Patent Publication Number: US-2012037047-A1

Title: Foldable Laptop Stand

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to laptop stands, and, more particularly, relates to an ultrathin foldable laptop stand that can be coupled to a bottom surface of the laptop computer and easily deployed to support the laptop above a support surface. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Over the past 10 years, laptop-sized computers have become ubiquitous. This is due, at least in part, to the fact that laptop-sized computers provide the same computing power as a larger desktop computer in a fraction of the size. This size/performance factor conveniently allows the user to have a full-featured computer at their fingertips at all times. 
     Smaller size, however, brings with it certain drawbacks. For one, most laptop keyboards are smaller than standard desktop keyboards and are difficult to use for people with normal or larger than normal hands. In addition, laptop keyboards often include a mouse device, such as a touchpad or track button. Having the mouse device on the small keyboard makes using a laptop keyboard even more difficult, as a user is prone to inadvertently touching the touchpad while typing. For this reason, some users prefer to attach a standard keyboard to their laptop computer before performing extensive typing tasks. 
     In addition, when placed on a standard work surface, such as a desk, the laptop screen is at a height much lower than that of a standard desktop video monitor. This lower height causes strain on the neck of a user, who naturally tends to bend down to see the screen. If the laptop screen is tilted towards the users face, there can be a distracting glare on the screen caused by above-head lighting. In addition, tilting the screen moves the image even further away from the user&#39;s eyes. 
     To solve the problem of the laptop screens being distanced from the user&#39;s eyes, many manufacturers have provided laptop stands that elevate the laptop computer from the work surface and move it closer to the user&#39;s face. This improved position not only improves the ergonomic posture of a user, it also reduces glare on the screen. 
     One such device is the laptop stand  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . The laptop stand  100  elevates and supports a laptop  102  from a surface  106 . In particular, the laptop stand  100  supports the keyboard portion  104  of the laptop  102  and holds it in a position that is substantially parallel to the surface  106  from which it is being supported. The main drawback of this model is the lack of portability as it does not fold. 
     Another prior-art laptop support device is shown in  FIG. 2 . The laptop stand  200  supports a laptop computer  202 . In particular, a support portion  201  of the laptop stand  200  supports the keyboard portion  204  of the laptop computer  202  at an angle to the support surface  206 . The laptop stand  200  advantageously raises the screen  208  of the laptop computer  202  off of the surface  206 . However, because the laptop computer  202  simply rests on the laptop stand  200 , the angle of the laptop stand  200  provides an unstable holder of the laptop computer  202 . 
     Angular laptop stands, such as that shown in  FIG. 2 , rely on the principle of “concave nesting” to hold the laptop in an elevated position. “Concave nesting” means that the laptop is retained in a predefined space by means of levers, prop ups (e.g., lip  210 ) that restrain the laptop computer  202  from falling/slipping toward the surface  206  of the table upon which it is being supported. A significant disadvantage of this design is its lack of portability, i.e., it is difficult to fold. In addition, it requires setup time and effort, which decreases much of the user friendliness of the stand. Moreover, the stand has several moving parts, making it prone to mechanical failure 
     Other known angular laptop stands, as shown in  FIG. 3 , rely on friction  302  to prevent the laptop computer  202  from sliding off of the laptop stand  300  onto the surface  206 . The friction  302  can be a frictional force resulting from an interaction between, for example, rubber feet and the support surface area  301 . Other known laptop stand devices utilize VELCRO-like fasteners as a way of securing the laptop computer  202  to the laptop stand. 
     The connection between the laptop stand and the laptop is, therefore, limited to levers  210  and friction  301  and the laptop stand has no other interconnection with the laptop computer  202 . When a laptop computer  202  and/or laptop stand  100 ,  200 ,  300  is accidentally bumped or otherwise moved, the frictional force can be overcome and the laptop computer  202  can become separate from the laptop stand  100 ,  200 ,  300 . 
     In addition, when a user changes his/her location of work (very typical for a laptop user), he/she has to pack and carry the laptop and the laptop stand separately. This is inconvenient, time-consuming, and can often result in loss or purposeful failure to bring the laptop stand. Therefore, because the user ceases use of laptop stand, all ergonomic benefit of the laptop stand is lost. 
     Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a foldable laptop stand that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that securely couples to an underside surface of a laptop computer, while providing a very low profile structure when folded. 
     With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a foldable laptop stand that includes a laptop support surface with a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion and the second portion are non-co-planer. A support surface angle positioner is coupled to and co-planer with the first portion of the laptop support surface. A positioner engagement portion is coupled to and co-planer with the second portion of the laptop support surface. In addition, the support surface angle positioner and the first portion of the laptop support surface have a first hinged interface therebetween, the positioner engagement portion and the second portion of the laptop support surface have a second hinged interface therebetween, and the positioner engagement portion is removably coupleable with the support surface angle positioner to selectably position the laptop support surface at an angle to the support surface angle positioner 
     In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the support surface angle positioner defines at least one receiving area therein, the at least one receiving area shaped to engage an end of the positioner engagement portion. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the first portion and the second portion of the laptop support surface are coupled to each other in a fixed positional relationship. 
     In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the second portion of the laptop support surface defines at least one aperture shaped to accept a laptop stand securing anchor coupled to a bottom surface of a laptop. 
     In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the support surface angle positioner and the first portion of the laptop support surface include a first solid planar layer; a sheet of flexible material disposed on top of at least a portion of the first solid planar layer; and a second solid planar layer disposed on an opposing side of the sheet of flexible material as the first solid planar layer. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the first hinged interface includes an exposed area of the flexible material coupled to the support surface angle positioner, the exposed area being of sufficient size to place the flexible material in contact with a supporting surface when at least one of the first hinged interface and the second hinged interface are in a bent configuration. 
     In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a first magnet portion coupled to the second portion of the laptop support surface and a second magnet portion coupled to the support surface angle positioner, wherein the first magnet portion and the second magnet portion display a magnetic attraction toward one another. 
     In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes a configurable laptop stand for use with a laptop computer having an outer case, the laptop stand including at least one laptop-stand anchor coupled to an underside of the laptop computer case, a laptop support surface defining at least one aperture shaped to selectively engage the laptop stand with the laptop computer case, a laptop angle positioner hingedly coupled to the laptop support surface, a positioner engagement portion hingedly coupled to the laptop support surface, and a laptop angle positioner securing mechanism operable to bias the laptop angle positioner in a position parallel to the laptop support surface. 
     In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a configurable laptop stand for use with a laptop computer having a keyboard and an outer case, the laptop stand including at least one laptop-stand anchor at a surface of an outer case of the laptop computer, a laptop angle positioner defining at least one aperture shaped to selectively engage with the at least one laptop-stand anchor, and a positioner engagement portion defining at least one aperture shaped to selectively engage with the at least one laptop-stand anchor, wherein the positioner engagement portion is removably coupleable with the laptop angle positioner to selectably position the laptop angle positioner at an angle to the positioner engagement portion. 
     In accordance with a further feature, the present invention includes a laptop angle positioner securing member operable to secure the laptop angle positioner in a position that is parallel to a surface of a laptop keyboard. 
     In accordance with an additional feature, the laptop angle positioner securing member is operable to bias the positioner engagement portion in a position that is parallel to the laptop keyboard portion. 
     Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a foldable laptop stand, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. 
     Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale. 
     Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. 
     As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a prior-art laptop stand supporting a laptop computer; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of a prior-art laptop stand supporting a laptop computer; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of a prior-art laptop stand supporting a laptop computer; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective side view of a foldable laptop stand in a deployed configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective underside back-side view of the foldable laptop stand of  FIG. 4  in a deployed configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective downward back-side view of the foldable laptop stand of  FIG. 4  in a deployed configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective side view of the foldable laptop stand of  FIG. 4  in a folded configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an elevational edge view of a portion of three-layer material forming a structural portion of a foldable laptop stand, including a hinged interface, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an elevational edge view of the three-layer material of  FIG. 8  showing the hinged interface in a bent position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an elevational side view of a foldable laptop stand in a deployed configuration below a laptop computer provided with a first type of securing shoulder features in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an elevational side view of a foldable laptop stand in a deployed configuration below a laptop computer provided with a second type of securing shoulder features in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is an planar top view of a foldable laptop stand with apertures in a folded configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is an elevational side view of a laptop support surface of a foldable laptop stand in a flexed configuration being installed between securing shoulders coupled to a laptop computer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is an elevational side view of a foldable laptop stand in a deployed configuration below a laptop computer provided with a securing shoulder features in close proximity in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 15  is a planar top view of a foldable laptop stand with apertures, the foldable laptop stand being in a folded configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a planar top view of a foldable laptop stand with apertures, the foldable laptop stand being in a folded configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is an elevational side view of a foldable laptop stand in a deployed configuration below a laptop computer provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is an elevational side view of a foldable laptop stand integrated with an outer case of a laptop computer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is an elevational side view of a foldable laptop stand with a document support surface in a deployed configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is an elevational side view of a foldable laptop stand with a document support surface in a partially deployed configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is an elevational side view of a foldable laptop stand with a document support surface in a partially collapsed configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. 
     The present invention provides a novel, light weight, and efficient laptop stand suitable for quick and easy deployment resulting in the secure elevation of a laptop computer. Embodiments of the invention provide the inventive laptop stand in a form that easily folds into a low profile form factor that can be stored and transported. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide the inventive laptop stand in complimentary elements that easily removably couple to the underside of a laptop computer, providing rapid and simple deployment. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , one embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective side view.  FIG. 4  shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a foldable laptop stand  400 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , includes a laptop support surface  401 . The laptop support surface  401  is the surface upon which the laptop computer will rest. In the particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the laptop support surface  401  is formed by a first portion  402  and a second portion  404 . The elevational side view of  FIG. 4  shows that the first portion  402  makes contact with a surface  414  and is in a different plane than the second portion  404 , which is coupled directly onto the first portion  402 . That is, the first portion  402  and the second portion  404  have an overlapping region  403  that places the first portion  402  and the second portion  404  in a fixed-position parallel relationship. There is, however, no requirement that the laptop support surface  401  be formed of two separate portions or that those two portions overlap one another. 
     The foldable laptop stand  400  also includes a support surface angle positioner  406 . The support surface angle positioner  406  has a first end  408  and a second end  410 , with the first end  408  being coupled to the first portion  402  of the laptop support surface  401  at an interface  412 . The interface  412  is, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a hinged connection between the support surface angle positioner  406  and the first portion  402  of the laptop support surface  401 . The hinged interface allows an angle  416  between the laptop support surface  401  and the support surface angle positioner  406  to be adjusted to one or more selectable values. 
     The second end  410  of the support surface angle positioner  406 , when the foldable laptop stand  400  is unfolded, i.e., the angle  416  is less than 180°, contacts the surface  414  on which the laptop stand  400  is supported. With reference to  FIG. 4 , the lower the angle  416  becomes, the higher an angle  428 , between the surface  414  and the laptop support surface  401 , becomes. As explained below, selection and maintenance of the angle  428  is accomplished through use of the positioner engagement portion  420  of the laptop stand  400 . 
     The positioner engagement portion  420  has a first end  422  and the second end  424 , with the first end  422  being coupled to the second portion  404  of the laptop support surface  401  at an interface  426 . The interface  426  is, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a hinged connection between the positioner engagement portion  420  and the second portion  404  of the laptop support surface  401 . The hinged interface  426  allows the positioner engagement portion  420  to couple with the support surface angle positioner  406 . By providing several coupling locations on the support surface angle positioner  406 , the positioner engagement portion  420  allows an angle  428  between the laptop support surface  401  and the positioner engagement portion  420  to be adjusted to one or more selectable angular values.  FIG. 4  shows the second end  424  of the positioner engagement portion  420  coupled to the support surface angle positioner  406  at one of these locations. This coupling, however, is better illustrated in elevational rear-facing views of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     Referring first to  FIG. 5 , it can be seen that a portion of the positioner engagement portion  420  has been inserted within one of multiple receiving areas  502   a - n  (where n represents any number greater than one) formed within the support surface angle positioner  406 . The receiving areas  502   a - n  can be any shape that allows the second end  424  of the positioner engagement portion  420  to physically couple with the support surface angle positioner  406 . These shapes can include lines, holes, indentations, raised areas, and others. 
     Because the positioner engagement portion  420  is resting within the receiving area  502   a  in the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the laptop support surface  401  remains propped up at an angle from the horizontal surface  414  upon which the laptop stand  400  rests. The angle of the laptop support surface  401 , in the view of  FIG. 5 , renders the underside surface  506  of the laptop support surface  401  and an upper surface  508  of the support surface angle positioner  406  visible. 
     It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 5 , the positioner engagement portion  420  defines a shape  504  within its surface. In addition, an outer edge of the second portion  404  of the laptop support surface  401  defines a shape  510  that corresponds with the shape  504  defined by the support surface angle positioner  406 . As will be shown in the following figures and explained below, the corresponding shapes  510  and  504  are able to mate with each other, advantageously allowing the present invention to collapse into a very thin form factor. Of course, there is no requirement that the mating between shapes  510  and  504  are close or that the shapes  510  and  504  be the same general shape. As long as the outer edge that forms shape  510  fits within the inner edge that forms shape  504 , the present invention is able to collapse into a very thin form factor. 
     The elevational top rear view of the laptop stand  400  of  FIG. 6  also shows the second end  424  of the positioner engagement portion  420  coupled with the first receiving area  502   a  of the angle positioner  406 . In the particular view of  FIG. 6 , the upper surface  602  of the laptop support surface  401  is shown. It is this upper surface  602  that a laptop computer will rest upon when the laptop stand  400  is deployed. 
     The present invention, as described thus far, provides several advantages over prior art laptop stands. The unique design provides at least three important benefits: 1) only two layers are used to form the laptop support surface  401  and angle positioner  406 , which provides minimal thickness and weight while offering superior strength and stability; 2) laptop stand  400  is easy to deploy, fold, and use by a user; and 3) the laptop stand  400  leaves sufficient locations for connection of the laptop stand  400  to a laptop computer. This is advantageous because the bottom surface of each laptop can vary from the bottom surface of other laptops. More specifically, laptop computers frequently feature uneven areas on their bottom surface as well as other elements, such as airflow grills, screws, feet, information-bearing stickers, and many others. Therefore, it is advantageous to provide as large of an area as possible to define the proper location of the connectors, such as VELCRO. 
       FIG. 7  provides an elevated edge view of the foldable laptop stand  400  in a collapsed state. Advantageously, the foldable laptop stand  400  is able to fold into a very thin form factor. This is due, in part, to the relationship of the structural components, as well as a selection of materials used to form each of the components. In the edge view of  FIG. 7 , it can be seen that, when compressed, the second portion  404  of the laptop support surface  401  and the positioner engagement portion  420  substantially share a single plane  701 . This single plane  701  is shared when the second portion  404  of the laptop support surface  401  and the positioner engagement portion  420  pivot upon the interface  426  until the shape  504  defined within the positioner engagement portion  420  mates with the shape  510  defined by the outer edge of the second portion  404  of the laptop support surface  401 . 
     The edge view of  FIG. 7  also shows that the first portion  402  of the laptop support surface  401  and the support surface angle positioner  406  substantially share a second single plane  702  when the support surface angle positioner  406  pivots upon the interface  412  until it makes contact with a bottom surface of the second portion  404  of the laptop support surface  401 . 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable laptop stand  400  is able to retain its collapsed state through the assistance of one or more magnet pairs  512 ,  514 , shown in  FIG. 5 . By placing one half  512  of the magnet pair on, for instance, the second portion  404  of the laptop support surface  401  and the other half  514  on, for instance, the support surface angle positioner  406 , the magnetic attraction of the two halves  512 ,  514  will provide a retaining force that will hold the stand  400  in its flattened state shown in  FIG. 7 . It should be noted however, that the exact positioning of the magnet pairs  512 ,  514  is not important for carrying out the present invention. Any position of the magnet pairs  512 ,  514  that allow the inventive laptop stand  400  to remain collapsed can be sufficient. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, all or portions of the inventive laptop stand  401  are formed from material that provides solid surfaces as well as hinged interfaces between the aluminum surfaces. One exemplary commercially-available material is called aluminum composite panel (ACP), often sold under the trade name HYLITE, which is a laminate material formed from two thin layers of aluminum  801 ,  802  sandwiching a plastic layer  803  in between, all of which are shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     In this embodiment, areas of discontinuity  804 ,  806  are present in each of the aluminum layers  801 ,  802 , respectively, thereby exposing the plastic layer  803  on two opposing sides thereof. As  FIG. 8  shows, these two areas of discontinuity  804 ,  806  vertically coincide with one another to form the hinged interfaces  412 ,  426 . 
       FIG. 9  shows how the plastic layer  803  allows a first portion  901  of the material  802  to bend with reference to a second portion  902  of the material  800 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first portion  901  of the material  800  can be folded back toward the second portion  902  further than what is shown in  FIG. 9 . As the interior angle between the first portion  901  and a second portion  902  decreases, more and more of the plastic material  803  is exposed on the outside of the bend. In some embodiments of the present invention, this exposed portion of the plastic material  803  can be used as “feet” for the stand. In other words, this flexible plastic shown in  FIG. 9  can be the point of contact between the laptop stand  400  and the surface on which the laptop stand  400  is resting. One way of implementing this embodiment is to provide a third hinged interface on one of the elements, for example, on the support surface angle positioner  406  of the inventive laptop stand  400 . In this embodiment, the third hinged interface  903  will allow the element supporting the third hinged interface to fold, for example, 180° back onto the element to expose the flexible material and allow it to serve as one or more protective feet. Even more specifically, this third hinged interface  903  can be provided near an extent of the support surface angle positioner  406  close to the support surface  414 . 
     An exemplary thickness of each of the aluminum layers is about 0.2 mm and an exemplary thickness of the flexible plastic layer is about 0.8 mm Compared to a steel sheet and a solid aluminum sheet with the same flexural stiffness, ACP is approximately 65% and 30% lighter, respectively. This result has been obtained by uniting the best properties of aluminum and plastic in a single material (aluminum on the outside and a light plastic filling inside). In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the plastic material is Polypropylene. Materials such as Polypropylene can be flexed tens of thousands of times without noticeable degradation to the material. In alternative embodiments, alternative materials, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), can be utilized. In addition, the aluminum sheets can be replaced with other materials such as hardened plastics, steel, or many others. 
     Of course, materials other than ACP can be used to form the elements of the presently inventive laptop stand  400 . One such exemplary material is a plastic, e.g., polypropylene, sheet that is molded to the desired shape. The hinges  412 ,  426 , in this embodiment, can be what are known as “living hinges” (similar to the popular cap closing attachment of a shampoo bottle) that can last for thousands of closing/opening cycles. Other plastics with similar properties can be uses as well, such as those produced by the DUPONT Corporation. 
     The outer aluminum layers of the ACP material lend themselves well to coloring and other special treatments. For example, the material can be anodized so that the raw aluminum becomes, for example, matt black or any other color. An advantage of this treatment is that the material becomes heavily scratch resistant. 
     Accordance with a further embodiment, the present invention includes a connection to a laptop computer  102 . The connection, can be accomplished in several different ways. For instance,  FIG. 10  shows a laptop computer  102  with a pair of shoulders  1002 ,  1004  coupled to an underside surface of the laptop computer  102 . The shoulders  1002 ,  1004  serve as anchors for securing the laptop stand  400  to the laptop computer  102  and can be molded directly into the underside of the case, which usually made of a plastic material, of the laptop computer  102  or can be the rubber feet provided on the underside of the laptop by the original equipment manufacturer. Alternatively, the shoulders  1002 ,  1004  can be separately secured in a removable or nonremovable manner to the laptop&#39;s case. In  FIG. 10 , the size of the shoulders  1002 ,  1004  are greatly exaggerated. In practice, however, the shoulders  1002 ,  1004  extend no further than standard rubber feet provided on most known laptop computers. The low-profile shoulders  1002 ,  1004 , which do not extend past the rubber feet, allows the laptop computer  102  to be used without the laptop stand  400  with no detriment to the user. As a result, laptop manufacturers can freely provide shoulders, or other attachment locations/features, as a standard feature on their original equipment. Laptop purchasers will then have the option of purchasing/attaching the laptop stands if they choose. 
       FIG. 11  provides an elevational side view of a second embodiment of a pair of shoulders  1102 ,  1104 . The shoulders  1102 ,  1104  of  FIG. 11  have an inverted “T” shape. Of course, shoulder shapes other than those shown in  FIGS. 10 &amp; 11  can also be used. As with the shoulders  1002 ,  1004 , the shoulders  1102 ,  1104  can be integral with. i.e., molded into, the plastic case of a laptop computer  102  or be separate pieces that are added to the laptop case later. 
       FIG. 12  shows an embodiment of the invention that facilitates connection to the shoulders  1002 ,  1004  shown in  FIG. 10  or shoulders  1102 ,  1104  shown in  FIG. 11 . In this embodiment, a laptop support surface  1201  of a laptop stand  1200  defines a pair of apertures  1202 ,  1204  therein. The provision of the apertures  1202 ,  1204  serves to weaken the overall laptop support surface  1201 , as less material is present. Weakening the laptop support surface  1201  is advantageous, as it allows the laptop support surface  1201  to be flexed somewhat easier than without the apertures  1202 ,  1204 . Flexible materials (with high elastic deformation properties) such as ACP or other similar materials, behave very well when distorted and released. 
       FIG. 13  shows the laptop support surface  1201  being flexed to create a bent shape. By bending the laptop support surface  1201  in this way, the outer edges of the laptop support surface  1201  move toward one another and the laptop support surface  1201  is able to fit between the shoulders  1002 ,  1004 . When the laptop support surface  1201  is unflexed, i.e., returns to its natural planar resting shape, tension will secure the laptop support surface  1201  between/to the shoulders  1002 ,  1004 . This securing between the laptop support surface  1201  and the shoulders  1002 ,  1004  can result not only from this flexing, but also from sliding the laptop stand from a side of the laptop inward so the laptop support surface  1201  fits in between the shoulders  1002 ,  1004 , stretching, or other locking mechanisms that produce the result of securing the laptop stand  1200  to the laptop computer  102 . 
     In addition, the laptop stand  1200  can be used for attachment to the shoulders  1102 ,  1104  shown in  FIG. 11 . For attachment to shoulders  1102 ,  1104 , the laptop support surface  1201  of the laptop stand  1200  is a flexed in a direction opposite to that shown in  FIG. 13 . When flexed in the opposite direction of  FIG. 13  the apertures  1202 ,  1204  become slightly elongated or expand from the shape shown in  FIG. 12 . When the apertures  1202 ,  1204  are expanded they are able to fit over the T-shaped shoulders  1102 ,  1104 . When the laptop support surface  1201  is allowed to return to its natural planer resting state, it traps the T-shaped shoulders  1102 ,  1104  within the apertures  1202 ,  1204  and secures the laptop stand  1200  to the laptop computer  102 . 
     Furthermore, a plurality of slots  1602  can be provided on at least the laptop support surface  1201  of the laptop stand  1200 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . For attachment to shoulders  1102 ,  1104 , the laptop support surface  1201  is positioned underneath the laptop computer so that a first portion  1604  of the slots  1602  is aligned with the shoulders  1102 ,  1104 . As shown in  FIG. 16  the first portion  1604  of the slots  1602  has a dimension that is larger than a corresponding dimension of a second portion  1606  of the slots  1602 . Once the shoulders  1102 ,  1104  are aligned with the shoulders  1102 ,  1104  are inserted through the first portion  1604  of each of the slots  1602 . The laptop stand  1200  is then slid, with reference to the laptop computer, so that the shoulders  1102 ,  1104  are moved within the second portion  1606  of the slots  1602 . Because the second portion  1606  of the slots  1602  have a smaller dimension than the first portion  1604  of the slots  1602 , the shoulders  1102 ,  1104  are captured by the slots  1602 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 12 , the apertures  1202 ,  1204  provide the added advantage of facilitating cooling ventilation for the laptop computer  102 . That is, because the apertures  1202 ,  1204  are present, heat produced by the laptop computer  102  is able to escape from the lower portion of the laptop computer  102  and is not trapped. Of course, there is no requirement that the laptop stand  1200  have exactly two apertures or that the apertures be similar in size or shape. In other embodiments, the apertures  1202 ,  1204  can be slots or any other shape and number. 
     Further advantages are realized in the form of weight reduction. As stated above, the inventive laptop stand  400  of the present invention is very light weight. However, the provision of the apertures  1202 ,  1204 , or rather, the reduction of material that used to fill the apertures  1202 ,  1204 , reduces the total weight of the laptop stand  400  even further. One produced version of the presently inventive laptop stand  1200  weighed less than 80 gr, which is about 1/25 of the weight of an average laptop. 
       FIG. 14  shows yet another embodiment of the present invention where a pair of shoulders  1402 ,  1404  are only attached to a portion of the underside surface of the laptop computer  102 . As opposed to the previously shown laptop computers  102  with shoulders attached to an underside surface and spread far apart, the shoulders  1402 ,  1404  are entirely contained within about 50% or less of the total underside surface (from back to front) of the laptop computer  102 . In this embodiment, an inventive laptop stand  1406  that has a smaller size than the previously-described laptop stands can be utilized for supporting the laptop computer  102 . 
       FIG. 15  provides further detail of the laptop stand  1406  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The laptop stand  1406  includes a laptop support surface  1502 , a support surface angle positioner  1504 , and a positioner engagement portion  1506 . The laptop support surface  1502  can define one or more apertures  1514  that advantageously reduce the weight of the laptop stand  1500 , provide flexibility to the laptop stand  1500 , as well as provide ventilation and easy access to features on a bottom surface of the laptop computer. By providing flexibility, the large aperture  1514  allows the laptop support surface  1502  to flex, as shown in  FIG. 13 , allowing the laptop support surface  1502  to selectively engage the entire laptop stand with the laptop computer case. More specifically, the bent laptop support surface  1502  (due to the aperture  1514 ) allows the laptop stand  400  to accept the laptop stand securing anchors along the edges of the laptop support surface  1502  in a spring-force biasing manner. As the laptop stand  1406  is shown in  FIG. 15 , each of the three components, the laptop support surface  1502 , the support surface angle positioner  1504 , and the positioner engagement portion  1506 , all substantially lie in a common plane. 
     Here, a shape  1518  of the laptop support surface  1502  folds in the concavity of a shape  1520  of the support surface angle positioner  1504 . Although the clearance between shape  1518  and  1520  is shown in  FIG. 15  as being very close, this matching of the shapes  1518   1520  is not necessary. By allowing the laptop support surface  1502  and the support surface angle positioner  1504  “nest” with each other, the laptop stand  1406  can be provided in a single flat sheet, thereby decreasing the total thickness of the laptop stand  1406 . In this configuration, the laptop stand  1406  is flat and compact, which allows it to be stored efficiently below the surface of a laptop computer  102  when not deployed. Although the laptop stand  1406  can be stored flat, it is envisioned that the laptop stand  1406  is able to be folded similar to the laptop stand  400 , shown in  FIGS. 4-7 . That is, the support surface angle positioner  1504  will fold to cover the laptop support surface  1502  and the positioner engagement portion  1506 . Magnets or other holding mechanisms can be used to retain this closed/folded position. In addition, this laptop stand embodiment could be formed from a single sheet of material, e.g., ACP. 
     Any one or all of the elements  1502 ,  1504 ,  1506  of the laptop stand  1406  can be an integral part of a laptop case when the case is molded. Alternatively, any one or all of the elements  1502 ,  1504 ,  1506  of the laptop stand  1406  can be attached later through an attachment element that can include VELCRO, glue, tape and many others. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the portions, the laptop support surface  1502 , the support surface angle positioner  1504 , and the positioner engagement portion  1506 , meet each other at hinged interfaces. Specifically, a first hinged interface  1510  couples the laptop support surface  1502  to a first side of the positioner engagement portion  1506  and a second hinged interface  1511  couples the laptop support surface  1502  to a second side of the positioner engagement portion  1506 . A second hinged interface  1512  couples the laptop support surface  1502  to the support surface angle positioner  1504 . Each of the hinged interfaces  1510 / 1511 ,  1512  allows one portion to pivot in a different plane from the portion to which it is connected. This is shown in  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 15  also shows that the laptop support surface  1502  defines one or more apertures  1516 . The apertures  1516 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, are sized to couple with one or more shoulders or other coupling elements found on a bottom surface of a laptop computer so that the laptop support surface  1502  can be securely and removably coupled to the laptop computer. 
     With reference once again to  FIG. 14 , the position and interrelationship of the components of the laptop stand  1406  are shown when the laptop stand  1406  is in its deployed position. More specifically, the hinged interfaces  1510 / 1511 ,  1512  are flexed so that each of the main portions, the laptop support surface  1502 , the support surface angle positioner  1504 , and the positioner engagement portion  1506 , are in different planes. For attachment to the laptop computer  102 , the laptop support surface  1502  fits between, over, or is otherwise coupled to the shoulders  1402 ,  1404  and is the element of contact between the laptop computer  102  and the laptop stand  1406 . The support surface angle positioner  1504  will make contact with a surface (not shown in this view). Finally, the positioner engagement portion  1506  couples with the support surface angle positioner  1504  at one or more receiver portions  1508   a - n  (shown in  FIG. 15 ). 
     It should be noted that the inventive laptop stand  400 ,  1406 , can be attached to a laptop computer in ways that are not shown herein, such as VELCRO, magnets, tape, glue, and others. 
     In yet a further embodiment, shown in  FIG. 17 , the inventive laptop stand  1700  is provided with a positioner engagement portion  1706  and a laptop angle positioner  1704 , but does not have what was previously referred to as a laptop support surface. In this embodiment, the positioner engagement portion  1706  and the laptop angle positioner  1704  couple directly to the laptop  102 , each at one end thereof This embodiment includes attachment of the stand through structures, such as anchors  1402 ,  1404 . Again, the term “anchors,” as used herein, includes bolts, screws, and other structures that can removably coupling the device  1700  to the laptop  102  and are limited to the shapes or structures shown in the figures. A further option is that the positioner engagement portion  1706  and the laptop angle positioner  1704  couple directly to the laptop  102  by permanent hinges. 
     Embodiments of the present invention include, as shown in  FIG. 18 , permanent coupling, i.e., the laptop stand  1700  is integrated with the case  1801  of the laptop computer  102 . The integrated coupling can include a hinged connection, where the positioner engagement portion  1706  and the laptop angle positioner  1704  separate from one another and pivot up and flat against the bottom surface of the laptop  102 . In other words, in embodiments where the laptop stand is integrated with the laptop case  1801 , the case  1801  becomes one of the structural elements of any of the embodiments described herein. For example, the case  1801  can serve as the laptop support surface  1502  of the laptop stand  1406  shown in  FIG. 15 , the laptop support surface  1201  of the laptop stand  1200  shown in  FIG. 12 , or the laptop support surface  401  shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIGS. 19-21  show a further embodiment of the present invention where the foldable laptop stand  1900  includes a laptop keyboard support area  1901 , a document support surface  1902 , a support surface angle positioner  1903 , and a base  1904 . The base  1904  includes a plurality of slots  1905  for engagement with the support surface angle positioner  1903 , providing multiple angular positions for the document support surface  1902 . The foldable laptop stand  1900  is intended to be used in conjunction with an auxiliary keyboard, as the keyboard of the laptop computer will be within the keyboard support area  1901  and generally not accessible to the user&#39;s fingers. 
     A support member  1910  spans between the keyboard support surface  1906  and the document support surface  1902 . When the foldable laptop stand  1900  is fully deployed, the support member  1910  stretches between the keyboard support surface  1906  and the document support surface  1902  and supports the foldable laptop stand  1900  in a deployed position shown in  FIG. 19 . No known prior-art laptop stands feature a support member that supports the deployed configuration of the laptop stand by being stretched. 
     As  FIG. 20  shows, an embodiment of the support member  1910  is foldable. In a first stage of folding the foldable laptop stand  1900 , the support member  1910  is folded in half, thereby allowing the keyboard support surface  1906  to move toward the document support surface  1902 . This step eliminates the laptop keyboard support area  1901 . 
     Although not shown, the support surface angle positioner  1903  also folds allowing the keyboard support surface  1906  and the document support surface  1902  can rotate down and fold parallel to the base  1904 . 
     A foldable laptop stand has been disclosed that is lightweight and easily deployed. The inventive stand can be a separate stand that is attached to a laptop computer each time or can be semi-permanently attached to the laptop computer for quick and convenient deployment.