Patent Publication Number: US-2011056412-A1

Title: Devices For Providing A Workstation And Methods Of Making And Using The Same

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/143,322 filed Jan. 8, 2009 (Attorney Docket No. 56730.000024), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to devices to support a laptop computer, document, and/or other item or items. 
     Various devices have been used in the past to support a laptop computer, as well as various other associated items, such that the laptop computer may be conveniently and workably disposed, while still allowing access to the various other items also needed in a user&#39;s work. 
     However, known devices for supporting a laptop computer and other items have various deficiencies. Some known devices are difficult to support for extended periods of time, as is often desired. Even more so, some known devices are difficult to both support a laptop while conveniently allowing access to other needed items. Other problems exist with known devices. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a device  100 , and method of making and using the device, for providing at least one work surface. In one embodiment, the device  100  may constitute a document holder and/or a computer holder. The device may include (a) a base portion  110  that includes an upper base portion  120  and a lower base portion  130 , the upper base portion  120  and the lower base portion  130  forming a base portion cavity  115  disposed there between; and (b) at least one base portion extension  300 , each base portion extension  300  attached to the base portion  110 , each base portion extension  300  movable between a stored position in which the base portion extension  300  is mostly disposed in the base portion cavity  115 , and an extended position, in which the base portion extension  300  is mostly extended out from the base portion  110  so as to form a working surface. The at least one base portion extension  300  may include four base portion extensions  300 . The device may further comprise a work surface assembly  200 , the work surface assembly  200  pivotally disposed upon the base portion  110  so as to form a work surface such that the angle of the work surface may be varied. Yet further, the device may further comprise a leveling assembly  500 , the leveling assembly  500  pivotally disposed under the base portion  110  and attached to the lower base portion  130 , the leveling assembly  500  pivotally disposed such that the angle that the base portion  110  is disposed upon a surface may be varied. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention can be more fully understood by reading the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference indicators are used to designate like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a device  100 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a further perspective view of a device  100 , with the base portion extensions  300  in a stored position. in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a further perspective view of the device  100  from a back side, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the device  100  from a back angle, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the work surface assembly  200 , with the work surface assembly  200  removed from the upper base portion  120 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the work surface assembly  200 , with the work surface assembly  200  removed from the upper base portion  120 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the work surface assembly  200 , with the work surface assembly  200  removed from the upper base portion  120 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the device  100  with the base portion extensions  300  in an extended position and the work surface assembly  200  in a raised position, and supporting a laptop computer  600 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the device  100  with an expanded view showing the work supports  231  supporting the laptop computer  600 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the device  100  with the base portion extensions  300  in an extended position and the work surface assembly  200  in a lowered, i.e., stored, position, and supporting a laptop computer  600 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the device  100  with the base portion extensions  300  in a stored position, i.e., a closed position, and the work surface assembly  200  in a lowered, i.e., stored, position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the device  100  with the base portion extensions  300  in an extended position, and the work surface assembly  200  in a lowered, i.e., stored, position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the device  100  in a further arrangement, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment to the work surface legs  260 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view showing details of the rotation assembly  150 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross sectional view showing various further details of the rotation assembly  150 , the base portion extension  300  and other components, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a cross sectional diagram showing the device  100  and details of the rotation assembly  150 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross sectional diagram showing the work surface assembly  200 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a partial cross sectional view of a work support assembly  230 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a cross sectional diagram showing the device  100  and details of the base portion extensions  300 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a partial cross sectional view showing details of the hinge assemblies, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 22  is partial perspective view of the device  100  showing details of the hinge assembly  250 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the device  100  showing details of the leveling assembly  500 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view showing the work surface assembly  200  disposed above a laptop computer  600 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view showing the work surface assembly  200  disposed upon a laptop computer  600 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the device  100  showing a flip-up portion and other variations, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the device  100  showing a leveling portion, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, aspects of the invention in accordance with various embodiments will be described. As used herein, any term in the singular may be interpreted to be in the plural, and alternatively, any term in the plural may be interpreted to be in the singular. 
     The inventive device is used to hold, in particular, a laptop computer and/or documents. However, the described device may be used to hold books, and/or various other items. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a device  100 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The device  100  includes a base portion  110 . A work surface assembly  200  is attached to the base portion  110  by a hinge assembly  250 , i.e., such that the work surface assembly  200  is disposed in a pivoting manner upon the base portion  110 . A plurality of base portion extensions  300  are attached to the base portion  110 , so as to be selectively extendable from the base portion  110 . 
     With regard to the work surface assembly  200 , in a closed position, the work surface assembly  200  may be disposed upon and laid against a top surface of the base portion  110 . In an operational position, the work surface assembly  200 , via the hinge assembly  250 , may be disposed at different angles vis-à-vis the top of the base portion  110 . In such operational position, the work surface assembly  200  is supported via the hinge assembly  250 , as well as a prop  140 . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, by varying the arrangement, i.e., the angle, of the prop  140 , the angle at which the work surface assembly  200  is disposed may be varied. Further details are described below. 
     The base portion  110  includes various components. The base portion  110 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, includes an upper base portion  120  and a lower base portion  130 . The upper base portion  120  and the lower base portion  130  may be in the form of molded plastic portions, for example, that are attached together so as to form the base portion  110 . The upper base portion  120  and lower base portion  130  collectively form a base portion cavity  115  there between, i.e., the upper base portion  120  and the lower base portion  130  go to form an interior volume of the base portion  110 . The base portion extensions  300  are disposed between the upper base portion  120  and the lower base portion  130 , i.e., in the base portion cavity  115 . 
     As described in detail below, the base portion extensions  300  are pivotally attached to the base portion  110  such that the base portion extensions  300  are selectively disposed in what might be characterized as a stored position, i.e., tucked away within the base portion cavity  115 , within an interior space of the base portion  110 . On the other hand, the base portion extensions  300  may be rotated, so as to be disposed in an operational position, in which the base portion extensions  300  extend out from the base portion  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In such operational position, the base portion extensions  300  serve to support various items which may be thus made accessible to a user, i.e., such that the items might be used in conjunction with a laptop disposed on the work surface assembly  200 , for example. As described below, for example, the base portion extensions  300  may be attached to the base portion  110  using a rotation assembly  150 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the base portion extensions  300  may include various structures. For example, the base portion extensions  300  may include the base extension portion  310 , the base extension portions  320  and the base extension portion  340 . 
     Illustratively. the base extension portion  310  includes a pen/pencil receptacle  312  and a pad receptacle  314 . The pen/pencil receptacle  312  may be a recessed portion in the base extension portion  310  that can retain a pen, pencil, other writing instrument, stylus, or the like, for example. The pad receptacle  314  may be provided to retain a writing pad. It is appreciated that various other items may be disposed upon the base portion extension  310 , and that the base portion extensions  300 , may be provided to retain a wide variety of items. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the device  100  may include two base extension portions  320  ( 320 ,  320 ′), as shown in  FIG. 1 . Thus, such two base extension portions  320 ,  320 ′ may be provided to selectively retain a mouse  602  and mouse pad  604  depending on whether the user is right or left handed. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  100  is set up for a right handed person. However, alternatively, a left handed person may dispose the mouse pad/mouse on the base extension portion  320 ′. The deviation in distance from the user, i.e., the distance of the base extension portion  320  vis-à-vis the base extension portion  320 ′, as shown in  FIG. 1 , may be compensated, as needed by the position of the device  100  vis-à-vis the user. 
     As shown in the arrangement of  FIG. 1 , the base extension portion  320 ′ may be used as a shelf  326 . Accordingly, a notebook or some other item may be disposed on the shelf  326 . 
     The device  100  may also include the base extension portion  340 . The base extension portion  340  may also be particularly designed to hold particular items. In the example of  FIG. 1 , the base extension portion  340  may include an accoutrement bin  344  (for holding paper clips, for example) and a cup holder  342 , for example. 
     As noted above, the device  100  includes a work surface assembly  200 , which is pivotally attached to the base portion  110  via a hinge assembly  250 . In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the work surface assembly  200  may be used so as to support a laptop computer. 
     In particular, features may be provided so as to assist in such use. For example, a work surface  210  of the work surface assembly  200  may be provided with bumpers  202 . Each bumper  202  may be provided to cushion the disposition of the laptop upon the work surface assembly  200  and to prevent slippage of a laptop off the work surface assembly  200 . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each bumper  202  may be constructed of plastic, elastomeric, rubber, or any other suitable material. 
     The work surface assembly  200  may also include a plurality of work support assemblies  230 . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each work support assembly  230  includes a work support  231  that is pivotally attached to the work surface assembly  200 . In an extended position (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), the work support  231  is extended to support a laptop computer or other item. Further details of the work support assembly  230  are described below. 
     The device  100  further includes a handle  190 . The handle  190  may be integrally formed with the base portion  110 . In particular, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the handle  190  may be arcuate in shape, with the upper base portion  120  forming an upper portion of the handle  190 , and the lower base portion  130  forming a lower portion of the handle  190 . 
       FIG. 2  is a further perspective view of a device  100 , with the base portion extensions  300  in a stored position. in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Further details of moving the base portion extensions  300  from an extended position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , to a stored position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , are described below. Both  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  show that the work surface assembly  200  may be provided with a logo portion  204 . The logo portion  204  may be disposed in a central portion of the work surface  210  and include any of a wide variety of indicia. The logo portion  204  may be in the form of a molded imprint, a sticker, and/or some other arrangement, for example. 
       FIG. 2  also shows that the base portion  110  may be provided with a recessed portion  116 . The recessed portion  116  may be integrally molded into a top surface of the base portion  110 , so as to receive the work surface assembly  200 . Accordingly, in a lowered, i.e., stored position, the work surface  210  of the work surface assembly  200  is disposed flush with an adjacent surface of the base portion  110 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the base portion  110  is provided with a set of latches  112 . Each latch  112  serves to retain the work surface assembly  200  in a lowered/stored position. For example, each latch may be in the form of a resilient finger that clicks over a portion of the work surface assembly  200 , i.e., upon the work surface assembly  200  being lowered into the recessed portion  116 . 
       FIG. 3  is a further perspective view of the device  100  from a back side, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The device  100  includes a finger groove  180 . The finger groove  180  may be in the form of an integral groove in the surface  117  of the upper base portion  120 . Accordingly, when the work surface assembly  200  is in a stored position, the finger groove  180  allows a user to engage a side/edge of the work surface assembly  200 , and apply pressure so as to raise the work surface assembly  200 . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a finger receptacle  280  may be disposed in the work surface assembly  200  as shown in  FIG. 3 . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the finger receptacle  280  may be in the form of a recessed portion molded into the lower surface  220  of the work surface assembly  200 . 
       FIG. 3  also shows further details of the prop  140 . As shown, the prop  140  may be pivotally attached to the upper base portion  120  at pivot points  141 . In particular, the prop  140  may be provided with a prop pin  148  at each side. The base portion  110  may be provided, as shown, with prop pin receptacles  147 . Each prop pin receptacle  147  receives a prop pin  148 , such that the prop  140  is pivotally attached to the base portion  110 . 
     As shown, the prop  140  may be in the form of a web shape. However, the particular shape of the prop  140  may vary widely, so long as the particular shape affords the structural strength needed to support the work surface assembly  200 . 
     The prop  140  is selectively connected to the work surface assembly  200  via a pair of prop connecting rib portions  142 . Each prop connecting rib portion  142  interfaces with a prop clip  240  that are integrally disposed on a lower side of the work surface assembly  200 . More specifically, the prop connecting rib portion  142  includes a connecting rib  143  and a terminus end  144 . The connecting rib  143  engages into a selected prop clip  240 . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the connecting rib  143  and the prop clip  240  are dimensioned such that the connecting rib  143  “clicks” into the prop clip  240 . In order to release the connecting ribs  143  from a respective prop clip  240 , a user simply applies pressure, i.e., so as to click the connecting ribs  143  out of it respective prop clip  240 . Each prop connecting rib portion  142  includes a terminus end  144 . The terminus ends  144  serve to retain the connecting ribs  143  in a respective prop clip  240 . 
       FIG. 3  also shows work surface legs  260 , which are attached to a lower surface  220  of the work surface assembly  200 . Each work surface leg  260  is pivotally attached to the work surface assembly  200 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Accordingly, each work surface leg  260  may be selectively pivoted from a stored position (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) to an extended position (as shown in  FIG. 5 ). In the stored position, each work surface leg  260  is disposed so as to be in parallel with i.e., laid against the lower surface  220  of the work surface assembly  200 . In such position, the work surface assembly  200  may be positioned against the base portion  110 , i.e., in a stored position as shown in  FIG. 7 , for example. Alternatively, the work surface legs  260  may be rotated so as to disposed in an extended position, as shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 14 , for example. In the extended position, the work surface legs  260  serve to support the work surface assembly  200  upon the base portion  110 , upon a laptop, or upon some other surface, as desired. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each work surface leg  260  is pivotally mounted to the lower surface  220  of the work surface assembly  200  with a leg hinge  264 . More specifically, each work surface leg  260  may be provided with a pair of “L” shaped leg base portions  262 , the ends of which respectively fit in suitable leg retaining apertures  263 . Each leg base portion  262 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, is selectively disposed in a respective groove  265  for both an extended position and a stored position. Due to the overall shape of the work surface leg  260 , the leg base portions  262  are spring biased, i.e., so as to be biased to stay disposed in the grooves  265 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the base portion  110 , as well as other components of the device  100 , may include molding apertures  114 . Such molding apertures  114  may be selectively provided for various reasons, such as for clearance between parts, effective molding practices, and/or other reasons. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the device  100  from a back angle, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In particular,  FIG. 4  shows that the device  100  may be provided with a leveling assembly  500 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The leveling assembly  500  provides for the device  100  to be leveled on an uneven surface or otherwise angled as desired by a user. The arrangement of the prop  540  may be similar in structure to the prop  140  (and the structure provided to support the prop  140 ). 
     As shown, the prop  540  may be pivotally attached to the base portion  110  (and specifically the lower base portion  130 ) at pivot points  541 . In particular, the prop  540  may be provided with a prop pin  548  at each side. The lower base portion  130  may be provided, as shown, with prop pin receptacles  547 . Each prop pin receptacle  547  receives a prop pin  548 , such that the prop  540  is pivotally attached to the lower base portion  130 . 
     The prop may be provided with a prop connecting rib portion  542  and terminus end  544 , which collectively interface with a desired prop clip  546 , i.e., in a similar manner to the prop  140 . A user may selectively position the prop connecting rib portions  542  in a particular prop clip  546 , so as to provide the desired angle of the leveling assembly  500  vis-à-vis the base portion  110 . 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the lower base portion  130  may be provided with a prop retaining hook  149 . The prop retaining hook  149  is provided to snap over the prop  540 , upon the prop  540  being disposed in a stored position, i.e., in such manner that the prop  540  is secured in the stored position in conjunction with the leveling assembly  500  disposed in a closed position (adjacent the lower base portion  130 ), as shown in  FIG. 20 . The prop  540  may be provided with a hook receptacle  549 , e.g. a recessed portion, so as to interface with the prop retaining hook  149 . Further, the lower base portion  130  may be provided with a recessed portion, in which both the prop  540  and the leveling assembly  500  may be disposed (as also shown in  FIG. 20 , for example). 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the work surface assembly  200 , with the work surface assembly  200  removed from the upper base portion  120 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 6  is a top view of the work surface assembly  200 , with the work surface assembly  200  removed from the upper base portion  120 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Further,  FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the work surface assembly  200 , with the work surface assembly  200  removed from the upper base portion  120 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     As described above, the work surface assembly  200  may also include a plurality of work support assemblies  230 . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each work support assembly  230  includes a work support  231  that is pivotally attached to the work surface assembly  200 . In an extended position (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), the work support  231  is extended to support a laptop computer or other item. Each of the work supports  231  may be pivoted between the extended position and a stored position. In the stored position, the work support assembly  230  is disposed in a work support receptacle  234 , as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , for example. The work support receptacle  234  may be a recessed portion that is molded into the work surface assembly  200 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The dimensions of the work support receptacle  234  may be such that the work support receptacle  234  accepts the work support  231 , i.e., such that the exposed surface of the work support  231  lays flush or below the work surface  210 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , a finger groove  239  may be provided to assist a user to move each work support  231  from the stored position to an extended position. The finger groove  239  may be in the form of a recessed groove that allows a user to position their finger under the upper edge of each work support  231 . 
     Each of the work supports  231  may be hinged in any suitable manner. As described below with reference to  FIG. 19 , for example, the end of each of the work supports  231  that is attached to the work surface  210  may be provided with opposing pivot pins that extend from each side of the work support  231 . Further, the work surface  210  may be provided with a pair of pin retaining tabs  235  for each work support  231 . Each pin retaining tab  235  serves to retain a respective pivot pin  233  via a tab concave portion  237 , i.e., a recessed portion, integrally formed in each pin retaining tab  235 . Thus, the arrangement including the pivot pin  233  retained by the pin retaining tab  235  (on each side of the work support  231 ) allows the work support  231  to be retained, while allowing pivoting motion. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the device  100  with the base portion extensions  300  in an extended position and the work surface assembly  200  in a raised position, and supporting a laptop computer  600 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the work supports  231  are in the extended position and the laptop computer  600  is supported on the work supports  231 .  FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the device  100  with an expanded view showing the work supports  231  supporting the laptop computer  600 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the device  100  with the base portion extensions  300  in an extended position and the work surface assembly  200  in a lowered, i.e., stored, position, and supporting a laptop computer  600 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the device  100  with the base portion extensions  300  in a stored position, i.e., a closed position, and the work surface assembly  200  in a lowered, i.e., stored, position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the upper base portion  120  and the lower base portion  130  may be provided with recessed edge sections  118 . The recessed edge sections  118  provide a relieved portion of an edge wall of the base portion  110  so as to allow a user to grasp a base portion extension  300 . The user may so grasp a base portion extension  300  and rotate the particular base portion extension  300  to a desired extended position. 
     Relatedly,  FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the device  100  with the base portion extensions  300  in an extended position, and the work surface assembly  200  in a lowered, i.e., stored, position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the device  100  in a further arrangement, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the work surface assembly  200  is removed from the base portion  110 . That is, a laptop computer  600  is positioned upon the base portion  110 , and the work surface assembly  200  is in turn positioned upon the laptop computer  600 . Accordingly, the work surface assembly  200  provides a work surface upon which a user may work, while still having ready access to the laptop computer  600 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , and described above, the work surface legs  260  of the work surface assembly  200  are in an extended position, so as to support the work surface assembly  200  over the laptop computer  600 . 
     Relatedly,  FIG. 14  is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment to the work surface legs  260 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. That is,  FIG. 14  shows that, in lieu of the work surface legs  260 , the work surface assembly  200  may be supported with pads  270  and integral feet  272 . The pads  270  and the integral feet  272  serve to support the work surface assembly  200  upon a desired surface in a stable manner. Further, the pads  270  and the integral feet  272  provide a more simplified structure vis-à-vis the work surface legs  260 , which may be desired. 
     As related to  FIG. 14 ,  FIG. 24  is a perspective view showing the work surface assembly  200  disposed above a laptop computer  600 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The laptop computer  600  is in turn disposed upon the base portion  110 . As shown, the work surface assembly  200  is provided with the pads  270  and the integral feet  272 .  FIG. 25  is a perspective view showing the work surface assembly  200  disposed upon a laptop computer  600 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 25  further illustrates operation of pads  270  and the integral feet  272 , i.e., that such arrangement may provide for the work surface assembly  200  to rest upon a laptop computer  600 , and provide a working surface for the user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1  and described above, the device  100  includes a plurality of base portion extensions  300  that extend from the base portion  110 . In particular, each of the base portion extensions  300  pivot from a stored position (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) to an extended position (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). Each of the base portion extensions  300 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, are mounted to a rotation assembly  150  so as to provide for such pivoting. 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view showing details of the rotation assembly  150 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 16  is a cross sectional view showing various further details of the rotation assembly  150 , the base portion extension  300  and other components, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Specifically,  FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of portion  16 - 16  of  FIG. 17 . As shown, the rotation assembly  150  is attached to and extends through the upper base portion  120 , extends through a base portion extension  300 , and is attached and extends through the lower base portion  130 . 
     The rotation assembly  150  includes a plug head  171  that serves to secure the plug  151  on the upper base portion  120 . The plug head  171  may be seated in plug well  126  that is disposed in the upper base portion  120 . The plug  151  may include a lock groove  152 . The lock groove  152  is provided to interface in some manner with a detent (or other structure) in the plug well  126 , i.e., so as to preclude rotational movement of the plug  151 . A lower portion of the plug  151 , as shown, is provided with a tube portion  153 . The tube portion  153  includes a threaded interior portion  154 . 
     The rotation assembly  150  also includes a plug  160  with a tube portion  169 . The plug  160  may be disposed in a suitable plug well in the lower base portion  130 . As shown, a screw, bolt or other suitable fastener  166  extends through a central aperture in the plug  160  so as to pass into and be threadably secured in the threaded interior portion  154  (of the plug  151 ). In this manner, the plug  160  is attached to the plug  151 , and in turn attaches the upper base portion  120  with the lower base portion  130 , passing through a pivot aperture  315  (of the base portion extension  310 ). 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the plug  160  is provided with a seating surface  161  that slidably interfaces with a seating wall  125  of the upper base portion  120 . To further seat the components and allow rotational movement, seating surface  156  including a shoulder of the seating surface  156  (on the upper base portion  120 ) interfaces both with an interior seating surface  311  of the base extension portion  310  (as shown in  FIG. 16 ) and with a seating surface  158  (on the lower base portion  130 ). 
       FIG. 16  also shows the manner in which the base portion extension  300  is rotationally sandwiched between the upper base portion  120  and the lower base portion  130 , and rotationally disposed about the rotation assembly  150  (including the plug  151  and the plug  160 ). In particular, the rotation assembly  150  includes a friction o-ring  155  and a friction o-ring  165 . The friction o-ring  155  is disposed between a seating wall  101  (of the upper base portion  120 ) and a seating wall  106  of the base extension portion  310 . Further, the friction o-ring  165  is disposed between a seating wall  102  (of the lower base portion  130 ) and a seating wall  107  of the base extension portion  310 . The base extension portion  310  is otherwise provided clearance to freely rotate vis-à-vis the upper base portion  120  and the lower base portion  130 . The friction o-rings ( 155 ,  165 ) serve to frictionally retain the base extension portion  310  in a particular position (vis-à-vis the base portion  110 , inclusive of the upper base portion  120  and lower base portion  130 ) while allowing movement of the base extension portion  310  if sufficient rotational pressure is provided by the user, i.e., so as to rotate the base extension portion  310  from the stored position to an extended position. 
     As described herein, the arrangement of the rotation assembly  150 , upper base portion  120 , lower base portion  130  and base extension portion  310  provides substantial structural support for the base extension portion  310 . Thus, such arrangement provides for stable and strong base portion extensions  300 . 
     While a particular arrangement has been described to seat and allow rotational movement of the base portion extension  310  (as the base portion extension  310  is sandwiched between the upper base portion  120  and the lower base portion  130 ), it is appreciated that various other arrangements may be used. Such other arrangements might vary in the shape of the components and the manner in which the components interface and seat with each other. The particular arrangement of the base extension portion  310  and rotation assembly  150 , along with the upper base portion  120  and the lower base portion  130  has been described. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the other base portion extensions ( 320 ,  330 ) are supported by a similar arrangement. 
     Relatedly,  FIG. 17  is a cross sectional diagram showing the device  100  and details of the rotation assembly  150 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Specifically,  FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view along line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 11 . As shown, the work surface assembly  200  and the leveling assembly  500  are in the stored position. 
       FIG. 18  is a cross sectional diagram showing the work surface assembly  200 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Specifically,  FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 6 . As shown, the work support  231  is in an extended position, i.e., so as to support a laptop computer  600  or some other device. 
       FIG. 19  is a partial cross sectional view of a work support assembly  230 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Specifically,  FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of portion  19 - 19  of  FIG. 18 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , and noted above, the work support  231  (of the work support assembly  230 ) includes a pair of retaining tabs  232 , which are mounted on opposing sides of the work support  231 . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each retaining tab  232  interfaces with a corresponding snap portion  236 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . That is, as a work support  231  is moved from an extended position to nearing the stored position, each retaining tab  232  snaps over (or otherwise engages with) a corresponding snap portion  236 . For example, each snap portion  236  may include an integrally molded shoulder that allows a retaining tab  232  to snap over, thus retaining each work support  231  in the stored position. Upon a user wanting the work support  231  again disposed in an extended position, the user would apply pressure to the work support back  238  (via placing the user&#39;s finger in the finger groove  239 ). Such pressure on the work support back  238  forces the work support  231  (and specifically the retaining tabs  232 ) to snap past the snap portions  236 , such that the work support  231  may be then further moved out into the extended position, i.e., so as to support a laptop or other item thereon. 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , the work surface assembly  200  also includes the hinge pivot shaft  252 , as is also shown in  FIG. 6 , for example. The hinge pivot shaft  252  serves to connect the work surface assembly  200  to the base portion  110 . Further details of the hinge assembly  250  (including the hinge pivot shaft  252  are described below). 
       FIG. 20  is a cross sectional diagram showing the device  100  and details of the base portion extensions  300 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Specifically,  FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 11 . As shown, the work surface assembly  200  and the leveling assembly  500  are in the stored position.  FIG. 21  is a partial cross sectional view showing details of the hinge assemblies, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Specifically,  FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of portion  21 - 21  of  FIG. 20 . In particular,  FIG. 21  shows details of the hinge assembly  250  (for the work surface assembly  200 ) and details of the hinge assembly  590  (for the leveling assembly  500 ).  FIG. 22  is partial perspective view of the device  100  showing details of the hinge assembly  250 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 21  and described above, the hinge assembly  250  pivotally attaches the upper base portion  120  with the work surface assembly  200 . A hinge pivot shaft  252  is attached to the work surface assembly  200  via a plurality of hinge support shoulders  254 , as also shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 22 . The hinge pivot shaft  252  interfaces with a hinge shaft retaining leaf  256 , as shown in  FIG. 21 . In particular, the hinge shaft retaining leaf  256  runs the width of the hinge assembly  250 . The hinge shaft retaining leaf  256  includes a leaf elongated recess  257  and a leaf elongated protuberance  258 . The leaf elongated recess  257  and the leaf elongated protuberance  258  also run the width of the hinge assembly  250 . The leaf elongated recess  257  serves to receive the hinge pivot shaft  252 , in conjunction with the leaf elongated protuberance  258  retaining the hinge pivot shaft  252 , i.e., such that the hinge pivot shaft  252  is allowed to pivotally rotate but not to move past the leaf elongated protuberance  258  while the work surface assembly  200  is in a working position (i.e., and not positioned vertically). As shown in  FIG. 21 , the upper base portion  120  includes an interior support web  255  disposed adjacent the hinge shaft retaining leaf  256 . The interior support web  255  serves to interface with the hinge support shoulders  254 , i.e., such that the hinge pivot shaft  252  is retained against the hinge shaft retaining leaf  256  while the work surface assembly  200  is in a working position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , for example. The interior support web  255  further serves to structurally connect the surfaces of the upper base portion  120 , as shown. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the hinge pivot shaft  252  is in the form of a cylinder with a portion of the diameter  252 ′ flattened, or reduced, i.e., such that the hinge pivot shaft  252  includes a large diameter and a small diameter. As noted above, as the work surface assembly  200  is in a working position (i.e., and not positioned vertically), the hinge pivot shaft  252  is retained by the leaf elongated recess  257 . However, upon the user positioning the work surface assembly  200  in a vertical position (or substantially vertical position), the hinge pivot shaft  252  is disposed such that the hinge pivot shaft  252  can pass past the leaf elongated protuberance  258 , due to the smaller cross section of the hinge pivot shaft  252 . Thus, in this manner, the work surface assembly  200  may be removed, so as to be used by the user in other configurations of the device  100 , i.e., such as that shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     As noted above,  FIG. 22  is partial perspective view of the device  100  showing details of the hinge assembly  250 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 22  shows the work surface assembly  200  removed from the upper base portion  120 , and the relative position of the work surface assembly  200  and the upper base portion  120  so as to allow such removal. As shown the upper base portion  120  is positioned sufficiently in a vertical position so as to allow the reduced diameter side of the hinge pivot shaft  252  to pass by the leaf elongated protuberance  258 . However, relatedly, it is appreciated that the hinge shaft retaining leaf  256  (and the leaf elongated protuberance  258 ) may spring, i.e., give or deflect to some degree, so as to allow the hinge pivot shaft  252  to pass by. 
       FIG. 22  also shows that the upper base portion  120  may include a plurality of structural supports  259 . Each structural support  259  serves to structurally connect and support the surfaces of the upper base portion  120 , as shown, along with the interior support web  255 . 
       FIG. 21  further shows details of the hinge assembly  590 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The hinge assembly  590  (also shown in  FIG. 4 ) may be of similar structure to the of the hinge assembly  250 . The hinge assembly  590  hinge pivot shaft  552  that is connected to the leveling assembly  500  via a plurality of hinge support shoulders  554 . The lower base portion  130  receives and holds the hinge pivot shaft  552 , along with the hinge support shoulder  554 , between a hinge shaft retaining leaf  556  and a interior support web  555  (in a manner similar to the hinge assembly  250 ). However, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the hinge pivot shaft  552  is of constant diameter, since the leveling assembly  500  and hinge pivot shaft  552  are not intended to be removed in operation of the device  100 . 
       FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the device  100  showing details of the leveling assembly  500 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In particular,  FIG. 23  (and  FIG. 21 ) show that the lower base portion  130  includes a plurality of pads  132  that may serve to support the device  100 . In conjunction with the pads  132 , the leveling assembly  500  may also be provided with a larger pad  520 . The pad  520 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, is received in a matching size recess  510  in the lower surface of the leveling assembly  500 . The pad  520  serves to provide a cushioned surface while resting the device  100  upon a user&#39;s legs or any other supporting surface. For example, the pads  132  and the pad  520  may be constructed of suitable elastomeric material. 
       FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the device  100  showing a flip-up portion  136  and other variations, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In particular, the device  100  may be provided with a flip-up portion  136  to retain a gadget  137 . The flip-up portion  136  may be constructed to retain the gadget  137  and be pivotally connected to one of the base extension portions  300 . The gadget  137  might clip to, snap into, or in some other manner be physically retained by the flip-up portion  136 , while being removable from the flip-up portion  136  as needed. The flip-up portion  136  may be pivotally attached to one of the base extension portions  300 , i.e., so as to pivot between a use position (as shown) to a closed position (such that the gadget  137  lies parallel to the base extension portion  300  and is protected by the flip-up portion  136  for example). Upon the flip-up portion being in the closed position, the base portion extension  300  may be rotated into the base portion  110 , i.e., into the stored position. The gadget  137  might be a MP3 player, iPOD, Personal Digital Assistant, BLACKBERRY, cell phone, and/or some other device, for example. 
       FIG. 26  also shows that the shape of the work surface assembly  200  may be varied, as well as the manner in which the work surface assembly  200  is hingedly connected to the upper base portion  120 . Also, the position of the work support assemblies  230  may be varied as desired. 
       FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a device  100  showing a leveling portion  133 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the leveling portion  133  may include two cushion portions ( 134 , 134 ′) that are connected by a hinge portion  135 . One or both of the two cushion portions ( 134 , 134 ′) may be connected to the lower base portion  130  in some suitable manner, i.e., such as by using clips or other releasable fasteners, for example. In one embodiment, the one of the two cushion portions ( 134 , 134 ′) may be released from the lower base portion  130  and folded under the other cushion portion ( 134 , 134 ′). That is, the hinge portion  135  allows for one cushion portion  134  (either  134  or  134 ′) to be folded under the other cushion portion  134  to add more height and/or adjust to a different angle, as desired. The leveling portion  133 , including the cushion portion  134  and the hinge portion  135  may be constructed of any suitable material such as a coated foam and be varied in dimension as desired, for example. 
     As described herein, the devices above, in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention, have been described in the context of holding a laptop computer and other items. However, it is appreciated that the devices of the invention may be used to hold a wide variety of materials for viewing and other items, as may be desired. Accordingly, the devices of the invention might hold books, magazines, papers, photographs or any other object that might be physically supported on the device. 
     The devices of the invention, in accordance with the various embodiments, may be made from any of a wide variety of materials, as is desired. For example, the invention might be made of wood, plastic, metal, and/or foam, for example, or any other material. Further, a variety of production techniques may be used to make the device as described herein. For example, suitable molding techniques might be utilized. Also, the various components of the device may be integrally formed, as may be desired, in particular when using molding construction techniques. The respective arrangements may be provided in various sizes and relative dimensions, as desired. 
     In conclusion, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible to broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the invention. 
     Accordingly, while the present invention has been described here in detail in relation to its exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made to provide an enabling disclosure of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed or to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any other such embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements.