Computer workstation with movable platform

• US 5,931,549 A
• Filed: 08/25/1997
• Issued: 08/03/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Paul E. Lindberg
• Original Assignee: Paul E. Lindberg
• Inventors: Lindberg, Paul E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chen, Jose V.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Wilkens, Janet M.
• Application Number:
  US08/917,663
• Time in Patent Office: 708 Days
• Field of Search: 312/22, 312/23, 312/24, 312/26, 312/27, 312/30, 312/194, 312/195, 312/208.5, 312/223.3, 312/313, 312/316, 312/319.2, 312/327, 312/21, 312/208.1, 312/7.2, 108/38, 108/13, 108/34, 248/919, 248/917, 248/922, 248/923
• US Class Current: 312/223.3
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/00 Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/0073 liftable above the desk top
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0073 Desk with integrated computer

Abstract

A computer workstation has a rectangular desktop with an opening in it. A locking lid fills the opening when the desk is closed, thus leaving a reasonably solid and smooth desktop. When the locking lid is released, gas springs under pressure push a platform (connection at right angles to the lid) causing both to rotate on a continuous hinge until the platform becomes level with the desktop and the lid is perpendicular to the desktop. Attached to the platform is a computer, which now is in a level position in front of the operator. By applying minimal downward pressure, the computer, platform, and lid return to the closed position. A keyboard tray, located in the center of the workstation and below the front edge of the desktop, can be used in the retracted position for learning touch-typing or extended for typing with the keyboard visible. A lockable door in the front of the workstation covers the inner area where the computer hangs on the platform when in the closed position.

Claims

1. A computer workstation comprising:

a rectangular desk with two vertical side panels, adjoining a back, bottom, and front rails;

a rectangular desktop with an opening therein attached to the desk;

a lid combined at a right angle with a platform, forming an assembly, disposed in the desktop opening and combined with the desktop to yield a substantially flat work surface when in a closed position;

means for movably mounting said lid and platform assembly allow rotation of the assembly resulting in the lid ending at a right angle to said desktop and said platform disposed in said opening in an open position;

a plurality of curved rods attached through the platform and lid assembly, when the assembly is in its open position, said rods being adjustable in a horizontal plane and rotational to conform to various shaped computers, said rods adapted to stop lateral movement of the computer during rotation of said platform and lid assembly;

linkage means attached to the inside of one of the side panels of the desk and connected to the underside of the platform provide movement and suspension for the assembly between its open and closed positions;

a bracket located on the assembly and including means of adjustment confining movement of the computer, when the assembly is in its open position, said adjustment means being vertically adjustable to confine movement of the computer in a vertical plane; and

a keyboard tray mounted in the desk below the desktop with space allowing typing with said tray in a retracted position for touch-typing training, or extended for regular typing use.