Tilting lap desk with device tether

Abstract

A lap desk (10) includes a tillable deck (20) and folding legs for elevating the deck (20) above a resting surface. Leg (70) interface modules enable folding of the legs beneath the deck (20). A gear rotates within a gear housing in the interface module for tilting the deck (20). A cam lever operable by a user manipulates a resilient retention finger which engages the gear to affix the deck (20) at a select tilt angle. A transverse device slot (40) paralleling the deck (20) rear edge accepts planar devices such as cell phones and tablets, holding such devices at a convenient viewing angle. Apertures in the device slot (40) enable access to device cords. A resilient tether for each device slides in a transverse groove hi the back edge of the deck (20) and hooks onto the top of the device to retain it in the slot when the deck (20) is tilted.

Description

[0001] TILTING LAP DESK WITH DEVICE TETHER

[0002] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0003] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.63 / 720,013, filed November 13, 2024, and from U. S. Design Patent Application Ser. No. 29 / 975,404, filed November 27, 2024. The contents of both applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] 1. Field of the Invention:

[0006] This invention relates generally to lap desks, and particularly to lap desks with a tiltable deck and adjustable legs that fold beneath the deck for storage. More particularly, this invention relates to a portable lap desk with a device slot and a tether for securing said device in said device slot.

[0007] 2. Description of Related Art:

[0008] V arious types of lap desks exist with telescoping, leg-like supports, most designed to straddle a user’s legs and to position an electronic device or other objects conveniently in front of said user. Some have tiltable desk tops featuring pencil troughs, mouse pads, wrist pads and device curbs that prevent the device from sliding off if the desk top is tilted. A few include:

[0009] Zou, X.; Qiu, J. (CN 111,904,152 ) discloses a lap desk with a clamping groove for vertical support of a small electronic device and an opposite baffle to keep objects from sliding off the desk. Telescoping vertical legs couple to the deck through a rotating hinge which allows tilting the deck.

[0010] Chen, D. (CN 211,408,023) discusses a table top with vertical legs atop skid-like feet, the table top having a fixed portion and a movable portion, the latter hinged to the former and driven by a motor. A “wire arranging tray” is suspended from the underside of the fixed portion.

[0011] Xian University (CN 217,337,776 U) discusses a desk having a horizontal bottom plate and two decks independently tiltable using electric lifting columns. A drawer may be located between the plate and one or both decks. The plate is supported on telescoping, T-shaped legs. A lower margin baffle at the front edge prevents objects from rolling or sliding off.

[0012] Tengda Tianjin Office Furniture (CN 208,463,267 U) shows a platform supported by two vertically adjustable side legs having Y-shaped feet. A cooling module is embedded within the platform where an electronic device would rest during usage. Two cinching baffles and a wrist rest reside at the front edge prevent a computer from sliding when the device tilts toward the user.

[0013] “SAIJI Laptop Bed Tray Table” (Amazon listing) shows a computer desk having a tiltable support platform supported by telescoping, T-shaped legs which pivot and fold beneath the platform for storage and transportation. The platform interfaces with the legs by a clamping tilt mechanism. The platform also includes a slot near the top for a planar electronic device (phone or tablet) and a lower-edge, adjustable stop device to prevent a laptop from sliding off when the platform is tilted. A utility draw’er slides out from one side.

[0014] “Portronics My Buddy Plus Laptop Table” (Amazon listing) includes a tiltable desktop supported on each end by a T-shaped telescoping leg, the tilt mechanism being the interface between the legs and desktop. The desktop includes a cooling fan, and a ledge and wrist pad prevent things from rolling off.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] A lap desk includes a tiltable deck and folding legs for elevating the deck above a resting surface. Leg interface modules enable folding of the legs beneath the deck. A gear rotates within a gear housing in the interface module for tilting the deck. A cam lever operable by a user manipulates a resilient retention finger which engages the gear to affix the deck at a select tilt angle. A transverse device slot paralleling the deck rear edge accepts planar devices such as cell phones and tablets, holding such devices at a convenient viewing angle. Apertures in the device slot enable access to device cords. A resilient tether for each device slides in a transverse groove in the back edge of the deck and hooks onto the top of the device to retain it in the slot when the deck is tilted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The novel features characteristic of the present invention are set forth in claims appended hereto. The invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use and further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of one or more illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 is an elevated perspective view the tiltable lap desk disposed upon a resting surface.

[0019] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the lap desk of Figure. 1.

[0020] Figure 3 details the bottom plan view of the lap desk of Figure 1 showing its legs folded.

[0021] Figure 4 shows a leg attachment module for use with lap desk in Figure 1.

[0022] Figures 5A - 5C detail a leg folding interface to the attachment module of Figure 4.

[0023] Figure 6 shows the lap desk as viewed in Figure 1, but with its deck tilted according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 is a right side elevation view of the lap desk tilted as shown in Figure 6.

[0025] Figures 8A, 8B detail in partial cross section the device slot of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 9 details the leg attachment module of Figure 4.

[0027] Figures 9A, 9B detail the tilting mechanism within the attachment module of Figure 4.

[0028] Figure 10 is a partial cutaway view of a rear corner of the deck showing the tether cooperative with a tether track on the rear edge of the deck.

[0029] Figure 11 details the tether swivel assembly of the tether shown in Figure 10. Figure 12 is a bottom plan view similar to Figure 3 detailing one embodiment of a tether docking feature of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 13 details an alternate tether docking apparatus for the present invention.

[0031] Figure 14 details in cross section the alternate tether docking apparatus of Figure 13.

[0032] Figure 15 details an accessory tray for use with the present invention.

[0033] DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] Referring now to the figures, and particularly to Figures 1 - 2, foldable lap desk 10 appears disposed upon resting surface 1 by its extendable, foldable legs 70 hingedly coupled to opposite ends of the bottom of planar deck 20. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that resting surface 1 may be any of a number of preferably horizontal surfaces such as a table, desk, floor, mattress, couch cushions or lap of a user (none shown). Legs 70 elevate planar deck 20 a convenient distance above resting surface 1. As discussed below, legs 70 are independently adjustable in height, giving said user the flexibility to use desk 10 on an uneven (not shown) resting surface 1.

[0035] Planar deck 20 is defined by deck front edge 25 and opposite deck rear edge 26, both flanked by deck left side edge 23 and opposite deck right side edge 24, further defining deck top surface 21 and opposite deck bottom surface 22. Deck side edges 23, 24 preferably are of equal length, parallel and substantially perpendicular to deck front and rear edges 25, 26, said edges 23 - 26 thereby defining deck 20 as having a rectangular shape. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize, of course, that deck 20 is not limited to a rectangular shape but could be of any shape appropriate as a substantially planar surface onto which to place objects. In a particular embodiment, vertical ledge 29 may partially or entirely surround top deck surface 21 to deter loose objects from falling off of deck top surface 21. In a particular embodiment, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 51may be disposed on deck bottom surface 22 and adapted to reinforce and stiffen deck 20. Ribs 51 preferably comprise a plurality of planar ridges or baffles oriented normal to and spaced across the width of deck bottom surface 22. Ribs 51 preferably are oriented parallel to one of side edges 23, 24 or front and rear edges 25, 26. In another particular embodiment, ribs 51 are provided in both directions to form a grid of ribs 51, one example of which is illustrated in Figure 2. In any case, the lower margins of ribs 51 distal bottom deck surface 22 preferably are coplanar, providing an even but not solid surface to which other devices may be attached (as discussed herein below). One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize, of course, that ribs 51 need not be evenly spaced across, nor extend over the entirety of deck bottom surface 22 to be considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0036] Deck 20 further may include a non-slip material laminated onto at least a portion of deck top surface 21, said non-slip material adapted to deter slippage between deck top surface 21 and objects placed thereupon, such as books, electronic devices, computer mice and the like (none shown). One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that said non-slip material may be composed of a number of diverse materials ranging from leather or neoprene rubber to a simple non-slip paint, or may be absent altogether, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0037] Deck 20 further includes transverse wrist pad 28 disposed across at least a portion desk top surface 21 preferably adjacent its front edge 25. Wrist pad 28 supports a user’s forearm or wrist (not shown) as said user utilizes objects on deck 20 such as a keyboard or laptop computer. Although wrist pad 28 is shown as continuous across the width of deck 20, a person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that wrist pad 28 could be shorter than depicted, provided in two or more segments, or varied in other manners within the scope of the present invention.

[0038] Bumper 27 preferably also protrudes upward from top desk surface 21, adjacent but separately from wrist pad 28. Bumper 27 is adapted to retard movement of objects placed on deck 20, particularly those such as pencils or pens (not shown) which might be inclined to roll down against wrist pad 28 or off of deck top surface 21 entirely when deck 20 is tilted, as discussed below. In a particular embodiment, bumper 27 comprises a short, rubberized plug removably disposed within and protruding from an upwardly open groove within deck 20 adjacent wrist pad 28. Bumper 27 in this embodiment may be repositioned along said open groove at the convenience of the user.

[0039] Foldable legs

[0040] Referring now also to Figures 3 - 5C, extendable, foldable, T-shaped legs 70 bearing nonskid feet 71 enable said user to elevate deck 20 to a plurality of height positions above resting surface 1. When fully extended as shown in Figure 1, legs 70 may be disposed substantially normal to deck bottom surface 22. To enhance stability of desk 10, however, legs 70 may incline outward, away from the center of deck 20 and toward left and right side edges 23, 24, respectively, as best seen in Figure 4. Preferably, legs 70 incline from deck 20 at a select angle of approximately 100 degrees relative to deck bottom surface 22 (i.e. 10 degrees from normal thereto, as indicated in Figure 4). One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other select angles of inclination for said legs 70 are within the scope of the present invention.

[0041] Each of legs 70 couples to deck 20 through leg interface module 80 attached to the bottom margins of ribs 51 by mounting plate 81. Disposed on the bottom of mounting plate 81, gear housing 84 surrounds and contains the mechanism for tilting deck 20, as discussed below. Coupled to the side of gear housing 84 opposite side edge 23, 24, pivot clevis 83 rotatably receives and couples the upper end ofleg 70. As detailed in Figures 5A - 5C and also in Figure 9, leg 70 pivots within clevis 83 about axis B (paralleling deck side edges 23, 24) to articulate between folded and extended positions, as shown in Figures 4 and 2 respectively.

[0042] Clevis 83 comprises an elongate, C-shaped body defined by planar side walls 93, disposed equidistant from and on opposite sides of rotation axis A, and curved side wall 94 spanning between them an mating with curved saddle 89 disposed on mounting plate 81. Clevis 83 terminates in end cap 95 on its proximate end adjacent gear housing 84 and is open on its opposite end distal end cap 95 so that leg 70 may pass between side walls 93 when disposed in its folded position. At the comers of side walls 93 distal end cap 95 (Figure 5B), clevis 83 includes detents 97 which engage leg 70 and deter it from rotating unintentionally about axis B. This holds leg 70 firmly within one or the other of its extended and folded positions. As clevis 83 is fabricated from a resilient material, it gives under force applied to leg 70 to pivot it about axis B. This causes clevis 83 side ’alls 93 to deform outwardly at said comers and causes detents 97 to move out of the way of leg 70, effectively widening the gap between clevis side walls 93 on either side of axis A. This permits leg 70 to pass detents 97 as it switches between its folded and extended leg positions. Once leg 70 moves past detents 97, resilience of clevis 83 causes it to spring back into its undeformed shape, and detents 97 bear against the sides of legs 70 to hold legs 70 firmly in the new position.

[0043] Tilting mechanism

[0044] Turning now also to Figures 9 - 9B, gear 82 couples to the back of end cap 95 of clevis 83, adjacent gear housing 84, and extends along axis A (perpendicular to axis B ) to journal within gear housing 84. Gear 82 thus is affixed to leg 70 and does not rotate relative thereto. Instead, gear housing 84 rotates with deck 20 about axis A as deck 20 is tilted. Saddle 89 surrounds and defines key race 89A annularly disposed in an arcuate path coaxial with axis A. Key race 89A slidably receives like shaped key 88 disposed on and rotating about axis A with curved clevis end wall 94. Key race 89A is open at one end to admit key 88 but closed at its opposite end to limit the travel of key 88 within key race 89A. This in turn limits the travel of clevis 83 relative to mounting plate 81 and thereby the angular tilt displacement of deck 20.

[0045] Extending normal to mounting plate 81, resilient, finger 87 removably engages gear 82 within gear housing 84 to secure the latter’s tilt position defined by the cogs on gear 82. Cam 85 disposed within gear housing 84 compresses resilient finger 87, urging it into engagement with gear 82 and affixing deck 20 relative to legs 70. Lever 86 couples to cam 85 from outside gear housing 84 and provides said user means for adjusting and securing deck 20 into one of a plurality of tilt angles relative to legs 70. When depressed, lever 86 moves cam 85 away from finger 87, releasing it from gear 82 and permitting gear housing 84 to rotate about Axis A, thereby tilting deck 20. Pushing lever 86 in the opposite direction re-engages cam 85 with finger 87 and urges the latter into engagement with gear 82, again fixing deck 20 into a select tilt angle.

[0046] Device holder means

[0047] Turning now also to Figures 10 - 15, device holder means 40 is disposed within deck top surface 21 near rear edge 26. Device holder means 40 comprises a rectangular slot extending transverse deck 20 and adapted to receive and hold one or more planar objects 3, such as books or electronic devices (herein after ’‘planar devices”), at a convenient viewing angle. Device slot 40 preferably comprises a substantially rectangular trough open at its top margin 41 substantially flush with deck top surface 21 and defined by parallel front and rear slot walls 45, 46 which extend downward below deck bottom surface 22 to terminate at slot bottom 44.

[0048] Preferably, device slot 40 is fabricated as an integral part of deck 20 itself, enabling slot 40 to be disposed a minimal distance from deck rear edge 26, thus maximizing the remaining surface of deck 20 for other uses. Slot 40 could instead be fabricated separately and inserted through deck 20 as well, but it would require a portion of deck top surface 21 between slot 40 and deck rear edge 26 for a mounting flange (not shown), this option would occupy more surface area of deck 20. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize, of course, that all means of forming slot 40 and coupling it into deck 20 near the latter’s rear edge 26 are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0049] As depicted (Figures 1, 5), device slot 40 extends substantially the entire width deck rear edge 26. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that other lengths of device slot 40 are within the scope of the present invention. Further, two or more device slots 40 (not shown) may be disposed across deck 20 adjacent rear deck edge 26. Still further, said two or more device slots 40 need not be of the same length, width or depth, but could vary in all such dimensions to accommodate planar devices 3 of different sizes and thicknesses. As they descend from deck top surface 21, slot walls 45, 46 incline forward, toward deck front edge 25. Such forward inclination of walls 45, 46 displaces slot bottom 42 toward the deck front edge 25. This in turn causes planar objects 3, when placed into slot 40, to tilt backwards slightly relative to deck top surface 21 into a convenient viewing and reading angle for said user. Slot floor 42 further preferably surrounds and defines a plurality of slot apertures 44 adapted to admit from below deck 20 device power, audio and other cords (none shown) adapted to power or enhance usage of select planar devices 3.

[0050] Tether means

[0051] As best seen in Figures 10 - 14 desk 10 further includes tether means 30 for tethering the top margins of planar devices 3, thereby securing them within device slot 40. Particularly when deck 20 is tilted (see Figures 6, 7) or when desk 10 is carried from one resting surface 1 to another (not shown), planar device 3 journaled within slot 40 may be inclined to fall out. This is largely because most of the mass of planar device 3 and its center of gravity are disposed well above deck 20.

[0052] In a particular embodiment, tether means 30 includes elongate strap 31 bearing swivel 34 on one end coupled to deck 20 and bearing hook 32 on its opposite end distal deck 20. Hook 32 is adapted to grasp and bear against the top edge of planar device 3 under tension from strap 31 (Figures 6, 7). Buckle 38 enables adjustment of the overall length of strap 31 (between swivel 34 and hook 32) to match the varying heights of planar devices 3 (distal slot 40) of various sizes. Strap 31 preferably is fabricated from an elastomeric material. Thus, when hook 32 is in place on the top edge of planar device 3 and strap 31 is tightened using buckle 38, the tension in strap 31 holds tether means 30 in place and planar device 3 within slot 40 even if deck 30 is tilted at a severe angle.

[0053] Swivel 34 rotatably affixes tether means 30 to deck rear edge 26 of desk 10. Strap 31 loops through swivel 34 and preferably is stitched permanently in place. Protruding from swivel 34, stud 36 bears head 35, a substantially disk shaped flange coupled to swivel 34 by stud neck 35 having a smaller diameter than head 35. Stud 36 slidably cooperates with tether track 37 disposed within desk rear edge 26 to permit tether means 30 to slide the entire width of deck 20 and to be positioned optimally to secure device 3 within slot 40. Tether track 37 has a substantially rectangular cross section (see Figures 8A, 8B, 10) which receives head 35 of stud 36 and prevents head 35 from slipping out of track 37. As best seen in Figure 10, insertion port 39 on one or both ends of track 37 permits insertion of head 35 so that it may be retained within track 37. Removable plug 39A further may be provided to prevent head 35 from inadvertently escaping track 37 when tether 30 is temporarily loose and not under tension.

[0054] Tether means 30 thus secures planar device 3 within device slot 40 even when deck 20 is tilted at large angles relative to resting surface. 1. Where more than one planar device is in use with slot 40, multiple tethers 40 may be employed (not shown) simultaneously within the scope of the present invention.

[0055] Tether docking

[0056] Referring specifically now to Figures 12 - 14, tether docking means 50 coupled to deck bottom surface 22 provides temporary storage for tether 30 without the need to remove it from track 37. Tether docking means 50 comprises one or more elongate ports 53 adapted to receive and retain hook 32, thereby holding strap 31 in tension and tether 30 disposed beneath deck 20 adjacent ribs 51. Ports 53 are disposed parallel to deck rear edge 26 and arrayed in a line paralleling deck side edges 23, 24. Thus several ports 53 are available to dock hook 32, in increasing displacements from deck rear edge 26, depending upon the length of strap 31.

[0057] In a particular embodiment, tether docking means 50 comprises plate 55 surrounding and defining a plurality of ports 53 arrayed in a row. Plate 55 is disposed on said lower margins of ribs 51 and extends across several ribs 51 and a substantial portion of the bottom of deck 20. Ports 53 preferably are spaced evenly along the length of plate 55, thus providing a plurality of docking stations for hook 32. As depicted, plate 55 embodies two such rows to enable docking of two tethers 30 at one time. Alternately, in another particular embodiment, plate 55 could be narrower than shown in the figures and provide but a single row of ports 53 (not shown) for docking one of tethers 30 at a time. In another particular embodiment, plate 55 is absent and, in its stead, ports 53 are formed within ribs 51 themselves. In this embodiment, ports 53 preferably are sized and shaped similarly to those in plate 55, each one of ports 53 being disposed in one of several adjacent ribs 51, as shown in Figures 13 - 14. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other embodiments for tether docking means 50 can be configured to hold tether 30, and that all such tether docking means 50 are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0058] Accessories drawer

[0059] Tether 30 storage also may be provided separately from docking means 50. Instead, convenience tray or drawer 60 provides such storage for one or more tethers 30. Drawer 60 couples the lower margins of ribs 51 and slides outward, at least partially beyond the perimeter of deck 20 as defined by deck side edge 23, 24. As best seen in Figure 15, drawer 60 articulates parallel to deck rear edge 26 between a closed position entirely beneath deck 20 and an open position partially extended from beneath deck 20, the latter rendering its interior accessible to said user. As well as storing tether 30, drawer 60 maybe used for, inter alia, containing small objects such as a computer mouse, jump drives, writing implements and the like (none shown). It also may serve as long term storage of tether 30 so that tether 30 need not be left in tension (using docking means 50) for extended periods of time, a practice known to degrade elastomeric materials like strap 31.

[0060] Operation

[0061] In operation, said user inverts folded lap desk 10 atop a convenient surface (e.g., resting surface 1), with deck bottom surface 22 oriented upwards, thus exposing legs 70. Said user then grasps foot 71 of each leg 70 and exerts upward force, overcoming detents 97 which hold leg 70 in the folded position. Said user then rotates legs 70 about their respective axes B until legs 70 pass detents 97 and lock into theft extended positions. Said user then rights lap desk 10 and places it onto its feet 71 on resting surface 1, possibly but not necessarily straddling said user’s lap (not shown). Next, if desired, said user may telescopically extend legs 70 to lengthen one or both of them as needed. Finally, said user may depress tilt lever 86 on each leg 70 and tilt deck 20 to a select tilt angle. Lap desk 10 thus is ready to be used, tilted or not, for supporting multiple objects such as books, papers, games, computers or other electronic devices (none shown).

[0062] If said user wishes simultaneously to use one or more planar devices 3 with desk 10, said user may array them into device slot 40 in any order and at any position across rear deck edge 26. If steeply tilting deck 20 or moving lap desk 10 about, said user may secure each planar device 3 in use in device slot 40 with tether means 30 as described above. If tethers 30 are stored on the underside of deck 20, as discussed above, said user need only disengage hook 32 from the select port 53 and hook it to the top of planar device 3. If tethers 30 are stored elsewhere, such as in drawer 60, said user first engages swivel head 35 with track 37 and then stretches strap 31 to engage hook 32 over the top of planar device 3.

[0063] For storing lap desk 10 between uses, said user reverses the foregoing steps. Though such reversal steps may be in any order, removing planar devices 3 and stowing tether 30 likely would be among the first reversal steps while shortening and folding legs 70 against the bottom of deck 20 likely would be one of the last reversal steps.

[0064] Summary

[0065] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0066] For example, though multiple ports 53 are depicted arrayed in a row extending normal to deck rear edge 26, a single one of said ports 53 could suffice for the purpose.

Claims

I claim:

1. A tilting lap desk adapted to sit on a resting surface and support one or more objects, said tilting lap desk havinga planar deck (20) havinga deck perimeter defined bya deck left side (23) and an opposite deck right side (24); anda deck front edge (25) and an opposite deck back edge (26);said deck perimeter surrounding and defining a deck top surface (21) and an opposite deck bottom surface (22); anda plurality of deck reinforcing ribs (51) disposed normal to said deck bottom surface, said deck reinforcing ribs having a bottom margin distal said deck bottom surface;two foldable legs (70), one each of said foldable legs coupled to said deck bottom surface adjacent one of said deck left side and said deck right side, said foldable legs each havinga deck end coupled to said planar deck and an opposite foot end;a footer (71) disposed on said foot end;a leg interface module (80) coupled between each of said foldable legs and said deck bottom surface, said leg interface module havinga module mounting plate (81) disposed on said reinforcing ribs;pivot means (83) coupled to said leg for pivoting said leg between a folded leg position and an extended leg position; anddeck tilting means (82) for tilting said deck relative to said legs.

2. The tilting lap desk of Claim 1 and further comprisinga device slot (40) disposed transverse said planar deck adjacent said deck rear edge, said device slot adapted to receive and hold a lower portion of at least one planar device journaled within said device slot; anddevice securing means for securing said planar device within said device slot.

3. The tilting lap desk of Claim 2 wherein said device securing means comprisesa tether track (37) disposed within said deck rear edge; anda tether (30) havinga tether swivel end coupled to said tether track and a tether hook end;a swivel (34) on said tetherswivel end, said swivel bearing a swivel stud (35) adapted to cooperate with said tether track to slidably secure said tether to said planar deck; and a device hook (32) on said tether hook end, said device hook adapted to engage a top margin of said at least one planar device opposite said device slot.

4. The tilting lap desk of Claim 3 and further comprisingtether storage means for storing said tether when said tether is not in use with said at least one planar device.

5. The tilting lap desk of Claim 4 wherein said tether storage means comprisesa plurality of hook ports (53) coupled to said deck bottom surface and adapted to receive said device hook and to secure said tether adjacent said deck reinforcing ribs.

6. The tilting lap desk of Claim 5 whereinsaid plurality of hook ports is arrayed in a row between said deck front edge and said deck back edge.

7. The tilting lap desk of Claim 5 whereineach of said plurality of hook ports is surrounded and defined by a hook port plate (55), said hook port plate disposed on said deck reinforcing ribs.

8. The tilting lap desk of Claim 5 whereineach of said plurality of hook ports is surrounded and defined by one of said deck reinforcing ribs.

9. The tilting lap desk of Claim 8 whereinsaid plurality of hook ports is arrayed in a row of said deck reinforcing ribs extending between said deck front edge and said deck back edge.

10. The tilting lap desk of Claim 4 wherein said tether storage means comprisesa drawer (60) coupled to said deck reinforcing ribs, said drawer having a drawer interior adapted to contain said tether,11. The tilting lap desk of Claim 10 whereinsaid drawer articulates between a closed position disposed beneath said planar deck and an opened position at least partially extended beyond said deck perimeter.

12. The tilting lap desk of Claim 2 wherein said device slot further includesa device slot bottom (42) which surrounds and defines a plurality of device slot apertures (44) adapted to admit power and audio cords for use with said planar device into said device slot from beneath said deck bottom surface.

13. The tilting lap desk of Claim 1 wherein said pivot means comprisesa leg receptor clevis (83) coupled between said deck tilting means (82) and said leg (70) and disposed coaxial with a rotation axis (A), said leg receptor clevis havingresilient, parallel first and second clevis side walls (93) disposed a spaced equidistant from and on opposite sides of said rotation axis (A);a third clevis side wall (94) spanning between said first and second clevis side walls, said third clevis side wall slideably engaging a saddle disposed on said module mounting plate; anda planar end cap (95) disposed normal to said rotation axis (A) and spanning between said clevis side and end walls adjacent said deck tilting means, said clevis side walls and end cap defining a clevis interior having a clevis width transverse said rotation axis (A); and a pivot axle (96) spanning through said clevis interior between said first and second clevis side walls and through said leg, said pivot axle disposed perpendicular to said rotation axis (A) and parallel to said deck left and right sides.

14. The tilting lap desk of Claim 13 and further comprisingdetent means (97) disposed within said clevis interior on each of said first and second clevis side walls adjacent said leg, said detent means adapted to resist rotation of said leg about said pivot axle.

15. The tilting lap desk of Claim 14 wherein the detent means comprisesa detent (97) disposed on each of said clevis side walls distal said planar end cap and within said clevis interior, said detent serving tonarrow a portion of said clevis width,retain said leg in one of its folded position or its extended position; and cause said resilient clevis side walls to flex when said leg rotates from said folded position to said extended position and vice versa.

16. The tilting lap desk of Claim 1 wherein said deck tilting means comprisesa gear housing (84) disposed on said mounting plate (81) and having a gear housing rotation axis (A) disposed parallel to said deck front edge;a gear (82) coupled to said leg deck end and extending into said gear housing coaxial said rotation axis (A), said gear havinga gear perimeter coaxial with said gear housing rotation axis (A); and a plurality of gear teeth disposed on said gear perimeter;a resilient gear locking finger (87) removably engagable with said gear teeth; and a lever operated cam (85) adapted to urge said gear locking finger into locking engagement with said gear teeth.

17. The tilting lap desk of Claim 16 wherein said gear locking finger further comprises a first locking finger end affixed to said gear housing; anda second locking finger end distal said first finger end and adapted to articulate between a first finger position engaged with said gear teeth and a second finger position disengaged from said gear teeth.

18. A lap desk adapted to sit on a resting surface and support one or more objects, said lap desk havinga planar deck (20) havinga deck top surface (21) and an opposite deck bottom surface (22), a deck left side (23) and an opposite deck right side (24);a deck front edge (25) and an opposite deck back edge (26); and a plurality of deck reinforcing ribs (51) disposed normal to said deck bottom surface, said deck reinforcing ribs having a bottom margin distal said deck bottom surface; at least one foldable leg (70) coupled to said deck bottom surface adjacent one of said deck left side and said deck right side, said at least one foldable leg adapted to articulate between a folded leg position juxtaposed said deck reinforcing ribs (51) and an extended leg position for supporting said planar deck above a resting surface;a slot (40) disposed transverse said planar deck adjacent said deck rear edge, said slot adapted to receive and hold a lower portion of at least one object journaled within said slot; and securing means for securing said object within said slot.

19. The lap desk of Claim 18 wherein said securing means comprisesa tether track (37) disposed within said deck rear edge; anda tether (30) bearinga swivel (34) on its end proximate said tether track; anda hook (32) its end distal said tether track.

20. The lap desk of Claim 19 and further comprisinga plurality of hook ports (53) coupled to said deck bottom surface.

21. A method of using electronic devices with a tilting lap desk, the method comprising providing a tilting lap desk havinga planar deck (20) defined bya deck top surface (21) and an opposite deck bottom surface (22), a deck left side (23) and an opposite deck right side (24);a deck front edge (25) and an opposite deck back edge (26); and a plurality of deck reinforcing ribs (51) disposed normal to said deck bottom surface, said deck reinforcing ribs having a bottom margin distal said deck bottom surface;two foldable legs (70 ) coupled to said planar deck adjacent said deck left and right sides, said legs adapted to articulate between a folded leg position juxtaposed said deck reinforcing ribs (51) and an extended leg position;a device slot (40) disposed transverse said planar deck adjacent said deck rear edge, said device slot open at said deck top surface and having a rectangular cross section and slot walls (45, 46) inclining to a slot bottom (44) displaced toward said deck front edge a spaced distance; anddevice securing means (30) for securing said planar device within said device slot; thenplacing said tilting lap desk upside down on a resting surface and extending each of said foldable legs to its extended leg position; thenturning said tilting lap desk upright and resting it on a resting surface; thenplacing one or more electronic devices into said device slot and facing toward said deck front edge; thenengaging said device securing means to secure said one or more electronic devices within said device slot.

22. The method of Claim 21 whereinsaid device securing means comprisesa tether track (37) disposed within said deck rear edge; anda tether (30) bearinga tether swivel (34) on its end proximate said tether track; anda device hook (32) on its end distal said tether track;andsaid method further includesengaging said tether swivel with said tether track;sliding said tether swivel along said tether track until said tether is disposed adjacent said electronic device disposed within said device slot; thenextending said device hook to engage a top margin of said electronic device distal said device slot; andadjusting a length of said tether to induce tension in said tether to hold said electronic device in said device slot.

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