U.S. patent application number 09/282000 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-16 for computer monitor apron.
Invention is credited to COOK, RONALD D., DAVIS, BRADLEY C..
Application Number | 20010013304 09/282000 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23079662 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010013304 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DAVIS, BRADLEY C. ; et
al. |
August 16, 2001 |
COMPUTER MONITOR APRON
Abstract
A message board apron for use with a computer monitor and
keyboard includes a flat base, a support member extending upwardly
from the base, and a tabletop member coupled to the support member
proximate an edge of the tabletop member, the tabletop member
having a dry-erase writing surface thereon. A variety of holders
are provided in the tabletop member for holding accessories, such
as hooks, pockets for writing implements or a recessed portion
having a shape for receiving a pad of Post-It.RTM. notes or other
paper therein. The message board apron is placed on a desktop in
front of a computer monitor with a keyboard placed in front of or
partially underneath the tabletop member, thereby removing
providing a writing surface and/or accessories available to the
computer user yet held up and away from the desktop surface.
Inventors: |
DAVIS, BRADLEY C.; (CORONA
DEL MAR, CA) ; COOK, RONALD D.; (RIVERSIDE,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PENNIE & EDMONDS
1667 K STREET, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
23079662 |
Appl. No.: |
09/282000 |
Filed: |
March 29, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/6 ; 108/25;
248/918 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 21/0314
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/6 ; 108/25;
248/918 |
International
Class: |
A47F 005/12 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A message board apron for use with a computer monitor and
keyboard, comprising: a substantially flat base for supporting the
message board apron on a horizontal surface; a support member
extending generally upwardly from the base; a tabletop member
coupled to the support member, the tabletop member having a writing
surface thereon.
2. The message board apron of claim 1, wherein the support member
is attached to the tabletop member proximate to a back edge
thereof.
3. The message board apron of claim 1, wherein the tabletop member
extends generally parallel to the base.
4. The message board apron of claim 3, wherein the tabletop member
includes a pocket for receiving a writing implement.
5. The message board apron of claim 4, wherein the pocket is a
recessed slot extending along a portion of the tabletop member.
6. The message board apron of claim 4, wherein the pocket comprises
a substantially vertical cylindrical recess for receiving an end of
the writing implement therein.
7. The message board apron of claim 1, wherein the tabletop member
further comprises a recessed portion adjacent the writing surface
defined by side walls and a bottom wall, the recessed portion
having a shape for receiving a pad of paper therein.
8. The message board apron of claim 7, wherein one or more upper
edges of the side walls of the recessed portion include a retaining
lip extending partially across the recessed portion for
substantially retaining the pad of paper therein.
9. The message board apron of claim 8, further comprising a
generally planar member received in the recessed portion
substantially parallel to the bottom wall, the planar member being
biased away from the bottom wall for directing a pad of paper
received thereon into engagement with the retaining lip.
10. The message board apron of claim 8, wherein one of the side
walls includes a sloped region therein for facilitating removal of
one or more sheets from the pad of paper received in the recessed
portion.
11. The message board apron of claim 1, wherein the writing surface
comprises a dry-erase laminate.
12. The message board apron of claim 1, wherein the tabletop member
is pivotable relative to the base.
13. The message board apron of claim 1, wherein the base comprises
one or more feet extending forward from the support member under
the tabletop member, thereby defining a "C" shaped cross-section
providing a cavity for receiving a keyboard therein.
14. The message board of claim 1, further comprising a non-skid
element on a bottom surface of the base.
15. The message board apron of claim 1, wherein the vertical
distance between the base and the tabletop member corresponds
substantially to the distance between a horizontal surface and a
bottom of a viewing area of a computer monitor placed on the
horizontal surface.
16. A message board apron for use with a computer monitor and
keyboard, comprising: a generally planar tabletop member defining
an upper surface having a laminate surface thereon; a support
member extending from the tabletop member, the support member
having first and second ends, the first end being coupled to or
near a back edge of the tabletop member; and a substantially flat
base portion coupled to the support member, the base portion
extending generally parallel to the tabletop member.
17. The message board apron of claim 16, wherein the support member
is pivotally attached to one of the base and the tabletop member
for adjusting the position of the tabletop member relative to the
base.
18. The message board apron of claim 16, wherein the tabletop
member comprises a recess having a predetermined shape for holding
an appropriately shaped accessory.
19. The message board apron of claim 18, wherein the recess has a
substantially rectangular cross-section for holding one or more
planar accessories in a generally vertical orientation.
20. The message board apron of claim 19, wherein the one or more
planar accessories are selected from the group consisting of
business cards and floppy disks.
21. The message board apron of claim 18, further comprising a tape
dispenser received in the recess.
22. The message board apron of claim 18, wherein the appropriately
shaped accessory is a pad of paper, and the recess has a shape for
holding the pad of paper therein substantially parallel to a bottom
wall thereof.
23. The message board apron of claim 22, wherein the recess
comprises two or more upper edges having retaining lips extending
partially across the recess for substantially retaining the pad of
paper therein.
24. The message board apron of claim 23, further comprising a
generally planar member received in the recess substantially
parallel to the bottom wall, the planar member being biased away
from the bottom wall for directing a pad of paper received thereon
into engagement with the retaining lips.
25. The message board apron of claim 23, wherein the recess
comprises a sloped region for facilitating removal of one or more
sheets from the pad of paper received in the recess.
26. The message board apron of claim 18, wherein the recess
comprises a substantially vertical cylindrical pocket for receiving
an end of the writing implement therein.
27. The message board apron of claim 18, wherein the recess
comprises a semi-cylindrical slot extending substantially
horizontally along a portion of the tabletop for holding a writing
implement.
28. The message board apron of claim 16, further comprising an
accessory hook extending from the tabletop member.
29. The message board apron of claim 16, wherein the base portion
comprises one or more feet extending forward from the support
member under the tabletop member, thereby defining a "C" shaped
cross-section providing a cavity for receiving a keyboard
therein.
30. The message board apron of claim 16, wherein the vertical
distance between the base portion and the tabletop member
corresponds substantially to the distance between a horizontal
surface and a bottom of a viewing area of a computer monitor placed
on the horizontal surface.
31. A message board apron for a computer monitor, comprising: a
generally planar tabletop member defining an upper surface having
an erasable writing surface thereon; means for coupling the
tabletop member to a face of a computer monitor.
32. The message board apron of claim 31, wherein the tabletop
member has a back edge having a shape corresponding substantially
to the shape of the face of the computer monitor below a viewing
area thereof.
33. The message board apron of claim 32, wherein the means for
coupling the tabletop member to the face of the computer monitor
comprises an adhesive on the back edge of the tabletop member
bondable to the face of the computer monitor.
34. The message board apron of claim 32, wherein the means for
coupling the tabletop member to the face of the computer monitor
comprises a clamp member having a first extension attached to the
tabletop member and a second extension attachable to the computer
monitor.
35. The message board apron of claim 32, wherein the means for
coupling the tabletop member to the face of the computer monitor
comprises a strap attached to the tabletop member, the strap being
extendable at least partially around the computer monitor.
36. The message board apron of claim 31, wherein the tabletop
member further comprises a recess having a predetermined shape for
holding an appropriately shaped accessory.
37. The message board apron of claim 31, wherein the writing
surface comprises a dry-erase laminate.
38. A computer monitor, comprising: a monitor housing having a
front panel, the front panel having an opening therein defining a
viewing area; and a generally planar tabletop member extending from
the front panel below the viewing area, the tabletop member
comprising an upper surface having a writing surface thereon.
39. The computer monitor of claim 38, wherein the tabletop member
is integrally molded to the monitor housing.
40. The computer monitor of claim 38, wherein the tabletop member
is attachable to the front panel of the monitor housing.
41. The computer monitor of claim 40, wherein the tabletop member
is attached to the front panel by an adhesive.
42. The computer monitor of claim 40, wherein the tabletop member
is attached to the front panel by a mechanical fastener.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to computer
accessories, and more particularly to a message board apron for use
with a computer monitor and/or keyboard that provides a
tabletop.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Computer desks are often cluttered and unorganized spaces.
First, the computer itself generally takes up substantial space on
the desktop requiring sufficient room for a monitor and keyboard,
even if other components, such as a computer case and external
peripherals are placed off the desktop. A workspace is generally
provided for the computer user in front of or adjacent to the
keyboard, but this area often becomes cluttered with papers, books
and the like. Thus, it may become difficult to locate a pad of
paper, a Post-It.RTM. note, a pen or other office accessories that
may be on the desktop but buried beneath other objects.
[0003] To assist in taking and saving messages and the like, a
message board may be mounted on a wall near the computer desk.
These message boards, however, may not be convenient to the
computer user who wants to write a quick message or note without
leaving their desk. Message boards have been suggested that are
mounted to the face of the monitor, e.g., around one or more edges
of the monitor without covering the viewing area. These boards,
however, may be bulky and may extend well beyond the space occupied
by the monitor, interfering with the computer user's view from
their desk. These boards are also mounted at a height and an angle
that may not be convenient for the computer user to write a note
while seated at the desk.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a computer accessory that
facilitates writing messages and/or holding accessories useful to
the computer user without adding substantially to the clutter on a
desktop.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to a message board apron
for use with a computer monitor and keyboard. Generally, the
message board apron includes a substantially flat base for
supporting the message board apron on a horizontal surface, a
support member extending generally upwardly from the base, and a
tabletop member coupled to the support member, preferably proximate
an edge of the tabletop member. The tabletop member preferably has
a writing surface thereon, such as a dry-erase laminate
surface.
[0006] Preferably, the tabletop member extends generally parallel
to the base. In addition, the tabletop member may be pivotable
relative to the base, for example, by providing a hinged connection
between the support member and the base. In a preferred form, the
base includes one or more feet extending forward from the support
member under the tabletop member, thereby defining a "C" shaped
cross-section providing a cavity for receiving a keyboard therein.
Preferably, the vertical distance between the base and the tabletop
member corresponds substantially to the distance between a
horizontal surface and a bottom of a viewing area of a computer
monitor placed on the horizontal surface.
[0007] The message board apron may also include a variety of
holders, such as recesses and hooks, for holding accessories. For
example, the tabletop member may include a pocket for receiving a
writing implement or an eraser, such as a recessed slot extending
horizontally along a portion of the tabletop member or a vertical
cylindrical recess for receiving an end of the writing implement
therein. A recess may be provided that has a substantially
rectangular cross-section for holding one or more planar
accessories, such as business cards or floppy disks, in a generally
vertical orientation.
[0008] A recessed portion may be provided adjacent the writing
surface defined by side walls and a bottom wall, the recessed
portion having a shape for receiving a pad of paper, such as a pad
of Post-It.RTM. notes, therein. Two or more upper edges of the side
walls of the recessed portion may include retaining lips extending
partially across the recessed portion for substantially retaining
the pad of paper therein. A generally planar member may be received
in the recessed portion substantially parallel to the bottom wall,
the planar member being biased to slide away from the bottom wall
for directing a pad of paper received thereon into engagement with
the retaining lips. One of the side walls may include a sloped edge
therein for facilitating removal of one or more sheets from the top
of the pad of paper received in the recessed portion.
[0009] The message board apron may be placed on a desktop in front
of a computer monitor with a keyboard placed in front of or
partially underneath the tabletop member. The base may be arranged
rearward under the monitor stand, thereby substantially anchoring
the message board apron. Alternatively, the base may be arranged
forward under the tabletop member, such that the keyboard may be
slid over the base and stored under the tabletop member. The
tabletop member preferably abuts the face of the monitor
immediately under the viewing area, thereby not interfering
substantially with use of the monitor.
[0010] A message board apron in accordance with the present
invention allows a variety of accessories, such as a writing
surface, a pad of paper, writing implements and the like to be
removed from the desktop surface around the computer, but still
allows the accessories to be available for the computer user. The
user may conveniently write notes or messages on the writing
surface and/or the top sheet of the pad of paper, without having to
stand or otherwise leave the computer desk, and without having to
hunt through a cluttered desk for something to write on or for a
writing implement.
[0011] Other objects and features of the present invention will
become apparent from consideration of the following description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a message board apron, in
accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of the message board apron of FIG.
1.
[0014] FIGS. 3A-3C are perspective views of the message board apron
of FIG. 1 being assembled.
[0015] FIGS. 4A and 4B show the message board apron in front of a
computer monitor with a keyboard placed under and in front of the
message board apron, respectively.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
message board apron with a computer monitor and keyboard, in
accordance with the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view of the message board apron of FIG.
5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first
preferred embodiment of a message board apron 10 that generally
includes a tabletop 12, one or more support members 14 and a base
16. The tabletop 12 is a generally planar member, preferably having
a generally rectangular shape. The tabletop 12 includes front and
back edges 18, 20 generally having a length corresponding generally
to the width of a computer monitor, and side edges 22 having a
length substantially smaller than the length of the front and back
edges 18, 20. The back edge 20 preferably has a shape corresponding
substantially to the face of a computer monitor, such as a cathode
ray tube (CRT) or a flat screen display, below the viewing area.
For example, the back edge 20 may have a slight concave shape, as
shown in FIG. 1, or alternatively, may have a substantially flat
shape (not shown).
[0019] The tabletop 12 has an upper surface 24 which includes one
or more useful accessories. For example, in the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 1, the upper surface 24 includes a dry-erase
laminate surface 26 which covers a substantial portion of the
tabletop 12. The laminate surface 26 may be formed from a variety
of known materials, such as coated paper, melamine-coated masonite
or porcelain-coated steel or other metal. Alternatively, other
erasable writing surfaces may be provided, such as a "wet-erase"
laminate or slate.
[0020] An elongate semi-cylindrical slot 28 extends along the upper
surface 24 for receiving a dry-erase marker or other writing
implement 29. Alternatively, cylindrical vertical pockets (not
shown) may be provided in the upper surface 24 or extending from
the side edges 22 for receiving a writing implement. A generally
semi-cylindrical slot 40 is also provided for receiving a similarly
shaped dry-erase eraser, such as a generally cylindrical-shaped
eraser (not shown).
[0021] A generally rectangular or square recess 30 is provided
adjacent the dry-erase surface 26 for receiving a pad of
Post-It.RTM. notes and the like (not shown). The recess 30 includes
a plurality of side walls 32 and a bottom wall 34 (shown in
phantom) having a predetermined width, length and depth
corresponding substantially to a desired pad size. A pair of
retaining lips 36 are provided along upper edges 38 of the recess
30, preferably integrally formed or molded into the tabletop 12,
for substantially retaining the pad in the recess 30. One of the
side walls 32a may include a sloped region 33 to facilitate taking
one or more sheets from the top of the pad.
[0022] A planar member 35, such as a plastic panel having a width
and length slightly smaller than the recess 30, may be placed in
the recess 30 which is biased upwards to direct the pad into
engagement with the retaining lips 36. For example, one or more
springs 37 (shown in phantom) may be provided in the recess 30
beneath the planar member, e.g., attached to and/or extending
upwardly from the bottom wall 34 of the recess 30.
[0023] Other structures may also be provided that are attachable to
or integrally molded to the tabletop 12. For example, one or more
hooks (not shown) may be attached or mounted to the tabletop 12,
e.g., along one or both of the side edges 18, for receiving a key
ring or other item. Recesses having shapes corresponding
substantially to appropriately sized objects may also be provided
in the upper surface 24. For example, a recess may be provided that
has a rectangular shape for holding a plurality of planar objects,
e.g. business cards or floppy disks, in a substantially vertical
orientation.
[0024] Alternatively, the tabletop 12 may provide one or more
dispenser holders (not shown) for receiving accessories such as
scotch tape or stamps. The dispenser holder may simply be a
semi-cylindrical recess into which a roll may be received, or tabs
may be provided for engaging a hub of the roll (not shown).
[0025] Turning to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A-3C, the tabletop 12 is
substantially supported by the support member 14 and the base 16.
The support member 14 and base 16 are preferably separate
components that are attached to the tabletop 12 and/or each other
to provide the assembled message board apron 10. The separate
components may be initially separated in a substantially flat
configuration, e.g., pre-packaged for sale, and assembled by the
purchaser prior to use. Alternatively, the tabletop 12, support
member 14 and/or base 16 may be integrally formed or molded
together as a single piece.
[0026] The support member 14 extends generally downwardly and
preferably substantially perpendicularly from the tabletop 12, and
has a first upper end 54 and a second lower end 42. The first end
54 is coupled to the tabletop 12, preferably to a lower surface 50
thereof. In a preferred form, the support member 14 is attached on
or near the back edge 20 of the tabletop 12, thereby maximizing the
space under the tabletop 12. Alternatively, the support member 14
may be attached to an intermediate region (not shown) of the lower
surface 50, or the support member 14 may extend along the lower
surface 50, for example, at least partially between the back and
front edges 20, 18. In a further alternative, the support member 14
may have an arcuate shape, may be bent or otherwise oriented at an
angle with respect to the tabletop 12 to provide a space under the
tabletop 12 for accommodating a keyboard and the like.
[0027] As best seen in FIG. 3A, slots or pockets 48 are provided in
the lower surface 50 of the tabletop 12, preferably defined by wall
portions 56 integrally molded into the tabletop 12. A first set of
tabs 52 are provided on the first end 54 of the support member 14
that correspond to respective slots 48, e.g., the tabs 52 being
defined by notches 53 formed in the support member 14. To attach
the support member 14 to the tabletop 12, the tabs 52 are aligned
with and securely inserted into the slots 48.
[0028] Turning to FIGS. 3B and 3C, a flange 58 extends along the
second end 42 of the support member 14 that includes notches 60
defining a second set of tabs 62 for attaching the base 16 thereto.
The base 16 includes a pair of substantially flat feet 66 extending
generally perpendicularly from the second end 42 of the support
member 14. Each foot 66 preferably includes a toe portion 44 and a
heel portion 46 located on opposite ends of the foot 16, and a
raised tab 64 defined by slots 65 at an intermediate location
between the heel and toe portions 46, 44.
[0029] Each foot 66 may be attached to the support member 14 by
aligning and inserting the tabs 62 into the slots 65 until the tabs
62 substantially engage the raised tabs 64. In a preferred form,
the toe portion 44 is substantially longer than the heel portion
46. Thus, when the foot 66 is attached to the support member 14,
the toe portion 44 extends further from the support member 14 than
does the heel portion 46.
[0030] In addition, one or more non-skid elements (not shown) may
be provided on each of the feet 66 to engage a surface onto which
the message board apron 10 is placed. The non-skid elements may
prevent the feet 66 from sliding along the surface and/or may
prevent the feet 66 from scuffing or otherwise damaging the
surface. In one form, one or more tabs (not shown) of non-skid
material, such as rubber or silicone, may be attached, for example
by an adhesive, to predetermined locations on a bottom surface 45
of the feet 66. The tabs may have a generally circular shape and
may have an indented surface to provide a slight suction cup
contact with the surface that may further prevent skidding.
Alternatively, a non-skid layer of material, such as a thin rubber
mat, may be attached to and cover a portion of or all of the bottom
surface 45 of the feet 66. The layer of material may include a
patterned surface to further enhance engagement between the feet 66
and the surface, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art.
[0031] When the message board apron 10 is assembled as shown in
FIG. 1, the toe portion 44 preferably extends forward, i.e.,
towards the front edge 18 of the tabletop 12. Thus, the message
board apron 10 has a generally "C" shaped cross-section that
defines a cavity 94, as shown in FIG. 2. Turning to FIGS. 4A and
4B, the message board apron 10 may be placed in front of a computer
monitor 80 such that the back edge 20 of the tabletop 12 abuts the
front face 82 of the monitor a short distance below the viewing
area 84. A keyboard 90 may be placed under the tabletop 12 when not
being used (FIG. 4A), the keyboard 90 resting on the feet 66, and
then the keyboard 90 may be partially pulled out during use (FIG.
4B).
[0032] Thus, the message board apron 10 provides a writing surface
and/or a number of useful accessories that occupy substantially
little desktop space other than the space already required for a
computer keyboard. The tabletop 12 extends at least partially over
the keyboard 90, but the keyboard 90 may be easily moved out to
access all of its keys. The writing surface 26 on the tabletop 12
is provided in a generally horizontal arrangement only inches above
the desktop surface, thus providing a more comfortable, natural
location for the writing surface than vertically mounted message
boards. The tabletop 12 may be oriented substantially horizontally
when placed on a horizontal surface, such as a desktop, or the
tabletop 12 may be angled slightly downward from the back edge 20
towards the front edge 18 to provide additional comfort or
convenience.
[0033] Alternatively, the feet 66 may be attached to the support
member 14 such that the toe portion 44 extends rearward. For this
arrangement, the toe portion 44 may be placed under the monitor 80
or its support stand (not shown) in order for the back edge 20 of
the tabletop 12 to abut the face 82 of the monitor.
[0034] In further alternatives, a single foot (not shown) may be
provided, for example, extending the full width of the support
member 14 or tabletop 12 or only partially along the width if it
provides sufficient stability for the tabletop 12. The support
member 14 may include a plurality of generally vertical members
(not shown) extending between the tabletop 12 and one or more feet
66. In addition, the connection between the support member 14 and
the tabletop 12 or the base 16 may be pivotable, such that the
generally horizontal angle of the tabletop 12 may be adjusted by
the user and/or the vertical distance between the tabletop 12 and
the base 16, i.e., the height of the tabletop 12, may be
adjusted.
[0035] Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, another preferred embodiment of a
message board apron 110 is shown, for use with a computer monitor
80 and a keyboard 90. The message board apron 110 generally
includes a tabletop 112, a support member 114 attached to the
tabletop 112, and a base 116 pivotally attached to the support
member 114. The tabletop 112 preferably includes a dry-erase
surface 126, and a recess 130 for receiving a pad of Post-It.RTM.
notes and the like, similar to the embodiment described above.
[0036] In addition, the tabletop 112 includes a raised lip 128
extending along the front edge 118 for preventing a writing
instrument 129 from falling off the tabletop 112. A plurality of
substantially vertical cylindrical recesses 170 are provided in the
tabletop 112 for holding writing instruments, a substantially
horizontal semi-cylindrical recess 140 is provided for an eraser
(not shown), and a rectangular recess for business cards and the
like (not shown) is also provided. Other accessories may be
provided in addition to or instead of those shown, as will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0037] The support member 114 includes an upper flange 152 which
may be fastened to the tabletop 112, e.g., to the lower surface
150, by screws, bolts, adhesives and the like, and/or by an
interlocking fit, such as the tabs and slots described previously.
The support member 114 also has a hinge 162 mated to a cooperating
hinge 164 on the base 116. The hinges 162, 164 preferably allow the
support member 114 to be adjusted, but substantially hold a
position once set. For example, the hinges 162, 164 may be held
simply by internal friction, or alternatively by a locking
mechanism (not shown) which may be manually locked and unlocked to
substantially anchor and release the support member 114,
respectively.
[0038] The base 116 is preferably a single substantially flat panel
which is arranged rearward from the tabletop 112, and onto which
the base 86 of the monitor 80 is placed, thereby substantially
anchoring the message board apron 110 relative to the monitor 80.
The back edge 120 of the tabletop 112 may abut the face 82 of the
monitor 80 without substantially obstructing the viewing area 84,
as explained previously. The tabletop 112 may then be pulled
forward, if desired, to change the angle of the upper surface 124.
Alternatively, the tabletop 112 may be pivotable relative to the
support member 114, thereby allowing the height of the tabletop 112
to be adjusted independently of the angle.
[0039] Thus, the tabletop 112 is provided a predetermined distance
above the surface of the desktop 92, thereby defining a cavity 94
into which the keyboard 90 may be slid, as best seen in FIG. 6.
Preferably, the support member has a predetermined height such that
tabletop 112 is located between about three inches and about eight
inches above the desktop 94, and more preferably between about four
inches and about six inches, i.e., close to the height of the
bottom of the viewing area of a standard computer monitor. This
allows the tabletop 112 to be used without substantially
obstructing the viewing area 84 and allows the accessories thereon
to be available without occupying substantial extra space on the
desktop 94.
[0040] In further alternatives, it may be possible to eliminate the
support member and base and directly couple a tabletop, such as
that shown in FIG. 1, to the face of a computer monitor below its
viewing area. For example, the tabletop may be integrally molded as
part of the monitor housing, extending from the face below the
viewing area of the monitor. Alternatively, the tabletop may be a
separate member attached to the front of the monitor by an adhesive
and/or by a mechanical fastener, such as a clamp or strap.
[0041] In one form, a separate tabletop member may be provided that
defines an upper surface having an erasable writing surface
thereon. A back edge of the tabletop member may have a shape
corresponding substantially to the shape of the face of the
computer monitor. An adhesive, such as a double-sided adhesive
tape, may be applied to the back edge and/or to region of the face
of the computer monitor to which the tabletop member is to be
attached. The back edge of the tabletop may then be bonded
substantially permanently to the face of the computer monitor.
[0042] Alternatively, one or more clamping members may be provided
having a first extension attached to the tabletop member and a
second extension attachable to the computer monitor. For example,
the first extension may be attached to the back edge of the
tabletop member and/or to a lower surface of the tabletop member.
The second extension may be attached to a side panel and/or a lower
panel of the monitor housing. In a further alternative, one or more
straps may be attached to the tabletop member that may be extended
at least partially around, and preferably completely around, the
computer monitor and secured thereto. In still a further
alternative, hook and eye material be attached along the back edge
of the tabletop member and the face of the monitor, respectively,
for attaching the tabletop member to the monitor.
[0043] The adhesive and/or mechanical fastener should be
sufficiently strong to support the weight of the tabletop member,
and any accessories that may be received therein, such as a pad of
Post-It.RTM. notes, a dry-erase pen and the like. Thus, the
tabletop member may be supported in a cantilever manner from the
face of the monitor. When the monitor is placed on a horizontal
surface, the stand which supports the monitor thus also supports
the tabletop at a predetermined height above the surface, thereby
providing a space thereunder for receiving a keyboard, as described
above.
[0044] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications,
and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in
the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be
understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the
particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the
invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims.
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