WO2000030499A1

WO2000030499A1 - Multiple computer operator support system

Info

Publication number: WO2000030499A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/027431
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edwin P. Lochridge
Original assignee: Lochridge Edwin P
Priority date: 1998-11-20
Filing date: 1999-11-18
Publication date: 2000-06-02
Also published as: AU1737100A

Abstract

A work surface system provides ergonomic benefits to multiple user environments. The work surface system includes a work surface (18) and a support (20, 24) for supporting the work surface at an angle with respect to horizontal. The work surface (18) provides support for the user's arms while using a computer. The work surface (18) can be smaller than the surface on which the work surface system rests. The angle of the work surface can be adjusted if desired.

Description

MULTIPLE COMPUTER OPERATOR SUPPORT SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention provides a tilted work surface which easily can be used with component parts to provide multiple user workstations while providing a more ergonomically correct environment and superior configuration and wire management.

Background of the Invention The introduction of the personal computer into the office has created enormous changes in the workplace. While personal computers have provided many new capabilities and in many cases have become essential tools in the workplace, it is now being recognized that the extensive use of the personal computer, especially in conjunction with traditional office furniture systems, can have an undesirable negative effect on the health and productivity of the office worker.

Today there are many situations in which a number of computer operators are required to work in close proximity to one another. Examples include offices, computer centers, training centers and telemarketing centers. Generally these environments tend to economize on space by fitting as many people and computers as possible into a limited area. This creates several problems, including issues with ergonomics, maintenance, wire management and privacy.

Wire management becomes a significant issue in multiple-station configurations, since even a single computer can have a number of different power cords and data cables connected to it. These include data and power cables for the monitor, power and network cables for the CPU, and mouse and keyboard data cables. Optionally, a single computer can also require data and power cables for such accessories as scanners and printers, or a separate phone line for an integral modem. When a number of individual computers are wired in close proximity, it becomes difficult to control the resultant wiring jungle. This also makes maintenance and repair difficult, since it is not easy to determine which computer a particular wire may be going to. Further, these wires can get in the way of the user's feet and legs. This is not only a distraction to the user, but can also result in damaged or broken cables and power lines.

Privacy is also an issue. For some situations, such as training centers, little or no visual or acoustical privacy is needed, since it is generally desired that all computer operators are doing the same thing at the same time in response to an instructor's input. However, telemarketing centers, for example, require at least some level of acoustical privacy in order for adjacent operators to be able to concentrate at their work. In other situations, a certain level of visual privacy is desired. As computers march ever further into the business world, ergonomic design becomes ever more important, as more and more people suffer from various repetitive stress injuries. These injuries reduce concentrationproductivity while increasing health problems and resultant health costs. Such problems have been the object of intensive study in recent years, as the problems have become more prevalent. One aspect which has caused significant problems is the operation of input devices like keyboards and mice for extended periods of time.

Often the traditional approaches have required the computer operator to adopt and maintain a quite upright posture. One example of this has been to mount the keyboard to the work surface via a mechanical arm which articulates so as to bring the keyboard out from the work area, toward the user, and to allow for height and/or tilt adjustment. However, this approach suffers from several drawbacks. First, it is now recognized that the strict upright posture can place undesirable stress on the user's upper torso. The workers hands must be held up at the keyboard, requiring static muscular effort in the arms and shoulders and creating stress in the back. Moreover, such a keyboard position requires the operator to look down to see the keyboard, thus placing undesirable stress on the neck. In addition, bringing the keyboard out from the work surface means the user is taking up more space, and is farther from the work surface, making it difficult to write notes, use a mouse, etc. for which the work surface is required. Moreover, with these systems, when the keyboard is not in use, it is usually stored beneath the work surface, taking up room beneath the surface and preventing the operator from sitting comfortable. In addition, the systems are expensive and difficult to install or remove. Traditional furniture does little to address these issues. Typically, minor modifications at best are made to traditional tables or computer furniture originally designed for individual users in these situations. Alternatively, custom configurations can be made by local cabinet shops, with little or no attention paid to ergonomics or wire management needs.

An approach which does not suffer from the drawbacks outlined above is a system made up of component parts which utilizes a tilted or tiltable work surface, with the portion of the work surface facing the user being provided with a cut-out area so that the user can be partially surrounded by the work surface. This permits the user to assume a ! more reclined posture for improved back support while simultaneously providing support for the arms of the user and further reducing stress on the upper torso and back. An example of such a system is the "PowerStation" available from Metamorphosis Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia.. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a system by which the benefits of the more ergonomically enlightened approaches can be made available in a system that can be easily configured to accommodate multiple users with appropriate wire management and space saving features.

Summary of the Invention It is the object of this invention to provide a multiple user system made up of simple component parts through which the functionality of the tilted work surface is achieved by providing an area of the work surface which can hold the keyboard in a fixed or a variety of tilted positions, thereby allowing the operator to support their arms while using the keyboard set the angle of the keyboard at the most desirable position independently from the position of the work surface. In a still further aspect of the present invention, the work surface is of sufficient size so as to provide an area adjacent to a keyboard for operation of a mouse for a computer.

The above objects and others are obtained with a system that includes individual supports or a frame that can easily rest on or be mounted on a horizontal or angle adjustable surface or support and which allows the work surface to be adjusted at an angle with respect to horizontal. It is optional to provide the portion of the work surface which is distal with respect to the position of the user with a cut- out portion and to locate the frame in this cut-out portion. A keyboard support can then be provided in the cut-out portion which is maintained in position by the work surface but which is capable of independent adjustment to a different angle.

The current invention discloses a modular system of parts and a method of assembly which provides ergonomic support for a broad range of users, makes management of extensive wires and cable easy, and allows for an unlimited number of workstations to be connected in a minimum of space and with flexible designs which can adapt to workplaces of different size and shape. Each individual part can be independently removed and replaced if necessary, simplifying maintenance. Some parts can be modified to provide acoustical and visual privacy.

The system comprises:

(a) a core tower comprised of a monitor support surface connected to vertical support members which may rest on the ground or on another vertical support system such as table legs; (b) a tilt-adjustable work surface in front of the monitor support surface pivotably supported by means connected to vertical or horizontal support members which allow the work surface to be set at various heights from the ground or to be adjustable in height;

(c) panels and shelves which connect the core tower to the core tower of another workstation and which provide varying degrees of functionality, equipment management, privacy screens, storage shelves or drawer supports;

(d) a trough which runs at least a potion of the length of each connected tower to channel wires and cables from station to station and to outlets easily accessible from the front and/or back side of the stations; (e) vertical support members which support the assembly; and

(f) a terminal piece which is either an "end" piece designed to support the combined stations at each end of a row, or a corner unit which connects the rows around a corner;

(g) all made with common parts and pieces designed to work together, with various pieces being capable of removal separately from any other pieces of the system. Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a short upright as used ! in the present invention.

Figure 2 is a side elevation view of a tall upright shown attached to a horizontal surface and a tiltable work surface.

Figure 3 is an enlarged view of Figure 2 which shows in greater detail A tilting mechanism used to attach the tiltable work surface to the horizontal surface.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a multiuser modular structure of the present invention. In this Figure, short uprights are used. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a multiuser modular structure in which tall uprights are used.

Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the multiuser modular structure of the present invention, showing the modular structure's use with a computer and monitor. Figure 7 is a top view of a possible work station configuration, using the modular structures of the present invention.

Figure 8 is another top view of a possible configuration, using the modular structures of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The system of the present invention includes a work surface 18 which can be disposed at an angle with respect to the horizontal. Angles of up to about 15° generally have been found to be useful for ergonomic purposes. The side of the work surface 18 which in use is positioned closest to user is provided with a part- circular pocket 14. Thus, the user will sit in the pocket area, partially surrounded by the work surface 18. The pocket 14 may have a diameter of about 45 cm, in one example, and this dimension can be varied as necessary.

This provides support surfaces for the user's arms during typing and brings essentially the entire work surface 18 within easy reach of the user, even when the user is in a somewhat reclined position. In addition, the work surface 18 is of a sufficient size that when a keyboard is positioned on the work surface, there is space on the work surface adjacent the keyboard so that the user can operate a mouse on the work surface, even when the keyboard is centered on the work surface with respect to the home keys. In general, the work surface 18 should have a width of at least about 100 cm for this purpose in view of the size of keyboards in widespread use today. It is preferred that the width be no more than about 150 cm. It also is preferred that the work surface 18 have a depth from front to back within the range of about 50 cm to 75 cm. The work surface 18 will have a width of about 140 cm and a depth from front to back of about 65 cm.

The frame and/or work surface 18 is adapted so that the work surface could assume different angles with respect to the desktop 16 as desired by the user. This system is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,555,819, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In this system, a notched plate 24, pivotally mounted on the underside of the work surface, for example, releasably engages a pin mounted on the frame. By releasing the plate from the pin and reengaging with a different notch, the tilt angle of the work surface can be adjusted. Figure 1 shows a short upright 10 as used in one version of the present invention. Also seen in this Figure is a plurality of mounting holes 11. This Figure also shows the general orientation of the upright as the right-hand side of the Figure as shown would be closest to the user. The upright 10 is wider near the top, in order to provide support for the various shelves and work surfaces which can be mounted to it (not shown).

Figure 2 shows a tall upright 12 as used in another version of the present invention. Also seen in this Figure is a side view of horizontal surface 16 and tiltable work surface 18, which is attached to said horizontal surface 16 via hinge 20 and ratcheting mechanism 24. Also seen in this Figure are end views of various shelves 26, 27 and 28 which can be used in the modular systems of the present invention.

Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the tall upright 12 as seen in Figure 2. Also seen in this Figure are medium width shelves 27 and vertical modesty skirt 30. Again, hinge 20 and ratcheting mechanism 24 are also seen. This Figure also shows pivot point 23, which is where tiltable surface 18 attaches to the racketing mechanism 24. Figure 4 shows a portion of a multiuser modular structure. In this particular Figure, three work stations are shown. This particular structure utilizes short uprights 10, which are partially connected one to another with middle shelves 42 and lower shelves 40. While uprights 10 support the back of the structure, legs 44 are used to support the front. These legs 44 are attached to horizontal surfaces 16, upon which rest tiltable work surfaces 18. In this setup, computers could rest on horizontal surface 16 between uprights 10 and underneath shelf 42. Monitors (also not shown) could rest on horizontal surface 16 between uprights 10 in the portions without shelf 42. Legs 44 could be replaced with a shelf or drawer system which could provide storage space for the users.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a multiuser modular structure of the present invention. This Figure differs somewhat from Figure 4 in that tall uprights 12 are used. This permits the alternating placement of upper shelves 42 and medium shelves 46. The remainder of the structure is the same as Figure 4, namely in showing the relationship between horizontal surface 16, tiltable work surfaces 18 and lower shelves 40 and legs 44.

Figure 6 shows a portion of the back of Figure 4, demonstrating the wire management aspect of the invention. Uprights 10 are seen along with horizontal surface 16 and lower shelf 40 which provide the basic structure. Shelf 46 is attached to a pair of uprights 10 which, together with horizontal surface 16, provide a location for a computer CPU 60. Also seen in this Figure is a computer monitor 62. The wire management aspect of the invention is a result of wire trough 64, shown here attached to the back of the structure. Also seen are a plurality of power cords and data cables 66, which are seen running from the computer and monitor into the wire trough. This keeps the wiring neat and off the floor so that it is out of harm's way from the user's feet or legs.

Figure 7 shows a possible configuration for the multiuser modular structures of the present invention. In this situation, several three-user modular structures 70 are seen, along with a pair of single-user structures 72 and a two-user structure 74. This demonstrates how changing the shape of a few components changes the shape of the row according to the needs of the users. Figure 8 is similar to Figure 7, but in this case a series of five-user modular structures is shown.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A modular work surface system suitable for multiple user use, comprising: a work surface; a support for the work surface, for supporting the work surface on a horizontal or adjustable surface at an angle with respect to horizontal; wherein the work surface has a size sufficient to support a computer keyboard and provide support for the arms of a user.

2. The work surface system of claim 1 , wherein the work surface has a size sufficient to permit a user to operate a computer mouse on the work surface adjacent to a computer keyboard supported on the work surface.

3. The work surface system of claim 1 , wherein the work surface has a first edge proximal to the location of a user of a keyboard supported on the work surface, the first edge comprising a cut-out pocket for the user whereby the work surface partially surrounds the user.

4. The work surface system of claim 1 , wherein the support is capable of supporting the work surface at different angles with respect to horizontal.

5. A modular system comprising: a core tower; a tilt-adjustable work surface; a wire trough; vertical support members; and a terminal piece.

The modular system of claim 5 further comprising additional core towers.

7. The modular system of claim 6 further comprising panels and shelves which join adjacent core towers.

8. The modular system of claim 5 wherein the terminal piece comprises an end piece suitable to support an end of a series of combined stations.

9. The modular system of claim 5 wherein the terminal piece comprises a comer unit suitable to join two adjacent stations at right angles to one another.

10. The modular system of claim 5 being constructed of common parts and pieces designed to allow individual removal from a completed structure.