The Lapblet

thingiverse

I have designed a Tablet Stand that works great, but I've never found one that fits squarely on my lap to watch a movie or supports my Bluetooth keyboard for typing, so here is one that does that and fits in a laptop bag. Usage is straightforward. Adjust the viewing angle; and for your leg height using four self-locking spring-loaded arms, and pull out the leg support pads to support a comfortable leg width. The keyboard folds are optional to provide a catch for your keyboard. Fold up, slide to the extreme ends to lock them in place. This prototype is printed with French colors as a tribute to the country, its people and resilience to bounce back. Vive la France! It's work in progress, but otherwise fully functional. See the Custom Section below for parts needed and assembly instructions. I will extensively test this over the next few weeks, if improvements are needed or you have suggestions please leave a comment. For sure I will rework the rear anchors design (they do not rotate 100% along the same arc as the arms). UPDATES: November 23: I forgot to mention that it is a 4th generation iPad in this picture. For smaller/ larger tablets, scale the carbon fibre rods accordingly (iPad 4th gen: front 200mm, rear 146mm) December 19: Added pull-out extensions to provide support at the back end, for more stability and balance. Files: "v2 Add-On Thigh Support" in 3 parts. Next mod: include port holes at the left and right Holders to accommodate this mod. Plus, smoother teeth for the clamps. Print Settings: Rafts: Doesn't Matter Supports: Yes Notes: Print with support for all parts except: Rear anchors, carbon fibre plugs, keyboard folds, v2 Add-on Custom Section: Parts needed and Assembly Parts needed: 2 x M3 20mm screws 2 x M3 16mm screws 12 x M3 8mm screws 4 x 10mm springs 8 x 10mm (diameter) washers (about 0.5mm thickness) 2 x 200mm carbon fibre rods (10mm diameter) 2 x 146mm carbon fibre rods (10mm diameter) — I cut down from 200mm with a Dremel cutter 2 x anti-slip stick-on padding (optional) All parts, except the rear anchors, carbon fibre plugs and keyboard folds, need to be printed with support Prints needed: 1 of each except 6 x CR rod plug Assembly: Insert 1 x 200mm carbon fibre (CF) rod into the front of either Holder (the one with a through hole) Insert 1 x CF rod plug, align with edge Drill 3/4 way through M3 pilot hole, CF rod and the plug with a 1.8mm drill bit Lock with 1 x M3 8mm screw Insert 2 x Keyboard Flips into that rod, follow orientation of pictures Insert 1 x CF rod into rear receptacle of the Holder Insert 2 x CF rod Rear Anchors into that rear CF rod. Note: Install the looser fitting sides, this allows for sliding. Insert both CF rods into / through the other Holder. Then repeat Steps 1 thru 4 with the other holder Install Left or right arm to the respective holder with this combination: washer - spring - washer (M3 20mm screw through that assembly. Screw through Arm unit, into Holder. Tighten to the tension you prefer. Caution: Over-tightening makes it a pain to operate, under-tensioning makes the assembly weak. Repeat for other holder Insert 146mm CF rod through one arm, add corresponding Leg Base Clamp over end of CF rod. Insert CF rod plug, repeat drill through and M3 screw installation. Repeat for other side. Install Leg Flaps, follow step 9, but use M3 16mm screws (Caution: Do not over tighten, there is only 3mm of wall in the Leg Base Clamp, exceeding that could damage your CF rod) Repeat drill through and M3 screw installation with the rear anchors. Add anti-slip padding as desired. Add v2 add-on to left and right holder with 2 M38mm screws each, then insert the rod and attach the locking clip with 1 M38mm screw each side.