Portable ergonomic work station

• US 5,630,566 A
• Filed: 05/30/1995
• Issued: 05/20/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 05/30/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Laura Case
• Original Assignee: Laura Case
• Inventors: Case, Laura
• Primary Examiner(s): Braun, Leslie A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Berry, Jr., Willie
• Application Number:
  US08/453,095
• Time in Patent Office: 721 Days
• Field of Search: 248/122, 248/125.1, 248/122.1, 248/125.7, 248/278.1, 248/282.1, 248/284.1
• US Class Current: 248/122.1
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0023 Columnar component for computer, stand or trolley
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0094 Copyholder for VDU screen
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 23/046 C-shaped bed tables, e.g. foldable
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2021 around a horizontal axis F16M11/2035 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/42 with arrangement for propelling the support stands on wheels
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/00 Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles heads thereof F16M11/02 ; undercarriages thereof F16M11/20 ; adapted to be stuck in the ground A45F3/44 ; sockets or holders for poles or posts E04H12/22; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles supports for measuring instruments G01D11/30; supports for casings of remote control switching devices H01H9/025
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/16 Constructional details or arrangements

Abstract

A potable ergonomic computer workstation is disclosed which will permit a disabled individual to operate a computer in a convenient and comfortable fashion from a bed, wheelchair, any chair or standing. The workstation is potable and includes a variety of adjustable support elements which may hold and support computer components including the keyboard, screen, mouse and pad, as well as the computer itself. Other electronic elements, such as a printer, fax machine, copier, television etc. may be employed with the workstation as well. The workstation includes a plurality of articulating arm elements which may be adjusted to a such a configuration to permit a standing, bed borne, or wheelchair borne individual to be able to utilize the computer from a standing position, bed or wheelchair. The articulating arm elements are supposed by a central shaft member which in turn is supposed by a base. The central shaft member has a hollow center to hold various electrical wires (ie: fiber optic, analogous digital, video and audio) for the electronic devices. The base includes a plurality of wheels to permit the workstation to be easily moved about. The wheels include braking elements which may be locked to secure the workstation in position. The workstation may include paper securing means, lighting means and may be utilized by individuals who are not disabled.

Claims

1. A portable ergonomic work station for supporting computer components in such a fashion to be easily usable by a person whether confined to bed, lying prone in bed, sitting in a chair, confined to a wheelchair or standing, said workstation comprising:

a platform,

a vertical shaft, said vertical shaft supported by said platform,

a first arm member, said first arm member connected to said vertical shaft at a first arm connection means, said first arm connection means located on a proximal end of said first arm,

a second arm member, said second arm member connected to said vertical shaft at a second arm connection means, said second arm connection means located on a proximal end of said second arm,

said first arm member further having a keyboard mounting means, said keyboard mounting means having a computer keyboard mounted thereon, said keyboard mounting means located on a distal end of said first arm,

said second arm member further having a screen mounting means, said screen mounting means having a computer screen mounted thereon, said screen mounting means located on a distal end of said second arm,

said first arm member including a first arm pivot means, said first arm pivot means located intermediate said first arm connection means and said keyboard mounting means,

said second arm member including a second arm pivot means, said second arm pivot means located intermediate said second arm connection means and said screen mounting means,

whereby said first arm member and said second arm member may be adjusted independently of each other in such a fashion to permit a user to utilize said computer keyboard and said computer screen in a comfortable manner despite being confined to bed, in a wheelchair, or in a sitting or standing position.

2. The portable ergonomic work station of claim 1 including a third arm member said third arm member connected to said vertical shaft at a third arm connection means, said third arm connection means located on a proximal end of said third arm, said third arm member further having a book mounting means, said book mounting means designed to receive a book thereon, said book mounting means located on a distal end of said third arm, said third arm member including a third arm pivot means, said third arm pivot means located intermediate said third arm connection means and said book mounting means, whereby said third arm member may be adjusted in such a fashion to permit a user to view the book in a comfortable manner despite being confined to bed, a wheelchair, or in a sitting or standing position.

3. The portable ergonomic work station of claim 2 wherein said book mounting means is adjustable and permits the book to be rotated in a right and left fashion, as well as permits the angle of the book with respect to the user to be varied.

4. The portable ergonomic work station of claim 2 wherein said third arm connection means is adjustable vertically on said vertical shaft.

5. The portable ergonomic workstation of claim 2 wherein said third arm connection means includes rotation means for rotating about said vertical shaft.

6. The portable ergonomic workstation of claim 2 including a light generating means, said light generating means located on said third arm member, said light generating means proximal said book mounting means.

7. The portable ergonomic work station of claim 1 wherein said keyboard mounting means is adjustable and permits the computer keyboard to be rotated in a right and left fashion, as well as permits the angle of the keyboard with respect to the user to be varied.

8. The portable ergonomic work station of claim 1 wherein said screen mounting means is adjustable and permits the computer screen to be rotated in a right and left fashion, as well as permits the angle of the screen with respect to the user to be varied.

9. The portable ergonomic work station of claim 1 wherein a computer is mounted on said platform.

10. The portable ergonomic work station of claim 1 wherein said platform includes a plurality of wheels, said wheels permitting the portable ergonomic work station to be moved from one location to another.

11. The portable ergonomic work station of claim 1 wherein said first arm connection means and said second arm connection means are adjustable vertically on said vertical shaft.

12. The portable ergonomic workstation of claim 1 wherein said first arm connection means and said second arm connection means include rotation means for rotating about said vertical shaft.

13. The portable ergonomic workstation of claim 1 wherein said vertical shaft has a top portion and a lower portion, said top portion including a pair of audio speakers mounted thereon.

14. The portable ergonomic computer workstation of claim 1 wherein said computer keyboard is included as part of a laptop computer.

15. The portable ergonomic computer workstation of claim 1 wherein said computer screen is a lightweight screen, such as those employed on a laptop computer.