Patent Publication Number: US-2009229497-A1

Title: Apparatus for Securing a Laptop Computer to a Users Leg

Description:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
     Not applicable. 
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to computer accessories. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for securing a laptop computer to the lap of a user. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Laptop computers are growing in popularity and in sales. Unfortunately, incidents of damage to laptop computers are also growing. Laptop computers are prone to serious damages, even by the slightest impact, which happens quite too often while in their frequently used areas of travel environments. Laptop computers are often used in location other than the offices, such as, but not limited to, airports, bus terminals, train stations, ferry terminals, hotel lobbies, conference rooms, parks and countless other areas. In most of these areas there is heavy foot traffic, and often people, including kids, are walking or running around and bumping into other people. If a person is working on a laptop computer and someone bumps into them, the laptop computer could easily fall to the ground. This can cause the laptop computer to break, can cause loss of data, or can just be a headache. Furthermore, the loss of data most often results in an extreme loss of time, induces production delays, and adds significant costs to reproduce the lost data. 
     Just one slight bump or slide, ending in just one slight impact, can result in a large inconvenience and in some cases an expensive loss of equipment and/or data. Often when using a laptop computer, the user places the laptop computer on his lap. This increases the likelihood of bumping, jarring or even dropping the laptop computer since the lap of the user is an uneven surface. Also the movements of the user, both typical and sudden, for example, without limitation, reaching for something or standing quickly, may result in jarring or dropping the laptop computer and damage to the laptop computer. 
     In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved techniques for easily securing a laptop computer to the lap of a user during use to generally prevent damage to the laptop computer and loss of data. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  illustrate an exemplary laptop-securing device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1   a  is a side perspective view, and  FIG. 1   b  illustrates the components of the laptop-securing device separated from each other; 
         FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b  and  2   c  illustrate an exemplary lateral sidewall portion of an exemplary laptop-securing device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2   a  is a side perspective view,  FIG. 2   b  is a bottom perspective view, and  FIG. 2   c  is a cross sectional view; 
         FIGS. 3  is a front perspective view of an exemplary laptop-securing device attached to a laptop computer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary laptop-securing device attached to a laptop computer in use on a leg of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, an apparatus for securing a laptop computer to a users lap is presented. 
     In one embodiment, an apparatus for securing a laptop computer to a users leg is presented. The apparatus includes a base having a plurality of apertures on opposing lateral sidewalls. A first frictional material is applied to a top surface of the base and positioned for contacting a bottom of the laptop computer for limiting slip between the base and the laptop computer. A second frictional material is applied to a bottom surface of the base and positioned for contacting the users leg for resisting slippage between the base and the leg of the user. A first strap includes a first buckle attached to an end and a surface having a first self-attachment means where the first strap is inserted in a first one of the apertures with the first buckle above the top surface. A second strap including a second buckle attached to an end and a surface including a second self-attachment means where the second strap is inserted in a second one of the apertures on the opposing sidewall of the first one with the second buckle below the bottom surface, the second strap is passed through the first buckle for securing the laptop computer on the top surface with the second self-attachment means and the first strap is passed through the second buckle with the first self-attachment means securing the bottom surface to the users leg. In other embodiments, the apparatus further includes a plurality of slits on the top surface opening to sleeve pockets for storage of items and the items are CDs. Other embodiments further include at least one seam scoring along a width of the base for assisting the base to be folded when not in use and the seam is approximate midway along the base and the base may be folded in half. In various other embodiments the base further has a generally rectangular shape, the first and second buckles are a loop type buckle and the first and second self-attachment means includes a hook and loop attaching means. In still other various embodiments, the base further includes a lightweight durable material with a degree of pliability and a nylon material in micro fiber format. In yet other embodiments, the first frictional material includes a rubber type material adhesively applied to the top surface, the second frictional material includes a frictional rubber type material adhesively applied to the bottom surface and the first and second straps include a nylon material. 
     In another embodiment, an apparatus for securing a laptop computer to a users leg is presented. The apparatus includes means for providing a base, first means for providing a first frictional material to a top surface of the base means, second means for providing a second frictional surface a bottom surface of the base means, means for securing the laptop computer to the base means and means for securing the base means to the users leg. Further embodiments include means for storing items in the base means and means for assisting the base means to be folded. 
     In another embodiment, an apparatus for securing a laptop computer to a users leg is presented. The apparatus includes a base including a lightweight durable material with a degree of pliability, a plurality of apertures on opposing lateral sidewalls, a plurality of slits on a top surface opening to sleeve pockets for storage of items and at least one seam scoring along a width of the base for assisting the base to be folded when not in use. A first frictional rubber like material is adhesively applied to a top surface of the base and positioned for contacting a bottom of the laptop computer for limiting slip between the base and the laptop computer. A second frictional rubber like material is adhesively applied to a bottom surface of the base and positioned for contacting the users leg for resisting slippage between the base and the leg of the user. A first strap including a first loop type buckle is attached to an end and a surface including a first hook and loop attachment means where the first strap is inserted in a first one of the apertures with the first buckle above the top surface. A second strap including a second loop buckle attached to an end and a surface including a second hook and loop attachment means where the second strap is inserted in a second one of the apertures on the opposing sidewall of the first one with the second buckle below the bottom surface, the second strap is passed through the first buckle for securing the laptop computer on the top surface with the second hook and loop attaching means and the first strap is passed through the second buckle with the first hook and loop attaching means securing the bottom surface to the users leg. In various other embodiments, the seam is approximate midway along the base and the base may be folded in half, the base further includes a generally rectangular shape and the base further includes a nylon material in micro fiber format. 
     Other features, advantages, and object of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     Embodiments of the present invention hold laptop computers in a stable, secure and stationary position while in use, and limit damage to these laptop computers by generally eliminating drops and falls. The preferred embodiment secures a laptop computer directly upon the leg(s) of a seated user, thus typically preventing the laptop computer from falling even if contacted by impact or jilted by sudden movement. 
       FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  illustrate an exemplary laptop-securing device  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1   a  is a side perspective view, and  FIG. 1   b  illustrates the components of laptop-securing device  100  separated from each other. In the present embodiment, laptop-securing device  100  comprises a base  105 , a series of apertures  107  on lateral sidewalls of base  105 , and straps  110  that extend through apertures  107 . Frictional areas  113  are strategically featured upon a top surface of base  105 . Located to one side of frictional areas  113  on the top surface of base  105  are a series of slits  115  for compact disc storage. In the present embodiment, frictional areas  113  are made of a rubber material, measuring approximately five inches by five inches (5″×5″) each and are applied to base  105  with adhesive. In alternate embodiments the frictional material applied upon the base can be made of various substances such as, but not limited to, synthetic polyisoprene, neoprene, and Viton®, and in various sizes, and the frictional material can be attached in various locations by various forms of application such as, but not limited to, adhesive, stitch or bonded. In the present embodiment base  105  comprises three slits  115 , each of five-and-one-half-inch (5½″) length, and slits  115  open to interior sleeve pockets, each of five-and-one-half-inch (5½″) depth. Slits  115  enable the user to access all needed CDs while using laptop-securing device  100 . Alternate embodiments of the present invention can include a various number of CD slits in various sizes, which may or may not be lined with a velvet or velvet-like material in order to clean the computer discs upon contact when moved into or drawn from the slits. Alternate embodiments may comprise storage slits of varying sizes to hold different types of equipment, for example without limitation, zip drives, USB cables, writing utensils, a pad of paper, business cards, etc. 
     Base  105  is a lightweight, durable material with some pliability. In the present embodiment, base  105  of laptop-securing device  100  is made of a nylon material in micro fiber format and measures approximately sixteen inches in length by six inches in width by one-half inch in depth (16″×6″×½″). Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that in alternate embodiments various materials may be used to construct the base of the laptop-securing device, including, but not limited to, Koskin™ or other plastics, which may or may not be selected for their inflammability and heat resistance properties. Embodiments of the present invention can be made in various sizes, including, without limitation, specific sizes for use with specific models of laptop computers. Furthermore, some embodiments may include interior padding, which can be of various depths and be made from various materials. In some embodiments, areas of base  105  not comprising frictional materials may be covered in a cloth or nylon material especially around slits  115  to give base  105  a finished look. Embodiments of the present invention may be available in various colors and with various logos, designs, images and/or icons, which may or may not be of registered trademark and/or copyright status. 
     In the present embodiment base  105  is scored by a seam  119  midway along the width of base  105 , enabling base  105  to be folded in half when not in use. By folding along seam  119 , laptop-securing device  100  requires a small space for storage, for example, without limitation, within a laptop carrying case, briefcase or other area when not in use. The reduced required storage space prevents the need for additional carrying cases or luggage, making laptop-securing device  100  portable and convenient. Alternate embodiments may not fold or may fold in more than one place. 
     Straps  110  are placed through apertures  107  in the lateral sidewalls of base  105 . In the present embodiment, straps  110  are made of nylon material with hook-and-loop material upon one side, and each strap measures approximately thirty-inches in length by one inch in width (30″×1″). A loop buckle  123  is attached to one end of each of the straps  110 . In alternate embodiments the straps may be made of various materials in various lengths, and may use various formats of attachment pieces. In the present embodiment, the hook-and-loop material in strap  110  begins at loop buckle  123  and extends approximately two-thirds of the length of strap  110  with “loop” material  127  and completes the length of strap  110  with “hook” material  129 . The present embodiment uses two straps; however, alternate embodiments may be implemented using only one strap. 
     Laptop-securing device  100  maintains a laptop computer directly and securely on the leg of a user while generally preventing sliding while upon the leg of the user or falling from the lap of the user, and generally prevents the laptop computer from being accidentally knocked off the lap of the user. By limiting bumps, drops and falls, laptop-securing device  100  generally prevents fragile laptop computers from being damaged and generally prevents the unwanted loss of data stored upon laptop computers as a security measure. By limiting bumps, drops and falls, laptop-securing device  100  generally eliminates the need for users to repair or replace their laptop computers as well as the costs of such repair and replacement and the aggravation, stress and frustration caused by dropped and broken laptop computers. Laptop-securing device  100  will also reduce the payouts of insurance companies, warranty providers and other entities for the repair/replacement of broken and damaged laptop computers. 
     Laptop-securing device  100  is convenient and easy to apply upon a laptop computer of a user and makes laptop computers much easier to operate on the lap. Laptop-securing device  100  maintains the laptop computer in a stationary position and prevents the wobble and slide that ordinarily occurs quite frequently during ordinary operation of a laptop computer upon the lap of a user. Frictional areas  113  on base  105  enhance the security and stationary position of the laptop computer upon base  105  by limiting slip between base  105  and the laptop computer. Laptop-securing device  100  may also make it more physically comfortable to use a laptop computer as it may be used to secure a laptop computer to one or both legs and by providing this versatility does not restrict the seating and leg placement options of the user. Should the user of the laptop computer immediately and without hesitation need to stand or vacate their seat, laptop-securing device  100  securely maintains the placement of the laptop computer upon the leg of the user if used correctly. Furthermore, straps  110  of laptop-securing device  100  are adjustable for use with laptop computers of different designs and sizes and users of different sizes. Embodiments of the present invention may be used with practically every laptop computer. 
       FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b  and  2   c  illustrate an exemplary lateral sidewall portion of an exemplary laptop-securing device  200 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2   a  is a side perspective view,  FIG. 2   b  is a bottom perspective view, and  FIG. 2   c  is a cross sectional view. In the present embodiment lateral sidewalls of base  205  each have three (3) apertures  207  equally interspersed. Alternate embodiments may comprise more or fewer apertures. On the underside of base  205  in the present embodiment a section of frictional rubber material  201  is applied by adhesive between the lateral sidewalls. Frictional rubber material  201  resists slippage between the bottom of base  205  and the lap of a user when laptop-securing device  200  is in use. 
       FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of an exemplary laptop-securing device  300  attached to a laptop computer  305 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In typical use of the present invention, the user first laces straps  310  through the appropriate apertures, as shown by way of example in  FIGS. 1   a ,  2   a ,  2   b , and  2   c , on the lateral sidewalls of laptop-securing device  300 . The appropriate apertures are determined by where straps  310  make contact with a platform  313  of laptop computer  305  while substantially preventing contact of straps  310  with the keyboard or the touchpad or mouse area of laptop computer  305 . On one side of laptop-securing device  300  the first strap is laced through an aperture from the top and the second strap is laced from the bottom through an aperture on the opposite side of laptop-securing device  300 . Once straps  310  are laced through the apertures, straps  310  are connected to one another, joining the free end of each strap to a corresponding buckle  315  of the opposite strap via the hook-and-loop material to create adjustment points. These adjustment points once connected may be rotated to the sides of laptop-securing device  300  and straps  310  may maintain their placement upon laptop-securing device  300  after the initial lacing. This strap placement is also illustrated by way of example without a laptop computer in  FIG. 1   a.    
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary laptop-securing device  400  attached to a laptop computer  405  in use on a leg  407  of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In typical use of the present invention after straps  410  have been attached to laptop securing device  400 , the user sets laptop-securing device  400  upon leg  407  in the thigh region with the elongated section of frictional rubber material on the underside of the base, shown by way of example in  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b  and  2   c , making contact upon the top of leg  407 . The placement of laptop-securing device  400  upon leg  407  should enable the user to use laptop computer  405  comfortably while attached to laptop-securing device  400 . The length of strap  410  beneath the base of laptop-securing device  400  is located on the underside of leg  407 . Laptop computer  405  is then placed upon the base of laptop-securing device  400  by loosening straps  410  a sufficient amount so slack can be added enabling laptop computer  405  to fit under straps  410 . 
     Laptop computer  405  is placed on the base of laptop-securing device  400  with a monitor  411  of laptop computer  405  facing the user. Straps  410  are then tightened down on top of a platform  413  of laptop computer  405 . Straps  410  should not make contact with the actual keyboard of laptop computer  405 , and, since keyboard placement varies between laptop manufacturers, multiple apertures are located on the underside of the base of laptop-securing device  400  so the user can place strap  410  as close to or as far away from monitor  411  as is necessary to avoid direct contact with the keyboard and touchpad or mouse area of platform  413 . Straps  410 , via both adjustment points if necessary, can be adequately tightened to secure laptop computer  405  to leg  407  of the user. The two adjustment points in the present embodiment allow for a secure fit regardless of the size of leg  407  be it big or small. 
     An alternate method for securing laptop computer  405  is to completely disengage straps  410  that run across the top of the base of laptop-securing device  400  and, after placing straps  410  around leg  407 , place laptop computer  405  on laptop-securing device  400  in an open position and re-engage straps  410  across platform  413 . Once laptop computer  405  is secured by laptop-securing device  400 , the risk of falling, which may cause lost work and/or damage to laptop computer  405 , is reduced. Furthermore, laptop-securing device  400  secures laptop computer  405  to leg  407  so both hands of the user are left free. In another alternate method for securing a laptop computer to the leg of a user, one strap may be placed through one aperture on each side to secure the laptop computer to the base, and another strap may be placed through different apertures on each side to loop around the leg of the user. 
     When a laptop computer is used while placed on the lap of a user, the laptop computer is at risk of falling from various occurrences such as, but not limited to, being bumped, knocked into, sudden and unexpected movements, etc. Furthermore, the more crowded the area of use or the more movement that may be associated with the area of use, the higher the risk. Embodiments of the present invention enable laptop computers to be used in public places while reducing these risks, even in high pedestrian traffic areas such as, but not limited to, airports, train stations, ferry terminals, etc. Embodiments of the present invention also make the use of laptop computers much safer for in home use and more secure in motor vehicles and other forms of travel such as, but not limited to, planes, trains, watercraft, etc. For example, without limitation, with a laptop-securing device engaged, airplane turbulence, the immediate breaking of a bus or car, the rocking of a ferryboat or any other similar situation is not a problem because the laptop computer is secured to the leg of the user. The user is even able to stand up and, if the laptop-securing device is secured correctly, the laptop computer remains tight to the leg. 
     Embodiments of the present invention make the use of laptop computers more effective and more secure in various types of situations with different types of users. Some non-limiting examples follow. Embodiments of the present invention may be used in military applications such as, but not limited to, military personnel riding in vehicles such as, but not limited to, humvees, helicopters, ships and other military vehicles, aircraft and water vessels. Laptop computers are in use in almost all aspects of the military. However, riding in humvees, helicopters, airplanes, boats, tanks and so forth is usually a bumpy ride. A laptop-securing device can easily secure the laptop computer so the bumps and air pockets are not an issue. Embodiments of the present invention may also effectively be used by wheelchair bound persons without negatively affecting their mobility. Once the laptop computer is secure, the user does not have to worry about holding the laptop computer in place. The user may even wheel the wheelchair without the laptop computer falling. Companies who offer extended warranties on laptop computers may give out embodiments of the present invention to generally avoid replacement and repair payouts. Furthermore, companies who issue laptop computers to their employees may also issue embodiments of the present invention to the employee as a preventive measure against damage. 
     Alternate embodiments of the present invention may incorporate various features such as, but not limited to, a business card holder, a mouse pad, etc. or any combination there of. Other alternate embodiments may incorporate a simple retaining device to hold the power cord of the laptop computer in place and out of the way, for example, without limitation, a tab of hook-and-loop material, a snap or a wire guide. Another alternate embodiment may include a device to shield the leg of users wearing pantyhose so the hook-and-loop portions of the straps do not make contact with the panty hose. 
     In yet other contemplated embodiments of the present invention, a buckle may be added to the underside strap (e.g.,  310  in  FIG. 3 ). The buckle is preferably configured to enable a person to easily apply the product to their leg without having to unsecure the straps in any other way or require them to step through fastened straps. In a typically implementation, the buckle would simply be a plastic buckle comprised of a removably joined male and female mating snaps. Those skilled in the art will recognize a multiplicity of alternative means of enabling the underside strap to be removed without having to otherwise unsecure the strap. 
     In other alternate embodiments the base of the laptop-securing device may be porous or partially porous to generally ensure that the laptop-securing device does not interfere with ventilation of the laptop computer. In other alternate embodiments, the base portion of the laptop-securing device may be permanently mounted upon a laptop computer. In yet other alternate embodiments, the securing straps may be permanently mounted upon the base portion of the laptop-securing device. In yet other alternate embodiments, the laptop-securing device may be available as part of a laptop computer carrying case, either built into or removable from the carrying case. 
     Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a device for securing a laptop computer to the lap of the user according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the straps may vary depending upon the particular type of attachment means used. The straps described in the foregoing were directed to implementations using hook and loop material; however, similar techniques may use various other attachment means such as, but not limited to, snaps, D-ring buckles, other types of buckles, etc. Non-hook and loop implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.