U.S. patent application number 09/946207 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-06 for ergonomic positioning apparatus for computers and or computer accessories.
Invention is credited to MacLeod, Edward.
Application Number | 20030042373 09/946207 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25484113 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030042373 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MacLeod, Edward |
March 6, 2003 |
Ergonomic positioning apparatus for computers and or computer
accessories
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.
Inventors: |
MacLeod, Edward; (Westford,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARD N MacLEOD
5 TRAILS END ROAD
WESTFORD
MA
01886
US
|
Family ID: |
25484113 |
Appl. No.: |
09/946207 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/125.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/24 20130101;
F16M 11/2021 20130101; A47B 21/00 20130101; F16M 11/10 20130101;
A47B 2200/0023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/125.1 |
International
Class: |
A47F 005/00 |
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.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] No related applications were found.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
[0002] This invention was not federally sponsored in any way.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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
[0005] 1) The new device termed an AirDesk.TM. 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
[0006] FIG. 1 shows a typical front side view of the device.
[0007] FIG. 2 shows a typical top view of the device.
[0008] 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.
[0009] FIG. 4 shows a section view A-A as called out from FIG.
2.
[0010] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the upper portion of the device
and is at 90 degrees relative to FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 6 shows a section view B-B as called out from FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of the devise with a typical
accessory shelf mounted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Beginning at the bottom of the device and working up,
[0014] The Base (1)
[0015] At the bottom of the device there is a unique flat but
structurally adequate base (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 1/4" 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.
[0016] The Base fitting (2)
[0017] A sturdy fitting is used to connect the mast tube (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.
[0018] The Mast (3)
[0019] The mast (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.
[0020] The Cross Fitting (4)
[0021] Perpendicularly attached to the mast at a right angle is a
unique cross fitting (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.
[0022] 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 (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.
[0023] The Support Collar (7)
[0024] As the computer tray ( ) is swiveled around the mast, there
will be a tendency for cross fitting (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.
[0025] The Cantilevered Arm (6)
[0026] The cantilevered arm (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.
[0027] Pivoting Hub (8)
[0028] As seen in FIGS. 1,5 and 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.
[0029] Computer Table (10)
[0030] As seen in FIGS. 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.
[0031] Accessory Shelf (14)
[0032] As seen in FIG. 7. The mast (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.
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