WO2001050926A1

WO2001050926A1 - Vertically oriented computer desk

Info

Publication number: WO2001050926A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/000956
Authority: WO
Inventors: J. Thomas Perry
Original assignee: Perry J Thomas
Priority date: 2000-01-11
Filing date: 2001-01-11
Publication date: 2001-07-19
Also published as: AU2001229380A1

Abstract

A vertically oriented computer desk (10) includes a base (20); a vertical pole (30, 40) attached to the base (20); a first attachment member (50), for attaching a computer (52) to the vertical pole (30, 40), which is rotatable about the pole; a second attachment member (84), for attaching a keyboard table (80) to the vertical pole, which is vertically adjustable on the pole (30, 40) and rotatable about the pole; a third attachment member (90), for attaching a printer (92) to the vertical pole, which is vertically adjustable on the pole and rotatable about the pole; and a fourth attachment member (100), for attaching a monitor (102) to the vertical pole, which is vertically adjustable on the pole and rotatable about the pole (30, 40).

Description

VERTICALLY ORI ENTED COMPUTER DESK Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to computer desks, and, more particularly, to a vertically oriented computer desk, wherein the components are spaced apart vertically and are disposed about a centrally located pole.

Background of the Invention

The widespread adoption of computers has led to their entry into nearly all aspects of daily life. To properly use a computer, it must be placed on something, which generally winds up being a desk. However, with computer systems having a multitude of components (e.g., a computer, monitor, keyboard, and printer), a single computer system can easily overwhelm a work surface. This problem is a common occurrence, especially in cramped environments. One solution to this problem is to arrange the components of a computer system vertically, so that the computer system does not consume an excessive amount of horizontal space.

Several solutions embodying vertically oriented work stations have already been proposed. For example, U.S. Patent No.5,738,316 discloses a vertical work center having a floor or ceiling mounted column. Shelves to accommodate a computer and a keyboard extend perpendicularly away from the column. The primary feature of this device is a positionable arm designed to support a computer monitor. The arm includes gas springs and a tilt/swivel mount which permits the monitor to be placed in a variety of positions. While this device arranges the components of a computer system vertically, the monitor arm takes up a considerable amount of horizontal space, while increasing the complexity of the device in terms of construction.

U.S. Patent No.5,746,334 relates to an apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components. This apparatus consists of a base, a vertical support pole attached to the base, and at least one support arm extending radially outward from the support pole. Each support arm is provided with support surface, upon which the components can be placed. While the support surfaces assist in the vertical "stacking" of the components, the components are not secured to the support surfaces. Additionally, all of the wiring connecting the components is external to the apparatus, which is not aesthetically pleasing.

U.S. Patent No. 5,906,284 discloses a multi-workstation device, designed primarily for use in a shop environment. This device includes a vertically-oriented pole and a workstation assembly attached to the pole. The workstation assembly includes a plurality of arms having horizontally-oriented work surfaces, each of which can accommodate a single tool. Although this device permits several tools to be positioned vertically, all of the tools are on the same horizontal plane, and while this configuration saves some space, it is not designed to have the components at different heights.

There is therefore a need in the art for a vertically-oriented computer desk that arranges the components at different heights relative to each other, securely attaches the components to the desk, and which contains most of the wiring internal to the desk.

Summary of the Invention

A vertically oriented computer desk includes a base; a vertical pole attached to the base; first attaching means for attaching a computer to the vertical pole, the first attaching means being rotatable about the pole; second attaching means for attaching a keyboard table to the vertical pole, the second attaching means being vertically adjustable on the pole and rotatable about the pole; third attaching means for attaching a printer to the vertical pole, the third attaching means being vertically adjustable on the pole and rotatable about the pole; and fourth attaching means for attaching a monitor to the vertical pole, the fourth attaching means being vertically adjustable on the pole and rotatable about the pole.

The vertically-oriented computer desk of the present invention is designed to arrange the components of a computer system in a minimal amount of horizontal space. This design is most beneficially used in an environment that does not offer large amounts of space or in an environment where the computer system will undergo only temporary use (e.g., a kiosk in a store or as a "hot desk" in an office). This desk is also suitable for use in a workstation setting where there is no local computer, but rather only a network connection (i.e., a "dumb terminal").

In an effort to make the desk of the present invention as aesthetically pleasing as possible, most of the wiring is internal to the central pole sections. Connector jacks are provided in either the pole or in the component brackets, and are used to transmit data and power to the components. To the extent that wiring is visible, it is of such a length that the components can rotate about the pole while remaining connected to the data and power sources.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of two exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a computer desk constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the computer desk shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a right side perspective view of the computer desk shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the joint between the lower pole section and the upper pole section of the computer desk shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the upper portion of the computer desk shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the middle portion of the computer desk shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 is an enlarged front view of the lower portion of the computer desk shown in

Figure 1 ;

Figure 8 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a computer desk constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 9 is a left side view of the computer desk shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a top view of the computer desk shown in Figure 8;

Figure 1 1 is a top front perspective view of the computer desk shown in Figure 8;

Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of the middle portion of the computer desk shown in Figure 8;

Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of the upper portion of the computer desk shown in Figure 8;

Figure 14a is a rear view of an alternate monitor bracket for use in connection with the computer desk shown in Figure 8;

Figure 14b is an enlarged partial rear view of the monitor bracket shown in Figure 14a;

Figure 14c is a top view of the monitor bracket shown in Figure 14a; Figure 14d is a top cross-sectional view of part of the monitor bracket shown in Figure

14a;

Figure 15a is a rear view of an alternate monitor bracket for use in connection with either embodiment of a computer desk constructed in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 15b is a top cross-sectional view of the monitor bracket shown in Figure 15a. Detailed Description of the Invention

Figures 1-3 show a computer desk 10 having a base 20. A lower pole section 30 is fixed to the base 20, and an upper pole section 40 is connected to the lower pole section 30 at a joint 42. Two computer brackets 50 are attached to the lower pole section 30 and support a computer 52. (The term "computer" as used herein refers to the hardware enclosure including a CPU, memory, and associated storage means.) The brackets 50 are constructed such that the computer 52 can rotate 359° around the lower pole section 30. Three rubber grommets 60a-c are located at various positions on both the lower pole section 30 and the upper pole section 40. The grommets 60a-c serve to limit the vertical movement of the various components attached to the computer desk 10, and will be discussed in greater detail below.

A writing table 70 is rotatably attached to the lower pole section 30, by a mounting ring 72 positioned around the lower pole section 30 and two support rods 74 extending radically outward from the ring 72 and into the writing table 70. This construction allows the writing table 70 to rotate 360° around the lower pole section 30. A keyboard table 80, sized and shaped to support a keyboard 82 and having sufficient room to use a mouse, is rotatably attached to the lower pole section 30, by a mounting ring 84 positioned around the lower pole section 30 and two support rods 86 extending radically outward from the ring 84 and into the keyboard table 80. This construction allows the keyboard table 80 to rotate 360° around the lower pole section 30. The keyboard table 80 is positioned adjacent to and below the joint 42, with the writing table 70 being positioned adjacent to and below the keyboard table 80. The rods 74, 86 extend sufficiently deep into the associated table 70, 80 to adequately support a moderate amount of weight thereon.

A printer bracket 90 is positioned above the joint 42 on the upper pole section 40 and is designed to support a printer 92. A monitor bracket 100, designed to hold a monitor 102 is positioned on the upper pole section 40, above the printer bracket 90. The monitor 102 is preferably some type of compact monitor, for example an LCD monitor or a liquid plasma monitor. A coat hook 120 is located near the upper end of the upper pole section 40. A light 130 is located at the top of the upper pole section 40.

As seen in Figure 4. the joint 42 permits the upper pole section 40 to rotate approximately 359° relative to the lower pole section 30. The joint 42 includes a short joining pipe 44 having an externally threaded end 46 which engages internal threads in the upper pole section 40. The upper pole section 40 is additionally secured to the joining pipe 44 by an Allen screw or similar fastener (not shown). The joining pipe 44 also includes one or more lock rings 48, which secure the joining pipe 44 within the lower pole section 30, and permit the upper pole section 40 to rotate relative to the lower pole section 30. To lock the upper pole section 40 into place when a desired rotational position is reached, a pressure-type bushing lock (not shown) can be used. As can also be seen in Figure 3. the lower pole section 30, the upper pole section 40, and the joining pipe 44 are detachable and hollow, thereby permitting easy transport and allowing the wires connecting the components to be hidden from view. Referring to Figure 5, the monitor bracket 100 includes a ring 104 which surrounds the upper pole section 40. The ring 104 includes a slot machined into an internal surface thereof which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper pole section 40. The slot mates with a key (not shown) that extends along the range of vertical movement of the monitor 102. the key being in the form of a raised ridge on the upper pole section 40. A J-shaped monitor arm 106 extends radially outward from the ring 104 and includes a monitor jack 108 located near the ring

104. A corresponding monitor jack 110 is located in the upper pole section 104. An adjustment dial 112 , which houses a ball joint, is located at an end of the monitor arm 106, opposite the monitor jack 108, and allows the monitor 102 to be rotated relative to the monitor arm 106, thereby adjusting the user's viewing angle of the monitor 102. When in use a short cable (not shown) connects the monitor jack 108 to the monitor jack 110; this cable can include both data and power connections. The monitor jack 110 is positioned above the grommet 60c so that the cable will not be interfered with during vertical movement of the ring 104 when the monitor bracket 100 is raised or lowered. The grommet 60c acts as a stop to limit the upward movement of the monitor bracket 100 relative to the upper pole section 40.

The monitor arm 106 is bent in order to set the monitor 102 back from the upper pole section 40, to permit the user to view the monitor 102 at a comfortable distance.

The coat hook 120 can rotate 360° around the upper pole section 40, but cannot be adjusted vertically. A circumferential groove is cut into the upper pole section 40 to vertically position the coat hook 120. The coat hook 120 can be locked into a desired vertical position by an Allen screw which engages the groove only partially, thereby preventing the unauthorized removal of the monitor 102 or the printer 92 from the upper pole section 40. By only partially engaging the groove, the coat hook 120 can still rotate around the upper pole section 40. The light 130 functions like a taxicab's occupied/unoccupied light, and is lit when the computer desk 10 is not in use, thereby alerting other potential users from a distance that a particular desk 10 is unoccupied. The light 130 is especially useful when the desk 10 is used as a store kiosk or in a "hot desking" office setting.

Figure 6 shows the middle portion of the computer desk 10 and is helpful in illustrating the positions of the grommets 60a and 60b. The grommet 60a is located above the computer brackets 50 and below the writing table 70 and acts to guard against the accidental free-fall of either the writing table 70 or the keyboard table 80. If either of these components were to accidentally slide from their respective vertical positions, they could damage the computer 52. The grommet 60b is located above the joint 42 and below the printer bracket 90, thereby preventing the printer 92 from accidentally falling onto the keyboard table 80, the writing table 70, or any of the component jacks. As can be seen in Figure 6, the writing table 70 and the keyboard tray 80 are rotatable around the lower pole section 30 independently of each other.

As shown in Figure 7, the base 20 has a plurality of holes 22, each hole 22 being sized and shaped to allow a bolt (not shown) to pass therethrough to secure the base 20 to a support surface, thereby fixing the computer desk 10 in one location and adding stability to the computer desk 10. A removable foot rest 140 may be attached to the lower end of the lower pole section

30, near the base 20.

Some of the components in this embodiment do not rotate a full 360° around the pole sections 30, 40. The reason for this limited range of rotation is to prevent the portion of the wiring internal to the pole sections 30, 40 from becoming tangled or overly twisted. Additionally, by limiting the range of rotation, the amount of visible wiring can be kept at a minimum, thereby enhancing the overall visual aesthetic.

Another exemplary embodiment of a computer desk constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figures 8-14d. Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, a computer desk 200 includes a base 210 having four legs 212, each of the legs 212 ending in a castor 214. The castors 214 permit the computer desk 200 to be easily moved across a floor. Extending upward from the base 210 are a first pole 220, a second pole 230, and a third pole 240. The third pole 240 has an angled section 242, the function of which will be described below. Two rubber grommets, 244a and 244b, are positioned around the upper section of the third pole 240, and their function will be described below.

A spanner plate 250 is positioned between the first pole 220, the second pole 230, and the third pole 240 and is located at a height above the base 210 which is approximately two-thirds of the length of the first pole 220. The spanner plate 250 is shaped generally as a thick circular disk and a semi-circular cutout is provided in the spanner plate 250 for each of the poles 220, 230, 240 (this structure can be best seen in Figure 12). The function of the spanner plate 250 is to secure the poles 220, 230, 240 together above the base 210, thereby providing stability to the computer desk 200.

A computer 260 is attached to the second pole 230 by bolts or other similar fasteners. An external drive bracket 270 is connected to the outside portion of the first pole 220, and is designed to support two external drives 272 (e.g., a ZIP drive and a CD-ROM drive). A keyboard table 280 is affixed to the poles 220, 230, 240 above the spanner plate 250 in a manner that will be described below. The keyboard table 280 is sized and shaped to accommodate a standard keyboard 282 and has sufficient room to use a mouse. A pivot 290 depends downward from the keyboard table 280 and is used to pivotally attach a writing table 300 below the keyboard table

280.

A printer bracket 310 is connected to the second pole 230, and is located in between the spanner plate 250 and the keyboard table 280. The printer bracket 310 is designed to support a small printer 312. A compact type monitor 320. for example an LCD or liquid plasma display, is connected to the upper portion of the third pole 240 by a monitor bracket 322. Both the printer

312 and the monitor 320 can be raised and lowered vertically, by adjusting their respective brackets 310, 322. The range of vertical movement of the printer 312 is confined between the spanner plate 250 and the keyboard tray 280. The monitor 320 can move between the two grommets 244a and 244b. In addition to limiting the vertical movement of the monitor 320, the grommet 244a acts as a safety mechanism to protect the monitor 320 against accidental free-fall and any potential damage that could be caused by falling into one of the other components of the computer desk 200.

As seen in Figures 10-12, the keyboard table 280 is secured in position by a table plate 284 and two table rods 286. The table plate 284 is similar in construction to the spanner plate 250. in that the table plate 284 is a thick, circular disk. The table plate 284 includes semi-circular cutouts for the poles 220, 230, 240, which properly position the table plate 284. The table rods 286 extend radially outward from the table plate 284 and into the keyboard table 280. The rods 286 extend sufficiently deep into the keyboard table 280 to adequately support the writing table 300 and a moderate amount of weight on the keyboard table 280.

The pivot 290 includes a pivot ring 292 which is mounted flush against the keyboard table 280 and a pivot rod 294 which extends through the pivot ring 292 and the keyboard table 280. The pivot rod 294 has a length sufficient to connect the writing table 300 to the keyboard table 280, with sufficient spacing between the writing table 300 and the keyboard table 280 to permit the writing table 300 to rotate relative to the keyboard table 280 . To secure the pivot rod 294 to the writing table 300, a corresponding pivot ring 292 (not shown) is attached to the underside of the writing table 300.

An alternate means of attaching the writing table 300 to the keyboard table 280 is to employ a sliding-type mechanism (not shown). This mechanism employs drawer rails depending downward from the front and rear edges of the keyboard table 280 which engage mating rails attached to the front and rear edges of the writing table 300. The rails are positioned such that the writing table 300 slides parallel to the keyboard table 280. The rails can be constructed to permit the writing table 300 to slide to the left side, to the right side, or to both sides of the keyboard table 280. As is best shown in Figure 12, the angled section 242 of the third pole 240 pitches backwards, directing the third pole 240 away from the keyboard table 280. The reason for this direction of pitch is to set the monitor 320 (not shown in Figure 12) back from the user to place the monitor 320 at a comfortable viewing distance. The first pole 220, which is close to the keyboard table 280, has a keyboard jack 222 in its upper end. By locating the keyboard jack 222 in the first pole 220, the cable connecting the keyboard 282 to the computer 260 can be hidden from view by being contained within the first pole 220. Similarly, a printer jack 232 is located in the top of the second pole 230, proximate to the printer 312 (not shown in Figure 12).

Referring nowto Figure 13, the monitor bracket 322 includes a ring 324, which surrounds the third pole 240. An arm 326 extends radially outward from the ring 324 and ends in an adjustment dial 328, which houses a ball joint, for adjusting the user's viewing angle of the monitor 320. A monitor jack 330 is located in the arm 326, near the ring 324. A corresponding monitor jack 332 is located in the third pole 240, above the grommet 244b. A cable (not shown) connects the monitor jack 330 to the monitor jack 332; there must be sufficient slack in the cable to permit the full range of vertical motion of the monitor 320.

With the upper limit of the vertical movement of the ring 324 being defined by the grommet 244b. the cable will not be damaged by the vertical movement of the monitor 320. To properly position the grommet 244b on the third pole 240, a shallow groove (not shown) is located on the third pole 240. When the grommet 244b is slid into the proper position, it will lock into the shallow groove. The lower limit of vertical movement of the ring 324 is defined by the grommet 244a (not shown in Figure 13; see Figures 8 and 9). The grommet 244a also acts as a safety mechanism, guarding against the accidental free-fall of the monitor 320.

Figures 14a-d show an alternate embodiment for the upper portion of the third pole 240, along with an alternate monitor bracket 350. The upper portion of the third pole 240 includes a joint 340, which is similar in construction and operation to the joint 42 shown and described above in connection with Figure 4. The joint 340 permits the upper portion of the third pole 240 to rotate independently of the lower portion of the third pole 240. Since the upper portion of the third pole 240 can rotate, the monitor bracket 350 is designed not to rotate around the third pole 240. A slot 342 is cut into the third pole 240 and defines the range of vertical movement of the monitor bracket 350. One side of the third pole 240 has a serrated edge 344, the purpose of which will be described below. A pair of flexible flaps 346 are located on the interior of the third pole 240 and surround the slot 342. The flaps 346 engage the monitor cable (not shown) and help to prevent dust and other debris from entering the third pole 240. The monitor bracket 350 includes a sleeve 352 and a pressure-type bushing lock 354 having a thumb rest 356. An arm 358 extends radially outward from the rear of the sleeve 352 and is shaped like a backwards question mark, positioning the monitor 320 in front of the third pole 240. A monitor cable (not shown) is located internal to the third pole 240 and extends through the slot 342, into the arm 358, and connects to the monitor 320. This construction permits the monitor cable to be entirely hidden from view. To lock the sleeve 352 in a desired vertical position, the lock 354 is turned via the thumb rest 356 until it engages the serrated edge 344 of the third pole 240. A ball joint 360 is located at the end of the arm 358 and connects the monitor 320 to the arm 358, thereby permitting adjustment of the viewing angle of the monitor 320 relative to the user. Figures 15a and 15b show an alternate monitor bracket 370 which can be used in connection with either embodiment of the present invention. A monitor jack 372 is located in the rear side of the pole 40, 240 at approximately the midpoint of the range of vertical movement of the monitor bracket 370. By locating the monitor jack 372 in this position, the cable that connects the monitor jack 372 to the monitor 102, 320 need only be half as long as the total distance of vertical movement of the monitor 102, 320.

The monitor bracket 370 includes a sleeve 374 which surrounds a majority of the pole 40, 240. A slot 376 exists between the ends of the sleeve 374, with the slot 376 being wide enough such that it can pass around the monitor jack 372. The sleeve 374 is freely movable both in the vertical direction, as delimited by grommets (not shown), and the horizontal direction around the pole 40, 240. To secure the sleeve 374 in a desired position, a pressure-type bushing lock 378 having a thumb rest 380 is used. A monitor arm 382 extends radially outward from the sleeve 374 and is designed to hold a flat-panel monitor 102, 320.

While the sleeve 374 is freely rotatable around the pole 40, 240 for a majority of its vertical range, it cannot be rotated around the monitor jack 372, thereby preventing damage to the monitor cable and the monitor jack 372. In order to prevent this rotation, a key 384 is located on the front side of the pole 40, 240. A corresponding groove 386 is located on the interior of the sleeve 374, the groove 386 being sized and shaped to engage the key 384. The key 384 is located on the opposite side of the pole 40, 240 as the monitor jack 372, such that when the groove 386 engages the key 384, the slot 376 in the sleeve 374 is aligned with the monitor jack 372, thereby permitting the sleeve 374 to slide around the monitor jack 372. The thickness of the key 384 is such that the sleeve 374 cannot pass the key 384 unless the groove 386 is aligned with the key 384.

The components connected to the computer desk 10, 200 are preferably light in weight, particularly with respect to the monitor and the printer. While the base construction should be sufficient to prevent toppling, these components are positioned the highest, and having them lightweight reduces the chances of the desk 10, 200 accidentally toppling over. Additionally, lightweight components would reduce the size of the brackets and the strain on the brackets, thereby permitting a lighter, more aesthetically pleasing construction of the brackets. It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A vertically oriented computer desk, comprising: a base; a vertical pole attached to said base; first attaching means for attaching a computer to said vertical pole, said first attaching means being rotatable about said pole; second attaching means for attaching a keyboard table to said vertical pole, said second attaching means being vertically adjustable on said pole and rotatable about said pole; third attaching means for attaching a printer to said vertical pole, said third attaching means being vertically adjustable on said pole and rotatable about said pole; and fourth attaching means for attaching a monitor to said vertical pole, said fourth attaching means being vertically adjustable on said pole and rotatable about said pole.