CA2738189C

CA2738189C - Portable utility shelf

Info

Publication number: CA2738189C
Application number: CA2738189A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Albert Manuel Lopez, Jr.
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-04-28
Filing date: 2011-04-27
Publication date: 2018-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2031-04-27
Also published as: CA2738189A1

Abstract

A portable utility shelf includes a first shell, a second shell, a latching member, a channel located on the first shell and an attachment object connected to the channel and the attachment object, such as a magnet or suction cup, is capable of connecting the shelf to a stationary object. The portably utility shelf is simple to manufacture via injection molding. The portable utility shelf is self supportive to aid a user in supporting a variety of objects, such as a laptop computer.

Description

PORTABLE UTILITY SHELF
Technical Field [0001] This invention relates generally to a portable utility shelf, and more specifically to a portable utility shelf that provides a quick connect/disconnect means, to attach the shelf to an object, and provide a user with a hands free shelf to operate a laptop computer. The features and improvements of the present invention, as described herein, are achieved while providing a portable workspace for a user.
Description of Related Art

[0002] Laptop carriers are known in the art. Known laptop carriers require attachment to a user, such as a strap around the user's neck, or require a stand, such as a tabletop. For example, US2010/0038393A1 describes a laptop carrier including a case portion, a strap and a pair of clipping members. W02010040754A2, describes a portable stand for a laptop computer to be used by a person who is sitting, lying or reclined, comprising an upturned U-shaped framework for supporting a laptop computer.
Other examples include utility shelves that require permanent attachment to an object, such as described in US2006137937, which describes a utility shelf including a housing, a pair of brackets to secure to an object, such as a ladder, and a pair of extendable arms configured to receive large rolls of spooled items such as tape, paper towels, and the like.

[0003] Thus, utility shelves known in the art must be permanently attached to an object and are thus, not portable, or the portable utility shelf requires attachment to the user or a bulky framework that isn't easily transported by a user for use in a variety of environments.

[0004] The inventor of the present invention has discovered that there is a need for a portable utility shelf that allows a user to quickly and simply attach a utility shelf to an object and to enable a user to efficiently enter data into a laptop in a handsfree mode.
Accordingly, if a user must hold a laptop computer in one hand, while being required to input data with the other hand, it is impossible to maintain efficient keyboard entry or substitute specification-clean version perform other curser control (e.g., touch-pad, and attaching interrogation cables to an electric meter). Furthermore, if the user must perform a task (such write handwritten notes) during keyboard entry, it is not suitable to have the laptop connected to the user for use.

[0005] The inventor of the present invention has also discovered that there is a need for a portable utility shelf that can easily be manufactured via an injection molding process, wherein only two molds are required to make the base utility shelf article.

[0006] Accordingly, what is needed is a simple, easy-to-use, easy-to-transport, easy-to-manufacture, portable utility shelf that is self supportive to aid a user in supporting a laptop in a variety of environments and to perform a variety of tasks.
Summary of Invention

[0007] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, in one embodiment, there is a portable utility shelf comprising, a first shell 100 with a front sidewall and a back sidewall, a second shell 200 with a front sidewall and a back sidewall, a latching member 118, a channel 124 located on the front sidewall of the first shell 100; and an attachment object 400, such as a magnet or suction cup, operatively connected to said channel 124 and the attachment object 400 is capable of easily and quickly connecting said shelf to an object.

[0008] In another embodiment, the shelf is made of injection molded plastic.
In other embodiment, the shelf consists essentially of two pieces of injection molded plastic.
In other embodiment, the shelf further comprises a hinge stop 104 /110 integrally connected to a bottom end of said shelf.

[0009] In another embodiment, the utility shelf is made out of only one material.
Thus, all of the materials to make the shelf (not including the attachment object) are composed of the same material.

[0010] In another embodiment, the utility shelf is used as a portable holder for a laptop computer.
Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] The foregoing aspects and others will be readily appreciated by the substitute specification-clean version skilled artisan from the following description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG 1 is a front view of the first shell, front sidewall, of the portable utility shelf.

[0013] FIG 2 is a front view of the inside of the first shell, back sidewall, of the portable utility.

[0014] FIG 3 is a bottom view of the portable utility shelf in a closed position.

[0015] FIG 4 is a top view of the portable utility shelf in a closed position.

[0016] FIG 5 is a side view of the utility shelf, opposite side being a mirror image thereof.

[0017] FIG 6 is a perspective view of the portable utility shelf in an open position, showing the first and second shell back sidewalls.

[0018] FIG 7 is a side view of the first shell and the second shell in an open position, the opposite side being a mirror image thereof.

[0019] FIG 8 is a front view of the first shell, front sidewall, of the portable utility shelf including an attachment object.

[0020] FIG 9 is a perspective front view of the first shell, front sidewall of the portable utility shelf in a closed position.

[0021] FIG 10 is an alternative perspective view of the portable utility shelf in an open position, showing the first and second shell back sidewalls, which are mirror images thereof.
Detailed Description

[0022] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the context of a portable utility shelf for a laptop computer. The skilled artisan will readily appreciate, however, that the materials and methods disclosed herein will have application in a number of other contexts where a portable utility shelf may be used in a variety of different environments to hold a variety of different objects.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a front view of the first shell 100, front substitute specification-clean version sidewall 100a, of the portable utility shelf. The utility shelf comprises a second shell 200 (not shown in FIG 1) which may be comprised of the same material as the first shell 100.
The first shell 100 and second shell 200 may be comprised of different configurations, as shown in FIG_ 6. The inventor of the utility shelf found that the configuration of the first shell 100, front sidewall 100a, enables a user to create an adjustable, hands free workstation for an object, such as a lap top. Alternatively, the second shell 200 may have the same configuration as the first shell 100, and thus, the first and second shells may be mirror images thereof, as shown in FIG. 10. This configuration allows the manufacturer to use one mold, twice, thus it may result in a lower cost solution to make the utility shelf.

[0025] In one embodiment, the utility shelf can be comprised of any suitable material known in the art. In one embodiment, the utility shelf is comprised of an injection molded polymeric material. The polymeric material may be selected from a plastic material, such as, a polypropylene homopolymer material. Other plastic materials which would be suitable for fabricating the shelf include PS (polystyrene), CPET
(crystalline polyethylene terephthalate), APET (amorphous polyethylene terephthalate), HDPE (high density polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PC
(polycarbonate), and foamed polypropylene.

[0026] In one embodiment, the utility shelf may contain a pivot shaft 106 to function as a half of a snap hinge and a half sleeve 108 to function as the other half of a snap hinge. In another embodiment, the hinge(s) are integrally molded with and made of the same material as the utility shelf. Any type of hinge known in the art may be used, so long as it is possible to manufacture the hinge via injection molding or the like for production purposes. There are several other methods and types of hinges that can be utilized such as a simple metal hinge, pinned hinge or snap hinge. The hinge system 106/108 allow for the first and second shells to rotate from a closed position to an open position and vice versa.
[00271 In another embodiment, the utility shelf may contain a handle 116. In one embodiment, the handle 116 is integrally molded with and made of the same material as the utility shelf. The handle 116 may be molded into the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 of the utility shelf during the manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the substitute specification-clean version handle is formed when the first and second shells are in the closed position.
The handle 116 can be configured in any shape, preferably an oval shape.
[0028] Fig. 2, there is shown a front view of the first shell 100, back sidewall 200a, of the portable utility shelf. Further to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 shows a plurality of vertical ribs 126 which may be added for strength and support and/or a plurality of horizontal ribs 128 which can be added for strength and support. Accordingly, since the ribs increase the strength and support of the sidewalls, it is possible to use less material in the manufacturing process, thus, resulting in a thinner, lighter weight utility shelf.
Furthermore, the ribs may provide a dual function of also creating secure compartments to hold small objects, such as fittings, washers, nuts electrical connecters, etc. In one embodiment, the ribs 126/128 are integrally molded with and made of the same material as the utility shelf.
[0029] Fig. 4 there is shown the utility shelf may contain a snap latch, comprised of a first half 118 located on an outer lip 120 of the top of the first shell 100. The other half of the snap latch 118a, shown in Fig. 9, is integrally molded on the top of the second shell 200. The snap latch functions to secure the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 together. In one embodiment, the snap latch is a pressure latch, however, any latch known in the art may be used such as, a push button latch, hasp latch, bolt latch etc. In one embodiment the first half and the second half of the latch system are integrally molded with and made of the same material as the utility shelf. Also shown in Fig. 4, is an outer lip 120 which can function to align parts together when the utility shelf is closed.
The outer lip 120 may also be integrally molded with and made of the same material as the utility shelf.
[0030] Fig. 5, there is shown a side view of the utility shelf in a closed position.
The shelf may contain a hinge stop (104/110). The stop may be configured as any stop known in the art. The stop functions to inhibit rotation of the hinge system on the first and second shells past a certain point. Thus, in one embodiment, when a user opens the utility shelf, the first and second shells will open at a 90 degree angle. In other embodiments, it is possible for a user to configure the stops so that the first and second shells open at other angles, such as, for example, 180 degrees, 145 degrees, 120 degrees, 100 degrees, 45 degrees or 25 degrees.

substitute specification-clean version [0031] Fig. 7 shows the utility shelf open at a 90 degree angle and stops 104 and 110 adjacent to one another. In one embodiment, the hinge stops (104/110) are integrally molded with and made of the same material as the utility shelf.
[0032] Fig. 8, there is shown the first shell 100, front sidewall 100a, including at least one attachment object 400a. In another embodiment, a second attachment object 400b, may be included. The attachment object 400a/400b is any object which can attach the shelf to a stationary material. In another embodiment, the attachment object is capable of a quick connect attaching means to an object. In another embodiment, the attachment object is capable of a quick dis-connect from an object. In another embodiment, the attachment object is capable of a quick connect and dis-connect from an object. In one embodiment, the attachment object is a magnetic material. In another embodiment, the object is a magnet. In another embodiment, the attachment object is a suction cup. The attachment object can be configured to hold any type of weight. In one embodiment, the magnet is a 90 lb pull magnet. In another embodiment, the stationary material is made of metal or an alloy thereof. In another embodiment, the stationary object is any material a suction cup can adhere to, such as glass, metal, or plastic.
[00331 The attachment object 400a/400b may be secured to the utility shelf via a slot 112 adjacent a channel 124. In one embodiment, the channel is recessed.
In another embodiment, the slot 112 is recessed within the channel 124. The attachment object 400a/400b can be secured by any means that affords the attachment object the ability to be slidably adjustable along the slot 112. For example, the attachment object may be secured with a bolt and nut. The channel 124 may be located on the first shell 100, front side 100a, on the second shell 200, front side, or on both the first and second shell front sides. FIG. 6 shows a utility shelf having channels on only one shell 100.
FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment 300 where the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 are mirror images thereof and thus channels are located on the both the first shell front sidewall and the second shell front sidewall.
[0034] In one embodiment, the channel 124 is configured in a horizontal orientation. In one embodiment, the channel 124 is configured in a vertical orientation.
In yet another embodiment. the channel 124 is configured in a both a horizontal and vertical configuration in a T-shape. The horizontal and vertical channel(s) 124 may or substitute specification-clean version may not be formed as one continuous configuration.
[0035] Fig. 9 is a perspective front view of the first shell 100, front sidewall 100aof the portable utility shelf in a closed position showing a possible configuration of a snap latch 118/118a.
[0036] Fig. 10 is an alternative perspective view of the portable utility shelf 300 in an open position, showing the first shell and second shell having front and back sidewalls 300a/300b, which are mirror images thereof for ease of manufacturing.
[0037] The utility shelf may bc manufactured by an injection molding process or any process known the art In one embodiment, the front shell and the second shell are injection molded in only two molds, which are snap fitted together.
Accordingly, the two molds may be fitted together via the hinge stops 104/110 attached at opposite ends of the bottom of the first shell 100 and second shell 200.
[0038] The portable utility shelf can be utilized in several ways and applications.
In a preferred embodiment, it is used in the electric utility industry to provide a hands free, safe workplace to operate a laptop computer in the field. Accordingly, the utility shelf can quickly attach to an electric meter. In other embodiments, it can be used in a variety of other industry and/or trades for a variety of uses. For example, by the U.S.
Military, to attach a laptop computer to a vehicle during an operation. It can also be used to set ammunition on. to clean a weapon, do paperwork, to use as a lunch table.
Contractors can use it for paperwork, lunch table or laptop use when out in the field and want to be outside their vehicle to watch crews. For home use, the utility shelf could be attached to windows for painting, to hold plants, or knickknacks, clothes, pictures, whatever the user prefers. The automotive industry can utilize the portable utility shelf for a work table for putting tools on while working under a vehicle. For example, the utility shelf could be attached to a fender of a car or a door sill to set up tools. EMS / law enforcement personnel can utilize the portable utility shelf to aid in an investigation or aid in treatment, when something has to be off the ground. The medical field could utilize this device for a portable utility shelf in an operating room where there is a need for extra space to hold surgical equipment or the like.
[00391 It is believed that the present embodiments and their advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes substitute specification-clean version may be made thereto without departing from the sprit and scope of the disclosure, the examples hereinbefore described merely being preferred or exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A utility shelf which comprises:
a) a first shell having a top and an opposed bottom with sides extending therebetween and a first surface with a channel in the first surface, the channel having a t-shape with an essentially horizontal section extending between the sides of the first shell essentially parallel to the top and bottom of the first shell and an essentially vertical section extending between the top and bottom of the first shell essentially parallel to the sides of the first shell;
b) a second shell pivotably mounted to the first shell adjacent a side opposite the first surface of the first shell; and c) a fastener mounted in the channel in the first surface of the first shell.

2. The utility shelf of claim 1, wherein the fastener is removably mounted in the channel.

3. The utility shelf of claim 1 or 2, wherein a first slot is located in the horizontal section of the channel and a second slot is located in the vertical section of the channel.

4. The utility shelf of claim 3, wherein there are a plurality of fasteners, and wherein at least one fastener is mounted in the first slot and at least one fastener is mounted in the second slot.

5. The utility shelf of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bottom of the first shell has a first hinge stop section and the bottom of the second shell has a second hinge stop section adjacent the first hinge stop section, wherein when the utility shelf is in the closed position, the first and second hinge stop sections are spaced apart and wherein when the utility shelf is in an open position, the first and second hinge stop sections are in contact and limit an opening angle between the first and second shells to a predetermined angle.

6. The utility shelf of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the channel is recessed in the first surface of the first shell.

7. A utility shelf which comprises:
a) a first shell having a top and an opposed bottom, and a first surface with a channel in the first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface;
b) a second shell pivotably mounted to the first shell adjacent a side opposite the first surface of the first shell, the second shell having a top and an opposed bottom and having opposed first and second surfaces, and the bottom of the first shell has a first hinge stop section and the bottom of the second shell has a second hinge stop section adjacent the first hinge stop section, wherein the first and second shells are pivotably connected together so that in a closed position, the second surface of the first shell is adjacent the second surface of the second shell and the top of the first shell is adjacent the top of the second shell and the first and second hinge stop sections are spaced apart and wherein when the utility shelf is in an open position, the first and second hinge stop sections are in contact and limit an opening angle between the first and second shells to a 90° angle;
and c) a fastener mounted in the channel in the first surface of the first shell.

8. The utility shelf of claim 7, wherein a slot is located in the channel in the first surface of the first shell.

9. The utility shelf of claim 8, wherein the slot is positioned essentially in a center of the channel.

10. The utility shelf of claim 8 or 9, wherein the fastener is slidably mounted in the slot.

11. The utility shelf of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the first shell has a top and an opposed bottom with sides extending therebetween and wherein the channel extends between the sides of the first shell essentially parallel to the top of the first shell.

12. The utility shelf of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the first shell has a top and an opposed bottom with sides extending therebetween and wherein the channel extends between the top and the bottom of the first shell essentially parallel to the sides of the first shell.

13. The utility shelf of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the first shell has a top and an opposed bottom with sides extending therebetween and wherein the channel has a .tau.-shape with an essentially horizontal section extending between the sides of the first shell essentially parallel to the top and bottom of the first shell and an essentially vertical section extending between the top and bottom of the first shell essentially parallel to the sides of the first shell.

14. A utility shelf which comprises:
a) a first shell having a top and an opposed bottom with sides extending therebetween and a first surface with a channel in the first surface, the first shell having a first outer lip extending from essentially a center of the top of the first shell along one side of the first shell and partially along the bottom of the first shell;
b) a second shell pivotably mounted to the first shell adjacent a side opposite the first surface of the first shell, the second shell having a top and an opposed bottom with sides extending therebetween and having a second outer lip extending from essentially a center of the top of the second shell along one side of the second shell and partially along the bottom of the second shell, the first and second outer lips extend along opposed sides of the first and second shells, in use, when the utility shelf is in a closed position, the first and second outer lips form a complete outer lip extending along the top and sides of the first and second shells and the complete outer lip covers an interface of the first and second shells along the top and sides of the shells; and c) a fastener mounted in the channel in the first surface of the first shell.

15. The utility shelf of claim 14, wherein a sliding latch having a first half and a second half is provided, wherein the first half is mounted on the first outer lip of the first shell adjacent the center of the top of the first shell and the second half is mounted on the second outer lip of the second shell adjacent the center of the top of the second shell and wherein the first and second halves of the sliding latch connect together to secure the utility shelf in the closed position.

16. The utility shelf of claim 15, wherein the first and second shells are pivotably connected together by hinges at the bottom of the shells and wherein the hinges are movable such that the first and second shells are moved in opposed side to side directions to engage and disengage the first and second halves of the sliding latch.

17. A method for providing a portable utility shelf mounted on an object which comprises the steps of:
a) providing a utility shelf having a first shell having a top and an opposed bottom with a first surface and a second surface extending therebetween and having a channel in the first surface, the channel having a t-shape with a first horizontal section and a second vertical section, a second shell having a top and an opposed bottom with a first surface and a second surface extending therebetween, the first and second shells pivotably connected together at the bottoms so that in a closed position, the second surface of the first shell is adjacent the second surface of the second shell and the top of the first shell is adjacent the top of the second shell;
b) providing two or more fasteners mounted in the channel in the first surface of the first shell wherein the fasteners are selected based on the object and an intended use of the shelf;
c) positioning the fastener in the channel based on the object and the intended use of the shelf wherein at least one of the fasteners is positioned in the first horizontal section of the channel and at least one of the fasteners is positioned in the second vertical section of the channel;
d) mounting the first shell on the object so that the fastener is in contact with the object and the utility shelf is secured to the object; and e) moving the utility shelf to an open position so that the top of the second shell is pivoted away from the top of the first shell and extends outward from the object and so that the second surface of the second shell creates a work surface.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the utility shelf has a sliding latch having a first half and a second half, wherein the first half of the sliding latch is located on the top of the first shell and the second half of the sliding latch is located on the top of the second shell adjacent the first half, wherein in the closed position, the first and second halves of the sliding latch are engaged to hold the first and second shells together in the closed position, and wherein further in step (e) to move the utility shelf to the open position, the second shell is moved in a sidewards direction so that the second half of the sliding latch is moved away from and out of contact with the first half of the sliding latch.

19. A method for providing a portable utility shelf mounted on an object which comprises the steps of:
a) providing a utility shelf having a first shell having a top and an opposed bottom with a first surface and a second surface extending therebetween and having a channel in the first surface with a first hinge stop section mounted on the bottom of the first shell, a second shell having a top and an opposed bottom with a first surface and a second surface extending therebetween with a second hinge stop mounted on the bottom of the second shell, the first and second shells pivotably connected together at the bottoms so that in a closed position, the second surface of the first shell is adjacent the second surface of the second shell and the top of the first shell is adjacent the top of the second shell;
b) providing a fastener mounted in the channel in the first surface of the first shell wherein the fastener is selected based on the object and an intended use of the shelf;
c) positioning the fastener in the channel based on the object and the intended use of the shelf;
d) mounting the first shell on the object so that the fastener is in contact with the object and the utility shelf is secured to the object; and e) moving the utility shelf to an open position so that the first hinge stop section on the first shell contacts the second hinge stop section on the second shell and the top of the second shell is pivoted away from the top of the first shell and extends outward from the object and the first shell at a 90° angle so that the second surface of the second shell creates a work surface.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the channel in the first surface of the first shell has a .tau.-shape with a first horizontal section and a second vertical section, wherein further in step (b), more than one fastener is provided and wherein at least one of the fasteners is positioned in the first horizontal section of the channel and at least one of the fasteners is positioned in the second vertical section of the channel.