U.S. patent application number 09/976571 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-24 for desk with easel drawer.
Invention is credited to Byma, Ralph J., Kelley, James O., Persons, Gregg J., Warren, Michael D..
Application Number | 20030076014 09/976571 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26932752 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030076014 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kelley, James O. ; et
al. |
April 24, 2003 |
Desk with easel drawer
Abstract
A desk having a traditional appearance incorporates an easel or
workstand for supporting a work piece in a closeable drawer
adjacent the work surface of the desk. The easel comprises a
folding panel pivotally mounted on edge of a side drawer. The panel
pivots from a closed position, wherein the panel is folded into the
top of the drawer and the drawer can be closed, to an open
position, wherein the panel is upwardly and outwardly inclined so
as to be in position to support work on the easel. A rail on the
bottom of the easel supports work on the easel. The easel can serve
as a writing surface when the easel is closed and the drawer is
open. The desk includes a central drawer having a fold-down front
panel that serves as a keyboard drawer, and computer accessory
storage areas in other portions of the desk.
Inventors: |
Kelley, James O.; (Spring
Lake, MI) ; Byma, Ralph J.; (Zeeland, MI) ;
Persons, Gregg J.; (Wyoming, MI) ; Warren, Michael
D.; (Grand Rapids, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Waters & Morse, P.C.
400 Ledyard Building
125 Ottawa, Avenue, NW
Grand Rapids
MI
49503
US
|
Family ID: |
26932752 |
Appl. No.: |
09/976571 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60239668 |
Oct 12, 2000 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
312/194 ;
312/291; 312/311 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 21/00 20130101;
A47B 2200/0069 20130101; A47B 97/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/194 ;
312/311; 312/291 |
International
Class: |
A47B 017/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A desk comprising: a desktop, the desktop having a front edge
and an opposing back edge; opposing first and second side panels,
the first and second side panels being spaced apart from one
another, the first and second side panels extending generally
downward from the desktop and supporting the desktop above a floor;
a drawer, the drawer being slidably connected with the desktop, the
drawer sliding between retracted and extended positions, the drawer
having a front end and an opposing back end and a drawer length
defined between the opposing front and back ends, the desktop
overlaying substantially the entire length of the drawer when the
drawer is in the retracted position, the drawer extending away from
the desktop to the front end in the extended position; a panel, the
panel being hinged connected with the drawer, the panel extending
along a portion of the drawer length, the panel hinging between
closed and open positions, the panel extending generally upward
from the first drawer in the open position and defining an
easel.
2. The desk defined in claim 1 wherein the panel hinges about a
pivot axis and the pivot axis is generally parallel with the length
of the drawer.
3. The desk defined in claim 1 wherein the panel hinges about a
pivot axis and the pivot axis defines an included angle with the
length of the drawer.
4. A desk comprising: a desktop, the desktop having a front edge
and an opposing back edge; opposing first and second side panels,
the first and second side panels being spaced apart from one
another, the first and second side panels extending generally
downward from the desktop and supporting the desktop above a floor;
a drawer, the drawer being slidably connected with the first side
panel, the drawer sliding between retracted and extended positions,
the drawer having a front end and an opposing back end and a drawer
length defined between the opposing front and back ends, the drawer
being substantially adjacent the first side panel when the drawer
is in the retracted position, the drawer extending away from the
first side panel to the front end in the extended position; a
panel, the panel being hinged connected with the drawer, the panel
extending along a portion of the drawer length, the panel hinging
between closed and open positions, the panel extending generally
upward from the first drawer in the open position and defining an
easel.
5. The desk defined in claim 4 wherein the panel hinges about a
pivot axis and the pivot axis is generally parallel with the length
of the drawer.
6. The desk defined in claim 4 wherein the panel hinges about a
pivot axis and the pivot axis defines an included angle with the
length of the drawer.
7. A desk comprising: a work surface; a pedestal, the pedestal
extending generally downward from the work surface, the pedestal
supporting the work surface above a floor; a drawer, the drawer
being slidably connected with the work surface, the drawer having a
front end an opposing back end and a drawer length defined between
the opposing front and back ends, the drawer being slidable between
a retracted position, generally under the work surface, and an
extended position, in which the drawer extends outward from the
work surface to the front end; a panel, the panel being hingedly
connected with the drawer, the panel extending along a portion of
the drawer length, the panel hinging between closed and open
positions, the panel extending generally upward from the first
drawer in the open position and defining an easel.
8. The desk defined in claim 7 wherein the panel hinges about a
pivot axis and the pivot axis is generally parallel with the length
of the drawer.
9. The desk defined in claim 7 wherein the panel hinges about a
pivot axis and the pivot axis defines an included angle with the
length of the drawer.
10. In a desk having a work surface mounted on support members, the
improvement comprising an easel mounted in a drawer positioned
under the work surface on one side of an operator work position,
the easel comprising a generally flat panel pivotally mounted on
the drawer so as to be movable between a closed position, wherein
the panel is folded into the drawer such that the drawer can be
closed, and an open position, wherein the panel extends upwardly so
as to be in position to support a work piece.
11. A desk according to claim 10 wherein the easel is pivotally
mounted on an upper edge of an outer side panel of the drawer, such
that the panel closes the top of the drawer when closed, an outer
side of the easel serving as a writing surface when the easel is
closed and the drawer is open.
12. A desk according to claim 10 wherein the easel in includes a
rail at a lower inner side of the panel to support a work piece on
the easel when the easel is open.
13. A desk according to claim 10 wherein the easel is rearwardly
inclined when in the open position, with the pivotal movement of
the easel being limited by a movement control mechanism that
prevents the easel from pivoting outwardly past its open position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on and claims the benefit of the
filing date of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Serial No. 60/239,668, entitled Desk With Easel Drawer and filed on
Oct. 12, 2000 by James O. Kelley et al, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a desk, and more
particularly to a desk incorporating an easel or work stand in a
drawer.
[0004] Desks often serve a dual purpose of ornamental furniture and
functional work stations. This is particularly true in the case of
desks that are intended for use in the home and executive offices.
Sometimes desks and computer work stations employed in the home are
concealed behind doors of a cabinet that have the appearance of an
armoire or the like.
[0005] It is also desirable to incorporate other computer functions
into a desk that has an otherwise traditional appearance. Desks may
be designed to include storage spaces for computer CPU's,
keyboards, monitors, and data storage media, for example.
[0006] In order to work on a computer keyboard, it is desirable to
have a work stand adjacent to the computer location for supporting
material that needs to be typed or referenced to in a generally
upright, readable position. Work support stands are common in
office environments and usually include a separate component that
stands on the surface of the desk, taking up space and presenting a
generally undesirable appearance when not in use. It is the object
of the present invention to provide an easel or work stand for use
in connection with a desk, particularly a desk adapted for use with
a computer, where the easel is integrally mounted in a desk drawer
where in it can be opened for use or folded away in an unobtrusive
way when not in use, without impairing the functionality of the
drawer.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, a desk
incorporates an easel or work support for supporting a work piece
or the like in a closable drawer adjacent the work surface of the
desk. The easel comprises a folding plate or panel pivotally
mounted on a drawer adjacent an operator work position, such that
the panel can be pivoted between a closed position, wherein the
panel is pivoted into the top of the drawer and the drawer can be
closed, and an open position, wherein the panel is upwardly and
outwardly inclined, so as to be in position to support work on the
easel. A rail extends outwardly from a lower portion of the panel
for supporting a work piece on the easel. A movement control
mechanism permits the easel to open and close but stops outward
pivotal movement at a desired rearward inclination that is
appropriate for supporting a work piece on the easel. The upper
surface of the easel serves as a writing surface when the easel is
closed. The desk can incorporate other features that make the desk
particularly suitable as a computer work station, including a
central drawer having a fold-down front panel that serves as a
keyboard drawer, and other storage areas in the desk serving as
concealed areas for supporting computer equipment, a printer, and
storage media.
[0008] These and other features, objects, and benefits of the
invention will be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the
art and by those who practice the invention, from the
specification, the claims, and the drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a desk with easel
drawer according to the invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a back perspective view thereof;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view thereof, the opposing side
elevational view being a mirror image thereof;
[0012] FIG. 4 is another front perspective view thereof, showing
the storage spaces open;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary top perspective view thereof,
detailing the easel drawer;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of
FIG. 5;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the easel drawer with the easel
panel shown in phantom;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII
of FIG. 7 and;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the desk with the
doors removed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Referring to the drawings, a desk 10, shown in FIG. 1,
includes a top 12, sides 14, a knee hole portion 16 having inner
side panels 17, a center drawer 18, and side drawer 22, with the
side drawer and center drawer being positioned on the underside of
the desktop and the center drawer being positioned above the knee
hole opening 16. Doors 24 and 26 positioned adjacent sides 14 cover
interior storage areas under the side drawers. The top of door 24
may be formed to have the appearance of a side drawer front panel
20, in order to balance the appearance of side drawer 22 while
providing an enlarged interior storage space at the left side. A
back 28 encloses the back of the desk.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 4, the storage area behind door 24
includes a drawer 30 for compact discs or other media and a
vertical storage space 32 for a tower computer case or the like. If
the space is not needed for a computer CPU, the space can include
an adjustable shelf 33 (FIG. 9). A floor 34 is positioned at the
bottom of storage space 32. The floor can be elevated above front
trim panel 36 for more easy access to the front of a computer in
the cabinet. A pull-out writing panel 38 is positioned under the
desk top 12 and above door 24.
[0020] Center drawer 18 comprises a fold-down front panel 40 that
folds down away from side panels 42 to convert the front drawer
into a keyboard drawer. The keyboard drawer can have a wrist rest
44 at a front edge, with the space 46 behind the wrist rest serving
for placement of a keyboard.
[0021] The right door 26 covers a storage opening 48 having a
pull-out lower drawer 50 slidably mounted in the bottom of the
storage area. A printer or the like can conveniently be positioned
on drawer 50. An adjustable shelf 51 (FIG. 9) also can be mounted
in the storage area.
[0022] Upper drawer 22 includes the easel 52 of the present
invention. Easel 52 is shown in a closed position in FIG. 4 and an
open position in FIG. 5. Easel 52 comprises a flat rectangular
plate or panel 54 mounted on an upper edge of an outer side panel
56 of the drawer by means of a hinge 58. A movement control
mechanism 60 mounted on a transverse drawer panel 62 supports and
limits the extent of upward pivotal movement of the easel to a
slightly outwardly inclined position as shown in FIG. 5. Control
mechanism 60 includes an arm 64 pivotally mounted at one end 66 to
panel 54 and pivotally engaged in a lateral slide member 68 at a
lower end 70. When opened, end 70 slides to the right hand end of
slide member 68 (FIG. 5 orientation) and holds the easel in the
open position shown. When the easel is closed, end 70 slides to the
left hand end of slide member 68 and permits the easel to close to
the flat position shown in FIG. 4. When closed, the easel encloses
the top of the drawer and can be used as a writing surface. When
opened, the easel opens the interior 72 of the drawer, and the
underside of the easel can be used to support typing copy or other
work materials.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 6, slide member 68 comprises an elongated
rod 74 mounted by brackets 76 to drawer panel 62. The end 70 of
member 64 is attached to a collar 78 mounted on rod 74 so as to be
slideable along rod 74 between brackets 76, which serve to stop the
collar. Other types of control devices to control the maximum
outward pivotal movement of easel panel 54 could be employed.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 6, panel 54 is held in a rearwardly
inclined position at an illustrated angle of about thirty degrees
from a vertical position. An elongated flange or rail 80 screwed or
otherwise attached to the panel through openings 82 extends
outwardly at a bottom side of the panel and serves to support
papers, books, or other materials in a working position on the
easel. Panel hinge 58 is attached on one side to the bottom edge of
panel 54 and on the other side to the top edge of the drawer and
serves to pivotally mount the easel on the edge of the drawer.
[0025] The present invention provides a convenient way to
incorporate a work supporting easel into a desk in an inconspicuous
manner while still preserving the functionality of a drawer and
providing a level work surface when the easel is closed.
[0026] It should be understood that the foregoing is merely
exemplary of the preferred practice of the present invention and
that various changes in the arrangements and details of
construction of the embodiments disclosed herein may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
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