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[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to article carriers and supports, and, more particularly, a combination computer case and computer table for a laptop computer.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The laptop computer has become a necessity for those who travel on business. There are many instances where it would be helpful to have a combination carrying case, docking station and platform, having a fold out table and lamp for ease of use of the laptop computer, but none is known to be available. It would also be desirable to provide a laptop computer case which, upon opening, automatically raises the computer and slants it forward for comfortable use and to provide for the rear of the laptop computer to be exposed to the outside atmospheric environment to allow for cooling air circulation, but none are known to be available.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,627, issued on Aug. 15, 1989, to Polatov describes a work briefcase and table system. The combination briefcase and table system includes a set of telescoping legs mounted on the underside of the briefcase. Projecting shelves can be extended from the briefcase to define a flat table.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,011, issued on Mar. 14, 2000, to DeCurtis et al. describes a carrying case for transporting a laptop computer and an associated mouse. The case has a lower base element provided with four pivoted and telescoping legs and a sliding shelf that acts as a mouse pad.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,540, issued Jul. 13, 1993, to Bradbury describes a carrying case for a portable work station having a personal computer, printer, and other peripherals. External controls allow the work station to be operated when the case is closed. The case includes an internal power source, an external DC power jack, and external transceiver antenna jack, a phone connector, etc.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,492, issued on Jul. 26, 1988, to Walsh describes a printer stand and carrying case. The dual wall case serves as a storage, shipping, and computer printer stand.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,893, issued on Jul. 26,1988,to Ruiz describes an attache case having a partition whose upper surface supports a laptop computer. The computer is removably affixed to the partition by hook and loop fasteners.
[0010] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus, a computer case/table solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
[0011] The present invention is a combination computer case and computer table for a laptop computer. When used as a case, the compact design allows for easy and convenient transport of a laptop computer from one location to another. Upon reaching the destination, the user may readily convert the case to a computer table which, upon opening its lid, the laptop computer is raised and tilted forward for ease and comfortable access and to promote cooling air circulation near the rear of the case to avoid heat buildup. The case includes retractable, telescopic legs and a variety of computer accessories, such as a backup battery pack, and connectors for telephone and Internet access.
[0012] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a combination laptop computer case and table having a storable mouse board.
[0013] It is another object of the invention to provide a combination case/table as above, wherein the storable mouse board may be extended from an end, thereof, to serve as a handle while moving the case/table on retractable wheels.
[0014] It is a further object of the invention to provide a combination case/table as above, having telescoping legs, foldable into recesses for storage.
[0015] Still another object of the invention is to provide a combination case/table as above, having a printer support with articulated hangers, movable from a raised position when stored, and to a selectable lowered position for use.
[0016] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a combination case/table as above, having a storable front table, useful as a mouse board or for writing, etc.
[0017] Still another object of the invention is to provide a combination case/table as above, having a computer support which raises and tilts forward on tracks upon the opening and raising of the lid, thereof, thus avoiding heat buildup.
[0018] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a combination laptop computer case/table which is of such proportions as to be carried by a handle in the manner of a brief case.
[0019] Still another object of the invention is to provide a combination case/table having foldable telescoping legs and a storable front board useful as a mouse board, etc.
[0020] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a combination case/table having a bottom portion which can be lowered and tilted forward for access to stored papers, etc.
[0021] Still another object of the invention is to provide a combination case/table as above, having a computer support which raises and tilts forward on tracks upon the opening and raising of a lid, thereof.
[0022] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a case having a tilting computer support is useful in an automobile, and which has a D.C. connector to plug into an automobile cigarette lighter receptacle for access to electrical power.
[0023] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
[0024] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
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[0040] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. For the sake of clarity, not all views of an embodiment illustrate all elements, and variations in elements illustrated indicate their equivalence. Not all elements in all drawings of each embodiment are mentioned in each corresponding passage in the following “Detailed Description,” below.
[0041] The present invention is a case/table for a laptop computer. When used as a case, the compact design allows for easy and convenient transport of a laptop computer from one location to another. Upon reaching the destination, the user may readily convert the case to a table may be opened upward, moving the laptop computer upward in a forward tilting position, and so providing easy and comfortable access to the laptop computer mounted therein. The case includes retractable, telescopic legs and a variety of computer accessories, such as a backup battery pack, and connectors for telephone and Internet access.
[0042] Referring to
[0043] Referring more specifically to
[0044] Laptop computer A is held on laptop computer support
[0045] Referring to
[0046] Referring to
[0047] Referring to
[0048] Referring to
[0049] Referring to
[0050] Referring to
[0051] Referring to
[0052] In operation, mouse board
[0053] Computer case/table
[0054] Referring to
[0055] Referring to
[0056] Referring to
[0057] Referring to
[0058] Laptop computer A is held on laptop computer support
[0059] Case bottom wall
[0060] Referring to
[0061] Referring to
[0062] In operation, laptop computer case/table
[0063] Upon raising lid
[0064] The laptop computer case/table
[0065] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.