Computer supports

• US 5,542,314 A
• Filed: 08/20/1993
• Issued: 08/06/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 08/20/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: M.K. Manufacturing Incorporated
• Original Assignee: M.K. Manufacturing Incorporated
• Inventors: Sullivan, Dan E., Hetterle, Peter B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bonck, Rodney H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): ESTREMSKY, SHERRY LYNN
• Application Number:
  US08/110,304
• Time in Patent Office: 1,082 Days
• Field of Search: 108/44, 224/276, 248/918, D12/177, 211/181, 211/42, 211/119, 40/606, 74/552, 361/683
• US Class Current: 74/552
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0252 for personal computers, e.g. laptops, notebooks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/001 Vehicle control means, e.g. steering-wheel or column
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/005 Connection with the vehicle part
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0075 using a containment or docking space
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/918 Ancillary device support associated with a video display screen
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20834 Hand wheels

Abstract

Skeletal computer support devices which have: (a) rigid side rails against which the data processing unit of the computer rests, (b) rests at the lower ends of the side rails on which the data processing unit is seated, and (c) hooks at the upper ends of the side rails for connecting the device in an easy to affix and remove fashion to a vehicular steering wheel with the computer keyboard readily accessible to, and comfortable to use by, an occupant of the vehicle. Upper and lower crosspieces integrate the side rails into a rigid inflexible structure. Restraints at the ends of the lower crosspiece keep the computer from shifting from side-to-side while it is being used.

Claims

1. The combination of:

a vehicular steering wheel with an annular rim, a portable computer comprising a data processing unit, and a skeletal frame which is free of movable parts for supporting said computer in substantially overlying relationship with said steering wheel, said computer supporting frame resting on said steering wheel and comprising;

first and second, elongated, side rails;

first and second, spaced apart crosspieces maintaining said side rails in parallel, spaced apart relationship, said crosspieces cooperating with said rails to provide a rigid, unitary structure;

support means at corresponding first ends of each of said side rails for engaging circumferentially spaced peripheral portions of the steering wheel to enable removably affixing said frame to said steering wheel with the frame in an inclined orientation relative to a vertical plane and resting on respective opposed, circumferentially spaced peripheral portions of the steering wheel;

computer supporting rests extending outwardly relative to a plane defined by said steering wheel and adjacent corresponding second ends of said side rails, the data processing unit of said portable computer having a back side resting on said side rails and a lower edge seated on said computer supporting rests; and

lateral restraints at first and second, laterally spaced ends of one of said crosspieces which are engageable by the portable computer data processing unit to limit side-to-side movement of the portable computer when it is positioned on the frame.

2. A combination as defined in claim 1 in which the device for supporting the portable computer comprises:

first and second, elongated, steering wheel engageable standards fixed in a one-to-one relationship and in like orientations to the first and second side rails;

the computer supporting rests at the second ends of said side rails being integral components of said standards.

3. A combination as defined in claim 2 in which the computer supporting rests are fixed in a one-to-one relationship to said second ends of said side rails.

4. A combination as defined in claim 1 which comprises first and second, elongated standards fixed in a one-to-one relationship and in like orientation to the first and second side rails, said standards having integral, steering wheel-engaging segments that are spaced from said side rails and so orient the device at an angle to said steering wheel as to decrease the perpendicularity of and thereby facilitate the use of the portable computer.

5. A combination as defined in claim 1 in which there are restraints at first and second, laterally spaced ends of the other of said crosspieces which are engageable by the portable computer data processing unit to prevent side-to-side movement of the portable computer.

6. A combination as defined in claim 1 which has a display panel extending from one to the other of and fixed to said crosspieces.

7. A combination as defined is claim 1 in which the side rails and crosspieces are fabricated from rigid, circularly sectioned rods.