WO2001050914A1

WO2001050914A1 - Tilted desk work support surface for retrofit use with laptop computers

Info

Publication number: WO2001050914A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/000369
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edwin P. Lochridge
Original assignee: Lochridge Edwin P
Priority date: 2000-01-07
Filing date: 2000-01-07
Publication date: 2001-07-19
Also published as: AU3344100A

Abstract

A work surface system provides ergonomic benefits to traditional office environments in a retrofit fashion. The work surface system includes a work surface (12) and a support (18, 20) for supporting the work surface (12) at an angle with respect to the horizontal. The work surface (12) provides support for the user's arms while using a laptop computer and permits optional use of an optional full sized keyboard. The work surface (12) can be smaller than the surface on which the work surface system rests. The angle of the work surface can be adjustable if desired, and the work surface can also be mounted on the support in a pivoting fashion to permit the work surface (12) to be tipped up to permit access to a laptop computer and storage space beneath the work surface if desired. The work surface has a first edge proximal to the location of a user of the work surface and has a second edge distal to the location of a user of a keyboard supported on the work surface, the second edge having a cutout portion (26) of a size suitable for accepting a laptop computer.

Description

TILTED DESK WORK SUPPORT SURFACE FOR RETROFIT USE WITH LAPTOP COMPUTERS

Field of the Invention The present invention provides a tilted work surface which easily can be applied to existing furniture for providing a more ergonomically correct environment. In addition, the present invention provides an ergonomic work surface suitable for use with a laptop computer and an optional full sized keyboard.

Background of the Invention

The introduction of the personal computer has resulted in enormous changes in the workplace. While personal computers have provided many new capabilities and in many cases have become essential tools in the workplace, it is now recognized that extensive use of the personal computer, especially in conjunction with traditional office furniture systems, can have an undesirable negative effect on the health and productivity of the office worker.

Such negative effects have been the object of intensive study in recent years, as problems have become more prevalent. One aspect which has caused significant problems is the operation of input devices like keyboards and mice for extended periods of time. Often the solutions to this problem have required the computer operator to adopt and maintain a quite upright posture. One example of this has been to mount the keyboard to the work surface via a mechanical arm which articulates so as to bring the keyboard out from the work area, toward the user, and to allow for height and/or tilt adjustment. However, this approach suffers from several drawbacks. First, it is now recognized that the strict upright posture can place undesirable stress on the user's upper torso. Workers must hold their hands up at the keyboard, requiring static muscular effort in the arms and shoulders and creating stress in the back. Moreover, such a keyboard position requires the operator to look down to see the keyboard, thus placing undesirable stress on the neck. In addition, bringing the keyboard out from the work surface means the user is farther from the work surface, making it difficult to write notes, use a mouse, etc. for which the work surface is required. Moreover, with these systems, when the keyboard is not in use, it is usually stored beneath the work surface, taking up room beneath the surface and preventing the operator from sitting comfortably. In addition, the systems are expensive and difficult to install or remove.

An approach which does not suffer from the drawbacks outlined above is a system that utilizes a tilted or tiltable work surface, with the portion of the work surface facing the user being provided with a cutout area so that the user can be partially surrounded by the work surface. This permits the user to assume a more reclined posture for improved back support while simultaneously providing support for the arms of the user, further reducing stress on the upper torso. An example of such a system is the "PowerStation" available from Metamorphosis Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia. While these systems have provided significant benefit to office workers, the integration of such systems into the workplace requires the complete replacement of existing furniture. This can be inconvenient and costly, and limits the practical availability of such technology for many workers. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a system by which the benefits of the more ergonomically enlightened approaches can be made available in a form which is suitable for retrofit application with existing office furniture.

The ergonomic problems associated with personal computers have in many ways been made even worse by the advent of laptop or notebook computers. The overall size of these computers, along with their small, elevated keyboards, make it difficult to support the laptop in such a way as to allow the user to work comfortably for long periods of time. Ergonomically, the most important problem with laptop computers is the keyboard. Laptop computers continue to become smaller and lighter, placing more stringent limitations on keyboard size. Because small keyboards are less than ideal, many laptops have the capability of attaching either a standard or an ergonomic keyboard to the laptop so the user is not required to use the small, built-in keyboard. Unfortunately, this requires the user to place the keyboard in front of the laptop, thereby pushing the small screen farther away from the user.

A second problem with laptops is that the keyboard is attached to the monitor screen. Regular computers allow the monitor to be set at a height just below eye level, considered proper by most experts. However, placing the laptop screen at that height requires the user to hold their arms up to the keyboard. A need remains for a system by which the benefits of the more ergonomically enlightened approaches can be made available in a form which is suitable for retrofit application with existing office furniture. This need is especially prevalent for use with laptop computers; a need created by the laptop's small keyboard and screen.

Summary of the Invention

It is the object of this invention to provide a system through which an ergonomically advanced work surface can be provided on traditional office furniture in a convenient and inexpensive retrofit manner.

In another aspect of the present invention, the functionality of the tilted work surface is improved by providing an area of the work surface which can hold a keyboard or laptop computer in a variety of tilted positions, thereby allowing the operator to set the angle of the keyboard at the most desirable position independently from the position of the work surface.

In a still further aspect of the present invention, the work surface is of sufficient size so as to provide an area adjacent to a keyboard for operation of a mouse for a computer.

It is another object of this invention to provide a system through which an ergonomically advanced work surface suitable for laptop computers can be provided on traditional office furniture in a convenient and inexpensive retrofit manner. The above objects and others are obtained with a system that includes individual supports on a frame that can easily rest on or be mounted on a traditional desk surface and which carries a work surface at an angle with respect to horizontal. In a preferred embodiment, the work surface is pivotally mounted to the frame, so that it can be flipped up to permit access to the area underneath the work surface. Alternatively, in another preferred embodiment, the work surface can be made of several parts that fit together to form a support surface, any of which parts can be removed or flipped up to provide access to the area below that part. It is further preferable to provide the portion of the work surface which is distal with respect to the position of the user with a cutout portion, and to locate the frame in this cutout portion. A laptop computer support can be provided in the cutout portion, which is maintained in position by the work surface, but which could be capable of independent adjustment to a different angle.

Accordingly, the invention provides a way for a users to support a laptop or notebook at a convenient distance from eye to screen while resting their arms on a tilted or tiltable work plane, thus allowing optimal viewing distance while providing the necessary arm support. The laptop or notebook computer rests on either a platform that can be adjustable in elevation and angle, or on the horizontal surface that supports the retrofit work surface. Consequently, the operator can set the height of the keyboard at a most comfortable position or, optionally, can connect an external keyboard and position it so that it straddles the laptop keyboard. This allows use of an external, full-sized or ergonomic keyboard while keeping the laptop screen at an optimal distance.

Accordingly, the invention comprises:

(a) a tilted or tiltable work surface, optionally with a curved section cut out of the front so that users can pull into the surface, resting their arms on the surface as it surrounds their torso;

(b) A section slightly larger than the size of a typical laptop computer cut out of the back of the surface;

(c) An optional adjustable pan or surface for the laptop computer, which may be adapted to support the laptop with the keyboard at different heights in relation to the surface of the work station.

The work surface is provided with an attachment system so that the work surface can either rest on an existing desk or other work surface or be integrated with a support system such as table legs, a rolling frame, etc., thus forming a freestanding work station.

The work surface also can be pivotally connected, e.g. hinged to a frame, which would allow the work surface to lift up so that the user can access wire ports, drives, controls, storage areas, and the like that are obstructed by the work surface when being used as designed. As a further option, individual sections of the work surface could be individually removed or hinged to flip up so that the user can access wire ports, drives, controls, storage areas, and the like that are obstructed by that particular work surface component part, without the need to disrupt the remainder of the work surface.

As a further option, a panel can be provided for covering the laptop cutout area when not in use, thereby providing an uninterrupted work surface. The panel can be pivotably mounted. The panel also can be removable, and provided with a narrow shelf that permits the panel to be used as a copy holder when standing upright.

Brief Description of the Drawings FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the work surface system of the present invention with the work surface flipped up.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the work surface system of the present invention with the work surface down.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the work surface system of the present invention with the work surface down and the keyboard/laptop support tilted with respect to the work surface.

FIGURES 4 and 5 are top views of additional configurations of the work surface.

FIGURES 6 and 7 are views illustrating examples of the work surface system of the present invention in place in an office environment.

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of an example of the work-surface system suitable to use with a laptop computer shown by itself, not attached to any table or desk top.

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of an example of the work-surface system suitable for use with a laptop computer attached to a suitable table or desktop where the laptop can rest on the table or desktop.

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of an example of the work-surface system suitable for use with a laptop computer attached to a suitable table or desktop. Also seen in this Figure is a tilt- and height-adjustable shelf suitable to hold a laptop computer.

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of an example of a support structure such as that used in the embodiment shown in Figure 9. FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of an example of a support structure such as that used in the embodiment shown in Figure 10.

FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of an aspect of the invention showing its use with a laptop computer resting on the support surface or adjustable shelf. FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of an aspect of the invention, further showing a standard, full-size keyboard in use with a laptop computer.

FIGURE 15 is a perspective view of an aspect of the invention, showing use of the work surface with integral leg supports, thereby not needing a separate table or desk top. FIGURE 16 is a perspective view of an aspect of the invention showing a panel covering the area of the cutout for a laptop.

FIGURE 17 is a perspective view of the aspect of FIGURE 16, with the panel raised and the cutout for a laptop exposed.

FIGURE 18 is a perspective view of the aspect of FIGURE 16, with a laptop in place and the panel set to one side to act as a copy holder.

FIGURE 19 is a perspective view of the aspect of FIGURE 16, with the work surface raised to permit access to a laptop computer and storage space.

Detailed Description Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the work surface system of the present invention can be used in connection with a traditional work surface 10. This can be a desk top, table top, etc. The desk, table or the like, of course, also will have a suitable support structure, e.g., legs for a table or a pedestal for a desk, which are not illustrated in Figures 1-3. However, examples of suitable arrangements can be seen in Figures 6 and 7.

The invention includes a work surface 12, which in use is disposed at an angle with respect to the desk or tabletop. Angles of up to about 15° generally have been found to be useful for ergonomic purposes. The side of the work surface 12 which in use is positioned closest to the user is provided with a part-circular pocket 14. Thus, the user will sit in the pocket area, partially surrounded by the work surface 12. The pocket 14 may have a diameter of about 45 cm in one example, and this dimension can be varied as necessary. Other shapes are possible for the pocket, for example trapezoidal.

This provides support surfaces for the user's arms during typing and brings essentially the entire work surface 12 within easy reach of the user, even when the user is in a somewhat reclined position. In addition, the work surface 12 is of a sufficient size that when an optional keyboard is attached to the laptop and positioned on the work surface, there is space on the work surface adjacent to the keyboard so that the user can operate a mouse on the work surface even when the keyboard is centered on the work surface with respect to the home keys. In general, the work surface 12 should have a width of at least about 100 cm for this purpose, in view of the size of keyboards in widespread use today. It is preferred that the width be no more than about 150 cm. It also is preferred that the work surface 12 have a depth from front to back within the range of about 50 cm to 75 cm. The work surface 12 of the embodiment of Figures 1-5 will have a width of about 140 cm and a depth from front to back of about 65 cm. The area of the work surface 12 may be less than that of the surface 10 on which the work surface system rests. This would provide a flat surface adjacent to the work surface 12 for conveniently supporting a beverage cup, books, papers, pens, pencils and the like.

In one embodiment, the edge of the work surface which is distal with respect to the position of the user is provided with a rectangular cutout area. This corresponds to the location of the keyboard or laptop computer, as discussed in more detail below.

The work surface 12 may be supported by a support frame that includes side members 18 and back member 20. In one embodiment, the work surface 12 is pivotally mounted to the frame, particularly the side members, for example by means of pivot pin or hinge 22. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the frame is dimensioned so as to fit at the edges of cutout area 16. The frame can be made of wood, metal, plastic or any other material suitable for carrying out the required function. The frame may be secured to desk or tabletop 10 by any suitable fastening system, including, for example, screws, clamps, releasable adhesive or a hook-and- loop system such as that known as NELCRO. A releasable system such as the adhesive or NELCRO-type systems, is advantageous in that it would permit ready repositioning of the work surface system. The configuration of the present work surface system renders the present system readily applicable to virtually any existing desk or tabletop, regardless of the thickness of the surface 10, the presence and/or location of drawers, etc. The fastening system should have sufficient strength to prevent the inadvertent tipping of the work surface system, which could occur, for example, when the user leans on the work surface 12 to stand up. If the work surface system is made sufficiently heavy to resist such tipping, it may be possible to omit the fastening system. The frame should be positioned on the desk or tabletop 1 so that the part-circular pocket area 14 is disposed just beyond the edge of the desk or tabletop 10. In addition, if the work surface 12 is attached pivotally to the frame to permit the work surface 12 to be flipped up, the pivot point may be positioned so that when the work surface 12 is flipped up, the distal edge will contact the desk or tabletop in an orientation that will permit the work surface 12 to stand with relative security.

This would be advantageous, since the disposition of the work surface 12 at an angle with respect to the desk or tabletop creates a storage space underneath the work surface 12, and access to this storage area is facilitated by permitting the work surface 12 to assume an upright position. This also would facilitate access to a laptop computers' wire ports, disk drives, and other such items, the access to which would be obstructed when the surface is in use. Alternatively, the work surface 12 could be divided into several independent parts, each of which could be removed or flipped up to gain access to the laptop computer and storage areas beneath. This would allow a portion of the work surface 12 to be raised to gain access to things underneath without disturbing articles on other portions of the work surface.

In addition, it is contemplated that the frame and/or work surface 12 could be adapted so that the work surface could assume different angles with respects to the desktop as desired by the user. In such a case, a system such as that shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,555,819, issued September 17^th, 1996, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, could be used. In this system, a notched plate, pivotally mounted on the underside of the work surface, for example, releasable engages a pin mounted on the frame. By releasing the plate from the pin and reengaging with a different notch, the tilt angle of the work surface can be adjusted

Board 24 is provided to support the computer keyboard or laptop. The orientation of the board 24 can be adjustable with respect to work surface 12, as seen in Figure 3. In one embodiment, the board 24 is not secured to the frame, although movement of the board 24 is limited by the frame back and side members and the edge of rectangular cutout 16 which is closest to the user. In such a case, the orientation of the board 24 can be controlled easily, for example by means of shims placed underneath the board 24. Alternatively, a system such as that shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,555,819 again could be used to permit cooperation between the distal edge of the board 24 and the frame back member to permit adjustment of the board 24. Since the board 24 is not secured to the frame, the user can raise the near edge of the board, particularly when the work surface 12 is in its upright position as illustrated in Figure 1, thus creating an accessible storage space beneath board 24. This is particularly convenient for storage of the keyboard when it is not in use. The near edge (with respect to the user) of the board 24 and the corresponding edge of the cutout 16 can be provided with complementary notches. This provides more secure support for the board and also reduces the gap formed between the board and the edge when the board 24 is tilted with respect to work surface 12. It should also be understood that the cutout and tilt-adjustable keyboard support board 24 system could be applied to other environments. For example, it could be used with an original piece of furniture that is provided with a tiltable work surface, e.g., the "PowerStation" mentioned above. In such a case, the frame members would be secured to the underside of the work surface, rather than to an existing desk or table top. This would permit independent adjustment of the keyboard/laptop angle with respect to the tiltable work surface.

In the illustrated embodiment, the board 24 is supported in a position so that the board 24, frame side members 18, and the adjacent portions of surface 12 can form a substantially smooth and continuous surface. If the option of adjusting the tilt of the keyboard is not desired, it would be possible to eliminate board 24 and instead form a unitary surface over the entire area encompassed by work surface 12, i.e., work surface 12 could rest on top of the frame members. In such a case, the work surface 12 could be supported in the desired angular orientation by a pair of legs, rather than a fully integral frame 18. It should also be understood that, if desired, the work surface could be fixed to the frame members or legs without the need for hinges 22, if it is not necessary to permit the flipping up of the work surface to provide access to a storage space or laptop beneath the work surface.

Additional configurations for the work surface 12 are seen in Figures 4 and 5. In general these configurations are somewhat smaller than that illustrated in Figures 1-3. For example, the embodiment of Figure 4 can have a width of about 115 cm, while that of Figure 5 can have a width of about 110 cm. In each case, the depth from front to back can be about 55 cm. These sizes still are sufficient to provide adequate space for arm support and for mouse operation adjacent a keyboard of the size generally used at present. In addition, the embodiments of Figures 4 and 5 include cutout portion 26 at the distal edge of the work surface 12. The portion 26 may extend inwardly about 2 or 3 cm into the distal edge and may originate about 25 cm from the sides of the work surface 12. The portion 26 permits easier access to the surface 10 at the distal edge of the work surface 12 without significantly reducing the efficient use of the work surface 12. This also provides a space for accepting the computer monitor, thereby permitting the monitor to be located at a position closer to the user if desired. The portion 26 is sized to accept monitors of varying sizes.

Curved portions 27 may be provided outward of the cutout portion 26, and these may have a radius of curvature of about 55 cm in one embodiment. The curved portions 27 improve the efficiency of use of the distal portions of the work surface 12 while still permitting access to the surface 10 if desired. The embodiment of Figure 4 includes further lateral cutout portions 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the long sides 30 of the portions 28 will be disposed at an angle of about 67° with respect to the proximal edge 29. The two proximal edge sections each may have a width of about 15-17 cm, and the short sides 31 of the portions 28 will have a depth from front to back of about 12 cm. The corners between 27 and 30, between 31 and 29 and between 29 and the cutout pocket may have a radius of curvature of about 5 cm. The embodiment of Figure 5 will have similar dimensions, although in this case the sides of the work surface are not provided with the cutout portion 28, but instead have a smooth and slightly convex configuration. The dimensions discussed above are advantageous from an ergonomic standpoint for most users, and are provided taking into account the movement about a user's shoulder and elbow joints. It also should be recognized that the work station environments exemplified in Figures 6 and 7 could be further modified to take advantage of the characteristics of the present work surface system. For example, a shelf could be provided to support a computer monitor at a desirable height above a surface 10. The work surface 12 could be mounted on drawer-like sliders beneath the shelf, thereby allowing the work surface 12 to be stored under the shelf and moved out from under the shelf for use.

As a further modification, the present work surface system could be used in a training situation. In such a case, the work surface 12 would have a much greater width and would include a plurality of cutout pockets 14. The width of the work surface and the number of pockets could be varied as necessary to meet the needs of a given situation.

Figures 8-19 show a particular embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, this embodiment is directed to providing ergonomically correct support for a laptop computer and its user. Figure 8 shows generally the work surface of the invention, modified for use with a laptop computer. Although similar to previous figures in that work surface 82 is of similar shape and size and has a circular pocket cutout 84 along the proximal edge, the Figure shows a modified distal cutout 86 suitable to hold a laptop computer. Also seen in this Figure is a left-hand support bracket 88. Figures 9 and 10 differ in how a laptop computer would be supported. In

Figure 9, a laptop computer would sit in a rectangular cutout 86 and would, in fact, sit directly on the underlying horizontal surface 10. In this embodiment, the tiltable work surface 82 is attached to horizontal surface 10 via a pair of angled support members 88, which are shown in greater detail in Figure 11. Figure 11 shows an alternate embodiment in which a laptop computer is supported by an adjustable shelf 1024. Shelf 1024 is supported by a pair of support members 1018 which are a modified version of the brackets used in Figure 9. These figures, instead, are shown in greater detail in Figure 12.

Figure 12 shows a left-handed support member 1018. There would, of course, be a corresponding mirror-image right-hand bracket which is not seen in this figure. Support member 1018 has a series of slots 1200 and 1202 which are used to support the shelf 1024. The shelf 1024 has a rod-shaped port mounting pin 1204 at each of its four corners. This permits adjustment. If the distal edge of the shelf 1206 is lifted upwards slightly, the entire shelf can be pushed backward, allowing the rear pins 1204 to move vertically in slots 1200. Once the desired elevation is reached, the shelf 1024 is secured by pulling the shelf towards the user in the direction of proximal edge 1208.

Figures 13, 14 and 15 show the work surface of the invention in use. Figure 13 shows a typical laptop computer 1300 sitting within rectangular cutout 86 made in work surface 82. Also seen in this Figure is curved cutout 84. Figure 14 shows the same view, but with a full-sized keyboard 1400 in use. Finally, Figure 15 shows a work surface 82 attached to a support structure 1500. This support structure 1500 comprises a flat surface 1501, which is attached to vertical supports 1502. Also seen are horizontal rails 1504 and wheels or casters 1506. Together these Figures show how the laptop is recessed below the top of work surface 82, thereby allowing a keyboard 1400 to sit easily atop it while being well-supported. The cutout 86 may have a width in the range of about 25 to 40 cm, preferably about 32 cm. Such a size is sufficiently large to accept most lap top computers currently in use and sufficiently small to permit a standard size keyboard to extend across the cut out and be supported by the sides of the cut out. In the further aspect of FIGURES 16-19, a panel 1602 is provided, which is capable of covering the area of the cutout for the laptop. This permits the entire work surface to be used when a laptop is not in use. As shown in FIGURE 17, the panel can be pivotably connected to the work surface 12 or support frame, thereby allowing the panel to be flipped up to provide access to the cutout. As shown in FIGURE 18, the panel can be removable from the cutout. In this embodiment, one surface of the panel is provided with a relatively narrow shelf 1604. Thus, when the panel stands up it can function as a copy holder, which can be positioned to one side of the laptop cutout area. The panel can be secured in the upright position by having the shelf engage a clip or slot on the work surface. As shown in FIGURE 19, the work surface can be pivoted upward to permit access to storage areas beneath the work surface, or to various ports or controls of the laptop computer. It can be seen that the present invention provides a work surface which easily and inexpensively permits ergonomic advances to be applied to conventional office furniture for use with laptop computers and keyboards. In addition, it will be appreciated that the present invention is easily removed and transported, creating a portable ergonomic environment. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A work surface system suitable for retrofit use, comprising: a work surface; a support for the work surface for supporting the work surface on a horizontal surface at an angle with respect to horizontal; wherein the work surface has a first edge proximal to the location of a user of the work surface and has a second edge distal to the location of a user of a keyboard supported on the work surface, the second edge comprising a cutout portion of a size suitable for accepting a laptop computer.

2. The work surface system of claim 1, wherein the first edge has a cutout pocket for the user whereby the work surface partially surrounds the user.

3. The work surface system of claim 1 , further comprising a laptop computer support in the cutout portion.

4. The work surface system of claim 3, wherein the orientation of the laptop computer support with respect to the rest of the work surface is variable.

5. The work surface system of claim 1 , wherein the support is capable of supporting the work surface at different angles with respect to horizontal.

6. The work surface system of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the work surface is pivotally mounted to the support to be pivoted upward to permit access to a space beneath the work surface.

7. The work surface system of claim 1, further comprising a panel for covering the cutout portion.

8. The work surface system of claim 7, wherein the panel comprises a shelf permitting the panel to act as a copy holder when standing upright.

9. The work surface system of claim 1, further comprising a laptop computer positioned in the cutout portion.

10. The work surface system of claim 9, further comprising a keyboard positioned on the work surface and connected to the laptop computer.

11. A work station comprising : a first horizontal surface; a work surface system installed in a retrofit manner on the first horizontal surface, the work surface system comprising a work surface and a support for the work surface for supporting the work surface at an angle with respect to the first horizontal surface, wherein the work surface is smaller than the first horizontal surface and has a size sufficient to support a laptop computer and optional keyboard and provide support for the arms of a user, the work surface having a first edge proximal to the location of a user of the work surface and has a second edge distal to the location of a user of a keyboard supported on the work surface, the second edge comprising a cutout portion of a size suitable for accepting a laptop computer.