Patent Abstract:
An ergonomically designed space saving, collapsible multi-function travel-friendly modular workstation for supporting a broad range of electronic systems, reading materials and the like for users while standing, sitting or on-the-go, and fits in anywhere, anytime is presented. The workstation comprises a support unit, telescopic rod and tripod and is designed to provide needed cooling and ventilation for electronic systems, support healthy postures, and complete comfort and versatility of a multi-function workstation with all the important things needed when working at a desk, thereby improving a user&#39;s comfort when using the workstation. Further, the workstation is designed for easy transportation, storage and set up, as well as provide a versatile workspace for a user in many different environments, for everyday use such as note taking, writing, reading, presentations, performing arts and rehearsing while playing a musical instrument, music or conductor stand, etc.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. U.S. 62/333,812 titled MULTI-FUNCTION TRAVEL-FRIENDLY WORKSTATION WITH COOLING AND VENTILATION, filed May 9, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    This invention relates to workstations. More particularly, this invention relates to collapsible space saving, multi-function travel-friendly workstation with cooling and ventilation for supporting electronic systems, written reading material and the like. 
       Prior Art 
       [0003]    Mobility is ingrained in our lives and has become central to both individuals and businesses to the extent it has changed the way we interact with our surroundings, and particularly equipment and devices. There&#39;s no denying that the portability of laptops, as an alternative to bulkier, space consuming electronic systems such as desktop computers which required computer workstations having flat horizontal surfaces upon which a desktop computer is placed for work, have made life on-the-go a lot easier and have become an indispensable part of the human experience, and ultimately a part of the home and work life. Generally, workstations are not portable and occupy a lot of space, often within the confines of a room or building. The use of this space by a workstation prevents the use of such space for other purposes and limits the available workspace. In spite of their portability, laptops require the use of peripherals. However, the numerous peripherals a laptop user must carry can be a part time job trying to keep up while on-the-go. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,225,724 to O&#39;Brien shows a portable folding workstation having closed and operating positions that can easily be installed or removed by one person without tools. The workstation has two walls that are hingedly connected to either side of an elongated member with a foldable work surface, the work surface being shaped to provide a continuous work surface when unfolded. The workstation also has one or more foldable shelves. All of the components of the workstation remain connected to the workstation in the closed position and in the operating position, and no assembly is required. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,588 to Biggel et al shows a workstation that has work surfaces and especially desk surfaces in a body which can be opened up. To attain a spacious interior, two opposing side walls are connected via hinges to a transverse wall to allow the body to be unfolded as a workplace with a large area. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,044 to Biggel et al shows a collapsible workstation, a system for providing a work environment for multiple users and a system and method for providing work environments at multiple and varying remote locations. A transporting means transports the workstations. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,546 to Robert N. Gurin, Cynthia S. Gurin shows a transportable office work station enclosure with door and retractable casters, adequate interior room to stow a chair when closed, a desktop that is a level, full size, load bearing, wheelchair-accessible work surface but incorporates a front section that is alternatively vertically adjustable for use with a keyboard, overhead storage for major computer components with an elevator for raising and lowering them to user height, internal plug-in outlets prewired to external connectors for phone and power hookups, and interior cabinets for storage. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,214 to Pierce et al shows an improved portable workstation or office that is storable within a transportable trunk-like enclosure which functions as part of the workstation when in an open position and permits other office fixtures as stored in the enclosure to be opened outwardly or extended from the open enclosure to define an office-like workstation. A height-adjustable braking roller assembly mounted on a lower free corner of a door is adapted for load-bearing engagement with a floor. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,562 to Jacobs et al shows an improved self-contained portable workstation that is storable within a transportable trunk-like enclosure having covers and doors that open to stably support and function as part of the workstation when in an open position. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,708 to Barnett shows a suitcase-like portable laptop workstation that combines a carrying case and workstation for computer components and can be folded and transported as a carry-on luggage for aircraft in a retracted position. In workstation mode, shells extend perpendicularly from the stand in order to hold the laptop on a flat surface. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,077 to Gray shows a suitcase-like portable workstation. The unit includes a first half-shell pivotally connected to a second half-shell, each half shell having a rectangular portion. The first half-shell includes a cylindrical rod attached to a tripod, as well as an extension portion of the cylindrical rod with corresponding fastener openings so that a fastener device secures the portable container to the cylindrical rod. The portable container is rotatable upon the cylindrical rod. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,459,734 to Herschler shows an equipment case, briefcase sized or larger, for carrying a laptop computer or other equipment, that opens and separates into two compartments, one forming a seat, the other a table; said equipment case as seat and table stabilized by their coupling. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,314,248 to Mabon et al shows an enhanced version of a collapsible portable workstation apparatus having a scissors linkage lift mechanism allowing adjustment of the seating height, a collapsible frame, wheels, a seat, and work surface, whereby collapsing the frame and manipulating an articulated work surface attachment, permits the apparatus to be utilized as a hand truck. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,720 to Wilson shows a portable laptop computer work station comprising a first work space that includes a planar table of rectangular cross section having upper and lower surfaces. The upper surface receives a laptop computer and terminates in a lip along one of the long sides of the table. The lower surface is fitted as a Tee-shaped receiver having a pair of longitudinal legs parallel to the lip at the upper surface and a transverse leg normal to the lip. The planar table is threadably attached at its lower surface to a receiver pad of a conventional camera tripod and provides for additional work spaces to be mechanically supported via the Tee-shaped receiver. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,783 to Goodson shows a chair-like collapsible workstation that includes a seat and table. The table is connected to the seat and defines a working surface adapted for supporting articles above the lap of a user in an in-use position spaced apart from the seat. The table is movable from the in-use position to a non-use collapsed position adjacent the seat for storage and transport. An elongated connecting arm interconnects the seat and the table to enable movement of the table between the in-use position and the non-use collapsed position. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,936 to Birrell shows a portable ergonomic work station that allows for convenient computer component placement for an individual in a non-conventional work environment. The work station includes multiple adjustable support elements that can independently support the computer components including the keyboard, video monitor and CPU. The work station can be adjusted to position a pair of support arms on which the components are placed to be accessible to the user in a reclining chair or other non-conventional work environment. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,870,937 to Arnao shows a combination computer workstation, cosmetic desk, casual/open tote and luggage set device. The device is easily transported and the area to push or pull luggage may be expanded to stow various pieces of luggage. Luggage may be partially filled yet secured by the divider device. 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,322 to Barton shows a combination transport device and portable work surface having a collapsible support member and base member. Essentially, it features a suitcase with wheels that can be configured into a workstation. 
         [0019]    PCT International Application PCT/US1999/012546 Publication No. WO 1999062375 to Holbrook et al shows a height adjustable workstation which includes a vertical column adapted to be supported on a floor; a height adjustment mechanism adapted to travel up and down the height of the column and to be fixed at desired heights; and a horizontal work surface having a rear edge and a front edge, the work surface attached to the height adjustment mechanism so that the column is adjacent a point generally midway along the rear edge of the work surface. The workstation preferably includes a counterbalance system. 
         [0020]    The comfort and well-being of users of workstations are concerns of much importance. While the prior art has attempted to provide portable workstations that can safely be set up or taken down, they fail to resolve major heating problems associated with electronic systems such as laptops, and positioning that permit user adjustments which ergonomically support healthy body postures that alleviate wrist, arm, neck and back pain while sitting or standing, especially for those who have to use them every day. Current workstations can only be used while sitting. 
         [0021]    Further, they are not space saving, and too bulky to fit into a backpack, purse or overnighter, and are not suitable for traveling business men and women or people on-the-go. Also, current workstations cannot be used in their folded or collapsed state, even briefly at the airport while waiting to board a plane, or while one is constantly on-the-go for business trips or for presentations. Further, they do not adequately address the sources and causes of the above described user problems. Thus, it is apparent that there exists a need for an ergonomically designed space saving, safe and easily portable, reasonably equipped, small office or collapsible multi-function travel-friendly modular workstation that compactly folds easily, can be set up or deployed instantly without the use of tools, can be used while standing or sitting or on-the-go, provide needed cooling and ventilation for electronic devices, support healthy postures that alleviate wrist, arm, neck and back pain, collapses and stores wherever and whenever it is needed such as at home, at the office, at the airport, on business trips, for presentations, support of written reading material, or use anywhere while on-the-go, or just stored in a backpack, a purse or an overnighter, and fits in anywhere, anytime. The present invention is directed toward providing such a workstation that is nonconventional, yet handy! 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The collapsible space saving, multi-function travel-friendly workstation of the present invention provides a versatile workspace to a user in many different environments. The invention comprises three sub-assembly modules: a support unit, a telescopic rod and a tripod. Each sub-assembly comprises pre-equipped mating connectors. The three sub-assemblies are detachably coupled together via their pre-equipped mating connectors: the support unit detachably mounted on the telescopic rod, and the telescopic rod detachably mounted on the tripod. The invention supports a broad range of electronic systems, reading materials and the like which are to be held in a convenient position in a variety of environments for everyday use by individuals of every age with a view of ease of transportation, set up, provision of cooling and ventilation, comfortable usage while standing or sitting, storage and support of healthy postures that alleviates wrist, arm, neck and back pain while being used, and fitting in anywhere, anytime. Everyday use is myriad and not limited to note taking, writing, reading, presentations, performing arts and rehearsing while playing a musical instrument, or serve as a traveling music or conductor stand, or staying connected. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an exemplary deployed multi-function workstation in a standing position according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of  FIG. 1  in a sitting position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  shows a right side view of the deployed multi-function workstation of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  shows a left side view of the deployed multi-function workstation of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an exemplary collapsed multi-function workstation for storage or transportation according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6A  shows another perspective view of the collapsed multi-function workstation of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6B  shows a section of first and second group of elliptically shaped ventilation cooling holes of the multi-function workstation of  FIG. 5  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  shows a partial exploded perspective view of a collapsed multi-function workstation according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of an exemplary deployed support unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9A  shows a partial exploded perspective view of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 9B  shows another partial exploded perspective view of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 9C  shows an exploded perspective view of  FIG. 8  showing the annular snap cavity; 
           [0035]      FIG. 10A  shows an exemplary right side view of the upper housing of the support unit according to the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 10B  shows an exemplary right side view of the anti-skid mechanism of the support unit according to the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 10C  shows an exemplary right side view of the lower housing of the support unit according to the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 10D  shows a section view of showing the annular snap cavity in the lower housing of the support unit according to the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 11A  shows an exemplary four-bar self-locking tilt mechanism of the support unit with the upper housing angularly oriented at 15° to the lower housing according to the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 11B  shows the exemplary four-bar self-locking tilt mechanism of  FIG. 11A  with the upper housing angularly oriented at 75° to the lower housing according to the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 12A  shows an exemplary pawl link according to the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 12B  shows an exemplary ratchet hub link according to the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 13A  shows an exemplary pawl link head according to the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 13B  shows an exemplary ratchet hub link head according to the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 14A  shows an exemplary interactive pawls-ratchet pair relationship between the pawls, ratchet and pawl spring according to the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 14B  shows an exemplary self-locking pawl-ratchet pair mechanism of  FIG. 14A ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 14C  shows another alternate self-locking pawl-ratchet pair mechanism of  FIG. 14A ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 15  shows an alternate four-bar self-locking tilt mechanism of the support unit according to the present invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 16A  shows an exemplary six-bar linkage self-locking tilt mechanism showing the upper housing having a planar end flange according to the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 16B  shows a right side view of a collapsed support unit having the six-bar linkage self-locking tilt mechanism of  FIG. 16A ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 16C  shows a back view of  FIG. 16B  showing the planar end flange; 
           [0052]      FIG. 17  shows an exemplary gas spring self-locking tilt mechanism; 
           [0053]      FIG. 18  shows an exemplary support unit with no retractable mouse pad; 
           [0054]      FIG. 19A  shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a partially deployed telescopic rod according to the present invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 19B  shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsed telescopic rod according to the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 20  shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a telescopic rod revealing the major elements of a positive locking mechanism and a view of the top portion of the base telescoping member recess for receiving a positive locking mechanism as viewed by the reference arrow A according to the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 21  shows side and front views of an exemplary embodiment of a partially deployed telescopic rod, a cross-sectional view of an exemplary discontinuous annular snap-fit protrusion of the top telescoping member as viewed along reference line B-B and a cross-sectional view of an exemplary positive locking mechanism as viewed along reference line C-C according to the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 22  shows an exemplary embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a releasable annular snap joint lock according to the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 23  shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tripod according to the present invention; 
           [0060]      FIG. 24  shows a cut-away perspective and side views of embodiments of the free end of leg element  183  exposing an exemplary swivel caster wheel assembly in deployed and collapsed positions according to the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 25  shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a deployed tripod showing an extended leg element  183  of telescopic leg assembly  177  with non-deployed swivel wheel according to the present invention; 
           [0062]      FIG. 26  shows a perspective view of  FIG. 25  showing a collapsed leg element  183  of telescopic leg assembly  177  with non-deployed swivel wheel according to the present invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 27  shows a perspective view of  FIG. 26  showing a deployed swivel wheel assembly according to the present invention; 
           [0064]      FIG. 28  shows a side view of an embodiment of a collapsed tripod according to the present invention; 
           [0065]      FIG. 29A  shows a perspective view of a cut away section of an exemplary circular tubular housing of the stationary leg assembly to expose first and second inverted U-shaped notches according to the present invention; 
           [0066]      FIG. 29B  show a perspective left and right views of a cut away section of an exemplary tubular barrel cam of the first moveable leg assembly to expose the first cam track, third inverted U-shaped notch, and a bottom view of the first tubular connector according to the present invention; 
           [0067]      FIG. 29C  show a perspective view of a cut away section of an exemplary tubular barrel cam of the second moveable leg assembly to expose the second cam track, and a bottom view of the second tubular connector according to the present invention; 
           [0068]      FIG. 30  shows an alternate perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a deployed tripod with non-deployed swivel wheel according to the present invention; 
           [0069]      FIG. 31  shows the tripod of  FIG. 30  with deployed swivel wheel according to the present invention; 
           [0070]      FIG. 32  shows a collapsed tripod of  FIG. 30  according to the present invention; 
           [0071]      FIG. 33A  shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a collapsed multi-function workstation; 
           [0072]      FIG. 33B  shows a right side view of  FIG. 33A ; 
           [0073]      FIG. 34A  shows a perspective view of an exemplary deployed support unit according to an embodiment of  FIG. 33A ; 
           [0074]      FIG. 34B  shows the four-bar self-locking tilt mechanism of the support unit of  FIG. 34A ; 
       
    
    
       [0075]    The exemplary embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not intended to be limiting of the invention. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and the invention will be more fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0076]    The summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all necessary features of the present invention. The embodiments of the present disclosure will best be understood by reference to the drawings. These drawings are provided for illustration purposes only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the invention and to facilitate the reader&#39;s understanding of the invention. It will be readily understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. It is also understood that the elements or components of the present invention may comprise any shape, length, and/or configuration and that the shapes, lengths, and/or configurations described and shown herein are for illustrations purposes only, and not a limitation. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or its applicability, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale, the emphasis being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. In some cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail. Also, certain features of illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In particular, thin features may, for example, be thickened for clarity or illustration. 
         [0077]    As used herein, the term electronic system can refer to any of a number of configurations of portable electronic devices including laptop computers, gaming laptops, tablets, laptop-tablet hybrids, notebook computers and other electronic devices or systems. Also, the term reading material can refer to any of a number of configurations of reading material such as books, magazines, loose sheets or sheet-like material and other similar articles. As used herein, any term in the singular may be interpreted to be in the plural. Alternatively, any term in the plural may be interpreted to be in the singular. The singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably. 
         [0078]    Also, it should also be understood that, unless expressly defined in this provisional patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘______’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of a term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning. As such the term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this non-provisional patent (other than the language of the claim of the invention). 
         [0079]    The following text provides a broad description of numerous different embodiments of the present invention that should be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since it would be impractical to describe every possible embodiment, if not impossible. It should be understood that any feature, characteristic, component, product, step or methodology described herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole or part, any other feature, characteristic, component, product, step or methodology described herein. Further, numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this non-provisional patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims of this invention. 
         [0080]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , an exemplary embodiment of a deployed multi-function workstation with cooling and ventilation of the present invention is generally shown as  1 . Multi-function workstation with cooling and ventilation  1  (“workstation  1 ”) may comprise a support unit assembly  2  (“support unit  2 ”) pre-equipped with a mating connector, a telescopic rod assembly  3  (“telescopic rod  3 ”) pre-equipped with a mating connectors, and a tripod assembly  4  (“tripod  4 ”) pre-equipped with a mating connector. Workstation  1  is modular in design such that support unit  2 , telescopic rod  3 , and tripod  4  are detachably connected to each other, via their pre-equipped mating connectors, permitting multiple configurations/design changes and or component replacement without having to do a complete re-design of its entire configuration and/or components with every design change ( FIGS. 1-4 ). In this exemplary embodiment, support unit  2  is detachably mounted on telescopic rod  3  via their pre-equipped mating connectors, and telescopic rod  3  is detachably mounted on the tripod  4  via their pre-equipped mating connector. Support unit  2 , telescopic rod  3  and tripod  4  have pre-equipped mating connectors. Further, the modular design permits an individual modular unit to be used as a standalone device. For example, the support unit  2  may be used as a standalone laptop stand that may be placed on a user&#39;s lap, on a surface such as a table top, etc, or may be used coupled as shown in  FIG. 1 . Telescopic rod  3  may be used as a standalone fishing rod. Telescopic rod  3  may also be detachably connected to tripod  4  and used as a camera support device by connecting a camera mount, to the upper end of telescopic rod  3  to which a camera may be secured, the camera mount having a means for rotating the camera about the vertical axis of said telescopic rod  3 , and about a horizontal axis for tilting a camera attached to the mount. The camera mount may also be stored in the support unit when not in use. Workstation  1  may be used for supporting an electronic device of any suitable variety or reading material, and may be adjusted for height and comfortable use while standing or sitting. It should be appreciated that workstation  1  may have different configurations and may be configured in a variety of sizes depending on the size and dimensions of the electronic device or reading material with which workstation  1  is to be used and/or on user preferences. 
         [0081]    Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , workstation  1  may be collapsed for storage or put away when not in use or transported in a purse, suitcase, laptop bag, backpack, carry-on luggage for aircraft or an overnighter for easy travel. In order to transport workstation  1 , telescopic rod  3  and tripod  4  and/or other peripherals may be collapsed, stored and secured in form-fitted storage cavities  56  within support unit  2 . In this way storage is provided for the respective components or component assemblies and/other peripherals in the collapsed configuration of support unit  2 . Thus, workstation  1  is a sleek, slim and lightweight easy to transport, setup and store, perfect work and travel friendly space saving companion for any person to enjoy all the benefits of the ergonomic comfort of a permanent workstation regardless of locale or while traveling or on-the-go. 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , support unit  2  may comprise upper housing  5 , lower housing  6 , anti-skid mechanism  7 , hinge mechanism  8 , self-locking tilt mechanism  9 , cooling and ventilation system  10 , retractable mouse pad  11 , power management system  12  and cable management system  13  (not shown). One or more of the components of support unit  2  may be modular in design (e.g. power management block  12 ) such that they may be removably connected to support unit  2 , permitting multiple configurations/design changes and or component replacement without having to do a complete re-design of its entire configuration and/or components with every design change. Also, upper housing  5 , lower housing  6  and anti-skid mechanism  7  provide an aesthetic appearance. As such, upper and lower housings  5  and  6 , and anti-skid mechanism  7  permit the outer appearance (e.g., color, shape, etc.) of support unit  2  to be simply and efficiently changed without having to change its function. In addition, upper and lower housings  5  and  6  provide protection to self-locking tilt mechanism  9 , cooling fans  104 , retractable mouse pad  11 , power management block  12  and cable management system  13  from foreign elements that may cause damage, etc. 
         [0083]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 8-10 , upper housing  5  may comprise front and back ends  14  and  15 , opposite side walls  16  and  17 , top and bottom surfaces  18  and  19 , first and second group ventilation cooling holes  20  and  21  (“cooling holes  20 ” and “cooling holes  21 ”), and end flange  22 . Opposite side walls  16  and  17  may be rigidly attached to or integrally formed with upper housing  5 . Front  14  end positions adjacent to a user. Front end  14 , opposite side walls  16  and  17 , bottom surface  19 , and the end flange  22  together define a trough-like or open interior cavity  23  (“cavity  23 ”). Cavity  23  houses grated fan cover  108  within which cooling fans  104  are biased. As shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C and 10A , front end  14  of upper housing  5  terminates in hinge arms  24  comprising central aperture  28  through which hinge mechanism  8  (or hinge or pivot pin) can be passed. Optionally, front end  14  may comprise a hinge end. In the embodiment of  FIG. 10A , each hinge arm  24  may further comprise rim-like outer ring  25  integrally connected by a plurality of radial spokes  26  to hub-like inner ring  27  comprising said central aperture  28 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 10A , end flange  22  has a partial S-shape and is rigidly attached to bottom surface  19  proximate the end of back end  15  of upper housing  5 . Thus, back end  15  of upper housing  5  takes the form and shape of a grip (or gripping area)  29  that accommodates at least a portion of several fingers of the hand as shown in  FIG. 6 . End flange  22  has cut-out  30  configured to fit the top portion of power block  110 . It is understood that end flange  22  may have a variety of shapes and curvatures and thus gripping area  29  accordingly. Upper housing  5  may be angularly oriented or tilted by holding grip  29  and pulling upper housing  5  upward in a counterclockwise direction. In another exemplary embodiment, end flange  22  may be rigidly attached or integrally formed with bottom surface  19  of upper housing  5 . Gripping area  29  spans the entire width of upper housing  5 . 
         [0084]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 8-10 , top surface  18  of upper housing  5  may comprise recess  31  that nests retaining platform  62  of anti-skid mechanism  7  such that the top surface of retaining platform  62  is flush with top surface  18  of upper housing  5  when collapsed,  FIGS. 5-6 . Opposite side walls  16  and  17  of upper housing  5  may comprise a wedge-shaped configuration that may comprise respectively wedge-shaped recesses  32 ,  33 . Pivot hole pair  34  for receiving pivot pins  35  are biased on opposite side walls  16  and  17  of upper housing  5  as shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C and 10A . Optionally, side walls  16  and  17  may comprise vents/slots that are in fluid communication with cavity  23  of upper housing  5  to allow ejected hot air sucked from the base of an electronic system by cooling fans  104  escapes through them into the atmosphere. Upper housing  5  comprises through slot  37  which is located within end flange  22  and within gripping area  29  as shown in  FIGS. 9B, 9C and 10A , and configured to receive press button  89  for disengaging pawls  74  from ratchet teeth  84  of self-locking tilt mechanism  9 . 
         [0085]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 8-9 , cooling holes  20  are biased in a first region such that they are in fluid communication with cavity  23  of upper housing  5 , the cooling holes  20  being spaced apart according to a uniform geometric pattern and density,  FIG. 6B . The first region includes all regions outside the location of cooling fans  104 . Upper housing  5  may also comprise a second group of elliptically shaped through ventilation cooling holes  21  that are biased in a second region such that they are in fluid communication with the cavity  23  of upper housing  5  as well as cooling fans  104 , the cooling holes  21  being spaced apart according to a uniform geometric pattern and density. Each cooling hole  21  in the second group is preferably perpendicularly orientated relative to its neighbor in the horizontal plane as shown in  FIG. 6B . Such geometric arrangements promote improved cooling airflow and increase cooling air flow effectiveness to eliminate the uneven temperature distributions or undesirable temperature levels. 
         [0086]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , lower housing  6  comprises front and back ends  38  and  39 , opposite side walls  40  and  41 , inner bottom and bottom surfaces  42  and  43 , and bottom portion  44 . Front end  38  for positioning adjacent to a user. Opposite side walls  40  and  41  may be rigidly attached to or integrally formed with lower housing  6 . Front end  37 , opposite side walls  40  and  41 , inner bottom surface  42 , and power block  110  together define a trough-like or open interior cavity  45  (“cavity  45 ”). Without power block  110 , cavity  45  is open at back end  39 . Optionally, back end  39  is not open. As shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C and 10C , front end  38  of lower housing  6  has the shape of a truncated wedge which terminates in hinge arms  46  comprising central aperture  50  through which hinge mechanism  8  (or hinge or pivot pin) can be passed. Optionally, the front end may comprise a hinge end. In the embodiment of  FIG. 10C , each hinge arm  46  may further comprise rim-like outer ring  47  integrally connected by a plurality of radial spokes  48  to hub-like inner ring  49  comprising said central aperture  50  as shown in  FIG. 10C . 
         [0087]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , opposite side walls  40  and  41  of lower housing  6  may comprise a wedge-shaped configuration that may respectively comprise wedge-shaped recesses  51 ,  52 . Pivot hole pair  53  for receiving pivot pins  54  are biased on opposite side walls  40  and  41  of lower housing  6  as shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C and 10C . Opposite side walls  40  and  41  comprise vents/slots  55  that are in fluid communication with cavity  45  of lower housing  6  such that ejected hot air sucked from the base of an electronic system by cooling fans  104  escapes through them into the atmosphere. In one embodiment, the vents may be louvered vents, or the slots may have fins. The vents/slots  55  define the greater portion of the length of opposite side walls  40  and  41  of lower housing  6 . As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , cavity  45  may have several form-fitted storage cavities  56  for components, component assemblies and/or other peripherals depending on user preferences. It should be understood that any number of form-fitted storage cavities  56  may be defined within cavity  45  of lower housing  6  for storing any number of components or products depending on preferences. In some embodiments an insert or tray comprising a plurality of sections that are form-fitted openings for component assemblies such as telescopic rod  3 , tripod  4  and/or other peripherals of use may be situated within lower housing  6  so that the components or products are secured in position within the sections when support unit  2  is closed. 
         [0088]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 9-10 , back end  39  of lower housing  6  may comprise recess (or cutout)  57  configured to receive power management block  12 . As shown in  FIG. 10C , bottom portion  44  of lower housing  6  may comprise through slot  58  (“slot  58 ”) spanning the entire width of lower housing  6  (from left to right) configured to receive retractable mouse pad  11 . Alternatively, bottom portion  44  may have a pocket, a recess or an opening configured to receive retractable mouse pad  11 . As shown in  FIG. 10C , projection  59  inside slot  58  engages with shallow slot  127  in the bottom surface of retractable mouse pad  11 . Projection  59  guides retractable mouse pad  11 . Projection  59  also acts as a stop to prevent retractable mouse pad  11  completely detaching from or falling out of the slot  58  when retractable mouse pad  11  slides in and out of slot  58 . As shown in  FIGS. 9C and 10D , annular snap-fit cavity  60  integrally formed within a shallow hollow region extending from bottom surface  43  inward into projection  59  of lower housing  6  is configured to receive snap fit connector  146  of telescopic rod  3  so that support unit  2  and telescopic rod  3  are in fluid communication. As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , snap-fit cavity  60  is biased in lower housing  6  such that it will not tip over when removably connected to snap-fit connector  146  while upper housing  5  is deployed at an angle greater than 0 degree but less or equal to 75 degrees, whether in a sitting or standing position, support unit  2 . Alternatively, the shallow hollow region of support unit  2  may be adapted for fitting an adapter attachment that may comprise a snap-fit cavity or some other appropriate adapter device attachment such that the adapter attachment will establish fluid communication between support unit  2  and telescopic rod  3 . Further appropriate locking mechanisms for locking the adapter device attachment onto telescopic rod  3  end and then connecting telescoping rod  3  to support unit  2  are provided. Snap-fit cavity  60  or other adapter device attachment serves as a pre-equipped mating connector for support unit  2 . Alternatively, bottom portion  44  may comprise a detachable modular unit that is configured to house mouse pad  11  and snap-fit cavity  60  or other adapter device attachment. 
         [0089]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-10  anti-skid mechanism  7  may comprise a substantially planar retaining platform  62  comprising a front end for positioning adjacent to a user, a back end opposite said front end, top and bottom surfaces, and opposite side ends. The front end of said retaining platform  62  terminates in hinge arms  63  comprising a central aperture  67  through which hinge mechanism  8  (or hinge or pivot pin) can be passed while the other back end is free. Optionally, the front end may comprise a hinge end. In the embodiment of  FIG. 10B , each hinge arm  63  may further comprise rim-like outer ring  64  integrally connected by a plurality of radial spokes  65  to hub-like inner ring  66  comprising said central aperture  67 . As shown  FIG. 10B , anti-skid mechanism  7  is whistle-shaped when viewed from the right side. In operation, anti-skid mechanism  7  is pivotally movable between collapsed and deployed positions and prevents an electronic system or reading material on top surface  18  of upper housing  5  from sliding, slipping or falling. Further, in operation, anti-skid mechanism  7  has two lock positions: a deployed-lock position which is a position when platform  62  is at 90 degrees relative to top surface  18  of upper housing  5 , and a collapsed-lock position which is a position when platform  62  is at 0 (zero) degrees relative to, and substantially parallel to top surface  18  of upper housing  5  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In the collapsed-lock position, anti-skid mechanism  7  nests in recess  31  such that its top surface is flush with top surface  18  of upper housing  5  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In the deployed-lock position, anti-skid mechanism  7  rotates counterclockwise away from upper housing  5 , outwardly projects at 90 degrees relative to and substantially perpendicular to top surface  18  of upper housing  5  such that platform  62  and upper housing  5  form an L-shape as shown in  FIG. 8 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , anti-skid mechanism  7  spans the entire width (left to right) of upper housing  5  as shown in  FIG. 5 . In addition to anti-skid mechanism  7 , a skid or slip resistant material may be applied to top surface  18  of upper housing  5  to prevent sliding of an electronic system or reading material that may be resting on top surface  18  of upper housing  5 . Further, anti-skid mechanism  7  may be configured with various other changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In the deployed position, anti-skid mechanism  7  provides an ergonomic wrist support for and prevents an electronic system or reading material from sliding or falling along top surface  18  of upper housing while being used by a user. 
         [0090]    Upper housing  5 , lower housing  6  and antiskid mechanism  7  are hinge or pivotally connected, via hinge arms  24 ,  46  and  63  by hinge mechanism  8 . The hinge mounting allows upper housing  5  to be adjustable and tilted pivotally between collapsed and deployed positions as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8 . In the collapsed position, the top surface  18  of upper housing  5  is substantially parallel to bottom surface  43  of lower housing  6 . In the deployed position, top surface  18  of upper housing may angularly be oriented at an angle of φ relative to bottom surface  43  of lower housing  6 , where φ&gt;0°. In the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , 0°≦φ≦75° (i.e. φ is from 0 to 75 degrees). The angular orientation of upper housing  5  is user selected for comfortable viewing of (1) the screen of an electronic system, or (2) reading material, or (3) for working, by a user. 
         [0091]    Referring to  FIG. 9  of the exemplary embodiments of support unit  2 , hinge mechanism  8  may comprise a hinge or pivot pin mounted in central apertures  28 ,  50  and  67  respectively of upper housing  5 , lower housing  6  and anti-skid mechanism  7 . Alternately, hinge mechanism  8  may be a hinge apparatus which interconnects upper housing  5 , lower housing  6 , and anti-skid mechanism  7  in such a manner that upper housing  5  is capable of rotating toward or away from lower housing  6 ; anti-skid mechanism  7  is capable of rotating toward or away from upper housing  5 . A further alternate embodiment of hinge mechanism  8  may comprise two separate hinge mechanisms, one interconnecting or coupling upper and lower housings  5  and  6 , the second interconnecting or coupling upper housing and anti-skid mechanism  5  and  7 . 
         [0092]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , an exemplary embodiment of a self-locking tilt mechanism configured to angularly orient upper housing  5  relative to lower housing  6  from a collapsed substantially horizontal position to any angular position or from one angular position to another angular position or from any angular position to a horizontal position is generally shown as  9 . Self-locking tilt mechanism  9  may comprise tilt mechanism  78 A and self-locking mechanism  78 B. Tilt mechanism  78 A comprises four-bar linkage  79 , actuator  85 , and press-to-release mechanism  88 . Four-bar linkage  79  comprises a first link being pivotally connected to a second link at a first connection point, the second link being pivotally connected to a third link at a second connection point, the third link being pivotally connected to a fourth at a third connection point, the fourth link being pivotally connected to said first link at a fourth connection point, such that the four links form four connection joints with a predetermined one degree of freedom. Further, the four-bar linkage includes a drive link and a link which maintains a substantially fixed attitude relative to the other links in space during movement. The four-bar linkage herein referred to is a locked chain linkage with four links, each link being binary, is pivotally connected to the other in a selected manner to have a predetermined one degree of freedom and four joints. In the exemplary embodiment of self-locking tilt mechanism  9  shown, a four-bar chain linkage is formed by taking upper and lower housings  5  and  6  as a links housing, and combining them with two binary links comprising pawl link  68  and ratchet hub link  80 . In the exemplary embodiment of self-locking tilt mechanism  9  shown in  FIG. 11 , upper housing  5  being a drive link (first link) pivotally connects to lower housing  6  being a fixed link (second link) at pivot O (first connection point), lower housing  6  is pivotally connected to ratchet hub link  80  at pivot L (second connection point), ratchet hub link  80  is pivotally connected to pawl link  68  at pivot M (third connection point), pawl link  68  is pivotally connected to upper housing  5  at pivot N (fourth connection point). 
         [0093]    With continued reference to  FIG. 11 , self-locking mechanism  78 B comprises pawl-ratchet link pair  86 . Pawl-ratchet link pair  86  comprises pawl link  68  and ratchet hub link  80 . Referring to  FIGS. 12-13 , exemplary embodiments of a pawl and ratchet hub links of the present invention are generally shown respectively as  68  and  80 . As shown in  FIG. 12A , pawl link  68  may comprise pawl head  69  integrally formed with bar  70 . In another embodiment, pawl head  69  and bar  70  may be separate parts or components which are connected together. In the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 12-13 , pawl end  71  comprises a pawl disc integrally formed with pawl head  69 . Pawl end  71  comprises three cut-out or pawl pockets  72  circumferentially spaced apart from each other at 120 degree equal angular intervals about its periphery for receiving three locking pawls  74  and three pawl spring recesses  75  adjacent pawl pockets  72  for receiving three pawl springs  76 . Further, pawl head  69  comprises pawl pivot posts  73  biased in pawl pockets  72  for pivotally mounting locking pawls  74  and pawl spring pivot pins  77  for pivotally mounting pawl springs  76  that are integrally formed with pawl head  69 . Each pawl pocket  72  comprises an abutment surface  72 A configured to prevent movement of locking pawl  74  in one direction while permitting movement in the opposite direction. Locking pawl  74  which is pivotally mounted within pawl pocket  72  is configured to move between a locked position against abutment surface  72 A and a disengaged position away from abutment surface  72 A. Each pawl spring  76  has one end coiled that pivotally mounts on pivot pin  75  within pawl spring recess  75  while the other end engages and exerts a biasing force on locking pawl  74  urging locking pawl  74  toward said locked position when locking pawl  74  is in said disengaged position. Optionally, pawl head  69  and pawl end  71  may be separate parts or components connected together. 
         [0094]    As shown in  FIG. 12B , ratchet hub link  80  may comprise ratchet head  81  integrally formed with bar  82 . Ratchet head  81  comprises ratchet cavity  83  which comprises an inner circumferential surface defined by ratchet teeth  84  integrally formed with said inner circumferential surface. Ratchet teeth  84  engage pawls  74 . Ratchet tooth  84  comprises convex top  84 A, side  84 B and concave root  84 C. Convex top  84 A, side  84 B and concave root  84 C smoothly transition into each other. In another embodiment, ratchet head  81  and bar  82  are separate parts or components which are connected together. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 13B , ratchet cavity  83  comprises 120 ratchet teeth arranged in three (3) degree increments around its inner circumferential surface. This allows upper housing  5  to be tilted or angularly oriented and locked into place in 3 degree increments in a counterclockwise direction relative to lower housing  6 . In action, and at any time, pawls  74  simultaneously engage with a set of ratchet teeth  84  as shown in  FIG. 14A . In another embodiment, ratchet teeth  84  may have any number of teeth that allows upper housing  5  to be angularly oriented in one (1) degree increments relative to lower housing  6 . 
         [0095]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 11-13 , a pawl-ratchet link pair joint  86 A is formed at joint M of the pawl-ratchet link pair  86  between pawl head  69  of pawl link  68  and ratchet head  81  of ratchet hub link  80 . Pawl-ratchet hub link joint  86 A comprises a pawl-ratchet joint  86 B formed by engagement of locking pawl  74  and ratchet tooth  84  such that in operation locking pawl  74  slides over or snaps against ratchet tooth  84  Optionally, pawl-ratchet joint  86 B may be configured to produce an audible signal to indicate three (3) degrees of movement when locking pawl  74  slides over or snaps against ratchet tooth  84 . Self-locking is activated when locking pawl  74  engages abutment surface  72 A of pawl pocket  72  preventing reverse movement of locking pawl  74  causing locking pawl  74  to engage ratchet tooth root  86 C and thus prevent the reverse movement of ratchet tooth  86 C. Consequently, self-locking at pawl-ratchet joint  86 B is achieved by the wedging of locking pawl  74  into ratchet tooth root  84 C. 
         [0096]    In another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 14B , pawl head  69  may comprise locking pawl ring  71 A, torsion spring  76 A, at least one return stop  73 A. Locking pawl ring  71 A comprises at least one pawl  74 A and at least one return stop seat  73 B integrally formed on the outer periphery of locking pawl ring  71 A. Return stop  73 A is configured to engage return stop seat  73 B to prevent movement of locking pawl ring  71 A in one direction while permitting movement in the opposite direction. Torsion spring  76 A is configured to urge locking pawl ring  71 A to cause return stop seat  73 B to engage return stop  73 A. Locking pawl ring  71 A is pivotally mounted on pawl head  69  and is configured to move between a locked position such that return stop seat  73 B is against return stop  73 A and a disengaged position such that return stop seat  73 B is away from return stop  73 A. In yet another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 14C , pawl head  69  may comprise locking pawl ring  71 B, at least one return stop  73 C, and at least one pawl return element  76 B. Locking pawl ring  71 B comprises at least one pawl  74 B, at least one pawl return element seat  76 C, and at least one return stop seat  73 D integrally formed on its outer periphery. Return stop  73 C is configured to engage return stop seat  73 D to prevent movement of locking pawl ring  71 B in one direction while permitting movement in the opposite direction. Pawl return element  76 B is configured to engage and exert a biasing force on pawl return element seat  76 C urging locking pawl ring  71 B to cause return stop seat  73 D to engage return stop  73 C. Locking pawl ring  71 B is pivotally mounted on pawl head  69  and configured to move between a locked position such that return stop seat  73 D is against return stop  73 C and a disengaged position such that return stop seat  73 D is away from return stop  73 C. In both embodiments of  FIGS. 14B-14C , when locking pawl rings  71 A and  71 B are used, self-locking is activated when return seats  73 B and  73 D respectively engage return stops  73 A and  73 C preventing reverse movement of locking pawl rings  71 A and  71 B causing respectively pawls  74 A and  74 B of locking pawl rings  71 A and  71 B to respectively engage ratchet tooth root  86 C and thus prevent reverse movement of ratchet tooth  86 C. Similarly, when locking pawl rings  71 A and  71 B are used, self-locking comprises similar wedging action between a locking pawl ring and ratchet tooth root. 
         [0097]    With continued reference to  FIG. 11 , actuator  85  comprises a hand (not shown) comprising a few fingers that can be inserted into grip  29 . Press-to-release mechanism  88  comprises press button  89  and at least one release cable  90  (not shown). Release cable  90  is generally connected to locking pawl  74  or locking pawl ring  71 A or locking pawl ring  71 B in such a way that when press button  89  is pressed, the actuating push force is converted into a pull force on release cable  90  such that locking pawl  74  or locking pawl ring  71 A or locking pawl ring  71 B disengages from ratchet teeth  84  to permit reverse movement of ratchet teeth  84 . In the exemplary embodiment of self-locking tilt mechanism  9  shown in  FIG. 11 , press-to-release mechanism  88  is operable upon inserting a few fingers of actuator  85  into grip  29 , slightly pulling upper housing  5  upward in a counterclockwise direction and depressing press button  89 . Press button  89  links release cable  90  and pawls  74  such that pawls  74  can be selectively disengaged from ratchet teeth  84 . Further, rotational power is transmitted to upper housing  5  by putting a few fingers in grip  29  of upper housing  5  and pulling upward in a counterclockwise direction away from lower housing  6  to angularly deploy upper housing  5  or pushing upper housing  5  downward in a clockwise direction towards lower housing  6  to collapse upper housing  5 . The pawl-ratchet joint  86 B of pawl-ratchet hub link joint  86 A provides a quick-acting self-locking mechanism that allows upper housing  5  to be adjusted to any desired inclination by merely gripping grip  29  and angularly orienting upper housing  5  to the desired angle, which when released automatically locks upper housing  5  in the instant adjusted position. Self-locking tilt mechanism  9  allows a user to selectively and angularly deploy upper housing  5  for comfortable viewing and working in a counterclockwise direction or collapse upper housing  5  in a clockwise direction so as to store support unit  2 . In the exemplary embodiment of self-locking tilt mechanism  9  shown in  FIG. 11 , the minimum and maximum angular orientation of the upper housing  5  relative to the lower housing  6  between collapsed and deployed positions is respectively 0 (zero) and 75 degrees. Further, self-locking tilt mechanism  9  does not prevent the surface  18  of upper housing  5  from being substantially parallel to bottom surface  43  of lower housing  6  when upper housing  5  is in a collapsed state. 
         [0098]    In the deployed position, the weight of upper housing  5  or the combined weight of an electronic system or reading material and upper housing  5  produces a downward force that tends to rotate ratchet hub and pawl links  80  and  68  respectively in a clockwise and counterclockwise directions. This causes a reaction force in opposition, but equal, to the downward force on pawls  74 , and consequently prevents the rotation of links  80  and  68 . Holding grip  29  and slightly pulling upper housing  5  upward in a counterclockwise direction temporarily removes the downward reaction force so that press button  89  may be actuated by being depressed. The actuating force on press button  89  is converted into a pull force on release cable  90 . This pull force in turn is converted into a clockwise rotating force on locking pawls  74  to disengage locking pawls  74  simultaneously from ratchet teeth  84 . In the released position, locking pawl  74  and ratchet teeth  84  are not engaged with each other and upper housing  5  is free to move in a clockwise direction about pivot O to orient upper housing  5  toward a collapsed position. Press-to-release mechanism  88  is configured such that its accidental depression cannot cause disengagement of pawls  74  from ratchet teeth  84  while the pawls-ratchet pair is in a locked position. 
         [0099]    With Reference to  FIG. 16A , tilt mechanism  78 A may optionally comprise a six-bar linkage and a hand lever actuator mechanism. The six-bar linkage herein referred to is a locked chain linkage with six links, each link being binary and pivotally connected to one another in a selected manner to have a predetermined degree of freedom with a total of six links and seven joints. The six-bar chain linkage is formed by taking upper and lower housings  5  and  6  as links, and combining them with four binary links comprising pawl link  68 , ratchet hub link  80 , link  93  and link  94 . Link  93  is the drive link and has one end pivotally connected to lower housing  6  at pivot J via crank pin  95  (not shown). The free end of link  93  is pivotally connected to link  94  at pivot K. The free end of link  93  is pivotally connected to links  68  and  81  at shared pivot M 1 . Pivot M 1  is considered to be a special case of two joints that are located in the same place. Bar  82  of ratchet hub link  69  connects to lower housing  6  at pivot L, ratchet head  81  of ratchet hub link  80  connects to pawl head  69  of pawl link  68  at pivot M, bar  70  of pawl link  68  connects to upper housing  5  at pivot N and upper housing  5  pivotally connects to lower housing  6  at pivot O. Lever actuator mechanism  91  provides driving power to link  93  to activate a rotation to drive the six-bar linkage mechanism to tilt upper housing  5 . Alternatively, the self-locking tilt mechanism of  FIG. 16A  may be thought of as a combination of two four-bar linkages, with lower housing  6 , ratchet hub link pair  80 , joint J, joint M and joint L shared. 
         [0100]    With continued reference  FIG. 16A , hand lever actuator mechanism  92  comprises hand lever  96  having free and fixed ends, press button  97  located at the free end of hand lever  96 , hand grip  98  (not shown) at the free end of the hand lever  96 , a release cable  99  (not shown), a push-to-release rod  100  (not shown) disposed between release cable  99  and press button  97 , and return spring  101  (not shown) disposed inside hand grip  98 . Hand lever  96  is pivotally connected to drive link  93  via crank pin  95  such that hand lever  96  may oscillate with respect to lower housing  6 . Push-to-release rod  100  converts the actuating force of press button  97  into a pull force on release cable  99  such that pawls  74  may selectively be disengaged from ratchet teeth  84 . Cooperation between ratchet teeth  84  and pawls  74  of pawl and ratchet hub links  68  and  80  is such that hand lever  96  can only move in a counterclockwise direction to angularly orient upper housing  5  to a deployed position from a collapsed position or in a clockwise direction to a collapsed position from a deployed position. Drive link  93  is driven by the actuation of hand lever mechanism  92 . The six-bar linkage self-locking tilt mechanism  9  of  FIG. 16A  essentially functions similarly as the four-bar linkage self-locking tilt mechanism  9  of  FIG. 11 . While self-locking tilt mechanism  9  of  FIG. 11  is operable by holding and pulling grip  29  of upper housing  5  upward in a counterclockwise direction, self-locking tilt mechanism  9  of  FIG. 16A  is operable by holding and pulling hand lever actuator mechanism  92  upward in a counterclockwise direction. It should be understood that the pawl-ratchet joint of the pawl-ratchet hub link joint of the four-bar of the six-bar linkage of the self-locking tilt mechanism  9  of  FIG. 16A  is similar in configuration and function as the pawl-ratchet joint of the pawl-ratchet hub link joint of the four bar linkage of self-locking tilt mechanism  9  of  FIG. 11 , both providing a quick-acting self-locking mechanism that allows upper housing  5  to be adjusted to any desired inclination or position, which when released automatically locks upper housing  5  in the instant adjusted inclination or position. 
         [0101]    In operation, a reaction force equal to the downward force at the teeth of pawls  74  of the self-locking tilt mechanism of  FIG. 16A  in opposition to the downward force caused by the weight of upper housing  5  or the combined weight of an electronic system or reading material and upper housing  5  prevents hand lever  96  from rotating clockwise. Thus, hand lever  96  is held in position by the reaction force and is configured such that it is prevented from being accidentally released from the locked position by the accidental depression of press button  97 . By slightly pulling hand lever  96  upward in a counterclockwise direction, the reaction force is temporarily removed and press button  97  can be depressed to transmit a clockwise rotating force to pawls  74 , through push-to-release rod  100 , to disengage them from ratchet teeth  84  and bring hand lever  96  into a released position. Thus, hand lever  96  is free to move in a clockwise direction about pivot J to orient upper housing  5  toward a collapsed position. 
         [0102]    As shown in  FIG. 17 , self-locking tilt mechanism  9  may optionally comprise a pair of hand or reversible motor actuated gas spring assisted system  91  (“gas spring  91 ”) for angularly orienting upper housing  5  relative to lower housing  6 . Gas spring  91  comprises cylinder  80 A, piston  68 A, a device  91 A (not shown) to hold piston  68 A in its extended position when upper housing  5  is angularly oriented, and/or a reversible motor (not shown) for actuating gas spring  91 . The system is arranged so that gas spring  91  reaches its fully retracted position when upper housing  5  is horizontal. Gas spring  91  is pivotally operably connected to upper and lower housings  5  and  6  such that upper housing  5  can be moved between deployed and collapsed positions. As used herein, the term gas spring can refer to a conventional gas spring system, hydraulic gas cylinder system, lift support system, gas cylinder system, or damper system. Alternative self-locking tilt mechanism arrangements may be a motorized mechanism, an adjustable reciprocating mechanism, user adjustable tilt adjustment apparatus having a number of discrete positions, an activation device in operative communication with upper housing  5 , or other rotational, tilting or lifting devices that permit upper housing  5  to be angularly oriented to the desired angular orientation. In any event, various tilting arrangements and support configurations may be used depending on desired characteristics. 
         [0103]    Heat dissipating features such as cooling and ventilation system  10  of support unit  2  are configured to reduce heat transfer from an electronic system that rests on upper surface  18  of upper housing  5 . Cooling and ventilation system  10  may include active  102  and/or passive  103  cooling mechanisms. The embodiment of cooling and ventilation system  10  may comprise user controlled cooling fans  104 , cooling holes  20  and  21  in upper housing  5  as shown in  FIGS. 5 to 6B , vents/slots  55  on opposite side walls  40  and  41  of lower housing  6 , on/off user actuated switch  105  and fan speed control device  106 . 
         [0104]    In the illustrated embodiment of support unit  2 , active cooling mechanism  102  may comprise cooling fans  104  which are powered by a hardwired USB cable  107  (not shown) connected to an electronic system or by power block  110  or an external power apparatus pluggable to the mains (AC). Cooling fans  104  are biased in grated fan cover  108  to protect a user and limit foreign objects contacting the rotating fan vanes. Grated fan cover  108  biased within cavity  23  of upper housing  5  is secured to bottom surface  19  by screws  109  such that cooling fans  104  are able to suck or draw hot air entering through cooling holes  21  into cavity  23  and expel the air through the grating of grated fan cover  108  directly into the atmosphere. Thus, direct cooling by active cooling mechanism  102  is achieved this way. Active cooling mechanism  102  may also be coupled with cooling holes  20  and vents/slots  55  on opposite side walls  40  and  41  of lower housing  6  to enhance airflow through support unit  2 . Alternatively, any number of cooling fans or a variety of suitable devices such as air flow turbines may be utilized depending on user cooling needs. In the embodiment of the present invention, on/off user actuated switch  105  also serves as fans speed control device  106 . Though fan speed control device  106  is biased on right side wall  41  of lower housing  6  in the illustrated embodiment of support unit  2 , it could well be biased on left side wall  40  of lower housing  6  or any of opposite side walls  16  and  17  of upper housing  5 . The passive cooling mechanism  103  may comprise first group ventilation cooling holes  20  and vents/slots  55  on opposite side walls  40  and  41  of lower housing  6 . In another embodiment, passive cooling mechanism  103  may comprise holes  20  and  21  in upper housing  5 , vents/slots  55  on opposite side walls  40  and  41  of lower housing  6 . 
         [0105]    Each cooling hole  21  in the second group is preferably perpendicularly orientated relative to its neighbor in the horizontal plane as shown in  FIG. 6B . In one embodiment, these cooling holes  21  are generally of the same configuration and size and are arranged in a spacing the size of the major diameter of one elliptical cooling hole,  FIG. 6B . Such arrangement promotes improved cooling airflow and increases the effectiveness of the cooling air flow to eliminate the uneven temperature distributions or undesirable temperature levels. In some embodiments, cooling holes  21  may be of varying sizes with the holes being spaced apart according to varying, but uniform, geometric patterns and densities to achieve the desired cooling effect. 
         [0106]    The large number of cooling holes  20  surrounding cooling holes  21  increase the airflow preferentially around cooling holes  21  and are somewhat effective in maintaining the desired cooling airflow. When upper housing  5  is angularly oriented, the ejected hot air sucked from the base of an electronic system by cooling fans  104  expelled through the grating of grated fan cover  108  is expelled directly into the atmosphere. When upper housing  5  is in a collapsed position and is in fluid communication with lower housing  6 , the sucked ejected hot air from the base of the electronic system expelled by the cooling fans  104  through the grating of the grated fan cover  108  and trapped between cavity  23  of upper housing  5  and cavity  45  of lower housing  6  is simultaneously expelled into the atmosphere through cooling holes  20  in upper housing  5  and vents/slots  5  on opposite side walls  40  and  41  of lower housing  6 . The plurality of cooling holes provide extra ventilation for cooling and dissipating the heat generated by the electronic system in order to keep it from becoming too warm. Further, elliptical cooling holes are superior to cylindrical cooling holes in cooling performance along a flat surface and require fewer holes than cylindrical holes for the same surface area in accomplishing the required cooling performance. 
         [0107]    Fans  104 , cooling holes  20  and  21  in upper housing  5  and vents/slots  55  on opposite side walls  40  and  41  of lower housing  6  allow greater and optimal airflow for increased heat dissipation and cooling of the heat generated by an electronic system during use. Air flow is further increased when upper housing  5  is angularly orientated. Additionally, other permeable materials may be used on the surface of upper housing  5  of support unit  2  to further increase heat dissipation from the electronic system. 
         [0108]    Support unit  2  has a variety of power management systems and management states. The power management system  12  and its power management method comprises power block  110  that comprises rechargeable battery  111  (not shown) biased inside power block  110 , USB interface mechanism  112  comprises a plurality of USB hubs configured for connecting electronic devices and other peripherals such that USB cable  113  may be connected to draw power, AC power input source  114  into which an external power apparatus  115  could be connected to provide a power source for support unit  2 , and a control unit  116  (not shown) and an on/off switch  117  (not shown) disposed conveniently in or around support unit  2  for managing the power sources. Power consumption of support unit  2  is managed in accordance with a plurality of defined active power management states  118 . Three possible active power management states  118  for powering support unit  2  are defined: a “normal” state  119  where power is provided to the support unit  2  by the hardwired USB-out connector and pluggable into an electronic system&#39;s USB port to draw power, a “battery” state  120  where power is provided to support unit  2  by a rechargeable battery (DC)  111  source inside power block  110 , and a “mains” state  121  where power is provided to support unit  2  by the mains (AC) source from external power apparatus  115 . The external power apparatus  115  is pluggable to the mains (AC) and supplies current directly to support unit  2  as well as charges rechargeable battery  111  inside power block  110 . Active power status  122  (not shown) and battery level indicator  123  (not shown) may also be incorporated into the support unit  2 . The active power management state  118  is user selectable. A user can only select one power state to be active at a time since one active power management state precludes other power management states from becoming active. These active power management states  118  are determined by a user context such as use at the user&#39;s office, at home, in a meeting, or during travel. In one embodiment, a set of control buttons that may include power switch  124  (not shown) configured to change a power state (normal state, battery state, or mains state) of the support unit  2  may be provided. 
         [0109]    Cable management system  13  may comprise cable-routing guides, straps or clips for neatly organizing the service cables that power the active cooling mechanism  102 , the “mains” cable when not in use or other USB cables. Alternately, cable management system  13  may comprise or include a receptacle where power and/or cables for the support unit  2  may be concealed or hidden from view when the support unit  2  is in use. Further, support unit  2  may include a structure that facilitates cable management. 
         [0110]    As shown in the exemplary embodiments of support unit  2 , retractable mouse pad  11  may comprise top and bottom surface  125  and  126  that slides in and out of slot  58  of lower housing  6 . A user may use a mouse on top surface  125  or as a writing surface if desired. Bottom surface  126  may comprise shallow slot  127  configured to engage projection  59  inside slot  58  of lower housing  6  and prevents retractable mouse pad  11  from detaching from or falling off support unit  2  when retractable mouse pad  11  slides in and out of slot  58 . Retractable mouse pad  11  can readily be extended or pulled out from either side of support unit  2  by a left-handed or right-handed user into an operating position for use with a mouse or to write on. Appropriate locking device is provided for locking retractable mouse pad  11  in place when in use or completely retracted into lower housing  6 . In another embodiment, lower housing  6  may be configured to exclude retractable mouse pad  11  as shown in  FIG. 18  as not all users may have need or use for a mouse pad. Inner bottom surface  42  of lower housing  6  may be configured to have insulation such that heat emitted from an electronic system on surface  18  of upper housing  5  and expelled through grated fan cover  108  into cavities  23  and  45  is prevented from passing through to retractable mouse pad  11 . In some embodiments, lower housing  6  may not have projection  59  and therefore retractable mouse pad  11  will not have shallow slot  127 . In this case an appropriate mechanism for guiding and stopping retractable mouse pad  11  from detaching from or falling off support unit  2  when retractable mouse pad  11  slides in and out of slot  58  will be provided. 
         [0111]    Support unit  2  may further comprise a carrying handle (not shown) that is partially defined by upper and lower housings  5  and  6  to allow workstation  1  or support unit  2  to be carried with relative ease. Alternatively, the carrying handle may comprise a separate carrying handle that may be attached to the outside of the support unit  2 : the back end of support unit  2  for example. Other suitable handle arrangements are also possible. As mentioned above, upper housing  5 , lower housing  6  and anti-skid mechanism  7  provide an aesthetic appearance. As such, other alternative configurations of the support unit  2  are also possible. For example, support unit  2  may have a substantially rectangular shaped appearance as shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34 , with upper and lower housings  5  and  6  being casing halves respectively, each comprising a substantially shallow rectangular pan which is hinged together to one another to allow movement between collapsed and deployed positions. 
         [0112]    Referring to  FIGS. 19A and 19B , exemplary perspective views of the embodiments of partially deployed and collapsed telescopic rods  3  are illustrated. Telescopic rod  3  comprises a plurality of tubular telescoping members comprising a top, base, and several intermediate telescoping members of differing diameters such that they can be nested in one another in a telescopically coupled manner and movable longitudinally with respect to one another between extended and retracted positions. Each telescoping member comprises tube walls and longitudinal axis. In the exemplary embodiments shown in  FIGS. 19A and 19B , telescopic rod  3  consists of base  128 , intermediate  129  and top  130  members, first and second positive locking mechanisms  131  and  132 , and first and second springs (not shown)  133  and  134 . Springs  133  and  134  are suitably sized and biased between two adjacent telescoping members and configured to assist the extension of an intermediate or top telescoping member to its fullest extended capacity or a user desired length. In the exemplary embodiment of telescopic rod  3 , intermediate and top telescoping members  129  and  130  are two adjacent telescoping. Further, springs  133  and  134  are configured to reduce the force needed to extend an intermediate or top telescoping member. Telescoping members  128 ,  129  and  130  may be readily extended or adjusted to the required height or encased into one another in a collapsed or retracted position for storage out of the way when not in use. Springs  133  and  134  respectively allow intermediate and top telescoping members  129  and  130  to be automatically drawn out upwards when respective push button actuators  156  and  166  of first and second positive locking mechanism  131  and  132  are depressed. Telescopic rod  3  has a simple, strong, light, durable and efficient construction, rigid in support, and capable of sustaining the adjustment against the combined weight of an electronic system or reading material and support unit  2 . 
         [0113]    As illustrated in  FIG. 20  of the exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of telescopic rod  3 , base and intermediate telescoping members  128  and  129  have top and bottom ends. The lower portion of base telescoping member  128  has a reduced diameter, the reduced diameter having a U-shaped race-like external annular groove  135  (“groove  135 ”) for receiving quick connect-disconnect device  175 . The inner surfaces of the top ends of base and intermediate telescoping members  128  and  129  have recesses  136  (view A of  FIGS. 20 ) and  142  configured to receive respectively housings  153  and  163  of first and second positive locking mechanisms  131  and  132 . Proximate the respective bottom portions of recesses  136  and  142  are through holes  137  and  141  extending from the surfaces of recesses  136  and  142  to the respective outer surfaces of base and intermediate telescoping members  128  and  129  configured to receive push button actuators  156  and  166  of first and second positive locking mechanisms  131  and  132 . Proximate the respective top portions of recesses  134  and  142  are through holes  138  and  143  (not shown) extending from the respective surface of recesses  136  and  142  to the respective outer surfaces of base and intermediate telescoping members  128  and  129  configured to receive screws  138  (not shown) for locking respective first and second positive locking mechanism  131  and  132 . 
         [0114]    As shown in  FIG. 20 , intermediate and top telescoping members  129  and  130  have flat rotation prevention engagement surfaces  139  and  144  that extend from their bottom ends upward and toward their top ends but not the entire distance for respectively engaging the flat backs of housings  431  and  436  of first and second positive locking mechanisms  131  and  132  and prevent rotation of the intermediate and top telescoping members  129  and  130  respectively relative to base telescoping member  128  and intermediate telescoping member  129 . Flat rotation prevention engagement surfaces  139  and  144  each have a plurality of pin locking holes  140  and  145  that engage with the respective fore ends or locking pins  158  and  168  of rocker arms  155  and  165  of first and second positive locking mechanisms  131  and  132  to lock intermediate and top telescoping members  129  and  130  in the desired fully deployed or extended, partially deployed or extended, or retracted positions. It is understood that several intermediate telescoping members may be employed based on user need. Each new intermediate telescoping member added would comprise a rotation prevention engagement surface and a plurality of holes on the rotation prevention engagement surface. 
         [0115]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 20 , top telescoping member  130  has a bottom end. The top end of telescoping member  130  optimally terminates in a discontinuous annular snap-fit connector  146 . The top telescoping member  130  is configured to nest inside intermediate telescoping member  129  and movable longitudinally in a telescoping manner between extended or deployed and collapsed or retracted positions. As shown in view B-B along reference line B-B of  FIG. 21 , snap-fit connector  146  may comprise a discontinuous annular snap-fit joint or an annular snap-fit joint or the like. The snap-fit connector includes at least one snap-fit protrusion  147 . Snap-fit protrusion  147  interlocks with snap-fit cavity  60  of lower housing  6  to form a releasable annular snap joint lock  60 A as shown in  FIG. 22 . To connect telescopic rod  3  to support unit  2 , snap-fit protrusion  147  is slid through the hollow region of cavity  60  in lower housing  6  to engage snap-fit cavity  60 . Snap-fit protrusion  147  contracts while being slid through the hollow region, encounters snap-fit cavity  60  and resiliently expands to form snap joint lock  60 A and connector. Snap-fit protrusion  147 , snap-fit cavity  60 , or both snap-fit protrusion  147  and snap-fit cavity  60  temporarily deform during the assembly process. The dimensions, geometry, and material of snap-fit protrusion  147  are selected to deform without significant strain damage during the assembly process. Once assembled, at least one snap-fit protrusion  147  engages snap-fit cavity  60  in lower housing  6  in a stress-free manner. Alternatively, the top end of top telescoping member  130  may be adapted for fitting an adapter attachment that may comprise a snap-fit connector end or some other appropriate adapter device attachment such that the adapter attachment will establish fluid communication between telescopic rod  3  and support unit  2 . Further appropriate locking mechanisms for locking the adapter device attachment onto telescopic rod  3  end and then connecting telescoping rod  3  to support unit  2  are provided. Snap-fit connector  146  or other adapter device attachment serves as a pre-equipped mating connector for telescopic rod assembly  3 . Snap joint lock  60 A allows telescopic rod  3  to be easily and quickly connected to and disconnected from the base of lower housing  6  of support unit  2  without having to thread and unthread telescopic rod  3  each time telescopic rod  3  is connected to or disconnected from the base of lower housing  6  of support unit  2  and without the aid of tools. Annular snap joint  60 A is designed to prevent telescopic rod  3  from separating from the base of lower housing  6  of support unit  2  when deployed in the connected state by a user and allow ready disconnection from the base of lower housing  6  of support unit  2  when desired. 
         [0116]    Referring to  FIG. 21 , snap-fit connector  146  may comprise radial group of snap-fit protrusions  147 . Each snap-fit protrusion  147  is an arched or semi-annular ridge that extends radially from the top of top telescoping member  130 . As illustrated by view B-B along reference line B-B of  FIG. 21 , snap-fit connector  146  preferably has tapered edge  148  which rests against or near a snap-fit ledge  61  ( FIG. 10D ) of snap-fit cavity  60  in lower housing  6  when assembled. Tapered edge  148  permits snap-fit protrusion  147  to be disengaged and removed from snap-fit cavity  60  when desired. Snap-fit protrusion  147  optimally has a triangular-shaped head  150  and a beveled exterior  149 . The triangular head is designed to allow enough radial movement yet prevent radial flexing of at least one snap-fit protrusion  147  to prevent disassembly of telescopic rod  3  from the base of lower housing  6  of support unit  2  in the connected state while deployed in use. The beveled exterior  149  is sloped to allow the top portion of top telescopic member  130  to be easily inserted into the snap-fit cavity  60 . Alternatively, a locking means (not shown) may be provided to prevent radial flexing of at least one snap-fit protrusion  147  of telescopic rod  3  and thus prevents disassembly of the telescopic rod  3  from the base of lower housing  3  of support unit  2  in the connected state while deployed in use. As illustrated in view B-B along reference line B-B of  FIG. 21 , the top portion of top telescopic member  130  has axial slots  151  that divide the top portion of top telescopic member  130  into a series of semi-annular arms  152  with arched cross-sections. Semi-annular arms  152  have top and bottom ends, the top end biased near or coextensive with snap-fit protrusion  147  and the bottom end biased near the lowest point of the axial slot  152 . Snap-fit connector  146  has a locking means (not shown) for locking snap-fit connector  146  in a connected state, the locking means being part of, or distinct from top telescoping member  130 . When in a locked connected state, snap-fit protrusion  147  engages and interlocks with snap-fit cavity  60  and the locking means substantially restricts radial movement of snap-fit protrusion  147  within the snap-fit cavity  60 . 
         [0117]    Referring to  FIG. 20 , first and second positive locking mechanisms  131  and  132  may comprise major elements first and second housings  153  and  163 , first and second pivot pins  154  and  164 , first and second rigid rocker arms  155  and  165 , first and second push button actuators  156  and  166 , and first and second energized cantilever springs  157  and  164  (or finger springs). Preferably, the major elements of first and second positive locking mechanisms  131  and  132  have similar configurations and dimensions. Whether fully extended, partially extended or collapsed, telescoping members  128 ,  129  and  130  need to stay affixed in some manner to the adjoining members so telescopic rod  3  will remain in place once positioned to a desired length. First and second positive locking mechanisms  131  and  132  respectively located at the top ends of base and intermediate telescoping members  128  and  129  are used to achieve this when activated and respectively lock intermediate and top telescoping members  129  and  130  in a continuum of positions along their respective lengths to effectively and securely engage it to intermediate and top telescoping members  129  and  130  in a partially extended, fully extended or collapsed positions. This provides a solid predictable load bearing lock mechanism that locks and interconnects the base and intermediate telescoping members  128  and  129  or the intermediate and top telescoping members  129  and  130  between extended and retracted positions and makes it possible to maintain the telescoping members in any desired longitudinal relationships relative to each other. When fully retracted and collapsed, telescopic rod  3  is in a compact form and is stored in form-fitted storage cavity  56  in lower housing  6  of support unit  2 . 
         [0118]    Referring to view C-C along reference line C-C of  FIG. 21 , first and second rocker arms  155  and  165  are pivotally mounted intermediate between their fore and aft ends to provide a rocking movement. The fore ends of first and second rocker arms  131  and  132  respectively terminate in first and second locking pins  158  and  168 . First and second energized cantilever springs  157  and  167  are respectively biased inside first and second housings  153  and  163  such that one end of each spring is in engagement respectively with first and second abutments  160  and  170 , the other ends being in engagement respectively with first and second aft ends  159  and  169  of first and second rocker arms  155  and  165  to energize and urge first and second aft ends  159  and  169  by applying respective forces directly against first and second aft ends  159  and  169  of first and second rocker arms  155  and  165 , in respective directions outwardly of intermediate and top telescoping members  128  and  129  to force respective first and second locking pins  158  and  168  of first and second rocker arms  155  and  165  inwardly respectively of intermediate and top telescoping members  128  and  129  into locking engagement respectively with any of the plurality of pin locking holes  140  and  145  on intermediate and top telescoping members  129  and  130 . Thus, telescoping members  129  and  130  are locked in the desired extended longitudinal configuration when first and second locking pins  158  and  168  of first and second rocker arms  155  and  165  respectively engage any of the respective plurality of pin locking holes  140  and  145  respectively on respective rotation prevention engagement surfaces  139  and  144 . First and second positive locking mechanisms  131  and  132  are designed to prevent unintended unlocking caused by accidental depression of first and second push buttons  156  and  166 . 
         [0119]    The desired longitudinal relationship between the telescoping members  128 ,  129  and  130  can be changed by depressing either of first or second push button  156  or  166 . Depression of either first or second push button  156  or  166  pushes first and second aft ends  159  and  169  of first and second rocker arms  155  and  165  respectively inwardly of base and intermediate telescoping members  128  and  129 , rotates respectively first and second rocker arms  155  and  165  about pivot pins  154  and  164  and compresses respectively first and second cantilever springs  157  and  167  inwardly of base and intermediate telescoping members  128  and  129  forcing locking pins  158  and  168  respectively outwardly of intermediate and top telescoping members  129  and  130  to force disengagement of locking pins  158  and  168  from respective pin locking holes  140  and  145  of the intermediate and top telescoping members  129  and  130 , thus unlocking the intermediate and top telescoping members  129  and  130 . Whilst either of first or second push button  156  and  166  is in a depressed state, intermediate and top telescoping members  129  and  130  can be extended or collapsed by moving them telescopically against each other. When either of first or second push button  156  or  166  is released, the respective locking pins  158  and  168  of first and second rocker arms  155  and  165  engage any of the respective plurality of pin locking holes  140  and  145  on intermediate and top telescoping members  129  and  130  to lock and keep telescopic rod  3  in the new desired longitudinal relationship. 
         [0120]    Further, the reactionary force caused by the combined weight of an electronic system or reading material and support unit  2  from the locking pins  158  and  168  during prolonged usage may deform or enlarge pin locking holes  140  and  145  which are in direct engagement with the locking pins  158  and  168 . This may cause instability in the telescopic rod  3  and may render it inoperable. This can be prevented and telescoping rod  3  made to withstand these forces and survive prolonged use before failing by doing any of the following: using similar materials for both locking pins  158  and  168  and intermediate and top telescoping members  129  and  130 , inserting a stronger reinforcing material than that of the locking pins  158  and  168  into pin locking holes  140  and  145 , or hardening intermediate and top telescoping members  129  and  130  sufficiently to resist deformation from the forces of respective locking pins  158  and  168 . 
         [0121]    Referring to  FIGS. 23-27 , tripod  4  may comprise stationary leg assembly  171  (“leg  171 ”), first moveable leg  172  (“leg  172 ”) and second moveable leg  173  (“leg  173 ”), guide pin  174 , and quick connect-disconnect device  175 . Leg  171  may comprise circular tubular housing  176  (“tubular housing  176 ”) and telescopic leg assembly  177 . Leg  172  may comprise first tubular barrel cam  178  (“barrel cam  178 ”), first circular tubular connector  179  (“connector  179 ”) and telescopic leg assembly  177 . Leg  173  may comprise second tubular barrel cam  180  (“barrel cam  180 ”), second circular tubular connector  181  (“connector  181 ”) and telescopic leg assembly  177 . Telescopic leg assembly  177  is the same for and used with legs  171 ,  172  and  173 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , telescopic leg assembly  177  may comprise leg elements  182  and  183 , locking device  184  (not shown) which serve to releasably lock leg elements  182  and  183  together, retractable non-marking stem swivel caster wheel  185  (“caster wheel  185 ”), press button actuator  187 , wheel well door  188  (“wheel door  188 ”), storage clip holder  189  and snap-in holder  190 . 
         [0122]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 23-27 , leg element  183  is configured to nest in leg element  182 . Leg element  183  is a stepped tube that is constructed from two rectangular tubes, the first having a cross-sectional dimension slightly smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the second. The first and second rectangular tubes have free and fixed ends. The fixed ends of the first and second rectangular tubes are rigidly attached together so that the joint between them creates an abutment  191  (or stop). Thus, a stepped tube, which is leg element  183 , is created. Leg element  183  has two free ends, one end having a slightly smaller dimension than the other. The free end of the first rectangular tube of leg element  183  nests into leg element  182 , and the free end of the second rectangular tube of leg element  183  has a beveled exterior. Leg element  182  has fixed and free ends. The free end of leg element  182  is configured to receive the smaller free end of leg element  183 . Together, they form a telescopic leg assembly  177 . To increase the stability of tripod  4 , press button  187  is depressed and locking device  184  unlocks and releases leg element  183  for it to be telescopically extended. 
         [0123]    As shown in  FIG. 24  and view E of  FIG. 23 , the free end of leg element  183  may comprise wheel well  192  that houses caster wheel  185  that is movable between deployed and retracted positions, socket hinge  193 , storage clip holder  189  for holding caster wheel  185  in a collapsed or stowed position and snap-in holder  190  for locking caster wheel  185  when said caster wheel  185  is in a deployed position. Wheel well  192  is provided wheel door  188  that is adapted to slide open and close between collapsed and deployed positions of caster wheel  185 . Appropriate locking mechanism  194  (not shown) to hold wheel door  188  in position when open or closed is provided. Further, leg element  183  is configured to have a skid-proof sole to keep tripod  4  from sliding on smooth surfaces when caster wheel  185  is retracted or stowed away. 
         [0124]    As illustrated in  FIG. 23 , tubular housing  176  of leg  171  has top and bottom ends. Disposed coaxially inside, to a proximal end of top end of tubular housing  175  of leg  171 , is a U-shaped race-like internal annular channel  195  (“U channel  195 ”) circumscribing the inner diameter of tubular housing  175  for receiving quick connect-disconnect device  196  as shown in view F-F of  FIG. 23 . Quick connect-disconnect device  196 , operably positioned inside U channel  195  locks and coaxially couples telescopic rod  3  to tripod  4  such that telescopic rod  3  is placed in fluid communication with tripod  4 . Quick connect-disconnect device  196  permits the easy and quick connection and disconnection of telescopic rod  3  to or from tubular housing  176  of tripod  4 . As used herein, “quick connect-disconnect device”  196  is defined as a device that permits the easy and quick connection and disconnection of telescopic rod  3  to and from tripod  4  without having to thread or unthread telescopic rod  3  to or from tripod  4  each time telescopic rod  3  is connected to or disconnected from tripod  4  without the aid of tools. Quick connect-disconnect device  196  may alternatively comprise conventional quick connect-disconnect device as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0125]    As shown in  FIG. 29A , first and second inverted U-shaped notches  197  and  198  (“notch  197 ” and “notch  198 ”) which are similar in configuration and size are located at the bottom end of tubular housing  176 . The axis of notch  197  is oriented 120 degrees clockwise from the axis of leg element  182  of leg  171 . The axis of notch  198  is oriented 120 degrees clockwise from the axis of notch  197  and 120 degrees counterclockwise from the axis of leg element  182  of leg  171 . As shown in  FIGS. 29B-29C , notches  197  and  198  respectively engage connectors  179  and  181  of legs  172  and  173 . As shown in  FIG. 29A , the fixed end of leg element  182  of leg  171  is rigidly attached to the bottom end of tubular housing  176 . Further, telescopic leg assembly  177  is angularly oriented to the vertical axis of tubular housing  176  of leg  171  at angle φ 1 . 
         [0126]    As illustrated in VIEW D of  FIG. 23 , quick connect-disconnect device  175  may comprise first and second semi-circular cam locking devices  199  (“cam lock  199 ”) and  200  (“cam lock  200 ”), pivot pin  201 , first and second springs  202  and  203 , and actuator  204 . Cam locks  199  and  200  each have a free end and inner end, the inner end having a pivot hole through which a pivot pin can be passed. The inner ends of cam locks  199  and  200  are pivotally connected to each other by pivot pin  201  such that cam locks  199  and  200  are oppositely disposed to each other, and the free ends of cam locks  199  and  200  are in contact with actuator  204 . Cam locks  199  and  200  are positioned in U channel  195  of tubular housing  176  such that the cam surface of cam lock  199  is adjacent to the cam surface of cam lock  200  as shown in view F-F of  FIG. 23 . In operation, first and second springs  202  and  203  respectively press against and force cam locks  199  and  200  inwardly into a lock position  205  within groove  135  such that cam locks  199  and  200  completely circumscribe the inner surface of groove  135  and thus lock telescopic rod  3  in tripod  4 . In the locking position  205 , as shown in VIEW F-F of  FIG. 23 , cam locks  199  and  200  partially protrude into channel  195  of tubular hosing  176  of leg  171 . Quick connect-disconnect device  175  serves as a pre-equipped mating connector for tripod  4 . 
         [0127]    Actuator  204  having axis perpendicular to the axis of tubular housing  176  may be positioned between the free ends of cam locks  199  and  200 . When a user pushes inwardly on actuator  204  in operation, actuator  204  engages and moves the free ends of cam locks  199  and  200  outwardly about the pivot into an unlock position  206  within U channel  195  of tubular housing  176 . In the unlock position  206 , cam locks  199  and  200  are disposed such that they do not protrude into groove  135  of tubular housing  176 , thus permitting bottom end of telescopic rod  3  to be inserted into tubular housing  176  of tripod  4 . As the end of telescopic rod  3  is inserted further into tubular housing  176  of tripod  4 , cam locks  199  and  200  move adjacent to groove  135  in a circumscribing manner at the bottom end of telescopic rod  3 . When the user releases the inward force applied to actuator  204 , cam locks  199  and  200  are forced inwardly respectively by first and second springs  202  and  203  into contact with the inner surface of groove  135  at the bottom end of telescopic rod  3 . As such, telescopic rod  3  is locked, connected, and/or mounted onto tripod  4 . 
         [0128]    As illustrated in  FIG. 23 , barrel cam  178  of leg  172  has top and bottom ends. The diameter of barrel cam  178  of leg  172  is adapted to nest inside tubular housing  176  of leg  171 . One end of connector  179  is rigidly attached to the fixed end of leg element  182  of telescopic leg assembly  177 . The other end of connector  179  is rigidly connected to the lower end of barrel cam  178  of leg  172 . Telescopic leg assembly  177  of leg  172  is angularly oriented to the vertical axis of the barrel cam  178  of leg  172  at angle φ 1 . As shown in  FIG. 29B , third inverted U-shaped notch  207  (“notch  207 ”), preferably having similar configuration and size as that of notches  197  and  198  of tubular housing  176  of leg  171 , is located at the bottom end of barrel cam  178  of leg  172 . The axis of notch  207  is oriented 120 degrees clockwise from the axis of leg element  182  of telescopic leg assembly  177  of leg  172  and 240 degrees counterclockwise from the axis of leg element  182  of telescopic leg assembly  177  of leg  172 . When tripod  4  is deployed in operation, notches  198  and  207  are aligned and simultaneously engage connector  181  of leg  173 . Rotational power is transmitted to barrel cam  178  through rotation of telescopic leg assembly  177  of leg  172 . Leg  172  is collapsible from a deployed position or deployable from a collapsed position by rotation in the same plane about common axis  220  relative to leg  171 . In the collapsed position, leg  172  lies horizontally and parallel to, but beneath, leg element  182  of telescopic leg assembly  177  of leg  171  in the same plane,  FIG. 28 . In the deployed position, leg  172  is displaced 120 degrees clockwise from its collapsed position and engages notch  197  of tubular housing  176  of leg  171 . Appropriate locking mechanisms are provided for locking leg  172  in either the deployed or collapsed position. 
         [0129]    As illustrated in  FIG. 23 , barrel cam  180  of leg  173  has top and bottom ends. The diameter of barrel cam  180  of leg  173  is adapted to nest inside barrel cam  178  of leg  172 . As shown in  FIG. 29C , one end of connector  181  is rigidly attached to the fixed end of leg element  182  of telescopic leg assembly  177 . The other end of connector  181  is rigidly connected to the lower end of barrel cam  180  of leg  173 . Telescopic leg assembly  177  of leg  173  is angularly oriented to the vertical axis of barrel cam  181  of leg  173  at angle φ 1 . Rotational power is transmitted to barrel cam  180  through rotation of the telescopic leg assembly  177  of leg  173 . Leg  173  is collapsible from a deployed position or deployable from a collapsed position by rotation in the same plane about common axis  220 , relative to legs  171  and  172 . In the collapsed position, leg  173  lies horizontally and parallel to, but beneath, leg element  182  of telescopic leg assembly  177  of leg  172  in the same plane,  FIG. 28 . 
         [0130]    As shown in exploded view of  FIG. 23 , the nesting of barrel cam  180  in barrel cam  178  and barrel cam  178  in tubular housing  176  is such that they rotate about common axis  220 . Further, as shown in  FIGS. 23 and 29B , barrel cam  178  of leg  172  has a first cam track  208  and a first particular cam profile  209 . First cam profile  209  is made so that its law of motion is a function of the angle of rotation of barrel cam  178 . First cam profile  209  is continuous up to a 120 degree angle of rotation of barrel cam  178 . When leg  172  rotates to a deployed or collapsed position, barrel cam  178  also rotates about common axis  220 . When barrel cam  178  rotates, first cam track  208  interacts with guide pin  174 , follows first cam profile  209  and simultaneously moves in a vertical direction, upward or downward, along common axis  220 . Also, as shown in  FIGS. 23 and 29C , barrel cam  180  of leg  173  has a second cam track  210  and a second particular cam profile  211 . The second cam profile  211  is made so that its law of motion is a function of the angle of rotation of barrel cam  180 . The second cam profile  211  is continuous up to a 240 degree angle of rotation of barrel cam  180 . When leg  173  rotates to a deployed or collapsed position, barrel cam  180  also rotates about common axis  220 . When barrel cam  180  rotates, the second cam track  210  interacts with guide pin  174 , follows the second cam profile  211  and simultaneously moves in a vertical direction, upward or downward, along common axis  220 . 
         [0131]    As illustrated in view G of  FIG. 23 , guide pin  174  may comprise knurled head  212  rigidly attached to shank  213 . Knurled head  212  has diameter substantially larger than the diameter of shank  213 . Knurled head  212  facilitates the manual turning of the guide pin  174 . Shank  213  begins with threaded portion  214  below knurled head  212  and terminates in pin end  215 . Threaded portion  214  threads into threaded hole  221  (“hole  221 ”) on tubular housing  176  of leg  171 . Pin end  215  projects through, fits in, and engages cam tracks  208  and  210  respectively of barrel cams  178  and  180  of legs  172  and  173 . By so placing guide pin  174 , rotation of legs  172  and  173  causes respective barrel cams  178  and  180  of legs  172  and  173  about common axis  220  to move either vertically upward while being rotatably deployed or move vertically downward while being rotatably collapsed. In another alternative embodiment, guide pin  174  may be a press-in pin or other appropriate pin that guides barrel cam  178  and  180 . 
         [0132]    In the deployed position, legs  171 ,  172  and  173  are circumferentially displaced 120 degrees from each other so that tripod  4  stably supports the combined weight of an electronic system or reading material, support unit  2  and telescopic rod  3 . Each movable leg is locked in place by an appropriate locking mechanism (not shown) once it is positioned in the respective deployed or collapsed positions. Further, as shown in  FIG. 27 , caster wheel  185  provides mobility for workstation  1 . Where the possibility of rolling must be avoided, and where it is desirable not to use caster wheel  185 , each caster wheel  185  is easily and quickly retracted into wheel well  192  and caster wheel  185  remain clear of the ground or floor to permit the tripod legs to rest directly on the floor as shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . When retracted, each caster wheel  185  is housed in wheel well  192  located in each of leg element  183 . For users who prefer more stability, telescoping leg assembly  177  may be extended as shown in  FIGS. 25 and 27 .  FIGS. 30-32  show alternate embodiments tripod  4 . 
         [0133]    The invention as described is illustrative in manner and it should be understood that terminologies used are intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, it is apparent that many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above descriptions and consequently, changes may be made to the details of the embodiments of the described invention above by those skilled in the art without departing from the broad inventive concept and the underlying principles thereof of the disclosure described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the description of this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in any way but is intended to cover all modifications which are in the spirit and scope of the disclosed invention. It is also to be understood that the invention may be accomplished otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claim. The invention is defined by the claim.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0