DESCRIPTION
COMPUTER MONITOR APRON
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to computer accessories, and more
particularly to a message board apron for use with a computer monitor and/or keyboard
that provides a tabletop.
BACKGROUND
Computer desks are often cluttered and unorganized spaces. First, the
computer itself generally takes up substantial space on the desktop requiring sufficient
room for a monitor and keyboard, even if other components, such as a computer case
and external peripherals are placed off the desktop. A workspace is generally provided
for the computer user in front of or adjacent to the keyboard, but this area often
becomes cluttered with papers, books and the like. Thus, it may become difficult to
locate a pad of paper, a Post-It® note, a pen or other office accessories that may be on
the desktop but buried beneath other objects.
To assist in taking and saving messages and the like, a message board may be
mounted on a wall near the computer desk. These message boards, however, may not
be convenient to the computer user who wants to write a quick message or note without
leaving their desk. Message boards have been suggested that are mounted to the face
of the monitor, e.g., around one or more edges of the monitor without covering the
viewing area. These boards, however, may be bulky and may extend well beyond the
space occupied by the monitor, interfering with the computer user's view from their
desk. These boards are also mounted at a height and an angle that may not be
convenient for the computer user to write a note while seated at the desk.
Therefore, there is a need for a computer accessory that facilitates writing
messages and/or holding accessories useful to the computer user without adding
substantially to the clutter on a desktop.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a message board apron for use with a
computer monitor and keyboard. Generally, the message board apron includes a
substantially flat base for supporting the message board apron on a horizontal surface,
a support member extending generally upwardly from the base, and a tabletop member
coupled to the support member, preferably proximate an edge of the tabletop member.
The tabletop member preferably has a writing surface thereon, such as a dry-erase
laminate surface.
Preferably, the tabletop member extends generally parallel to the base. In
addition, the tabletop member may be pivotable relative to the base, for example, by
providing a hinged connection between the support member and the base. In a
preferred form, the base includes one or more feet extending forward from the support
member under the tabletop member, thereby defining a "C" shaped cross-section
providing a cavity for receiving a keyboard therein. Preferably, the vertical distance
between the base and the tabletop member corresponds substantially to the distance
between a horizontal surface and a bottom of a viewing area of a computer monitor
placed on the horizontal surface.
The message board apron may also include a variety of holders, such as
recesses and hooks, for holding accessories. For example, the tabletop member may
include a pocket for receiving a writing implement or an eraser, such as a recessed slot
extending horizontally along a portion of the tabletop member or a vertical cylindrical
recess for receiving an end of the writing implement therein.. A recess may be provided
that has a substantially rectangular cross-section for holding one or more planar
accessories, such as business cards or floppy disks, in a generally vertical orientation.
A recessed portion may be provided adjacent the writing surface defined by side
walls and a bottom wall, the recessed portion having a shape for receiving a pad of
paper, such as a pad of Post-It® notes, therein. Two or more upper edges of the side
walls of the recessed portion may include retaining lips extending partially across the
recessed portion for substantially retaining the pad of paper therein. A generally planar
member may be received in the recessed portion substantially parallel to the bottom
wall, the planar member being biased to slide away from the bottom wall for directing a
pad of paper received thereon into engagement with the retaining lips. One of the side
walls may include a sloped edge therein for facilitating removal of one or more sheets
from the top of the pad of paper received in the recessed portion.
The message board apron may be placed on a desktop in front of a computer
monitor with a keyboard placed in front of or partially underneath the tabletop member.
The base may be arranged rearward under the monitor stand, thereby substantially
anchoring the message board apron. Alternatively, the base may be arranged forward
under the tabletop member, such that the keyboard may be slid over the base and
stored under the tabletop member. The tabletop member preferably abuts the face of
the monitor immediately under the viewing area, thereby not interfering substantially
with use of the monitor.
A message board apron in accordance with the present invention allows a
variety of accessories, such as a writing surface, a pad of paper, writing implements
and the like to be removed from the desktop surface around the computer, but still
allows the accessories to be available for the computer user. The user may
conveniently write notes or messages on the writing surface and/or the top sheet of the
pad of paper, without having to stand or otherwise leave the computer desk, and
without having to hunt through a cluttered desk for something to write on or for a writing
implement.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from
consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a message board apron, in accordance with one
aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the message board apron of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 3A-3C are perspective views of the message board apron of FIG. 1 being
assembled.
FIGS. 4A and 4B show the message board apron in front of a computer monitor
with a keyboard placed under and in front of the message board apron, respectively.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a message board apron
with a computer monitor and keyboard, in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a side view of the message board apron of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first preferred embodiment
of a message board apron 10 that generally includes a tabletop 12, one or more
support members 14 and a base 16. The tabletop 12 is a generally planar member,
preferably having a generally rectangular shape. The tabletop 12 includes front and
back edges 18, 20 generally having a length corresponding generally to the width of a
computer monitor, and side edges 22 having a length substantially smaller than the
length of the front and back edges 18, 20. The back edge 20 preferably has a shape
corresponding substantially to the face of a computer monitor, such as a cathode ray
tube (CRT) or a flat screen display, below the viewing area. For example, the back
edge 20 may have a slight concave shape, as shown in FIG. 1 , or alternatively, may
have a substantially flat shape (not shown).
The tabletop 12 has an upper surface 24 which includes one or more useful
accessories. For example, in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 , the upper surface 24
includes a dry-erase laminate surface 26 which covers a substantial portion of the
tabletop 12. The laminate surface 26 may be formed from a variety of known materials,
such as coated paper, melamine-coated masonite or porcelain-coated steel or other
metal. Alternatively, other erasable writing surfaces may be provided, such as a "wet-
erase" laminate or slate.
An elongate semi-cylindrical slot 28 extends along the upper surface 24 for
receiving a dry-erase marker or other writing implement 29. Alternatively, cylindrical
vertical pockets (not shown) may be provided in the upper surface 24 or extending from
the side edges 22 for receiving a writing implement. A generally semi-cylindrical slot 40
is also provided for receiving a similarly shaped dry-erase eraser, such as a generally
cylindrical-shaped eraser (not shown).
A generally rectangular or square recess 30 is provided adjacent the dry-erase
surface 26 for receiving a pad of Post-It® notes and the like (not shown). The recess
30 includes a plurality of side walls 32 and a bottom wall 34 (shown in phantom) having
a predetermined width, length and depth corresponding substantially to a desired pad
size. A pair of retaining lips 36 are provided along upper edges 38 of the recess 30, preferably integrally formed or molded into the tabletop 12, for substantially retaining
the pad in the recess 30. One of the side walls 32a may include a sloped region 33 to
facilitate taking one or more sheets from the top of the pad.
A planar member 35, such as a plastic panel having a width and length slightly
smaller than the recess 30, may be placed in the recess 30 which is biased upwards to
direct the pad into engagement with the retaining lips 36. For example, one or more
springs 37 (shown in phantom) may be provided in the recess 30 beneath the planar
member, e.g., attached to and/or extending upwardly from the bottom wall 34 of the
recess 30.
Other structures may also be provided that are attachable to or integrally molded
to the tabletop 12. For example, one or more hooks (not shown) may be attached or
mounted to the tabletop 12, e.g., along one or both of the side edges 18, for receiving a
key ring or other item. Recesses having shapes corresponding substantially to
appropriately sized objects may also be provided in the upper surface 24. For example,
a recess may be provided that has a rectangular shape for holding a plurality of planar
objects, e.g. business cards or floppy disks, in a substantially vertical orientation.
Alternatively, the tabletop 12 may provide one or more dispenser holders (not
shown) for receiving accessories such as scotch tape or stamps. The dispenser holder
may simply be a semi-cylindrical recess into which a roll may be received, or tabs may
be provided for engaging a hub of the roll (not shown).
Turning to FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3A-3C, the tabletop 12 is substantially supported by
the support member 14 and the base 16. The support member 14 and base 16 are
preferably separate components that are attached to the tabletop 12 and/or each other
to provide the assembled message board apron 10. The separate components may be
initially separated in a substantially fiat configuration, e.g., pre-packaged for sale, and
assembled by the purchaser prior to use. Alternatively, the tabletop 12, support
member 14 and/or base 16 may be integrally formed or molded together as a single
piece.
The support member 14 extends generally downwardly and preferably
substantially perpendicularly from the tabletop 12, and has a first upper end 54 and a
second lower end 42. The first end 54 is coupled to the tabletop 12, preferably to a
lower surface 50 thereof. In a preferred form, the support member 14 is attached on or
near the back edge 20 of the tabletop 12, thereby maximizing the space under the
tabletop 12. Alternatively, the support member 14 may be attached to an intermediate
region (not shown) of the lower surface 50, or the support member 14 may extend
along the lower surface 50, for example, at least partially between the back and front
edges 20, 18. In a further alternative, the support member 14 may have an arcuate
shape, may be bent or otherwise oriented at an angle with respect to the tabletop 12 to
provide a space under the tabletop 12 for accommodating a keyboard and the like.
As best seen in FIG. 3A, slots or pockets 48 are provided in the lower surface 50
of the tabletop 12, preferably defined by wall portions 56 integrally molded into the
tabletop 12. A first set of tabs 52 are provided on the first end 54 of the support
member 14 that correspond to respective slots 48, e.g., the tabs 52 being defined by
notches 53 formed in the support member 14. To attach the support member 14 to the
tabletop 12, the tabs 52 are aligned with and securely inserted into the slots 48.
Turning to FIGS. 3B and 3C, a flange 58 extends along the second end 42 of the
support member 14 that includes notches 60 defining a second set of tabs 62 for
attaching the base 16 thereto. The base 16 includes a pair of substantially flat feet 66
extending generally perpendicularly from the second end 42 of the support member 14.
Each foot 66 preferably includes a toe portion 44 and a heel portion 46 located on
opposite ends of the foot 16, and a raised tab 64 defined by slots 65 at an intermediate
location between the heel and toe portions 46, 44.
Each foot 66 may be attached to the support member 14 by aligning and
inserting the tabs 62 into the slots 65 until the tabs 62 substantially engage the raised
tabs 64. In a preferred form, the toe portion 44 is substantially longer than the heel
portion 46. Thus, when the foot 66 is attached to the support member 14, the toe
portion 44 extends further from the support member 14 than does the heel portion 46.
In addition, one or more non-skid elements (not shown) may be provided on
each of the feet 66 to engage a surface onto which the message board apron 10 is
placed. The non-skid elements may prevent the feet 66 from sliding along the surface
and/or may prevent the feet 66 from scuffing or otherwise damaging the surface. In
one form, one or more tabs (not shown) of non-skid material, such as rubber or silicone,
may be attached, for example by an adhesive, to predetermined locations on a bottom
surface 45 of the feet 66. The tabs may have a generally circular shape and may have
an indented surface to provide a slight suction cup contact with the surface that may
further prevent skidding. Alternatively, a non-skid layer of material, such as a thin
rubber mat, may be attached to and cover a portion of or all of the bottom surface 45 of
the feet 66. The layer of material may include a patterned surface to further enhance
engagement between the feet 66 and the surface, as will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art.
When the message board apron 10 is assembled as shown in FIG. 1 , the toe
portion 44 preferably extends forward, i.e., towards the front edge 18 of the tabletop 12.
Thus, the message board apron 10 has a generally "C" shaped cross-section that
defines a cavity 94, as shown in FIG. 2. Turning to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the message
board apron 10 may be placed in front of a computer monitor 80 such that the back
edge 20 of the tabletop 12 abuts the front face 82 of the monitor a short distance below
the viewing area 84. A keyboard 90 may be placed under the tabletop 12 when not
being used (FIG.4A), the keyboard 90 resting on the feet 66, and then the keyboard 90
may be partially pulled out during use (FIG. 4B).
Thus, the message board apron 10 provides a writing surface and/or a number
of useful accessories that occupy substantially little desktop space other than the space
already required for a computer keyboard. The tabletop 12 extends at least partially
over the keyboard 90, but the keyboard 90 may be easily moved out to access all of its
keys. The writing surface 26 on the tabletop 12 is provided in a generally horizontal
arrangement only inches above the desktop surface, thus providing a more
comfortable, natural location for the writing surface than vertically mounted message
boards. The tabletop 12 may be oriented substantially horizontally when placed on a
horizontal surface, such as a desktop, or the tabletop 12 may be angled slightly
downward from the back edge 20 towards the front edge 18 to provide additional
comfort or convenience.
Alternatively, the feet 66 may be attached to the support member 14 such that
the toe portion 44 extends rearward. For this arrangement, the toe portion 44 may be
placed under the monitor 80 or its support stand (not shown) in order for the back edge
20 of the tabletop 12 to abut the face 82 of the monitor.
In further alternatives, a single foot (not shown) may be provided, for example,
extending the full width of the support member 14 or tabletop 12 or only partially along
the width if it provides sufficient stability for the tabletop 12. The support member 14
may include a plurality of generally vertical members (not shown) extending between
the tabletop 12 and one or more feet 66. In addition, the connection between the
support member 14 and the tabletop 12 or the base 16 may be pivotable, such that the
generally horizontal angle of the tabletop 12 may be adjusted by the user and/or the
vertical distance between the tabletop 12 and the base 16, i.e., the height of the
tabletop 12, may be adjusted.
Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, another preferred embodiment of a message board
apron 110 is shown, for use with a computer monitor 80 and a keyboard 90. The
message board apron 110 generally includes a tabletop 112, a support member 114
attached to the tabletop 112, and a base 116 pivotally attached to the support member
114. The tabletop 112 preferably includes a dry-erase surface 126, and a recess 130
for receiving a pad of Post-It® notes and the like, similar to the embodiment described
above.
In addition, the tabletop 112 includes a raised lip 128 extending along the front
edge 118 for preventing a writing instrument 129 from falling off the tabletop 112. A
plurality of substantially vertical cylindrical recesses 170 are provided in the tabletop
112 for holding writing instruments, a substantially horizontal semi-cylindrical recess
140 is provided for an eraser (not shown), and a rectangular, recess for business cards
and the like (not shown) is also provided. Other accessories may be provided in
addition to or instead of those shown, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
The support member 114 includes an upper flange 152 which may be fastened
to the tabletop 112, e.g., to the lower surface 150, by screws, bolts, adhesives and the
like, and/or by an interlocking fit, such as the tabs and slots described previously. The
support member 114 also has a hinge 162 mated to a cooperating hinge 164 on the
base 116. The hinges 162, 164 preferably allow the support member 114 to be
adjusted, but substantially hold a position once set. For example, the hinges 162, 164
may be held simply by internal friction, or alternatively by a locking mechanism (not
shown) which may be manually locked and unlocked to substantially anchor and
release the support member 114, respectively.
The base 116 is preferably a single substantially flat panel which is arranged
rearward from the tabletop 112, and onto which the base 86 of the monitor 80 is placed,
thereby substantially anchoring the message board apron 110 relative to the monitor
80. The back edge 120 of the tabletop 112 may abut the face 82 of the monitor 80
without substantially obstructing the viewing area 84, as explained previously. The
tabletop 112 may then be pulled forward, if desired, to change the angle of the upper
surface 124. Alternatively, the tabletop 112 may be pivotable relative to the support
member 114, thereby allowing the height of the tabletop 112 to be adjusted
independently of the angle.
Thus, the tabletop 112 is provided a predetermined distance above the surface
of the desktop 92, thereby defining a cavity 94 into which the keyboard 90 may be slid,
as best seen in FIG. 6. Preferably, the support member has a predetermined height
such that tabletop 112 is located between about three inches and about eight inches
above the desktop 94, and more preferably between about four inches and about six
inches, i.e., close to the height of the bottom of the viewing area of a standard computer
monitor. This allows the tabletop 112 to be used without substantially obstructing the
viewing area 84 and allows the accessories thereon to be available without occupying
substantial extra space on the desktop 94.
In further alternatives, it may be possible to eliminate the support member and
base and directly couple a tabletop, such as that shown in FIG. 1 , to the face of a
computer monitor below its viewing area. For example, the tabletop may be integrally
molded as part of the monitor housing, extending from the face below the viewing area
of the monitor. Alternatively, the tabletop may be a separate member attached to the
front of the monitor by an adhesive and/or by a mechanical fastener, such as a clamp
or strap.
In one form, a separate tabletop member may be provided that defines an upper
surface having an erasable writing surface thereon. A back edge of the tabletop
member may have a shape corresponding substantially to the shape of the face of the
computer monitor. An adhesive, such as a double-sided adhesive tape, may be applied
to the back edge and/or to region of the face of the computer monitor to which the
tabletop member is to be attached. The back edge of the tabletop may then be bonded
substantially permanently to the face of the computer monitor: .
Alternatively, one or more clamping members may be provided having a first
extension attached to the tabletop member and a second extension attachable to the
computer monitor. For example, the first extension may be attached to the back edge
of the tabletop member and/or to a lower surface of the tabletop member. The second
extension may be attached to a side panel and/or a lower panel of the monitor housing.
In a further alternative, one or more straps may be attached to the tabletop member
that may be extended at least partially around, and preferably completely around, the
computer monitor and secured thereto. In still a further alternative, hook and eye
material be attached along the back edge of the tabletop member and the face of the
monitor, respectively, for attaching the tabletop member to the monitor.
The adhesive and/or mechanical fastener should be sufficiently strong to support
the weight of the tabletop member, and any accessories that may be received therein,
such as a pad of Post-It® notes, a dry-erase pen and the like. Thus, the tabletop
member may be supported in a cantilever manner from the face of the monitor. When
the monitor is placed on a horizontal surface, the stand which supports the monitor thus
also supports the tabletop at a predetermined height above the surface, thereby
providing a space thereunder for receiving a keyboard, as described above.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications, and alternative forms,
specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings,and are herein described in
detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the
particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all
modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
appended claims.