US20020113530A1

US20020113530A1 - Computer workstation

Info

Publication number: US20020113530A1
Application number: US09/790,009
Authority: US
Inventors: Larry Hatch; James Frobose
Original assignee: Biofit Engineered Products Inc
Current assignee: Biofit Engineered Products Inc
Priority date: 2001-02-21
Filing date: 2001-02-21
Publication date: 2002-08-22

Abstract

A computer workstation has a substantially horizontal work surface, a support member positioned at an angle from a plane defined by the horizontal work surface, a wire management tray adjacent a rear edge of the support member, and a restraining member for securing at least one computer component to the support member.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to desks and tables and in particular to desks and tables for use with a computer equipment. Specifically, the invention relates to a computer workstation which is adapted to hold components of a computer at a lowered angled position so that the operator of the computer can see over the top of the computer components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of computers in offices and schools has provided users with many types of office and school furniture. This furniture is designed to accommodate desk top computers and wires for the computers. Many of these types of furniture store key boards, monitors, CPU units and the like. However, the computer monitor itself is often positioned at the desk top level thereby blocking the user's view of what may be happening behind the monitor.

If students cannot see the teacher around the computer monitor or if the teacher cannot see the students and what they are doing, there are potential learning or behavior problems. The students may lose focus or the teacher may not be able to get an instant feedback by watching the students' faces as to whether they are comprehending the lesson or even paying attention. Further, students, especially those younger students have difficulty remaining at the monitor for long periods of time without neck strain since their heads are often tilted in upward position rather than a more normal forward or slightly downward position.

An object of the present invention is provided an improved computer workstation that includes a computer support surface angled below a work surface.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a computer workstation that is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture and to assemble.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a computer workstation that provides sufficient computer component storage capabilities.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a computer workstation that alleviates the tangled mess of wires and leads from one computer component to the next.

It is the further object of the present invention to provide a computer workstation which provides the user with ample desk top work space while providing easy access to a computer key board terminal and easy viewing of a computer monitor.

Other objects and advantages over the prior art will become apparent those skilled in the art upon the reading of the detailed description together with the drawings as described as follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a computer workstation which provides one surface at the correct height for both keyboard and mouse which minimizes strain on the wrists. The workstation also includes an angled support member surface for supporting a computer monitor. The angled surface of the computer monitor support member surface reduces neck strain in a computer user since the table conforms to desired ergonomic guidelines. The workstation is especially useful for people with bifocals since it allows moving from one viewing line to a different viewing line without strain on the eyes.

The workstation of the present invention allows a CPU to stay on the desk top for easy access and quick repair. Alternatively, the CPU can be mounted underneath the horizontal work surface.

The workstation provides a wire management tray which is easy and flexible to use and allows ready access to the wires.

The present invention is especially useful as large monitors are continuing to be produced by the computer industry. Typically, the large monitors block the line of sight between the students and an instructor. By positioning the monitor on the angled support member, the student is able to readily view the monitor yet have sufficient work area to perform work and to have a keyboard within easy reach. The workstation of the present invention eliminates the need for any keyboard trays which have the tendency to break.

Increasingly large monitors block the line of sight between the student and instructor. The computer workstation of the present invention solves this problem by lowering the profile of the technology nearly 6″ from a standard computer desk. Students no longer have to crane their necks to see the teacher. Hearing impaired students see the instructor for lip reading. Further, the student's view of slides, overhead projections and video projectors is dramatically enhanced. The computer workstation of the present invention promotes increased communication and teacher control which are essential elements in the learning process.

The computer workstation of the present invention positions the monitor away from the operator which reduces the amount of exposure to electro-magnetic radiation given off by the monitor. In contrast, most large monitors on standard desks place the operator closer than the 20″ minimum distance required for safety.

The angle of universal tray and the resulting position of the monitor on the computer workstation of the present invention are designed to mimic the angle at which one would read a book or newspaper. Those using the computer workstation find this angle to be a very comfortable position for reading. The angle of the universal tray and monitor reduces neck strain from the monitor being too high. This is a special advantage for anyone with bifocals.

The computer workstation of the present invention has metal accessory support inserts of various widths and heights which allow for customization of computer peripherals. Peripherals that can be accommodated with the computer workstation of the present invention include CPU's VCR's, printers and scanners. Since the tray is an uninterrupted design, the support inserts can be placed in any position. Therefore, CPU's of different types can be accommodated and multiple monitors can be placed in any position. In contrast, standard desks use monitor cutouts for the most part, which do not allow for the monitor position to be changed. Other standard desks may accommodate multiple monitors but do not have an insert system for peripherals.

Also, a Velcro®-type attachment system of the computer workstation prevents the insert from becoming instable. The attachment system is used in combination with adjustable straps for securing items to the computer workstation which allows the end user to have a very stable, yet versatile, desk configuration.

As an added feature, the computer workstation of the present invention has a metal construction and a powder coated frame. The workstation is designed to be shipped unassembled in relatively small containers and is made to easily be assembled on site. The metal construction lengthen the life of the workstation and reduces shipping and assembly costs. Other computer desks in this market rely largely on wood laminate materials that are less durable than metal.

The computer workstation of the present invention has an improved wire management system. The wiring tray is a structural part of the workstation and allows for very simple and quick wire management. The workstation's system of allowing one desk to feed wires to the next is especially designed for the workstation to meet the needs of instructional labs.

Most standard computer desks are too high to accommodate the keyboard and mouse without a separate keyboard tray. The computer workstation of the present invention is designed with a lower work surface to accommodate both the keyboard and the mouse. The lower work surface reduces the strain on the user's shoulder muscles and provides for a wider and deeper area for keyboard adjustment and wrist support than does a keyboard tray.

Large 21″ monitors can be accommodated on the computer workstation of the present invention due to the open design in the back of the desk. An integrated strap system securely holds the monitor on the desk and prevents the monitor from being unstable. Other desks in this field often will not accommodate such a large monitor or multiple monitors.

The universal tray and inserts of the computer workstation use a non-slip surface to prevent monitors and peripherals from moving or slipping on the workstation.

The computer workstation of the present invention is also able to be assembled with longer legs which allows an instructor to stay in a standing position and yet to be able to be seen and heard by the students.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a computer workstation of the present invention. [0025]
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a computer workstation of the present invention. [0026]
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing accessory support inserts attached to the workstation. [0027]
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view showing installation of the accessory inserts on the computer workstation. [0028]
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view showing a computer monitor being attached to the workstation. [0029]
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view showing a computer monitor being attached to a workstation.[0030]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A [0031] computer workstation 10 is generally shown in FIG. 1. The computer workstation includes front opposing legs 12 and 14 having a first predetermined height. The workstation also includes first and second rear legs 16 and 18. The rear legs 16 and 18 generally have a height which is less than the front legs 12 and 14. The computer workstation 10 includes a work top surface 20 which has a first end 22 operatively mounted to an upper end 24 of the first front leg 12 and has a second end 26 which is operatively mounted to a first end 28 of the second front leg 14. The work top surface 20 is operatively mounted to the upper end 24 of the first front leg 12 by an attachment plate 30. Similarly, the second end 26 of the work top surface is operatively attached to the upper end 28 of the second front leg 14 by a similar attachment plate 32.
The [0032] computer workstation 10 can have legs having a desired height which allow the end user to use while sitting, as shown in the Figures, or alternatively can have longer legs which allow the end user to use while standing. Both types of legs are within the contemplated scope of the present invention. It is also within the contemplated scope of the present invention that the computer workstation can be supported by a single leg, or pedestal, having any desired height.
The first [0033] front leg 12 is operatively connected to the first rear leg 16 by an angled support 40, as seen in FIG. 2. The angled brace 40 is connected at a first end 42 adjacent the upper end 24 of the leg 12 and is connected at a second end 48 to an upper end 44 of the first rear leg 16. Similarly, the second front leg 14 is operatively attached to the second rear leg 18 by an angled support 50 which is operatively connected at its first end 52 to the upper end 28 of the leg 14 and is operatively connected at a second end 58 to an upper end 54 of the rear leg 18.
A [0034] monitor support member 70 extends between the first angled support 40 and the second angled support 50. The monitor support member 70 is secured to the angled supports 40 and 50 such that the monitor support member 70 is parallel to the supports 40 and 50. In preferred embodiments, the monitor support member 70 slopes rearwardly at about 12° to about 18°, and preferably about 15° angle as defined from a plane defined by the surface of the desk top 20. The monitor support member 70 has a first edge 71 which is preferably about the six inches below the desk top surface 20. If desired, as shown in FIG. 2, the monitor support member 70 can have raised edges 72, 74 and 76. A top surface 77 of the monitor support member 70 can have a non-skid matte surface to prevent a monitor from sliding or moving.
The [0035] monitor support member 70 defines at least one, and preferably a plurality of, spaced apart openings 80 for receiving wires from the computer monitors and other computer components.
A [0036] wire management tray 90 extends from the first rear leg 16 to the second rear leg 18. The wire management tray 90 is mounted in a substantially perpendicular and spaced apart relationship to the second edge 77 of the monitor support member 70. The wire management tray 90 is connected at a first end 92 to the first rear leg 16 and is connected at a second end 94 to the second rear leg 18. The wire management tray 90 defines an extending portion 98 which is adapted to receive wires, power strips and connectors and the like. The extending portion 98 can have a generally square- or U-shape to allow the wires or power strip to be securely held in position. The wires extending from the computers (not shown) extend through the openings 80 in the monitor support member 70 and are stored in the wire management tray extending portion 98.
The computer station can include opposing [0037] panels 100 which have a trapezoidal shape. The panels 100 are mounted on the opposing first and rear legs, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The panels 100 each have a front or first end 102 which is mounted to the front legs 12 and 14, respectively, and each have an opposing or rear or second end 104 which is mounted to the first rear legs 16 and 18, respectively. The panel 100 can define at least one opening 110 for receiving wires and the like which wires can be then extended beyond the workstation to a main power support. It is to be understood that the opposing panel generally has the same configuration as the panel 100.
In various work and school environments, it is desired to have accessories in addition to the computer (CPU unit, keyboard and monitor) within reach of the computer user. FIG. 3 shows the [0038] workstation 10 having a first accessory shelf or support insert 120 positioned on the monitor support 70.
It is to be understood that the workstation of the present invention can have multiple shelves, or support inserts, that have varying heights and/or widths to accommodate different sizes of the computer accessories. The [0039] accessory support insert 120 defines a top or generally planar surface 122 which can be substantially planar with the top surface of the work surface 20. The accessory support insert 120 has a front support member 124 which has a first height and a second or rear support member 126 which has a second height. As shown in FIG. 3, the rear support member 126 has a greater height than the front support member 124 such that the surface 122 is held in a planar relationship with the top of the surface 20.
The [0040] first support member 124 of the accessory support insert 120 can define a longitudinally extending edge 125, as seen in FIG. 4. The rear support member 126 also can define a longitudinally extending edge 127. A one side 150 of a first hook and loop material 150 can be operatively attached to a lower surface of the longitudinally extending edge 125. An opposing side 152 of the hook and loop material is positioned adjacent the edge 71 of the monitor support member 70. Similarly, one side 154 of a second hook and loop material can be operatively connected to the longitudinally extending edge 127. An opposing side 156 of the second hook and loop material is positioned adjacent the edge 76 of the monitor support member 70. The accessory support insert 120 thus removably attachable to the monitor support member 70.
A second [0041] accessory support insert 140 is also shown in FIG. 3 which has a top or planar surface 142 and which is positioned at an angle with respect to the plane defined by the work surface 20. The support insert 140 has a first edge 144 which defines an angled member 145. The second accessory support insert 140 has an opposed or second support 146 which can also have an angled support 147. The accessory support insert 140 is secured to the monitor surface member 70 in a manner as described above; that is longitudinally extending strips 160 and 162 of a hoop and loop material extend along an edge defined by the first edge 144 and while hoop and loop materials 164 and 166 extend along the edge 147 of the rear support 146.
A [0042] monitor 186 is secured to the monitor support member 70 by a restraining member 180, such as a strap. As shown in FIG. 5, the strap 180 can be engaged against the edge 71 of the monitor support 70 and can extend circumferentially around a monitor housing 182.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the [0043] strap 180 can circumferentially extend around a base 184 of the monitor 186. The strap 180 can have a first end which defines a hook 190 for engaging the first edge 71. A buckle 192 is positioned along the strap 180 such that a loose end 194 of the strap 180 is threaded through the buckle 192 and is pulled tight to have the strap 180 hold the monitor 186 in position. The monitor 186 is held at an ergonomically desirable angle with respect to the user of the computer.
It is to be understood that in various embodiments, further accessories can be mounted from the lower surface of the desk top to hold CPU units and the like. The wires extending from the CPU units and other accessories also are held in the wire management tray to provide a neat appearance and ready access to the wires. [0044]
The support insert attachments can include trays with non-skid matting to allow a variety of electronic equipment to be placed at or below the writing surface. [0045]
The computer workstation of the present invention can be made for single or multi-media desk positions. [0046]
It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that is it understood that the following claims including all the equivalents are intended to define the subject of the invention. [0047]

Claims

We claim:

1. A computer workstation comprising

at least one substantially horizontal work surface;

at least one support member positioned at an angle from a plane defined by the horizontal work surface;

at least one wire management tray adjacent a rear edge of the support member; and

at least one restraining member for securing a computer component to the support member.

2. The workstation of claim 1, wherein at least one accessory support is positioned on the support member, the accessory support having a planar surface which is substantially in a planar relationship with the plane defined by at least one horizontal work surface.

3. The workstation of claim 1, wherein at least one accessory support insert is removably mounted to the support member, the accessory support insert having a top surface supported by a first leg having a first length, the first leg being positioned on a first edge of the support member that is adjacent the horizontal work surface, the accessory support having a second leg in an opposed relationship to the first leg, the second leg having a length greater than the first leg, the second leg being positioned on the rear edge of the support member that is in opposed relationship to the first edge of the support member.

4. The workstation of claim 1, wherein the support member defines at least one opening to receive wires from one or more computer components.

5. The workstation of claim 1, wherein a first edge of the support member is about 6 inches below the horizontal work surface.

6. The workstation of claim 1, wherein the support member is positioned at an angle from about 12° to about 18° from the plane defined by the horizontal work surface.

7. The workstation of claim 1, wherein the support member has a non-skid matte surface.

8. The workstation of claim 1, including at least one leg having a height that allows an end user to sit while using the workstation.

9. The workstation of claim 1, including at least one leg having a height that allows an end user to stand while using the workstation.

10. The workstation of claim 1, having multiple support members to accommodate multiple computer peripherals.

11. The workstation of claim 1, wherein the workstation is capable of being assembled by an end user.

12. The workstation of claim 1, wherein the workstation is at least partially comprised of a suitable metal material.