WO2022185288A1

WO2022185288A1 - A multipurpose desktop accessory for reading, writing, and computer usage

Info

Publication number: WO2022185288A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/051963
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gene LASHLEY
Original assignee: Lashley Gene
Priority date: 2021-03-05
Filing date: 2022-03-06
Publication date: 2022-09-09

Abstract

A desktop accessory comprises a panel worktop that can be stabilized in a gently sloping position extending substantially beyond the edge of a desk or table top. With elbows supported on armrests of a chair, a user can enjoy a more comfortable, slightly laidback sitting posture while operating a computer keyboard or a laptop computer on the worktop, which supports reading, writing, and drawing as well. The worktop is stabilized by a hinged bracket fastened to the desktop with a penetrative fastening device - preferably a screw means. A free-standing, rear support can be positioned behind the worktop for operating a computer keyboard or a laptop computer, as well as for placement and reading of hardcopy. It is likewise accessible with a slightly laidback sitting posture. The two structures together enable exceptional versatility and multi-tasking capability. A removable wrist rest is included.

Description

A MULTIPURPOSE DESKTOP ACCESSORY FOR READING, WRITING, AND COMPUTER USAGE

PRIORITY CLAIM

This PCT patent application claims priority from the US provisional patent application no. 63/157,110 dated 5th March 2021.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a multipurpose desktop accessory that facilitates a more comfortable, slightly laidback sitting posture for reading, writing, and computer usage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Together with computer and communications hardware, books, hardcopy and writing continue to be an integral part of desk usage, especially for academic students. Increasingly, professionals worldwide are telecommuting, freelancing and doing a greater variety of things at a desk with a computer. Therefore, there has been an exponentially increasing need for a versatile desktop accessory that facilitates multi-tasking with a more relaxed, slightly laid-back siting posture. Currently an unlimited variety of workstations and desktop accessories are available, but what they all have in common is a conspicuous lack of ergonomic convenience and versatility where it is most needed - the front-centre space between the user and the computer monitor.

Using a computer keyboard or a laptop computer on a horizontal desktop is not compatible with a comfortable, relaxed sitting posture. The upward slant of the forearms, and elevated viewpoint of the eyes are not in convenient alignment with the use of a horizontal desktop. The use of a low keyboard tray requires touch typing skills to avoid excessively bending one’s neck to look up and down. A tilted worktop supported on a desk or table is a well-known solution for reading and writing, but comfortable computer keying, and the inline integration of reading and writing therewith, have continued to be problematic. While there have been innovative gestures toward a solution over the years, their efficacy has been handicapped by the requirements of traditional keyboard ergonomics. THE NEAREST PRIOR ART

Hitherto the computer keyboard has been assigned only two standard ergonomic positions: front- centre at elbow level on a tray; or on a desktop of standard height. However, current thinking has begun a paradigm shift out of the box of conventional ergonomic correctness, to revisit and re define what actually works in practice and what doesn’t. Now, a new generation of desktop accessories provide a tilted worktop that can extend over the edge of a desk or table top to facilitate a more comfortable, slightly laid-back sitting posture for computer usage. Four relatively new designs fit in this category.

The first by inventor Gregory Bright is described in patent US6745986B1, and entitled ‘Support Apparatus and Method'. Bright was apparently the first to demonstrate the ergonomic feasibility of using a computer keyboard or a laptop computer in a sloping position, substantially extended over the edge of a desktop. The second design, called the Aviator Laptop Stand, seems to be the first product to illustrate the method of supporting the elbows on armrests of a chair, so that one's forearms are more comfortably supported and aligned with using a laptop computer in an inclined position extended over the edge of a desktop. The third design is Tilt-n-Slide Keyboard Manager marketed by the Fellowes brand. It is a computer keyboard platform featuring a built-in wrist rest, mouse pad, and screw clamps to fasten the platform in a sloping position upon the front edge of a desktop. These three solutions each have only one function; they lack versatility and multi-tasking capability. The first is heavy and bulky; the third is relatively complex; and both are relatively expensive to manufacture. The fourth design is a multi-purpose desktop accessory for reading, writing, and computer usage described in the international patent application PCT/IB2018/053344 by Lashley, G, which was published in Patentscope (WO/2018/207161) on 15^th November 2018. This design is quite versatile; it facilitates multi-tasking, and a comfortable, relaxed posture for reading, writing, and computer usage. The substantially extended worktop is stabilized by the weight of a support structure below and behind it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This desktop accessory comprises a panel worktop that can be stabilized for use on a desktop in a position sloping substantially beyond an edge of the desktop. With elbows supported on armrests of a chair, a user can enjoy a more comfortable, slightly laidback sitting posture for operating a computer keyboard or a laptop computer on the worktop. It can be used for reading, writing, and drawing as well. The worktop is stabilized by a hinged bracket configured for rigid connection to the desktop with a penetrative fastening device - preferably screws. A free-standing, rear support can be positioned behind the worktop for operating a computer keyboard or a laptop computer, as well as for keeping and reading hardcopy. This too is accessible with a slightly laidback sitting posture. The two structures together enable exceptional versatility and multi-tasking capability. A removable wrist rest is included.

ADVANTAGES OF THE DESKTOP ACCESSORY OF THIS INVENTION

The advantages of the present desktop accessory over the nearest prior art include the following (i) The extended worktop is at least four times more versatile than the first three of the nearest prior art designs, which have only one function each (ii) Being fastened to the desktop makes the extended worktop far more stable than that of the fourth design of the nearest prior art, which is similarly versatile, but stabilized on a desktop by weight only (iii) The present invention is less bulky, weighs less, and is far cheaper to manufacture and ship than the fourth design (iv) For those who need multi-tasking capability, the rear support almost doubles the already superior versatility of the worktop, and can be purchased separately.

(v) Both the worktop and the rear support behind it are accessible with a comfortable, slightly laidback sitting posture (vi) The present desktop accessory is less expensive to manufacture than three of the prior art products previously mentioned, and incomparably more versatile than the simplest of the four (vii) The present desktop accessory is designed for rigid connection to the desktop by means of a penetrative fastening device. This device affords more security against unauthorized removal in high-risk environments, when compared with other more easily releasable fastening devices such as adhesives or suction cups (viii) Tamper resistant or tamper proof screws are the preferred penetrative fastening device for fastening the bracket to the worktop and to the desktop; this enables improved security that may be desired especially in educational institutions (ix) Compared with the prior art, the desktop accessory of this invention delivers far superior comfort, versatility, and multi-tasking capability.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following brief description of the drawings, the views are abbreviated thus: SEV is 'side elevation'; SPV is 'side perspective’; FPV is 'front perspective'; REV is ‘rear elevation’; RPV is 'rear perspective'; and TPV is 'top plan' view. REE. VIEW BRIEF DESCRIPTION

1A FPV Stays (34) on front end (12b); worktop (12) slopes beyond edge of desktop.

IB SEV Slightly laidback posture; elbows supported; forearms aligned with slant of 12.

1C SEV Supported elbows; forearms aligned with a tilted, extended laptop computer.

2A TPV Normal position of stays (34); spaces between for comfortable manual access.

2B TPV Holes (42) for receiving pins (46) of 34a; three alternative positions of 34a.

2C TPV Middle stay (34a) shifted; hardcopy (21) tilted sideways for comfortable writing.

3A SEV 14f pivotally connected to back end (12a), and rigidly connected to 14g.

3B SEV Screw means (19); 14f rigidly connected to 12a and pivotally connected to 14g.

3C RPV 14f is co-extensive with 14g, pivotally connected to 14g, and rigidly to 12a.

3D SEV Screw means (19); 14f is rigidly connected to 12a and to 14g.

4A SEV 1^st & 2^nd screw means (18,20) rigidly connect bracket (14) to 12 and to desktop.

4B RPV 3 parts of 14; 14d is rigidly connected to 14c, and pivotally connected to 14e.

4C SEV 2^nd screw means (20); 14d is rigidly connected to 14c and 14e.

4D SEV 14d is pivotally connected to 14c and rigidly connected to 14e.

4E SEV 14e is positioned differently.

5A SEV Elbows supported; forearms aligned with slant of keyboard (30) and wrist rest.

5B RPV Computer keyboard (30) and wrist rest (24) on first panel (12) behind stays (34).

6A SPV Free-standing, sloping, & countersunk - rear support (22) adjoins back end (12a).

6B SEV 30 accessible on 22; wrists and forearms supported and aligned; good posture.

6C SEV 36 accessible on 22; wrists & forearms aligned; slightly laidback sitting posture.

6D SEV Hardcopy (21) at hand on 22; reading, writing, or drawing on worktop (12).

6E SEV Laptop computer on 22 is operated by means of a computer keyboard on 12.

7A FPV Stays (34) on front end (12b), sloping substantially beyond edge of desktop.

7B REV Upper bracket (14b) pivotable on lower bracket (14a) by means of 15d.

7C SEV 12 and 14b are stabilized and pivotally supported on 14a by 4th part (15d).

7D SEV 1st and 2nd screw means (18,20) rigidly connect 14a, b to 12 and to desktop.

8 REV Alternative version of Fig.7B with two short bolts instead of long crossbar.

9 RPV 1st & 2nd screw means (19,20) rigidly connect hinge (14g) to 14f and desktop.

10 RPV Bracket comprises 14f & long hinge (14g); 1st (19) & 2nd (20) screw means. 11A TPV Brackets comprise struts and angle braces; 1st (19) & 2nd (20) screw means. 11B SEV 1st screw means (19) connect corner braces (27c, d) to outer side of strut (26b). A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

EXPLANATION OF TERMS.

‘Desk’ means an article of furniture comprising a roughly horizontal, planar top supported on one or more legs or other supports, at which one may sit for desk work such as reading, writing, and operating a computer. A 'desktop accessory‘ means an accessory designed for use on a desk top. It also means a kit or assortment of components for assembling a desktop accessory. A 'panel' means a comparatively thin, flat piece of wood or other material such as plywood, sheet plastic or sheet metal. A 'stay means' is for retaining or stabilizing items on an inclined surface. The words ‘worktop’ and ‘first panel’ refer to the same thing.

'Fasten' means to stabilize by attaching, binding, or connecting. A bracket is an intermediate component for fixing one part to another. A ‘penetrative fastening device’ is one that penetrates the parts that are fastened together; it includes various types of bolts, screws, nails, rivets, pins, studs, staples, and anchors, together with their accessories such as nuts, washers, and clips. The ‘substantial’ nature of the worktop’s sloping extension is such as to enable a more comfortable posture for several functions instead of just one.

A ‘package’ refers to one or more discrete components of a product that are contained within conventional packaging material, such as a box, paper or plastic wrapping, or the like. A package may contain a single component, a plurality of the same component, one or more different components, or any combination of these without limitation. A ‘kit’ refers to a package or assortment of components for assembling a complete product. A package may contain one or more kits.

A detailed description of some embodiments of the invention is provided hereunder in three sections. The first includes the main features common to the described embodiments; the second includes preferred features for all embodiments; and the third includes mainly the distinguishing features of various embodiments.

FEATURES COMMON TO THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS DESCRIBED HEREIN.

A desktop accessory comprises: (a) a worktop in the form of a first panel (12) including a back end (12a), a front end (12b), and a stay means (34) at or near the front end; and (b) a fastening means to stabilize the first panel for use on a desktop in a sloping position. The fastening means includes: (i) at least one bracket (14); (ii) a first connective means for connecting the at least one bracket to the first panel; and (iii) a second connective means for rigidly connecting the at least one bracket to the desktop. Said fastening means is further characterized in that: (c) the second connective means comprises a penetrative fastening device; and (d) the fastening means is capable of stabilizing the first panel in a position sloping substantially beyond an edge of the desktop.

By this means, the following benefits are provided (i) With one’s elbows supported on armrests of a chair, the worktop can be used for reading and writing with a more comfortable, slightly laidback sitting posture (Fig.lA-lB; 2A -2C). (ii) With elbows supported on armrests of a chair, an upward slant of one's forearms and wrists can be aligned with using a laptop computer (36) on the worktop (Fig.1C); and (iii) a more comfortable, slightly laidback sitting posture, and a more upright posture of one’s neck and head, are facilitated when using a laptop computer (Fig.1C) on the worktop.

COMMONLY PREFERRED FEATURES OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS DESCRIBED HEREIN.

PANEL WORKTOP (MATERIAL, DIMENSIONS, AND POSITION)

When being installed, a preferred positioning of the panel worktop makes it possible for both the worktop and a rear support behind it to be accessible for various uses with a comfortable, slightly laidback sitting posture. One example of such a preferred positioning is a depth, angle, and extension of 305mm, 17 degrees, and 114mm, respectively. A preferred material of the panel worktop is acrylic sheet plastic. The preferred dimensions of the panel worktop are 483mm x 305mm x 5mm - width, depth and thickness, respectively.

PIVOTABLE WORKTOP

The desktop accessory of this invention preferably includes a means of pivoting the worktop (first panel) upward. The benefits of this are that the first panel: (i) can be adjusted to various given angles of inclination according to various given distances of the at least one bracket from an edge of the desktop; (ii) can pivot upward to prevent damage to the desktop accessory, or injury to a user, due to accidental impact on the front end of the worktop from below; (iii) can be pivoted upward to access storage space below it for holding stationery; and (iv) with a suitable prop, can occasionally be stabilized level as a tray for food and beverages. WRIST REST

The desktop accessory preferably includes a removable wrist rest (24, Fig.5A-5B) for placement on the first panel behind the stay means. The benefits of this are as follows (i) With elbows supported on armrests of a chair, an upward slant of one’s forearms and wrists can be aligned with using a computer keyboard (30) positioned on the first panel behind the wrist rest (ii) A more comfortable, slightly laid-back sitting posture, and a more upright posture of one’s head and neck are facilitated when using a computer keyboard on the first panel.

STAY MEANS (SPACED; ADJUSTABLE; AND DETACHABLE)

The stay means preferably comprises: (i) two lateral stays (34b, c; Fig.2A-2C) at or near extremities of the front end; and (ii) an elongate middle stay (34a) including pins (46a, b) thereunder. The first panel comprises holes (42a,b,c,d) along the front end for receiving the pins. The benefits of this are as follows (i) Hardcopy such as loose pages (40, Fig.2A), open folders, and books can be supported across a full width of the first panel, while affording comfortable access to the first panel for one’s hands between the elongate middle stay and lateral stays (ii) The elongate middle stay can be readily positioned on a left or right side, as may be desired, to accommodate a preferred sideways tilting of hardcopy for writing on (Fig.2C). The lateral stays (34b, c) comprise a screw means (32, Fig.4A) for connecting them to the first panel. By this means the first panel and stays can be: (i) manufactured more cheaply from different stock materials; (ii) packaged, stored, and shipped more economically; and (iii) purchased and replaced separately if damaged.

REAR SUPPORT

The desktop accessory preferably includes a rear support (22, Fig.6A-6E) immediately behind the first panel, where it is accessible for use with a slightly laidback sitting posture. Said rear support comprises: (a) a second panel (22a) that includes a back end and a front end; (b) a back riser (22c) attached at or near the back end; (c) a front riser (22b) and stay means (22d) attached to the front end, and roughly at right-angles to the first panel; and (d) the second panel being roughly parallel to the first panel, and offset below the level of the back end.

The benefits of this are as follows (i) With forearms and wrists supported on the worktop, one’s fingers can be comfortably positioned over a computer keyboard (30) on the second panel (Fig.6B). (ii) With forearms supported on the first panel, one’s fingers can be comfortably positioned over a laptop computer keyboard (36) on the second panel (Fig.6C). (iii) Reading and writing on the worktop can be combined with using a computer keyboard (Fig.6B) or a laptop computer (Fig.6C) on the second panel (iv) The second panel can support books, files, and papers (21, Fig.6D) at a low angle that allows a computer monitor to be visible behind it. (v) A laptop computer (36, Fig.6E) on the rear support can be operated by a computer keyboard (30) on the first panel (vi) Viewing or reading material on the rear support can be combined with reading, writing, or drawing on the first panel (Fig.6D; 2A-2C; 6A).

(vii) The addition of the rear support behind the worktop greatly extends the versatility and multi tasking capability of the worktop by enabling up to 11 different task combinations (viii) It permits the combination of reading, writing, and keying, without having to adjust or remove anything to transition from one activity to the next (ix) On any given occasion, the worktop and rear support can be used in different ways according to which activity is predominant, whether it is reading, writing, drawing, using a computer keyboard, or using a laptop computer (x) The rear support accessible with a comfortable, slightly laidback sitting posture, and this accessibility is made possible by the preferred depth, angle, and extension of the first panel.

KITS AND PACKAGES

The present invention includes a kit comprising components for assembling an embodiment of the desktop accessory of this invention. The present invention also includes a package containing one or more components of an embodiment of the desktop accessory of this invention. By this means kits and packages can be prepared for storage shipment, assembly, or sale, as may be desired. A package may comprise one or more components in any combination including but not limited to: (a) worktops; (b) stays; (c) wrist rests; (d) rear supports; (e) brackets; and (f) kits.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS HEREIN.

FIGURES 3A-3D

In a first embodiment of the desktop accessory (Fig.3A-3D), the penetrative fastening device comprises a screw means (19). The fastening means comprises a single bracket that includes: (i) a first part (14f, Fig.3A-3D) that is connected to the back end; and (ii) a second part (14g) that is configured for rigid connection to the desktop. In alternative versions of the first embodiment, the single bracket further includes one device selected from the group consisting of: (i) the first part (Fig.3A) being pivotally connected to the back end and rigidly connected to the second part; or (ii) the first part (Fig.3B-3C) being rigidly connected to the back end and pivotally connected to the second part; or (iii) the first part (Fig.3D) being rigidly connected to the back end and rigidly connected to the second part.

FIGURES 4A-4E

In a second embodiment of the desktop accessory (Fig.4A-E), the connective means comprises a first screw means (18, Fig.4A) in aligned holes for rigidly connecting the at least one bracket to the first panel, and the penetrative fastening device comprises a second screw means (20). The fastening means comprises a single bracket (14, Fig.4A-4E) that includes: (i) a first part (14c) that is configured for rigid connection to the first panel; (ii) a second part (14d) that connects the first part to a third part (14e); and (iii) the third part being configured for rigid connection to the desktop. In alternative versions of the second embodiment, the single bracket further includes one device selected from the group consisting of: (i) the second part (Fig.4C) being rigidly connected to the first part, and rigidly connected to the third part; or (ii) the second part (Fig.4D-4E) being pivotally connected to the first part, and rigidly connected to the third part; or (iii) the second part (Fig.4A-4B) being rigidly connected to the first part, and pivotally connected to the third part.

FIGURES 7A-7E; 8

In a third embodiment of the desktop accessory (Fig.7A-7E), the connective means comprises a first screw means (18, Fig.7B, 7D) in aligned holes; and the penetrative fastening device comprises a second screw means (20). The fastening means comprises a single bracket that includes a lower portion (14a, Fig.7B-7D) comprising: (a) a first part (15a) comprising an elongate cross-piece configured for rigid connection to the desktop; (b) a second part (15b) and a third part (15c) that are rigidly connected to two ends of the first part, and roughly perpendicular thereto (15a); (c) said second part and third part comprising side pilot holes near to upper ends thereof (15b,c); and (d) a fourth part (15d) comprising a round crossbar that is roughly parallel to the first part, and passes through the side pilot holes of the second and third parts, so that the fourth part is pivotable within the side pilot holes.

The single bracket further comprises an upper portion (14b, Fig.7B-7D) that includes: (a) a fifth part (15e) that is near to and roughly parallel to the back end, extends across a midsection of the first panel, and is configured for rigid connection to the first panel; (b) a sixth part (15f) and a seventh part (15g) that are roughly perpendicular to the fifth part, and rigidly connected to opposite ends of the fifth part; (c) the sixth and seventh parts comprising side pilot holes near to two lower ends thereof; and (d) the fourth part connecting the sixth part to the seventh part through said side pilot holes. By this means, the first panel and the upper portion are pivotally supported upon the lower portion and the desktop. In an alternative version (Fig.8) of the third embodiment, the single bracket comprises two short bolts instead of one long crossbar, for pivotably connecting the upper and lower portions.

FIGURE 9

In a fourth embodiment (Fig.9), the fastening means comprises a single bracket that includes: (i) an extension (14f) from the first panel, bent roughly at right-angles to the first panel along the back end; (ii) a long hinge (14g) comprising a first leaf and a second leaf; and (iii) a first screw means (19) for rigidly connecting the first leaf to the extension through aligned holes. The penetrative fastening device comprises a second screw means (20) for rigidly connecting the second leaf to the desktop.

FIGURE 10

In a fifth embodiment (Fig.10), the fastening means comprises two brackets (14a, b; Fig.10) that include: (i) two struts (26a, b) that are roughly at right-angles to the back end; (ii) two hinges (27a, b) comprising first leaves and second leaves; and (iii) a first screw means (19) for rigidly connecting the first leaves to back ends of the two struts. The penetrative fastening device comprises a second screw means (20) for rigidly connecting the second leaves to the desktop.

FIGURES llA-llB

In a sixth embodiment (Fig.11 A-l IB), the fastening means comprises two brackets (14a, b; Fig.11) that include: (i) two struts (26a, b) that are roughly at right-angles to the back end; (ii) four angle braces (27a,b,c,d) comprising first wings and second wings; and (iii) a first screw means (19) for rigidly connecting the first wings to outer sides of the two struts. The penetrative fastening device comprises a second screw means (20) for rigidly connecting the second wings to the desktop.

OBVIOUS VARIATIONS OF THE INVENTION

Although the invention has been described above by reference to certain embodiments of the invention, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Modifications and variations of the embodiments described above will occur to those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. While the specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For examples:

(a) The first connective means (18) can comprise any of a variety of fasteners, including but not limited to: (i) adhesives such as glues, epoxies, polyurethanes, polyimides, and plastics; (ii) dry adhesives such as Gecko tape, micro-suction tapes, magnetic tape, and hook and loop tape; (iii) slot joints, slide channel joints; (iv) penetrative fastening devices; and (v) other types of connections known to the field of permanent and detachable connections.

(b) The second connective means (20) can comprise one or more penetrative fastening devices including but not limited to various types of screws, nails, rivets, bolts, pins, studs, staples, and anchors, together with their accessories such as nuts, washers, and clips.

(c) The worktop and rear support can be made of any solid sheet material including but not limited to sheet plastic, sheet metal, plywood, or grid panel made of such materials.

(d) The fastening means may comprise two or more brackets instead of a single bracket.

(e) A bracket for connecting the panel worktop to the desktop can be made in a variety of sizes, shapes, colours, and materials such as various plastics, woods, metals, etc.

(f) The stabilized angles of the desktop accessory, can be altered according to the manufactured height of the bracket, or its installed distance from the back end.

(g) Instead of one elongate crossbar, the fourth part (15d, Fig.7B) of the bracket can comprise two short bolts with nuts (Fig.9), for pivotably connecting the upper and lower portions.

(h) Instead of being tamper proof, the fourth part (15d, Fig.7B) can pass through the upper portion of the bracket and have threaded end portions with lock nuts for easy removal.

(i) The elongate first and fifth parts (15a,e, Fig.7B) of the bracket can each comprise two separate parts instead of one.

(j) The lower portion (14a) of the bracket can be longer than, and contain, the upper portion (14b) instead of vice versa.

(k) The single bracket (14) of Figures 3A-3D and 4A-4E can each be replaced by a pair of identical brackets.

(l) The long hinge (14g, Fig.9) of the fourth embodiment could be placed on the other side of the extension, under the worktop instead of behind it on the outside.

Claims

1. A desktop accessory comprising:

(a) a worktop in the form of a first panel (12) including a back end (12a), a front end (12b), and a stay means (34) at or near the front end; and

(b) a fastening means to stabilize the first panel for use on a desktop in a sloping position, said fastening means including:

(i) at least one bracket (14);

(ii) a first connective means for connecting the at least one bracket to the first panel; and

(iii) a second connective means for rigidly connecting the at least one bracket to the desktop; characterized in that:

(c) the second connective means comprises a penetrative fastening device; and

(d) the fastening means is capable of stabilizing the first panel in a position sloping substantially beyond an edge of the desktop; whereby:

(i) with one’s elbows supported on armrests of a chair, the first panel can be used for reading and writing with a more comfortable, slightly laidback sitting posture (Fig.lA-lB; 2A-2C);

(ii) with elbows supported on armrests of a chair, an upward slant of one's forearms and wrists can be aligned with using a laptop computer (36) on the first panel (Fig.1C); and

(iii) a more comfortable, slightly laidback sitting posture, and a more upright posture of one’s neck and head, are facilitated when using a laptop computer (Fig.1C) thereon.

2. The desktop accessory as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

(a) the penetrative fastening device comprises a screw means (19, Fig.3A-3D);

(b) the fastening means comprises a single bracket that includes:

(i) a first part (14f) that is connected to the back end; and

(ii) a second part (14g) that is configured for rigid connection to the desktop; and

(c) the single bracket further includes one device selected from the group consisting of:

(i) the first part (Fig.3A) being pivotally connected to the back end and rigidly connected to the second part; or (ii) the first part (Fig.3B-3C) being rigidly connected to the back end and pivotally connected to the second part; or

(iii) the first part (Fig.3D) being rigidly connected to the back end and rigidly connected to the second part.

3. The desktop accessory as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

(a) the connective means comprises a first screw means (18, Fig.4A; 7B; 7D) in aligned holes for rigidly connecting the at least one bracket to the first panel; and

(b) the penetrative fastening device comprises a second screw means (20).

4. The desktop accessory as claimed in claim 3 wherein:

(a) the fastening means comprises a single bracket (14, Fig.4A-4E) that includes:

(i) a first part (14c) that is configured for rigid connection to the first panel;

(ii) a second part (14d) that connects the first part to a third part (14e);

(iii) the third part being configured for rigid connection to the desktop; and

(b) the single bracket further includes one device selected from the group consisting of:

(i) the second part (Fig.4C) being rigidly connected to the first part, and rigidly connected to the third part; or

(ii) the second part (Fig.4D-4E) being pivotally connected to the first part, and rigidly connected to the third part; or

(iii) the second part (Fig.4A-4B) being rigidly connected to the first part, and pivotally connected to the third part.

5. The desktop accessory as claimed in claim 3 wherein the fastening means comprises a single bracket that includes a lower portion (14a, Fig.7B-7D) comprising:

(a) a first part (15a) comprising an elongate cross-piece configured for rigid connection to the desktop;

(b) a second part (15b) and a third part (15c) that are rigidly connected at or near to two ends of the first part, and roughly perpendicular to the first part;

(c) the second part and third part comprising side pilot holes near to upper ends thereof; and

(d) a fourth part (15d) comprising a round crossbar that is roughly parallel to the first part, and passes through the side pilot holes of the second and third parts, so that the fourth part is pivotable within the side pilot holes.

6. The desktop accessory as claimed in claim 5 wherein the single bracket further comprises an upper portion (14b, Fig.7B-7D) that includes:

(a) a fifth part (15e) that is near to and roughly parallel to the back end, extends across a midsection of the first panel, and is configured for rigid connection to the first panel;

(b) a sixth part (15f) and a seventh part (15g) that are roughly perpendicular to the fifth part, and rigidly connected to opposite ends of the fifth part;

(c) the sixth and seventh parts comprising side pilot holes near to lower ends thereof; and

(d) the fourth part connecting the sixth part to the seventh part through said side pilot holes; whereby the first panel and the upper portion are pivotally supported upon the lower portion and the desktop.

7. The desktop accessory as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

(a) the fastening means comprises a single bracket that includes:

(i) an extension (14f, Fig.9) from the first panel, bent roughly at right-angles to the first panel along the back end;

(ii) a long hinge (14g) comprising a first leaf and a second leaf;

(iii) a first screw means (19) for rigidly connecting the first leaf to the extension through aligned holes; and

(b) the penetrative fastening device comprises a second screw means (20) for rigidly connecting the second leaf to the desktop.

8. The desktop accessory as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

(a) the fastening means comprises two brackets (14a, b; Fig.10) that include:

(i) two struts (26a, b) that are roughly at right-angles to the back end;

(ii) two hinges (27a, b) comprising first leaves and second leaves;

(iii) a first screw means (19) for rigidly connecting the first leaves to back ends of the two struts; and

(b) the penetrative fastening device comprises a second screw means (20) for rigidly connecting the second leaves to the desktop.

9. The desktop accessory as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

(a) the fastening means comprises two brackets (14a, b; Fig.11) that include: (i) two stmts (26a, b) that are roughly at right-angles to the back end;

(ii) four angle braces (27a,b,c,d) comprising first wings and second wings;

(iii) a first screw means (19) for rigidly connecting the first wings to outer sides of the two stmts; and

(b) the penetrative fastening device comprises a second screw means (20) for rigidly connecting the second wings to the desktop.

10. The desktop accessory as claimed in claim 1 further including a removable wrist rest (24, Fig.5A-5B) for placement on the first panel behind the stay means, whereby:

(i) with elbows supported on armrests of a chair, an upward slant of one’s forearms and wrists can be aligned with using a computer keyboard (30) positioned on the first panel behind the wrist rest; and

(ii) a more comfortable, slightly laidback sitting posture, and a more upright posture of one’s head and neck are facilitated when using a computer keyboard thereon.

11. The desktop accessory as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

(a) the stay means comprises:

(i) two lateral stays (34b, c; Fig.2A-2C) at or near extremities of the front end;

(ii) an elongate middle stay (34a) including pins (46a, b; Fig.2B) thereunder; and

(b) the first panel comprises holes (42a,b,c,d) along the front end for receiving the pins; whereby:

(i) hardcopy such as loose pages (40; Fig.2A), open folders and books can be supported across a full width of the first panel, while affording comfortable access to the first panel for one’s hands between the elongate middle stay and the lateral stays; and

(ii) the elongate middle stay can be positioned on a left or right side, as may be desired, to facilitate a preferred sideways tilting of hardcopy for writing on (Fig.2C).

12. The desktop accessory as claimed in claim 11 wherein the two lateral stays further include screw means (32, Fig.4A) for insertion through aligned holes for connecting the two lateral stays to the first panel, whereby the first panel and stays can be: manufactured more cheaply from different stock materials; packaged, stored, and shipped more economically; and replaced separately if damaged.

13. The desktop accessory as claimed in claim 1 further including a rear support (22, Fig.6A- 6E) that can be positoned behind the first panel, and be accessible for computer usage and reading hardcopy with a slightly laidback sitting posture.

14. The desktop accessory as claimed in claim 13 wherein the rear support comprises:

(a) a second panel (22a) that includes a back end and a front end;

(b) a back riser (22c) attached at or near the back end;

(c) a front riser (22b) and stay means (22d) attached at or near to the front end; and

(d) the second panel being roughly parallel to the first panel, and offset below a level of the back end; whereby:

(i) with forearms and wrists supported on the first panel, one’s fingers can be comfortably positioned over a computer keyboard on the second panel (Fig.6B);

(ii) with forearms supported on the first panel, one’s fingers can be comfortably positioned over a laptop computer keyboard on the second panel (Fig.6C);

(iii) reading and writing on the first panel can be combined with using a computer keyboard or laptop computer on the second panel, (Fig.6B; 6C);

(iv) the second panel can support books, files and papers (21, Fig.6D) at a low angle that allows a computer monitor to be visible behind it;

(v) a laptop computer (36, Fig.6E) on the rear support can be operated by a computer keyboard (30) on the first panel; and

(vi) viewing or reading material on the rear support can be combined with reading, writing or drawing on the first panel (Fig.6A; 6D; 2A-2C).

15. The desktop accessory as claimed in claim 1 in the form a kit for assembling an embodiment of said desktop accessory.

16. A package containing one component, or more components in any combination, including but not limited to worktops, stays, wrist rests, rear supports, brackets, and kits.