Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a computer support device. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for supporting a laptop computer in an elevated position. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the device may be applied to other electronic media and computing devices such as tablets.

Background of the Invention

[0002] An increasing business trend in recent years concerns the move away from personal desktop computers to laptop computers in office environments. This change is being driven by various factors, such as the move toward open plan office environments where it is common for "hot-desking" to be utilised. Hot-desking is a work environment where the users typically do not have a fixed work station, but choose a suitable, free work station each time they attend the office. In such environments, it is common for users to have a personal laptop computer which they either bring with them when they attend the office, or which they retrieve from lockers or other storage areas.

[0003] Another force driving the trend toward laptop based computing is the increasing mobility and flexibility in the work place. In recent years there has been a push toward more flexible working hours, enabling workers to conduct some of their hours on a work from home basis. In addition, increasing globalisation requires more business travel, which inherently necessitates more time working remote from the office on laptop computers, in venues such as hotel rooms and airports.

[0004] The lack of flexibility afforded by existing desktop computers does not make them ideal on account of the aforementioned trends in the way people interact with computers for business and pleasure. However, whilst laptops provide more flexibility, they also suffer from inherent drawbacks.

[0005] One particular drawback concerns the position of the screen. Laptops generally utilise a body portion having the keyboard and an upwardly folding screen portion. As such, the base of the screen is generally mounted at the same height as the body portion. This means that when a user places the laptop on a horizontal surface such as a desk, while the laptop is at a suitable height for typing, the screen is quite low, requiring the user to look downwardly. This can have various negative effects with respect to comfort and posture and result in discomfort and even injuries, especially after prolonged periods of use.

[0006] In addition, having the screen too close to the user can result in eye strain or other discomfort.

Object of the Invention

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a computer support device comprising:

a base member;

a column having a column proximal end pivotally connected to the base member, and a column distal end; and

a computer support platform pivotally secured to the column distal end, wherein the device is pivotally adjustable between an initial configuration in which the column, the base member and the computer support platform are generally parallel and coplanar and a final configuration in which the column is angularly offset relative to base member and the computer support platform. in the final configuration, the column has rotated between about 250° and 290° relative to the base, further wherein in the final configuration, the computer support platform has rotated between about 60° and 110°.

[0009] The base member preferably includes a cut-out adapted to abut against an intermediate portion of the column, to limit rotation of the column relative to the base member.

[0010] The column is preferably adjustable in length to selectively vary a distance between the column proximal end and the column distal end.

[0011] The column preferably includes a slider assembly partially housed within a body of the column, the slider assembly being configured to selectively change a distance between the base member and the computer support platform.

[0012] The slider assembly preferably includes at least one longitudinally extending actuation member connected to a button. [0013] The slider assembly preferably includes at least one sliding lock member housed in a channel, the sliding lock member having at least one tooth and being configured to move in a direction which is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the channel.

[0014] The at least one sliding lock member is preferably spring biased toward a locked position in which the sliding lock member is engaged with an engagement formation.

[0015] The longitudinally extending actuation member includes a ramped section configured to engage with the sliding lock member to move the sliding lock member away from the engagement formation into an unlocked position when the button is pressed.

[0016] The engagement formation preferably includes a longitudinally extending member having at least one projection, the projection being configured to engage with the at least one tooth.

[0017] The longitudinally extending member preferably includes a plurality of said projections, thereby defining different adjustment settings of the base member relative to the computer support platform.

[0018] The computer support platform preferably includes two arms, each arm being pivotally mounted to an opposing side of the column distal end.

[0019] Preferably ach arm can be pulled laterally away from the column into a rotationally free configuration,

further wherein each arm can be isolated relative to the column at an angle in the range of about 70° to 110°.

[0020] A length of each arm is preferably adjustable to selectively vary an area of the computer support platform.

[0021] Each arm preferably includes a pivotal stopper which is selectively pivotal to an operational position which extends above an upper surface of the computer support platform.

[0022] During transition from the initial configuration to the final configuration, one of the base member and the computer support platform preferably rotates clockwise relative to the column, and the other of the base member and the computer support platform rotates counter clockwise relative to the column. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the computer support device according to the invention;

[0025] Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of the base of the computer support device of Fig. i;

[0026] Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the base of the computer support device of Fig. 1;

[0027] Fig. 4 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the base of the computer support device of Fig. 1.

[0028] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a column of the computer support device of Fig. 1;

[0029] Fig. 6 is an assembled view of the column;

[0030] Fig. 7 depicts an exploded view of a vertical adjustment mechanism of the computer support device of Fig. 1;

[0031] Fig. 8 is an assembled view of the vertical adjustment mechanism of Fig. 7.

[0032] Fig. 9 is a detail of a portion of the computer support platform of Fig. 1;

[0033] Fig. 10 is an assembled view of the computer support platform of Fig. 9;

[0034] Fig. 11 is a side view depicting the computer support device is a closed

configuration;

[0035] Fig. 12 is a perspective view depicting the computer support device in the closed configuration;

[0036] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the vertical adjustment mechanism of the computer support device of Fig. 1;

[0037] Fig. 14 is a detail showing a portion of the vertical adjustment mechanism of Fig. 13;

[0038] Fig. 15 shows the computer support device of Fig. 1 in a vertically expanded configuration; [0039] Fig. 16 is a detail showing a portion of the computer support device of Fig. 15; and [0040] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the features of Fig. 16.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0041] A computer support device 10 is described herein. The device 10 is foldable from an initial, generally planar configuration for transport and storage, to an expanded, operational configuration (as depicted in Fig 1) in which the device 10 can be used to support a laptop at a desired, adjustable vertical height.

[0042] The components of the computer support device 10 may be fabricated from aluminium, suitably durable engineering plastics or other production materials.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 1, the computer support device 10 includes a base member or support 200. The base member 200 is designed to be positioned on a flat surface such as a desk or table. The base member 200 is depicted in isolation in Figs. 2 to 4. The surface area of the base member 200 is sufficiently large to support a laptop computer (not shown) in a stable manner.

[0044] Referring to Fig. 3, a pair of feet 210 are mounted on the underside of the base member 200, preferably adjacent to opposing edges of the base member 200. Each foot 210 includes at least one friction pad 212 which inhibits sliding of the base 200 relative to a desk top surface. In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, there are two friction pads 212 included on each foot 210.

[0045] The computer support device 10 includes a computer support platform 100. The computer support platform 100 is depicted in Fig 1. The computer support platform 100 is defined by first and second generally rectangular arms 102, 103. A friction pad 104 or coating is preferably applied to the upper surface of each arm 102, 103. It will be

appreciated that the computer support platform 100 could be provided by a single continuous platform.

[0046] Each arm 102, 103 is selectively adjustable in length, to accommodate lap top computers having different dimensions. In particular, each arm 102, 103 includes a click-to- lock mechanism which can be selectively set to 3 settings corresponding to standard laptop sizes, such as 11", 12-13" or 14-15". However, it will be appreciated that more or less than 3 settings may be provided. When the click-to-lock mechanism is engaged, it prevents the arms 102, 103 from extending further, thereby countering any forward force applied by the laptop.

[0047] One of the arms 102, 103 is depicted in isolation in Figs. 9 and 10. The arms 102, 103 are telescopically extendable. In Fig. 9, the components of the arm 102, are depicted in an exploded view. Each arm 102, 103 includes a housing 105, and an internal slider body 107, adapted to be seated generally within the housing 105. Referring to Fig. 10, the slider body 107 is defined by a pair of longitudinally extending fingers 99. At a distal end of each finger 99, an engagement formation is provided in the form of an elastically deformable projection 109. The projection 109 is configured to engage with corresponding grooves 111 formed within the housing 105. The grooves 111 are in alignment with the projection 109 at several locations to correspond for example with the size of the arm 102, 103 for supporting laptops in sizes such as 11 inches, 13 inches and 15 inches.

[0048] A web 113 connects the two fingers 99 of the slider body 107. The web 113 is adapted to abut against a stopper surface 115 to define the limit of telescopic movement of the slider body 107 relative to the housing 105.

[0049] A stopper 112 is located at the distal end of each arm 102, 103. The stopper 112 is pivotal from a generally flat position, in which it is generally in the same plane as the arm 102, 103, and an operative position in which the stopper 112 rotates approximately 90 degrees and defines an abutment surface or step, as depicted in Figs. 1, 9 and 10.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 1, each arm 102, 103 of the computer support platform 100 is pivotally mounted to a horizontal support member 321 located above a column 300, when the device 10 is in the expanded, operative configuration.

[0051] The arms 102, 103 are secured to and pivotal relative to the horizontal support member 321. By pulling each of the arms 102, 103 outwardly, away from the horizontal support member 321, the arms become disengaged, and are pivotally rotational. When the arms 102, 103 are approximately perpendicular relative to the column 300 (as depicted in Fig. 1). The arms 102, 103 are adapted to pivotally lock relative to the horizontal support member 321. This position defines the operative, computer support position.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 8, an outermost portion of each end of the horizontal support member 321 includes at least one ramped surface 323. Adjacent to the ramped surface 323 is a shelf portion 325.

[0053] A rotational engagement formation is internally located within each arm 102, 103. [0054] The engagement formation is defined by at least one, and preferably two, boss projections 327.

[0055] Each boss projection 327 is configured to slide against the ramped surface 323 so that as the arms 102, 103 rotate upwardly, towards horizontal through 90 degrees, each boss projection 327 slides up and out, pushed by the ramp surface 323, then clicks back in to position as it reaches the top and sit on the shelf portion 325. To selectively release the engagement between the horizontal support member 321 and the arms 102, 103, the user pulls the arms apart left to right so the bosses 327 clear the shelf portions 325, releasing the engagement and permitting rotating of the arms 102, 103 downwardly.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 9, a spring 329 pulls the arms 102, 103 back towards the horizontal support member 321 as it rotates through the 90 degrees.

[0057] An exploded view of the column 300 is depicted in isolation in Fig. 5. The column 300 has a column housing 302 having a proximal end 304 and a distal end 306. The proximal end 304 is pivotally connected to an underside of the base 200, on account of a pair of pivot units 260, which are best seen in Fig. 3.

[0058] Each pivot unit 260 is integrally formed with one of the feet 210 and has a circular aperture 262, adapted to receive a lug or boss 322 extending laterally away from the proximal end 304 of the column 300. This permits the column 300 to pivot relative to the base member 200.

[0059] In one embodiment, the pivot units 260 are spring loaded, and adapted to urge the base 200 back to the planar position relative to the column 300. In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in the drawings, the pivot units 260 may include a "bump" type formation 209, such that the column 300 is urged to either the initial or final configurations as it approaches either of those configurations. A further bump 211 is provide on each of the feet 210, as shown in Figs 3 and 4.

[0060] As depicted in Figs. 1 to 3, the base 200 includes a cut-out 204. As noted above, the column 300 is pivotable relative to the base 200. However, when the column 300 abuts against the cut-out 204, the column 300 is prevented from further pivoting, in the position generally depicted in Fig. 1. In this operating (expanded) position, the column 300 is located slightly beyond vertical, and leaning in a direction toward the base 200. In practice, this prevents the weight of the laptop from collapsing the column 300, because once the column has passed vertical, in the direction of the base 200, any downward force results in the column abutting with more force against the cut-out 204.

[0061] The column 300 is operatively associated with a slider assembly 500 which is located generally within the column housing 302. The slider assembly 500 permits the vertical height of the computer support platform 100 to be selectively adjusted. The components of the slider assembly 500 are depicted in the exploded view of Fig. 7.

[0062] An actuation portion of the slider assembly 500, extends from the distal end 306 of the column 300, beyond the column housing 302. A squeeze button 502 is located on the underside of the horizontal support member 321. The squeeze button 502 acts in a similar manner to a suitcase handle type adjustment mechanism.

[0063] Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, a pair of extruded channels 529 project through a shroud or cover 547 which is located adjacent to the top of the column housing 302. The shroud 547 is secured to the proximal end 306. An engagement and disengagement mechanism enables the extruded channels 529, and the horizontal support member 321 to move relative to the column housing 302.

[0064] The button 502 of the horizontal support member 321 is secured to two elongate actuation members 520. The actuation members 520 are preferably wire members 520 that run inside the extruded channels 529. When the button 502 is depressed, that is pushed upwardly, the wire members 520 are also pulled upwardly and angled ends 525 of the wire members 520, as shown in Fig. 7 (at the bottom) each include a ramped section 527.

[0065] Two sliding lock members 531 are housed at the bottom of each channel 529. The sliding lock members are configured to move in a direction which is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of each extruded channels 529. The sliding lock members 531 are spring biased toward each other.

[0066] The ramped section of the wires 520 is configured to engage with and slide against another ramped surface 537 inside the sliding lock member 531. Each sliding lock member 531 has at least one and preferably 2 or more teeth 539, which extend in a direction which is generally perpendicular to a direction of movement of the extruded channels 529.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 5, a pair of longitudinally extending stepped engagement members 401 are housed inside the column housing 302. The stepped engagement members 401 have a plurality of saw tooth type projections or teeth 403 which are configured to engage with the teeth 539 of the sliding lock members 531. [0068] The teeth 539 of the sliding lock member 531 are configured to move out of the way of the 2 stepped members 401 (which can be best seen in Fig. 5) when the button is pressed. Springs 533 force the sliding lock 531 back into a neutral position when the button 502 is released.

[0069] When the user releases the button 502, springs urge the button 502 downwards, away from the horizontal support member 321. The teeth 539 engage with one of the corresponding teeth or grooves 403. As such, pressing the button 502 results in the sliding locks 531 disengaging from the stepped engagement members 401. The slider assembly 500 can then be moved up or down relative to the column 300.

[0070] In this manner, the user can selectively vary the vertical position of the computer support platform 100 as desired.

[0071] The operation of the computer support device 10 will now be described. When a user wishes to support his/her computer, the user rotates the base 200 in the direction of arrow A2 shown in Fig. 1, until the column 300 is in the configuration generally depicted in Fig. 1, and an intermediate portion of the column 300 is in abutment with the cut-out 204 formed in the base 200.

[0072] The user then pivots the first and second generally rectangular arms 102, 103 in the direction of arrow Al, depicted in Fig. 1.

[0073] In this position, the laptop can be placed on the computer support platform 100. The user may customise the height of the laptop by adjusting the button 502 of the horizontal support member 321, in the manner described above.

[0074] Before the laptop is placed on the first and second generally rectangular arms 102, 103, if necessary, the length of the arms 102, 103 may be telescopically adjusted to suit the laptop dimensions. The length of the arms 102, 103 may optionally be set in advance to dimensionally correspond with the user's laptop size. The front edge of the laptop abuts against the stopper 112, which in combination with the friction pad 104, prevents the laptop from unintentionally moving forward. Furthermore, the laptop is prevented from moving sideways or backwards due to friction.

[0075] During transition from the starting, first configuration to the second, operational configuration, one of the base member 200 and the computer support platform 100 rotates clock-wise relative to the column 300. In contrast, the other of the base member 200 and the computer support platform 100 rotates counter-clockwise relative to the column 300. The column 300 rotates between about 250° and 290° relative to the base member 200. Further wherein in the final configuration, the arms 102, 103 have rotated between about 60° and 110°, and preferably about 90°.

[0076] Once the height has been optimised as desired, the user generally communicates with the laptop using a portable keyboard or mouse, coupled via a wired or wireless connection, such as Bluetooth.

[0077] On completion, the laptop can be removed, and the process reversed, until the device 10 is in the planar configuration for transportation or storage.

[0078] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.