U.S. patent application number 10/408846 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-20 for computer desk.
Invention is credited to Kendall, Kim, Ross, Allan G..
Application Number | 20030213415 10/408846 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29423539 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030213415 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ross, Allan G. ; et
al. |
November 20, 2003 |
Computer desk
Abstract
A computer desk including a desktop having an under surface and
a top surface, a plurality of legs substantially vertically
extending from the under surface of the desktop, at least one shelf
element having a plurality of hubs attached thereto, wherein the at
least one shelf element is attached to at least one of the
plurality of legs via at least one of the plurality of hubs, and a
removable stand element on the top surface of the desktop.
Additionally, the computer desk may include a keyboard tray,
wherein the keyboard tray is slidingly attached to the under
surface of the desktop. Furthermore, the computer desk may include
a side desk, wherein the side desk is pivotally attached to the
under surface of the desktop.
Inventors: |
Ross, Allan G.; (Masury,
OH) ; Kendall, Kim; (Canton, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William H. Logsdon
WEBB ZIESENHEIM LOGSDON ORKIN & HANSON, P.C.
700 Koppers Building
436 Seventh Avenue
Pittsburgh
PA
15219-1818
US
|
Family ID: |
29423539 |
Appl. No.: |
10/408846 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60370857 |
Apr 8, 2002 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.02 ;
108/64; 108/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 21/00 20130101;
A47B 57/265 20130101; A47B 2200/0069 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/50.02 ;
108/93; 108/64 |
International
Class: |
A47B 037/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A computer desk comprising: a desktop having an under surface
and a top surface; a plurality of legs substantially vertically
extending from the under surface of the desktop; at least one shelf
element having a plurality of hubs attached thereto, wherein the at
least one shelf element is attached to at least one of the
plurality of legs via at least one of the plurality of hubs; and a
removable stand element on the top surface of the desktop.
2. The computer desk of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the
plurality of hubs includes a tapered bushing fixed therein.
3. The computer desk of claim 2, wherein the tapered bushing is
hollow and includes an interior circumferential rib.
4. The computer desk of claim 3, wherein the at least one of the
plurality of legs includes a circumferential groove, the
circumferential groove adapted to mate with a respective leg.
5. The computer desk of claim 4, wherein the at least one of the
plurality of legs is adapted to slidingly accept the at least one
of the plurality of hubs until the circumferential rib mates with
the respective circumferential groove.
6. The computer desk of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the
plurality of legs is hollow and has one of a floor plug and a
caster attached thereto.
7. The computer desk of claim 1, wherein the at least one shelf
element is a substantially arcuate-shaped grate.
8. The computer desk of claim 7, wherein the grate includes at
least one side rail.
9. The computer desk of claim 1, wherein the under surface of the
desktop includes: a plurality of support members extending from the
under surface of the desktop; and at least one channel incorporated
on the under surface of the desktop.
10. The computer desk of claim 9, wherein the at least one channel
contains a framework therein.
11. The computer desk of claim 1, wherein the desktop is one of
substantially oval shaped, substantially round shaped,
substantially square shaped, and substantially rectangular
shaped.
12. The computer desk of claim 1, wherein the removable stand
element includes a central support structure and the removable
stand element is one of substantially oval shaped, substantially
round shaped, substantially square shaped, and substantially
rectangular shaped.
13. The computer desk of claim 1, further comprising a keyboard
tray, wherein the keyboard tray is slidingly attached to the under
surface of the desktop.
14. The computer desk of claim 1, further comprising a side desk,
wherein the side desk is pivotally attached to the under surface of
the desktop.
15. The computer desk of claim 14, wherein the side desk is
substantially oval shaped and includes at least one leg.
16. A method for supporting a computer, the method comprising the
steps of: providing a desktop having an under surface and a top
surface; providing at least one shelf element having a plurality of
hubs attached thereto, wherein at least one of the plurality of
hubs includes a tapered bushing fixed therein, the tapered bushing
being hollow and comprising an interior circumferential rib;
attaching at least one of the plurality of legs to the under
surface of the desktop, such that the at least one of the plurality
of legs extends in a substantially vertical direction with respect
to the desktop, the at least one of the plurality of legs including
a circumferential groove; inserting at least one of the plurality
of legs into a corresponding at least one of the plurality of hubs;
mating the circumferential rib with the circumferential groove; and
placing a removable stand element on the top surface of the
desktop.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one of the
plurality of legs is hollow and has one of a floor plug and a
caster attached thereto.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising at least one of: a
keyboard tray, wherein the keyboard tray is slidingly attached to
the under surface of the desktop; and a side desk, wherein the side
desk is pivotally attached to the under surface of the desktop.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one shelf element
is a substantially arcuate-shaped grate and includes at least one
side rail.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the under surface of the
desktop includes: a plurality of support members extending from the
under surface of the desktop; and at least one channel incorporated
on the under surface of the desktop, wherein the at least one
channel contains a framework therein.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/370,857, filed Apr. 8, 2002, and entitled
"Computer Cart", the contents of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a computer desk and, more
specifically, a desk for supporting a monitor, a computer
processing unit, computer-related components, peripherals, and
other accessories.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] As the demand for personal computers has increased, a
variety of peripheral business activities have emerged as part of
the "information age." Among these activities is a substantial
market for furniture specially designed to accommodate computers
and associated equipment. In general, desks for supporting
computers are known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
Des. 344,420 to Rodriguez discloses a mobile computer stand and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,974 to Monson discloses a computer desk
apparatus.
[0006] Although the aforementioned prior art can support
computer-related components, peripherals, and accessories, the
prior art has certain specific drawbacks. For example, the mobile
computer stand disclosed in the '420 patent, although highly
movable, has little desktop space, resulting in the user being
crowded and uncomfortable when using a computer. The computer desk
apparatus disclosed in the '974 patent provides sufficient desktop
and storage space, but is too large and thus impractical to easily
move. This is especially true of modern computer furniture that is
typically made of wood or veneered particle boards. Additionally,
assembly of such furniture requires several hours and a variety of
tools. While these inconveniences are not great, if the unit needs
to be assembled only once and most likely will remain in place for
several years, for students and homeowners who change residences
often or frequently rearrange their furniture, it can be a
nightmare.
[0007] Accordingly, what is needed and has not heretofore been
developed is an attractive computer desk on which a personal
computer and its accompanying peripherals and accessories can be
stored and used, that is lightweight yet stable, low in cost, and
easy to assemble.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is a computer desk and includes, in a
preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a desktop, a
monitor stand, a plurality of legs, and a grate. Preferably, the
computer desk structure has a modified oval-shaped desktop with a
concave cutout at the front portion of the desktop. The monitor
stand is situated on top of the desktop to support a monitor
thereon. The desktop is supported by the plurality of legs. In one
embodiment, there are five tubular legs, each of which has a
circumferential groove near the lower portion. A floor plug may be
inserted at the bottom end of each leg. The legs are affixed
vertically to the under surface of the desktop and extend to the
floor.
[0009] Hubs are provided on opposite corners of the grate in
relation to the position of each corresponding leg. Each hub
comprises a tapered bushing having an interior circumferential rib
when the table is assembled. Each of the legs slidingly accepts its
corresponding hub, until the circumferential rib engages the
circumferential groove, thereby positioning the grate in a plane
parallel to the plane of the desktop. In use, a CPU and other
computer-related components, peripherals, and accessories can be
placed on the grate.
[0010] The computer desk is lightweight, yet provides sufficient
strength for support and stability under load conditions. This is
accomplished by constructing the computer desk as a blow-molded
plastic unit. Additionally, the computer desk is small enough to be
movable and unobtrusive, yet by means of a multi-tiered design, is
large enough to comfortably accommodate a monitor, a computer
processing unit, computer-related components, peripherals, and
accessories.
[0011] Assembly of the computer desk is easy and uncomplicated
since there are a minimal number of parts. No tools are required
for assembly. Manufacture of the computer desk is relatively
inexpensive in view of the minimal amount of materials and labor
required. Accordingly, the computer desk can be made available
economically to the buying public.
[0012] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a side
desk is removably attached to the computer desk. The legs of the
computer desk may also include casters instead of being outfitted
with floor plugs, thereby increasing mobility of the computer desk
on a floor surface.
[0013] These and other advantages of the present invention will be
understood from the description of the preferred embodiments, taken
with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals
represent like elements throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a computer desk
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the computer desk shown in FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of a leg and hub of the
computer desk shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the hub of the computer
desk of FIG. 1; and
[0018] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the computer desk
according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the spatial or
directional terms, such as "inner", "outer", "front", "rear",
"left", "right", "top", "bottom", "under", "vertical",
"horizontal", and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the
invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is
to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative
variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is
also to be understood that the specific apparatus illustrated in
the attached drawings, and described in the following
specification, is simply an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics
related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be
considered as limiting.
[0020] A computer desk 1 according to the present invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 1, the computer desk 1 includes a desktop 2, a monitor stand
10, multiple legs 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, and a grate 6. With reference
to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, desktop 2 has a modified oval shape, wherein
the front of the desktop 2 has a concave cutout 3 to provide a user
with ergonomic access to the desktop 2. The desktop 2 is preferably
a blow-molded plastic unit which utilizes rectangular stand-ups 11
to support the desktop 2 under load conditions. For additional
stability, channels 12 are incorporated on an under surface 7a of
the desktop 2 to accommodate a ribbed framework 19 therein. The
desktop 2 is able to support a keyboard 22 and a mouse 23
thereon.
[0021] The monitor stand 10, for supporting a monitor 20 thereon,
is situated on top of the desktop 2. To prevent the monitor stand
10 from moving off the desktop 2, the monitor stand 10 may be
affixed to the desktop 2 with rivets or other suitable fastening
means. The monitor stand 10 is oval shaped, although it can be
formed in other shapes, such as round shaped, square shaped, or
rectangular shaped. Preferably, the monitor stand 10 is placed
close to the rear 32 of the desktop 2 to provide an optimal viewing
distance of the monitor 20 and to maximize the available work-space
on desktop 2. To support heavier monitors, the monitor stand 10 may
include a central support structure 13, preferably a standup. A
blend of textured and smooth surfaces comprise the surfaces of the
.desktop 2 and monitor stand 10. The textured surface is used to
mask plastic weldment areas between the top and bottom surfaces,
e.g., tack-off areas, to enhance the strength of the desktop 2.
[0022] With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, and with
continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, in a preferred
embodiment, the computer desk 1 includes five legs 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d,
4e. Each leg is vertically affixed to the under surface 7a of the
desktop 2 and extends to the floor. Legs 4a and 4b comprise the
front left and right legs, respectively, whereas legs 4c, 4d, 4e
comprise the rear left, middle, and right legs, respectively. The
rear central leg 4d provides additional stability to the computer
desk 1 by helping to support the weight of a heavier monitor 20.
Each leg 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e is of seamed tubing construction,
incorporating an external circumferential groove 9 positioned
approximately 4 inches from a bottom end 8 of each leg 4a, 4b, 4c,
4d, 4e. Each leg 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e includes a floor plug 16
inserted into the bottom of each leg 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e. Floor plug
16 allows the user to effortlessly push the computer desk 1 across
various surfaces, including, but not limited to, a carpeted
surface.
[0023] Grate 6 is affixed to the legs 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e of the
computer desk 1 and is situated beneath the desktop 2. The primary
function of the grate 6 is for support of a CPU 21 and other
computer-related components and peripherals. The grate 6 is
preferably of a metal frame construction and arcuate shaped,
although it can be found in other shapes, such as oval shaped,
round shaped, square shaped, or rectangular shaped. Each of the
sides of the grate 6, along the planes formed by legs 4a and 4c and
legs 4b and 4e includes a vertical support edge 30. The support
edge 30 is high enough to prevent the CPU 21 and other
computer-related components, peripherals, and accessories from
falling off of the grate 6 during movement of the computer desk
1.
[0024] Five hubs 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e are affixed to the grate 6 in
relation to the position of each of the corresponding legs 4a, 4b,
4c, 4d, 4e. Preferably, each hub 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e is affixed to
the grate 6 by welding. Each of the hubs 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e
includes a plastic tapered bushing 14 having an interior
circumferential rib 15. The circumferential groove 9 is smaller in
diameter than the circumferential rib 15 and can accommodate the
circumferential rib 15 therein. Specifically, each of the five legs
4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e slidingly accepts its corresponding hub 5a, 5b,
5c, 5d, 5e until the circumferential rib 15 of the tapered bushing
14 within each hub engages the circumferential groove 9 of the
corresponding leg 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e. Thus, the grate 6 is affixed
in a lockable position within a substantially horizontal plane in
relation to the desktop 2. In addition to providing storage space,
having the grate 6 affixed to legs 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e increases the
stability of the legs 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e once a load is exerted on
them from objects placed upon the desktop 2 and monitor stand
10.
[0025] An alternate embodiment computer desk 25 is illustrated in
FIG. 5. This embodiment is of a similar construction as the
preferred embodiment, except for minor modifications that extend
the utility of the computer desk 25. A keyboard tray 18 with guide
rails to support a keyboard 22 thereon may be attached to the under
surface 7a of the front of the desktop 2. When not in use, the user
may slide the keyboard tray 18 underneath the desktop 2.
Additionally, the monitor stand 10 may further comprise various
holders to support CD/DVD-ROMs and office supplies, such as pens
and the like.
[0026] Instead of floor plugs 16, the legs 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e may
comprise casters 17, thereby increasing the mobility of the
computer desk 25 on a greater variety of floor surfaces. Once the
user has moved the computer desk 25 to a suitable location, the
casters 17 may be locked, so as to prevent any rolling movement.
Finally, a side desk 26 to support a printer 24 or other component
thereon may be removably attached to the computer desk 25. The side
desk 26 includes a desk surface 27 having legs 4f and 4g extending
from an under surface 7b of the desk surface 27. Casters 17 may be
inserted into the bottom end 8 of each leg 4f, 4g of the side desk
26. The side desk 26 further includes a pivot receptacle 28 that is
attached to the top, preferably at an outermost portion, of the
desk surface 27. A pivot 29 is attached to the under surface 7a,
preferably an outermost portion, of the desktop 2. The pivot 29 is
inserted into the pivot receptacle 28 to pivotally connect the side
desk 26 to the computer desk 25. This allows the side desk 26 to be
moved in a rotatable manner towards and away from the user.
[0027] The present invention has been described with reference to
the preferred embodiments. Obvious modifications, combinations, and
alterations will occur to others upon reading the preceding
detailed description. It is intended that the invention be
construed as including all such modifications, combinations, and
alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended
claims or the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *