Workstation for electronic equipment operator

• US 4,688,862 A
• Filed: 05/03/1985
• Issued: 08/25/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Marvel Metal Products Company
• Original Assignee: Marvel Metal Products Company
• Inventors: Karadimas, Margaret, DeSimone, Ronald, Fowler, David K., Termini, Frank J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dorner, Kenneth J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Rendos, Thomas A.
• Application Number:
  US06/730,294
• Time in Patent Office: 844 Days
• Field of Search: 312/208, 312/279, 312/196, 312/27, 312/24, 312/30, 312/325, 248/1 A, 248/1 B, 248/1 C, 248/1 E, 248/1 F, 248/1 H, 248/1 I, 248/1 J, 248/118, 248/118.1, 248/118.3, 248/118.5, 400/715, 108/20
• US Class Current: 312/325
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 11/00 Tables with tops revolvable on vertical spindles
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2021/0392 height adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/00 Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/0371 Platforms for supporting wrists
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/10 around a horizontal axis F16M11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2014 around a vertical axis F16M11/2035 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2092 comprising means allowing depth adjustment, i.e. forward-backward translation of the head relatively to the undercarriage
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/24 changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each otherF16M11/42 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/42 with arrangement for propelling the support stands on wheels
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/041 for balancing rotational movement of the head

Abstract

A workstation or terminal table utility for use with electronic information devices. The workstation incorporates selectively adjustable means for enabling an operator to most effectively and efficiently use the devices supported on the workstation while at the same time minimizing muscle fatigue and strain during operation of the devices.

Claims

1. A workstation for use as a word or data processing center, a microfilm center, a CRT terminal table, or the like electronic information device, comprising:

a main support member having a top panel for supporting an electronic information device in an operable position on the main support member;

movable arm support means positioned in a recess formed along margin of the main support member;

bracket means depending from the ends of the arm support means;

a pair of arm members each pivotally connected to said bracket means;

a pair of plate members pivotally connected to said bracket means, said plate members being provided with an arcuate slot;

first releasable locking means carried on said plate members and connected through said arcuate slot in the plate members to said arm members, said first locking means and said arcuate slot cooperating to enable the arm support means to be selectively positioned above the top panel in spaced relation to an electronic information device supported on said top panel;

a pair of horizontally disposed channel members positioned below said top panel;

slidable runners carried on said channel members and movable in a horizontal plane along said channel members, the forward end of the slidable runners being pivotally connected to said plate members to enable the arm support means to be moved out of said recess when the slidable runners are moved toward the operator;

biasing means connected to the slidable runners and to said plate members to facilitate the return of the arm support means to its normal position is said recess when the arm support means is not in use; and

second releasable locking means provided for said slidable runners for selectively maintaining the arm support means in a desired position with relation to the top panel and an operator of an electronic information device supported on the top panel of the workstation.

2. A workstation according to claim 1 wherein the channel members are secured to the top panel of the main support member, said channel members being provided with longitudinally extending slots which in cooperation with said second releasable locking means limit the forward and rearward travel of the slidable runners.

3. A workstation for use as a word or data processing center, a CRT terminal table, a microfilm center, or the like electronic information device, comprising:

a main support member having a top panel for supporting an electronic information device in an operable position on the main support member;

a carrel secured on said top panel, said carrel being provided with shelf means for supporting electronic information components in a position where they are easily viewable by an operator;

an auxiliary support unit positioned on said top panel, said auxiliary support unit being both rotatable and tiltable to enable an operator of an electronic information device supported thereon to adjust the orientation of the device as needed for effective operation;

a drawer for the main support member for receiving a keyboard of the type used in conjunction with electronic information devices, said drawer being movable to a hidden position under said top panel when the keyboard is not in use;

arm support means positioned in a recess formed along a margin of the main support member and above said drawer;

bracket means depending from the ends of the arm support means;

a pair of arm members each pivotally connected to said bracket means;

a pair of plate members pivotally connected to said bracket means, said plate members being provided with an arcuate slot;

first releasable locking means carried on said plate members and connected through said arcuate slot in the plate members to said arm members, said first locking means and said arcuate slot cooperating to enable the arm support means to be selectively positioned above the top panel in spaced relation to an electronic information device supported on said top panel;

a pair of horizontally disposed channel members positioned below said top panel;

slidable runners carried on said channel members and movable in a horizontal plate along said channel members, the forward end of the slidable runners being pivotally connected to said plate members to enable the arm support means to be moved out of said recess when the slidable runners are moved toward the operator;

biasing means connected to the slidable runners and to said plate members to facilitate the return of the arm support means to its normal position in said recess when the arm suport means is not in use; and

second releasable locking means provided for said slidable runners for selectively maintaining the arm support means in a desired position with relation to the top panel and an operator of an electronic information device supported on the top panel of the workstation.