WO2018207161A1

WO2018207161A1 - A multi-purpose desktop accessory for reading, writing and computer usage

Info

Publication number: WO2018207161A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/053344
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gene LASHLEY
Original assignee: Lashley Gene
Priority date: 2017-05-11
Filing date: 2018-05-14
Publication date: 2018-11-15

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-purpose desktop accessory that facilitates the combination of reading and writing with computer usage, with emphasis on the space-efficient use of inline space between a computer user and the computer monitor. It discloses a new embodiment and six new uses of an invention described in the pending patent application PCT/IB2017/051546 dated 16 March 2017. The precursor invention demonstrates an elevated, rearward position for a computer keyboard as key to the convenient combination of reading and writing with computer usage. A computer keyboard is supported in a countersunk position behind a sloping worktop for reading and writing, so that the keys are just below the level of the worktop. When keying, the sloping worktop comfortably supports the user's forearms and wrists above the keyboard. The hands curve naturally over the countersunk keyboard behind the worktop. The present invention adds the following uses and advantages to the original functions. 1. With the elbows supported on armrests of a chair, a computer keyboard can be conveniently used with a wrist rest on the front worktop. 2. With the elbows supported on armrests of a chair, a laptop computer can be conveniently used on the front worktop. 3. A laptop computer positioned behind the worktop can be used connected to computer keyboard on the front worktop. 4. A book for reading or writing on can be supported over a computer keyboard astride a wrist rest and a riser behind the keyboard. 5. For users who have to look at the computer keyboard to use it, a more laidback sitting posture and a more upright head posture is made possible for computer keyboard usage. 6. A more laidback sitting posture and a more upright head posture is made possible for laptop computer usage. The present invention provides greatly improved space-efficiency, convenience and versatility for inline multi-tasking.

Description

SPECIFICATION

A MULTI-PURPOSE DESKTOP ACCESSORY

FOR READING, WRITING AND COMPUTER USAGE

PRIORITY CLAIM

This PCT patent application claims priority from the US Provisional Application No. 62/504,917 filed on 11 May 2017, and is based on a new embodiment and new uses of the invention described in the pending patent application PCT/IB2017/051546 dated 16 March 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a multi-purpose desktop accessory that facilitates the combination of reading and writing with computer usage, with emphasis on the space-efficient use of inline space between a computer user and the computer monitor.

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. There continues therefore to be a need for space-efficient, versatile solutions that deliver a more convenient inline integration of items related to reading, writing and computer usage. Currently an unlimited variety of workstation designs and accessories are available, but what they all have in common is a conspicuous lack of ergonomic convenience, space-efficiency and versatility where it is most needed - the front-centre space between the user and the computer monitor.

While there have been innovative gestures toward this need over the years, their efficacy has been handicapped by the requirements of traditional keyboard ergonomics, which hitherto assigned only one acceptable position for the computer keyboard - front-centre at elbow level, or lower. 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. The present invention demonstrates an improved embodiment of a patent pending invention and six new uses that greatly improve its space-efficiency, convenience and versatility for inline multi-tasking. STATE-OF-THE-ART DESIGNS

Three relatively new products have some bearing on the present invention. One by inventor Gregory Bright is the patent US6745986B1, now expired, entitled ' Support Apparatus and Method' . It describes a sloping worktop that extends substantially beyond the edge of a desktop. It is fixedly attached to a heavy, rectangular base that rests on the desktop to stabilize the extended portion of the sloping worktop. An angle or notch exists at the underside between the anchoring base and the worktop that receives the edge of the desktop, thereby allowing the worktop to extend sloping beyond the edge. This invention was briefly marketed as an ergonomic support for a laptop computer or computer keyboard. It is no longer available. The second product, called the 'Aviator', is apparently not patented. It is marketed at Keynamics.com by the same inventor, Gregory Bright, as a laptop computer stand or holder that is especially suitable for use on airplanes. I features a base comprising two side members and a detachable cross-bar connecting and bracing the side members. It is about 15 inches deep, about 3.5 inches of which extends sloping beyond the edge of a desktop to support the front end of a laptop computer. The front ends of the extended side members have stays to stabilize a laptop computer in a sloping extended position thereon.

The third product is currently a patent-pending product of which the present invention is a much- improved embodiment, having six new industrial applications. The previous embodiments are representations of the inventive concept of supporting a computer keyboard in a countersunk position behind a frontal worktop that slopes over the edge of a desktop. Reading and writing on the frontal worktop is integrated with computer keyboard usage in line between a computer monitor and the user. With the forearms and wrists supported on the worktop, the user's fingers curve naturally over the computer keyboard.

LIABILITIES OF THE THESE DESIGNS

The 'Support Apparatus and Method' demonstrated the ergonomic feasibility of using a computer keyboard or a laptop computer in a sloping position, extended over the edge of a desktop. The new ergonomic method is based on supporting the elbows on the armrests of a chair so that the upward slant of the forearms are comfortably and efficiently aligned with the use of a laptop computer or computer keyboard on a sloping worktop extending over the edge of a desktop. Its principal liability by far was that it was too heavy and expensive to manufacture. It was not a cost-effective design. The 'Aviator' accomplished the same purpose as efficiently with a design that costs much less. The Aviator is light, easily disassembled and portable. Its only 'liability', if it may be called such, is that it serves only one purpose - supporting laptop computers.

The precursor embodiments to the present invention are more versatile than other available desk accessories for reading, writing and keying. The preferred embodiment comprised five modes of use far in excess of the two uses of competing products. The only 'liability' is that it has been enormously improved upon with six new uses disclosed in the present patent application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The original inventive concept of previous embodiments was a rear-mounted, countersunk computer keyboard behind a frontal worktop extended sloping over the edge of a desktop. With forearms and wrists supported on the worktop the computer keyboard was conveniently accessible in line with reading and writing on the front worktop. The invention adds the following uses to the original inventive concept.

1. With the elbows supported on armrests of a chair, a computer keyboard can be conveniently used with a wrist rest on the front worktop.

2. With the elbows supported on armrests of a chair, a laptop computer can be conveniently used on the front worktop.

3. A laptop computer positioned behind the worktop can be used connected to computer keyboard on the front worktop.

4. A book for reading or writing on can be supported over a computer keyboard astride a wrist rest and a riser behind the keyboard.

5. For users who have to look at the computer keyboard to use it, a more laidback sitting posture and a more upright head posture is made possible for computer keyboard usage.

6. A more laidback sitting posture and a more upright head posture is made possible for laptop computer usage.

DRAW VIEW BRIEF DESCRIPTION

-INGS

1A RPV Base comprising left and right side members, cross-bar (68) & strut (76).

IB TPV Components of Fig. lA, hinged 1^st panel (12) and invisible keyboard (20).

1C SEV Keyboard on base; reading, writing, forearms and wrists on 1^st panel.

ID SPV Wrist rest and keyboard on 1^st panel (12); hardcopy on 2^nd panel (22).

IE SEV Height- adjustable strut raises 2^nd panel; 1^st panel rests on desktop edge.

IF SEV Front end of tilt-adjustable 1^st panel on desktop.

2A SEV Sloping extended keyboard on 1^st panel; straight wrists; laidback posture.

2B SEV Sloping extended laptop on 1^st panel; straight wrists; laidback posture.

2C SEV Wrist rest and bar riser support a book over keyboard.

3A TPV Position and effect of stays of 1^st Panel.

3B TPV Positions of movable elongate stay.

3C TPV Use of movable elongate stay.

4A SEV Preferred embodiment #1- Ergonomics of the use.

4B SEV Foot means limit downward rotation of panel 1.

4C SEV Hinge means allow upward rotation of panel 1.

4D SPV Positions of main components.

4E TPV Positions of main components.

4F SEV Inter-connection of main components - resting, hinged and fastened.

5A SPV Embodiment #2 - 1 st and 2^nd panels, foot means, base panel & riser.

5B SPV 3 A with 1^st panel removed.

5C SPV Alternative foot means & riser on base panel with 1^st & 2^nd

6A SPV Embod. #6 - no 2^nd panel; 1^st panel fastened on left & right side members.

6B TPV There is no 2^nd panel; 1^st panel is fastened on left & right side members.

7 SPV Embodiment #7 - 1^st and 2^nd panels supported on left & right side members 8 SPV Embodiment #8 - left & right side members are floor-engaging.

9A SPV Embod. #5- extended 1^st panel fastened upon left & right side members.

9B TPV Extended 1^st panel fastened upon left & right side members; wide 2^nd panel.

The method of supporting the elbows on the armrests of a chair to use a computer keyboard or laptop computer on a sloping, extended worktop was apparently introduced by Mr. Bright. What the present invention contributes is an enormously enhanced versatility such that the new uses multiplies the value the original design. The design of the present invention is similar to the Aviator in the H-shaped structure of the base, but the design of the operative front portion is radically different. Considered individually, collectively and together with other uses previously disclosed, the new preferred embodiment of this invention can be considered truly inventive. The complete list of the industrial applications is provided in the relevant section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following brief description of the drawings, the views are abbreviated thus: SEV is 'side elevation view'; TPV is 'top plan view'; SPV is 'side perspective view'; and RPV is 'rear perspective view'.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Basic elements of the Invention

A desk accessory comprises a first panel (12) that includes a back end (12a), a front end (12b) and stay means on the front end. A base elevates the back end so that the first panel is attached to the base and inclined towards the user. The base comprises a back portion behind the first panel that is close to and lower than the back end of the first panel. The base further comprises a front portion that supportively engages the underside of the first panel so that the front end of the first panel extends beyond the front portion of the base. When extended beyond the edge of a desktop, the supportive strength of the extended front portion of the first panel is provided by the weight of the base on the desktop.

The new uses resulting from these basic elements are as follows. 1. With elbows supported on the armrests of a chair, the upward slant of forearms can be conveniently aligned with the use of a computer keyboard and wrist rest on the first panel (Fig.2A; 4B).

2. With elbows supported on the armrests of a chair, the upward slant of the forearms can be conveniently aligned with the use of a laptop computer on the first panel (Fig.2B).

3. With elbows supported on the armrests of a chair, the upward slant of forearms can be conveniently aligned with the use of a computer keyboard and wrist rest on the first panel that is connected to a laptop computer on the back portion of the base (Fig.2A). The Preferred Embodiment [Fig.1 A-F; 2A-C]

In the preferred embodiment, the base comprises left and right side members (14a,b; Fig.lA- 1C), and a cross-bar (68) connecting and bracing the left and right side members. The use of said cross-bar for bracing the base has facilitates:

1. More cost-efficient manufacture than other embodiments that use a more bulky means of bracing the base together;

2. An easy, snap-on mode of assembling the base that is known to the prior art;

3. Reduced cost of shipping due to lighter, more compact packaging;

4. Reduced cost by making the second panel a separate, optional feature; and

5. Reduced cost in that an unattached second panel can be made tilt-adjustable more

economically.

The first panel includes an angled projection (12c; Fig. IE, IF) fixedly attached at or near the back end. The angled projection comprises hinge means (23) that connect said angled projection to the base. By this means the first panel can assume alternative angles of inclination to rest wholly on the desktop, or in a positions extended over and beyond the edge of the desktop.

The preferred embodiment further includes a second panel (22; Fig. ID) supported on the back portion of the base, said second panel comprising a stay means (22d) along the front end thereof. Therefore the second panel can rest in a recumbent position upon the left and right side members to support books, files and papers at a low angle that allows a computer monitor to remain visible behind.

Also included is a pivotable strut (76, Fig. IE), attached to the left and right side members, that can be deployed to engage detent means (22c) at or near the back end of the second panel. By this means the second panel can be adjusted to higher angles of tilt as may be desired when a desktop computer monitor is not in use. A bar riser (26, Fig.2C) is also included by means of which a book or notebook (21) for reading or writing on can be supported over the computer keyboard astride a wrist rest (25) and the bar riser.

In a second embodiment, a second panel (22, Fig.4A-F) is supported on the back portion of the base. The base comprises left and right side members (14a,b) that support the second panel in a sloping position, and are fixedly attached to said second panel. The first panel includes an angled projection (12c; Fig.4B,D,F) fixedly attached at or near the back end. The angled projection comprises hinge means (23) that connect it (12c) to the second panel.

In a third embodiment, a second panel (22, Fig.5A,B,C) is supported on the back portion of the base. The back portion of the base comprises a base panel (68c) and elevation means (68a,b; 14a,b) that fixedly attach the second panel to the base panel. The first panel comprises an angled projection (12c) fixedly attached at or near the back end. The angled projection comprises hinge means (23) that connect it (12c) to the second panel. The front portion of the base comprises a riser (13; Fig.5A-5C) that is fixedly attached to the base panel for supportively engaging the underside of the first panel at or near the mid-section thereof. In a fourth embodiment, the base comprises left and right side members (14a,b; Fig.6A,B) including two back portions (18,19) extending behind the first panel, and two front portions (16a,b) extending under the first panel. The first panel (12) is fixedly attached to the front portions in a sloping position. The back portions comprise back ends (18a, 19a) and front ends front ends (18b, 19b), the front ends being close to and lower than the back end of the first panel, so that the back portions extend countersunk behind the first panel.

A fifth embodiment adds to the fourth, a second panel (22, Fig.7) supported on the back portions, comprising a stay means (22d) along the front end thereof (22). A sixth embodiment differs from the fifth in that the left and right side panels (14a,b; Fig.8) are braced by bracing means and extend to the floor as floor-engaging members.

A seventh embodiment differs from the fifth in that the front portions of the left and right side members (Fig.9A,B) supportively engage the underside of the first panel so that the front end of the first panel extends beyond the front portion of the base. When extended beyond the edge of a desktop, the supportive strength of the extended front portion of the first panel provided by the weight of the base on the desktop.

All embodiments have stay means in principle, though it is not shown in all the drawings, even as the new uses are not shown for each embodiment, but only in a few drawings to illustrate the principle that needs not be repeated for each instance. The preferred stay means for the first panel comprises a middle stay (34a; Fig.3A) at the middle of the front end, and two lateral stays (34b,c) at or near the extremities of the front end. Preferably, the middle stay comprises pins (38a,b; Fig.3B,C) on the underside thereof, and the first panel comprises holes (42a,b,c,d) spaced along the front end for receiving the pins. By this means the middle stay can be readily positioned on the left, right or middle of the front end of the first panel, as may be desired.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim

1. A desk accessory comprising:

(a) a first panel (12) that includes a back end (12a), a front end (12b) and stay means on the front end;

(b) a base for elevating the back end so that the first panel is attached to the base and inclined towards the user; and

(c) the base comprises a back portion behind the first panel that is close to and lower than the back end of the first panel;

the improvement wherein:

(d) the base further comprises a front portion that supportively engages the underside of the first panel so that:

(i) the front end of the first panel extends beyond the front portion of the base; and

(ii) when extended beyond the edge of a desktop, the supportive strength of the extended front portion of the first panel is provided by the weight of the base on the desktop; whereby:

(i) with elbows supported on the armrests of a chair, the upward slant of forearms can be conveniently aligned with the use of a computer keyboard and wrist rest on the first panel (Fig.2A);

(ii) with elbows supported on the armrests of a chair, the upward slant of the forearms can be conveniently aligned with the use of a laptop computer on the first panel (Fig.2B); and

(iii) with elbows supported on the armrests of a chair, the upward slant of forearms can be conveniently aligned with the use of a computer keyboard and wrist rest on the first panel that is connected to a laptop computer on the back portion of the base (Fig.2A).

2. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base comprises left and right side members (14a,b; Fig. lA-lC), and a cross-bar (68) connecting and bracing the left and right side members; whereby the use of said cross-bar facilitates:

(i) more cost-efficient manufacture than other embodiments that use a more bulky means of bracing the base together; (ii) an easy, snap-on mode of assembling the base that is known to the prior art;

(iii) reduced cost of shipping due to lighter, more compact packaging;

(iv) reduced cost by making the second panel a separate, optional feature; and

(v) reduced cost in that an unattached second panel can be made tilt- adjustable more economically.

3. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 2, wherein:

(a) the first panel includes an angled projection (12c; Fig. IE, IF) fixedly attached at or near the back end; and

(b) the angled projection comprises hinge means (23) that connect said angled projection to the base;

whereby the first panel can assume alternative angles of inclination to rest wholly on the desktop, or in a positions extended over and beyond the edge of the desktop.

4. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 2 further including a second panel (22; Fig. ID) supported on the back portion of the base, comprising a stay means (22d) along the front end thereof; whereby the second panel can rest in a recumbent position upon the left and right side members to support books, files and papers at a low angle that allows a computer monitor to remain visible behind.

5. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 4 further including a pivotable strut (76, Fig. IE) attached to the left and right side members that can be deployed to engage detent means (22c) at or near the back end of the second panel; whereby the second panel can be adjusted to a to higher angles of tilt as may be desired when a desktop computer monitor is not in use.

6. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1 further including a bar riser (26, Fig.2C),

whereby a book or notebook (21) for reading or writing on can be supported over the computer keyboard astride a wrist rest (25) and the bar riser.

7. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1 further including a second panel supported on the back portion of the base.

8. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 7, wherein:

(a) the base comprises left and right side members (14a,b; Fig.4A-F) that support the second panel in a sloping position, and are fixedly attached to the second panel; (b) the first panel includes an angled projection (12c; Fig.4B,D,F) fixedly attached at or near the back end; and

(b) the angled projection comprises hinge means (23) that connect said angled projection to the second panel.

9. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 7, wherein:

(a) the back portion of the base comprises a base panel (68c; Fig.5A,B,C) and elevation means (68a,b; 14a,b) that fixedly attach the second panel to the base panel;

(b) the first panel comprises an angled projection (12c) fixedly attached at or near the back end;

(c) the angled projection comprises hinge means (23) that connect the angled projection to the second panel; and

(d) the front portion of the base comprises a riser (13; Fig.5A-5C) that is fixedly attached to the base panel for supportively engaging the underside of the first panel at or near the mid-section thereof.

10. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

(a) the base comprises left and right side members (14a,b; Fig.6A,B) including two

back portions (18,19) extending behind the first panel, and two front portions (16a,b) extending under the first panel;

(b) the first panel (12) is fixedly attached to the front portions in a sloping position; and

(c) the back portions comprise back ends (18a, 19a) and front ends front ends (18b, 19b), the front ends being close to and lower than the back end of the first panel, so that the back portions extend countersunk behind the first panel.

11. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 10, further including a second panel (22, Fig.7) supported on the back portions, comprising a stay means (22d) along the front end thereof.

12. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 11, wherein the left and right side panels (14a,b;

Fig.8) are braced by bracing means and extend to the floor as floor-engaging members.

13. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 11, wherein the front portions of the left and right side members (Fig.9A,B) supportively engage the underside of the first panel so that: (a) the front end of the first panel extends beyond the front portion of the base; and

(b) when extended beyond the edge of a desktop, the supportive strength of the extended front portion of the first panel is helped by the anchoring weight of the base on the desktop.

14. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stay means comprises:

(a) a middle stay (34a; Fig.3A) at the middle of the front end; and

(b) two lateral stays (34b,c) at or near the extremities of the front end.

15. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 14, wherein:

(a) the middle stay comprises pins (38a,b; Fig.3B,C) on the underside thereof; and

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

whereby the middle stay can be readily positioned on the left, right or middle of the front end of the first panel, as may be desired.