Adjustable computer stand
The invention provides an automatically adjustable computer stand for thin as well as thick computers, e.g., laptops and tablets. The stand has a first support arm and a second support arm, each arm being connected to the other arm by at least one living hinge, said living hinge exhibiting a relatively flexible central portion whereby weight from a computer pressing on the central portions of each living hinge causes each support arm to rotate inwardly towards the other support arm and into contact with said computer.
1. An automatically adjustable computer stand that comprises:
a first support arm and a second support arm, each arm being connected to the other arm by at least one living hinge, said living hinge exhibiting a flexible central portion whereby weight from a computer pressing on the flexible central portions of each living hinge causes each support arm to rotate inwardly towards the other support arm and into contact with said computer.
2. A computer stand according to claim 1 wherein the first and second support arms are connected to the at least one living hinge by an interlocking surface feature on the at least one hinge, each support arm, or both the at least one hinge and each support arm.
3. A computer stand according to claim 1 wherein the first and second support arms are connected to the at least one living hinge by an adhesive connection to the at least one hinge, each support arm, or both the at least one hinge and each support arm.
4. A computer stand according to claim 1 wherein the first and second support arms are connected to the at least one living hinge by a welded connection to the at least one hinge, each support arm, or both the at least one hinge and each support arm.
5. A computer stand according to claim 1 wherein the first and second support arms are connected to the at least one living hinge by a combination of undercuts and overlocking profiles between the at least one hinge, each support arm, or both the at least one hinge and each support arm.
6. An automatically adjustable computer stand that comprises:
a first support arm on a first support base member, said first support arm extending from a front of said stand to a back of said stand,
a second support arm on a second support base member, said second support arm extending from a front of said stand to a rear of said stand,
at least one living hinge having at least one flexible central portion interconnecting said first support arm and said second support arm elevated above the first and second base members so that weight from a vertically-oriented computer pressing down on the at least one flexible central portion causes each support arm to rotate inwardly towards the other and into contact with a respective side of said computer.
7. A computer stand according to claim 6 wherein said computer is a laptop computer or tablet computer and said at least one living hinge causes said arms to rotate inwardly in response to such weight.
8. A computer stand according to claim 6 wherein the first and second support arms each have a generally triangular shape.
9. A computer stand according to claim 6 wherein each of the first and second support arms further comprises a grip pad positioned to contact a side of an inserted computer after rotation of the support arms.
10. A computer stand according to claim 6 wherein a first living hinge connects the support arms at a front of said stand, and a second living hinge connects the support arms at a rear of said stand.