Tether arrangement for portable electronic device, such as a laptop computer

Abstract

A laptop computer assembly has a belt which is adapted to encircle the waste of a user, a fastener for releasably joining the ends of hte belt togetehr around the user and two tethers running from the belt to the laptop computer. Lockable length adjusters are provided for the tethers.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10 / 277,509 filed 22 Oct. 2002 (now U.S. Pat. _______) and based upon provisional application 60 / 331,092 filed 22 Oct. 2001.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention pertains to electronic devices that can be used on the lap of a seated user, such as a laptop computer, and more particularly to maintaining such devices in a secure and stable condition while on the lap, and to preventing the devices from falling to the floor. BACKGROUND DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART [0003] Inventors of relevant prior art have pointed to, and attempted to remedy, practical problems involved in the use of the laptop computer. For example, it has been previously noted that when a laptop computer is being used while on the lap it is at risk of slipping off the lap and falling onto the floor, being damaged as a result (e.g., Bourque, U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,114, contains a discussion of this problem; see especiall...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned problems by providing a tether arrangement that helps retain the laptop computer on the lap of a seated user, that prevents the laptop from falling to the floor, and that helps stabilize the laptop in a comfortable and ergonomic position.

[0025] It is another object of the present invention to allow the laptop computer to rest directly on the lap, without the need for a platform or other supporting structure interposed between the user and the laptop, and without the need to transfer the weight of the laptop computer off the lap and onto the shoulders or other part of the body.

[0026] It is an another object of the present invention to provide ergonomic customization by allowing the user to easily, rapidly, and conveniently adjust and change the distance between the laptop computer and the body of the user and hence to change the extent to which the arms must be extended to reach the keyboard.

Problems solved by technology

For example, it has been previously noted that when a laptop computer is being used while on the lap it is at risk of slipping off the lap and falling onto the floor, being damaged as a result (e.g., Bourque, U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,114, contains a discussion of this problem; see especially paragraph 4 of Bourgue's Background section).

Prior art establishes a predetermined and non-adjustable working distance between the laptop computer and the user, thus setting the degree to which the arms must be extended to reach the keyboard; further, the prior art maintains the computer in a square position with respect to the body, so that the left and right arms are extended equally when resting on the keyboard, but does not allow the user the option of positioning the laptop off-square (angled).

Images