Computer workstation

• US 6,389,992 B1
• Filed: 03/23/2000
• Issued: 05/21/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Miller, Jason L.
• Original Assignee: Miller, Jason L.
• Inventors: Miller, Jason L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuomo, Peter M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): ANDERSON, GERALD A
• Application Number:
  US09/533,253
• Time in Patent Office: 789 Days
• Field of Search: 108/50.41, 108/92, 108/94, 108/95, 108/102, 108/104, 108/105, 108/5, 108/1, 108/141, 108/59, 108/10, 108/147
• US Class Current: 108/102
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2083/025 Computer workstation with integrated seat
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0023 Columnar component for computer, stand or trolley
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/05 Service tables resting on the floor and also being fixed or related to an item of furniture
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/13 Table and chair assembly for disabled persons, used as workplace
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 23/04 supported from table, floor or wall

Abstract

A support structure for establishing a computer workstation around a chair, such as an easy chair or wheelchair. The support structure includes a flat base having a plurality of vertical posts projecting upwardly therefrom. Two of the posts have swing arms terminating in additional swing arms. An inclinably adjustable support platform is disposed above each final swing arm. Either support arm may optionally have a drawer and a clip for retaining papers. The compound swing arms enable the platform to be adjusted to any desired proximity to the post, within a range. The working surfaces of each support platform can be inclined, and the height of each support platform can be adjusted. The support structure has optional auxiliary features including a cup holder, a pencil tray, storage shelves and a filing cabinet, a tabletop having a drawer and a cover panel depending therefrom, for concealing power and communication cables, power cables disposed within the posts, a power supply, an exposed power jack connected to said second power cable, and an auxiliary support for supporting a speaker thereatop. One alternative embodiment includes a motor and a mechanical linkage for adjusting swing arm position.

Claims

1. A support structure in combination with a personal computer system for supporting a computer and related peripherals in proximity to a chair, comprising:

a) a substantially flat base having a first base portion slidably affixed to a second base portion, said second portion being movable with respect to said first base portion;

b) at least one post affixed to each of said first base portion and said second base portion and extending substantially vertically therefrom;

c) at least one work surface movably affixed to each of said at least one post, each of said work surfaces being adjustable in at least a vertical plane and a horizontal plane, at least one of said work surfaces being adjustable so as to vary the proximity thereof to the post to which said at least one work surface is affixed.

2. The support structure in combination with a personal computer system for supporting a computer and related peripherals in proximity to a chair as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said work surfaces is tiltably adjustable with respect to said horizontal plane.

3. The support structure in combination with a personal computer system for supporting a computer and related peripherals in proximity to a chair as recited in claim 1, wherein said first base portion and said second base portion are adjustable horizontally so as to vary a space between said at least one post affixed to said first base portion and said at least one post affixed to said second base portion.

4. The support structure in combination with a personal computer system for supporting a computer and related peripherals in proximity to a chair as recited in claim 3, wherein said space is adapted to receive a chair and said space may be varied to accommodate chairs of different widths.

5. The support structure in combination with a personal computer system for supporting a computer and related peripherals in proximity to a chair as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said work surfaces is affixed to a respective one of said at least one post by attachment means intermediate said work surface and said at least one post.

6. The support structure in combination with a personal computer system for supporting a computer and related peripherals in proximity to a chair as recited in claim 5, wherein said attachment means intermediate said work surface and said at least one post comprises at least one swing arm.

7. The support structure in combination with a personal computer system for supporting a computer and related peripherals in proximity to a chair as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said work surfaces comprises a drawer proximate said work surface.

8. The support structure in combination with a personal computer system for supporting a computer and related peripherals in proximity to a chair as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said work surfaces comprises means for performing at least one specialized function.

9. The support structure in combination with a personal computer system for supporting a computer and related peripherals in proximity to a chair as recited in claim 8, wherein said at least one specialized function comprises one from the group:

supporting a speaker, supporting and retaining a cup, supporting an ash tray, supporting a pencil tray, supporting at least one sheet of paper using a clip.

10. The support structure in combination with a personal computer system for supporting a computer and related peripherals in proximity to a chair as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one of said at least one work surfaces comprises a substantially horizontal tabletop.

11. The support structure in combination with a personal computer system for supporting a computer and related peripherals in proximity to a chair as recited in claim 10, wherein said tabletop comprises a drawer.

12. The support structure in combination with a personal computer system for supporting a computer and related peripherals in proximity to a chair as recited in claim 10, wherein said tabletop comprises a cover panel depending from said tabletop, for concealing power and communication cables.

13. The support structure in combination with a personal computer system for supporting a computer and related peripherals in proximity to a chair as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

d) at least one power cable disposed within at least one of said posts and adapted to carry electrical power from a power source external to said computer workstation to at least one electrical outlet disposed within said at least one of said posts.

14. The support structure in combination with a personal computer system for supporting a computer and related peripherals in proximity to a chair as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

d) mechanical actuation means for moving at least one of said work surfaces relative to said at least one of said posts to which said work surface is affixed.

15. The support structure in combination with a personal computer system for supporting a computer and related peripherals in proximity to a chair as recited in claim 14, wherein said mechanical actuation means comprises:

i) an electric motor operatively connected to a source of electrical power;

ii) a mechanical linkage operatively connected to said electric motor and to said at least one work surface;

iii) switch means intermediate said electric motor and said source of electrical power for selectively controlling the flow of electrical power to said motor;

whereby when power is selectively applied to said electric motor, said work surface may be moved by said mechanical linkage connected to said motor.