U.S. patent application number 11/603405 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-22 for mobile workstation.
Invention is credited to Mark A. Goldberg.
Application Number | 20080116327 11/603405 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39415966 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080116327 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldberg; Mark A. |
May 22, 2008 |
Mobile workstation
Abstract
A mobile workstation having a mobile base and a post. One or
more accessories are secured to the post in order to configure the
workstation for a particular application. The post has a plurality
of mounting surfaces, each mounting surface having a plurality of
accessory mounting locations. One or more accessories, such as, a
work surface, a footrest, an equipment holder, and the like is
coupled to the post at one of the accessory mounting locations.
Each of the plurality of mounting surfaces generally faces outward
in a different radial direction. Each of the plurality of accessory
mounting locations are generally associated with at least one
mounting hole. The mounting hole(s) can optionally be threaded. In
general, the equipment holder is configured to accept at least one
piece of equipment (e.g., a computer, portable computer, keyboard,
display, etc.).
Inventors: |
Goldberg; Mark A.; (Lido
Beach, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIDOFF MALITO & HUTCHER, LLP
605 THIRD AVENUE, 34TH FL
NEW YORK
NY
10158
US
|
Family ID: |
39415966 |
Appl. No.: |
11/603405 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 21/00 20130101;
A47B 2200/0023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/121 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/06 20060101
A47F005/06 |
Claims
1. A mobile workstation, comprising: a post having a plurality of
mounting surfaces, each mounting surface having a plurality of
accessory mounting locations, a mobile base coupled to the post,
and at least one accessory coupled to the post at one of the
accessory mounting locations.
2. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality
of mounting surfaces faces outward in a different radial
direction.
3. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
mounting surfaces are substantially planar.
4. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
mounting surfaces are disposed at 90 degree angles to each
other.
5. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
mounting surfaces are angularly displaced to each other.
6. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality
of accessory mounting locations are associated with at least one
mounting hole.
7. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein the accessory is
selected from the group consisting of a work surface, footrest, and
equipment holder.
8. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality
of accessory mounting locations are associated with at least two
mounting holes having a first spacing, at least one accessory has
at least two mounting holes having a second spacing, wherein the
first spacing generally corresponds to the second spacing.
9. The mobile workstation of claim 8, wherein each of the mounting
holes are threaded.
10. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein the post is hollow,
and at least one mounting surface is formed with an opening.
11. The mobile workstation of claim 7, wherein the equipment holder
is configured to accept at least one piece of equipment selected
from the group consisting of a computer, portable computer,
keyboard and display.
12. A mobile workstation, comprising: a post having a plurality of
mounting surfaces, each mounting surface having a plurality of
accessory mounting locations, a mobile base coupled to the post,
and and an equipment holder, wherein the equipment holder is
coupled to the post at one of the accessory mounting locations.
13. The mobile workstation of claim 12, wherein the each of the
plurality of mounting surfaces faces outward in a different radial
direction.
14. The mobile workstation of claim 12, wherein the plurality of
mounting surfaces are substantially planar.
15. The mobile workstation of claim 12, wherein the plurality of
mounting surfaces are disposed at 90 degree angles to each
other.
16. The mobile workstation of claim 12, wherein each of the
plurality of accessory mounting locations are associated with at
least one mounting hole.
17. The mobile workstation of claim 16, wherein the mounting hole
is threaded.
18. The mobile workstation of claim 12, wherein each of the
plurality of accessory mounting locations are associated with at
least two mounting holes having a first spacing, the at least one
accessory has at least two mounting holes having a second spacing,
wherein the first spacing generally corresponds to the second
spacing.
19. The mobile workstation of claim 18, wherein each of the
mounting holes are threaded.
20. The mobile workstation of claim 12, wherein the post is hollow,
and at least one mounting surface is formed with an opening.
21. The mobile workstation of claim 12, wherein the equipment
holder is configured to accept at least one piece of equipment
selected from the group consisting of a computer, portable
computer, keyboard and display.
22. The mobile workstation of claim 12, further comprising at least
one accessory selected from the group consisting of a work surface
and footrest.
23. A mobile workstation, comprising: a post having a plurality of
mounting surfaces, each mounting surface having a plurality of
accessory mounting locations, a mobile base coupled to the post,
and a work surface coupled to the post at a first accessory
mounting location and an equipment holder coupled to the post at a
second accessory mounting location.
24. The mobile workstation of claim 23, further comprising a
footrest coupled to the post at a third accessory mounting
location.
25. The mobile workstation of claim 23, wherein the each of the
plurality of mounting surfaces faces outward in a different radial
direction.
26. The mobile workstation of claim 23, wherein the plurality of
mounting surfaces are substantially planar.
27. The mobile workstation of claim 23, wherein the plurality of
mounting surfaces are disposed at 90 degree angles to each
other.
28. The mobile workstation of claim 23, wherein each of the
plurality of accessory mounting locations are associated with at
least one mounting hole.
29. The mobile workstation of claim 28, wherein the mounting hole
is threaded.
30. The mobile workstation of claim 23, wherein each of the
plurality of accessory mounting locations are associated with at
least two mounting holes having a first spacing, the at least one
accessory has at least two mounting holes having a second spacing,
wherein the first spacing generally corresponds to the second
spacing.
31. The mobile workstation of claim 30, wherein each of the
mounting holes are threaded.
32. The mobile workstation of claim 23, wherein the post is hollow,
and at least one mounting surface is formed with an opening.
33. The mobile workstation of claim 23, wherein the equipment
holder is configured to accept at least one piece of equipment
selected from the group consisting of a computer, portable
computer, keyboard and display.
34. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein each of the
plurality of accessory mounting locations is associated with a
mounting hole for accommodating a mounting plate for securing an
accessory to the post.
35. A mobile workstation comprising a post configured with a
plurality of accessory mounting locations wherein at least one
mounting location uses at least one single mounting hole and a
mounting bracket for mounting an accessory.
36. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein the post contains a
channel configured to slideably mount an accessory to the post.
37. The mobile workstation of claim 36, wherein the channel is
configured to lock the accessory to the post.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile workstation for
electronic equipment such as computers, multimedia components and
the like.
[0002] Typical workstations include various storage and work
surfaces to position computers, monitors, various electronic
components and the like at desired locations. Various adjustments
are provided to tailor the workstation to the type of equipment
used as well as user preferences. Some workstations are better
suited for portable computer equipment. Other workstations are
better suited for desktop computer equipment. Some workstations
provide security and storage functions. It is desirable to provide
a mobile workstation that is simple to configure and flexible in
its configuration options.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention is directed to a mobile workstation having a
mobile base and a post. One or more accessories are secured to the
post in order to configure the workstation for a particular
application. The post has a plurality of mounting surfaces, each
mounting surface having a plurality of accessory mounting
locations. One or more accessories (e.g., work surface, footrest or
equipment holder) can be coupled to the post at an appropriate
accessory mounting location. In general, an equipment holder is
configured to accept at least one piece of equipment (e.g., a
computer, portable computer, keyboard or display). Each of the
plurality of mounting surfaces generally faces outward in a
different radial direction. In one example, each of the plurality
of accessory mounting locations are generally associated with a
mounting hole. In another example, the plurality of accessory
mounting locations are associated with at least two mounting holes
having a first spacing, and the accessory (or accessories) having
at least two mounting holes with a second spacing that generally
corresponds to the first spacing. The mounting holes can optionally
be threaded.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following description and accompanying
drawings, while the scope of the invention is set forth in the
appended claims.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a pictorial view showing a post and mobile base in
accordance with the invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 is an exploded view detailing mounting of a post to a
mobile base in accordance with the invention.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of a mobile base in accordance
with the invention.
[0008] FIG. 4a is a pictorial view of a mobile workstation with a
post, a mobile base and a horizontal work surface, shown with
mounting details, in accordance with the invention.
[0009] FIG. 4b is a pictorial view of a mobile workstation with a
post, a mobile base and a horizontal work surface in accordance
with the invention.
[0010] FIG. 5a is a pictorial view of a mobile workstation with a
post, a mobile base and a portable computer platform, shown with
mounting details, in accordance with the invention.
[0011] FIG. 5b is a pictorial view of a mobile workstation with a
post, a mobile base and a portable computer platform in accordance
with the invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of a footrest in accordance with
the invention.
[0013] FIGS. 7a and 7b are pictorial views of a computer holder(s)
in accordance with the invention.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a pictorial view of a workstation with a post, a
footrest, a work surface, a computer holder and a display support
in accordance with the invention.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a pictorial view of a two sided workstation with a
post, two footrests, two work surfaces, two computer holders and
two display supports in accordance with the invention.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a pictorial view of an alternative embodiment of
the mobile workstation.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a pictorial view of the mobile workstation that
shows a mounting plate that is used to mount an accessory to the
mobile workstation such that the mounting plate is configured to be
fastened to the post of the mobile workstation using at least one
mounting hole of the post.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a pictorial view of an alternative embodiment of
the post of the mobile workstation showing the channel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a portion of a mobile
workstation in accordance with the invention. The workstation has a
post 20 and a mobile base 40. The post is generally oriented
vertically with respect to the plane of the base. In this example
the post is manufactured from metal. However, the post can me
manufactured from a variety of other materials such as wood,
plastics, laminated structures, composites and the like. The post
has a plurality of generally planar mounting surfaces. In this
example the post is generally rectangular in cross section and
includes four mounting surfaces, namely front mounting surface 21,
side mounting surfaces 22 and 23 and rear mounting surface 24. In
general, the mounting surfaces each face outward in a different
radial direction. In the current example, the mounting surfaces are
disposed 90 degrees apart, although posts with other polygon
cross-sections are included in the scope of the invention.
[0020] The post 20 has a plurality of accessory mounting locations
25. The mounting locations are associated with one or more mounting
holes 26 that are generally configured to receive one or more
accessories, discussed in detail below. Each mounting location is
generally associated with one or more mounting holes 26. Mounting
holes 26 can be arranged in one or more groups (e.g., two or more
mounting holes) with pre-determined vertical and horizontal spacing
between the various mounting holes. In this example, the four upper
groups 28 are provided with four mounting holes and two lower
groups 29 are provided with eight mounting holes. It is understood
that additional spacing configurations are possible without
departing from the scope of the invention.
[0021] In this example, mounting holes 26 are threaded to receive
threaded fasteners for securing one or more accessories to the post
20. A variety of fastener types can be utilized including fasteners
that do not require threaded mounting holes. In this example, the
post is generally hollow. On or more openings 27 are provided in
the front mounting surface 21. Openings 27 provide access to the
interior of the post 20 and can be used for cable management. It is
understood that additional openings can be provided, and can be
arranged in a variety of configurations on any of the various
mounting surfaces.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the post 20 is coupled to the
mobile base 40 via post mount 30. Mobile base has a frame 41, a
plurality of wheels 42, and a post support 45 including a post
mounting surface 46. Wheels 42 are attached to the frame via
conventional means, as is well known in the art. In this example
the frame 41 is manufactured from metal. However, the frame 41 can
me manufactured from a variety of other materials such as wood,
plastics, laminated structures, composites and the like. In this
example, the post support 45 is formed from a beam 47 and plate 48.
It is understood that other post support configurations are
possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The
post mounting surface 46 is formed with a plurality of mounting
holes 49 with appropriate spacing between holes to generally align
with or correspond with mounting holes formed in the post mount
30.
[0023] In this example, post mount 30 is comprised of a pair of
brackets 31. Brackets 31 have a post mounting surface 32 that is
coupled to the post 20. In this example, brackets 31 are formed
with a plurality of post mounting holes 33 that have substantially
the same vertical and horizontal spacing between holes as the
mounting holes 26 formed in the post 20. In this example the
brackets 31 are manufactured from metal. However, the brackets 31
can be manufactured from a variety of other materials such as wood,
plastics, laminated structures, composites and the like.
Appropriate fasteners are used to couple the mounting brackets to
the post. In this example, threaded fasteners 34 are passed through
the holes in the brackets 31, threaded into the holes 26 formed in
the post, and are appropriately tightened thereby securing brackets
31 to the post.
[0024] Brackets 31 are also formed with a base mounting surface 35
that is coupled to the mobile base 40. Brackets 31 may also be
strengthened as required for the particular application. For
example, one or more gussets 37 may be used to provide additional
stiffness between the post mounting surface and the base mounting
surface. In this example, brackets 31 are formed with a plurality
of base mounting holes 36 with appropriate spacing between holes to
correspond with mounting holes 26 formed in the post mounting
surface 46 of the mobile base 40. Appropriate fasteners are used to
couple the mounting brackets to the mobile base. In this example,
threaded fasteners 38 (e.g., nuts and bolts) are passed through the
base mounting holes and the nuts are tightened from the underside
of the mobile base thereby securing the brackets 31 to the post
mounting surface 46 of the mobile base 40.
[0025] As stated above, the workstation has a mobile base 10 and a
post 20. The post is generally oriented vertically with respect to
the plane of the base. One or more accessories are secured to the
post in order to configure the workstation for a particular
application. Accessories can include variously shaped work
surfaces, footrests, equipment holders (such as portable computers,
desktop computers, keyboards, displays and the like). The post 20
has a plurality of mounting surfaces, each facing outward in a
different radial direction. Accordingly, one or more accessories
may be mounted to any of the mounting surfaces, thereby yielding
numerous configuration options.
[0026] FIGS. 4a and 4b show a post 20, a mobile base 40 and a
generally horizontal work surface 50 coupled to the front mounting
surface 21, in accordance with the invention. In this example, the
work surface 50 is generally rectangular in shape. It is
appreciated that other work surface shapes are possible without
departing from the scope of the invention. The work surface 50 is
attached to the post 20 via support 52. The support has a frame 53
and a mounting surface 54 formed with a plurality of post mounting
holes 55 that have substantially the same vertical and horizontal
spacing between holes as the mounting holes 26 formed in the post
20. In this example, the mounting surface 54 has four mounting
holes 55. Appropriate fasteners are used to couple the frame 53 to
the post. In this example, threaded fasteners (not shown) can be
passed through the holes in the mounting surface 54 and threaded
into the holes 26 formed in the post to secure the frame 53 to the
post. Appropriate fasteners can be used to secure the mounting
surface 50 to the frame 53, as is well known in the art. The work
surface 50 and frame 53 can be formed using a variety of materials
such as wood, metal, plastics, laminated structures, composites and
the like as is well known in the art. In this example, the work
surface 50 is formed of wood with a plastic laminate surface and
the frame 53 is formed of metal.
[0027] FIGS. 5a and 5b show a post 20, a mobile base 40 and a
portable computer mount 60 coupled to the front mounting surface
21, in accordance with the invention. In this example, the portable
computer mount 60 is generally rectangular in shape. It is
appreciated that other computer or equipment mount shapes are
possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The
portable computer mount 60 has a tray 61 that is attached to the
post 20 via support 62. The support 62 has a tray support surface
63 formed with a plurality of tray mounting holes 64 that have
substantially the same vertical and horizontal spacing between
holes as the mounting holes 64 formed in the tray 61. Appropriate
fasteners 66 (e.g., nuts and bolts) are used to couple the tray 61
to the support 62. It is appreciated that the provision of multiple
sets of holes in the tray support surface 61 allows for tray depth
adjustment (i.e., the spacing between the tray and the post
20).
[0028] The support 62 also has a post mounting surface 67 formed
with mounting holes 68. Appropriate fasteners are used to couple
the support 61 to the post 20. In this example, one or more
threaded fasteners 69 can be passed through the holes in the post
mounting surface 67 and threaded into the holes 26 formed in the
post 20 to secure the support 62 to the post 20. Portable computer
mount 60 can also be equipped with security features so that a
portable computer can be securely retained. For example, a security
bar 65 or other security features can be provided, as is well known
in the art.
[0029] FIG. 6 shows a foot support 70 in accordance with the
invention. In this example, the foot support 70 has a footrest
portion 72 and a mount 74. The footrest portion 72 is generally
shown as a trapezoidal shape formed of tubular material. It is
appreciated that other footrests shapes are possible without
departing from the scope of the invention. The foot support mount
74 is formed with a plurality of mounting holes 76. Appropriate
fasteners are used to couple the support foot support mount 74 to
the post 20. In this example, one or more threaded fasteners 78 can
be passed through the holes in the foot support mount 74 and
threaded into the holes 26 formed in the post to secure the frame
foot support 70 to the post 20.
[0030] FIGS. 7a and 7b show a computer holder 80 coupled to post 20
in accordance with the invention. The computer holder 80 is
generally configured to hold a desktop computer or other equipment.
The computer holder 80 is generally formed of two portions, namely
a main body 81 and a wall 82. The main body 81 includes a computer
support surface 83 and a post mounting surface 84. In this example
the computer support surface 83 and mounting surface 84 are
generally disposed at 90 degrees with respect to each other. The
post mounting surface 84 is formed with a plurality of mounting
holes 85. Appropriate fasteners are used to couple the main body 81
to the post 20. In this example, one or more threaded fasteners 86
can be passed through the mounting holes 85 in the main body 81 and
threaded into the holes 26 formed in the post 20 to secure the main
body 81 to the post 20.
[0031] In this example, the wall 82 is generally disposed at a 90
degree angle with respect to the computer support surface 83. The
wall 82 is also adjustable with respect to its location relative to
the post mounting surface 84 thereby providing a width adjustment
for a range of equipment dimensions (i.e., the distance between the
wall 82 and the post mounting surface 84). The wall 82 has a
plurality of mounting holes 87. The computer support surface 83 has
a pair of grooves 88 that have substantially the same spacing as
the mounting holes 87 formed in the wall 82. Appropriate fasteners
are used to couple the wall 82 to the main body 81. In this
example, one or more threaded fasteners 89 can be passed through
the mounting holes 87 in the wall 82 and the slots 88 in the main
body 81. The main body 81 can then be adjusted to the desired
location and secured with washers and nuts.
[0032] FIG. 8 shows a pictorial view of a workstation with a post
20, a footrest 70, a work surface 58 and a computer holder 80. FIG.
8 also shows a display support 90 in accordance with the invention.
Display support 90 includes a display support surface 91, pivoting
arm 92, and keyboard support 93. The pivoting arm 92 includes a
post mounting surface 94 that is coupled to a mounting location on
the post 20 via appropriate fasteners as discussed above. This
particular configuration, when combined with a mobile base provides
a single sided mobile workstation in accordance with the invention.
Similarly, FIG. 9, shows a pictorial view of a double-sided
workstation with a post 20, two footrests 70, two work surfaces 58,
two computer holders 80 and two display supports 90 in accordance
with the invention. It is understood that other display support
structures may be utilized with the invention including supports
for flat panel displays such as LCD monitors, plasma displays and
the like.
[0033] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the post 20
may be composed of a plurality of accessory mounting locations such
that a single mounting hole is used for mounting an accessory to
the mobile workstation. FIG. 10 is a pictorial view of the mobile
workstation that shows a single mounting hole 125 that is used for
mounting an accessory to the mobile workstation in accordance with
this alternative embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a a pictorial view of the mobile workstation that
shows a mounting plate 137 that is used to mount an accessory to
the mobile workstation such that the mounting plate 137 is
configured to be fastened to the post 20 of the mobile workstation
using at least one mounting hole 125 of the post 20.
[0035] Another embodiment of the mobile workstation utilizes a
channel 100 that runs vertically along the post 20 with respect to
the plane of a floor. FIG. 12 shows the alternative embodiment of
the workstation with the vertical channel and locking intervals.
Accessories may be slideably mounted to the channel 100 of the post
20 via a mounting plate 137. The mounting plate 137 may be
integrally configured with the accessory or separate therefrom and
is configured to lock in place 130 along the channel 100 at various
intervals in order to secure the accessory to the post 20.
[0036] It is readily apparent that numerous configurations are
possible based on the foregoing disclosure. It is also readily
apparent that other accessories can be combined with the invention
to provide additional configuration options without departing from
the scope of the invention. While the foregoing description and
drawings represent the preferred embodiments of the present
invention, it will be understood that various changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention.
* * * * *