WO2003043461A2 - Poste de travail dote d'un equipement de bureau et de chevalet reglables - Google Patents

Poste de travail dote d'un equipement de bureau et de chevalet reglables Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003043461A2
WO2003043461A2 PCT/TT2002/000001 TT0200001W WO03043461A2 WO 2003043461 A2 WO2003043461 A2 WO 2003043461A2 TT 0200001 W TT0200001 W TT 0200001W WO 03043461 A2 WO03043461 A2 WO 03043461A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
easel
platform
rack
board
desk
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/TT2002/000001
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2003043461A3 (fr
WO2003043461A8 (fr
Inventor
Gene L. L. Lashley
Original Assignee
Lashley Gene L L
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 Lashley Gene L L filed Critical Lashley Gene L L
Priority to AU2002361542A priority Critical patent/AU2002361542A1/en
Publication of WO2003043461A2 publication Critical patent/WO2003043461A2/fr
Publication of WO2003043461A3 publication Critical patent/WO2003043461A3/fr
Publication of WO2003043461A8 publication Critical patent/WO2003043461A8/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • A47B21/00—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
    • A47B21/03—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards with substantially horizontally extensible or adjustable parts other than drawers, e.g. leaves
    • 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
    • A47B23/00—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else
    • A47B23/04—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else supported from table, floor or wall
    • 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
    • A47B27/00—Drawing desks or tables; Carriers for drawing-boards
    • A47B27/02—Adjustable drawing tables without balancing means
    • 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
    • A47B41/00—School desks or tables
    • A47B41/02—Adjustable, inclinable, sliding or foldable desks tops
    • 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
    • A47B97/00—Furniture or accessories for furniture, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • A47B97/04—Easels or stands for blackboards or the like

Definitions

  • the invention In the field of desk furniture, the invention relates to an ergonomic workstation that comprises multiple worktops, and adjustable desk easel facilities for purposes of reading, writing, drawing, and computer usage.
  • a computer-compatible workstation is now considered a basic item of furniture for the home and office. It has evolved as a special kind of desk for individual work as opposed to directly interpersonal activities such as supervising, interviewing and customer servicing. Relatively few workstations incorporate tiltable and height-adjustable facilities, but there is a very wide variety of sizes, configurations, and finishes to suit various consumer needs and preferences.
  • desks and workstations have flat worktops that constrain the user to bow the neck and spinal column unduly. This in turn causes unnecessary postural stress and earlier onset of bodily discomfort and diminished concentration while engaged in desk-related activity.
  • Workstations that do provide tilted or tiltable worktops are also inadequate in that their worktops are either too small, or not space-efficient, or not sufficiently adjustable for angle, height, or size.
  • US patent 6,145,800 reveals a ground supported desk easel with a worktop that is adjustable for angle and height by means of pins and holes - a slow and cumbersome method suitable for maintenance adjustment only.
  • adjustment for size requires slow, inefficient unfastening and re-fastening to install a larger easel board.
  • it may not be conveniently applied on or conjoined with horizontal support surfaces to form a convenient general-purpose working station. It is therefore suitable for drawing and drafting only.
  • Its spacious worktop lacks the accessory means to allow use of both upper and lower levels to support multiple items, as may be desired.
  • US patent 4,618,119 discloses a typical, basic, prior art design for a portable, desk easel for reading or writing (not both together).
  • the inclined worktop is severely limited in size. According to this traditional design, a larger worktop would require a larger base that would occupy much desktop (or tabletop) space, and obstruct accessibility to other important desktop items.
  • the worktop is unable to support both reading material and writing material together. It lacks features for adjusting the height and size of the worktop, which also lacks useful accessories.
  • This elementary design typifies the fundamental limitations of most portable and built-in desk easels of the prior art.
  • the tilted worktop is spacious but lacks the means (accessories) to make it space-efficient.
  • Access to the computer printer is compromised by its placement below the worktop.
  • the most useful, innovative feature of the Nomic Station is its three-level design whereby the main worktop is separately and slidably positioned between the slidable keyboard tray below and the desktop above.
  • one of the limitations of the Nomic Station is that when the keyboard platform is drawn forward for use, access to the higher worktop is compromised to some degree across the entire width of the station for purposes of reading, writing, an drawing. Maintaining full, concurrent access to the two kinds of facilities is not possible.
  • a popular, non-proprietary solution to the above-mentioned limitation is a computer table with a slidable keyboard tray below and a raised shelf means (for the computer monitor and speakers) toward the rear.
  • This design by reason of its width and capacity for at least two sitting positions, maintains permanent and full accessibility of that portion of worktop space that is not directly above the computer keyboard tray, when the latter is deployed for use.
  • Means for both maintenance adjustment (infrequently varied settings to suit the user), and instant adjustments (to suit the activity) are important for comfort, efficiency, and productivity. Where the height of the worktop is not adjusted suit the worker and the activity being performed, physical stress develops after a while to a degree that engenders discomfort, distraction, and loss of productivity. With repetitive and prolonged activity, particular muscles, ligaments and joints become increasingly fatigued, impaired, and painful as the worker continues each day to work in a physically stressful way.
  • workstations available in the market are adjustable for height. Some workstations are adjustable for height by hydraulic means; they are relatively expensive for this reason. Some are adjustable for height by less expensive mechanisms stabilized by pins or clamps. Such mechanisms, however, are somewhat slow and cumbersome to use, especially in view of the need to adjust readily to varying activities and items in use.
  • the tilted or inclined worktop (or easel) is possibly the oldest, most beneficial, and time-tested ergonomic feature for purposes of reading, writing, and drawing.
  • it has declined from popular use in general- purpose desk furniture because known designs seriously compromise desktop space and accessibility.
  • the present state of the art falls far short of this ideal.
  • the conventional, low-lying keyboard tray constrains the user to bend the neck and head downward continually to regain or maintain eye contact with the computer keyboard.
  • A. Height flexibility 1. Inadequate or no means of adjusting the height of working facilities to accommodate: (a) The basic needs and preferences of the regular user; and (b) The instant requirements of varying activities
  • the conventional, low-lying keyboard tray constrains the user to bend the neck and head downward continually to maintain eye contact with the keyboard.
  • A. HEIGHT FLEXIBILITY The first group of objectives of the invention relates to the improvement of height flexibility by providing:
  • a three-tier design wherein a slidable worktop at standard desktop height (75 cm) is positioned between a higher-than-normal desktop and a slidable, lower worktop.
  • a plurality of easel boards one or more of which may be adjusted to one of two alternative heights along its axis of inclination directly astride the desktop and two co-planar worktops.
  • a desk easel (for reading, writing, and drawing) that includes an easel rack upon which one or two easel boards may be adjusted to various given heights, as may be desired.
  • the second group of objectives of the invention relates to the improvement of space-efficiency by providing: 4. Two vertically spaced, large worktops supported on slide means below a separate, higher desktop, whereby:
  • a third worktop adjoins and complements the upper worktop to form a two- part working surface equally as wide as the separate and higher desktop whereby: (a) additional worktop space is extended across the entire width of the workstation;
  • an additional worktop may be remain concurrently and fully available for use when the computer keyboard tray is deployed for use;
  • a third group of objectives of the invention relates to the inclusion of extensively adjustable facilities for reading, writing, and drawing, as follows: 6.
  • a desk easel worktop that may be readily deployed upon, and removed from an easel rack without the use of adjustable fastening means.
  • a spacious, desk easel worktop that is extensively adjustable for angle of inclination upon a relatively small easel rack.
  • a desk easel worktop that is adjustable for height along its inclined axis.
  • a desk easel worktop that is readily adjustable for width by the addition of an auxiliary easel board, and readily adjustable for overall size by overlaying a much larger board thereon.
  • a working surface that is adjustable for reading, writing, and drawing s
  • a working surface that accommodates both reading and writing materials together to allow both activities together.
  • a desk easel that is portable and that may be used on another desk, or table, or on one's laptop.
  • the fourth group of objectives of the invention relates to the improvement of facilities for computer usage by providing:
  • One or more easel boards that may be readily applied to, and removed from, a horizontal worktop thereby allowing quick and easy versatility between a horizontal worktop, and a worktop wholly or partly inclined.
  • Alternative worktops flat or inclined; upper or lower
  • Alternative worktops having sufficient space and supportive strength to allow comfortable leaning with (or support of) the elbows, forearms, and hands; whereby the user may assume a variety of natural, comfortable postures while working.
  • a computer keyboard easel that raises the keyboard from the conventionally low position below the desktop to an elevated position closer to eye level and closer to the level of the computer monitor, in order to reduce (for those persons who have to look at the computer keyboard to use it): (a) excessive bowing of the neck and head; and (b) excessive vertical eye movement.
  • the objects of the present invention include the provision of several ergonomic accessories for use with the easel facilities (inclined worktops) of this invention. These may also be used on any inclined worktop within the prior art having retaining means at or near the upper or lower edges thereof.
  • These ergonomic accessories include:
  • a multi-purpose rack for supporting various items on an inclined worktop including a computer mouse, graphic instruments, and a book.
  • Various sizes are possible.
  • a adjustable book-rack with a removable strut that can be used on both inclined and horizontal work surfaces, and may also be inverted for supporting larger books.
  • a document rack for holding loose pages and stapled documents on an inclined surface may also be used as a height-adjustment rack.
  • a height-adjustment rack for adjusting the height of reading and writing materials on an inclined surface. It may also be used as a document rack.
  • the foldable feature and the different sized plates make for more diverse height options.
  • a defining object of the workstation of this invention is to provide a workstation with a three-tier design comprising: a full desktop; a lower, slidable platform; and two adjacent, slidable worktops there-between, spanning the width of the workstation.
  • the workstation of the present invention solves this limitation by providing two independently slidable, adjacent worktops (instead of one) spanning the width of the workstation.
  • the additional, adjacent worktop may remain deployed for use when the upper worktop has become less accessible, or unusable for certain purposes, owing to the deployment of the lower keyboard platform .
  • the adjacent (third) worktop preserves the full and concurrent accessibility of worktop space for:
  • the workstation of this invention therefore achieves a substantial inventive improvement over the various models of the Nomic Station by having two, co- planar, independently slidsble worktops (instead of one ) across the front of the workstation.
  • Other objects of the present invention are:
  • the step-like disposition of two desk platforms is a design characteristic of many existing workstations.
  • a desktop is sometimes supplemented by a single, raised, rearward platform or shelf, or by a lower, slidable, keyboard platform.
  • the Nomic Station is a prime example of this.
  • the inventive feature is the availability and application of an easel board for use in an inclined position astride two platform members which are disposed in a step-like relationship.
  • the easel board as described in various embodiments of the computer keyboard easel of this invention, is a detachable, separate structure that can be manufactured and sold separate and apart from any workstation that can accommodate its convenient application and use. Therefore, the easel board is marketable, both as a replacement accessory for the workstation of this invention, and as an improvement accessory for some workstations that do not fall within the scope of the present invention, even if only by reason of the very absence of the easel board itself.
  • the easel board is in this respect, therefore, similar to the other ergonomic accessories of the present invention, in that it is marketable as a separate accessory commodity.
  • a ready-to-install stabilizing device may also be included as an accessory for improving the stability of the easel board on a workstation that does not have this feature already built in.
  • the stabilizing accessory is not necessary, but expedient. Its present preferred form comprises a plurality of stays (detents) with screws for installation on the edge of the lower platform member.
  • An objective of the present invention is to provide an easel board as a replacement accessory for the desk easels of this invention.
  • an easel board can by itself be a marketable replacement accessory for desk easels of this invention.
  • FIGURE 1A is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the workstation showing the desk easel and computer keyboard easel facilities.
  • FIGURE IB is a perspective view of the two adjacent, horizontal worktops of the preferred embodiment (Fig.lA).
  • FIGURES 2A, 2B, and 2C are side elevation views of the component structures of the preferred computer keyboard easel shown in Fig.lA (right side).
  • FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the preferred computer keyboard easel illustrating the use of more than one easel board.
  • FIGURE 4A is a side elevation view of the preferred desk easel in Fig.lA.
  • FIGURE 4B is a side perspective view of the preferred desk easel (4A) showing the adjustment of the second easel board to a lower level.
  • FIGURE 4C is a side elevation view of the preferred desk easel in a collapsed position.
  • FIGURES 5A and 5B show, respectively, the auxiliary easel board, and its deployment beside the second easel board on the easel rack.
  • FIGURE 5C is a rear elevation view of FIG.5B showing the supportive detents of easel rack engaging those of the easel board and the auxiliary easel board.
  • FIGURES 6A, 6B, and 6C show accessories for use with the easel boards including a graphic instrument rack (6 A), a book rack (6B), and a height- adjustment rack (6C).
  • FIGURES 7A to 7F show how these accessories are used on the second easel board.
  • FIGURES 8A and 8B are frontal and side elevation views, respectively, of the preferred desk easel bearing a large easel board upon the second easel board.
  • FIGURE 9 is a side elevation view of the preferred desk easel in a laptop position.
  • FIGURE 10 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of the desk easel, showing an easel board that is adjustable for height, but not for angle, upon an easel rack.
  • FIGURE 11 A is a front elevation view of an alternative, second embodiment of the inventive workstation.
  • FIGURE 1 IB is a side elevation view of FIG.11A illustrating the preferred desk easel deployed on the first worktop.
  • FIGURES 12A, 12B, and 12C are side elevation views of Fig.1 IB illustrating the availability of the horizontal worktops on removing the easel facilities.
  • FIGURE 13 A is a side elevation view of a third embodiment of the desk easel.
  • FIGURE 13B is a rear elevation view of FIG.13 A.
  • FIGURE 14 is a fourth embodiment of the desk easel
  • FIGURES 15A and 15B are side elevation views of a fifth embodiment wherein the desk easel is based on platforms slidably connected to ground support means.
  • FIGURES 16A, 16B, and 16C are side perspective views of the fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments of the desk easel, characterized by the use of easel racks.
  • FIGURE 17 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of the computer keyboard easel wherein the detent means for stabilizing an easel board are differently positioned.
  • FIGURES 18A and 18B are side elevation views of lesser but functional versions of the computer keyboard easel of this invention.
  • FIGURES 19A, and 19B are side elevation views of an alternative embodiment of the computer keyboard easel wherein the easel board is stabilized by hinge means making it foldable to a horizontal position.
  • FIGURE 19C shows how the upper, horizontal edge of an easel board may function as a retaining means for stabilizing a computer keyboard thereon.
  • FIGURES 20A and 20B are side elevation views of the adjustable book-rack showing how the removable strut produces different angles of inclination.
  • FIGURES 20C and 20D are front perspective views of the adjustable book-rack and the removable strut, respectively.
  • FIGURE 20E is a side elevation view of the adjustable strut deployed on the preferred desk easel for holding an open book at a more upright angle.
  • FIGURES 20F and 20G show how the adjustable book-rack may be turned upside down to provide support for larger books on both horizontal and inclined surfaces, respectively.
  • FIGURES 21A and 21B are front perspective views of the document rack for holding stapled and loose pages, and its use on an inclined surface.
  • FIGURES 22A, 22B, and 22C are frontal views of an inclined worktop (easel board) showing the application of writing supports for supporting writing material at various angles to the left or right side, as may be desired.
  • FIGURE 23 is a front perspective view of a multi-purpose rack and an elbow support deployed on an inclined worktop.
  • FIGURE 24 is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive workstation showing an easel board supported on stowage supports in a horizontal position below the desktop.
  • FIGURES 7A;7B:7C:7D;7E;7F 27 - Strut 4 Book Rack 28 - Angle-adjustment Panel
  • FIGURES20A-20G 298- Elbow Support
  • Easel Board A sheet of substantially rigid material of sufficient size to accommodate use by a human being for reading, writing, and drawing; the same having retaining means for retaining thereon in an inclined position various low-profile objects for said purposes.
  • Detent A device for positioning and holding one mechanical part in relation to another so that the device can be released by force applied to one of the parts.
  • Easel Rack A substantially planar structure comprising detent means extending across the greater part of the width of an easel board for supporting same in an inclined position, so that said easel board may be readily removed from, and readily replaced on said substantially planar structure without the use of adjustable fastening means.
  • a computer keyboard easel (178) comprises a first easel board (170) supported in an inclined position by desktop (172) at the upper end, and by upper worktop (174) at the lower end.
  • Lower worktop (176) is in a stowed position below upper worktop (174).
  • Computer keyboard (171) rests securely on the upper portion of first easel board (170), and writing material (173) is accommodated on the lower portion of same (170).
  • Computer mouse (175) is conveniently accessible on the exposed, flat surface of upper worktop (174).
  • a desk easel (185) comprises a second easel board (180) supported on easel rack (187), which is pivotably attached to a wide strut (188), and also to a base board (184) supported on a third worktop (186).
  • Horizontal Worktops FIG. IB
  • FIG. IB the easel facilities are removed to show the supporting upper worktop (174) and third worktop (186) which project together evenly on heavy-duty drawer slides (177b, 179b) to form a spacious working surface.
  • Upper worktop (174) has stays (174a,b,c,d) for retaining the easel boards (not shown) thereon, and it (174) is slidable to a recessed position below desktop (172).
  • FIGS.2A, 2B, and 2C are side elevation views showing the computer keyboard easel (178) comprising first easel board (170), desktop (172), and upper worktop (174).
  • first easel board (170) is supported in an inclined position on desktop (172) and upper worktop (174) together.
  • First easel board (170) has first and second detents (170a,b), either of which may engage stays (174d;174a,b,c visible in Fig. IB) on the frontal edge of upper worktop (174).
  • FIG.2C shows how first easel board (170) may also be supported in an inclined position jointly upon upper and lower worktops (174,176).
  • first easel board (170), second easel board (180), and auxiliary easel board (181) are aligned side by side to form one worktop supported in an inclined or tilted position astride desktop (172), upper worktop (174), and third worktop (186) in, the manner of FIG.2A.
  • An entirely horizontal worktop, or a partly horizontal and partly inclined worktop, may be obtained by removing one or more of the easel boards (174, FIG.1A).
  • the three horizontal worktops (174,176,186) are supported on heavy-duty drawer slides (partly shown -177b, 179b).
  • FIG.4A is a side elevation view of desk easel (185) shown in FIG.1A.
  • a pivotable strut (188) is attached to easel rack (187), which supports second easel board (180).
  • Easel rack (187) is pivotably attached to base board (184) upon which a detent panel (189) is located. Easel rack (187) and second easel board (180) thereon may therefore be adjusted to various given angles of inclination according to which stay or detent (189a) on detent panel (189) is selected to engage pivotable strut (188).
  • Figure 4B illustrates the method and effect of adjusting second easel board (180) to a lower level upon easel rack (187).
  • Figure 4C shows the preferred desk easel in a collapsed, compacted mode.
  • FIGS.5 A and 5B show that by moving second easel board (180) sideways upon easel rack (187) auxiliary easel board (181) may also be accommodated on easel rack (187).
  • FIG.5C is a rear elevation view of FIG.5B showing a plurality of detents (183 a,b,c,d) on easel rack (187) supportively engaging a plurality of detents (182 a,b,c,d,e,f) behind second easel board (180) and auxiliary easel board (181).
  • FIGS.6 A, 6B, and 6C show various accessories for use on second easel board (180), including a graphic instrument rack (FIG.6A), a book rack (FIG.6B), and a height adjustment rack (FIG.6C).
  • FIGS.7A to 7F show how these accessories (6,4,7, respectively) are used upon the second easel board (180).
  • FIGS.8 A and 8B show the preferred embodiment of desk easel (160) bearing large easel board (164) upon easel board (162).
  • FIG.9 shows the preferred embodiment of the desk easel in a laptop position.
  • FIG.10 shows a second embodiment of the desk easel wherein easel board (71) is adjustable for height upon easel rack (77) in the same manner as the preferred embodiment (FIG.4A).
  • easel rack (77) is not adjustable for angle of inclination, being fixed in a given diagonal position by stabilizing means (75) upon base board (76) resting upon a ground support.
  • FIG.11A is a front elevation view of the second embodiment of the workstation.
  • the outer frame comprises first side wall (91a), second side wall (91b), base (92), and desktop (93).
  • First worktop (95) and second worktop (97) are slidably mounted on drawer slides (96a,b;98a,b) and bear frontal stays (95a,b,c,d; 97a,b,c,d).
  • Video display terminal (106), CPU tower (105), keyboard (107), printer (108), and a folded desk easel (109) may all be conveniently accommodated.
  • FIG.1 IB is a side elevation view of FIG.11A showing the preferred desk easel deployed on first worktop (95).
  • FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are side elevation views of the FIG.11B showing the availability of first and second worktops (95,97) when the easel facilities are removed or put away.
  • FIGS. 13 A and 13B are side elevation, and rear perspective views, respectively, of a third embodiment of the desk easel in which the posterior side (1 Id) of easel board (11) has two height-adjustment panels (12,13). Two pivots (14a,b) are fastened upon base board (16). When easel board (11) is in a diagonal position, height-adjustment panels (12,13) may rest upon pivots (14a,b). Along a diagonal plane, easel board (11) may be adjusted to various given heights upon base board (16), according to which pair of parallel height detents (12a,13a) are selected to rest directly upon pivots (14a,b).
  • a strut board (17) is connected by strut hinges (15a,b) to base board (16) so that strut lips (17a,b) on the free end of strut board (17) may engage two angle- adjustment panels (18,19) on posterior side (lid) of easel board (11).
  • Easel board (11) may therefore be adjusted to various given angles of inclination according to which pair of parallel angle detents (18a, 19a) are selected to engage strut lips (17a,b).
  • FIG.14 is a side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of the desk easel, which differs from the third (FIG.13A,13B) mainly in that strut (27) is hingedly attached to easel board (21) and not to base board (26), so that the free end of strut (27) engages detent panel (28) which is located on base board (26) rather than on easel board (21).
  • One of three transverse height detents (22a,b,c) may be selected for adjusting height, and one angle detent (28a) among several may be selected for the desired angle.
  • FIGS.15A and 15B are side elevation views of a fifth embodiment of the desk easel characterized in that they have no removable base boards but are directly supported on platforms (67,69) that are slidably connected to ground support means (68,70).
  • FIGS.16A, 16B, and 16C are alternative embodiments of the preferred desk easel characterized by differences in the common use of an easel rack.
  • FIG.16A a transverse detent (192) attached to the back of easel board (191) hooks on the upper edge of easel rack (197) for stability thereon, and for facilitating adjustments of tilting, and sideways extension.
  • Easel rack (197) is hingedly attached to base board (196) which is removably supported on ground support means (199).
  • the embodiment of FIG.16B is different from that of FIG.16A in that base board (206, FIG.16B) is a platform slidably connected to ground support (209).
  • transverse detent (213) is attached to easel rack (217) for retaining easel board (211) upon easel rack (217).
  • easel base board (216, FIG.16C) is removably supported on ground support (219).
  • FIG.17 is a second embodiment of the computer keyboard easel. It differs from the first embodiment (FIGS.2A,2B) in that detent means (243d, FIG.17) is not on the front edge of worktop (245), but on the front edge of desktop (243) to engage re-positioned detents (246a,b) at the back of easel board (246 ) for the purpose of improving the stability of easel board (246) upon worktop (245).
  • detent means (225a) of worktop (225) functions as the 'retaining means' of easel board (221).
  • worktop (235) requires no detent means on its front edge (235 c) for easel board (231) to be functional.
  • FIGURES 19A, 19B, and 19C are additional embodiments of the computer keyboard easel in which a hinge means is used so that the easel board may be adjusted to a usable flat position instead of being removed.
  • easel board (251) is stabilized astride worktop (254) and desktop (253) by first hinge (255a) rather than by detent means.
  • Second hinge (255b) is for adjusting easel board (251) to a horizontal position.
  • FIG.19B shows how easel board (251) may be folded to a usable horizontal position by means of second hinge (255b).
  • FIG.19C shows how the upper edge (251b) of easel board (251) may function as a retaining means to stabilize computer keyboard (257) in an inclined position by engaging foldable strut (257a) below computer keyboard (257).
  • FIGURES 20 A, 20B, and 20C show an adjustable book rack with an innovative, removable strut (262, and FIG.20D) that produces alternative angles of inclination (FIG.20A; 20B).
  • FIGURE 20E is a side elevation view of the preferred desk easel on which adjustable book rack (264) is deployed. Turning adjustable book-rack (264) upside down allows it to be used for supporting a larger book (265) on a horizontal surface (FIG.20F) as well as on an inclined surface (FIG.20G).
  • FIGURE 21 A is a document rack
  • FIG.21B illustrates the use of document rack (277) for holding pages or stapled documents (279) on easel board (276).
  • Lip (277a) is pivotable without being flaccid, partly due to the stiffness of hinge (277c), and partly due to the impedance exerted on it (277a) by lip (276a) of easel board (276).
  • Hinge (277c) is not essential to the holding function but is useful for space-efficiency, allowing document rack (277) to be partly folded when it is not fully loaded, and to be fully closed when not in use.
  • FIGURES 22 A, 22B, and 22C show the application of writing supports (282a,b,c) on easel board (281) for supporting writing material (284) at various angles to the left or right side, as may be desired.
  • Writing supports (282a,b,c) may be used together with height-adjustment rack (283, FIG.22C).
  • the shape of writing supports (282a,b,c) may be angular, rounded, or both. Various shapes are possible and any side may engage the lower lip of the easel board.
  • FIGURE 23 illustrates one application of multi-purpose rack (295) on easel board (296).
  • Multi-purpose rack (295) improves space-efficiency on easel board (296) by confining computer mouse (299) to a convenient position on the upper portion of easel board (296), so that the lower portion may be available for writing material (294).
  • Multi-purpose rack (295) may also be used for supporting a book, graphic instruments, or a computer keyboard on an inclined surface, as may be desired.
  • FIGURE 23 also shows the optional use of elbow support (298) for improved comfort when using computer keyboard (297) on easel board (296) for more extended and continuous time periods.
  • FIGURE 1 A shows why elbow support is useful when using a computer keyboard for longer periods on an inclined surface.
  • FIGURE 24 is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive workstation showing an easel board (144) supported on stowage supports (143a,b) in a horizontal position below desktop (122).
  • the workstation of this invention is an innovative synergy of interdependent inventions.
  • the workstation (considered separately from the easel facilities)
  • One of the limitations of the nearest prior art (the Nomic Station) is that when the keyboard platform is drawn forward for use, access to the main worktop is compromised to some degree.
  • the workstation of the present invention solves this limitation by providing two independently slidable, adjacent worktops (instead of one) spanning the entire width (119-cm) of the workstation. The additional, adjacent worktop may therefore remain deployed for use when the upper worktop has become less accessible, or unusable for certain purposes, owing to the deployment of the lower keyboard platform.
  • the adjacent (third) worktop preserves the availability of worktop space for:
  • the computer keyboard easel comprises one or more easel boards that can be placed in an inclined position, when desired, jointly upon two platform desk members disposed in a step-like relationship.
  • This design affords ready versatility between a flat worktop and an inclined, general-purpose worktop that is also specially suited for using the computer keyboard in an innovative, ergonomic way.
  • the inventive step is the availability and application of the easel board for use in this manner.
  • the easel board as described in various embodiments of the computer keyboard easel of this invention, is a detachable, separate structure that can be manufactured and sold separate and apart from any workstation that can accommodate its convenient application and use. Therefore, the easel board is marketable, both as a replacement accessory for the workstation of this invention, and as an improvement accessory for some workstations that do not fall within the scope of the present invention, even if only by reason of the very absence of the easel board itself.
  • the easel board is in this respect, therefore, similar to the other ergonomic accessories of the present invention, in that it is marketable as a separate accessory commodity.
  • the preferred desk easel comprises a readily detachable easel board extensively adjustable for angle, height, and size upon a collapsible easel rack that is portable and usable on one's laptop or any tabletop.
  • the common characteristic of the various embodiments of the present invention is the use of detents that allow the ready placement and removal of an inclined easel board without the use of adjustable fastening means.
  • Vertically spaced detents on the easel board are alternative points of contact between the easel board and its platform base, which permit adjustment for height relative to the base. The points of contact also permit a pivoting movement to facilitate adjustment for angle of inclination.
  • the preferred desk easel of this invention is characterized by the use of a special detent means called an 'easel rack' that can provide space-efficient, secure support for a relatively large, detachable easel board. It also provides a means of laterally extending the width of the easel board.
  • an easel rack is combined with vertically spaced detents and an adjustable strut, an unprecedented degree of efficiency is achieved in terms of the ease, range, and diversity of possibilities for adjusting the easel board.
  • an easel board by itself, can be considered a marketable replacement accessory for desk easels of this invention.
  • easel accessories are provided for use on the above-mentioned easel boards to improve their ergonomic efficiency. These accessories may be used with any inclined worktop in the prior art that has a retaining means at or near the upper or lower edges thereof for retaining the thereon. These accessories include: a multi-purpose rack; an adjustable book rack; a height-adjustment rack; a document rack; a writing support; and an elbow support.

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à un poste de travail comprenant de nombreux plans de travail et un équipement de chevalet réglable pour lire, écrire, dessiner et se servir d'un ordinateur. Les deux plans de travail (174, 186) font saillie l'un contre l'autre sur des coulisses de tiroir résistantes entre un ordinateur de bureau (172) supérieur et séparé, et un plan de travail (176) inférieur et coulissant. Une première planche de chevalet (170) peut être utilisée, le cas échéant, conjointement en position inclinée de part et d'autre de l'ordinateur de bureau (172) et du plan de travail supérieur (174). Un clavier d'ordinateur (171) peut être immobilisé dans une position opérationnellement accessible sur la partie supérieure de la première planche du chevalet (170), et un matériel d'écriture (173) peut être positionnée sur la partie inférieure de ce dernier. L'invention en question concerne donc un moyen ergonomique et confortable d'installer et d'utiliser un clavier d'ordinateur. Un chevalet de bureau portable (185) comprend une seconde planche de chevalet amovible (180), un support de chevalet réglable (187), et un support réglable (188), ainsi qu'une planche de base (184). Ce chevalet (185) est placé sur le troisième plan de travail (186), mais il peut également être utilisé sur n'importe quelle table, bureau ou sur un ordinateur portable. La seconde planche de chevalet (180) peut être montée réglable sur le support de chevalet (187) pour l'angle d'inclinaison au moyen du support réglable (188) et pour la hauteur au moyen de haubans ou de crans semblables à des nervures verticalement espacées (182 a-f et 183 a-d), pour la largeur par le rajout au support (187) d'une planche de chevalet auxiliaire (181), et pour la dimension générale par le revêtement sur la seconde planche (180) d'une large bande de chevalet (164). Différents accessoires (20 à 23 et 7) sont utilisés sur les planches du chevalet (164) afin d'améliorer sa polyvalence et son économie d'espace. Ces accessoires consistent en un support polyvalent (295), un support pour livres réglable (264), un support à hauteur réglable (7), un support pour documents (277), des supports d'écriture (282a, b, c), et un accoudoir (298). Le poste de travail préféré est monté sur roulettes et est équipé d'une bibliothèque à étagères réglables.
PCT/TT2002/000001 2001-10-02 2002-10-02 Poste de travail dote d'un equipement de bureau et de chevalet reglables WO2003043461A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002361542A AU2002361542A1 (en) 2001-10-02 2002-10-02 A workstation comprising adjustable desk easel facilities

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0123560A GB0123560D0 (en) 2001-10-02 2001-10-02 A workstation comprising adjustable desk easel facilities
GB0123560.5 2001-10-02

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WO2003043461A2 true WO2003043461A2 (fr) 2003-05-30
WO2003043461A3 WO2003043461A3 (fr) 2003-12-18
WO2003043461A8 WO2003043461A8 (fr) 2004-04-22

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CN100463624C (zh) * 2006-06-22 2009-02-25 苏垣 抽屉连接支肘板的写字台
CN102869287A (zh) * 2010-04-07 2013-01-09 金成润 端正姿势用书桌和包括该书桌的系统家具
WO2018130884A1 (fr) * 2017-01-10 2018-07-19 Lashley Gene Accessoire de bureau polyvalent pour lecture, écriture et usage informatique
WO2018207161A1 (fr) * 2017-05-11 2018-11-15 Lashley Gene Accessoire de bureau polyvalent pour lire, écrire et utiliser un ordinateur
WO2019030591A1 (fr) * 2017-08-08 2019-02-14 Lashley Gene Accessoire de bureau polyvalent pour lire, écrire et utiliser un ordinateur
US10413053B2 (en) 2012-05-24 2019-09-17 Varidesk, Llc Adjustable desk platform
CN113232451A (zh) * 2021-04-07 2021-08-10 江西师范大学 一种学生用水彩素描便携写生箱

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US6109585A (en) * 1998-08-03 2000-08-29 Burch, Jr.; Warren E. Computer copy holder and monitor riser stand
US6158829A (en) * 1999-03-08 2000-12-12 Aspen Furniture, Inc. Computer keyboard enclosure with work surface
USD454011S1 (en) * 2000-10-12 2002-03-05 Sligh Holding Company Traditional desk with easel drawer

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US681976A (en) * 1900-11-06 1901-09-03 William R Rathvon Book-rest.
US4518140A (en) * 1980-04-21 1985-05-21 Ferranto John J Drawing board assembly
US4522364A (en) * 1983-03-03 1985-06-11 Charney Gregory S Desk top
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US6158829A (en) * 1999-03-08 2000-12-12 Aspen Furniture, Inc. Computer keyboard enclosure with work surface
USD454011S1 (en) * 2000-10-12 2002-03-05 Sligh Holding Company Traditional desk with easel drawer

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN100463624C (zh) * 2006-06-22 2009-02-25 苏垣 抽屉连接支肘板的写字台
CN102869287A (zh) * 2010-04-07 2013-01-09 金成润 端正姿势用书桌和包括该书桌的系统家具
EP2556770A2 (fr) * 2010-04-07 2013-02-13 Sung Yoon Kim Bureau pour le maintien d'une posture correcte et mobilier de système comprenant le bureau
EP2556770A4 (fr) * 2010-04-07 2013-08-14 Sung Yoon Kim Bureau pour le maintien d'une posture correcte et mobilier de système comprenant le bureau
US8789474B2 (en) 2010-04-07 2014-07-29 Sung Yoon Kim Desk for correct posture and system furniture including the same
CN102869287B (zh) * 2010-04-07 2015-08-19 金成润 端正姿势用书桌和包括该书桌的系统家具
US10413053B2 (en) 2012-05-24 2019-09-17 Varidesk, Llc Adjustable desk platform
WO2018130884A1 (fr) * 2017-01-10 2018-07-19 Lashley Gene Accessoire de bureau polyvalent pour lecture, écriture et usage informatique
WO2018207161A1 (fr) * 2017-05-11 2018-11-15 Lashley Gene Accessoire de bureau polyvalent pour lire, écrire et utiliser un ordinateur
WO2019030591A1 (fr) * 2017-08-08 2019-02-14 Lashley Gene Accessoire de bureau polyvalent pour lire, écrire et utiliser un ordinateur
CN113232451A (zh) * 2021-04-07 2021-08-10 江西师范大学 一种学生用水彩素描便携写生箱
CN113232451B (zh) * 2021-04-07 2022-07-08 江西师范大学 一种学生用水彩素描便携写生箱

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2002361542A1 (en) 2003-06-10
GB0123560D0 (en) 2001-11-21
WO2003043461A3 (fr) 2003-12-18
WO2003043461A8 (fr) 2004-04-22
AU2002361542A8 (en) 2003-06-10

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