WO2006009531A2

WO2006009531A2 - Laptop computer bin assembly for a worksurface

Info

Publication number: WO2006009531A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/019221
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael J. Mastalir; Lon D. Seidl; James A. Contois
Original assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
Priority date: 2004-06-16
Filing date: 2004-06-16
Publication date: 2006-01-26
Also published as: WO2006009531A3

Abstract

A bin assembly capable of being secured within a work surface such as a desk top or table top. The assembly includes an enclosure secured to the work surface, and a platform and an elevating mechanism capable of moving the platform vertically within the enclosure. The assembly also includes a cover pivotally secured over the enclosure and connected to the elevating mechanism for selectively operating the elevating mechanism, to elevate and lower the platform within the enclosure in a manner which retracts and exposes an item such as a laptop computer positioned on the platform within the enclosure.

Description

LAPTOP COMPUTER BIN ASSEMBLY FOR A WORKSURFACE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to work surfaces, and more specifically to a bin assembly for use with a work surface which is capable of selectively enclosing and exposing a computing devic< from within the work surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today's tables, desks and work stations have been modified in their construction due to various technological advances in order to more readily accommodate computing devices such as desktop and laptop computers. While computing devices have been greatly reduced in size due to technological advancements, such devices still require significant space on a desk or table top whei being used. Often times it is necessary to remove a computer from the desk or table top in order to enable an individual to effectively utilize the area of the desk or table top.

To avoid this problem, a number of prior art desks and tables have been developed in which the various portions of a computer can be selectively elevated above or lowered beneath the surface of the desk or table. Examples of such desks and tables are illustrated in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,242,21 5,797,666, 6,012,788 and 6,733,094, which are incorporated by reference herein. These prior art patents illustrate various desks and tables in which one or multiple parts of the desk or table can be moved generally vertically relative to the remainder of the working surface, in order to selectively expose a compartment containing a component of the computer, e.g., a monitor. When the compartment is exposed, the computer can be utilized in a conventional fashion. Further, when the compartment is in the retracted or stored position, the entire working surface area of the desk or tabJ can be utilized for any desired purpose as the compartment and the computer component contained therein are entirely positioned beneath the surface of the desk or table.

However, each of these tables or desks involves a relatively complex construction in order tc accommodate the particular elevating mechanism and/or object retaining structure. Therefore, the costs and time required for the production of such desks or tables is quite high. Also, due to the significant number of components required, the maintenance and repair costs for these desks and tables are also significantly higher than the costs associated with conventional desks and tables that are used for supporting computers. Therefore, it is desirable to construct a structure for use with a desk or table top which is capable of concealing a computing device within the desk or table structure, and which does not require that the desk or table be constructed in a manner significantly different than conventional furniture items of this type. Further, the structure utilized with the desk or table should be entirely self-contained, such that the structure can be incorporated into existing desks or tables in a manns that enables the desk or table to function normally, while also allowing the desk or table to proviώ compartment for selectively storing and displaying the computing device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a primary aspect of the present invention, a bin assembly for selectively displaying and storing a laptop or notebook computer includes an enclosure formed of a generally rigid material that is insertable and securable within an opening formed in a desktop or tabletop. 1 enclosure supports an elevating mechanism on a bottom wall, which in turns movably supports a platform. The platform is moveable within the enclosure by the elevating mechanism from an elevated position in which the platform is positioned adjacent an upper end of the enclosure, to a retracted position in which the platform is positioned adjacent the bottom wall. Thus, when a lapt( computer or other similar device is positioned on the platform, the mechanism can be operated to either lift the computer to an exposed positioned in which the computer can be utilized by an individual seated at the desk or table, or to lower the computer completely within the enclosure for containment therein.

In order to retain and enclose the computer within the enclosure when the platform is in the retracted position, the bin assembly further includes a cover pivotally secured over the enclosure. The cover includes a pair of panels pivotally connected to one another that can be moved between i open position in which the panels are positioned completely to one side of the enclosure, and a closed position in which the panels are disposed in a coplanar relationship over the enclosure. In tl closed position, the panels are positioned flush with the desktop such that the cover forms a virtual seamless extension of the desktop, enabling an individual to utilize the entire surface of the desktoj as desired.

The cover also includes a handle that is releasably engageable with a latch positioned withii the enclosure, in order to secure the cover in the closed position over the enclosure. The latch and handle can be further engaged with a locking mechanism that prevents disengagement of the latch from the handle without first disengaging the locking mechanism, to ensure that any laptop comput or other device positioned within the enclosure is only accessible by an individual having a key or other appropriate means to disengage the locking mechanism.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the bin assembly is capable of being formed with or secured to a desk or tabletop during the original construction of the desk or table, o after the initial construction in a retrofit manner.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the elevating mechanism dispose within the enclosure has a relatively simple construction that enables the mechanism to function reliably, without the need for significant maintenance or repair work should the mechanism functic improperly. According to still a further object of the present invention, the bin assembly has a simple construction that reduces the overall cost and time necessary to construct the assembly.

Numerous additional aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be mad< apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate the best mode currently contemplated of carrying out the present invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a desktop including a bin assembly of the present invention, showing the bin assembly in a closed configuration;

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the desktop of Fig. 1, illustrating the bin assembly in an open configuration;

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line 3-3 of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figs. 3 and 4, illustrating the cover of the bin assembly in a partially closed position;

Fig. 6 is a isometric view of the bin assembly of Fig. 1 separate from the desktop; and Fig. 7 is a partially broken away cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the b assembly of the present invention including a locking mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawing figures in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the disclosure, a desk is indicated generally at 10 in Fig. 1. The desk 10 includes base 12 shown in phantom that is positionable on a support surface (not shown), and a desktop 14 secured to the base 12. The desktop 14 can have any desired shape according to user requirements and may be generally rectangular in shape having an upper surface 16, a pair of side surfaces 18 an a lower surface 20, which define a front end 22 and rear end 24. The desktop 14 can be formed frc any desired material, as long as the material forming the desktop 14 is sufficiently rigid to withstar the environment in which the desk 10 is used. Preferably, the desktop 14 is formed of a relatively rigid material, such as a hard plastic, a metal or wood or composite material, with a wood and composite materials being especially preferred. These types of materials allow the desktop 14 to b painted, laminated, coated, or otherwise modified in appearance to provide a desk having a desired appearance. The desktop 14 defines an inner opening 26 that is located in any desired position, e.g. generally equidistant from the side surfaces 18 and toward front end 22. Opening 26 may be generally rectangular in shape. However, it should be understood that opening 26 can also be positioned in any desired location on the desktop 14, and can have any desired shape compatible with the bin assembly. Referring now to Figs. 1-6, a bin assembly 28 is mounted within the opening 26. The bin assembly 28 includes an enclosure 30 formed of a generally rigid material, such as a metal or hard plastic, and having a bottom wall 32, a front wall 34 joined to the bottom wall 32, a rear wall 36 joined to the bottom wall 32 opposite the front wall 34, and a pair of side walls 38 joined to the bottom wall 32 and each extending between the front wall 34 and rear wall 36. The enclosure 30 c be integrally formed from a single piece of the generally rigid material, such that each of the respective walls 32-38 are integrally connected with one another, or the respective walls 32-38 can be formed separately from one another for later assembly into the enclosure 30. Further, in order tc reduce the overall weight of the enclosure 30 without significantly reducing the rigidity and strengt of the enclosure 30, and to facilitate air circulation within the interior of enclosure 30, a number of perforations or holes 40 can be formed in the various walls of the enclosure 30. In addition, the fro anH rear walls 34 and 36 can include cut-outs 41 adiacent the side walls 38 to further reduce the weight of the enclosure 30 and to provide access for cords, wires and cables into the interior of the enclosure 30. The perforations 40 and cut-outs 41 in each wall 32-38 also allow any liquids that ai inadvertently spilled into the enclosure 30 to easily and quickly flow out of the enclosure 30 withoi causing significant damage to the components of the assembly 28 or to any equipment contained within the enclosure 30.

The enclosure 30 is secured within the opening 26 of the desktop 14 by a number of fastene 42 inserted through bores 43 in each wall 34-38, which are positioned in alignment with transverse mating passages formed in the desktop 14. The fasteners 42 can be screws or any other suitable fasteners, and extend into the transverse passages in the edges of desktop 14 that define opening It The passages in desktop 14 are located between the upper surface 16 and lower surface 20, and extend into the material of desktop 14 a sufficient distance to securely hold the enclosure 30 in pla< within the opening 26.

A platform 44 is positioned within the interior of the enclosure 30. Platform 44 is formed c a generally rigid material, such as metal or a hard plastic, and has a shape generally similar to the shape of the enclosure 30 when viewed in plan. As best shown in Figs. 2-5, the platform 44 includ a support surface 45 which may include a number of a apertures 40 and cut-outs 41 to reduce the weight of the platform 45, and a downturned peripheral edge 145 extending around the platform 45 An elevating mechanism 46 is positioned within the interior of the enclosure 30 along with platform 45. Elevating mechanism 46 includes a pair of base members 48 disposed adjacent each side wall 38 of the enclosure 30. Each base number 48 includes an aperture 50 adjacent one end, a slot 52 adjacent the opposite end and a bracket 54 affixed to the base member 48 between the aperture 50 and slot 52. First and second lifting arms 56 and 57, respectively, are secured to the ba member 48. First lifting arm 56 is pivotally secured to the base member 48 by a pivot pin 58 extending between the lifting arm 56 and the aperture 50, and second lifting arm 57 is pivotally anc slidably secured to the slot 52 and base member 48 by a second pivot pin 58. Opposite the base members 48, each of the lifting arms 56 and 57 is also pivotally secured to the platform 44. The lifting arm 56 is pivotally and slidably secured to the platform 44 via a pivot pin 60 that is slidably and pivotally connected to the platform 44 in a corresponding slot 62 formed in the peripheral edge 145. The lifting arm 57 is also pivotally secured to the platform 44 by a pivot pin 60 mounted with an aperture 64 in the peripheral edge 145 of the platform 44. Thus, the lifting arms 56 and 57, whi< are connected between each of the base members 48 and each side of the platform 44, form scisso] linkages capable of raising and lowering the platform 44 with respect to the bottom wall 32.

The movement of the platform 44 toward and away from the bottom wall 32 is controlled 1 a movement restraining member 66 that is pivotally secured to the bracket 54 on one of the base members 48, and is also pivotally secured to another bracket 61 on the end of lifting arm 56 which pivotally and slidably secured to the platform 44 within the slot 62. m a preferred embodiment, a pair of movement restraining members 66 are affixed between the base member 48 and the platfor 44. Each movement restraining member 66 is in the form of a gas spring 68 in which a cylinder 7( is attached to the platform 44 through bracket 67, and an extendible and retractable piston 72 is secured to the base member 48 through bracket 54, or vice versa. Thus, based on the pressure and volume of the gas contained within the gas spring 68, the gas spring 68 is capable of controlling th movement of the platform 44 between an elevated position within the enclosure 30 (Fig. 4), and a retracted position within the enclosure 30 (Fig. 3) in a consistent manner to avoid an rapid movement of the platform 44 that may damage the platform 44, the mechanism 46 or the items positioned on the platform 44.

The platform 44 supports an object such as a laptop or notebook computer 73, and is move* between the elevated and retracted positions by the movement of a cover 74 between an open position and a closed position. The cover 74 is attached to the desktop 14 and can be formed of an suitable rigid material, and is preferably formed of a material similar to the material utilized to fora the desktop 14 such that the outward appearance of the cover 74 can be formed identically to the desktop 14. Thus, the cover 74 can provide the appearance of a generally continuous upper surface 16 for the desktop 14 when the cover 74 is in the closed position. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cover 74 includes a rear panel 76 that is pivotally connected to the desktop 14 by hinge 78 secured to the desktop 14 utilizing a number of fasteners 80. However, the hinge 78 can also be secured directly to the rear wall 36 of the enclosure 30 in order to form a unitary structure f< the bin assembly 28. The rear panel 76 is connected opposite the hinge 78 by another hinge 82 to a front panel 84, which enables the front panel 84 to fold inwardly with respect to rear panel 76 such that panels 76 and 84 can be positioned in a stacked configuration on the desktop 14 adjacent the enclosure 30 when the cover 74 is in the open position. (Figs. 2 and 4) Further, both the rear panel 76 and front panel 84 include cushioning members 86 positioned at the ends of each panel 76 and 8 to prevent the panels 76 and 84 from damaging any components of the desktop 14, enclosure 30 o: cover 74 contacted by the panels 76 and 84.

Looking now at Figs. 3-5, in order to lift the platform 44, the rear panel 76 includes a bracl 88 secured adjacent the hinge 78 and to which is pivotally connected an actuating pivot arm 90. T pivot arm 90 is connected opposite the bracket 88 to the peripheral edge of the platform 44 such tt when the cover 74 and rear panel 76 are pivoted upwardly with respect to the desktop 14 and enclosure 30, the pivot arm 90 is also raised out of the enclosure 30, consequently lifting the platform 44. The speed of movement of the platform 44 is controlled by both the speed of movement of the cover 74 and the bias exerted on the platform 44 by the gas springs 68. Conversely, when the cover 74 is moved from the open position of Fig. 4 to the closed position of Fig. 3, the rear panel 76 pivots downwardly towards the enclosure 30, consequently lowering the pivot arm 90 and platform 44 into the enclosure against the bias of the gas spring 68. hi an alternative embodiment, the shape of the pivot arm 90 can be modified in order to provide the desired elevation height for the platform 44 as the rear panel 76 is pivoted towards the open positic and also to limit the distance the platform 44 will be lowered into the enclosure 30 as the rear pane 76 and cover 74 are moved to the closed position, hi a preferred embodiment, the shape of the am 90 includes a bend 91 that also functions as a stop for the arm 90 and cover 74.

Opposite the hinge 82, the front panel 84 includes a handle 92 that is pivotally secured witr a recess or bore 94 disposed within the front panel 84 on the upper surface opposite the enclosure : The handle 92 includes a grasping end 96 and a deflecting member 98 disposed opposite the grasping end 96. When the grasping end 96 is pivoted away from the front panel 84, the deflecting end 98 is lowered and contacts a locking bar 100 secured to the front panel 84 beneath the handle S The locking bar 100 includes a receiving end 102 that is positioned at least partially in alignment with a second recess 104 disposed in the front panel 84. The receiving end 102 and recess 104 are capable of engaging a locking end 106 of a latch 108 pivotally secured within the enclosure 30 generally opposite the hinge 78. Thus, when the cover 74 is in a closed position, an individual can grasp the grasping end 96 of the handle 92 in order to pivot the deflecting end 98 downwardly into engagement with the locking bar 100. This engagement moves the receiving end 102 of the lockin; bar 100 out of the recess 104, enabling the locking end 106 of the latch 108 to be disengaged from the locking bar 100. Consequently, the front panel 84 can be moved upwardly away from the latch 1 OR anH the. finr.insiirfi 30 Tn ra-pinpacrp, the, inr.Vinp- finri 1 06 nf intr.Ti 108 with tTip;

&nή 10 of locking bar 100, as the front panel 84 nears the enclosure 30, the recess 104 contacts and deflec the locking end 106 of the latch 108. The engagement of the recess 104 with the latch 108 coincid with the movement of the lifting arm 90 such that the locking end 106 of the latch 108 is positione within the recess 104 at approximately the same time the receiving end 102 of the locking bar 100 engaged with the locking end 106.

In an alternative embodiment, as best shown in Fig. 7, the bin assembly 28 can include a locking member 110 positioned within an aperture or bore 112 in the desktop 14 or other location spaced from the opening 26. The locking member 110 can be any conventional key or combinatio lock mechanism that incorporates a rotatable member 114 extending from within the locking member 110 outwardly beneath the lower surface 20 of the desktop 14. The rotatable member 114 connected to a cable 116 that extends from the rotatable member 114 into a sheath 118 suspended one end by a bracket 120 attached to the lower surface 20 of the desktop 14. The cable 116 extend through the sheath 118, which also extends from the bracket 120 into the enclosure 30 where the sheath 118 terminates at and is supported by a second bracket 122. The cable 116 extends outwarc from the sheath 118 at the bracket 122 into engagement with the latch 108 opposite the locking en< 106. When the rotatable member 114 of locking member 110 is rotated, e.g. by operation of a key (not shown) inserted and turned within the locking member 110, the cable 116 is moved laterally within the sheath 118 and displaces the locking end 106 of the latch 108 either into or out of the recess 104 by pivoting the latch 108, thereby engaging or disengaging the latch 108 with the lockύi bar 100.

Various alternatives are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS We hereby claim

1. A bin assembly adapted to be positioned with a work surface, the bin assembly comprising a) an enclosure defining an interior, wherein the enclosure is adapted to be secured within an opening in the work surface; b) a platform disposed within the enclosure; c) an elevating mechanism connected between the enclosure and the platform, whereii the elevating mechanism is operable to raise and lower the platform within the enclosure; and d) a cover configured to enclose the interior of the enclosure, wherein the cover is moveable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cover in the closed position forms a top wall for the enclosure, and wherein the cover in the ope positions exposes the interior of the enclosure.

2. The bin assembly of claim 1 wherein the elevating mechanism includes a control mechanis connected between the cover and the elevating mechanism to control the movement of the elevatin mechanism in response to movement of the cover between the open and closed positions.

3. The bin assembly of claim 2 wherein the control mechanism comprises a pivot arm having first end connected to the cover and a second end connected to the platform.

4. The bin assembly of claim 1 further comprising a latch disposed within the interior of the enclosure and releasably engageable with the cover for releasably maintaining the cover in the closed position.

5. The bin assembly of claim 4 wherein the latch is pivotally disposed within the enclosure.

6. The bin assembly of claim 4 wherein the latch is engaged with a locking mechanism that operates to selectively engage the latch with the cover.

7. The bin assembly of claim 6 wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a) a lock disposed adjacent the enclosure; and b) an actuating cable secured to the lock at one end and attached to the latch at the oppositi end, wherein operation of the lock actuates the cable to move the latch into and out of engagement with the cover.

8. The bin assembly of claim 6 wherein the locking mechanism includes a handle pivotally secured to the cover adjacent the latch.

9. The bin assembly of claim 1 wherein the cover includes a rear panel adapted to be pivotalb connected to the work surface and a front panel pivotally connected to the rear panel.

10. The bin assembly of claim 1 wherein the elevating mechanism comprises: a) at least one base member positioned adjacent the bottom wall of the enclosure; b) at least one lifting arm extending between the at least one base member and the platfoπ and c) a movement restraining member connected between the at least one base member and t platform.

11. The bin assembly of claim 10 wherein the movement restraining member comprises a gas spring.

12. The bin assembly of claim 10 wherein the at least one lifting arm comprises a pair of scissc linkages disposed on each side of the platform.

13. The bin assembly of claim 1 wherein the cover is adapted to be positioned coplanar with th work surface when the cover is in the closed position.

14. The bin assembly of claim 1 wherein the cover is adopted to be formed of the same materia as the work surface.

15. A work surface comprising: a) a generally planar member having an upper surface, a lower surface and an opening extending from the upper surface to the lower surface; and b) a bin assembly secured within the opening, the bin assembly including an enclosure having a bottom wall and one or more upwardly extending walls that cooperate to defin an interior, wherein the upwardly extending walls are secured to the planar member around the periphery of the opening; a platform disposed within the enclosure; an elevating mechanism connected between the enclosure and the platform; and a cover pivotally secured to the work surface above the enclosure and moveable between a closi position and a open position, wherein the cover is coplanar with the upper surface of th( planar member in the closed position.

16. The work surface of claim 15 wherein the enclosure is secured within the opening by a nf fasteners &nσnσe>.ή between the. enclosure and the wnrV surface.

17. The work surface of claim 15 wherein the elevating mechanism comprises: a) at least one base positioned on the bottom wall of the enclosure; b) at least one scissors linkage extending between the at least one base and the platform; a c) a movement restraining member connected between the at least one base and the platform.

18. The work surface of claim 15 further comprising: a) a latch disposed within the enclosure and releasably engageable with the cover; and b) a locking mechanism operable to selectively engage the latch with the cover.

19. A method for selectively concealing an object within a work surface, the method comprisir the steps of: a) providing a generally planar member having an opening; a bin assembly disposed withi the opening and including an enclosure secured within the opening, a platform disposec within the enclosure, an elevating mechanism connected between the enclosure and a platform, and a cover pivotally secured to and above the enclosure and attached to the elevating mechanism, the cover moveable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the cover is coplanar with the upper surface of the work surface in the closed position, and the object is disposed on the platform; b) selectively moving the cover away from the enclosure to expose the interior of the enclosure and the object on the platform; and c) selectively replacing the cover over the enclosure to enclose the object on the platform.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of moving the cover away from the enclosure simultaneously operates the elevating mechanism to raise the platform within the enclosure.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of replacing the cover over the enclosure simultaneously operates the elevating mechanism to lower the platform within the enclosure.

22. The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of disengaging a locking mechanism connected between the enclosure and the cover prior to moving the cover away from the enclosure.

23. The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of engaging a locking mechanism connected between the enclosure and the cover after replacing the cover over the enclosure.