U.S. patent application number 11/323148 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-05 for rotating over-bed computer desk.
Invention is credited to Steven John Byrne.
Application Number | 20070151489 11/323148 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38223053 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070151489 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Byrne; Steven John |
July 5, 2007 |
Rotating over-bed computer desk
Abstract
A computer desk that uses a cantilevered work surface structure
rotatably mounted to a vertical support column. The support column
can be mounted so that the lower end rests upon the floor and the
upper end is affixed either directly to the ceiling or by brackets
to an elevated position on the wall of the structure or dwelling.
The desk can be installed next to a bed and positioned to allow use
while sitting up in bed or rotated to allow use while sitting in a
chair. The desk can have multiple deck levels to accommodate a
computer and accessories and a separate deck for control elements
such as keyboard, mouse, and/or game controllers that can
incorporate armrests. It can be assembled in right hand or left
hand configuration from the same parts. It is designed to be as
adjustable as is possible while also being inexpensive to
produce.
Inventors: |
Byrne; Steven John;
(Flagstaff, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Steven J. Byrne
5580 Forest Drive
Flagstaff
AZ
86004
US
|
Family ID: |
38223053 |
Appl. No.: |
11/323148 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/95 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 21/02 20130101;
A47B 96/1425 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/095 |
International
Class: |
A47B 57/00 20060101
A47B057/00 |
Claims
1) A desk or computer work station consisting of a telescoping
support column with a major central outer section and minor upper
and lower inner sections which have lower and upper ends
terminating at floor and attached to the ceiling of the structure
or dwelling. The central outer section provides means for height
adjustment by mechanical extension or retraction of the lower inner
section and free sliding movement of the upper inner section. The
central outer section also provides means of attachment for
substantially horizontal work surfaces. The assembly of central
outer column section and work surfaces is able to be rotated about
the upper and lower inner column sections which remain
stationary.
2) A desk or computer workstation as described in claim 1 where the
upper inner section of the support column terminates at an elevated
fixture that is attached to a wall of the structure or dwelling
rather than attached to the ceiling.
3) A desk or computer workstation as described in claim 1 or 2 that
allows the adjustment of height by means of a mechanical crank and
screw assembly.
4) A desk or computer workstation as described in claim 1 or 2 that
allows the adjustment of height by means of a pneumatic or
hydraulic cylinder.
5) A desk or computer workstation as described in claim 1 or 2 that
allows the adjustment of height by means of an electrical
actuator.
6) A desk or computer workstation as described in any of claims 3-5
that has one or more cantilevered, off-center work surfaces capable
of extending over a bed, chair or sofa.
7) A desk or computer workstation as described in any of claims 3-5
that uses a braced under surface structure to support the work
surfaces.
8) A desk or computer workstation as described in any of claims 3-5
that uses a suspension structure to support the work
surface(s).
9) A desk or computer workstation as described in claim 6 that is
constructed so that the same cantilevered work surface components
can be assembled in either a right or left hand configuration.
10) A desk or computer workstation as described in claim 7 or 8
that has a sliding and/or adjustable keyboard surface or tray.
11) A desk or computer workstation as described in claim 10 that
has armrests and mouse pad incorporated into the keyboard
surface.
12) A desk or computer workstation as described in claim 5 or 6
that uses a magnetic wall latch to prevent unwanted rotational
movement.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates generally to the field of furniture,
more specifically to computer desks and work stations and most
directly to over-bed computer desks and work stations.
[0005] The computer desk has become a fixture in many households.
Various desks and tables have been developed for the desktop
computer and its peripheral accessories in efforts to improve
convenience, comfort and aesthetic qualities. Conventional use of a
computer would have the user sitting in a chair and the computer
arranged on a desk or table in front of the seated user. There are
also times when a person sitting up or reclining in bed may wish to
use the computer or to perform other desk related tasks. The number
of designs that accommodate use in both positions is very limited
and their configurations have thus far been inadequate from the
standpoints of convenience, comfort and structural strength.
[0006] There is a history of improvements to bedside tables and the
like which extends back to well before the computer age. In 1888 G.
Wolz received U.S. Pat. No. 383,333 for a bedside table that could
be used either in bed or while sitting in a chair, by rotating the
table about a pivotal axis established by the table's base. The
table described has notches and a pin to establish height
adjustment and suggests a heavy cast iron base to help prevent
tipping of its overbalanced cantilevered top. Even today this table
could be used adequately for a small, lightweight, laptop computer,
but certainly not for a modern computer workstation without a very
massive base, strengthened components and a great expansion of its
size and increase of cost.
[0007] 1912's J. L. McPherson U.S. Pat. No. 1,046,479 shows a
bedside table that clamps to the bed frame a movable shaft to onto
which the work surface is attached. This certainly prevents the
table from tipping over, but must be lifted to adjust height and
would be inadequate to contain a full size computer. In 1962 J.
Douglass Jr. et al. received U.S. Pat. No. 3,046,072 for a very
similar design incorporating and refined clamp, but otherwise
having the same shortcomings.
[0008] In 1933 F. Kusterle received U.S. Pat. No. 1,901,174 for a
bedside hospital table that comprised a small end table with an
additional upper surface that could be pivoted about an axis
established by the equivalent of pillow bearings attached to the
bed-ward side of the table. This table also added a crank and screw
for height adjustment and telescoping upper and lower members. By
attaching the pivotal axis to a heavier structure (the table) the
likelihood of the table tipping over is reduced. This is further
reduced with the aid of an additional support roller. One drawback
of the design is that attachment of the moveable surface to the top
of the pivoting axis puts great stress at that point and limits the
possible loading without undo reinforcement. Once again this table
could be used adequately for a small, lightweight, laptop computer,
but not for a modern computer workstation, without strengthened
components and a great expansion of its size.
[0009] Other early rotating over-bed tables of note include the
1967 U.S. Pat. No. 3,304,609 by N. Horowitz et al. for a dental
equipment stand which employs a large heavy stationary base and
appears very strong. Strength is added in this design, but only at
the expense of economical manufacture and convenience. Burnett
received U.S. Pat. No. 3,908,565 in 1975 for a table similar in
basic structure that is also has casters mounted in its base. This
design has essential the same issues regarding the trade off
between weight and stability versus economy and convenience.
[0010] As we entered the home computer age of 1980 to present, a
new wave of furniture innovation can be observed. Furniture is now
being designed to incorporate a monitor, CPU tower, keyboard, mouse
surface, and optionally a printer, modem, router, speakers, and/or
additional drives and accessories. A full computer workstation with
a large monitor may have well in excess of 100 lbs. of
equipment.
[0011] An early example of a rotating computer workstation was
patented in 1982 by Tellier et al. who received U.S. Pat. No.
4,365,561. The intent here is a single workstation that could be
used by multiple users at different times by means of rotating it
about a substantially central axis. It demonstrates a broad base to
give stability when the loading is unbalanced, means for height
adjustment, clamping the central post to prevent unwanted rotation
and multiple surfaces for computer components. It was not intended
for over-bed use and could not easily be adapted for such, but it
demonstrates some interesting attributes. The "rotation for
multiple users" theme is also used in a patent by Leymann (1986)
U.S. Pat. No. 4,619,427, whose design could be positioned for
over-bed use by straddling a narrow bed, but is not really portable
and side by side use rather than over-bed use is the intent.
Patents by Granlund (1987) U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,574 and Spence
(2000) U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,093 also rotate for the purpose of
passing the computer between two or more users. Neither of the
latter two inventions is intended or suitable for over-bed use.
These four designs all tie together keyboard and monitor so that
they rotate together.
[0012] A similar approach to the earlier bed clamped tables is
shown in a very novel way by Dion et al. in U.S. Pat. No.
4,779,540. The motive of the device was to add the necessary
surfaces for a desktop computer to a conventional desk
inexpensively and such that could easily be pushed out of the way
when not needed. His design employs a vertical shaft that can be
clamped to the horizontal surface of an office desk with the lower
end of the shaft terminating in a small foot that sits on the
floor. Swinging arms with surfaces at their ends are mounted off of
the vertical shaft in a cantilever fashion This is significant
because it distributes the loading of the main pivot axis between
two substantially separated points, one being the floor and the
other being the desk surface. It essentially creates a multi
surface table using a conventional stationary desk. Although not
anticipated in the patent it could be used with a desk at bedside,
and possibly set up so that the bed and desk heights were
appropriate for use in both positions, but it does not provide
height adjustability once assembled and the method of the
cantilevered arms would require them to be expensively built to
support the required loads of a full desktop computer and
monitor.
[0013] Another patent worth mention that is very unique is that of
Corpuz, Jr. et al. (1998) U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,298 It demonstrates a
monitor stand that pivots against one of the legs of an otherwise
conventional workstation. The invention describes casters under the
swinging element and is an effective way of supporting a swinging
rather than simply rotating element. This is also not designed or
suitable for over-bed use, but demonstrates another method and type
of rotating or pivoting desk.
[0014] There is also a method use in several designs that are
similar in method to that presented in the Cauffiel U.S. Pat. No.
5,479,865, where the base is made so that a chair leg or legs sits
on it and anchors it to the ground. These tend to be used with
relatively small tables not intended for computers but may also be
used over a bed in a limited manner such as a small laptop
computer. Stress inherent in the unsupported cantilever design
would require very careful manufacture of components throughout the
system to be strong enough to support a full size computer. Then it
would also require a very large base and/or heavy chair in order to
be stable. An extension of this idea is presented by Brown et al.
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,794 where there chair and workstation are
integrated together. Their design was not intended for over bed
use, but presents various swinging, limited capacity cantilevered
elements together with crank and screw height adjustment and could
potentially be used in an over-bed capacity.
[0015] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,566 by Laura Case, a portable
vertical pole is used with a plurality of articulated adjustable
arms to position monitor, keyboard, etc. for comfortable use by a
standing, bed bound or wheelchair bound person. In order for the
work station to be stable it would require a large base radius and
very tight clamping on the arm joints. It could be used in both bed
position and conventional chair position. This computer stand
provides a very limited amount of work surface and would be
expensive to scale up. The work station rolls on casters and could
be moved easily by a standing and walking person who is careful to
avoid tipping it, but not so easily by a person confined to
bed.
[0016] Another portable workstation is described by Newman in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,848,710. The frame of the workstation is designed to
straddle a bed bound person and solves some of the structural
issues of the cantilevered designs. This patent also describes a
version which is cantilevered from the side and has a wheeled
carriage that extends under the bed to counteract the weight of the
cantilevered portion. Unfortunately, it also requires a standing
ambulatory person to move the table while being careful not to tip
it over and it also does not provide easy height adjustment when
loaded with a computer. These are designed primarily for use in
hospitals or rest homes with standard hospital beds. A more
adjustable version of the cantilevered design is taught by Roddan
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,753, but has the same drawback of needing a
walking person to carefully wheel it into position. His patent also
presents the use of armrests attached to the desk, which become
advantageous when a desk is used in bed mode, unfortunately the
method of mounting that is taught gives very little adjustability
and moving the desk to an appropriate position for the armrest
severely limits leg room when used in bed mode.
[0017] The method of the preferred embodiment of the present
inventions is to use a vertical floor to ceiling column similar to
that used in a rotating bunk bed invented by Keller in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,360,936. While Keller's design still uses a cantilevered arm
method that is likely prone to high stresses, lacks a method for
height adjustment and is not designed for use as a computer desk,
it does show that both the ceiling and floor can be used as
stressed elements of a cantilevered, loaded system.
[0018] With the exception of the bed straddling workstation
described in Newman U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,710 which is unruly to move
around or adjust, all of the configurations that could be used to
present a computer in bed mode lack inherent structural rigidity
and strength to easily support a computer system with a large,
heavy monitor. Most of them do not provide space for all of the
components of a computer and still offer ample space for writing
and other activities. None of them offer and easy way to move the
entire system from bed mode to conventional mode. The only armrest
system offered is inadequate to truly provide a comfortable
arrangement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] It is accordingly the object of the present invention to
provide a robust yet inexpensive, easily adjustable computer desk
or workstation that can be used in bed and that can easily be
rotated into position or rotated out of the way by the bed-bound
person. The alternate position is appropriate for use in a chair.
The invention also provides a surface that can be easily positioned
and adjusted which incorporates keyboard, mouse pad and armrests.
This enhances comfort and mouse control in either bed of chair. The
new workstation can also be assembled as right or left hand from
the same parts.
[0020] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of
illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is
disclosed.
[0021] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
there is disclosed a desk that uses a floor to ceiling column as
its main support structure. The column has a height adjustable and
rotatable larger diameter main section with smaller diameter
telescoping ends at top and bottom. For height adjustment, the
lower telescoping end has a means for adjustment relative to the
main section such as a crank and screw, pneumatic cylinder or
electrical actuator. The upper telescoping end slides engaged
within the main section and provides horizontal stability to the
upper end of the column by secure attachment to a ceiling mounted
flange or to a bracket secured at an elevated position to the wall.
By mounting both ends of the support column to elements of the
structure or dwelling in which it is being used, stresses are
managed very efficiently and it becomes impossible to tip over. The
horizontal load at the ceiling is typically less than one fifth of
the weight of the entire system. Another objective that is achieved
is the ability to easily rotate the entire work station into the
over-bed position and back to chair position.
[0022] In the preferred embodiment of the invention two similar,
vertically separated parallel work surfaces are attached to the
main section of the column so that the column is positioned
relatively near a forward corner of the work surfaces. The column
provides means of attachment with bolts or screws for the lower
work surface and by gravity against a flange on the column for the
upper work surface. Support at the corners of the work surfaces
that are distant from the support column is provided by means of
cables attached to loops on a short piece at the upper end of the
main section of the column. Each of the three support cables run
through holes near each corner in the upper work surface where they
are directed downward through a support strut to an adjustable
means of attachment at the lower work surface. The support struts
establish the height and parallelism of the upper work surface
relative to the lower surface and provide vertical support. In this
way the vertical load caused by the weight of the computer system
and work surfaces is shared more or less equally by the three
support cables and the column's main section. The upper work
surface experiences horizontal compressive loads that are of little
consequence. The adjustments where the cables attach to the lower
work surface provide a method for leveling the lower (and therefore
also upper) work surface. By using this method support for the work
surfaces is provided at all four corners and minimizes the large
bending moment usually associated with cantilevered desks. It also
allows a clean bottom side of the lower work surface so that there
is nothing to interfere with a person's legs when using the desk
while in bed. In the same spirit of the invention the work surfaces
could be braced from underneath instead of supported from above
with cables. This would be a less efficient method requiring
substantial and well designed braces, but may have some appeal
where less capacity is required.
[0023] The upper and lower work surfaces are made in such a way
that the same pieces can be assembled either side up or to create
either a left hand or right hand desk. To make this possible the
cables are attached to a short column section sitting atop the
column's main section that can also be turned upside down to orient
the cables properly for either direction.
[0024] The invention also includes a means of incorporating
armrests, keyboard and mouse pad area in an additional work surface
suspended beneath the main lower work surface described above. The
new armrest method creates a platform that can easily be slid in
and out, rotated from side to side and adjusted for height and
angle. This design essentially consists of eyebolts sliding on
steel rods that are affixed with spacers to the underside of the
main work surface. The armrest platform is held up by threaded
knobs on the eyebolts. The platform is stabilized with rubber
bumpers affixed to the ends of two posts mounted rearward such that
the weight of the platform levers the bumpers up into the underside
of the main work surface. The platform can be moved easily by
lifting its forward end and sliding it along the rails. Movement of
the adjusting knobs alters the pitch angle of the platform and
changes the height of its forward end.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views of the preferred
embodiment from above front right and below left rear respectively.
FIG. 3 is an perspective view of the preferred embodiment with a
computer system. FIG. 4 illustrates the invention being used by a
person in a chair. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate the invention being
used by a person in a bed. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the
invention with an optional wall bracket instead of a ceiling mount.
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the control deck system elements
with other parts removed for clarity.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are
provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present
invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific
details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but
rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in
virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or
manner.
[0027] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views of the preferred
embodiment from above front right and below left rear respectively.
FIG. 3 is an perspective view of the preferred embodiment with a
computer system. FIG. 4 illustrates the invention being used by a
person in a chair. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate the invention being
used by a person in a bed. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the
invention with an optional wall bracket instead of a ceiling mount.
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the control deck system elements
with other parts removed for clarity.
[0028] Referring to elements as numbered in the drawing figures, A
floor to ceiling support column consists of a height adjustable and
rotatable larger main section (13) with smaller telescoping ends at
top (11) and bottom (25). For height adjustment, a crank (19) and
lift screw mounted to the main section (13) act on the lower
section (25) to raise or lower the main section. The upper
telescoping end (11) slides unrestrained within the main section
(13) and provides horizontal stability to the upper end of the
column by secure attachment to the ceiling through flange (10). The
lower section (25) terminates at flange (26) which has rubber
bumpers underneath that contact the floor.
[0029] Two work surfaces are attached to the main section of the
column so that the column is positioned relatively near a forward
corner of the work surfaces. The upper surface (15) will be
referred to as the "upper deck" and the lower surface (17) will be
referred to as the "main deck". The column provides means of
attachment for the main deck with bolts or screws through a flange
(24) that is welded to the main section (13). The upper deck (15)
is held by gravity against another welded flange (28). Support at
the distal corners is provided by means of cables (14) attached at
their upper end to a hanger (12) resting upon the upper end of the
main section (13). Each of the three support cables (14) run
through holes near each corner in the upper deck where they are
directed downward through support struts (16) and terminate in
threaded members that receive screws from under the main deck
(17).
[0030] A third work surface (18) to be referred to as the "control
deck" incorporates armrests and surfaces to receive a keyboard and
mouse pad. The control deck is suspended from two eye bolts (23)
with adjusting knobs (33) hanging from two rods (29) mounted on
spacers (30) to the underside of the main deck (17). At the rear of
the control deck are two posts (22) with rubber tips (32) or the
like that are levered by the weight of the armrests into the main
deck (17) when at rest or when the control deck is positively
loaded, thus securing the position of the control deck (18).
Lifting the front of the control deck (18) releases the rubber tips
and allows free movement in and out and several degrees side to
side. Adjustment of knobs (33) changes the pitch angle of the
control deck (18) and thereby the height as well.
[0031] A magnetic latch (21) attached to the end of one of the rods
(29) strikes a steel plate (20) attached to the wall to prevent
unwanted movement. A surge suppressor (27) with power cord (34) is
attached to the underside of the main deck (17).
[0032] While the invention has been described in connection with a
preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it
is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *