WO2008133953A1

WO2008133953A1 - Mobile integrated self-contained workstation

Info

Publication number: WO2008133953A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/005306
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Dankovich
Original assignee: James Dankovich
Priority date: 2007-04-24
Filing date: 2008-04-24
Publication date: 2008-11-06
Also published as: KR20100017254A; CN101677683A; EP2142041A1; US20100194155A1; EP2142041A4; JP2010524633A

Abstract

A computer station module for a user has a base with wheels for moving the module between locations. A post extends outwardly from the base and a seat supported by the post. A central processing unit connected to the seat. The module is easy to use and transport and is simple to manufacture and assemble. The module is adaptable to be utilized by users who prefer to work multiple tasks that require two monitors to be used simultaneously or if the module is utilized by a left hand user or a right hand user. The module is slidable under a desk or a table of any kind.

Description

MOBILE INTEGRATED SELF-CONTAINED WORKSTATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[00001] The subject invention relates to a computer device and more particularly to a computer station adaptable to be comfortably utilized by a user. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[00002] The use of computer work stations is known in the prior art and are used in various applications. One of these devices is taught by the United States Patent No. 6,145,926 to Lin. A computer chair device, taught by the United States Patent No. 6,145,926 to Lin, has a main frame, a main body disposed in the main frame, a support rod disposed on the main frame, a table plate disposed on the support rod, two support posts disposed on the main frame, and two upper plates disposed on the support posts. The main frame has a plurality of bottom rods. A base plate is disposed on the bottom rods. A slide plate is disposed on the bottom rods. A protruded block is disposed on the slide plate.

[00003] The computer chair device taught by the United States Patent

No. 6,145,926 to Lin is intended to be stationary located and can not be freely movable between the locations. In addition, a pivot arm for holding a screen is not movable away from a chair thereby preventing a user to sit freely and comfortable on the chair and leave the chair.

[00004] A computer chair assembly, taught by another United States

Patent No. 6,425,631 to Lin, includes a chair having two armrests, a pivot shaft disposed on one of the armrests, a U-shaped rod, a generally L-shaped hollow rod disposed on the U-shaped rod, the generally L-shaped hollow rod having a distal end connected to the pivot shaft and a plurality of lugs, a pivot bar having a first end collar connected to one of the lugs and a second end collar connected to an oblong plate. This chair assembly fails to provide flexibility and multitude of adjusting positions as desirable by users. Furthermore, all aforementioned prior art references fail to disclose a work station or computer module forcing ergonomically correct orientation of a user.

[00005] Therefore, there remains an opportunity to improve upon the prior art computer module systems and devices and eliminate at least of the problems associated with the aforementioned prior art devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00006] A computer module of the present invention includes a base having a back portion and a seat portion. A pair of arm supports are pivotably connected to at least one of the back and seat portions with each of the arm supports being movable away from each of the seat and back portions. The arm supports are also movable generally parallel and beyond the seat portion and the back portion thereby allowing easy access to the user.

[00007] A post extends outwardly from a support portion or support base. The seat portion is supported by the post and is movable around the central axis and along the central axis in multiple directions. The seat portion and the back portion define side edges for supporting arm supports. The seat portion and the back portion are movable and adjustable vertically and relative to one another in a multitude of positions to accommodate the user.

[00008] The support base has at least two extensions radially projecting therefrom to support wheels thereby moving the module between locations. A tubular member extends from and connected to at least one of said seat and said support base and extends generally perpendicular to the support base. A pair of bars extend generally perpendicular to the tubular member and substantially parallel to the support base. The bars are movable along the tubular member and relative to one another at various distances. The member and the bars are adaptable to expand in telescoping fashion.

[00009] A computer system of the module includes a central processing unit, a keyboard and a mouse pad extend from or pivoting about one of the bars. A single or pair of screens of the computer system are connected to and pivotable about another of bars. A foot support is connected to the support base. The foot support is movable relative to the support base at various distances. A support device is connected to the back portion and presents a pair of elements, such as a head support and a neck support each movable independently from one another and the back portion at multi axial directions to accommodate various positions as desired by the user and the users of various heights.

[00010] An advantage of the present invention is to provide a computer module which is easy to use and transport and provides ergonomically correct work orientation.

[00011] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a computer module which is simple to manufacture and assemble.

[00012] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a computer module adaptable to be utilized by users who prefer to work multiple tasks that require two monitors to be used simultaneously or if the module is utilized by a left hand or right hand user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00013] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[00014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a computer station module of the present invention;

[00015] Figure 2 is a side view of the computer station module of

Figure 1 ;

[00016] Figure 3 is a back view of the computer station module of

Figure 1 ; and

[00017] Figure 4 is a fragmental view of alternative embodiment of the computer station module of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [00018] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts, a computer module is generally shown at 10. The module 10 includes a support base, generally indicated at 12, having wheels 14 for moving the module 10 between locations, such as, for example, within an office space or between offices. The support base 12 presents a core 16 having extensions 18 projecting radially therefrom to support the wheels 14. At least two of the extensions 18 oppositely spaced from one another is longer than the rest of the extensions 18. A post 20 extends outwardly from the support base 12. The post 20 is movable telescopingly to and from the support base 12. A pocket portion 22 is integral with the support base 12. The support base 12 may be formed from polymeric material, metal, metal allows, and combination thereof without limiting the scope of the present invention.

[00019] Alluding to the above, a chair, generally indicated at 26, such as for example, an ergonomic chair, is supported by the post 20 and is movable around the central axis A and along the central axis 28 to adjust height. The chair 26 presents a seat portion 28 and a back portion 30 defining side edges 32 and 34. The seat portion 28 and the back portion 30 of the chair 26 are movable relative to one another in a multitude of positions to accommodate the user 40. The back portion 30 includes an ergonomic neck support 42 and a head support 44 each movable independently from one another and the back portion 30 or in unison with one another at multi axial directions 46 and 48 to accommodate various positions as desired by the user 40 and the users of various heights. Each of the ergonomic neck support 42 and the head support 44 may be removed from the back portion 30 and used separately from one another. The ergonomic neck support 42 and the head support 44 are formed from soft polymeric materials of various densities to provide support and comfort to the user 40. The type and the materials is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[00020] A tubular member 50 extends from and is connected to the pocket portion 22 of the support base 12 and extends generally perpendicular to the support base 12. The tubular member 50 may be replaced from the pocket portion 22 of the support base 12 and re-inserted from opposite side of the pocket 22 as shown in phantom in Figure 3 to accommodate a left handed user thereby adding flexibility to the module 10. The tubular member 50 may include several sections 52 and 54 mechanically engaged with one another or may retract between various length in a telescoping fashion without limiting the scope of the present invention. A shelf 56 is connected to the tubular member 50 for supporting a central processing unit, as shown in phantom at 58 in Figures 2 and 3.

[00021] A pair of bars 60 and 62 extend generally perpendicular to the tubular member 50 and substantially parallel to the support base 12. The bars 60 and 62 are movable along the tubular member 50 as shown at 64 and relative to one another at various distances. The bars 60 and 62 are rotatable about the tubular member 50 as shown at 68. The tubular member 50 and the bars 60 and 62 are adaptable to expand in telescoping fashion.

[00022] A computer system of the module includes the aforementioned central processing unit (CPU) 56, at least one keyboard 70 connected to pivotable about one of the bars 62, at least one screen or monitor 72 connected to and pivotable about another of bars 60. Other elements such as a pair of speakers (not shown) operably connecting with the central processing unit 56. A telephone and a microphone (not shown) may also be connected with the central processing unit 56. A laptop 200 positioned on a tray 210 may also be connected to the bars 62. The CPU 56 may be integrated to the unit 10 as one of the alternatives of the present invention.

[00023] A foot support 80 is connected to the support base 12. The foot support 80 is movable relative to the support base 12 at various distances 82. The foot support 80 includes a foot plate 84 and a pair of rods 86 and 88 connected to the plate 84. A pair of sockets 90 and 92 are integral with the support base 12 to receive the rods 86 and 88 and to allow the rods 86 and 88 relative the support base 12 at various distances to accommodate the user 40.

[00024] A pair of arm supports 100 and 102 are pivotably connected to the chair 26, as best shown in Figure 1. Each of the arm supports 100 and 102 is movable away from the chair 26 as shown in phantom at 104 and generally movable parallel and beyond the seat portion as shown in phantom at 106 and 108 thereby allowing easy access to the user 40. The arm supports 100 and 102 may include various mechanical joints such as 110 and 1 12 cooperable with shafts 1 14 and 1 16 thereby allowing multiaxial movement of each arm supports 100 and 102 relative the chair 26 without limiting the scope of the present invention. Each arm support 100 and 102 may be aligned with at least one keyboard 70, which is connected to and pivotable about the bar 62. The unit 10 is movable to a position enhancing ergonomically correct viewing by the user 40 to reduce the probability of muscular or skeletal damage to the user during extended use.

[00025] The module 10 may be formed from a plastic, wood, metal and metal alloys and combination thereof without limiting the scope of the present invention. A cup holder and a clip (not shown) are among other features connected to and extending from at least one of the seat portion 28 and the back portion 30 of the chair 26, without limiting the scope of the present invention. Other features may be incorporated into the chair 26 without limiting the scope of the present invention.

|00026] An advantage of the present invention is to provide the module

10, which is easy to use and transport. Another advantage of the present invention is to provide the module 10, which is simple to manufacture and assemble and adaptable to be utilized by users who prefer to work multiple tasks that require two monitors to be used simultaneously or if the module 10 is utilized by a left hand user or a right hand user. The module 10 is slidable under a desk or a table of any kind.

[00027] While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A computer station module for a user comprising; a seat having a first portion and a second portion selectively movable relative to one another and fixed at a multitude of selected positions to accommodate the user; a computer system cooperable with said seat and accessible by the user at each of said selected positions; and a pair of arm supports pivotably connected to at least one of said first portion and said second portion with each of said arm supports being movable away from each of said first portion and said second portion and generally movable parallel and beyond said second portion and said first portion thereby allowing easy access to the user.

2. A computer station module as set forth in claim 1 including a support base for carrying said seat, said support base having at least two extensions radially projecting therefrom to support wheels thereby moving said seat between locations.

3. A computer station module as set forth in claim 1 including a member extending from and connected to at least one of said seat and said support base and extending generally perpendicular to said support base, a pair of bars extending generally perpendicular to said member and substantially parallel to said support base, said bars movable along said member and relative to one another at various distances, said member and said bars adaptable to expand in telescoping fashion.

4. A computer station module as set forth in claim 1 including a post extending outwardly from one of said first portion and said second portion, said post extendable in a telescoping fashion.

5. A computer station module as set forth in claim 1 wherein said computer system includes a central processing unit, a pair of keyboard halves extending from or pivoting about one of said bars, a pair of screen connected to and pivotable about another of said bars.

6. A computer station module as set forth in claim 1 including a foot support connected to said support base and movable relative said support base at various distances.

7. A computer station module for a user comprising; a seat having a first portion and a second portion and selectively movable relative to one another and fixed at a multitude of selected positions to accommodate the user; and a support device connected to one of said first and second portions and presenting a pair of elements each movable independently from one another and said seat in multi-axial directions to accommodate various positions as desired by the user and the users of various heights.

8. A computer station module as set forth in claim 7 wherein one of said elements is further defined by a head support and another element is further defined by a neck support.

9. A computer station module as set forth in claim 7 including a pair of arm supports of said seat with each arm support is pivotably connected to at least one of said first portion and said second portion with each of said arm supports being movable away from each of said first portion and said second portion and generally parallel and beyond said second portion and said first portion thereby allowing easy access to the user.

10. A computer station module as set forth in claim 7 including a support base for carrying said seat, said support base having at least two extensions projecting radially therefrom to support wheels thereby moving said seat between locations.

1 1. A computer station module as set forth in claim 7 including a member extending from and connected to at least one of said seat and said support base and extending generally perpendicular to said support base, a pair of bars extending generally perpendicular to said member and substantially parallel to said support base, said bars movable along said member relative to one another at various distances, said member and said bars adaptable to expand in a telescoping fashion.

12. A computer station module as set forth in claim 7 including a post extending outwardly from one of said first portion and said second portion, said post extendable in a telescoping fashion.

13. A computer station module as set forth in claim 7 wherein said computer system includes a central processing unit, a pair of keyboard halves extending from or pivoting about one of said bars, a pair of screen connected and pivotable about another bar.

14. A computer station module as set forth in claim 7 including a foot support connected to said support base and movable relative said support base at various distances.

15. A computer station module for a user comprising; a seat having a first portion and a second portion defining an axis and selectively movable relative to one another and fixed at a multitude of selected positions to accommodate the user; a computer system cooperable with said seat and accessable by the user at each of said selected positions; a pair of supports of said seat with each being pivotably connected to at least one of said first portion and said second portion with each of said supports being movable away from each of said first portion and said second portion and generally parallel and beyond said second portion and said first portion thereby allowing easy access to the user; and a support device connected to one of said first and second portions and presenting a pair of elements each movable independently from one another and said seat at multi-axial directions to accommodate various positions as desired by the user and the users of various heights.

16. A computer station module as set forth in claim 15 wherein one of said elements is further defined by a head support and another element is further defined by a neck support.

17. A computer station module as set forth in claim 15 including a support base for carrying said seat, said support base having at least two extensions projecting radially therefrom to support wheels thereby moving said seat between locations.

18. A computer station module as set forth in claim 15 including a member extending from and connected to at least one of said seat and said support base and extending generally perpendicular to said at least one extension, a pair of bars extending generally perpendicular to said member and substantially parallel to said support base, said bars movable along said member relative to one another at various distances, said member and said bars adaptable to expand in telescoping fashion.

19. A computer station module as set forth in claim 15 including a post extending outwardly from one of said first portion and said second portion, said post extendable in a telescoping fashion.

20. A computer station module as set forth in claim 15 including a foot support connected to said support base and movable relative said support base at various distances.