Abstract:
A computer support for a notebook or laptop computer is disclosed. The computer support provides a supported surface on which the computer can be used by a standing computer user.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a supporting structure for a portable computer, such as for a ‘laptop’ or ‘notebook’ computer. 
       BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of portable computers being used. With increases in battery life, computing power and storage capacity, and decreases in cost, portable computers are now commonplace. 
         [0003]    One limitation to the use of portable computers is the need to have a surface on which the computer can be located. Although portable computers have long been referred to as ‘laptop’ computers, in reality it is difficult to use a computer located on one&#39;s lap. A table or bench surface is often required. In particular, in circumstances where a user is required to stand, there is frequently no way in which the computer can be used. 
         [0004]    A further limitation to the use of portable computers is that a user must remain reasonably stationary while using the computer. Unlike ‘handheld’ devices, which can be used while moving, a portable computer is too unwieldy to be used in such a fashion. 
         [0005]    The present invention seeks to provide a structure which allows for use of a portable computer where no other resting place is readily available, or when a user wishes to use a portable computer while walking. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a support for a computer, the support including a platform, a platform positioning means and a restraining means, whereby the restraining means can be worn by a user and acts to locate the platform positioning means in a desired location relative to the user, and whereby the platform can be locked into position relative to the platform positioning means such that the platform extends in a direction away from the user. 
         [0007]    In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a support for a computer, the support including a platform, a supporting structure, and straps; the straps fixed to the supporting structure and able be worn over the torso of a user; the platform connected to the supporting structure in such a way that it can be rigidly held in an engaged position on which a computer may be located for use. 
         [0008]    The platform may be moveable between a plurality of positions. These include the engaged position, which may be substantially horizontal when a user is standing with the straps worn over their torso; and may also include a stored position which may be substantially perpendicular to the engaged position. The platform may be moveable between a plurality of engaged positions, such as the one substantially horizontal and a second position which may be inclined at an angle such as 30° to the horizontal. 
         [0009]    The supporting structure may include a platform positioning means which permits movement of the platform between positions. The platform positioning means may include resiliently biased locking means associated with each platform position, to enable the platform to be held rigidly in a desired position. 
         [0010]    It is preferred that the supporting structure includes a bracing member, arranged to be in a substantially vertical position when the user is standing. The bracing member may be fixed to the platform positioning means, such that movement of the platform between positions corresponds to rotation of the platform relative to the bracing member. 
         [0011]    The support may be located within a bag, with the brace and the straps fixed to a rear of the bag, and the platform associated with a front of the bag. The arrangement is preferably such that positioning of the platform in the stored position corresponds to closure of the bag. The bag may include suitable closure means such as zippers between the rear and front. 
         [0012]    The platform may include computer restraints, such as straps which may be secured around a computer. The platform may also include computer guides, which may be adjusted to hold a computer of a particular size and to maintain it in position relative to the platform. 
         [0013]    The platform may include a swiveling portion which allows for rotation of a computer in the plane of the platform. 
         [0014]    In a preferred embodiment the support includes a storage compartment located between the platform and the front of the bag. 
         [0015]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention the bag front may include an extendable support, such as a telescoping strut. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    It will be convenient to further describe the invention with reference to preferred embodiments of the computer support of the present invention. 
           [0017]    Other embodiments are possible, and consequently the particularity of the following discussion is not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective of a computer support in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, shown in a closed configuration; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective of the computer support of  FIG. 1 , shown during opening; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective of the computer support of  FIG. 1 , shown when open; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a perspective of the computer support of  FIG. 1 , shown with computer guides open; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a perspective of the computer support of  FIG. 1 , shown with a shut computer in position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a perspective of the computer support of  FIG. 1 , shown with a computer located between computer guides; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a perspective of the computer support of  FIG. 1 , shown with a computer in an operating position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a perspective of a user carrying the computer support of  FIG. 1  in a stowed position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a perspective of a user using the computer support of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a perspective of a computer support in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, shown during fixing of a computer; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is an under perspective of a portion of the computer support of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is an expanded view of a portion of the computer support of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a perspective of a user carrying a computer support in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, in a stowed position; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a perspective of the user of  FIG. 13  using the computer support of  FIG. 13 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    Referring to the Figures,  FIG. 1  shows a computer support  10  enclosed within a bag  12 . The bag  12  is a ‘backpack’ style bag, with a front  14  and a rear  16 . A zipper  18  is located between the front  14  and the rear  16 . 
         [0033]    The bag  12  has two straps  20  fixed to the rear  16 , to allow wearing of the backpack about the torso of a user. 
         [0034]    The front  14  and rear  16  are connected by a hinge  22 , located along the base of the bag  12 . The hinge  22  is arranged to selectively allow movement of the front  14  relative to the rear  16  of the bag, with the hinge  22  having a resiliently biased or spring-loaded button  24  at either end to disengage a catch mechanism. In the embodiment shown the catch mechanism will hold the front  14  and rear  16  of the bag at one of three pre-determined relative positions: adjacent each other (as in the closed position shown in  FIG. 1 ); at a relative angle of 60° and at a relative angle of 90°. It will be understood that in other embodiments other relative positions may be available. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  shows the bag  12  while opening. Two significant features of the bag can be seen in  FIG. 2 : a platform  30  and a brace  32 . 
         [0036]    The platform  30  is fixed to the hinge  22 , and is able to rotate between a stored position, where it locates substantially within the rear  16  of the bag  12  enabling the bag  12  to be closed; a first engagement position within the front  14  of the bag when the front  14  and rear  16  of the bag are disposed at a relative angle of 60°; and a second engagement position within the front  14  of the bag when the front  14  and rear  16  of the bag are disposed at an angle of 90°.  FIG. 2  shows the platform  30  moving towards the second engagement position, and  FIG. 3  shows the platform  30  in the second engagement position. 
         [0037]    The platform  30  is rigid, and is preferably constructed from a rigid plastic such as polypropylene. It includes a plurality of feet  34 , situated on the front side of the platform  30 , which space the platform  30  from the front  14  of the bag when in an engagement position. 
         [0038]    The brace  32  is located within the rear  16  of the bag  12 , and acts to add rigidity to the rear  16  of the bag  12  near the hinge  22 . The brace  32  is also preferably constructed from a rigid plastic such as polypropylene. 
         [0039]    The platform  30  includes a computer guide  36 , and two computer restraints  38 . The guide  36  comprises two sliding portions arranged to locate on either side of a portable computer, in order to prevent lateral movement of the computer. The restraints  38  comprise elastic straps passing around the platform  30 , into which a portable computer can be inserted to maintain it in position on the platform  30  during transport. 
         [0040]    The action of the guide  36  can be seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . In  FIG. 3 , the guide  36  is in a narrow position. In  FIG. 4 , the guide  36  is in an open, wide position. 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  shows the computer support  10  in substantially the same position as  FIG. 3 , but with a computer  40  stowed on the platform  30 . The computer  40  is oriented such that it is entirely contained on the surface of the platform  30 , within the guides  36  in their narrow position. The restraints  38  are both passed around the computer  40 , holding it in position. It will be appreciated that with the computer  40  thus restrained, the platform  30  can be raised to the stored position, and the bag  12  closed by means of the zipper  18 , without damage to or dislodgement of the computer  40 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  shows the computer support  10  in the position of  FIG. 4 , with the computer  40  oriented ready for use. The guides  36  have been moved out to a wide position to accommodate the computer in this orientation. 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  shows the computer  40  in a useable position. The computer  40  has been opened from its configuration in  FIG. 6 , and at least one of the restraints  38  has been re-engaged about the computer  40  to hold it in this position. 
         [0044]    Use of the computer support means  10  can be seen with reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 . When the computer  40  is in the stowed configuration, and the bag  12  closed, it can be worn on the back of a user  50 , with the straps  20  passing over the user&#39;s  50  shoulders. 
         [0045]    When the user  50  desires to use the computer  40 , the computer support  10  can be switched to the user&#39;s  50  chest, with the straps  20  passing over the user&#39;s  50  torso. The computer support  10  can then be moved into the position of  FIG. 7 . It will be appreciated that the brace  32  locates against the abdomen of the user  50 , providing stability to the computer support  10 . The hinge  22  locks in the engagement position, allowing the platform  30  to extend in a substantially horizontal manner. The user  50  is thus able to use the computer  40  with both hands while standing, with the computer  40  being supported in a substantially rigid position. 
         [0046]    An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 10 to 12 . In this embodiment the platform  30  incorporates a swiveling mechanism  42 . The swiveling mechanism  42  includes attachment means  44  for rigid connection to the computer  40 . 
         [0047]    The swiveling mechanism  42  includes a supporting plate  46  which sits, in use, above the platform  30 . The supporting plate  46  is arranged so as to be able to rotate relative to the platform  30 , and also to be able to move laterally relative to the hinge  22 . In this way, when a computer  40  is fixed to the supporting plate  46 , the computer  40  can be moved between the stowed position of  FIG. 5  and the use position of  FIG. 6 , while remaining all the time fixed to the supporting plate  46 . In the embodiment shown, the supporting plate  46  is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced locating apertures  48  which provide locking means for the supporting plate  46  in a desired angular configuration. 
         [0048]    A further alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 .  FIGS. 13 and 14  show a computer support  60  similar to the computer support  10 , with a bag  62  having a front  64 , and with a telescoping strut  65  located within the front  64  of the bag  62 . The strap  70  of the bag  62  is arranged to pass around the waist of the user  50 . In use, the strut  65  can be extended to the ground to provide a weight bearing support for the computer  40 . 
         [0049]    Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.