Support structure assembly for supporting a portable computing device

{
  "publication_number": "US9411371B1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B1",
  "title": "Support structure assembly for supporting a portable computing device",
  "abstract": "A support structure assembly for supporting a portable computing device includes a harness assembly, a platform, two first step structures, and a support bar. The harness assembly includes a strap and a plurality of connectors extending from the strap. The platform defines a first support surface configured to support the computing device. The two first step structures extend from the platform and are located at opposite ends of the first support surface. Each first step structure defines (i) a first socket formed in a first outer step surface and configured to releasably retain a connector of the plurality of connectors, and (ii) a second support surface opposite from the first outer step surface, non-coplanar with the first support surface, and configured to support the computing device. The support bar is connected to the platform.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A support structure assembly for supporting a portable computing device comprising: a harness assembly including a strap and a plurality of connectors extending from said strap; a platform defining a first support surface configured to support the portable computing device; two first step structures extending from said platform and located at opposite ends of said first support surface, each first step structure defining (i) a first socket formed in a first outer step surface and configured to releasably retain a connector of said plurality of connectors, and (ii) a second support surface opposite from said first outer step surface, non-coplanar with said first support surface, and configured to support the portable computing device; and a support bar connected to said platform; the support structure assembly, further comprising: two second step structures extending from said platform, located at opposite ends of said first support surface, and spaced apart from said first step structures, each second step structure defining (i) a second socket formed in a second outer step surface and configured to releasably retain a connector of said plurality of connectors, and (ii) a third support surface opposite from said second outer step surface, non-coplanar with said first support surface, and configured to support the portable computing device; wherein at least one of said two first step structures is slidably movable relative to said platform, such that a first distance between said second support surfaces is selectable, and at least one of said two second step structures is slidably movable relative to said platform, such that a second distance between said third support surfaces is selectable.",
    "2. The support structure assembly of claim 1, wherein: said platform defines an undersurface opposite said first support surface, and said platform further defines a cavity located between said first support surface and said undersurface.",
    "3. The support structure assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a digital camera assembly supported by said platform, located at least partially in said cavity, and electrically connectable to an output of said portable computing device.",
    "4. The support structure assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a video projector assembly supported by said platform, located at least partially in said cavity, and configured to project a projected image through an image aperture in said platform, said video projector assembly electrically connectable to the portable computing device to receive an electrical video signal generated by the portable computing device.",
    "5. The support structure assembly of claim 4, further comprising: a power controller supported by said platform and electrically connected to said video projector assembly and the portable computing device, said power controller configured to supply electrical power to a lamp assembly of said video projector assembly in response to detecting that a display screen of the portable computing device is active and to electrically isolate said lamp assembly from said electrical power in response to detecting that the display screen is inactive.",
    "6. The support structure assembly of claim 5, wherein said electrical power is supplied by a battery supported by said video projector assembly.",
    "7. The support structure assembly of claim 4, wherein: said video projector assembly includes a focus adjustment mechanism, and said platform defines a focus opening through which said focus adjustment mechanism is accessible to a user to enable focusing of said projected image when said video projector assembly is supported by said platform and located at least partially in said cavity.",
    "8. The support structure assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a loudspeaker assembly supported by said platform, located at least partially in said cavity, and electrically connectable to said portable computing device to receive an electrical audio signal generated by the portable computing device.",
    "9. The support structure assembly of claim 8, wherein: said loudspeaker assembly further includes an electrical amplifier assembly and at least two loudspeaker units electrically connected to said amplifier assembly, and said amplifier assembly is configured to receive and amplify said electrical audio signal.",
    "10. The support structure assembly of claim 1, wherein: the support bar is configured for movement to an extended position and a retracted position, in said retracted position a support member of said support bar is configured to be received by a bar recess defined by an undersurface of said platform located opposite of said first support surface, and said support member is positioned between said first support surface and said undersurface, and in said extended position said support member is spaced apart from said bar recess."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "This disclosure relates to portable computing devices and in particular to an assembly for supporting a portable computing device while the device is in use.\n\nPortable computing devices, referred to herein as computers, portable computers, laptop computers, or laptops, typically include a base unit and a display screen that is pivotably connected to the base unit. The base unit contains a central processing unit (“CPU”), memory, a battery, and a keyboard. The display screen displays information processed by the CPU, while the keyboard is an input device for inputting and manipulating data. A mouse or other input device is typically connectable to the base unit as a further input device.\n\nLaptops are used by technicians and professionals across a wide range of industries. For example, some medical professionals maintain electronic patient charts and use laptops to access and update the patient charts during a patient visit. The typical medical professional may carry the laptop into the exam room and then place the laptop on a table, desk, countertop, or other support surface during use of the device. Depending on the facility, however, a suitable support surface may be unavailable, thereby making use of the laptop extremely inconvenient. Moreover, in some cases the professional needs to be near the patient without any suitable support surface. In such a situation, the medical professional must support the base of the laptop with one hand and then type or enter data using the other hand.",
  "cpc": [
    "G06F 1/1632",
    "A45F 2003/148",
    "A45F 2200/0525",
    "A45F 3/14",
    "A45F 5/00",
    "A45F 5/1525",
    "G06F 1/163",
    "G06F 1/1662",
    "G06F 1/1688",
    "G06F 1/266",
    "G06F 1/3265",
    "H01R 25/006",
    "H04N 9/3141",
    "Y02D 10/00"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "A45F 3/04",
    "A45F 5/00",
    "B65D 85/00",
    "G06F 1/16",
    "G06F 1/26",
    "H01R 25/00",
    "H04N 9/31"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Rick Goren"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2015-04-16",
  "publication_date": "2016-08-09",
  "grant_date": "2016-08-09",
  "priority_date": "2015-04-16",
  "application_number": "US-201514688498-A",
  "family_id": "56555940",
  "cited_by_count": 9,
  "citations": [
    "US5295089A",
    "US5859628A",
    "US5724225A",
    "US6354477B1",
    "US6349864B1",
    "US6381127B1",
    "US6772265B2",
    "US6659319B2",
    "US20050140941A1",
    "EP1494106A1",
    "US20070051766A1",
    "US20050247584A1",
    "US20070199851A1",
    "US7641348B2",
    "US20090078707A1",
    "US8358513B2",
    "WO2012024723A1"
  ]
}