U.S. patent application number 11/434916 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-22 for workstation.
This patent application is currently assigned to BALT, INC.. Invention is credited to John C. Hardt.
Application Number | 20070266913 11/434916 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38710826 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070266913 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hardt; John C. |
November 22, 2007 |
Workstation
Abstract
Disclosed is a workstation that includes a planar tray; a
semi-circular body-recess in an edge of the planar tray; a
telescoping column supporting the planar tray; and a foot trigger
for releasing or locking the telescoping column. Also disclosed is
a workstation that includes a first tray having a top surface, a
first edge and a second edge. The second edge opposes the first
edge. A second tray is hingedly attached to the first tray; and a
cushioned member is in resting communication with the top surface
of the planar tray and closer to the first edge of the planar tray
than to said second edge. Additionally, a portable workstation is
disclosed that includes a planar tray that has a first side and a
second side. The second side opposes the first side. A first
disc-tray is attached to the first side and a second disc-tray is
attached to the second side.
Inventors: |
Hardt; John C.; (Belton,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NATH & ASSOCIATES, PLLC
112 South West Street
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
BALT, INC.
Temple
TX
|
Family ID: |
38710826 |
Appl. No.: |
11/434916 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/147 ;
108/50.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 9/10 20130101; A47B
21/0314 20130101; A47B 21/0371 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/147 ;
108/50.01 |
International
Class: |
A47B 9/00 20060101
A47B009/00 |
Claims
1. A workstation comprising: a planar tray; a body-recess in an
edge of said planar tray; a telescoping column supporting said
planar tray; and a foot trigger for releasing or locking said
telescoping column.
2. A workstation as recited in claim 1 further comprising a
pneumatic cylinder in operable communication with said telescoping
column.
3. A workstation as recited in claim 2 wherein said pneumatic
cylinder is in communication with and actuated by said foot
trigger.
4. A workstation as recited in claim 1 further comprising an
angularly adjustable tray having a first edge in hinged
communication with said planar tray.
5. A workstation as recited in claim 4 further comprising a first
auxiliary tray attached to said planar tray.
6. A workstation as recited in claim 5 further comprising a second
auxiliary tray attached to said first auxiliary tray.
7. A workstation as recited in claim 1 further comprising a first
auxiliary tray attached to said planar tray.
8. A workstation as recited in claim 7 further comprising a second
auxiliary tray attached to said planar tray.
9. A workstation as recited in claim 7 further comprising a second
auxiliary tray attached to said first auxiliary tray.
10. A workstation as recited in claim 1 further comprising a pad
lining a border of said body-recess.
11. A workstation as recited in claim 1 further comprising a pad
lining said edge of said planar tray.
12. A workstation comprising a first tray having a top surface, a
first edge and a second edge, said second edge opposing said first
edge; a second tray hingedly attached to said first tray; and a
cushioned member in resting communication with said top surface and
closer to said first edge than to said second edge.
13. A workstation as recited in claim 12 further comprising a
column supporting said first tray.
14. A workstation as recited in claim 13 wherein said column is
vertically adjustable.
15. A workstation as recited in claim 14 further comprising a
pneumatic cylinder in operable communication with said vertically
adjustable column.
16. A workstation as recited in claim 15 further comprising a foot
trigger in communication with said pneumatic cylinder and
configured to actuate said pneumatic cylinder.
17. A workstation as recited in claim 12 wherein said first edge is
further comprised of a body-recess.
18. A workstation as recited in claim 12 further comprising a first
auxiliary tray attached to said first tray.
19. A workstation as recited in claim 18 further comprising a
second auxiliary tray attached to said first tray.
20. A workstation as recited in claim 18 further comprising a
second auxiliary tray attached to said first auxiliary tray.
21. A portable workstation comprising a planar tray having a first
side and a second side, said second side opposing said first side;
a first disc-tray attached to said first side; and a second
disc-tray attached to said second side.
22. A portable workstation as recited in claim 21 further comprised
of a column supporting said planar tray.
23. A portable workstation as recited in claim 22 wherein said
column is vertically adjustable.
24. A portable workstation as recited in claim 23 further
comprising a pneumatic cylinder in operable communication with said
vertically adjustable column.
25. A portable workstation as recited in claim 24 further
comprising a foot trigger in communication with said pneumatic
cylinder and configured to actuate said pneumatic cylinder.
26. A portable workstation as recited in claim 21 wherein said
planar tray further comprises a recessed third side.
27. A portable workstation as recited in claim 26 wherein said
recessed third side comprises a cushioned pad.
28. A portable workstation as recited in claim 21 further comprised
of an angularly adjustable tray hinged at one edge thereof to said
planar support tray.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is related to a portable workstation for
operably supporting a keyboard or laptop, a mouse and miscellaneous
items.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent years the laptop portable personal computer, or
simply "laptop" to which it is generally referred, has become an
increasingly popular tool used by executives, salespersons,
engineers, students, accountants, teachers, homemakers, lawyers and
other business and professional persons. The laptop is very compact
and is designed to rest in the user's lap so that the user has a
"built-in" place for supporting the laptop when the user is seated.
While this "built-in" supporting location is convenient, it has
many drawbacks. For one, the user's legs must be held still in
order to keep the laptop from moving around. This is uncomfortable
and can often be a tiring exercise. Additionally, the user must
have good balance to maintain the laptop in a position, which can
be particularly difficult when the user is using the laptop in
conjunction with reading notes, books or other materials, as is
often the case.
[0003] Previous stands have been disclosed that provide a laptop
reading and writing stand. However, previous stands suffer from the
same problems connected with laptop computers because they usually
rest on the lap of the user with no aid for balancing nor do they
make use of the laptop more convenient. These previous stands have
not been configured such that manufacture and use thereof are
simplified nor are a variety of applications provided. Furthermore,
previous stands, at least for storage and transport, have not been
configured such that they could be broken-down compactly and easy
to reassemble.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIVE ASPECTS
[0004] Some embodiments of the disclosed invention are directed
toward a workstation that includes a planar tray, a semi-circular
body-recess in an edge of the planar tray, a telescoping column
supporting the planar tray, and a foot trigger for releasing or
locking the telescoping column. Embodiments of the workstation also
include a pneumatic cylinder, which is actuated by the foot
trigger, in operable communication with the telescoping column.
[0005] Additionally, embodiments of the workstation further include
an angularly adjustable tray having a first edge in hinged
communication with the planar tray. Also, a first auxiliary tray
attached to the planar tray is included in various embodiments of
the workstation. A second auxiliary tray can be attached to the
first auxiliary tray. Or, the first and second auxiliary trays can
both be attached directly to the planar tray.
[0006] Also, a pad lining a border of the semi-circular body-recess
can be present for ease of use of the workstation. The pad can line
the edge of the planar tray or it can be positioned on the
angularly adjustable tray such that a person can rest their wrists
on the pad when using the workstation.
[0007] An additional embodiment of the workstation includes a first
tray having a top surface, a first edge and a second edge. In this
embodiment, the second edge opposes the first edge. This embodiment
also includes a second tray hingedly attached to the first tray;
and a cushioned member in resting communication with the top
surface of the first tray such that it is closer to the first edge
of the first tray than to the second edge of the first tray.
[0008] This embodiment of the workstation also includes a
vertically adjustable column that supports the first tray. A
pneumatic cylinder can be included such that it is in operable
communication with the vertically adjustable column. The pneumatic
cylinder can be actuated by a foot trigger placed at the bottom of
the vertically adjustable column. The first edge of the first tray
can be formed to have a semi-circular body-recess to allow for a
person using the workstation to get closer to whatever object is
sitting on the workstation, i.e. a laptop, typewriter, etc.
[0009] A first auxiliary tray can be attached to the first tray.
Also, a second auxiliary tray can be attached to the first tray or
a second auxiliary tray can be attached to the first auxiliary
tray.
[0010] An additional embodiment of the workstation is a portable
workstation that includes a planar tray having a first side and a
second side. The second side of the planar tray in this embodiment
opposes the first side of the planar tray. Also included in this
embodiment of the workstation are a first disc-tray that is
attached to the first side of the planar tray; and a second
disc-tray attached to the second side of the planar tray. An
angularly adjustable keyboard tray can be hinged at one of its
edges to the planar support tray. The adjustable keyboard tray can
be adjusted to make use of the workstation easier for typing,
reading, etc.
[0011] A column, which can be vertically adjustable, can be used to
support the planar tray in this embodiment of the workstation. The
vertically adjustable column can be operably connected to a
pneumatic cylinder that is actuated by a foot trigger at the bottom
of the column. The pneumatic cylinder can also be in communication
with said pneumatic cylinder and configured to actuate said
pneumatic cylinder.
[0012] The planar tray of this embodiment of the workstation can
also include a recessed third side. The recessed third side can
include a cushioned pad. The cushioned pad can be along an edge of
the recessed third side or it can be set on top of the planar tray
near the recessed third side.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1a shows an embodiment of the inventive
workstation;
[0014] FIG. 1b shows an alternative configuration of the embodiment
of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the vertically
adjustable column revealing the pneumatic cylinder;
[0016] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the inventive
workstation;
[0017] FIG. 4 shows yet an additional embodiment of the inventive
workstation;
[0018] FIG. 5a shows a user's view of the embodiment of the
inventive workstation of FIG. 4;
[0019] FIG. 5b shows a side view of the embodiment of the inventive
workstation of FIG. 4;
[0020] FIG. 5c shows an upper and lower sleeve assembly; and
[0021] FIG. 6 shows an exploded bottom view of the embodiment of
the inventive workstation of FIG. 4 and a column for supporting the
inventive workstation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described
herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0023] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment of the inventive
workstation 2 that includes a planar tray 4, a semi-circular
body-recess 6 in an edge 8 of the planar tray 4, a column 10, which
can be a telescoping column, supporting the planar tray 4, and a
foot trigger 12 for releasing or locking the telescoping column 10.
In this embodiment, the workstation 2 also can include a pneumatic
cylinder 14, which is actuated by the foot trigger 12, in operable
communication with the telescoping column 10. In addition, while
the present embodiment depict body-recess 6 as being semi-circular,
a skilled artisan will recognize that body recess 6 can be of any
useful shape, including without limitation, oval, square,
rectangular, elliptical, etc.
[0024] This embodiment of the workstation further includes an
angularly adjustable tray 16 having a first edge 18 in hinged
communication with the planar tray 4. A first auxiliary tray 20 is
attached to the planar tray 4. A second auxiliary tray 22 can be
attached to the first auxiliary tray 20. The second auxiliary tray
22 can be made to rotate along an axis parallel to the first
auxiliary tray 20 so that it can be stored underneath the first
auxiliary tray 20. Alternatively, the first and second auxiliary
trays can both be attached directly to the planar tray as shown in
FIG. 1a and an additional third auxiliary tray 24 can be attached
to an opposite side of the planar tray 4 as the first auxiliary
tray 20. Similar to the second auxiliary tray, a yet additional
auxiliary tray (not shown) can be rotatably attached to the
additional third auxiliary tray and be made to rotate along an axis
parallel to the third auxiliary tray 24.
[0025] A pad 26 lines a border of the semi-circular body-recess 6
and is cushioned so that a person pressing up against the
workstation is met with a soft surface. The pad 26 can also line
the edge 8 of the planar tray 4 or it can be positioned on a
surface of the angularly adjustable tray 16 such that a person can
rest her wrists or elbows on the pad 26 when using the workstation
2.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, an additional embodiment of the
workstation 106 includes a first tray 104 having a top surface 106,
a first edge 108 and a second edge 110. In this embodiment, the
second edge 110 opposes the first edge 108. This embodiment also
includes a second tray 112 hingedly attached to the first tray 104;
and a cushioned member 114 in resting communication with the top
surface 106 of the first tray 104 such that it is closer to the
first edge 108 of the first tray 104 than to the second edge 110 of
the first tray 104.
[0027] This embodiment of the workstation 102 also includes a
vertically adjustable column 116 that supports the first tray 104.
A pneumatic cylinder (not shown) can be included such that it is in
operable communication with the vertically adjustable column 116.
The pneumatic cylinder can be actuated by a foot trigger 118 placed
at the bottom of the vertically adjustable column 116. The first
edge 108 of the first tray 104 can be formed to have a
semi-circular body-recess 120 to allow for a person using the
workstation to get closer to whatever object is sitting on the
workstation, i.e. a laptop, typewriter, etc. While the present
embodiment depicts body-recess 120 as being semi-circular, a
skilled artisan will recognize that body-recess 120 can be of any
useful shape, including without limitation, oval, square,
rectangular, elliptical, etc.
[0028] A first auxiliary tray 122 is attached to the first tray
104. The first auxiliary tray 122 is useful as a mouse pad or
coffee cup holder and is made to rotate underneath the first tray
104 when not being used. Also, a second auxiliary tray (not shown)
is positioned on a side of the workstation opposite the first
auxiliary tray 122 to provide additional surface space for
documents or miscellaneous items.
[0029] An additional embodiment of the workstation 202 is shown in
FIG. 4 and includes a planar tray 204 having a first side 206 and a
second side 208. The second side 208 of the planar tray 204 in this
embodiment opposes the first side 206 of the planar tray 204. Also
included in this embodiment of the workstation 202 are a first
disc-tray 210 that is attached to the first side 206 of the planar
tray 204; and a second disc-tray 212 attached to the second side
208. An angularly adjustable tray 214 can be hinged at one of its
edges to the planar support tray 204. The planar tray 204 of this
embodiment of the workstation 202 also includes a recessed third
side 232. The recessed third side 232 includes a cushioned pad 234.
The cushioned pad 234 can be along an edge 236 of the recessed
third side 232 or it can be set on top of the planar tray 204 near
the recessed third side 232.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the adjustable tray 214 can be
adjusted to make use of the workstation easier for typing, reading,
etc. The adjustable tray 214 can be locked in place by a screw or a
pin 218 in combination with an upper sleeve 220a and a lower sleeve
220b as shown in FIG. 5b. If a screw (not shown) is used, the screw
can be tightened such that upper sleeve 220a is pushed up against a
back inner surface of lower sleeve 220b.
[0031] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5c, the lower
sleeve 220b can have an elongated slot 222 along a substantial
portion thereof so that the screw, which is permanently engaged
with the upper sleeve 220a, is slidable along the elongated slot
222. When the screw is tightened, the upper sleeve 220a is locked
in place. Alternatively, if a pin 218 is used, the pin 218 can be
spring loaded (but it is not necessary that it is) such that it is
urged toward the interior of the sleeves 220a and 220b. The lower
sleeve 220b still has an elongated slot 222. The upper sleeve 220a
has recesses or holes 226 therein for engagement with the pin 218.
The upper sleeve 220a is locked into place when the pin 218 engages
a hole 226 in the upper sleeve 220a through the elongated slot
222.
[0032] The adjustable tray 214 can be also be locked using a pair
of multi-grooved disks (not shown) located at the hinge of the
adjustable tray 214. Multi-grooved discs typically have a flat side
and a grooved side. The grooves of the disc are arranged such that
they extend along the disc's surface outward from the disc's axis
around the entire surface of the grooved side. Multi-grooved discs
interact with each other such that the grooves of one disk interact
with the grooves of a second disc. Usually, the discs are urged
together by an external force such a spring or screw. The
multi-grooved disks in this embodiment can placed at either or both
of the hinges for the adjustable tray 214 and can be urged together
either by the screw or bolt that holds the adjustable tray 214
attached to the hinge or by a spring that is independent of the
hinge. The screw can be adjusted based on the user's
preference.
[0033] A lap engaging section 216 is added to a bottom surface of
the planar tray 216. As shown in FIG. 5a, the lap engaging section
216 is formed to fit the contour of most people's laps. This
embodiment can be used where a person would like to rest the
workstation on his lap without the ability to place the workstation
on the floor. For example, if a person wishes to use the
workstation in a car, train, etc., a person can simply rest the
station on his lap without the need to for extra floor space that
is typically not offered in cars or trains. Compartments 224a and
224b can be added to the lap engaging section 216. The compartments
224a and 224b can be used to store miscellaneous items such as
writing utensils, computer peripherals, etc. For security reasons,
a cover having a lock (not shown) can be placed over each of the
compartments 224a and 224b.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, an optional column 228, which can be
vertically adjustable, is used to support the planar tray 204 in
this embodiment of the workstation. The top 238 of the column 228
engages with the planar tray 204 through an opening 230 in the
bottom of the lap engaging section 216. The column 228 of the
present embodiment is operably connected to a pneumatic cylinder
(not shown) that is actuated by a foot trigger 240 at the bottom of
the column. An upper portion 246 of the column 228 raises and
lowers in relation to a lower portion 248 of the column 228 when
the pneumatic cylinder is actuated. Typically, the pneumatic
cylinder will be placed within the column 228; however, this is not
a requirement. Also, the column 228 is but one component of an
overall support stand 242. The support stand includes at least the
foot trigger 240, casters 244, and the column 228. Lastly, a person
having ordinary skill in the art will understand that a pneumatic
cylinder is not the only way to raise and lower a vertically
adjustable column; similar to the locking mechanism used with the
adjustable tray 214, a screw mechanism, a pin-and-recess mechanism,
etc. can be used to adjust column 228 and lock it in place.
[0035] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is
provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the
present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will
be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic
principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For
example, one or more elements can be rearranged and/or combined, or
additional elements may be added. Thus, the present invention is
not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is
to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and
novel features disclosed herein.
* * * * *