Notebook computer folding ergonomic pad
View Patent ↗A system, apparatus, and method for portable computing systems that simply and efficiently addresses poor ergonomics, heat buildup, and/or electromagnetic radiation, most preferably in one integrated solution. The apparatus includes a unitary blank of a substantially planar rigid sheet material including a plurality of panel portions interdivided by one or more bending line portions, wherein the unitary blank folds along the one or more bending line portions to produce a three-dimensional structure that supports a portable electronic device on at least one the panel portion over a surface at an angle inclined relative to the surface; and a fastening subsystem, coupled to the unitary blank, having a holding mode for maintaining the unitary blank folded in the three-dimensional structure and a release mode for transitioning the three-dimensional structure to a planar structure, the fastening subsystem providing for repeatable transitions between the holding mode and the release mode.
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a unitary blank of a substantially planar sheet material including a plurality of panel portions interdivided by one or more bending line portions, wherein said unitary blank folds along said one or more bending line portions to produce a three-dimensional structure that supports a portable electronic device on at least one said panel portion over a surface at an angle inclined relative to said surface; and
a fastening subsystem, coupled to said unitary blank, having a holding mode for maintaining said unitary blank folded in said three-dimensional structure and a release mode for transitioning said three-dimensional structure to a planar structure, said fastening subsystem providing for repeatable transitions between said holding mode and said release mode.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fastening subsystem includes a first connector coupled to a first panel portion of said plurality of panel portions and a second connector complementary to said first connector coupled to a second panel portion of said plurality of panel portions, said connectors engaged in said holding mode and disengaged in said release mode.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fastening subsystem includes a zipper having a pair of mating strips each strip including a row of teeth, a first strip coupled to said unitary blank along a first bending line portion and a second strip coupled to said unitary blank along a second bending line portion wherein said rows of teeth engage each other in said holding mode and wherein said rows of teeth disengage each other in said release mode.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said unitary blank is incorporated into a wall of a carrying case for said portable electronic device.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said plurality of panel portions include a face panel portion and a back panel portion with said bending line portion interposed therebetween.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said unitary blank forms a wall of a carrying case for said portable electronic device.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said unitary blank is detachable from said carrying case.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said wall includes an entire first side of said carrying case opposite an entire second side of said carrying case wherein internal surfaces of said sides form a cavity for said portable electronic device in a carrying mode, said entire first wall hingedly coupled to said entire second wall and including a lateral bending line portion, said entire first wall transitioning to a support mode having external surfaces of said sides juxtaposed and said entire first side bent along said lateral bending line portion overlying said surface to position said internal surface of said entire second side at said angle.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sheet material includes compression molded fabric over foam.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a retaining subsystem, coupled to one or more of said panel portions, to resist movement of said portable electronic device down said at least one panel portion.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said retaining subsystem includes a panel extension that physically inhibits movement of said portable electronic device down said at least one panel portion.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said retaining subsystem includes a band that physically inhibits movement of said portable electronic device down said at least one panel portion.
13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said retaining subsystem includes an enhanced frictional surface on said at least one panel portion that physically inhibits movement of said portable electronic device down said at least one panel portion.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sheet material is rigid material supporting a weight of said portable electronic device.