Patent Publication Number: US-6659022-B1

Title: Laptop computer table

Description:
The present invention relates generally to improved added convenience in the use of a laptop computer, the improvement more particularly being using to advantage the lap position of the computer during its use to obtain the derived benefit. 
     EXAMPLE OF THE PRIOR ART 
     It is well known to use components of furniture that readily assemble into three-dimensional structures to achieve a compact condition during storage and what is required of the furniture during its intended end use. Examples of such furniture are desks and tables, and exemplary of their popular use is U.S. Pat. No. 3,069,216 for “ARTICLES OF FURNITURE issued to Vaeth on Jun. 8, 1961. Underlying the present invention is the recognition of a synergism between such furniture and the operation of a laptop computer, wherein the latter enables more effective use of the former, and which consequently obviates discomfort which heretofore has been tolerated in the operation and use of laptop computers. 
     Broadly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the foregoing computer operation discomfort and other shortcomings of the prior art. 
     More particularly, it is an object to use a table support for the weight of the computer and to stabilize the table in this end use using to advantage the laptop operative position of the computer, all as will be better understood as the description proceeds. 
    
    
     The description of the invention which follows, together with the accompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting the invention to the example shown and described, because those skilled in the art to which this invention appertains will be able to devise other forms thereof within the ambit of the appended claims. 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a laptop computer table in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is another perspective view, illustrating the table in assembled condition; 
     FIG. 3 is a partial side elevational view of the table in use; and 
     FIG. 4 is a front elevational view thereof. 
    
    
     On numerous occasions at which only seating facilities are available for computer use, such as for a vehicle passenger, for a category of a computer  10 , and as the popular name implies, the computer  10  is positioned and operated on the lap of the user. Over time, however, the bottom edges as well as the approximate ten pound weight of the laptop computer  10  can, and often does, become a source of discomfort. 
     The present invention provides a user  12  who can assume a sitting position, as noted at  14 , the option of having available a readily assembled table, generally designated  16 , to support the laptop computer  10  in convenient reach on the overhang  18  or extension of his/her thighs or lap beyond the edge of the seat  20  of the chair  22  in use. 
     Table  16  includes a top  24  in length  26  and width  28  dimensions delimiting a comparable work area of an average slightly oversize of the noted overhang  18 , in this case being twelve inches by fourteen inches, and said table in use is horizontally oriented, to serve its intended computer  10  supporting function. To this end, plural interconnected peripheral spaced apart front and ear support panels  30 ,  32  and side support panels  34 ,  36  are, in assembled condition, disposed in depending relation to the table top  24 . 
     At least two, but in this illustrated embodiment, four leg panels, each of a length of twenty-eight inches and width of three inches, are the vertical support for the table support panels in their assembled rectangular configuration, the pair of fore leg panels  38  and aft leg panels  40  being transversely oriented and the leg panels  42  and  44  respectively in fore and aft locations with respect to the table top  24  and, to be noted, the foregoing are in selected attachment to the table support panels  30 ,  32 ,  34  and  36 . The selected attachment, to permit ready assembly of the table  16 , being cooperating pairs, individually and collectively designated  46 , of downwardly  48  and upwardly  50  facing interconnecting notches on upper end edges  52  of the transverse and fore and aft leg panels  38 ,  40  and  42  and  44 , and on lower end edges  54  of the front and rear support panels  30 ,  32  and the side support panels  34 ,  36 . 
     Thusly assembled, the interconnected notches  46  result in a reasonably stable table structure. In practice however, the stability is supplemented by the user  12  in his/her sitting position, wherein knees of the sitter  12  at the table  16  initially will be understood to be in straddling clearance positions on opposite sides of a vertical plane of the fore  42  or aft  44  leg panels and the user  12  instructed to urge his/her knees  56  from their clearance positions in opposite closing movements  58  and  60  into contact against opposite sides, as noted at  62  and  64 , against the fore or aft leg panels  42  and  44 , which obviates wobble and otherwise contributes to the stability of the table  16  during use. 
     While the apparatus for practicing the within inventive method, as well as said method herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of attaining the objects and providing the advantages hereinbefore stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the detail of construction or design herein shown other than as defined in the appended claims.