GB2206279A - Stand for a computer keyboard and its separate display unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A stand for a personal computer keyboard K, its associated items J and R, and its separate display unit D holds them in a compact manner because the display unit is mounted low down, below the keyboard, with its screen S inclined backwards by about 25 DEG so that, as far as is possible, its top edge is spanned by the front edge of the keyboard at a height such that both can be viewed adequately during use while sitting within arm's reach on a sofa or the like. <IMAGE>

Description

STAND FOR A COMPUTER KEYBOARD AND ITS SEPARATE DISPLAY UNIT This invention relates to a stand to support a computer keyboard and its display and is particularly concerned with a personal computer used during leisure.

It is the general practice, when using a personal or home computer, to position the keyboard in front of and below its separate display screen, which is most often that of a domestic television set, and the special furniture that is manufactured at the moment to support these items reflects this practice which is accepted as ergonomically superior for the prolonged operation of a keyboard whilst sitting in an upright position.

This configuration has been established even though, particularly when games are being played, communication with the computer is often by way of flexible, insulated electrically conductive wires, typically 170 cm long, connected to a hand-held device and use of the keyboard is secondary and irregular. A television set or computer monitor mounted in this way has a disadvantage that, unless the stand has a relatively large base area and is heat, the assembly has a high centre of gravity and could be caused to topple accidentally. Additicnal disadvantages are that the special supporting structures currently available usually take a form likened to a writing desk which makes the assembly disproportionately large and not readily portable.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved structure to support a personal computer keyboard and its separate display screen which is stable, compact, easier to move and, particularly when use of the keyboard is infrecuent, suits a variety of seating positions.

According to the invention the structure of the stand incorporates a shelf to hold the personal computer keyboard and associated items beneath which, suitably spaced and positioned, there is a backwardly-inclined shelf capable of supporting an associated display unit in such a way that, as far as possible, the front edge of the keyboard spans the top edge of the screen at a height such that both can be viewed adequately while sitting within arm's reach on a sofa or the like.

Provided that sufficient strength, stiffness and durability is achieved the stand can be made from a variety of materials including wood, veneered clipboard, plastics and metals using the appropriate construction method practiced in the furniture industry.

The invention is further illustrated, by a description, by way of example, of two preferred forms of stand to support a computer keyboard, its associated items and its separate display unit with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of one preferred stand holding a personal computer, a television set and associated items; Figure 2 is a sectional side view of the stand shown in Figure 1 with a personal computer, a television set and associated items supported therein; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the stand shown in Figure 1 showing the rear with a flat rectangular cover added to protect the computer keyboard whilst providing a table-like top; Figure 4 shows in perspective, a second preferred form of stand with the cover for the contents of its upper shelf closed; Figure 5 is an exploded isometric view of the stand shown in Figure 4; and Figure 6 is a side view of the stand shown in Figure 4, holding a personal computer, associated items and a television set.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the first preferred stand to support a computer keyboard K, its associated items J and its separate display unit D is made mainly from wood or similar composite materials. It comprises an upper shelf 1 to hold the computer keyboard K and its associated items J below which, proud of the upper shelf 1, suitably spaced and inclined backwards at about 250 is a shelf 2 capable of supporting the display unit D in a position where, as far as is possible, the top edge of the screen S of the display unit D is spanned by the front edge of the computer keyboard K. An adjustable shoulder 3 prevents the display unit D from sliding out of position while an adjustable protrusion 4, attached to the underside of the upper shelf 1 reduces the clearance above the display unit D to ensure that, as long as the stand is kept generally erect, it can be relocated without its contents toppling. The shelves are supported by a pair of oppositely-disposed side walls 5 with additional stiffness provided by a rear wall 6 containing air gaps 7 which allow unwanted heat to escape from around the electrical components. Part of the rear wall 6 may be opened to provide access to the back of the display unit (not shown). A third shelf 8 for the stowage of additional associated items R such as power supplies or data storage equipment is included near to the lowest edge of the side walls 5 where its underside can be made to accept castors 9. A handle 10 is included near to the top of each outside face of the two side walls for use if the stand needs to be moved.As a means of protecting the keyboard when not in use, while providing a table-like top, a flat rectangular removable cover 11 is located and rested upon the top edges 12 of the side walls 5 which are at a height above the upper shelf 1 such that the underside of the cover does not touch the keyboard and its associated enclosure E. An alternative version of this cover may be pivotally attached to the main structure by means of a hinge which allows the underside of this lid to be used as a document rest or to provide an additional storage area when the keyboard is exposed (not shown).

The second preferred form of stand shown in Figures 4 to 6 is especially, though not solely, suited to use with a keyboard K whose enclosure E is appreciably wider than the display unit T, particularly where this is because associated items such as power supplies or a data recorder are integral. It comprises at least two shelf-like surfaces, the upper one 13 is a plastic moulding, incorporating a small retaining wall 14, dimensioned to hold the keyboard K with its enclosure E along with some additional associated items R and the lower shelf 15 made from wood or a similar composite material capable of supporting the display unit T, both suitably positioned and clamped onto a frame made from tubular material such as protected steel.This form of frame is preferred because of its simplicity; there are many frame constructions that could function equally well while fulfilling a different requirement such as conformity with a style or possessing an ability to store easily. The preferred frame contains three lengths of tube, a main section 16 shaped typically from a 250 cm length of thin-walled smooth bore tube of about 2 cm diameter and two matching angled pieces of tube 17 about 50 cm long and having an outside diameter which effects a sliding fit with the bore of the main section 16.The symmetrical, curved shape of the main section 16 includes parallel supports 18 for the lower shelf 15, long flats 19 that enable it to rest stably on the floor when fully loaded and a pair of upwardly extending limbs 20 which are vertical when viewed from the front and at 65 to the long flats 19 when viewed from the side. The ends of the limbs 21 incorporate a clamping arrangement operated by means of screws (not shown) which hold, in a telescopic manner, the two angled pieces of tube 17 which, in turn, are secured to the upper shelf 13 at a spacing that holds the qc limbs 2Q parallel.The bend in the two matching angled pieces of tube 17 is 650 which when associated with the inclination of the limbs 20 ensures that the upper shelf 13 is generally in a horizontal plane when the long flats 19 are resting upon a level floor F. The parallel supports 18 are at an angle of 250 to the long flats which causes the lower shelf 15 to be backwardly inclined when fastened to the main section of the frame. The top surface of the lower shelf 15 has a protrusion 22 which corresponds to the back edge of the display unit T and prevents it from sliding out of position when placed upon the shelf. The underside of the upper shelf has one or more protrusions 23 profiled to present flat pads which can restrict movement of the display unit T if positioned appropriately and clamped. By moving the lower shelf 15 along its parallel supports 18 and adjusting the telescopic sections of the limbs 17 the stand can be clamped in an ideal configuration where, as far as is possible, the front edge of the keyboard spans the top edge of the screen S while the display unit T is prevented from toppling by the underside of the upper shelf 13. In order to conceal and protect the keyboard K and additional associated items R when they are not in use a plastic deep-walled cover 25 is pivotally attached to the rear of the upper shelf. There are gaps 26 in the retaining wall 14 near to the hinge for the passage of electrical cables and also gaps in the cover 25 to allow unwanted heat to escape from around electrical components - (not shown).

Claims (12)

1 A stand incorporating a shelf to hold a personal computer keyboard and associated items beneath which, suitably spaced and positioned, there is a backwardly-inclined shelf capable of supporting an associated display unit in such a way that, as far as is possible, the front edge of the keyboard spans the top edge of the display unit's screen at a height such that both can be viewed adequately while sitting within arm's reach on a sofa or the like.

2 A stand as claimed in Claim 1, wherein on the top surface of the backwardly-inclined shelf a protruding shoulder is provided that can be adjusted relative to the upper shelf and suitably located against the back edge of the display unit to prevent it from sliding out of position.

3 A stand as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein a means is provided to adjust, and fix at a minimum, the space between the top surface of the display unit and a protrusion or protrusions on the underside of the upper shelf in order to limit movement of the display unit, particularly when the stand is tilted during its relocation.

4 A stand as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein a removeable cover is provided to protect the contents of the upper shelf.

5 A stand as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said removeable cover has a flat top surface which has a table-like appearance when placed over the contents of the upper shelf.

6 A stand as claimed in Claims 1 to 3, wherein a cover is provided which is pivotally attached in a way that, when the keyboard is exposed, its underside can be used as a document rest or to provide an additional storage area.

7 A stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a third shelf is provided below the backwardly-inclined shelf which is intended for the storage of additonal items associated with the personal computer keyboard.

8 A stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lower comers of the structure are provided with castors in order to improve mobility.

9 A stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper faces of both sides are each provided with a handle in order to improve mobility and portability.

10 A stand as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the majority of its construction is of wood or similar composite materials.

11 A stand as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the shelves are made from plastic and wood or similar composite materials which are permanently or detachably secured to a tubular frame made from protected steel or a similar material.

12 A stand for holding a personal computer keyboard, its associated items and its separate display unit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 to 3 or Figures 4 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.