 
     14 gauge wire, rubber tubing, (tubing is fed over wire and stapled into hole. The back of the hole is covered with heavy vinyl. Alternatively, a molded plastic one piece top that is contoured to create multiple strops can be used. 
     Prop Top: 
     Abs plastic is cut or molded to size, anywhere between 9 and 20 inches in width and 9 and 20 inches in length. The center can be cut out and cut in to two pieces or molded as such. All edges are sanded, smoothed, and finished. Living or snap hinges are applied with strong glue tape to the base of the cut out and to the two pieces to form the prop. A wooden or plastic lip is stapled and or glued to the lower edge of the plastic top to serve as a holder for the electronic device or book. 
     The Prop Top is glued or screwed to the upholstered base and clamped between two boards until dry. 
     Functionality: 
     As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing, the device of the present disclosure is designed to be a multi-angled lap desk. It is configured to hold books, games, electronic devices including but not limited to: tablet computers, laptops, electronic reading devices, media players, etc. The user can adjust the book, game, or device to the angle needed for the application at the time, (chair, bed, table, couch, lap, etc.) by moving the stand (angle adjuster) from zero degrees up to ninety degrees through the various six to twelve positions (depending on the model). Thus, the user can determine the best position needed for viewing, reading, gaming, or computing. 
     The base of the prop can be made flat or as a wedge angle. The front is anywhere from ½ inch to five inches thick, and the back of the base is anywhere from ½ inch to five inches thick. 
     The base can be plain or have a hidden storage compartment to hold an electronic device or book. The hidden storage compartment is made by cutting the high density foam from the back to the front in the center. Then when the fabric cover is being constructed a pocket is added to accommodate the hidden interior storage. 
     This hidden compartment can be covered with a pocket flap with closure, or it can be covered by an exterior pocket that holds the covering. 
     The base  198  can include an attached or detachable stuffed animal  200  as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 19 . The stuffed animal  200  could rest vertically, horizontally, and flat or angled. The stuffed animal&#39;s arms  202  could be used to secure an object to the lap desk. Attachment can be by any known means, although hook-and-loop fasteners are preferred. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a molded component that forms the basic top  220  of one embodiment of the lap desk in accordance with the present disclosure. Not shown are the articulated panels, fasteners, etc., that may be needed when combining the top  220  with a base. Thus, the top  220  has a planar working surface  222  with a proximal edge  224 , a distal edge  226 , and two side edges  228 ,  230 . The proximal edge  224  has a lip  232  formed at or adjacent the edge  224  and which is structured to extend across a majority of the width of the proximal edge  224 . The lip is structured to retain objects on the working surface  222  when the top  220  is at an angle such that objects would be prone to slide off the top  220  over the proximal edge  224 . 
     A recess  234  is formed in the working surface  222  of the top  220  that extends from the distal edge  226  to a location adjacent to the lip  232 . Molded within the recess  234  are transverse stops  236  that extend substantially across the entire recess  234 . It is to be understood that the stops  236  need not extend across the entire recess  234 , so long as they provide a sufficient bearing surface to hold the stand in a desired orientation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , the stops are formed of a substantially vertical wall  238  and an angled top wall  240  that extends from the vertical wall  238  to an adjacent vertical wall  242 . The size of the top wall  242  is determined by the number of stops  236  that are desired in order to provide a variety of angles at which the stand will be supported. In this embodiment twelve stops are illustrated. The height of the vertical walls  238 ,  242 , etc., extends to a distance below the working surface  222  that leaves sufficient room for the stand to lay flat within the recess  234  to be coplanar with the working surface  222  of the top  220 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , a plurality of openings  244  are formed adjacent the recess  234  and extend through the top  220  for accommodating fasteners (not shown) used to attach the top  220  to a corresponding base (not shown in this figure). The openings  244  are formed on each side of the recess  234 , preferably within longitudinal recessed strips  246  that can then be covered to obscure viewing of the fasteners within the openings  244  and to provide a smooth working surface. 
     The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments. 
     These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.