Desk-station, computerized school desk

• US 5,452,950 A
• Filed: 04/15/1994
• Issued: 09/26/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 04/15/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Manuel Ruiz, Ralph E. Crenshaw
• Original Assignee: Manuel Ruiz, Ralph E. Crenshaw
• Inventors: Crenshaw, Ralph E., Ruiz, Manuel
• Primary Examiner(s): Dorner, Kenneth J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): WHITE, RODNEY BARNETT
• Application Number:
  US08/228,113
• Time in Patent Office: 529 Days
• Field of Search: 312/223.3, 312/223.6, 312/235.2, 312/235.5, 312/235.6, 312/235.8, 297/170, 297/171, 297/174, 361/685, 361/680, 361/681, 361/682, 248/918
• US Class Current: 312/223.3
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2021/0076 the screen being incorporated in the desk top
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2083/025 Computer workstation with integrated seat
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0072 Computer work stations with integrated seat or chair
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0073 Desk with integrated computer
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 83/02 Tables combined with seats folding or stowable tables with separable parts combined with seats A47B3/063; foldable table and seat units A47B3/14
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/68 Arm-rest tables ; or back-rest tables
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/918 Ancillary device support associated with a video display screen

Abstract

A school desk or table with a smooth writing surface (88), which when in the open position (FIGS. 4 , and 4A) can be utilized as a computer work station on a local area network. The video display (14) is of the thin variety (LCD type); the input device (34) would include a keyboard and a track-ball mouse. Student work can be stored either on the file server or on a floppy disk using a floppy drive (72). The network cable (46A) and power cable (46B) are routed through the desk frame into the computer station underside and connect each individual station to the network and centralized power supply. The desk-station is unlocked by a servo motor (52) which is activated upon powering up the main power supply.

Claims

1. A school desk or work station comprising, in combination:

a first surface generally horizontal with a top side that serves as a support means for reading or writing materials, said surface having an underside and inset substantially in the middle of said underside contains a thin flat video display;

a second surface of similar size and shape as said first surface consisting of a hollow housing having generally vertical sides, an underside and a top side having a sufficient section or plurality of sections removed to allow for the placement of input devices;

a hinge means attaching the bottom of said first surface to the top of said second surface, allowing for said first surface to be manually raised to a generally vertical, slightly slanted, position whereby access to said video display and said input devices is possible;

a rigid frame attached to the underside of said second surface and extending to the floor allowing said first and second surfaces to be at a sufficient height for operator access.

2. A school desk or work station according to claim 1, whereupon said first surface has an indentation on its top side that serves as a pen or pencil holder.

3. A school desk or work station according to claim 1, wherein said second surface has a section removed from one of its sides allowing for access to a secondary memory storage device.

4. A school desk or work station according to claim 3, wherein from said first surface a flap extends perpendicular from one of its sides in a downward position whereby said flap will prevent access to said secondary memory storage device when said first surface is in a generally horizontal position.

5. A school desk or work station according to claim 3, wherein a locking mechanism allows said first surface to be secured to said second surface.

6. A school desk or work station according to claim 5, wherein said locking mechanism can be remotely operated.

7. A school desk or work station according to claim 1, wherein said rigid frame is hollow, allowing power and communication cables to access said second surface through said hollow frame.

8. A school desk or work station according to claim 1, wherein said frame is attached to a chair.

9. A school desk or work station according to claim 8, where said chair is fixed to the floor.