Lap desk with foldable arm and magnetic panel for mobile phone support

Abstract

A lap desk has an integrated, foldable arm that fits into a slot at the corner of the desk. The foldable arm includes a magnetic panel designed to securely hold a mobile phone, including those compatible with MagSafe® technology. The foldable arm is adjustable, allowing the user to position the phone at various viewing angles. When not in use, the foldable arm folds into the desk for easy storage and portability. The design of the lap desk provides a convenient way to hold and view a mobile phone while using the lap desk, without taking up valuable desk space.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to lap desks, and more particularly, to a lap desk with an integrated, foldable arm equipped with a magnetic panel for holding a mobile phone.BACKGROUND

[0002] Lap desks are commonly used to provide a stable and ergonomic surface for working or studying while seated on a couch, bed, or other non-traditional workspace. These portable desks typically include features such as a flat work surface, compartments for storage, and sometimes cushioning for added comfort and / or an integral mouse pad.

[0003] However, a common issue faced by users of lap desks is the need for a convenient way to securely hold a mobile phone while working or multitasking. Many lap desks do not offer a built-in phone stand, leaving users to place their phones flat on the desk or awkwardly prop them up, which can be inconvenient for viewing notifications or using the phone for calls, video conferencing, or media consumption. Even when a slot is provided for a mobile phone, it can be difficult to view or use the phone.

[0004] There is a growing need for lap desks that incorporate better phone-holding solutions, especially as mobile phones are increasingly used for productivity, entertainment, and communication. The present invention provides a solution to this need, as described herein.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The lap desk of the present disclosure is directed to a lap desk that includes an integrated foldable arm with a magnetic panel designed for holding a mobile phone. The foldable arm fits neatly into a slot at the corner of the lap desk when not in use, allowing for easy storage and portability.

[0006] Key features of the lap desk of the present disclosure include: (1) a retractable arm that can be deployed from a slot of the lap desk (preferably in a corner thereof) and folded away when not in use; (2) a magnetic panel located on the end of the foldable arm, capable of securely holding a mobile phone, particularly those compatible with MagSafe® technology from Apple, Inc.; (3) the ability to rotate or adjust the angle of the foldable arm for optimal viewing of the mobile phone; and (4) the design allows the user to conveniently access and use the mobile phone while working on the lap desk, without taking up valuable desk space.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a top right front perspective view of the lap desk with the foldable arm extended and holding a mobile phone via the magnetic panel according to the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the lap desk of the present disclosure showing the foldable arm in its extended position, with the magnetic panel securely holding the phone;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the lap desk showing the hinge mechanism and magnetic panel coupled to the mobile phone;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a top view of the lap desk showing the foldable arm and magnetic panel folded and retracted into the storage slot; and

[0011] FIG. 5 is a side view of a hinge mechanism for use with the foldable arm of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] In the present disclosure, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the drawings, which illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, a lap desk 100 consists of a support member 105 forming a flat, ergonomic work surface area which may be supported by a cushion 110 (or other type of soft base) underneath the support member 105. The support member 105 may be comprised of a material made of hard plastic, wood, metal or any other suitable material that provides a rigid-semi-rigid material having suitable strength and thickness. The support member 105 is capable of withstanding external pressure or weight on the support member 105 without breaking or deforming the support member 105. The support member 105 can be made in a variety of shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, square, oval or any other shape. In one example, the edges of support member105 are rounded or provided in a curved manner to prevent a user from being injured by sharp edges.

[0014] The lap desk 100 is designed to rest comfortably on a user's lap. The lap desk 100 has sufficient space for a laptop, tablet, or other work materials in a first area 115 and may have an integral mouse pad in a second area 120 adjacent to the first area 115.

[0015] A feature of the lap desk 100 is a foldable arm 125, which is retractable and fits into a slot 130 of the lap desk 100 when not in use, as shown in FIG. 4. The foldable arm 125 is preferably constructed from lightweight yet durable materials, such as aluminum or high-strength plastic, to ensure both portability and durability. The foldable arm 125 folds neatly into the slot 130 pre-cut into the lap desk 100, preferably in a corner thereof. When folded, the foldable arm 125 sits flush with the top surface of the support member 105 of the lap desk 100, allowing for a streamlined appearance and easy portability as shown in FIG. 4. The foldable arm 125 is connected to the lap desk 100 via a first hinge mechanism 135 that allows the foldable arm 125 to fold outwards and upwards. The first hinge mechanism 135 is shown in FIG. 5 and includes a base hinge part 136 mounted to a lower surface 132 of the slot 130 and an arm hinge part mounted to a lower end of the foldable arm 125, the base hinge part 136 coupled to the arm hinge part 137 via a pin element 138 to form the first hinge mechanism 135. The pin element 138 may be a separate element or may be integral to the base hinge part 136 or the arm hinge part 137. The arm hinge part 137 may be rotatably coupled to the foldable arm 125 so that the foldable arm 125 may rotate while the arm hinge part 137 remains static. In an alternative embodiment, the base hinge part 136 may be mounted to a side surface within the slot 130. The first hinge mechanism 135 may be designed to lock into place at various angles, providing adjustable viewing angles for the user. For example, the first hinge mechanism 135 may include detents or friction locks to hold the foldable arm 125 at a desired position. The lap desk 100 may include a carrying handle 118 and a stop element 116 on the support member 105 to keep items such as laptop computers from sliding off of the lap desk 100.

[0016] A magnetic panel 140 is positioned at the outermost (or upper) end of the foldable arm 125 which is configured to securely hold a mobile phone 200. The magnetic panel 140 is particularly suited for phones that are compatible with MagSafe® technology from Apple, Inc., although it may also be used with phones that have magnetic cases or attachments. In an embodiment, the magnetic panel 140 may include an array of magnets arranged in a circular or grid pattern to ensure strong, secure attachment of the mobile phone 200. The magnetic panel 140 is configured to have magnetic strength sufficient to hold the mobile phone 200 in place during regular use, preventing accidental drops or slips. The magnetic panel 140 is designed to work with mobile phones that support MagSafe® or similar magnetic mounting technologies. Additionally, the magnetic panel 140 may be used with magnetic phone cases or adapters for phones that do not have built-in MagSafe® compatibility. In an embodiment, the magnetic panel 140 may be covered with a soft, non-scratch surface, such as silicone or rubber, to prevent any damage to the back (outer) surface of the mobile phone 200 while still providing a secure grip.

[0017] The magnetic panel 140 is coupled to the foldable arm 125 via a second hinge mechanism 145 which preferably allows the user to set the mobile phone 200 at a desired angle in order to obtain optimal viewing. By providing the first hinge mechanism 135 and the second hinge mechanism 145, the magnetic panel 140 can be rotated horizontally or tilted vertically to provide a user with a wide variety of positions for the mobile phone 200 thereby optimizing the viewing position. A user may position the mobile phone 200 in portrait or landscape orientation, providing for different types of activities such as video conferencing, watching media, or following online tutorials while working separately on a laptop computer positioned on the first area 115.

[0018] To use the magnetic panel 140 as a mobile phone holder, the user simply folds the foldable arm 125 out from the slot 130 and adjusts the foldable arm 125 and magnetic panel 140 to their desired positions. The mobile phone 200 may then be attached to the magnetic panel 140, which holds the mobile phone 200 securely in place. When not in use, the foldable arm 125 and magnetic panel 140 can be retracted and folded back into the slot 130, maintaining the clean and portable design of the lap desk. The design of lap desk 100 provides a convenient, space-saving solution for holding a mobile phone 200 during use. The design of lap desk 100 enhances the usability thereof by offering easy access to the phone without cluttering the desk surface.

[0019] Although the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments and various aspects thereof, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that the appended claims be interpreted as including the embodiments described herein, the alternatives mentioned above, and all equivalents thereto.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0012]In the present disclosure, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the drawings, which illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013]Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, a lap desk 100 consists of a support member 105 forming a flat, ergonomic work surface area which may be supported by a cushion 110 (or other type of soft base) underneath the support member 105. The support member 105 may be comprised of a material made of hard plastic, wood, metal or any other suitable material that provides a rigid-semi-rigid material having suitable strength and thickness. The support member 105 is capable of withstanding external pressure or weight on the support member 105 without breaking or deforming the support member 105. The support member 105 can be made in a variety of shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, square, oval or any other shape. In one example, the edges of support member105 are rounded or provided in a curved manner to ...

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to lap desks, and more particularly, to a lap desk with an integrated, foldable arm equipped with a magnetic panel for holding a mobile phone.BACKGROUND

[0002] Lap desks are commonly used to provide a stable and ergonomic surface for working or studying while seated on a couch, bed, or other non-traditional workspace. These portable desks typically include features such as a flat work surface, compartments for storage, and sometimes cushioning for added comfort and / or an integral mouse pad.

[0003] However, a common issue faced by users of lap desks is the need for a convenient way to securely hold a mobile phone while working or multitasking. Many lap desks do not offer a built-in phone stand, leaving users to place their phones flat on the desk or awkwardly prop them up, which can be inconvenient for viewing notifications or using the phone for calls, video conferencing, or media consumption. Even when a slot is provided for a mobile phone, it can be difficult to view or use the phone.

[0004] There is a growing need for lap desks that incorporate better phone-holding solutions, especially as mobile phones are increasingly used for productivity, entertainment, and communication. The present invention provides a solution to this need, as described herein.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The lap desk of the present disclosure is directed to a lap desk that includes an integrated foldable arm with a magnetic panel designed for holding a mobile phone. The foldable arm fits neatly into a slot at the corner of the lap desk when not in use, allowing for easy storage and portability.

[0006] Key features of the lap desk of the present disclosure include: (1) a retractable arm that can be deployed from a slot of the lap desk (preferably in a corner thereof) and folded away when not in use; (2) a magnetic panel located on the end of the foldable arm, capable of securely holding a mobile phone, particularly those compatible with MagSafe® technology from Apple, Inc.; (3) the ability to rotate or adjust the angle of the foldable arm for optimal viewing of the mobile phone; and (4) the design allows the user to conveniently access and use the mobile phone while working on the lap desk, without taking up valuable desk space.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a top right front perspective view of the lap desk with the foldable arm extended and holding a mobile phone via the magnetic panel according to the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the lap desk of the present disclosure showing the foldable arm in its extended position, with the magnetic panel securely holding the phone;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the lap desk showing the hinge mechanism and magnetic panel coupled to the mobile phone;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a top view of the lap desk showing the foldable arm and magnetic panel folded and retracted into the storage slot; and

[0011] FIG. 5 is a side view of a hinge mechanism for use with the foldable arm of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] In the present disclosure, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the drawings, which illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, a lap desk 100 consists of a support member 105 forming a flat, ergonomic work surface area which may be supported by a cushion 110 (or other type of soft base) underneath the support member 105. The support member 105 may be comprised of a material made of hard plastic, wood, metal or any other suitable material that provides a rigid-semi-rigid material having suitable strength and thickness. The support member 105 is capable of withstanding external pressure or weight on the support member 105 without breaking or deforming the support member 105. The support member 105 can be made in a variety of shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, square, oval or any other shape. In one example, the edges of support member105 are rounded or provided in a curved manner to prevent a user from being injured by sharp edges.

[0014] The lap desk 100 is designed to rest comfortably on a user's lap. The lap desk 100 has sufficient space for a laptop, tablet, or other work materials in a first area 115 and may have an integral mouse pad in a second area 120 adjacent to the first area 115.

[0015] A feature of the lap desk 100 is a foldable arm 125, which is retractable and fits into a slot 130 of the lap desk 100 when not in use, as shown in FIG. 4. The foldable arm 125 is preferably constructed from lightweight yet durable materials, such as aluminum or high-strength plastic, to ensure both portability and durability. The foldable arm 125 folds neatly into the slot 130 pre-cut into the lap desk 100, preferably in a corner thereof. When folded, the foldable arm 125 sits flush with the top surface of the support member 105 of the lap desk 100, allowing for a streamlined appearance and easy portability as shown in FIG. 4. The foldable arm 125 is connected to the lap desk 100 via a first hinge mechanism 135 that allows the foldable arm 125 to fold outwards and upwards. The first hinge mechanism 135 is shown in FIG. 5 and includes a base hinge part 136 mounted to a lower surface 132 of the slot 130 and an arm hinge part mounted to a lower end of the foldable arm 125, the base hinge part 136 coupled to the arm hinge part 137 via a pin element 138 to form the first hinge mechanism 135. The pin element 138 may be a separate element or may be integral to the base hinge part 136 or the arm hinge part 137. The arm hinge part 137 may be rotatably coupled to the foldable arm 125 so that the foldable arm 125 may rotate while the arm hinge part 137 remains static. In an alternative embodiment, the base hinge part 136 may be mounted to a side surface within the slot 130. The first hinge mechanism 135 may be designed to lock into place at various angles, providing adjustable viewing angles for the user. For example, the first hinge mechanism 135 may include detents or friction locks to hold the foldable arm 125 at a desired position. The lap desk 100 may include a carrying handle 118 and a stop element 116 on the support member 105 to keep items such as laptop computers from sliding off of the lap desk 100.

[0016] A magnetic panel 140 is positioned at the outermost (or upper) end of the foldable arm 125 which is configured to securely hold a mobile phone 200. The magnetic panel 140 is particularly suited for phones that are compatible with MagSafe® technology from Apple, Inc., although it may also be used with phones that have magnetic cases or attachments. In an embodiment, the magnetic panel 140 may include an array of magnets arranged in a circular or grid pattern to ensure strong, secure attachment of the mobile phone 200. The magnetic panel 140 is configured to have magnetic strength sufficient to hold the mobile phone 200 in place during regular use, preventing accidental drops or slips. The magnetic panel 140 is designed to work with mobile phones that support MagSafe® or similar magnetic mounting technologies. Additionally, the magnetic panel 140 may be used with magnetic phone cases or adapters for phones that do not have built-in MagSafe® compatibility. In an embodiment, the magnetic panel 140 may be covered with a soft, non-scratch surface, such as silicone or rubber, to prevent any damage to the back (outer) surface of the mobile phone 200 while still providing a secure grip.

[0017] The magnetic panel 140 is coupled to the foldable arm 125 via a second hinge mechanism 145 which preferably allows the user to set the mobile phone 200 at a desired angle in order to obtain optimal viewing. By providing the first hinge mechanism 135 and the second hinge mechanism 145, the magnetic panel 140 can be rotated horizontally or tilted vertically to provide a user with a wide variety of positions for the mobile phone 200 thereby optimizing the viewing position. A user may position the mobile phone 200 in portrait or landscape orientation, providing for different types of activities such as video conferencing, watching media, or following online tutorials while working separately on a laptop computer positioned on the first area 115.

[0018] To use the magnetic panel 140 as a mobile phone holder, the user simply folds the foldable arm 125 out from the slot 130 and adjusts the foldable arm 125 and magnetic panel 140 to their desired positions. The mobile phone 200 may then be attached to the magnetic panel 140, which holds the mobile phone 200 securely in place. When not in use, the foldable arm 125 and magnetic panel 140 can be retracted and folded back into the slot 130, maintaining the clean and portable design of the lap desk. The design of lap desk 100 provides a convenient, space-saving solution for holding a mobile phone 200 during use. The design of lap desk 100 enhances the usability thereof by offering easy access to the phone without cluttering the desk surface.

[0019] Although the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments and various aspects thereof, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that the appended claims be interpreted as including the embodiments described herein, the alternatives mentioned above, and all equivalents thereto.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0012]In the present disclosure, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the drawings, which illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013]Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, a lap desk 100 consists of a support member 105 forming a flat, ergonomic work surface area which may be supported by a cushion 110 (or other type of soft base) underneath the support member 105. The support member 105 may be comprised of a material made of hard plastic, wood, metal or any other suitable material that provides a rigid-semi-rigid material having suitable strength and thickness. The support member 105 is capable of withstanding external pressure or weight on the support member 105 without breaking or deforming the support member 105. The support member 105 can be made in a variety of shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, square, oval or any other shape. In one example, the edges of support member105 are rounded or provided in a curved manner to ...

Claims

1. A lap desk, comprising:a support member forming a flat work surface for supporting electronic devices or writing materials, the support member having a slot formed therein;a foldable arm attached to the lap desk at a first end thereof, the foldable arm configured to fit into the slot in the desk when in a retracted position;a magnetic panel located at a second end of the foldable arm, the second end opposite the first end, the magnetic panel configured to hold a mobile phone;a first hinge mechanism coupled between the first end of the foldable arm and the lap desk, the first hinge mechanism allowing the foldable arm to rotate upward from the retracted position in order to provide one or more viewing angles; anda second hinge mechanism coupled between the second end of the foldable arm and the magnetic panel, the second hinge mechanism configured so that the magnetic panel rotates horizontally or vertically with respect to the foldable arm.

2. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the magnetic panel is compatible with MagSafe® technology for holding the mobile phone.

3. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the foldable arm is constructed from a lightweight material.

4. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the magnetic panel is covered with a soft surface to protect an outer surface of the mobile phone.

5. The lap desk of claim 4, wherein the soft surface is silicone or rubber.

6. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the foldable arm is rotatably coupled to the first hinge mechanism so that the foldable arm rotates and tilts to allow for adjustable viewing angles of the mobile phone.

7. The lap desk of claim 1, further comprising a cushion base under the support member for comfortable placement on a lap of a user.

8. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the foldable arm is configured to be retracted into the slot in the desk, and when retracted, the foldable arm is flush with a top surface of the lap desk for streamlined portability.

9. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the magnetic panel is configured to hold a mobile phone alternatively in both portrait orientation and landscape orientation.

10. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the slot is positioned in a corner of the support member.

11. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the slot has a lower surface and wherein the first hinge mechanism comprises a base hinge element mounted to the lower surface, an arm hinge element mounted to the foldable arm, and a pin for coupling the base hinge element to the arm hinge element.

12. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the slot has a side surface and wherein the first hinge mechanism comprises a base hinge element mounted to the side surface, an arm hinge element mounted to the foldable arm, and a pin for coupling the base hinge element to the arm hinge element.

13. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the second hinge mechanism is configured so that the magnetic panel rotates horizontally and vertically with respect to the foldable arm.

14. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the support member is formed from a material selected from hard plastic, wood, and metal.

15. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the support member has edges that are rounded or curved.

16. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the support member has a shape selected from rectangular, square, and oval.

17. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein an integral mouse pad is provided in an upper surface of the support member.

18. The lap desk of claim 1, further comprising a carrying handle mounted to the support member.

19. The lap desk of claim 1, further comprising a step element mounted on an upper surface of the support member at an edge thereof.

20. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the first hinge mechanism includes detents or friction locks to hold the foldable arm at desired positions.

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