US20030042373A1

US20030042373A1 - Ergonomic positioning apparatus for computers and or computer accessories

Info

Publication number: US20030042373A1
Application number: US09/946,207
Authority: US
Inventors: Edward MacLeod
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-09-06
Filing date: 2001-09-06
Publication date: 2003-03-06

Abstract

There exists a significant need to improve the ergonomic and dimensional efficiency of keyboard supporting devices. By supporting a keyboard device on a six axis fully adjustable cantilevered platform having appropriate friction and stops on all axis results in a mechanically and economically efficient structure with unparalleled ergonomic benefits. This device is especially beneficial for properly positioning and supporting notebook or laptop style computers and other accessories.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

No related applications were found.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

This invention was not federally sponsored in any way.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A compact apparatus that easily and comfortably positions a compact computer, computer keyboard, or accessories is needed that can allow freedom of motion of the user and that can be used with traditional furniture such as chairs, sofas, recliners and beds. Additional benefits to users for a fully adjustable supporting device would be increased ergonomic comfort and living space economy.

Pre-existing portable-computer desks or supports do not universally work well with traditional chairs, sofas, beds or recliners. Such device's wheels, legs and supporting structures prohibit easy positioning of the computer and or computer accessory in many situations. Limited degrees of freedom of the prior art also reduce user comfort when working on the supported computing device. Using such devices, it is frequently awkward when standing, sitting, or when reclined. Typically, such devices are prohibitively large and cumbersome and need a large floor area to operate as designed. These drawbacks make them inconvenient or unsuitable for many user environments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

1) The new device termed an AirDesk™ allows the user to easily position a compact computer, keyboard device or accessory for extreme computing comfort. The compact, ergonomic, 6 degrees of freedom design assures optimal keyboard/accessory positioning for almost any environment. Swing away design allows easy standing and sitting and offers convenient routing for computer cables. A unique thin, flat base fits under any office style chair castor or furniture leg allowing comfortable computer use from any chair, sofa, recliner or bed. This unique base produces a minimal apparent footprint and also allows the supporting structure to be positioned near the user resulting in a more compact, more rigid structure. Additionally, the thin base may be positioned under surrounding furniture adding additional apparent weight of the already weighted base resulting in increased stability of the cantilevered structure. Additionally the upright member of the design is an ideal support for a variety of accessory items such as, shelves, coffee holders, note holders, speaker holder and mouse pad.

DRAWING DESCRIPTIIONS

FIG. 1 shows a typical front side view of the device. [0006]
FIG. 2 shows a typical top view of the device. [0007]
FIG. 3 shows a typical isometric view of the device showing a partial view of the castored legs of a typical office. chair. This view also shows typical positioning of a typical laptop or notebook computer. [0008]
FIG. 4 shows a section view A-A as called out from FIG. 2. [0009]
FIG. 5 shows a side view of the upper portion of the device and is at 90 degrees relative to FIG. 1. [0010]
FIG. 6 shows a section view B-B as called out from FIG. 1. [0011]
FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of the devise with a typical accessory shelf mounted.[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Beginning at the bottom of the device and working up, [0013]
The Base ([0014] 1)
At the bottom of the device there is a unique flat but structurally adequate base ([0015] 1) shown in FIGS. 1,2,3 and 5. This base may be round or any other shape of adequate geometry to support the cantilevered load by acting as a fulcrum (at the outer edge of the base) and as a counter weight to the cantilevered load. Steel sheet stock is recommended for weight and stiffness and economy, however other materials with similar properties may be used. Typically the thickness of the base is less than ¼″ with 0.12″ thick and 20″ diameter being a good compromise of weight and size. As depicted in FIG. 3, at 0.12 thick, office chair castors easily roll over the base without a noticeable interruption to the rolling motion of the chair, both on carpeted and uncarpeted floors. Rigid leg furniture also shows no noticeable tilt when one or two legs are positioned on the base.
The Base fitting ([0016] 2)
A sturdy fitting is used to connect the mast tube ([0017] 3) to the base plate (1) as shown in FIGS. 1,2 and 3. This fitting retains the mast in a close fitting socket. For easy disassembly, assembly and portability, said fitting may contain setscrew(s) or pin(s) or threads to retain the mast tube. This fitting may be attached to the base (1) by conventional attachment means or this fitting may also be conventionally attached directly to a table top or under an overhead counter to provide the function of vertically supporting the mast tube (3) at the desired work area.
The Mast ([0018] 3)
The mast ([0019] 3) is may be of tubular construction and is typically made of steel for strength, however other of similar structural performance may be used. A polished finish is preferred on the mast to allow the smooth adjustments of cantilever arm height and rotation about the mast. Said mast is of sufficient height to properly position the supported device in the intended user environments.
The Cross Fitting ([0020] 4)
Perpendicularly attached to the mast at a right angle is a unique cross fitting ([0021] 4) as depicted in FIGS. 1,2,3,4, and 5. Round, square, rectangular or other cross-sections of adequate girth may be used. This fitting is may be made of any material of sufficient strength to support the cantilevered arm. Two holes pass through this fitting at approximately right angles to each other. One hole goes around the mast (3) and a second hole goes around the cantilevered arm (6). Two thumb or hand screws (5), one on each end, of this fitting tighten to clamp the mast (height and rotation friction control) and cantilever arm horizontal position and rotation limit adjustment. The rotation limit adjustement technique is depicted in FIG. 4 where by tightening or loosening handscrew (5), rotation of the cantilevered arm (6) and the subsequent tilt of the supported device may be adjusted.
Section A-A, FIG. 4, shows a unique tilt limiting connection between the cantilevered arm and the cylindrical fitting. An oval shape in the cross section of the cantilevered arm prevents the platform from tipping excessively. Adjusting the clamping hand screw ([0022] 5) allows the adjustment of the rotation of the cantilevered arm and thus the tilt of the computer keyboard device, a desirable feature for typing comfort.
The Support Collar ([0023] 7)
As the computer tray ( ) is swiveled around the mast, there will be a tendency for cross fitting ([0024] 4) to gradually slide down the mast (3) as seen in FIGS. 1 and 5. A conventional support collar (7) having a setscrew or other conventional shaft collar retaining means, is used to prevent the cross fitting (4) from sliding down.
The Cantilevered Arm ([0025] 6)
The cantilevered arm ([0026] 6) extends through the cross fitting (4) and supports the computer device and table payload. Attached at the end of this arm is a pivoting hub (7). The cantilevered arm is typically tubular steel with an approximately oval, semi-circular or “D” cross section such that tightening or loosening the connecting hand screw on the right angle fitting will adjust the allowable rotation position of the cantilevered arm along the arms length, this helps to make the platform tilt limited. Typically this arm is of a hard polished material such as polished steel tube. The hole in the cross fitting (4) that accepts the cantilevered arm is large enough to allow the arm to slide freely with the hand screw loose but small enough to rigidly support the arm. Near the end of the cantilevered arm is a cross hole through which a machine screw passes about which the platform hub pivots and is supported.
Pivoting Hub ([0027] 8)
As seen in FIGS. 1,5 and [0028] 6, at the end of the cantilevered arm (6) is a unique pivoting hub (8) This hub is attached to the cantilevered arm (6) via a conventional screw (9) such that tightening the screw clamps the hub onto the cantilevered arm increasing pivot friction. This friction is used to allow lateral tilting of the table (10). Lateral tilt about screw (9) is limited by the shape of the hub such that the hub contacts the arm (6) before excessive lateral tilt of the table (10) is achieved.
Computer Table ([0029] 10)
As seen in FIGS. [0030] 1,2,3,5 and 6, attached to the pivoting hub (8) via a conventional pivot screw (11) is the table (10) This table supports the computing device. Pivot screw is tightened such that it provides some rotational friction to the table. The pivot screw and hub are conventionally configured such that the pivot screw does not tighten or loosen when the table is rotated about the screw. As computing devices such as laptop or notebook computers have an offset center of gravity it may be desirable to offset the pivot screw as seen in FIG. 2 to achieve proper tilt performance. Polycarbonate or acrylic plastics work well for the table material, however any material of adequate strength may be used. Screw in rubber coated fingers (12) or other form of conventional fence or hold down may be used to help secure the computer device (13) on the movable table.
Accessory Shelf ([0031] 14)
As seen in FIG. 7. The mast ([0032] 3) is a uniquely suited to support for conventional accessories such as shelves (14), coffee holders, note holders, mouse pad holders, etc. A close fit between the mast (3) and a cantilevered accessory provides a secure mount. As may be seen, such accessories may be pivoted around the mast as well as vertically adjusted in position. On non-cantilevered accessories, a conventional collar and thumb screw arrangement may be desirable.

Claims

1. A user adjustable, structure for the purpose of positioning location sensitive items such as a notebook or laptop computer, comprising a rigidly mounted, substantially vertical tube or cylinder which supports an adjustable cross fitting, such that a sliding and rotational fit is achieved with said vertical member, and where said cross fitting slides vertically relative to, and may rotate about said vertical member. Optionally said cross fitting contains a thumbscrew to adjust the friction with said vertical member. Additionally a cantilevered arm member having a flat longitudinally along one side. Additionally said fitting contains a thumbscrew or similar means to compresses the flat of the arm member such that said compression limits the rotational range of the arm along the arm's axis and relative to said cross fitting.

2. An apparatus claimed in 1, where said cantilevered element utilizes an oval shaped cross section to achieve a flat side.

3. Additionally an apparatus claimed in 1, where a female clevis element is mounted vertically perpendicular to, and mates with, said cantilevered member by means of an adjustable clevis pin or screw that passes perpendicularly through the cantilevered end of said cantilevered element such that a pivot relationship between said clevis element and said arm element is achieved. Additionally said pivot axis is perpendicular to said upright element. Optionally tightening said clevis screw increases the pivot friction between said clevis and said cantilevered arm by means of compressing the fingers of said clevis against said arm.

4. An apparatus claimed in 3 where the mechanical relationship between said clevis element is such that the pivot range is limited by mechanical contact between said clevis and said arm.

5. An apparatus claimed in 4, where said clevis element contains a pivoting platform on top such that said platform pivots about an axis that is perpendicular to said clevis pivot.

6. An apparatus claimed in 5, where the platform pivot is a flat head screw and where tightening said screw increases the rotational friction between said platform and said clevis hub element and where thread insert design utilizes a setscrew or lock-screw to prevent said pivot screw from backing out when said platform is rotated.

7. An apparatus claimed in 5, where the supported platform is used to support a notebook computer or other placement sensitive item to achieve ergonomic and space economy benefits.

8. An apparatus claimed in 7, where said platform utilizes fingers for the purpose of retaining supported items such as notebook computers. Optionally said fingers are mounted by means of threaded holes in said platform.

9. An apparatus claimed in 1, where said upright member is sufficiently tall to be used as a podium.

10. An apparatus claimed in 1, where said upright member is sufficiently tall to be used from a platform style bed.

11. An apparatus claimed in 1 where said upright member is flange mounted by conventional means to a countertop.

12. An apparatus claimed in 1 where said upright member is flange mounted mounted by conventional means under a cabinet.

13. A substantially upright mast apparatus capable of mast placement very near furniture is achieved by attaching said mast, by conventional means, to a structurally adequate flat base plate having adequate weight, stiffness and thinness such that traditional furniture legs may be placed on and castors may easily roll over the top of said base plate without disrupting the function of said furniture.

14. An apparatus claimed in 13 where said base plate is made of 0.12″ thick steel or aluminum.

15. An apparatus claimed in 13 where said upright member is affixed to said base plate by a stanction base style fitting such that said upright element may be easily disconnected from the base for transport purposes.

16. An apparatus claimed in 1 and 13, where the resulting apparatus is used to support a notebook computer or other position sensitive items.

17. An apparatus claimed in 13 where one or more specialized accessories may be mounted on said upright mast. By conventional means. Examples of such items are shelves, coffee holders, note holders, pencil holder, speaker holder.

18. An apparatus claimed in 18 where a specialized shelf is configured as a traditional mouse pad.