| Portable workstation and carrying case -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
  Portable workstation and carrying caseUSPTO Application #: 20070063123Title: Portable workstation and carrying case Abstract: A portable workstation that is collapsible into a carrying case. The portable workstation comprises an articulating support structure and an enclosure structure that cooperate between an open usable position and a closed carrying case position. In the closed carrying case position, the articulating support structure is substantially enclosed within the enclosure structure. (end of abstract)
Agent: Patent Department Larkin, Hoffman, Daly & Lindgren, Ltd. - Bloomington, MN, US Inventors: Arthur M. Hovde, Thomas E. Kramer, Mark J. Weimholt USPTO Applicaton #: 20070063123 - Class: 248461000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Supports, Easel; Book, Copy Or Music Score Holder, Knockdown Or Collapsible, With Housing For Collapsed Components The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070063123. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/248,501 filed Jan. 24, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,121,518, incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention: [0003] The present invention relates to workstations and more particularly to portable workstations for portable computing devices and the like. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art: [0005] For those who often spend hours at a time working on computers or playing video games or "surfing" the Internet, the ability to adjust the position of the keyboard, monitor and other user interface devices to comfortable and ergonomic positions is particularly desirable. Various types of computer stands or workstations, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,630,566; 5,779,305; 6,056,363; 6,098,936; 6,102,476 and 6,145,926, have been developed in an attempt to address this need. While the above-identified workstations may serve their intended purpose, it appears that they are intended strictly for home or office use only, in that they are incorporated into a reclinable chair or they are intended to replace a conventional desk or other office furniture. [0006] With the advances in computer technology in the portable computer industry with respect to processor speed, memory, data storage capacity and improvement of the displays, most portable computers now have the functionality that, even within the last few years, was only available in desktop computers. Along with these advances in technology, the price of portable computers have continually decreased enabling more and more users to afford the convenience of portable computers. In addition, due to the ever increasing popularity of the Internet and reliance on e-mail for both business and personal use, more and more people are traveling with their portable computers on business trips, vacations or carrying their portable computers between home and work so they can stay "connected" with their office, friends or family. [0007] Most commercially available portable computer carrying cases or bags provide the necessary ability to easily transport portable computers and the various accessories needed to provide the functionality for using the computer and gaining access to the Internet. Unfortunately, while a user is able to carry virtually everything he or she may need to use the computer in a computer bag or briefcase, when using the portable computer, the user typically places the portable computer on a desk, table, stand or on the user's lap which is often uncomfortable and ergonomically improper. [0008] Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for a portable workstation that provides the ergonomic features and functionalities of a sturdy, stationary workstation, but which is easily collapsible and lightweight so it can be carried with the portable computer so it can be used virtually anywhere the user desires. [0009] Others have attempted to devise carrying cases which allow the user some adjustability of the portable computer by allowing the user to tilt the computer within the carrying case by a tilt-up hinge mechanism. Examples of such devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,349,825; 6,352,155 and in U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2002/0063072. While each of these devices may serve their intended purpose, these devices lack an articulating support structure which enables both horizontal and vertical movement of the computer in any direction such that the user can position the portable computer in virtually any ergonomically desirable or comfortable position. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] The present invention is a portable workstation that is collapsible or otherwise transformable into a carrying case. The portable workstation comprises an articulating support structure and an enclosure structure that cooperate between an open usable position and a closed carrying case position. In the closed carrying case position, the articulating support structure is substantially enclosed within the enclosure structure. [0011] The articulating support structure is preferably comprised of a telescoping post and a multijointed or articulating arm which supports a peripheral support. The articulating arm enables the peripheral support to be movably adjustable to virtually any ergonomically desirable position. The peripheral support is preferably adapted to support virtually any type of peripheral, whether a writing pad or a book, or for supporting any type of electronic computing device, a display device, a communications device, or any type of user interface for such electronic devices. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the workstations is particularly adapted for peripherals such as laptop or portable computers which may be removably secured to the peripheral support and folded along with the articulating arm within the enclosure structure such that the peripheral is enclosed within the carrying case. [0012] The portable workstation also preferably comprises first and second legs movable between a collapsed position and an extended position. In the preferred embodiment, the legs pivot with the respect to a vertical axis of the post between a folded position and an unfolded position when the enclosure structure is moved between the closed carrying case position and the open usable position. Also, preferably, a floor beam is operably connected to at least one of the first or second legs in order to provide additional lateral support when the workstation is in the open usable position. [0013] In the preferred embodiment, the enclosure structure comprises two sets of opposing panel segments. The two adjacent side legs of the panel segments of the first set of panels are preferably attached to opposing sides of the preferred L-shaped arm bracket. With respect to the second set of opposing panel segments, one side leg of each panel segment is preferably attached to opposing sides of the post. The other side leg of each of the panel segments is preferably attached to the outwardly opposing sides of the legs. When the workstation is in the open useable position, the panel segments act as stiffening gussets. When the workstation is in the closed carrying case position, the panel segments are disposed to form a substantially rectangular carrying case with the two sets of opposing panel segments forming the side walls of the closed carrying case. [0014] In an alternative embodiment, the enclosure structure comprises a collapsible panel preferably comprising first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth panel segments. In this alternative embodiment, the first and second panel segments are preferably movable with the first and second legs between their folded and unfolded positions. The fourth, fifth and sixth panel segments are preferably moveable with respect to at least one of the first and second panel segments to substantially enclose the articulating support structure when the portable workstation is in the closed carrying case position. [0015] In yet another alternative embodiment, although the portable workstation remains collapsible into a carrying case, there are no panels comprising the enclosure structure. [0016] To the accomplishment of the above objectives, features and advantages, this invention may be embodied in the forms illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific form illustrated and described without materially departing from the teachings herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the workstation of the present invention in an open useable position. [0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the closed carrying case position. [0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrating the removal of a top assembly from a bottom assembly. [0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the workstation of the present invention in an open useable position having an alternative post and hinge arrangement. Continue reading... Full patent description for Portable workstation and carrying case Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Portable workstation and carrying case patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Portable workstation and carrying case or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Aircraft seat track system, apparatus and method Next Patent Application: Attachment unit for installing imaging apparatus in vehicle Industry Class: Supports ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Portable workstation and carrying case patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 2.52719 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Novartis , Pfizer , Philips , Polaroid , Procter & Gamble , |
||
