Desk-type computer work station

• US 5,071,204 A
• Filed: 01/18/1990
• Issued: 12/10/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 04/05/1985
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Engineered Data Products, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Engineered Data Products, Inc.
• Inventors: Drabczyk, Matthew P., Price, Macy J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Falk, Joseph
• Application Number:
  US07/467,123
• Time in Patent Office: 691 Days
• Field of Search: 312/194, 312/203, 312/208, 312/20, 312/7.2, 312/279, 312/213, 312/223, 312/195, 312/190, 108/1, 108/4, 108/11 A, 248/132, 248/188.5, 248/133, 248/139, 248/13, D14/103
• US Class Current: 312/194
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2021/0076 the screen being incorporated in the desk top
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2021/0321 Keyboard supports
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2021/0335 mounted under the worksurface
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/007 with under-desk displays, e.g. displays being viewable through a transparent working surface of the table or desk
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/0314 Platforms for supporting office equipment
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/06 characterised by means for holding, fastening or concealing cables
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0073 Desk with integrated computer
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/06 Desks with inlet and evacuation of air
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2210/15 Keyboard drawers

Abstract

A desk-type work station for a computer-type system apparatus is provided wherein a generally flat top panel having a central transparent portion is supported on a pair of laterally spaced apart supports to define a work space therebetween and beneath the central transparent portion so that a display screen movably supported beneath the central transparent portion may be readily viewed and a central drawer is provided on which is supported a keyboard-type input apparatus and wherein one component of the computer-type system apparatus is located in one of the supports and another component thereof is located in the other of the supports. A plurality of openings extend through the top panel to provide access openings to the components of the computer-type system apparatus and to provide passageways for the escape of heated air generated by the operation of the components and removable cover sections are provided for covering the openings with each of the removable cover sections having passageways for the removal of the heated air. Also, an auxiliary shelf is supported on the generally flat top panel and guides are provided for properly locating the auxiliary shelf on the generally flat top panel.

Claims

1. A work station for holding and permitting operation of a computer system including a CRT device comprising:

an upper flat work surface means for providing an upper work surface;

a pair of laterally spaced pedestal means for supporting said upper flat work surface means;

an open space located beneath said upper flat work surface means and between said laterally spaced pedestal means;

transparent panel means in said upper flat work surface means located above said open space for enabling a computer operator to look into said open space therethrough;

support means located in said open space beneath said transparent panel means for supporting a CRT device in a position enabling the CRT device to be seen through said transparent panel means;

adjustable mounting means for adjustably mounting said CRT device on said support means; and

at least one shelf means in one of said pedestal means for receiving and supporting at least one component of said computer system.

2. A desk-type work station for a data processing, computer-type system apparatus comprising:

an upper generally flat top panel means having a central transparent panel portion, said upper generally flat top panel means having an upper surface to provide support means for work product materials;

said upper generally flat top panel means having at least a front edge portion, a back edge portion and two opposite side edge portions;

a pair of laterally spaced apart support means for supporting said top panel means above a floor surface and defining a work space between said pair of support means and beneath said central transparent panel portion;

a central drawer means beneath said upper generally flat top panel means and between said laterally spaced apart support means for receiving and supporting a keyboard type input means;

movable shelf means having at least a portion thereof located beneath said central transparent panel portion for receiving and supporting a display means unit having a display screen so that said display screen is viewable through said central transparent panel portion;

first side shelf means located in one of said pair of support means for receiving and supporting a component of said computer-type system apparatus;

second side shelf means located in the other of said pair of support means for receiving and supporting another component of said computer-type system apparatus;

a plurality of openings extending through said upper generally flat top panel means and located adjacent to but spaced from said back edge portion and in fluid communication with the interior of each of said pair of support means and said work space between said pair of support means to provide access means to said components of said computer-type system apparatus and said display means unit and for providing a passageway for the escape of heated air resulting from the operation of said components of said computer-type system apparatus;

removable cover means for covering said opening means and having at least one opening therein for permitting passage of said heated air;

a recess extending downwardly from said upper surface to form a back portion and a front portion in said generally flat op panel means;

a plurality of spaced apart, integral connecting strips for connecting said back and front portions;

said plurality of connecting strips separating said opening means into said plurality of openings;

said recess having a pair of spaced apart support ledges;

said removable cover means being supported by said spaced apart support ledges;

said upper surface of said generally flat top panel means being generally planar;

said removable cover means when in position on said support ledges having an upper surface lying in the same plane as said upper upper surface of said generally flat top panel means;

said removable cover means comprise a plurality of separate sections; and

wherein each of said plurality of separate sections comprises;

a plurality of linearly extending bars; and

holding means for holding said bars in spaced apart parallel relationship so as to provide a plurality of openings in each of said sections for permitting passage of said heated air.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein:

said plurality of sections includes two L-shaped end sections supported on two of said connecting strips.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein:

each of said two opposite side edge portions having an outer surface; and

each of said end sections when in position on said connecting strips having an outer surface which is coextensive with the outer surface of its associated side edge portion.

5. A desk-type work station for a data processing, computer-type system apparatus comprising:

an upper generally flat top panel means having a central transparent panel portion, said upper generally flat top panel means having an upper surface to provide support means for work product materials;

said upper generally flat top panel means having at least a front edge portion, a back edge portion and two opposite side edge portions;

a pair of laterally spaced apart support means for supporting said top panel means above a floor surface and defining a work space between said pair of support means and beneath said central transparent panel portion;

a central drawer means beneath said upper generally flat top panel means and between said laterally spaced apart support means for receiving and supporting a keyboard type input means;

movable shelf means having at least a portion thereof located beneath said central transparent panel portion for receiving and supporting a display means unit having a display screen so that said display screen is viewable through said central transparent panel portion;

first side shelf means located in one of said pair of support means for receiving and supporting a component of said computer-type system apparatus;

second side shelf means located in the other of said pair of support means for receiving and supporting another component of said computer-type system apparatus;

opening means extending through said upper generally flat top panel means and located adjacent to but spaced from said back edge portion and in fluid communication with the interior of each of said pair of support means and said work space between said pair of support means to provide access means to said components of said computer-type system apparatus and said display means unit and for providing a passageway for the escape of heated air resulting from the operation of said components of said computer-type system apparatus;

removable cover means for covering said opening means and having at least one opening therein for permitting passage of said heated air;

auxiliary shelf means removable supported on portions of said generally flat top panel means; and

guide means on said auxiliary shelf means and on portions of said removable cover means for properly locating said auxiliary shelf means on said generally flat op panel means.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein:

said front edge portion and said back edge portion each extend in a linear direction and are in parallel relationship and said two opposite side edge portions each extend in a linear direction and are in parallel relationship; and

wherein said auxiliary shelf means comprises;

an upstanding main wall portion extending parallel to said back edge portion and having a front surface located between said back edge portion and said opening means;

a pair of oppositely facing upstanding side wall portions extending outwardly from said main wall portion and extending parallel to said side edge portions;

a top cover portion supported on said main wall portion and said side wall portions; and

shelf means located between said top cover portion and said generally flat top panel means and mounted on said main wall portion and said side wall portions.

7. The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein said opening means comprises:

a plurality of openings extending through said upper generally flat top panel means; and

further comprising;

a recess extending downwardly from said upper surface to form a back portion and a front portion in said generally flat top panel means;

a plurality of spaced apart, integral connecting strips for connecting said back and front portions; and

said plurality of support strips separating said opening means into said plurality of openings.

8. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein:

said recess has a pair of spaced apart support ledges;

said removable cover means comprise a plurality of separate sections supported on said support ledges; and

wherein each of said plurality of separate sections comprises;

a plurality of linearly extending bars;

holding means for holding said bars in spaced apart parallel relationship so as to provide a plurality of openings in each of said sections for permitting passage of said heated air; and

at least two of said plurality of sections are L-shaped end sections supported on two of said connecting strips.

9. The invention as defined in claim 8 wherein:

each of said two opposite side edge portions have an outer surface; and

each of said end sections when in position on said connecting strips having an outer surface which is coextensive with the outer surface of its associated side edge portion.

10. A desk-type work station for a data processing, computer-type system apparatus comprising:

an upper generally flat top panel means having a central transparent panel portion, said upper generally flat top panel means having an upper surface to provide support means for work product materials;

said upper generally flat top panel means having at least a front edge portion, a back edge portion and two opposite side edge portions;

a pair of laterally spaced apart support means for supporting said top panel means above a floor surface and defining a work space between said pair of support means and beneath said central transparent panel portion;

a central drawer means beneath said upper generally flat top panel means and between said laterally spaced apart support means for receiving and supporting a keyboard type input means;

movable shelf means having at least a portion thereof located beneath said central transparent panel portion for receiving and supporting a display means unit having a display screen so that said display screen is viewable through said central transparent panel portion;

first side shelf means located in one of said pair of support means for receiving and supporting a component of said computer-type system apparatus;

second side shelf means located in the other of said pair of support means for receiving and supporting another component of said computer-type system apparatus;

opening means extending through said upper generally flat top panel means and located adjacent to but spaced from said back edge portion and in fluid communication with the interior of each of said pair of support means and said work space between said pair of support means to provide access means to said components of said computer-type system apparatus and said display means unit and for providing a passageway for the escape of heated air resulting from the operation of said components of said computer-type system apparatus;

removable cover means for covering said opening means and having at least one opening therein for permitting passage of said heated air; and

wherein said movable shelf means comprises;

support means mounted on each of said side panels facing said work space and each of said supporting means having an inwardly extending inverted V-shaped section;

a pair of spaced apart side support panels;

a reinforcing panel extending between and connected to said side support panels;

said side support panels having outwardly extending V-shaped sections which are supported on said inverted V-shaped sections for sliding movement thereover;

shelf means extending between said side support panels; and

adjustment means for adjustably mounting said shelf means on said side support panels.

11. The invention as defined in claim 10 wherein said adjustment means comprises:

vertical adjustment means; and

angular adjustment means.

12. The invention as in claim 11 wherein said vertical adjustment means comprises:

a plurality of spaced apart openings in each of said side walls extending in a vertical direction;

a pair of spring urged pins mounted on said shelf means so that said spring urged pins are normally urged in a direction to be received in one of said openings; and

retracting means for retracting said spring urged pins so that said shelf means may be positioned with said spring urged pins opposite the openings to provide for the proper vertical location of said shelf means; and

wherein said angular adjustment means comprises;

a plurality of spaced apart slots in each of said side walls extending in a vertical direction;

a pair of spring urged pins mounted on said shelf means so that said spring urged pins are normally urged in a direction to be received in one of said slots; and

retracting means for retracting said spring urged pins so that said shelf means may be positioned with said spring urged pins opposite the slots to provide for the proper vertical location of said shelf means.

13. A desk-type work station for a data processing, computer-type system apparatus comprising:

an upper generally flat top panel means having a central transparent panel portion, said upper generally flat top panel means having an upper surface to provide support means for work product materials;

said upper generally flat top panel means having at least a front edge portion, a back edge portion and two opposite side edge portions;

a pair of laterally spaced apart support means for supporting said top panel means above a floor surface and defining a work space between said pair of support means and beneath said central transparent panel portion;

a central drawer means beneath said upper generally flat top panel means and between said laterally spaced apart support means for receiving and supporting a keyboard type input means;

movable shelf means having at least a portion thereof located beneath said central transparent panel portion for receiving and supporting a display means unit having a display screen so that said display screen is viewable through said central transparent panel portion;

at least one side shelf means located in one of said pair of support means for receiving and supporting a component of said computer-type system apparatus;

a plurality of openings extending through said upper generally flat top panel means and located adjacent to but spaced from said back edge portion and in fluid communication with the interior of each of said pair of support means and said work space between said pair of support means to provide access means to said components of said computer-type system apparatus and said display means unit and for providing a passageway for the escape of heated air resulting from the operation of said components of said computer-type system apparatus;

removable cover means for covering said opening means and having at least one opening therein for permitting passage of said heated air; and

wherein said opening means comprises;

a recess extending downwardly from said upper surface to form a back portion and a front portion in said generally flat top panel means;

a plurality of spaced apart, integral connecting strips for connecting said back and front portions;

said plurality of connecting strips separating said opening means into said plurality of openings;

said recess having a pair of spaced apart support ledges;

said removable cover means being supported by said spaced apart support ledges;

said upper surface of said generally flat top panel means being generally planar;

said removable cover means when in position on said support ledges having an upper surface lying in the same plane as said upper surface of said generally flat top panel means;

said removable cover means comprise a plurality of separate sections; and

wherein each of said plurality of separate sections comprises;

a plurality of linearly extending bars; and

holding means for holding said bars in spaced apart parallel relationship so as to provide a plurality of openings in each of said sections for permitting passage of said heated air.