Patent Publication Number: US-7911784-B2

Title: Mobile computer stand with integrated keyboard

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/132,853, filed on Jun. 23, 2008, and entitled “Mobile Computer Stand and Related Methods,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to computers and computer accessories. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable electronic devices, such as laptop computers, tablet personal computers (PCs), portable digital video disc (DVD) players, etc. may be used almost anywhere, such as at home, on a bus, on an airplane, etc. When a portable device is used in some locations, such as in place that is restricted by space or proximity to other items (e.g., on an airplane), the keyboard and screen may be presented at an awkward position or angle relative to the user. For example, a laptop sitting on the user&#39;s lap may require the user to look downward to see the laptop&#39;s screen. Also for example, using a laptop computer in a constrained environment such as on an airplane, with the laptop computer on the tray-top table, may pose difficulties. This is especially the case when a traveler sitting in the seat in front of the laptop computer reclines the seat, which constrains the workspace even further. In this case, it may not be possible to open entirely the laptop computer, and thus the screen may be partially faced downward. To rectify this situation, the laptop must be pulled toward the user, thus requiring their arms to be pushed backward into their seat. The position of the arms and head may lead to user discomfort and aggravation over time. 
     SUMMARY 
     In a first aspect, a device for use with a portable computer includes a base, a stand having an upper portion and an adjustable linkage, and a connection mechanism. The base is adapted to rest upon a surface and includes a keyboard that is physically integrated with the base. The stand is attached to the base. The upper portion is adapted to provide a surface upon which a portable computer rests. The upper portion comprises an attachment mechanism adapted to attach to a portable computer resting upon the upper portion of the stand to secure the portable computer physically to the upper portion of the stand. The adjustable linkage is connected to the base on one end and is connected to the upper portion of the stand on another end. The adjustable linkage is adapted to position the upper portion of the stand such that the surface of the upper portion upon which a portable computer rests is positioned in space at least in part directly above the integrated keyboard of the base and of sufficient distance above the integrated keyboard of the base to allow a user to position the user&#39;s hands on the integrated keyboard to cause input to be made on the integrated keyboard. The connection mechanism is associated with the integrated keyboard and is adapted to provide data communication from the integrated keyboard to a portable computer resting upon the upper portion of the stand. 
     Implementations may include any, all or none of the following features. The base may include an attachment mechanism adapted to attach to a structure comprising the surface upon which the base rests. The attachment mechanism may be adapted to attach to a tray table for a seat on a transport vehicle. The adjustable linkage may be adapted to collapse when not in use in a manner such that the upper portion is directly adjacent the base. The adjustable linkage may be adapted to position the upper portion such that a forward end of the upper portion of the stand is forward of a plane extending vertically from a forward end of the integrated keyboard. The connection mechanism may include a wired connection that extends from the integrated keyboard and internally through the adjustable linkage to an output connector that is connectable to a portable computer resting on the upper portion of the stand. The connection mechanism may be further adapted to provide a power connection from a portable computer resting upon the upper portion of the stand to the integrated keyboard. The connection mechanism can include a wireless transceiver electrically connected to the integrated keyboard and adapted to communicate with a portable computer resting on the upper surface of the stand to provide data communication from the integrated keyboard to the portable computer. The device may further include a battery power source to provide a power source for the integrated keyboard. The battery power source may be located in the base of the device. The device may be adapted to be used with a clam-shell type portable computer comprising a keyboard on a first part of the portable computer and a visual display on a second part of the portable computer, wherein when closed the keyboard of the portable computer faces the visual display of the portable computer. The upper portion of the device may include one or more inserts of different configurations, each insert configured for attaching to the underside of one or more different models of clam-shell type portable computers. The base further may further include at least one of a DVD drive, a Blueray drive, a USB port, a media card reader, and an connector for a mouse-type pointing device. 
     In a second aspect, a stand device for use with a portable computer includes a base, a stand attached to the base and having an upper portion and an adjustable linkage, and a connection mechanism. The base is adapted to rest upon a surface and comprises a keyboard that is physically integrated with the base. The base comprises an attachment mechanism adapted to attach to a structure comprising the surface upon which the base rests. The upper portion is adapted to provide a surface upon which a portable computer rests and as attachment mechanism associated with the upper portion and is adapted to attach to a portable computer resting upon the upper portion of the stand to secure the portable computer physically to the upper portion of the stand. The adjustable linkage is connected to the base on one end and is connected to the upper portion of the stand on another end. The adjustable linkage is adapted to position the upper portion of the stand such that the surface of the upper portion upon which a portable computer rests is positioned in space at least in part directly above the integrated keyboard of the base and of sufficient distance above the integrated keyboard of the base to allow a user to position the user&#39;s hands on the integrated keyboard to cause input to be made on the integrated keyboard. The connection mechanism is associated with the integrated keyboard and is adapted to provide data communication from the integrated keyboard to a portable computer resting upon the upper portion of the stand. 
     Implementations may include any, all or none of the following features. The adjustable linkage may be adapted to position the upper portion such that a forward end of the upper portion of the stand is forward of a plane extending vertically from a forward end of the integrated keyboard. 
     The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, as well as from the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views of an exemplary laptop computer stand device, with  FIG. 1B  showing a laptop computer positioned on the laptop computer stand. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective exploded view of the device shown in  FIG. 1A and 1B . 
         FIG. 3  shows a side view of the device shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  2 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the device of  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  2  and  3  in a fully-collapsed position. 
     
    
    
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure discusses a mobile computer stand with an integrated keyboard. The mobile computer stand may be used, for example, to support a laptop computer or other electronic device, such as a tablet PC, portable DVD player, etc. The stand may further raise and position the laptop in various ways to make the laptop easier to use, for example, in a constrained working environment, such as in the cramped seats of an airplane, train, bus, car, etc. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views of an exemplary laptop computer stand device (or “device”)  10 , operable to support a laptop computer (or “laptop”)  15  or any other electronic device.  FIG. 1A  shows the stand  10  without the laptop  15 .  FIG. 1B  shows the laptop  15  resting on top the of stand  10 . The term “laptop,” when used herein, may also refer to any portable electronic device, such as a tablet PC, a portable DVD player, etc. The device  10  includes a base  20  and an upper portion  25  connected to the base  20  by one or more adjustable linkages  30 . As depicted, the upper portion  25  and the two adjustable linkages  30  serve as a stand  35  for the laptop  15 . The stand  35  may be adjusted by the user in order to position the laptop  15  at an ideal height and angle, such as at eye level when the user is using the laptop  15  on an airplane.  FIGS. 1A and 1B , as well as other figures described herein, may not be to scale, and any suitable dimensions for the device  10  may be used. 
     The device  10  may be used with any hinged clam-shell type portable computer  15 , such as a laptop computer (or “laptop”)  15  as shown in  FIG. 1B , comprising a keyboard  75  on a first part  16  of the portable computer and a visual display  65  on a second part  17  of the portable computer. The first and second parts  16  and  17  are attached by a hinge, which allows the two parts  16  and  17  to be opened and closed relative to one another. When portable computers or laptops  15  of this type are closed, the keyboard  75  typically faces the visual display (or screen)  65  of the device. The device  10  may also be used with other electronic devices that are not hinged, such as tablet PCs or other computers. 
     Two adjustable linkages  30  may be used, for example, each one attaching a side (the left or right side) of the base  20  to the corresponding side of the stand&#39;s upper portion  25 . Each adjustable linkage  30  may attach, at a first end, to the base  20  at a first pivot point  40   a  and, at a second, opposite end, to the stand&#39;s upper portion  25  at a second pivot point  40   b . The pivot points  40   a  and  40   b  may have, for example, a push button or other mechanism or control for locking and unlocking the adjustable linkages  30  in a particular position, such a mechanism being any number of such mechanisms that may be known to one of skill in the art. If a push button type mechanism is used, for example, the push button may include an internal spring mechanism that, when pressed, releases the pivot point from a locked position so that it can be moved or adjusted to another position. For example, while either or both of the push buttons are pressed, the pivot points  40   a  and  40   b  may pivot more freely, allowing adjustment of the stand  35  to an ideal height and position. In some implementations, the pivot points  40   a  and  40   b  may include pre-set positions (e.g., using grooves, etc.). In some implementations, the pivot points  40   a  and  40   b  may use some sort of ratcheting joint, pressure joint, interlocking cutout joints, etc. In some implementations, the pivot points  40   a  and  40   b  may be “continuously adjustable” (e.g., using a pressure joint) or use distinct adjustment points (e.g., a ratchet joint). 
     The adjustable linkages  30  may be adapted also to allow the device  10  to fully collapse into a compact state when not in use, such as when the user intends to use the laptop  15  directly on his lap without extending the stand  35  upward. In this position, the base of the laptop  15  may be parallel to and nearly adjacent to the base  20 , separated only by the upper portion  25 . In addition, in this position, the device  10  may be carried easily along with the laptop computer  15  in a laptop computer carrying bag. 
     In some implementations, the adjustable linkages  30  may be extendable in length, making it possible to position the upper portion  25  such that a forward end of the laptop  15  is forward of a plane extending vertically from a forward end of the integrated keyboard, as may be seen in  FIG. 3 . As a result, the front edge of the laptop  15  may be closer to the user than the front edge of the base  20 . As such, the display screen of the laptop computer  15  would also be closer to the user, thus putting it out of the way of a reclining seat, in the event the laptop computer  15  is being used in a constrained environment of a seat on an airplane. In other implementations, the upper portion  25  of the stand  20  need not extend forward of a plane extending vertically from a forward end of the integrated keyboard of the base  20  (when the base  20  is resting on a horizontal surface). In such a case, it may be sufficient that the stand  35  is adapted so that its upper portion  25  may be positioned in space at least in part directly above the integrated keyboard  45  of the base  20 . In this case also, the laptop display screen would be out of the way of a seat being reclined in front of the user on an airplane. In either event, the stand  35  should also be adapted to be adjusted so that the upper portion  25  of the stand  35  may be positioned a sufficient distance above the integrated keyboard of the base  20  to allow a user to position the user&#39;s hands on the integrated keyboard  45  to cause input to be made on the integrated keyboard  45 . In some implementations, the linkages  30  may include pre-determined locking slots or grooves which the user may engage to lock the linkages  30  in a desired position. In some implementations, the length of the adjustable linkages  30  may be eight to 16 inches (e.g., about 10 inches) and may depend on the dimensions of the base  20 . 
     The base  20  may rest upon any relatively flat surface, such as a user&#39;s lap, a table top, an airplane fold-down tray table, or any other place that a laptop may be used. The base  20  includes an integrated keyboard  45  that is physically integrated with the base  20 . A connection system  50  associated with the integrated keyboard  45  provides data communication from the integrated keyboard  45  to the laptop  15  (or other electronic device) resting upon the upper portion  25  of the stand  35 . The connection system  50  may be wired or wireless. For example, the connection system  50  may be a cable that communicatively couples the integrated keyboard  45  to the laptop  15 , such as using a port in the laptop  15 . 
     In some implementations, the keyboard  45  may be configured to slide forward (e.g., toward the user) or backward, such as on a rail or other structure, allowing the user to position the keyboard  45  at a user-selected distance relative to the base  20 . For example, a user with shorter arms may position pull the keyboard  45  closer. 
     When the connection system  50  uses a wired connection, one or more wires may extend from the integrated keyboard  45  and internally through the adjustable linkages  30  to a connector on the upper portion  25 . The connector then may be connected to an input port on the laptop  15 . In some implementations, the wired connection may use a cable that may extract from (and retract into) the base  20 . 
     In some implementations, the wires passing through the adjustable linkages  30  may include power connections. For example, the power connections may provide power to the integrated keyboard  45  using, for example, battery or other power from the laptop  15 . In another implementation, the device  10  may have its own power source, and not need the power source of the portable computer  15 . 
     When the connection system  50  uses wireless communication, the integrated keyboard  45  may include a wireless transceiver  52 , such as embedded within the base  20 , that is adapted to communicate with the laptop  15 . The communication may include data communication from the integrated keyboard  45  to the laptop  15 . In some implementations, the device  10  may include a battery power source to provide a power source for the integrated keyboard. The battery or batteries of the battery source may be rechargeable using a power cord connectable to the device  10 . In some implementations, the battery power source may be located in the base of the device  10 . For example, the battery source may be located beneath a cover (not shown in  FIG. 1A  or  1 B) at the back edge of the underside of the base  20  and operable to be recharged by a retractable or other power cable. 
     The upper portion  25  of the stand  10  provides a surface  55  upon which the laptop  15  (or other portable computer or device) may rest. The upper portion  25  further includes a laptop attachment mechanism for securely attaching the laptop  15  to the stand  35 . The laptop attachment mechanism may include, for example, two or more clips  60  at the front of the upper portion  25 . The attachment mechanism may also include, for example, clips or screws that connect the sides (e.g., near the back) or bottom of the laptop  15  to the upper portion  25 . A more detailed description of laptop attachment mechanisms is provided below with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
     The stand  35  may allow the laptop to be positioned at various heights above (and at various angles relative to) the base  20 . For example, as depicted, the adjustable linkages  30  are extended relative to the base  20  and upper portion  25  to raise the laptop  15  several inches (e.g., two to ten inches, such as at about three to five inches or any height suitable for fitting the user&#39;s hands on the integrated keyboard  45 ) above the base  20  at the angle depicted. In this position, for example, the user of the laptop  15  may benefit from positioning a laptop screen  65  at eye level or some other suitable angle relative to the user&#39;s line-of-sight. Angles and heights may also depend upon how the hinges (e.g., pivot point  40   b ) are angled, as well as the dimensions of the device. In some implementations the base  20  may be from about 8 to 20 inches wide (e.g., 12 inches), from about six to 16 inches deep (e.g., 10 inches), and from about ⅜ inch to 2 inches thick (e.g., one-half inch). Data may be entered on a laptop keyboard  75  of the laptop  15 . Moreover, because of the data communication from the integrated keyboard  45  to the laptop  15  (e.g., using the connection system  50 ), the user may use either the integrated keyboard  45  or the laptop keyboard  75  in order to interact with the laptop  15 . 
     Other redundant or parallel controls may exist, such as a mouse pad and buttons  80  on the integrated keyboard  45  and a mouse pad and buttons  82  on the keyboard  75 . In this way, the user may use either of the keyboards  45  or  75 , or some combination thereof (e.g., generally using the keys of one keyboard, and the mouse pad of the other keyboard). In some implementations, the integrated keyboard  45  may include other ports (e.g., USB ports, headphone ports, etc.). 
     The stand  35  may be manufactured from various lightweight materials, such as any combination of plastics, lightweight metals, fiberglass, etc. The design of the stand  35  may include features, for example, that make the laptop  15  significantly less likely to sustain damage from static electricity. 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective exploded view of the device  10  with the components separated by vertical space. For example, the laptop  15  is depicted above the stand  35 . In some implementations, the upper portion  20  of the stand  35  may include a frame  88  and a removable insert  90  that may be connected to, and removed from, the frame  88 . Different inserts  90  may exist for different laptop models (e.g., XYZ Computer Maker&#39;s model X1437). For example, depending on the laptop model, the insert  90  may include a different arrangement of ventilation slots  92 , positioned to line up with any sections or areas of the underside of the laptop  15  requiring ventilation to mitigate heat or to properly vent cooling fans, etc. Inserts  90  may also include clips (e.g., snap-on clips) or screws  94  operable to attach to the bottom surface of the laptop  15 . For example, each laptop model may have a different arrangement of securing screws or clips, and the clips or screws  94  may be attached to the underside of the laptop  15 . 
     In some implementations, the insert  90  and the frame  88  may be combined into a single component. In this case, the combination of the insert  90  and the frame  88  may attached directly to the upper portion  25 , such as using snaps, clips, screws, etc. 
     In some implementations, the base  20  includes one or more attachment mechanisms  96  for attaching or securing the device  10  to any structure upon which it rests. For example, for situations when the user is a passenger on an airplane (or other transport vehicle), attachment mechanisms  96  on the base  20  may be deployed to securely fasten the base  20  to the passenger&#39;s pull-down tray table. For example in the implementation shown in  FIG. 2 , the mechanisms  96  include a first rectangular plate  97   a  that is positioned within a first slot  98   a  that extends inward into the base  20  from a front side  20   a  of the base  20 , and a second rectangular plate  97   b  that is positioned within a second slot (not shown in  FIG. 2 , but similar to the first slot  98   a ) that extends inward into the base  20  from a back side  20   b  of the base  20 . Each of the rectangular plates  97   a  and  97   b  may be pulled out of their corresponding slots, and by force of spring (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) will be urged back into the corresponding slots (e.g., slot  98   a ). At a distal edge  99   a  of each of the rectangular plates  97   a  and  97   b  is a hook-type edge  100   a  that hooks downward and back, and forms a slot  101   a . A slot  101   b  is similarly formed on a hook edges  100   b  on the second rectangular plate  97   b . The purpose of the hook edges  100   a  and  100   b  and the slots  101   a  and  101   b  they form is to engage the front edge and the back edge of a tray table, for example, to secure the base  20  firmly to the tray table. As a result, the laptop  15  and the device  10  to which it is attached may be held in place at any elevation change (e.g., any slope of the airplane) and despite any sudden elevation changes or turbulence. 
     In another implementation, the mechanism to attach the base  20  of the device  10  to a tray table includes one or more straps that may be looped underneath the tray table and attached to the base  20 . For example, a set of straps may be two inches wide, with one strap passing through an end-loop of another strap, then folding back onto itself and securing with Velcro or other fastener. In some implementations, the straps used to secure the device  10  may also serve as a carrying handle for the entire device  10 . In some implementations, the strap(s) may also be used to secure and carry the laptop  15 , such as while it is attached to the device  10 . In some implementations, the straps may be part of an integrated cover or carrying bag for the device  10  and laptop  15 . 
     In some implementations, the device  10  may include one or more cooling fans, such as contained in the base  20 . Cooling fans may help to cool the laptop  15 , for example, when the upper portion  25  is fully collapsed onto the base  20 . In some implementations, power from the laptop&#39;s battery may be used to power cooling fans in the device  10   
       FIG. 3  shows a side view of the device  10  supporting the laptop  15 . This view shows the stand  35  extended in a position such that the upper portion  25  is raised several inches (e.g., at least three to five inches) above the base  20 . As shown, the laptop screen  65  is also positioned relatively vertical in relation to the base  20 . Using the pivot point  40   b , the upper portion  25  is positioned such that the keyboard  75  is positioned at a significant angle (e.g., approaching 45 degrees) relative to the base  20 . In this position, the laptop screen  65  may be at a height relatively close to eye-level of the user. 
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the device  10  in the fully-collapsed position with the laptop  15  closed and attached to the device  10 . In this position, the device  10  may automatically perform certain functions. For example, in some implementations, the device  10  may automatically go into “sleep” or “standby” mode or power off entirely. In some implementations, if the device  10  is in standby mode, temperature sensors in the base  20  may be operable to detect temperatures above a certain threshold. When that temperature is reached, for example, the device  10  may automatically start cooling fans. 
     A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the techniques, devices, and systems disclosed herein. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.