Collapsible computer platform

Abstract

The principles of the present invention relate to a collapsible computer platform suitable for use on a seatback tray of an airplane, train, or the like. One example embodiment includes a first platform which may be used to place a laptop or other portable computing device on. The collapsible platform also includes two or more support assemblies. The support assemblies have a top portion coupled to the first platform and a second portion configured to rest on a surface. The support assemblies are configured to be collapsible relative to the first platform and to define a cavity or open space between the first platform and the surface on which the support assemblies rest when the deployed. The defined cavity may provide an open space for storage and work while a laptop computer is placed on the first platform.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
   
   
       13 . The collapsible computer platform in accordance with  claim 17 , wherein the cavity provides an open space large enough for using an optical mouse or suitable for storage of food or papers. 
   
   
       14 . The collapsible computer platform in accordance with  claim 17 , wherein the first platform and the first and second support members are made of a plastic. 
   
   
       15 . The collapsible computer platform in accordance with  claim 17 , wherein the fourth rotational member includes a locking member configured to lock the third and fourth support members in place when the computer platform is deployed and configured to allow the third and fourth support members to collapse when the computer platform is in the stored position. 
   
   
       16 . (canceled) 
   
   
       17 . A collapsible computer platform comprising:
 a first platform;   a second platform;   a plurality of support assemblies comprising:
 a first rotational member coupled to the first platform; 
 a first support member having a top portion coupled to the first rotational member; 
 a second rotational member coupled to a bottom portion of the first support member; 
 a second support member having a top portion coupled to the second rotational member, 
 a third rotational member coupled to a bottom portion of the second support member and coupled to the second platform; 
 a fourth rotational member coupled to the first platform opposite the first rotational member; 
 a third support member having a top portion coupled to the fourth rotational member; 
 a fifth rotational member coupled to a bottom portion of the third support member; 
 a fourth support member having a top portion coupled to the fifth rotational member 
 a sixth rotational member coupled to a bottom portion of the fourth support member and coupled to the second platform opposite the third rotational member; 
   wherein the plurality of support assemblies are configured such that the second rotational member is interior to the first and third rotational members and the fifth rotational member is interior to the fourth and sixth rotational members when collapsed relative to the first platform in a stored position and the second rotational member is exterior to the first and third rotational members and the fourth rotational member is exterior to the fourth and sixth rotational member when deployed; and   wherein a cavity is defined between the first platform and the second platform when the support assemblies are deployed.   
   
   
       18 . The collapsible computer platform in accordance with  claim 17 , further comprising a third platform configured to slide forward approximately 3 inches. 
   
   
       19 . The collapsible computer platform in accordance with  claim 17 , wherein the cavity defined between the first platform and the second platform has a height of approximately 3½ inches. 
   
   
       20 . The collapsible computer platform in accordance with  claim 17 , wherein the first platform is parallel to second platform and wherein the first platform and the second platform are sized to substantially hold a laptop computer. 
   
   
       21 . The collapsible computer platform in accordance with  claim 17 , wherein the second rotational member includes a locking member configured to lock the first and second support members in place when positioned in a first position the computer platform is deployed and configured to allow the first and second support members to collapse when the computer platform is in the stored position. 
   
   
       22 . The collapsible computer platform in accordance with  claim 17 , wherein the first platform, the second platform and the plurality of support members are made of a light colored plastic suitable for an optical mouse to be used on.