WO2000045078A1 - Support and display apparatus for devices - Google Patents

Support and display apparatus for devices Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000045078A1
WO2000045078A1 PCT/US2000/001975 US0001975W WO0045078A1 WO 2000045078 A1 WO2000045078 A1 WO 2000045078A1 US 0001975 W US0001975 W US 0001975W WO 0045078 A1 WO0045078 A1 WO 0045078A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
engaged
support
devices
arm
surround
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/001975
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
John Lloyd Abbott
Original Assignee
John Lloyd Abbott
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by John Lloyd Abbott filed Critical John Lloyd Abbott
Priority to AU34736/00A priority Critical patent/AU3473600A/en
Publication of WO2000045078A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000045078A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
    • A47F5/04—Stands with a central pillar, e.g. tree type
    • A47F5/05—Stands with a central pillar, e.g. tree type with separate containers rotatable around the pillar
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
    • A47F5/04—Stands with a central pillar, e.g. tree type
    • A47F5/06—Stands with a central pillar, e.g. tree type adjustable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B83/00—Combinations comprising two or more pieces of furniture of different kinds
    • A47B83/02—Tables combined with seats
    • A47B2083/025—Computer workstation with integrated seat
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B2200/00—General construction of tables or desks
    • A47B2200/0011—Underframes
    • A47B2200/002—Legs
    • A47B2200/0021—Tables or desks of the single column type
    • A47B2200/0023—Columnar component for computer, stand or trolley

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an apparatus for space- saving, convenient, adjustable display and support of devices and equipment, such as electronic and computer devices .
  • the desktop mode of use imposes limitations on the comfort and ergonomics possible, since the user is constrained to a seated position.
  • Equipment designed for industrial environments has also included a standing mode of use, however this mode is also not very comfortable, especially for long periods of time.
  • Prior art solutions to be used while seated or reclined on comfortable furniture are designed for holding only very light devices. For example, laptop desks or chair-side stands which can hold only a laptop computer, a book or a notepad. Disclosure of Invention
  • the invention features a device display and support apparatus with adjustable device supports which can be mounted to the user's desired furniture.
  • Such an apparatus comprises one or more vertically and axially adjustable device supports mounted on a beam, one or more of such supports providing level platforms for holding devices, and one or more of such supports providing tilting platforms for holding devices.
  • electrical cabling in conduits provide power to and communication between devices.
  • Embodiments of the invention include the device support apparatus attached to a chair, a bed, a sofa, a table, a bench, or any other such sturdy obj ect .
  • the invention features a device display and support apparatus which can be mounted to any sturdy surface to allow users an even wider variety of positions.
  • Embodiments of the invention may include a device display and support apparatus which is floor, wall, ceiling, moveable trolley, or stand-mounted enabling users to stand, to sit, or recline on a variety of furniture when accessing and interacting with the devices .
  • pivoting supports of the invention allows users to change use positions readily without moving the entire apparatus.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device support and display apparatus mounted on a base.
  • Figure 2 is a top view detail of the electrical cabling and connectors through the beam, a beam surround, and a device support.
  • Figure 3 is a side view detail of the electrical cabling passing through a slot in the beam and within a conduit in the beam surround to prevent the cabling from restricting rotation of the beam surround.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of a device support and display apparatus attached to a recliner chair with a lighting fixture mounted at the beam top.
  • Figure 5 is a view of a device support and display apparatus mounted from a ceiling for direct-wiring to a building's electrical wiring.
  • Figure 1 illustrate a side view of a device support and display apparatus 100, which provides support for a computer 1, a monitor 2, a keyboard 3, a mouse 4, and other devices.
  • Base 101 is connected in any conventional manner to beam 104.
  • Positionable surrounds 105 surround beam 104 and attach to device supports.
  • the device supports are of two types: fixed and tilting.
  • arm 103 is mounted at one end to positionable beam surround 105.
  • Platform 102 is mounted upon arm 103 to provide a level platform for equipment and devices.
  • the tilting type of device support consists of a tilt mount 109 mounted at its proximal end to positionable beam surround 105 and is connected at its distal end to arm 103a.
  • Tilt mount 109 provides at its distal end any conventional means to allow a user to rotate arm 103a about its axis and have arm 103a remain in a desired tilted position (e.g. using ratcheting mechanisms, hydraulic mechanisms, cotter pins inserted through a variety of holes, etc.).
  • Platform 102 is then mounted upon arm 103a to provide a tilting platform for equipment and devices.
  • Positionable beam surrounds 105 allow a user to move them vertically on beam 104 and also rotate them about the vertical axis of beam 104 to remain in a desired position using any conventional means (e.g. moveable collar mechanisms, hydraulic mechanisms, ratcheting mechanisms, cotter pins inserted through a variety of holes, etc.).
  • any conventional means e.g. moveable collar mechanisms, hydraulic mechanisms, ratcheting mechanisms, cotter pins inserted through a variety of holes, etc.
  • electrical cabling 113 Electrical power to and communication among the various devices is provided by electrical cabling 113.
  • beam 104, beam surrounds 105, tilt mounts 109, and arms 103 and 103a each provide conduit 110 through which electrical cabling 113 may pass.
  • Arms 103 and 103a provide openings 112 sufficient in size for electrical cabling to exit and connect to the equipment or device supported at each particular platform.
  • Conduit 110 may also be extended through platforms 102 to exit through openings which are not shown in the f igures .
  • a surge protector outlet strip 107 is affixed to base 101, and then connected to a power source. Electrical power cabling running from the various devices can then be connecte d through the outlet strip.
  • positionable beam surrounds 105 allow the electrical cabling 113 to move freely within cross-shaped slot 111 as the cabling passes within conduit 110.
  • slot 111 is made as large as possible while maintaining the structural integrity and load bearing strength of beam 104.
  • some slack must be available in the electrical cabling 113.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a device support and display apparatus 200.
  • base 101 connects to a recliner-type chair 201 using any conventional means.
  • Lighting fixture 202 is attached to the top of beam 104 and is connected to the electrical cabling passing through conduit 110.
  • Tray 114 is attached to an arm of the chair to provide a platform for devices such as a wireless mouse.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a device support and display apparatus 300 in which beam 104 is affixed to a building structure 302 via a connector 301. Electrical cabling 113 exits conduit 110 from within beam 104 and connector 301 to allow for direct connection to the building's power supply.

Abstract

A positionable stand (100) for the support and display of devices to allow ergonomic, comfortable positioning of and access to devices and equipment in a variety of use situations.

Description

SUPPORT AND DISPLAY APPARATUS FOR DEVICES Technical Field
The invention relates to an apparatus for space- saving, convenient, adjustable display and support of devices and equipment, such as electronic and computer devices . Background Art
The ergonomic needs of users of electronic, computer, and similar devices have long been recognized. Devices placed at an unsuitable or uncomfortable angle or position contribute to back or neck pain, eyestrain, and wrist and arm problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Prior art solutions have been designed to relieve such physical and eye strain, or to save space, but have been either oriented to a desk-type mode of use, or to industrial environments, resulting in imperfect solutions for many individual users.
The desktop mode of use imposes limitations on the comfort and ergonomics possible, since the user is constrained to a seated position. Equipment designed for industrial environments has also included a standing mode of use, however this mode is also not very comfortable, especially for long periods of time. Prior art solutions to be used while seated or reclined on comfortable furniture are designed for holding only very light devices. For example, laptop desks or chair-side stands which can hold only a laptop computer, a book or a notepad. Disclosure of Invention
It is an object of the present invention to combine space-saving support and display with convenient user access and adjustable positioning, and attachment modes customizable for user comfort in highly interactive use. In one aspect, the invention features a device display and support apparatus with adjustable device supports which can be mounted to the user's desired furniture. Such an apparatus comprises one or more vertically and axially adjustable device supports mounted on a beam, one or more of such supports providing level platforms for holding devices, and one or more of such supports providing tilting platforms for holding devices. In addition, within the beam and supports electrical cabling in conduits provide power to and communication between devices. Embodiments of the invention include the device support apparatus attached to a chair, a bed, a sofa, a table, a bench, or any other such sturdy obj ect .
In another aspect, the invention features a device display and support apparatus which can be mounted to any sturdy surface to allow users an even wider variety of positions. Embodiments of the invention may include a device display and support apparatus which is floor, wall, ceiling, moveable trolley, or stand-mounted enabling users to stand, to sit, or recline on a variety of furniture when accessing and interacting with the devices .
Additionally, the pivoting supports of the invention allows users to change use positions readily without moving the entire apparatus. Brief Description of Drawings
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device support and display apparatus mounted on a base.
Figure 2 is a top view detail of the electrical cabling and connectors through the beam, a beam surround, and a device support.
Figure 3 is a side view detail of the electrical cabling passing through a slot in the beam and within a conduit in the beam surround to prevent the cabling from restricting rotation of the beam surround. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a device support and display apparatus attached to a recliner chair with a lighting fixture mounted at the beam top.
Figure 5 is a view of a device support and display apparatus mounted from a ceiling for direct-wiring to a building's electrical wiring. Modes for Carrying out the Invention
Figure 1 illustrate a side view of a device support and display apparatus 100, which provides support for a computer 1, a monitor 2, a keyboard 3, a mouse 4, and other devices. Base 101 is connected in any conventional manner to beam 104. Positionable surrounds 105 surround beam 104 and attach to device supports.
The device supports are of two types: fixed and tilting. In the fixed type, arm 103 is mounted at one end to positionable beam surround 105. Platform 102 is mounted upon arm 103 to provide a level platform for equipment and devices.
The tilting type of device support consists of a tilt mount 109 mounted at its proximal end to positionable beam surround 105 and is connected at its distal end to arm 103a. Tilt mount 109 provides at its distal end any conventional means to allow a user to rotate arm 103a about its axis and have arm 103a remain in a desired tilted position (e.g. using ratcheting mechanisms, hydraulic mechanisms, cotter pins inserted through a variety of holes, etc.). Platform 102 is then mounted upon arm 103a to provide a tilting platform for equipment and devices.
Positionable beam surrounds 105 allow a user to move them vertically on beam 104 and also rotate them about the vertical axis of beam 104 to remain in a desired position using any conventional means (e.g. moveable collar mechanisms, hydraulic mechanisms, ratcheting mechanisms, cotter pins inserted through a variety of holes, etc.).
Electrical power to and communication among the various devices is provided by electrical cabling 113. As shown in Figure 2, beam 104, beam surrounds 105, tilt mounts 109, and arms 103 and 103a each provide conduit 110 through which electrical cabling 113 may pass. Arms 103 and 103a provide openings 112 sufficient in size for electrical cabling to exit and connect to the equipment or device supported at each particular platform. Conduit 110 may also be extended through platforms 102 to exit through openings which are not shown in the f igures .
Referring again to Figure 1, a surge protector outlet strip 107 is affixed to base 101, and then connected to a power source. Electrical power cabling running from the various devices can then be connected through the outlet strip.
As shown in Figure 3, positionable beam surrounds 105 allow the electrical cabling 113 to move freely within cross-shaped slot 111 as the cabling passes within conduit 110. To allow for a large arc of swing and maximal vertical adjustment for the device supports mounted on the beam surround 105, slot 111 is made as large as possible while maintaining the structural integrity and load bearing strength of beam 104. In addition, to allow vertical movement of the device supports mounted on the beam surrounds 105, some slack must be available in the electrical cabling 113.
Figure 4 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a device support and display apparatus 200. Here, base 101 connects to a recliner-type chair 201 using any conventional means. Lighting fixture 202 is attached to the top of beam 104 and is connected to the electrical cabling passing through conduit 110. Tray 114 is attached to an arm of the chair to provide a platform for devices such as a wireless mouse.
Figure 5 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a device support and display apparatus 300 in which beam 104 is affixed to a building structure 302 via a connector 301. Electrical cabling 113 exits conduit 110 from within beam 104 and connector 301 to allow for direct connection to the building's power supply.
The foregoing description of modes of invention is for illustration and description. The modes are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the support, display and interaction with devices comprising: a beam; a plurality of device supports each device support comprising: a surround engaged on said beam; a mount engaged to said beam surround; an arm engaged to said mount; a platform engaged to said arm; and connectors to affix said beam to a sturdy object .
2. The apparatus of claim 1, affixed to an item of furniture.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising at least one tray mounted on said furniture.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, affixed to an architectural structure.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, affixed to a stand.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, affixed to a rolling platform.
7. An apparatus for the support, display and interaction with devices comprising: a beam having a conduit therein to provide routing for electrical cabling; a plurality of device supports each device support comprising : a surround engaged on said beam; a mount engaged to said beam surround; an arm engaged to said mount; a platform engaged to said arm; and connectors to affix said beam to a sturdy object.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising device supports having conduit therein to provide routing for electrical cabling.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising at least one tilting device support.
10. An apparatus for the support, display and interaction with devices comprising: a chair: a beam having a conduit therein to provide routing for electrical cabling and slots at a plurality of locations along the axis of the beam; a plurality of device supports each device support comprising: a surround positionably engaged on said beam; a mount engaged to said beam surround; an arm engaged to said mount; a platform engaged to said arm; each device support having conduit therein to provide routing for electrical cabling; and connectors to affix said beam to said chair.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising at least one tray mounted on said chair.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a lighting fixture mounted on said beam.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising at least one swinging device support.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an electrical outlet strip.
PCT/US2000/001975 1999-01-27 2000-01-26 Support and display apparatus for devices WO2000045078A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU34736/00A AU3473600A (en) 1999-01-27 2000-01-26 Support and display apparatus for devices

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US23818899A 1999-01-27 1999-01-27
US09/238,188 1999-01-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000045078A1 true WO2000045078A1 (en) 2000-08-03

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ID=22896851

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2000/001975 WO2000045078A1 (en) 1999-01-27 2000-01-26 Support and display apparatus for devices

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AU (1) AU3473600A (en)
WO (1) WO2000045078A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001015570A1 (en) * 1999-08-26 2001-03-08 Microsphere Inc. An ergonomic computer workstation
EP1364596A1 (en) * 2001-02-27 2003-11-26 Itoki Crebio Corporation System desk
FR2854557A1 (en) * 2003-05-09 2004-11-12 Pierre Alain Groussard Food product e.g. confectionery product, displaying support structure forming assembly, has plate with bores to permit immovable fixation of plate on junction node either directly or by intermediary of connection shaft
WO2006124830A1 (en) * 2005-05-12 2006-11-23 Krueger International, Inc. Modular classroom furniture system
WO2009127341A1 (en) * 2008-04-06 2009-10-22 Fritz Arendt Piece of furniture assembled in a modular way
WO2012004426A1 (en) * 2010-07-08 2012-01-12 Josep Montoya Lahoz Mobile, modular computerized work unit
WO2014062628A1 (en) * 2012-10-18 2014-04-24 American Payroll Institute, Inc. Reconfigurable display table

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US575711A (en) * 1897-01-26 Ments
US4431250A (en) * 1982-04-23 1984-02-14 Antronic Corporation Temporary power tap with slide mounting
US4779922A (en) * 1986-11-25 1988-10-25 Cooper Lloyd G B Work station system
US5135191A (en) * 1991-05-09 1992-08-04 Jagco Corporation Medical support system
US5458354A (en) * 1994-07-18 1995-10-17 Bone; Toni L. Apparatus for selectively providing one of a plurality of working surfaces to a person in a wheelchair
US5630566A (en) * 1995-05-30 1997-05-20 Case; Laura Portable ergonomic work station

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US575711A (en) * 1897-01-26 Ments
US4431250A (en) * 1982-04-23 1984-02-14 Antronic Corporation Temporary power tap with slide mounting
US4779922A (en) * 1986-11-25 1988-10-25 Cooper Lloyd G B Work station system
US5135191A (en) * 1991-05-09 1992-08-04 Jagco Corporation Medical support system
US5458354A (en) * 1994-07-18 1995-10-17 Bone; Toni L. Apparatus for selectively providing one of a plurality of working surfaces to a person in a wheelchair
US5630566A (en) * 1995-05-30 1997-05-20 Case; Laura Portable ergonomic work station

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001015570A1 (en) * 1999-08-26 2001-03-08 Microsphere Inc. An ergonomic computer workstation
EP1364596A1 (en) * 2001-02-27 2003-11-26 Itoki Crebio Corporation System desk
EP1364596A4 (en) * 2001-02-27 2005-08-17 Itoki Crebio Corp System desk
FR2854557A1 (en) * 2003-05-09 2004-11-12 Pierre Alain Groussard Food product e.g. confectionery product, displaying support structure forming assembly, has plate with bores to permit immovable fixation of plate on junction node either directly or by intermediary of connection shaft
EP1493362A1 (en) * 2003-05-09 2005-01-05 Pierre-Alain Groussard Support for the presentation of products
WO2006124830A1 (en) * 2005-05-12 2006-11-23 Krueger International, Inc. Modular classroom furniture system
WO2009127341A1 (en) * 2008-04-06 2009-10-22 Fritz Arendt Piece of furniture assembled in a modular way
WO2012004426A1 (en) * 2010-07-08 2012-01-12 Josep Montoya Lahoz Mobile, modular computerized work unit
WO2014062628A1 (en) * 2012-10-18 2014-04-24 American Payroll Institute, Inc. Reconfigurable display table

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