Portable computer stand

Abstract

A stand for a portable computer, includes a base, a platform attached pivotally upon the base and configured to support a portable computer, a support mechanism interacting with the platform and with the base to maintain the platform at one of a number of selectable acute angles with respect to the base. The base has a number of desktop-engaging rollers enabling the base to be moved linearly upon a desktop. A braking mechanism engages two of the rollers, and a user-activated pushbutton releases the braking mechanism upon depression, so that the stand can be moved upon the desktop.

1 . A stand for a portable computer, comprising: 
 a base,    a platform attached pivotally upon the base and configured to support a portable computer,    a support mechanism interacting with the platform and with the base to maintain the platform at one of a plurality of selectable acute angles with respect to the base.    
     
     
         2 . The stand of  claim 1 , wherein the support mechanism comprises a primary bracket attached pivotally to the platform or base and having a primary bar extending into a selected one of a plurality of parallel primary slots formed in the other of the platform or base.  
     
     
         3 . The stand of  claim 2 , further comprising a secondary support bracket attached pivotally to the platform or base and comprising one or more secondary bars extending into one of a plurality of parallel secondary slots formed in the other of the platform or base.  
     
     
         4 . The stand of  claim 3 , wherein the primary bar extends further from the platform than the secondary bar.  
     
     
         5 . The stand of  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a plurality of desktop-engaging rollers enabling the base to be moved linearly upon a desktop.  
     
     
         6 . The stand of  claim 5 , further comprising a braking mechanism engaging one of the rollers, and a user-activated pushbutton to release the braking mechanism upon depression.  
     
     
         7 . The stand of  claim 6 , wherein the braking mechanism comprises a lever engaged by the pushbutton and mounted pivotally to the base, and a spring that biases the lever against said one of the rollers.  
     
     
         8 . The stand of  claim 7 , wherein the pushbutton is mounted pivotally to the base and slides against the lever.  
     
     
         9 . The stand of  claim 8 , wherein the braking mechanism comprises a pair of said levers each interacting with the pushbutton and respectively interacting with an individual said roll.  
     
     
         10 . The stand of  claim 3  comprising a pair of said secondary support bracket is at laterally spaced, aligned positions upon the platform or stand.