Computer case/table

Abstract

A computer case/table for a laptop computer. When used as a case, the compact design allows for easy and convenient transport of a laptop computer from one location to another. Upon reaching the destination, the user may readily convert the case to a computer table on which the laptop computer can be placed for use. The case includes retractable, telescopic legs and a variety of computer accessories, such as a backup battery pack, and connectors for telephone and Internet access. An internal support system allows the laptop computer to rise in a forward tilted position from a stowed position to an upward position. Upon lifting of the case lid. This allows for the comfortable use of the computer, and promotes cooling of the rear portion of the computer, where heat tends to build up, by exposure to and promotion of the circulation of cooling environmental air.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A combination computer case and table for a laptop, palmtop, or similar compact computer comprising: 
 a) a computer case having a front wall, a rear wall, a first end wall, a second end wall, a bottom wall, and an openable lid serving as a top wall;    b) said computer case having a hinge on said rear wall connecting said rear wall with said lid and opposite to latches on said front wall for connecting said front wall to said lid;    c) means for supporting and lifting said computer positioned therein upon opening said lid, such that at least a rear portion of said computer is exposed to cooling environmental air; and    d) a mouse board slidably deployable from said first end wall.    
     
     
         2 . A combination computer case and table according to  claim 1 , further comprising retractable wheels at the intersection of said second end wall, said bottom wall and said front wall such that said mouse board, when deployed, acts as a handle for easily moving said case when resting on said retractable wheels.  
     
     
         3 . The combination computer case and table according to  claim 1 , further comprising telescoping legs, storable in recesses in said case and vertically insertable in recesses located at each of four corners of said bottom wall.  
     
     
         4 . The combination computer case and table according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said bottom wall comprises a printer support, movable from a raised position wherein a printer is contained within said case, and a lowered position wherein said printer support is suspended from articulated hangers at each of four corners, thereof, such that said printer is available for use.  
     
     
         5 . The combination computer case and table according to  claim 4 , wherein said articulated hangers comprise upper printer support arms attached to lower hanger support arms by arm connections which are so constructed as to allow inward bending of said printer support arms so as to adjust the height of said printer support, said printer support having wheels at each corner thereof to allow easy movement of said case and adjustment of its height.  
     
     
         6 . The combination computer case and table according to  claim 1 , having a retractable mouse board mounted within said front wall and parallel to said bottom wall.  
     
     
         7 . The combination computer case and table according to  claim 1 , said means of supporting and lifting said computer support comprising a support, connected by rear support pins and front support pins which travel in curved rear pin tracks and oppositely curved front pin tracks, respectively, said rear pin tracks being located on opposite ends of said case lid, said tracks being so located that when said case latches are opened and said case lid is opened around said led hinge, each of said support pins is movable from a lower end of said pin tracks to an upper end of said pin tracks, respectively, thus raising said computer support and said computer resting thereon, from a lower position within said case to an upper position at least partially above said case.  
     
     
         8 . The combination computer case and table of  claim 7 , further comprising a computer positioning device located on the lower end of said computer support and having computer support fingers conforming to the shape of a laptop computer to maintain said computer in a desired position.  
     
     
         9 . The combination computer case and table of  claim 3 , wherein said telescoping legs are adjustable to differing lengths to match the terrain, and further comprising a lamp and an articulated lamp support attachable to one of said first and said second end wall.  
     
     
         10 . The combination computer case and table of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle, centrally mounted on said front wall, and wherein said combination computer case and table, when in its closed configuration, approximates the size and configuration of a standard brief case.  
     
     
         11 . A combination computer case and table according to  claim 10 , further comprising a lamp connected with an articulated support and foldable into a recess in one of said first and second end walls and held in said recess by a latch when the lamp is not in use.  
     
     
         12 . A combination computer case and table according to  claim 10 , further comprising a telephone cable connection recessed in one of said first and said second end walls.  
     
     
         13 . A combination computer case and table according to  claim 10 , further comprising telescoping legs at each of the four corners of said combination computer case and table, each of which are stowable in a first position and rotatable around a retractable leg pivot to an upright position where said telescoping legs may be individually telescoped downward to a desired length, thus forming a table with said lid as the table surface.  
     
     
         14 . The combination computer case and table according to  claim 13 , wherein said legs are stowable in individual recesses in the bottom wall of said combination computer case and table.  
     
     
         15 . The combination computer case and table according to  claim 10 , wherein said means for supporting and lifting is connected by rear support pins and front support pins which travel in curved rear pin tracks and oppositely curved front pin tracks, respectively, said rear pin tracks being located on opposite ends of said case lid, said tracks being so located that when said case latches are opened and said case lid is pivoted around said lid hinge, each of said support pins is movable from a lower end of said pin tracks to an upper end of said pin tracks, respectively, thus raising said computer support and said computer resting thereon, from a lower position within said case to an upper position at least partially above said case.  
     
     
         16 . The combination computer case and table of  claim 15 , wherein said rear pin tracks and said front pin tracks are so arranged that said computer support tilts forward toward said front wall of said case.  
     
     
         17 . The combination computer case and table of  claim 15 . further comprising an AC adapter electrically connected with an automobile cigarette lighter probe connector with a probe connector wire, and a DC backup battery within said computer case.  
     
     
         18 . The combination computer case and table of  claim 10 , wherein at least a portion of said bottom wall comprises a lowering storage bottom rotatable on pins located near the rear wall of said case and having pins near the front thereof located on storage bottom tracks such that said storage bottom is movable from a stowed position, level with the bottom wall of said case to a tilted open position, extending downward toward the front wall of said case.  
     
     
         19 . The combination computer case and table of  claim 10 , further comprising an AC adapter, a DC backup battery, and telephone cable located within said case and accessible from the outside of said case.  
     
     
         20 . A combination computer case and table according to  claim 10 , further comprising an optional box attached to said bottom side for carrying a printer and computer supplies as desired.