CA2671910A1

CA2671910A1 - Kit for converting a common table and office chair into an ergonomic computer workstation

Info

Publication number: CA2671910A1
Application number: CA002671910A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Peter Kielland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-06-05
Filing date: 2007-08-14
Publication date: 2008-12-04
Also published as: WO2008144874A1; CA2590416A1; US20070278834A1; CA2550385A1

Abstract

A workstation comprising a base, a working platform and a supporting member between the base and the working platform is disclosed and used in conjunction with a typical ergonomically adjustable office chair. The workstation includes a pair of leg rests adjustably fixed to the supporting member such that the user can fully extend and support their legs in a comfortable manner. The angle and position of the working platform and leg rests are adjusted in concert with adjustments to the chair's height and seating angle to optimize the user's posture while operating a computer.

Description

=

KIT FOR CONVERTING A COMMON TABLE AND OFFICE CHAIR
INTO AN ERGONOMIC COMPUTER WORKSTATION
BACKGROUND:
This new but incomplete patent application discloses novel improvements to the ergonomic computer workstation disclosed in my PCT application:

filed on May 29, 2007 (and hereby cited as prior art). That previous patent application entitled: "Workstation Module For A Reclinable Office Chair" describes a specially configured table-like tilting keyboard support and leg structure having integrated calf-rests. This table structure exploits the ergonomic adjustability inherent to many common office chairs such that when the two are used in concert, the table structure and chair provide a means for using a computer while reclined in an ergonomically optimal posture.

That "406" PCT application also disclosed embodiments for use in conjunction with a common office table (shown in that application's FIG 4 and FIG 6). Another embodiment (shown in its FIG 18) utilized just two inexpensive leg and keyboard support moldings in combination with a common office table, office chair and used a computer CPU casing to configure the desired workstation. This last "conversion kit"
embodiment had the distinct advantage of not requiring an independent floor base to support either the workstation module's keyboard tray or leg support platforms.

While simple and economical to implement, that very rudimentary approach to providing a kit version of the invention has several drawbacks. One problem is that typical office desks are only about 24" deep and this shallow dimension doesn't provide enough legroom for the reclined user to support their inclined keyboard at a comfortable location near their lap while at the same time maintaining their legs fully extended underneath the desk ... typically, their legs must project past the other side of the desk and often an office wall is immediately adjacent to the desk to limit legroom. Some typical office desks already include a slide-out keyboard tray that ameliorates this dimensional problem to some extent however such trays are typically oriented for use by upright users and therefore cannot sufficiently incline the keyboard for use by a reclined user.
Furthermore, such keyboard trays are typically wide enough to accommodate a full-sized keyboard and mousepad; thereby resulting is a structure that is too wide to fit in between the armrests of most reclinable office chairs. These keyboard trays are thereby prevented from being positioned comfortably near a reclined user's lap.

Several other drawbacks were observed in the 406 patent's "kit embodiment";
the principal one being related to this embodiment's use of a desktop computer's large CPU
case to act as a floor support base for the leg rest platform. This rather crude dual-use of the computer case made it difficult to access the computer (for example to insert a CD).
More importantly, when positioned under the desk for use as a leg rest platform, the computer case impeded the user from sitting normally at their desk in an upright posture.
Yet another observed drawback in the previous 406 application had to do with the availability of a suitable reclinable office chair. The majority of available office chairs do not have the angular adjustment necessary to recline a user sufficiently for optimal use of the invention's keyboard and leg supports (many office chairs have only a single pneumatic height adjustment). The fact that only more sophisticated (and expensive) models of office chair possess adequate angular adjustment negates much of the cost-effectiveness inherent to this kit embodiment of the invention.

As described below, I have now devised an improved method of implementing the invention. This new embodiment eliminates the need for a floor-standing support by converting the user's existing office table to that task. It does so by affixing and suspending appropriate keyboard and leg rest platform fixtures from the underside of the user's existing desk or table. This new "conversion kit" embodiment is conceptually similar to the embodiment shown in FIG 18 of the "406" application however it either eliminates or ameliorates all of the drawbacks noted above.

The new and improved kit embodiment also provides new functionally not disclosed in the 406 application. One desirable new function provided by this improved kit is that it provides a lockable, drawer-like structure, which can house a laptop computer and thereby protect it from theft while the user is away from their workstation.

To protect this new but closely related invention, I am filing the following incomplete layman's disclosure and figures. This application will be appropriately re-drafted, claimed and re-filed by a professional patent agent within the prescribed time limit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG 1 illustrates a prior art embodiment of the Workstation Module For A
Reclining Office Chair, said embodiment comprised of a chair and a purpose-built table having a keyboard rest and leg-support platforms.

FIG 2 illustrates another prior art embodiment of the Workstation Module For A
Reclining Office Chair, said embodiment being comprised of the chair and a purpose-built table of FIG I but used in conjunction with a conventional office table.

FIG 3 illustrates another prior art embodiment of the Workstation Module For A
Reclining Office Chair, said embodiment being comprised of a chair and fixtures used in conjunction with a conventional office table and the CPU case of a desktop computer.
FIG 4 illustrates the present invention affixed to a conventional office table for use in conjunction with a reclinable office chair.

FIG 5 illustrates an oblique bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG 4.
FIG 6 illustrates a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG 4.

FIG 7 illustrates an oblique view of the embodiment shown in FIG 4 when the keyboard tray has been lowered and the entire apparatus has been slid under the table for storage.

2 FIG 8 illustrates an oblique bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG 4 showing only those components that comprise the invention.

FIG 9 illustrates a simpler embodiment of the invention which converts a conventional table into a Workstation Module for and Reclinable Office Chair but that is fixed and cannot be folded for convenient storage.

FIG 10 illustrates an oblique view of a narrow embodiment of the invention, which is adapted for use with a laptop computer such that the keyboard support fits in between armrests of typical reclinable office chairs and thereby affords the user a greater ergonomic range of adjustment than the embodiment of FIG 8.

FIG 11 is a side view of FIG 10 illustrating how the keyboard can be comfortably supported near the user's lap.

FIG 12 illustrates the narrow keyboard tray embodiment of FIG 11 being used with a miniature mousepad adapted to enable use of the narrow keyboard support with a full-length keyboard.

FIG 13 is a large-scale view of FIG 12 that illustrates the construction of the miniature mousepad.

FIG 14 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the hanging footrest assembly automatically folds upward as the keyboard tray slides into its storage position.

FIG 15a is a view of the embodiment shown in FIG 14 when folded into its stored configuration.

FIG 15b is the embodiment of FIG 14 showing only those components that comprise the invention.

FIG 15c is an exploded view of FIG 15b.

FIG 16 illustrates a typical non-reclining office chair.

FIG 17 illustrates a tilting adaptor that enables the chair shown in FIG 16 to recline for use with the present invention.

FIG 18 is a view of the tilting adaptor shown in FIG 17 when tipped rearward for use.
FIG 19a illustrates an embodiment that includes a drawer-like structure that slides under a common office table to conceal and secure a laptop computer against theft.

FIG 19b illustrates a different view of the embodiment shown in FIG 19 fitted with a removable mouse pad support panel affixed to the right side of the drawer-like

3 structure's sliding main support panel and a removable document support affixed to the left side of the drawer-like structure's hinged, keyboard support panel..

FIG 20a is a larger scale view of the embodiment shown in FIG 19b, its mouse pad support panel having been removed from the sliding support panel and affixed to the hinged support panel for using the mouse in a more inclined attitude.

FIG 20b illustrates the mouse pad support panel of FIG 20 in transit between its two possible affixed positions or for storage inside the drawer-like structure.

FIG 21 illustrates the invention being used in its upright posture mode.

FIG 22 illustrates the invention folded and ready to sliding the laptop computer into its secure storage location.

FIG 23a illustrates how a padlock can be used to lock the drawer-like structure.

FIG 23b illustrates double locking of the laptop computer underneath a standard office table to which the invention is affixed.

FIG 24a illustrates how the entire structure of the invention can be stored efficiently in a shipping box.

FIG 24b illustrates the shipping configuration, which temporarily locks the drawer-like structure into its optimal installation configuration.

FIG 25 is an exploded view of the invention.

FIG 26 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the chair tilting mechanism shown in FIG 17 and FIG 18.

FIG 27 is a view of the chair-tilting mechanism of FIG 26 when tilted forward for upright-posture usage.

FIG 28 is a view of the chair-tilting mechanism of FIG 26 when tilted back for reclined-posture usage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG 1 illustrates an embodiment of the prior art Workstation Module For A
Reclining Office Chair disclosed in detail by PCT/CA2007/001406. In summary; user 1 reclines on reclinable office chair 2 and utilizes workstation module 3 to work in a relaxed posture.
Workstation 3 is comprised of floor base 16, which supports computer table 41 atop column 19 which mounts inclined keyboard support 23. Column 19 adjustably mounts leg support platforms 56 such that computer monitor 42 and keyboard 44 are optimally positioned with respect to reclined user 1.

4 FIG 2 illustrates another embodiment of the prior art Workstation Module For A
Reclining Office Chair. Here, an abbreviated version of the workstation 3 is used in conjunction with a typical table or office desk 41. The freestanding workstation supports only the user's legs and keyboard while the nearby freestanding office table is used to support the computer monitor.

FIG 3 illustrates yet another embodiment of the prior art Workstation Module For A
Reclining Office Chair. Here, the freestanding workstation structure has been completely eliminated and its functions emulated by the use of angled keyboard support 50 resting on standard desk 41 while leg rest platform 51 is supported by the desktop computer's standard CPU housing 43. This attempt to modify the user's existing office equipment to provide an ergonomic workstation suffers from the drawbacks described above in the "Background" section.

FIG 4, FIG 5, FIG 6 FIG 7 and FIG 8 illustrate various views of an embodiment of the present invention (oblique upper view, oblique lower view, side view, stored view and isolated view). Table 62 is a typical office table or desk. Typical height for such desks is approximately 30 inches and their typical depth is approximately 24 inches however styles and configurations vary widely (for example, many suitable table structures include drawers located to either side of the user). Conversion-kit module 68 is affixed to the table's underside, thereby providing the functional components needed to convert said table into a workstation module for use with a reclinable office chair.

Conversion module 68 is essentially an open-backed, open-sided, "drawer-like structure"
comprised of panel 72, which slideably mounts parallel to the lower surface of table 62 using left slide-support 69 and right slide-support 71. Slide-supports 69 and 71 include left and right slide mechanisms 73, 74, 75 and 76 for slideably retaining the panel below table 62. The panel slides may be simple male/female grooves and ridges as illustrated however a wide variety of off-the-shelf "drawer glide" hardware can be used to suspend panel 72 below table 62, such that it slides easily in and out like a drawer.
For example:
a simple rabbit groove formed into the side of supports 69 and 71 that receives the left and right edges of pane172 directly is one acceptable mechanism. A
frictionless ball-bearing drawer-glide mechanism is another.

Left and right slide supports 69 and 71 are affixed to the bottom of table 62 using appropriate fixation means 70. A series of countersunk screws are shown affixing supports 69 and 71 to table 62 however other common fixation means such as L
brackets or pocket-holed screws may also be used as fixation means. If the desk to which module 68 is being affixed has closed sides or integrated filing cabinet units, then one or both of supports 69 and 71 may be affixed to them directly provided they provide the appropriate width for slideably engaging the sides of pane172. The major illustrated panels and members of the illustrated embodiments may be constructed of wood however metal and injection-molded plastic parts can be easily substituted while remaining within the scope of the invention. For example, instead of being ripped from lumber as shown, supports 69 and 71 might be formed from an aluminum extrusion having a cross-section that provides both a groove for sliding panel 72 and a fixation web for attachment to the underside of table 62.

The front edge of keyboard support panel 77 (the edge nearest the user) is affixed to the front edge of panel 72 by means of one or more hinges 80, thereby permitting said keyboard support panel to be folded flat for storage when pane172 is slid underneath table 62 (as shown in FIG 7). Keyboard support pane177 includes arresting ridge 80 to prevent keyboard 65, mouse 66 and mousepad 67 from falling off during inclined use and said ridge 80 also serves as a wristrest while typing.

When panel 72 is withdrawn far enough from is storage position underneath table 62 for its back edge to clear the table, keyboard support pane177 can be swung upwards about the axis of hinge 81 and fixed at a comfortable support angle for keyboard 65 when used by reclined user 60. Left and right support props 78 and 79 are rotatably affixed at their upper ends to the left and right sides of keyboard support panel, thereby permitting the user to swing them vertical as shown to support the keyboard at a comfortable angle. The user may also swing support props 78 and 79 up flush with panel 67 so it can be folded down for storage. A comfortable keyboard inclination angle is typically about 30 degrees however a plurality of pivotable prop-mounting points may be provided to permit the same length of prop to support the keyboard at a variety of ergonomically correct angles.
FIG 6 illustrates how the edge of table 62 might also serve as a crude angular adjustment stop for panel 77 (since the user can vary the support panel's angle by sliding main panel 72 in or out while leaning the keyboard support against the edge of said table). Other mechanisms for angular adjustment will be obvious to those practiced in the art.

FIG 6 also illustrates how positioning keyboard 77 on a sliding, drawer-like structure permits the user to extend their legs fully without having them project out from the far side of their desk and potentially interfering with an office wall. FIG 6 also illustrates how affixing column 82 and leg-rest supports 84, 85 directly to the sliding, drawer-like structure results in the leg-rests being moved towards the back of the desk when the keyboard is stored underneath desk 62. This configuration thereby facilitates using the desk in its conventional "feet-on-floor" mode with an upright office chair and user.
Suspended leg-rest support-column 82 depends from the lower surface of sliding panel 72 and is affixed at its upper end to said panel by fixation means 83. Said fixation means may be rigid (for example: the screwed flange plate shown in FIG 5). Fixation means 83 may also include a fore/aft adjustment means to permit the user to adjust the column's fore/aft location to adapt it to their leg length (for example: the plurality of screw-holes shown in FIG 5).

Fixation means 83 may also be pivotable (as shown in FIG 14 and FIG 15a) and may also be easily removable (as shown in FIG 9) however such pivotable fixation means are sub-optimal unless the user's legs are held high enough to be nearly horizontal.
If the leg-rest platforms 84 and 85 are pivotable and at an appreciable angle from horizontal there will be a tendency for said platforms to slide up the user's calves until they are arrested uncomfortably behind the knees. Upholstering said leg-rest platforms with a frictional material will mitigate this problem to some extent however in general it is preferable to utilize an adjustable leg-rest fixation that is firmly immobilized at the user's optimally comfortable location.

Suspended leg-rest column 82 adjustably mounts left and right leg-rest platforms 84, 85 such that user 60 may at will, either recline on adjustable office chair 61 with their legs supported ergonomically or sit upright with their feet on the floor. Leg rest platforms 84 and 85 are affixed to either end of rotatable axle 86 and said axle mounts transversally to suspended leg-rest column 82 near its lower end using axle to column adjustment means 87, thereby permitting user 60 to adjust the posture of their legs to suit their individual preference. Various fixation means 87 suitable for fabrication in metal are already described in the "406" application cited above. FIG 8 and FIG 15a illustrate similar fixation means that are more suitable for fabricating in wood: FIG 8 demonstrates a plurality of notches 87 on column 82 in which axle 86 may rest and rotate while FIG 15a demonstrates a series of holes which serve the same function. Those practiced in the art will easily perceive a variety of similar fixation means that provide the necessary linear and angular adjustability for leg support platforms 84 and 85.

FIG 9 illustrates a simpler embodiment that clamps to the front edge of table 62 rather than sliding beneath it like a drawer. This embodiment is useful when fitting the invention to table having legs and attendant support structure that interferes with the actuation of the drawer-like module 68 shown in FIG 4 to FIG 8. In such cases, keyboard support panel 67 may be affixed directly to the front edge of table 62 using left and right clamping mechanisms 88. Clamping mechanisms 88 typically include a threaded clamping fixture for attachment to the top of table 62 as well as a clamping pivot for adjusting the inclination angle of keyboard support 67. In such cases, leg rest supports 84 and 85 must be affixed directly to the bottom of table 62 using column 82 and fixation means 83. Since this clamp-on embodiment is sub-optimal when compared to the drawer-like embodiment described above, users will typically elect to fit the present invention to a table having an unencumbered sub-structure as shown (such tables are common).

FIG 4 to FIG 9 illustrate the invention being used with a standard desktop computer comprised of monitor 63, CPU case 64, full-sized keyboard 65, mouse 66 and mousepad 67. The width of keyboard support panel 77 that is required to support a full-sized keyboard and an adjacent mousepad is approximately 24 inches and this poses an interference problem if used with typical reclinable office chairs (the distance between such chair's left and right armrests is typically about 18 to 20 inches so many users cannot position the keyboard close enough to their lap for optimal comfort while in a reclined posture). The solution to this interference problem is to provide a keyboard support 77 that is narrow enough to fit in between the armrests (18 inches works well in most cases). FIG 10 illustrates this narrow embodiment of keyboard support pane177 and is shown supporting a laptop computer 89 (sliding panel 72 and its supports 69 and 71 are shown scaled and positioned correspondingly). FIG 11 illustrates how a reclined user can thereby position their laptop computer in between the arms of their chair 61 to achieve an optimally relaxed working posture.

The use of a laptop computer supported by the narrow embodiment of the present invention (such as shown in FIG 10 and FIG 11) is somewhat restrictive in that many potential users will wish to use their existing desktop computer and full-sized keyboard.
FIG 12 and FIG 13 illustrate a means for accommodating this scenario. Full-sized keyboard 65 is supported on narrow-width keyboard support 77 and thereby can be maneuvered in between the armrests of chair 61 for optimal ergonomics. Since no space is available for placement of a conventional mousepad, a miniature mousepad 90 adapted to rest directly on top of the keys of said keyboard may be provided as part of the conversion kit. Miniature mousepad 90 is a rigid plastic panel approximately 6" x 4" x .125" that rests atop the keycaps of the keyboard's numeric keypad thereby providing an adequate surface for use of mouse 66. To prevent miniature mousepad 90 from sliding about on keyboard 65, a high-friction, resilient underpad 91 is affixed to its lower surface.

FIG 14, FIG 15a, FIG 15b and FIG 15c illustrates another embodiment of the invention that includes means for automatically folding the invention's suspended leg-rest assembly, thereby presenting a more compact and unobtrusive appearance when stored.
This folding leg-rest assembly also frees up the space beneath desk 62 for tasks requiring an upright seating posture. To enable folding storage of the leg supports 84 and 85, the fixation means used to attach column 82 to the underside of sliding panel 72 is hinge 92, said hinge being oriented to permit said column to swing upwards and towards user 60.
To provide motive power for automatically folding column 82, U-shaped folding bar 93 is affixed between support 69 and 71, thereby providing resistance to column 82 as it moves rearward with sliding panel 72. Folding bar 93 is positioned such that it contacts column 82 as panel 72 slides into its storage position and thereby causes said column to swing up into its stored location as depicted in FIG 15a. FIG 15b and FIG 15c provide views of the components, which comprise this embodiment of the invention and their relationship to each other.

FIG 16, FIG 17 and FIG 18 illustrate an accessory component that may be included in the conversion kit described above in order to enable its use with less costly and sophisticated office chairs. In an effort to limit their complexity and cost, the majority of existing office chairs provide only rudimentary adjustment for reclining their seat and seatback angles and therefore are not useable with the present invention. FIG

illustrates such a chair wherein the seating posture is fixed upright and only a height adjuster 97 is provided. Typically such chairs are joined to their castered base by means of and upper flange 94 bolted to a lower flange 95 using bolts 96. This general construction presents the opportunity to retrofit a tilting mechanism that enables the chair to recline to an angle that renders it compatible with use with the workstation module 68 described above.

FIG 17 illustrates the chair of FIG 16 when fitted with the chair-tilting accessory of the present invention. Said tilting mechanism is comprised of upper tilt plate 98 having a U-shape whose sides are pivotally joined to a similarly formed lower tilt plate 99. Upper tilt plate 98 is bolted to the chair's upper flange plate 94 and lower tilt plate 99 it bolted to the chair's lower flange 95. Pivot bolt 101 passes through the sides of U-shaped plates 98 and 99, thereby enabling the chair's seat and seatback structure to tilt backwards with respect to its base structure. Bolt 102 is positioned to arrest the seat's forward travel when horizontal and its rearward travel is arrested when the rear edge of upper plate 98 contacts onto lower plate 99 (typically at a 20 to 30 degree inclination). A
plurality of pivot holes and plate fixation holes 100 permit the chairs natural tipping point to adjusted fore and aft, such that the user can sit upright with their feet on the ground yet tip back easily once the weight of their legs is shifted onto the invention's leg support structure.
Simple, fixed-angle tilt adaptors without dynamic tilting means may also be fitted between flanges 94 and 95. For example: an adaptor wedge or angled shims (not illustrated) may be bolted between flanges 94 and 95 to recline the chair.

FIG 19a and FIG I9b illustrate another embodiment of the kit for converting a common table and office chair into an ergonomic workstation. In addition to the ergonomic functionality of the embodiments described above, this embodiment includes means for locking a laptop within its drawer-like structure, thereby securing it against theft while left unattended in an office environment. Also shown are means for ergonomically supporting either a mouse or documents such they can be more ergonomically used in conjunction with said computer.

The drawer-like structure 103 is affixed to the underside of the user's table 62, thereby permitting user 60 to recline on chair 61 with (optionally) their legs resting on leg rest assembly 105. Chair tilting mechanism 104 permits user 60 to sit in either a reclined posture or upright posture at will. Keyboard (or laptop) support panel 77 is hinged to sliding panel 72, thereby permitting support strut 78 to maintain laptop 89 in either an inclined position (for use by a reclined user) or a horizontal position (for use by an upright user). Support strut 78 (typically one strut is provided on each side of panel 77) pivots up for storage and down against sliding panel 72 for inclined support of computer 89. Sliding panel 72 may include a plurality of engagement sockets (114 in FIG
20b), thereby permitting adjustment of the computer's slope angle to suit user preferences.
When folded flat (and with its supported laptop computer 89 closed), drawer-like structure 103 can slide underneath table 62, thereby moving its attached leg rest assembly 105 to provide adequate legroom for an upright-seated user. Closing the drawer-like structure will simultaneously concealing the laptop from view. If a locking mechanism that immobilizes drawer-like structure 103 is also included then the user may employ the invention either as an ergonomic workstation (when open as shown in FIG 19a) or as a computer theft-prevention apparatus (when closed and locked as shown in FIG
23b).
Figures 19a to 25 illustrate various views of a suitable locking means for immobilizing drawer-like structure 103 underneath table 61, thereby protecting enclosed computer 89 against theft. Moving lock-ring 107 is affixed to a side of hinged support panel 77 and fixed lock-ring 106 is affixed to the facing end of a sliding panel support 71 (left-side and/or right-side locking means may be provided). Rings 106 and 107 are positioned such that when drawer-like structure 103 is closed said rings align coaxially and a common keyed or combination padlock 113 can be used to secure the two rings together and thus lock the drawer closed (see FIG 23a and FIG 23b).

Another suitable locking means (not illustrated) for drawer-like structure 103 might be comprised of a key actuated plunger mechanism that fits through sliding panel support 71 so it can be selectively engaged into the side of sliding support panel 72 when it is pushed into its storage location underneath table 62. Other suitable drawer-locking mechanisms are commonly available that can be used within the present invention to enable its anti-theft function.

FIG 19b illustrates detachable platforms 108 and 109 being used to facilitate the operation of a mouse or for supporting documents. Right support platform 108 is shown attached to sliding platform 72, thereby providing a convenient horizontal surface for operating mouse 66. Left support platform 109 is shown attached to hinged support panel 77, thereby providing a convenient, inclined surface suitable for supporting reference documents while working on computer 89. FIG 20a is a larger scale illustration showing right platform 108 affixed to hinged support platform 77 thereby providing an inclined operational surface for mouse 66 (which some users may find more comfortable than the horizontal orientation shown in FIG 19b). Arresting ridge 110 is provided to prevent the mouse (or documents) from sliding off said platform. Depending on user preference, one or both of support panels 108 and/or 109 may be attached as needed FIG 20b illustrates a suitable means for attaching right platform 108 to hinged platform 77. Joining rods llla and lllb protrude from platform 108 for insertion into corresponding apertures 112a and 112b to attach the two platforms as shown in FIG 20a.
Similar attachment means are used to affix right platform 108 to sliding platform 72 or for attaching left platform 109 in either of its operational positions.
Various other hardware bracketry such as hooks may be used to join the panels. Slide-out panels or fold-out panels may also be implemented within the scope of the invention.

When the user wishes to close drawer-like structure 103, (either to store the computer out of sight or to protect it from theft), platforms 108 and 109 are detached and stored behind the folded-down panel 77 on sliding platform 72 (illustrated in FIG 22). Note in FIG 22 that hinged pane177 may include beveled sides to facilitate gripping while it's being raised from its horizontal storage position. Also note that locking ring 107 may be gripped like a drawer-pull to facilitate sliding out drawer-like structure 103 and that the underside of sliding panel 72 may be slightly sculpted to increase clearance over the user's thighs.

FIG 21 illustrates user 60 seated in an upright posture and tilting mechanism 104 in its horizontal position. This illustrates one phase of a typical usage scenario in which the user changes their posture occasionally. A certain period of their workday might be spent reclined as in FIG 19a and some other period might be spent seated upright as in FIG 21.
At other times, the user might recline at a steeper angle than that shown in FIG 19a by positioning a small pillow against their lower back while yet other periods might be spent reclining but with their feet resting on the floor rather than on leg rest assembly 105 (both usage scenarios not illustrated). The effect of such varying of posture over time is that user fatigue is even less likely to occur than if the reclined posture alone were used.

FIG 24a and FIG 24b illustrate a "flat-fold" configuration packaged into shipping carton 116. This optimal configuration minimizes the volume of the kit and thereby facilitates its shipping and distribution to users. All of the components of drawer-like structure 103 and leg rest assembly 105 are sized and joined such they can be broken down andefficiently packed into the volume defined by the sliding panel 72 when engaged into its left and right panel supports 69 and 71.

FIG 24b illustrates back panel 117 and its dual role within drawer-like structure 103. The left and right ends of said back panel are joined to left and right sliding panel supports 69 and 71, thereby forming a rear barrier to prevent a would-be thief from stealing the contents of drawer-like structure 103 when locked (by crawling underneath the desk to which it's affixed and reaching in though its open back). Back panel 117 may include one or more apertures to permit power and/or data cables to be conveniently connected to the user's computer. Back panel 117 also serves to permanently fix the distance between the back ends of left and right supports 69 and 71 for correct clearance to sliding panel 72 and thereby insure that it glides properly as a drawer once the drawer-like structure 103 has been screwed to the bottom of a table (thereby converting it into an ergonomic workstation). Back panel 117 only fixes the back ends of supports 69 and 71 at their correct distance for installation (i.e. the supports are not held parallel as needed).
Therefore, temporary fixation means 118a and 118b are provided to hold both supports parallel during shipping and installation. Temporary fixation means 118a and 118b are simply a bolt that joins the two locking rings 106 and 107 which are used for theft prevention during normal use. When shipped in this temporarily locked manner, the drawer-like structure 103 is a stable unit that the user can easily remove from its shipping container 116 and screw to their table without having to perform any precision layout or alignment tasks. Once the structure has been rigidly affixed to a table, temporary locks 118a and 118b can be removed and sliding panel 72 will be free to slide correctly.

FIG 25 is an exploded view of the components shown in FIG 24b when logically arranged for assembly into the drawer-like structure, which comprises the kit.

FIG 26 illustrates a variant of the chair-tilting adaptor described above and shown in FIG
17 and FIG 18. Instead of using a single upper and a single lower flange plate to form the tilting mechanism, separate left and right, upper and lower flange components are bolted to the chair's existing support structure. FIG 27 shows the tilt adaptor of FIG 26 when tilted forward and FIG 28 shows the same adaptor when tilted back. The weight distribution of a typical user is such that both upright and reclined seating postures can be maintained without the need for any user effort. This inexpensive adaptor permits very simple and inexpensive office chars to be incorporated into the converted workstation however users may elect to purchase a more elaborate office chair that already has a tiling mechanism as part of its structure.

The conversion kit module described above may be used to retrofit a wide variety of existing office tables and chairs in order to provide the functional utility of a "Workstation Module For A Reclinable Office Chair" however the scope of the present invention is not limited to that of a conversion kit. New office tables and chairs may also be equipped with the drawer-like embodiment of the present invention during their manufacture, simply by affixing the components described above in the appropriate manner.

This description contains much specificity that should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but merely provides illustrations of some of its embodiments.
Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.

Claims

What is claimed is:

[Claim 1] A workstation module comprising a base portion, a working platform disposed above said base portion, vertical support means disposed between the base portion and said working platform and user leg support means attached to said vertical support means at a fixed second height.
[Claim 2] The workstation module as claimed in claim 1 wherein said working platform is disposed above the base portion at a predetermined first height ergonomically optimized for comfort of a user.
[Claim 3] The workstation module as claimed in claim 2 wherein said predetermined first height is fixed.
[Claim 4] The workstation module as claimed in claim 2 wherein the predetermined height is adjustable by said user by adjustable means.
[C1aim 5] The workstation module as claimed in claim 2 wherein said base portion comprises a first member comprising a cross member having a first end, a second end and a middle, a second member having a first end, a second end and a middle wherein said second member middle is fixed to said cross member first end and a third member having a first end, a second end and a middle wherein said third member middle is fixed to said cross member second end thereby forming an "H"-shaped base portion.
[Claim 6] The workstation module as claimed in claim 5 wherein the second member and the third member first and second ends include supporting members to raise them off of a supporting surface.
[Claim 7] The workstation module as claimed in claim 6 wherein said supporting members are lockable castors.
[Claim 8] The workstation module as claimed in claim 2 wherein said base portion comprises a first member comprising a cross member having a first end, a second end and a middle, a second member having a first end and a second end wherein said second member first end is fixed to said cross member first end and a third member having a first end and a second end wherein said third member first end is fixed to said cross member second end thereby forming square "C"-shaped base portion.
[Claim 9] The workstation module as claimed in claim 2 wherein said base portion is circular.
[Claim 10] The workstation module as claimed in claim 9 wherein the base portion is fixed to the floor.
[Claim 11] The workstation module as claimed in claim 6 wherein said working platform is a rectangular member having a suitable top surface area for a work object and a bottom surface.
[Claim 12] The workstation module as claimed in claim 11, wherein the working platform bottom surface is removeably attached to said vertical support means by first pivot means.
[Claim 13] The workstation module as claimed in claim 12 wherein the working platform includes a bottom end having a restraining member fixed thereto to prevent said work object from fall off the bottom end of the working platform.
[Claim 14] The workstation module as claimed in claim 11 wherein the workstation module is integrated with a four legged table so that additional working space is provided.
[Claim 15] The workstation as claimed in claim 11 wherein the working platform comprises a horizontal surface pivotably fixed to a tilting surface.
[Claim 16] The workstation as claimed in claim 11 wherein the working platform comprises a horizontal surface and a tilting surface independent of said horizontal surface.
[Claim 17] The workstation module as claimed in claim 12 wherein said restraining member has a rounded profile to comfortably support the wrists of the user during keyboarding operations.
[Claim 18] The workstation module as claimed in claim 17 wherein said vertical support means comprises a vertical member having a first end and a second end, wherein said vertical member first end is fixed to said cross member middle.
[Claim 19] The workstation module as claimed in claim 18 wherein said vertical support means further comprises an inclined member having an angle of inclination, a first end and a second end, wherein said inclined member first end is fixed to said vertical member second end, and wherein said inclined member second end is fixed to said first pivot means.
[Claim 20] The workstation module as claimed in claim 19 wherein said angle of inclination is adjustable by second pivot means between the vertical support second end and the inclined member first end.
[Claim 21] The workstation module as claimed in claim 20 wherein said user leg support means comprise a first leg support fixed at the second height to one side of the vertical member and a second leg support fixed to the opposite side of the vertical member at the second height.
(Claim 22] The workstation module as claimed in claim 21 wherein said first leg support and said second leg support are tiltable by tilting means to an angle selectable by the user so that the first and second leg supports hold the calves of the user in a comfortable manner and permit the user full leg extension underneath the working surface.
[Claim 23] The workstation module as claimed in claim 22 wherein the first and second leg supports are cushioned for user comfort.
[Claim 24] The workstation module as claimed in claim 23 wherein said first pivot means comprises a hinge clamp comprising a connection plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said connection plate top surface connects by connection means to the working platform bottom surface, and wherein said connection plate bottom surface connects to a lockable pivoting hinge connected to the inclined member second end, so that the working platform can be tilted at any angle desired by the user to maximize comfort, and further so that the working platform may be disconnected from the inclined member second end for storage.
[Claim 25] The workstation module as claimed in claim 24 wherein said connection means comprises at least two parallel lines of mounting holes disposed centrally in the working platform bottom surface, said at least two parallel lines of mounting holes adapted to receive fastening screws so that the connection plate can be fastened to working platform bottom surface in a variety of locations.
[Claim 26] In combination, a workstation module with a reclinable office chair, said chair comprising of a mobile base comprising a central telescoping column having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said top end is fixed to a seat bottom and said bottom end is fixed to a plurality of radially extending supporting members each having an inside end fixed to the bottom of the column and an outside end adapted to carry a swivel castor for mobility, wherein said workstation module comprises a supporting base comprising a first base member having a first end, a second end and a middle and a second base member having a first end and a second end such that said first end of said second base member is fixed to said middle of said first base member thereby forming a "T"-shaped base, a vertical supporting member having a length, a first end fixed to the middle of said first base member and a second end fixed to a working platform wherein said vertical supporting member comprises a plurality of apertures along said length, and leg supporting means adapted for attachment to the vertical member at one of said plurality of apertures.
[Claim 27] The combination as claimed in claim 26 wherein the first base member first end and second end includes a lockable castor for mobility, and wherein the second base member second end includes clamping means.
[Claim 28] The combination as claimed in claim 27 wherein the second member is adapted to fit over one of said plurality of radially extending supporting members in a telescoping relationship and clamp to one of the plurality of radially extending supporting members using clamping means thereby joining the workstation module to the chair as a single mobile unit.
[Claim 29] An office module kit comprising a leg rest and a keyboard rest used in combination with a computer tower, an office chair and horizontal working surface wherein the leg rest is adapted to fit over the top of the computer tower and is angled at a first predetermined angle to provide an ergonomic comfort position for an operator; and wherein, the keyboard rest is included at a second predetermined angle for maximum comfort and stress free operation of the keyboard.