U.S. patent application number 09/388334 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-29 for vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation.
Invention is credited to COONAN, GARY, MAYES, GARY L., RECKELHOFF, DONALD L..
Application Number | 20010045497 09/388334 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23533696 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010045497 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
COONAN, GARY ; et
al. |
November 29, 2001 |
VERTICALLY ADJUSTABLE MOBILE COMPUTER WORKSTATION
Abstract
A vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation includes a
first arm which has an upper end and a lower end. Attached to the
upper end of the first arm is at least one platform. A second arm
includes an upper end and a lower end. The lower end of the first
arm and the upper end of the second arm are hingedly attached. The
lower end of the second arm is attached to a base that is supported
by a plurality of rotatable members. The first arm is rotatable
between a first angular position in which the at least one platform
is positioned above the rotatable members and a second angular
position in which the at least one platform is positioned higher
above the rotatable members.
Inventors: |
COONAN, GARY; (ROCKVALE,
TN) ; MAYES, GARY L.; (MURFEESBORO, TN) ;
RECKELHOFF, DONALD L.; (ANTIOCH, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL B MCNEIL
511 SOUTH MADISON STREET
POST OFFICE BOX 2417
BLOOMINGTON
IN
47402
|
Family ID: |
23533696 |
Appl. No.: |
09/388334 |
Filed: |
September 1, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/123.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 21/00 20130101;
F16M 13/00 20130101; F16M 2200/044 20130101; A47B 31/00 20130101;
A47B 2200/0023 20130101; F16M 11/10 20130101; F16M 11/42 20130101;
F16M 11/2014 20130101; F16M 11/24 20130101; F16M 11/2092
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/123.11 |
International
Class: |
F16M 011/00 |
Claims
1. A vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation comprising:
a first arm having an upper end and a lower end; at least one
platform being attached to said upper end of said first arm; a
second arm having an upper end and a lower end; said lower end of
said first arm and said upper end of said second arm being hingedly
attached; said lower end of said second arm being attached to a
base supported by a plurality of rotatable members; and said first
arm being rotatable between a first angular position in which said
at least one platform is positioned a first distance above said
rotatable members and a second angular position in which said at
least one platform is positioned a second distance above said
rotatable members that is greater than said first distance.
2. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim 1
wherein said second arm is oriented at an acute angle with respect
to a vertical line passing through said base.
3. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim 1
further comprising a neutral support mechanism operably coupled
between said first arm and said second arm.
4. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim 1
further comprising a stop mechanism operably coupled between said
first arm and said second arm.
5. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim 1
further comprising a stop mechanism operably coupled between said
first arm and said second arm; and said stop mechanism being
continuously stoppable between said first angular position and said
second angular position.
6. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim 1
wherein said at least one platform is closer to a vertical line
passing through a center of said base when said first arm is at
said second angular position than when said first arm is at said
first angular position.
7. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim 1
wherein said at least one platform includes a hinged monitor
support; said monitor support is movable between a first monitor
angle and a second monitor angle; and said monitor angle is coupled
to an angular position of said first arm.
8. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim 1
further comprising a battery pack compartment being attached to at
least one of said first arm, said second arm and said at least one
platform.
9. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim 1
further comprising a wireless transceiver attached to at least one
of said first arm, said second arm, said base and said at least one
platform.
10. A vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation comprising:
a first arm having, an upper end and a lower end; at least one
platform being attached to said upper end of said first arm; a
computer input device and a computer output device being supported
by said at least one platform; a second arm having an upper end and
a lower end; said lower end of said first arm and said upper end of
said second arm being hingedly attached; said lower end of said
second arm being attached to a base supported by a plurality of
rotatable members; and said first arm being rotatable between a
first angular position in which said at least one platform is
positioned a first distance above said rotatable members and a
second angular position in which said at least one platform is
positioned a second distance above said rotatable members that is
greater than said first distance.
11. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim
10 further comprising a stop mechanism operably coupled between
said first arm and said second arm; said stop mechanism being
continuously stoppable between said first angular position and said
second angular position; and a neutral support mechanism operably
coupled between said first arm and said second arm.
12. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim
10 wherein said at least one platform is closer to a vertical line
passing through a center of said base when said first arm is at
said second angular position than when said first arm is at said
first angular position.
13. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim
10 wherein said at least one platform includes a hinged monitor
support; said monitor support is movable between a first monitor
angle and a second monitor angle; and said monitor angle is coupled
to an angular position of said first arm.
14. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim
10 further comprising a battery pack electrically connected to at
least one of said computer input device and said computer output
device.
15. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim
10 further comprising a wireless transceiver attached to at least
one of said first arm, said second arm, said base, said at least
one platform, said computer input device and said computer output
device.
16. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim
10 further comprising a security panel being attached to said at
least one platform, said security panel at least partially covering
at least one of said computer input device and said computer output
device.
17. A vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation comprising:
a first arm having an upper end and a lower end; at least one
platform being attached to said upper end of said first arm; a
computer input device and a computer output device being supported
by said at least one platform; a second arm having an upper end and
a lower end; said lower end of said first arm and said upper end of
said second arm being hingedly attached; said lower end of said
second arm being attached to a base supported by a plurality of
rotatable members; a neutral support stop mechanism operably
coupled between said first arm and said second arm; and said first
arm being rotatable between a first angular position in which said
at least one platform is positioned a first distance above said
rotatable members and a second angular position in which said at
least one platform is positioned a second distance above said
rotatable members that is greater than said first distance.
18. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim
17 wherein said plurality of rotatable members is a number greater
than four; and said plurality of rotatable members are equally
spaced about a vertical line passing through a center of said
base.
19. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim
18 further comprising a wireless transceiver attached to at lease
one of said first arm, said second arm, said base, said at least
one platform, said computer input device and said computer output
device.
20. The vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim
19 wherein said at least one platform is closer to a vertical line
passing through a center of said base when said first arm is at
said second angular position than when said first arm is at said
first angular position.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to computer
workstations, and more particularly to mobile computer workstations
that are vertically adjustable.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A number of workstations have been designed to make computer
use more convenient and to make the time employees spend using
their computers more ergonomic. For example, various workstations
have been designed which allow the user to rotate the computer
output device to remain in their line of sight. These devices can
allow the user to comfortably view the computer monitor whether
they are sitting or standing. Systems have also been developed
which suspend a computer monitor from a track and allow the monitor
to roll along the track while the user moves from place to place.
While these designs have increased the adaptability of office
equipment, there is still room for improvement.
[0003] For example, a computer workstation that is easily movable
from one location to another is desirable in a number of office
settings. One example is a hospital setting where nurses and
technicians must continuously update patient treatment records from
a variety of locations. In this setting, a workstation that could
travel with the employee could allow them to input changes in
patient treatment while they are making their rounds. A workstation
that is also adjustable to accommodate users in either a standing
or sitting position would allow employees to carry out their tasks
in a more ergonomic manner.
[0004] The present invention is directed to addressing these needs
and to creating a mobile computer workstation that is adjustable to
a variety of vertical positions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation includes
a first arm which has an upper end and a lower end and a second arm
that includes an upper end and a lower end. Attached to the upper
end of the first arm is at least one platform. The lower end of the
first arm and the upper end of the second arm are hingedly
attached. The lower end of the second arm is attached to a base
that is supported by a plurality of rotatable members. The first
arm is rotatable between a first angular position in which the at
least one platform is positioned a first distance above the
rotatable members and a second angular position in which the
platform is positioned a second distance above the rotatable
members that is greater than the first distance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a vertically adjustable
mobile computer workstation in a lowered position according to the
present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the vertically adjustable
mobile computer workstation of FIG. 1 in a raised position.
[0008] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a variation of the vertically
adjustable mobile computer workstation of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a
lowered position.
[0009] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of another variation of the
vertically adjustable mobile computer workstation of FIGS. 1 and 2
in a raised position.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a sectioned side view of a neutral support stop
mechanism according to one aspect of the invention adjusted to a
raised position.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a sectioned side view of the neutral support stop
mechanism of FIG. 5 adjusted to a lowered position.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0012] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 there is shown a vertically
adjustable mobile computer workstation 10 according to three
variations of the present invention. As illustrated, computer
workstation 10 can be adapted to support a variety of computer
input and output devices. Computer workstation 10 includes a first
arm 13, a second arm 18, a platform 11 and a base 25. Platform 11
preferably includes a handle 12 that can be used for vertical
adjustment of computer workstation 10. While computer workstation
10 has been shown having only one platform 11 to support both the
computer input and output devices, it should be appreciated that an
additional platform could be included to allow the input and output
devices to be separately supported or to provide additional work
space.
[0013] Platform 11 is hingedly attached to an upper end 14 of first
arm 13 by a platform support 66. Referring now in addition to FIGS.
5 and 6, it can be seen that first arm 13 is not a single member,
but rather it includes a first longitudinal segment 67 and a second
longitudinal segment 68 which are preferably arranged in parallel
but not connected directly to each other. However, because the
longitudinal segments 67, 68 function as a single member, it should
be appreciated that they could be replaced by one member. Platform
support 66 is attached to longitudinal segments 67, 68 by two
platform pivots 64. Each platform pivot 64 can be a pin or other
such device that can allow platform support 66 to maintain platform
11 at a horizontal orientation regardless of the angular position
of first arm 13.
[0014] First arm 13 also includes a lower end 15 that is hingedly
attached to an upper end 19 of second arm 18 by a pair of first arm
pivots 63. The vertical position of computer workstation 10 is
determined by the angular position of first arm 13 with respect to
second arm 18. For example, when arm angle .PHI., the angle between
first arm 13 and second arm 18, is relatively small, platform 11 is
positioned a first distance X.sub.1 above a plurality of rotatable
members 26 that support base 25. This corresponds to a lowered
position of computer workstation 10 as shown in FIG. 1. In
contrast, when arm angle .PHI. is relatively large, platform 11 is
positioned a second distance X.sub.2 above rotatable members 26
which corresponds to a raised position of computer workstation 10
as shown in FIG. 2. It should therefore be appreciated that as arm
angle .PHI. increases, the distance X between platform 11 and
rotatable members 26 increases, resulting in an upward vertical
adjustment of computer workstation 10.
[0015] Operably coupled between first arm 13 and second arm 18 is a
neutral support stop mechanism 60 that serves as the mechanism
which allows platform 11 to be positioned at any desired distance X
above rotatable members 26. Neutral support stop mechanism 60
preferably uses an internal force producing device and friction to
allow computer workstation 10 to be continuously stoppable between
a preset maximum and minimum. While the present invention has been
illustrated utilizing a continuously stoppable device, it should be
appreciated that the stop mechanism could alternatively be a
notched device, or other device, that would allow first arm 13 to
stop at a plurality of preset angular positions between a desired
minimum and maximum.
[0016] Neutral support stop mechanism 60 preferably includes a
pneumatic cylinder, as shown, however it could be a hydraulic
cylinder or other adjustable force producing device as well.
Neutral support stop mechanism 60 includes a rod 61 and a cylinder
62 and is capable of producing a force proportional to the distance
that rod 61 is moved with regard to cylinder 62. The amount of
force that neutral support stop mechanism 60 will produce can be
adjusted by a threaded member 70 that is coupled to rod 61 by a nut
65. The vertical positioning of nut 65 along threaded member 70
determines the amount of rod 61 unexposed by cylinder 62, and
therefore the amount of force produced. For instance, when nut 65
is positioned high on threaded member 70, as shown in FIGS. 5 and
6, the length of rod 61 outside of cylinder 62 is relatively short,
which corresponds to a relatively short pneumatic chamber within
cylinder 62. This orientation would result in a greater force
produced by neutral support stop mechanism 60. A greater amount of
force, such as produced by this orientation, would be desirable
when platform 11 is supporting a traditional tube style monitor 30,
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Because rod 61 preferably does not move
with respect to cylinder 62 once nut 65 is adjusted and fixed on
threaded member 70, neutral support stop mechanism 60 will produce
this constant force regardless of the angular position of first arm
13 with respect to second arm 18. The portion of this force that is
oriented in a vertical direction changes with the arm angle .PHI..
As nut 65 is moved downward along threaded member 70, a greater
length of rod 61 is removed from cylinder 62, creating a larger
pneumatic chamber within cylinder 62 and thus a reduced amount of
force. When nut 65 is adjusted to a relatively low position along
threaded member 70, the amount of force produced would be desirable
when computer workstation 10 is supporting a lighter device, such
as a notebook style computer 50, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0017] Returning now to computer workstation 10, base 25 is
preferably attached to a lower end 20 of second arm 18 such that an
acute angle exists between second arm 18 and a vertical line
passing through base 25. While the attachment between base 25 and
second arm 18 has been illustrated as a fixed attachment, it should
be appreciated that it could instead be a hinged attachment.
Additionally, it should be appreciated that use of a hinged
attachment of base 25 and second arm 18 might be facilitated with a
second neutral stop mechanism. Base 25 is preferably supported by
five rotatable members 26 that are equally spaced about a vertical
line 28 passing through the center of base 25. Rotatable members 26
are preferably rollers, as shown, but could instead be any suitable
support members, such as spherical rotatable supports.
Additionally, while five rotatable members 26 have been
illustrated, the number is preferably at least greater than four to
ensure adequate stability of computer workstation 10. It should be
appreciated, however, that the desire for added stability should be
balanced with practicality when selecting the number of rotatable
members 26 to be included on computer workstation 10. It should
also be appreciated that the shape and size of the rotatable
members 26 selected will be a factor in determining the appropriate
number to use. Regarding the size of rotatable members 26, they
should preferably be oversized, as shown, to make movement over
rough or uneven floors easier.
[0018] Stability of computer workstation 10 is also enhanced by the
positioning of platform 11 in relation to vertical line 28 which
passes through the center of base 25. FIG. 1 shows computer
workstation 10 adjusted to a relatively low vertical position which
corresponds to a first angular position of first arm 13, as
illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 2 shows computer workstation 10
adjusted to a relatively high vertical position, corresponding to a
second angular position of first arm 13, as illustrated in FIG. 5.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, platform 11 is closer to vertical line
28 when computer workstation 10 is adjusted to a relatively high
angular position than when computer workstation 10 is adjusted to a
relatively low angular position. This design feature allows
computer workstation 10 to have greater stability when adjusted to
its highest vertical orientation by positioning the majority of the
weight closer to the center of base 25 when computer workstation 10
is adjusted to its most unstable position.
[0019] As previously stated, computer workstation 10 can be adapted
to support a number of different computer input and output devices,
as shown in FIGS. 1-4. In the variation shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
platform 11 is adapted to support a computer input device in the
form of a computer keyboard 32 and a computer output device in the
form of traditional tube style monitor 30. Tube style monitor 30 is
attached to platform 11 by a hinged monitor support 33 which pivots
computer monitor 30 with respect to the vertical positioning of
computer workstation 10 to accommodate use in both the sitting and
standing positions. Hinged monitor support 33 rotates monitor 30
through a variety of monitor angles .alpha. that are coupled to the
angular position of first arm 13. For instance, when arm angle
.PHI. is relatively small, as shown in FIG. 1, monitor angle
.alpha. is relatively large. Conversely, when angle .PHI. is
relatively large, as shown in FIG. 2, monitor angle .alpha. is
relatively small. This coupling allows computer monitor 30 to
remain generally in the line of sight of the user regardless of the
angular position of first arm 13, and therefore, regardless of the
vertical orientation of computer workstation 10.
[0020] Referring now to the FIG. 3 variation of computer
workstation 10, platform 11 is once again designed for attachment
to a computer keyboard 32 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, in
this variation, platform 11 is adapted to support a flat screen
computer monitor 40 as the computer output device. Because flat
screen monitor 40 is readily adjustable on platform 11, there is no
need to couple the monitor angle with the angular position of first
arm 13, as with tube style monitor 30. However, it should be
appreciated that these angles could be coupled if so desired.
[0021] In this variation, computer workstation 10 preferably
includes a battery pack compartment 42 which is capable of housing
a battery that can be electronically connected to at least one of
computer keyboard 32 and flat screen monitor 40. While battery pack
compartment 42 is preferably attached to second arm 18, it should
be appreciated that it could also be attached to first arm 13, base
25 or platform 11. Use of a battery pack is desirable to allow the
user to be free of many restrictions associated with power cords
such as the distance the user can travel from a power source as
well as the workplace hazard created by loose trailing power cords.
This variation also preferably includes a wireless transceiver 44
which, when used together with a battery pack, can allow computer
workstation 10 to be a completely untethered workstation. Wireless
transceiver 44 is preferably attached to platform 11, however, it
should be appreciated that it could also be attached to base 25,
first arm 13, second arm 18, keyboard 32 or flat screen monitor 40.
Use of wireless transceiver 44 will allow for even greater mobility
of computer workstation 10 by allowing the user to move
unrestricted by computer communication cord length. Additionally,
use of wireless transceiver 44 in place of numerous cords will add
to the stability and ease of use of computer workstation 10 by
removing the chance of tangling cords around rotatable members 26
and once again reducing the safety hazards associated with loose
cords.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown still another
variation of the present invention. In this variation, platform 11
is designed to support a combined computer input and output device
such as notebook style computer 50. Platform 11 includes a security
panel 52 for use with notebook style computer 50. Security panel 52
is attached to platform 11 in a manner that allows the user to
adjust the orientation of the monitor portion of notebook computer
50 for more natural viewing. Security panel 52 is also preferably
moveable between an open position in which notebook 50 can be
easily placed on or removed from platform 11 and a closed position.
When security panel 52 is in the closed position, it can be locked
to prevent unwanted removal of notebook 50. While security panel 52
has been shown as covering only the monitor portion of notebook 50,
it should be appreciated that it could also at least partially
cover the keyboard portion of notebook 50. In addition to
performing as a security device by allowing the user to lock down
notebook 50, security panel 52 can also serve to stabilize the
light notebook computer 50 on platform 11.
[0023] As with the variation shown in FIG. 3, computer workstation
10 preferably includes a battery pack compartment 42 that is
attached to either first arm 13, second arm 18 or platform 11 and
can be equipped with a battery to power notebook computer 50.
Likewise, computer workstation 10 also preferably includes a
wireless transceiver 44 to allow notebook computer 50 to act as an
untethered workstation that facilitates wireless networking with a
computer network and/or server. Once again, while wireless
transceiver 44 has been illustrated as being attached to platform
11, it should be appreciated that it could also be attached to
first arm 13, second arm 18, base 25, or notebook 50 to perform the
same function.
[0024] The present invention allows for greater adaptability of
office equipment by providing a self standing computer workstation
that can be easily transported around a work environment. When used
in conjunction with a battery pack and a wireless transceiver, the
present invention becomes an untethered workstation that can be
transported to virtually any location the user desires. The present
invention is also vertically adjustable to provide greater
versatility by ergonomically accommodating users in both the
sitting and standing positions. When supporting a traditional tube
style monitor, the present invention preferably includes a hinged
monitor support to allow the monitor to remain in the line of sight
of a user regardless of the vertical orientation of the computer
workstation.
[0025] It should be understood that the above description is
intended for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to
limit the scope of the present invention in any way. For instance,
while the first arm is preferably two separate longitudinal
segments, it should be appreciated that it could be a single
member. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the number of
first arm pivots and platform pivots need not be two, as
illustrated. Further, it should be appreciated that separate stop
and neutral force mechanisms could be used as opposed to the
illustrated single integrated device. The present invention could
also be modified to accommodate other input devices, such as track
balls, etc. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
various modifications could be made to the disclosed embodiments
without departing from the intended scope of the present invention,
which is defined in terms of the claims set forth below.
* * * * *