WO2019030591A1

WO2019030591A1 - A multi-purpose desktop accessory for reading, writing and computer usage

Info

Publication number: WO2019030591A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/055370
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gene LASHLEY
Original assignee: Lashley Gene
Priority date: 2017-08-08
Filing date: 2018-07-19
Publication date: 2019-02-14

Abstract

A desk accessory includes a first panel (12) comprising a back end (12a), a front end (12b), stay means (34) on the front end, and a support (14) that tilts the first panel to a gently inclined position. The support comprises a back portion behind the first panel for supporting desired items, and for providing needed weight to stabilize the first panel in a position conveniently extended over the edge of a desktop. The support also comprises a front portion that supportively engages the underside of the first panel to stabilize it in the substantially extended position. With elbows supported on armrests of a chair, the first panel can be used in a comfortable, laidback sitting posture for reading and writing, for using a laptop computer, or for using a computer keyboard with a wrist rest. A computer keyboard or the laptop computer can also be used comfortably on the back portion of the support while the first panel is being used for reading and writing.

Description

A MULTI-PURPOSE DESKTOP ACCESSORY

FOR READING, WRITING AND COMPUTER USAGE

PRIORITY CLAIMS

This PCT patent application claims the benefit of US Provisional Applications No. 62/679,795 filed June 2, 2018, and No. 62/542,598 filed August 8, 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 ergonomic 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 specification describes new inventive solutions that greatly improve desktop space- efficiency, convenience and versatility for inline multi-tasking.

THE PRIOR ART

A horizontal desktop provides a flat surface for supporting items related to desk work. For the [Type here] purposes of reading, writing and computer usage, however, a flat desktop is uncomfortable, inconvenient and inefficient. A tilted surface is far better for such purposes. But the drawback of a wholly tilted or mostly tilted desktop is that there would not be enough flat space for supporting items related to desk work. The solution therefore has been to use a desk accessory comprising a tilted worktop.

Three relatively new products have some bearing on the present invention. One by inventor Gregory Bright is described in the patent US6745986B 1 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.

Another product, called the 'Aviator', is apparently not patented. It is currently marketed at Keynamics.com as a laptop computer stand or holder that is especially suitable for use on airplanes. It 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 'Tilt-n-Slide Keyboard Manager' marketed by the Fellowe's brand. It is a tilt- adjustable platform for a computer keyboard, featuring a built-in wrist rest and mouse pad. It can be attached with built-in clamps to the front edge of a desk; no tools are required. It is adjustable from 0 to 30 degrees tilt so that, with the elbows supported on the armrests of a chair, the upward slant of forearms and hands are conveniently aligned with the wrist rest and keyboard. It enables a more comfortable, laidback sitting posture and, for users who are not touch-typists, a more erect posture of the head and neck. This product is the most recent arrival on the market that exemplifies this relatively new, ergonomic method of using a tilted computer keyboard.

LIABILITIES OF THE PRIOR ART

The problem with the vast majority of available desk accessories has been that, when supported at the standard desktop height, the front end of the tilted worktop is too high. Optimal alignment with the upward slant of the user's forearms and hands requires that the front end be lower as well as substantially extended beyond the edge of the desktop. Raising the height of the chair does not solve this problem because, in doing so, the straight alignment of the forearms and hands with the slant of the worktop is broken, causing the hands to bend back uncomfortably at the wrist when using the inclined platform or worktop. With a lower, substantially extended worktop, the user can assume a more comfortable, laid-back sitting posture.

The 'Support Apparatus and Method' is apparently the first product that demonstrated the ergonomic feasibility of using a computer keyboard or a laptop computer in an extended, sloping position, extended over the edge of a desktop. This 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 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 bulky and expensive to manufacture. It was not a cost-effective design. The 'Aviator' has 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 Tilt-n-Slide Keyboard Manager is more complicated mechanically, and does exclusively for the computer keyboard what the Aviator does exclusively for the laptop computer. As a single-function accessory it seems to deliver its innovative function adequately, with no particular liabilities except, perhaps, its higher cost and the lack of versatility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary elements of the present invention relate to a cost-efficient means of stabilizing a tilted worktop for use in a substantially extended position, wherein a substantial front portion of the worktop is unsupported by anything directly below it. The basic means of doing so also has additional uses, and substantially improves the multi-tasking capability of the desk accessory. The key features and uses are as follows.

1. The means of stabilizing the extended worktop combines: (a) the rearward extension of the worktop's support to provide convenient placement for various items immediately behind the worktop, as well as to provide more weight for anchorage of the extended portion of the worktop; and (b) the forward extension of the worktop's support to supportively engage the underside of the worktop, thereby connecting the weight of the back portion with the underside of the worktop to enhance the supportive strength of the worktop, especially the portion extended over the edge of the desktop. Through the front portion of the support, the extra weight of the back portion creates resistance to downward pressure on the extended front end of the worktop.

2. Various uses of the rear-extended or back portion include:

(a) support for a computer keyboard or laptop computer in a countersunk position that, with forearms and wrists supported on the worktop, the user's hands and fingers curve naturally and conveniently over the keys thereof;

(b) a second panel included with the support's back portion allows items to be placed thereon, which require a flat surface, such as hardcopy, books, a food container, a beverage glass, a cell phone, and so on; and

(c) an adjustable strut for tilting the second panel to higher angles, as may be desired. 3. 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 worktop (first panel). Also, a more comfortable, laid-back sitting posture, and a more upright head posture is facilitated for laptop computer usage. 4. 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 positioned on the inclined worktop behind a suitable wrist rest. A more comfortable, laid-back sitting posture, and a more upright posture the head and neck is thereby made possible when using a computer keyboard. 5. A book or notebook for reading or writing on can be supported over a computer keyboard on the worktop, astride the wrist rest and a bar riser behind the keyboard.

6. A stay means along the front end of the worktop comprises an elongate middle stay and two lateral stays, by means of which hardcopy can be supported across the full width of first panel, while providing spaces or gaps between the stays for the hands and arms to rest comfortably on the worktop. 7. The middle stay can be readily moved to the left or right side, as may be desired, to accommodate the convenient angling of hardcopy for writing on. The worktop is also useful as a low-tilted easel or copyholder for reading material, which allows a computer monitor to be visible behind.

8. The ergonomic 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. Greg Bright. The present invention introduces superior efficiency for each of several functions, and wide versatility for multi-tasking.

A 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' .

REF. VIEW BRIEF DESCRIPTION

1A SEV 2^nd panel is co-planar behind 1^st panel on left & right side members.

IB TPV Back & front portions of left & right side members, braced by crossbar.

1C SEV Forearms and hands aligned with wrist rest and computer keyboard.

ID SEV Elbows on armrests; forearms and hands aligned with laptop computer.

IE SEV Book supported over computer keyboard astride wrist rest & bar riser.

IF SEV Computer keyboard on 1^st panel operating laptop computer on 2^nd panel.

2A SEV As Fig.2B; elbows on armrests; forearms aligned with 1^st panel.

2B SEV Horizontal back portion of support is level with back end of 1^st panel.

2C SEV Back portion is horizontal & countersunk; 1^st panel is hinged to support.

2D TPV Left & right side members support computer keyboard behind 1^st panel.

3A SEV Fig.2B with 2^nd panel added for supporting food & drink.

3B SEV Back portion of support is elevated; 2^nd panel added; 1^st panel is hinged.

3C TPV Left & right side members extending under 1^st & 2^nd panels.

4A RPV Side members; crossbar; countersunk back portion and adjustable strut.

4B TPV Front support under 1^st panel; back support under keyboard.

4C SEV Forearms and wrists on 1^st panel; fingers conveniently over keyboard.

4D SEV Forearms and wrists on 1^st panel; fingers conveniently over keys of laptop

5A SEV Elbows on armrests; forearms aligned with tilted wrist rest & keyboard.

5B SEV Elbows on armrests; forearms & hands aligned with tilted laptop. 5C RPV 2^nd panel holds hardcopy behind tilted keyboard on extended 1^st panel.

5D SEV Strut and 2^nd panel; back & front portions of support anchors of 1^st panel.

5E SEV Book supported for use over keyboard astride wrist rest & bar riser.

6A SEV 2^nd panel is co-planar with 1^st panel; base panel connects risers to 1^st panel.

6B SPV 2^nd panel parallels base panel; base panel connects both risers to 1^st panel.

6C SPV 2^nd panel parallels 1^st panel; base panel connects both risers to 1^st panel

6D SPV 1^st panel is hinged to L-shaped riser; 2^nd panel parallels base panel.

6E SPV 1^st panel is hinged to L-shaped riser; 2^nd panel parallels first panel.

7A TPV Stays support hardcopy across the panel; spaces allow manual access.

7B TPV Pins of middle stay can engage alternative holes between lateral stays.

7C TPV Book is angled for comfortable writing by adjusting middle stay sideways.

A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Basic Elements The inventive desk accessory comprises a worktop in the form of a first panel (12) comprising a back end (12a), a front end (12b) and stay means (34) on the front end. A support (14) is attached to the back end, elevating the back end, and tilting the first panel to an inclined position facing the user. The support comprises a back portion extending behind the first panel from a position at or near the back end of first panel so that various items can be conveniently supported thereon, and extra weight is provided to stabilize the first panel in a position substantially extended beyond the edge of a desktop. The support further comprises a front portion that supportively engages the underside of the first panel so that when the front end of the first panel is extended substantially beyond the edge of a desktop, the supportive strength of the front end of the first panel is rigidly connected to and reinforced by the additional weight of the back portion on the desktop.

The benefits of these basic elements are that, 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 (29; Fig.1D;5B) on the first panel. Furthermore, a more comfortable, laid-back posture is facilitated for using a laptop computer. The use of a suitable wrist rest (25; Fig.lC; 1F;2A;5A) on the first panel behind the stay means provides three additional benefits. First, 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 positioned on the first panel behind the wrist rest. Second, a computer keyboard can be used on the first panel connected to a laptop computer supported behind the first panel (26; Fig. lC;lF;2A;2B;5A;5E). And third, a more comfortable, laid-back sitting posture, and a more upright posture of the neck and head are facilitated when using a computer keyboard.

The combination of a bar riser (26; Fig.lE;5E) with the wrist rest on the first panel, enables a book or notebook (21) for reading or writing on to be supported over a computer keyboard astride the wrist rest and the bar riser. On the first panel, the stay means preferably comprises an elongate middle stay (34a; Fig.7A) at the middle of the front end, and two lateral stays (34b,c) at or near the extremities of the front end. The middle stay preferably comprises pins (46a,b; Fig.7B) on the underside thereof, and the first panel preferably comprises holes (42a,b,c,d) along the front end for receiving the pins. By this means hardcopy (40; Fig.7A) such as loose pages, open folders and books can be supported across the entire width of the first panel, while allowing the hands and forearms comfortable access to the worktop between the middle and lateral stays. Furthermore, the middle stay can be readily moved to the left or right side (Fig.7B,C), as may be desired, to accommodate the convenient angling of hardcopy (21) for writing on. The wrist rest, bar riser and adjustable stays are preferred features for all embodiments of the desk accessory. A number of embodiments having the basic elements of the inventive desk accessory are further characterized in that the support for the first panel comprises left and right side members (14a,b; Fig. lB;2D;3C;4A;4B), and a cross-member (68) that connects and braces the left and right side members. In the preferred embodiment, the back portion of the left and right side members (Fig.4A;4C;4D;5A-E) is countersunk and inclined upwards a from a position close to and below the back end of the first panel. By this means, with the forearms and wrists supported on the first panel, a user's fingers can be comfortably positioned over a computer keyboard supported on the countersunk, inclined back portion (Fig.4C). Also, with the forearms and wrists supported on the first panel, a user's fingers can be comfortably positioned over a laptop computer supported on the countersunk, inclined back portion (Fig.4D). Furthermore computer usage can be combined with reading and writing on the first panel frontally between a computer monitor and the user (Fig.4C- D). In the preferred embodiment the first panel includes an angled projection (12c; Fig.5D) fixedly attached to the back end of the first panel. The angled projection comprises hinge means (23) that connect it to the support. By this means the first panel can assume alternative angles of inclination to rest wholly on the desktop, or in positions extended over and beyond the edge of the desktop. A second panel (22; Fig.5A-5D) can be placed on the back portion. The second panel comprises a stay means (22d) along the front end, so that said second panel can rest in a recumbent position behind the first panel to support books, files and papers at a low angle that allows a computer monitor to remain visible behind.

Preferably, a pivotable strut (76; Fig.4A; 4B;5D) is attached to the left and right side members, which strut can be deployed to engage detent means (22c) near the back end of the second panel. In this way the second panel can be adjusted to higher angles of tilt, as may be desired (Fig.5D).

In a second embodiment the back portion of the support includes a second panel (22; Fig.1 A- IE) that is co-planar with the first panel. The second panel comprises a back end (22a), a front end (22b) and a stay means (22d) on the front end for the support of items thereon (22). In a fourth embodiment the back portion of the left and right side members (14a,b; Fig.2A-2D) is horizontal, so that the back portion may conveniently support a computer keyboard or a laptop computer. The back portion of the left and right side members includes a second panel (22; Fig.3A-3C) whereon items requiring a flat surface can be conveniently supported, such as a glass or food container (Fig.3A).

In a number of embodiments, the support comprises a base panel (14d; Fig.6A-6E) that is fixedly attached at the back end to a base riser (14c), and fixedly attached at the front end to the underside of the first panel. A riser (12c) is fixedly attached to the back end of the first panel, and fixedly attached to the base panel; and a second panel (22) is fixedly attached to the base riser. Among this group of embodiments is a fifth embodiment in which the second panel (22; Fig.6A) comprises stay means (22d), and is co-planar with and fixedly attached to the first panel. In a sixth embodiment the second panel (Fig.6B) is fixedly attached to the back end of the first panel and parallel to the base panel. In a seventh embodiment, the second panel (Fig.6C) is fixedly attached to the riser of the first panel and substantially parallel to the first panel.

In an eighth embodiment, the support includes an L-shaped riser (30; Fig.6D) comprising a long arm and a short arm. It (30) is inverted upon and fixedly attached to a base panel (14d), with the long arm connected to the front end of the base panel. The first panel comprises hinge means (23) connecting it to the L-shaped riser. The back end of the base panel is fixedly attached a base riser (14c), which is fixedly attached to a second panel (22), which is fixedly attached to the L-shaped riser and parallel to the base panel.

In a ninth embodiment an L-shaped riser (30; Fig.6E) comprises a long arm and a short arm, that is inverted upon and fixedly attached to a base panel (14d), with the long arm connected to the front end of the base panel. The first panel comprises hinge means connecting it to the L-shaped riser. The back end of the base panel is fixedly attached to a base riser (14c), which is fixedly attached to a second panel (22), which is fixedly attached to the L-shaped riser and substantially parallel to the first panel.

Claims

1

I claim 1. A desk accessory comprising:

(a) a worktop in the form of a first panel (12) comprising a back end (12a), a front end (12b) and stay means (34) on the front end; and

(b) a support (14) attached to the back end, elevating the back end, and tilting the

first panel to an inclined position facing the user;

the improvement wherein the support comprises:

(c) a back portion extending behind the first panel from a position at or near the back end of the first panel, whereby:

(i) various items can be conveniently supported thereon; and

(ii) extra weight is providing to stabilize the first panel in a position substantially

extended beyond the edge of a desktop; and

(d) a front portion that supportively engages the underside of the first panel so that, when the front end of the first panel is extended substantially beyond the edge of a desktop, the supportive strength of the front end is rigidly connected to and improved by the additional weight of the back portion on the desktop;

whereby:

(i) 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 (29; Fig. lD;5BB) on the first panel; and

(ii) a more comfortable, laid-back posture is facilitated for using a laptop computer.

2. The desk accessory as clamed in claim 1 further including a wrist rest (25; Fig.lC; 1F;2A;5A) supported on the first panel behind the stay means, 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 positioned on the first panel behind the wrist rest; and

(ii) a computer keyboard can be used on the first panel connected to a laptop computer supported behind the first panel (26; Fig.lC;lF;2A;2B;5A;5E).

(iii) a more comfortable, laid-back sitting posture, and a more upright posture of the neck

[Type here] 2 and head are facilitated for using a computer keyboard.

The desk accessory as clamed in claim 2 further including a bar riser (26; Fig.1E;5E), whereby a book or notebook (21) for reading or writing on can be supported over a computer keyboard astride the wrist rest and the bar riser on the first panel.

The desk accessory as clamed in claim 1 wherein:

(a) the stay means comprises an elongate middle stay (34a; Fig.7A) at the middle of the front end, and two lateral stays (34b,c) at or near the extremities of the front end;

(b) the middle stay comprises pins (46a,b; Fig.7B) on the underside thereof; and

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

(i) hardcopy (40; Fig.7A) such as loose pages, open folders and books can be supported across the width of the first panel, while affording comfortable access to the worktop for the hands and forearms between the middle and lateral stays; and

(ii) the middle stay can be readily moved to the left or right side (Fig.7B,C), as may

be desired, to accommodate the convenient angling of hardcopy (21) for writing on.

The desk accessory as clamed in claim 1 wherein the support comprises left and right side members (14a,b; Fig. lB;2D;3C;4A;4B), and a cross-member (68) that connects and braces the left and right side members.

The desk accessory as claimed in claim 5 wherein the back portion of the left and right side members (Fig.4A;4C;4D;5A-E) is countersunk and inclined upwards a from a position close to and below the back end of the first panel, whereby:

(i) with the forearms and wrists supported on the first panel, a user's fingers can be comfortably positioned over a computer keyboard supported on the countersunk, inclined back portion (Fig.4C);

(ii) with the forearms and wrists supported on the first panel, a user's fingers can be comfortably positioned over a laptop computer supported on the countersunk, inclined back portion (Fig.4D); and

(iii) computer usage can be combined with reading and writing on the first panel, frontally between a computer monitor and the user (Fig.4C-D). 3

7. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

(a) the first panel includes an angled projection (12c; Fig.2C;5D) fixedly attached to the back end; and

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

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

8. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 5, further including a second panel (22; Fig.5A-5D) supported on the back portion, and a stay means (22d) along the front end thereof; whereby the second panel can rest in a recumbent position behind the first panel to support books, files and papers at a low angle that allows a computer monitor to remain visible behind.

9. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 8, further including a pivotable strut (76; Fig.4A;

4B;5D) attached to the left and right side members, that can be deployed to engage detent means (22c) near the back end of the second panel; whereby the second panel can be adjusted to higher angles of tilt, as may be desired (Fig.5D).

10. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 5 wherein:

(a) the back portion of the support includes a second panel (22; Fig.1 A- IE) that is co-planar with the first panel; and

(b) the second panel comprises a back end (22a), a front end (22b) and a stay means (22d) on the front end for the support of items on the second panel. 11. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 5 wherein the back portion of the left and right side members (14a,b; Fig.2A-2D) is horizontal, whereby the back portion can conveniently support a computer keyboard or a laptop computer.

12. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 11 wherein the back portion of the left and right side members includes a second panel (22; Fig.3A-3C), whereon items requiring a flat surface, such as a glass or food container can be conveniently supported (Fig.3A).

13. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support includes:

(a) a base panel (14d; Fig.6A-6E) that is fixedly attached at the back end to a base riser (14c), 4 and fixedly attached at the front end to the underside of the first panel;

(b) a riser (12c) that is fixedly attached to the back end of the first panel, and fixedly attached to the base panel; and

(c) second panel (22) that is fixedly attached to the base riser.

14. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 13 wherein the second panel (22; Fig.6A) comprises stay means (22d), and is co-planar with and fixedly attached to the first panel.

15. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 13 wherein the second panel (Fig.6B) is fixedly attached to the back end of the first panel and parallel to the base panel.

16. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 13 wherein the second panel (Fig.6C) is fixedly

attached to the riser of the first panel and substantially parallel to the first panel.

17. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support includes:

(a) an L-shaped riser (30; Fig.6D) comprising a long arm and a short arm, that is inverted upon and fixedly attached to a base panel (14d), with the long arm connected to the front end of the base panel;

(b) the first panel comprising hinge means (23) connecting it to the L-shaped riser; and

(c) the back end of the base panel being fixedly attached a base riser (14c), which is fixedly attached to a second panel (22), which is fixedly attached to the L-shaped riser and parallel to the base panel.

18. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support includes:

(a) an L-shaped riser (30; Fig.6E) comprising a long arm and a short arm, that is inverted upon and fixedly attached to a base panel (14d), with the long arm connected to the front end of the base panel;

(b) the first panel comprising hinge means connecting it to the L-shaped riser; and

(c) the back end of the base panel being fixedly attached to a base riser (14c), which is fixedly attached to a second panel (22), which is fixedly attached to the L-shaped riser and substantially parallel to the first panel.