Computer mouse and keyboard support with chair attachment and lap system
A computer support is attachable to a chair. The computer support has a top support means, a first pivoting means, and an alignment means. The top support means has a first surface joined to a second surface. The first pivoting means allows at least partial rotation movement of the top support about a first pivot point. The alignment means moves at least a portion of the computer support along a horizontal plane. A frame means attaches the top support means to a chair. The computer support provides a first use position mounted to a an external body and a lap use position separated from an external body.
This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/528,059 filed Dec. 10, 2003, Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/550,863 filed Mar. 8, 2004, Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/559,216 filed Apr. 5, 2004, Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/568,794 filed May 7, 2004, Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/569,934 filed May 12, 2004, Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/ ______ filed May ______, 2004, and Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/619,455 filed Oct. ______, 2004, all of which are fully incorporated by reference as if completely set forth herein.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis invention relates to a computer support system attachable to a chair or desk and that allows the user seated in a chair to comfortably operate a standard computer keyboard/mouse pad or other electronic devices. The system is also removable from the chair or desk to provide support in a lap use environment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTraditionally, computer components are arranged on a desktop. The computer keyboard rests on the desk in front of the computer monitor. Alternatively, some computer desks include special keyboard locations, such as retractable surface. The retractable surfaces are mounted to the desktop's undersurface. Usually, this under-mounted support surface slides in and out on a set of guides/tracks/channels/slots.
Another method of supporting a keyboard includes a support surface mounted with a single a single arm generally located in the center of the desk but sometimes offset from the center. These permanently attached under-mount systems are popular with the computer users.
With the advent of wireless computer keyboards and mice, a need has developed for a mobile or portable support surface for these items. Although these wireless components/devices are portable, the traditional desk or slide-out under-mounted support surfaces are not. This leaves the user limited options on how and where to rest these components.
Take for example the resting place options for a mobile laptop computer: Laptops are generally supported on a desktop or other type of permanent surface, in the user's hands, in the user's lap, or balanced across the user's knees. The posture required to use a laptop supported in these ways is often uncomfortable and unnatural. Furthermore, outside of the mini-mouse pad provided on laptops, no solid support surface is provided for the use of the traditional full-sized mouse, which is still preferred used along side a laptop computer.
The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior desk systems. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn object of the present invention is to provide a computer support attachable to an external body. The computer support comprises:
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- a first use position wherein the computer support is attached to the external body; and
- a second use position wherein the computer support is separated from the external body and is adapted to fit on a user's lap to support an electronic device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer support attachable to an external body. The computer support comprises:
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- a top support means comprising a first surface and a second surface, said first surface joined to said second surface;
- a first pivoting means for at least partial rotational movement of said top support about a first pivot point;
- an alignment means for moving at least a portion of the computer support along a horizontal plane; and.
- a frame means for attaching said top support means to the external body.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer support that provides a variable workspace for a user. The computer support comprises:
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- first surface positioned along a first substantially horizontal plane;
- a second surface offset from and located on a separate horizontal plane than said first surface; and
- a pin joining said first surface and said second surface, said pin defining a pivot point upon which said first surface is pivotally mounted to said second surface for rotational movement about said pivot point along said first substantially horizontal plane.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer support for selective attachment to an external body. The computer support comprises:
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- a top support comprising a first surface and a second surface, said first surface located on a separate horizontal plane than said second surface, said first surface having a first guide therein;
- a first pin joining said first surface with said second surface and positioned within the first guide, said first pin defining a first pivot point upon which relative rotational movement between said first surface and said second surface bring said first surface and said second surface into selective substantially parallel alignment;
- a second guide extending along a portion of said top support, said pin also located within said second guide wherein traverse of said first pin within said second guide brings said first surface into selective substantially vertical alignment with said second surface;
- a second pin between said first surface and said second surface; and
- a third guide having a curvilinear shape, said second pin adapted to traverse along a length of said third guide wherein said first surface may be selectively rotated about said pivot point and traversed in a plurality of directions.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
The present invention is directed to a computer support/workstation and system with two specific use positions. The first use position includes a support frame and top support mounted to a chair. This portion of the invention allows the chair occupant a great range of body motion and movement while maintaining close contact with a computer keyboard, mouse pad, laptop or the like. The many advantages of having the above component travel with the chair user, at an arms length away, are numerous and obvious. The second use position described refers to a top support surface removed and separated from its chair mounted support frame. This portion of the invention is as useful, if not more, under certain circumstances.
The completely mobile top support surface can be easily carried across a room or an office over in the hands of the user, who then would set the support top on a number of surfaces, including the user's lap. This portability feature allows the user of a laptop computer or keyboard to add great mobility and stability, versus attempting to balance the smaller sized foot print of these components on their knees or lap.
This portable system also provides an armrest with an area to operate a mouse and a writing surface with storage below. Once again, the support top holds the wireless keyboard, mouse, laptop computer or other component at arm's length for the user, making its benefits obvious.
The combination of the two aspects of the present invention, as stated above and within this document, achieved from the one single system, makes this system extremely practical to manufacture and should be desirable to use and to own.
Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer support system. The system allows a user seated in a chair to comfortably operate a standard computer keyboard, mouse pad or other electronic devices while adding great mobility and convenience, not available in traditional computer/keyboard setups. Once the system is adjusted to suit the individual user, the relationship between the user and the system remains the same. The user is able to move freely about a floor area depending on the style of the chair and the space available, while maintaining constant access to the keyboard or such devices.
These embodiments include, but are not limited to, three possible applications. First, a chair would come factory equipped with system included. Secondly, the system could be designed for office retrofitting a standard office type chair. This would be accomplished by attaching a wide flat or slightly curved plate to the under side of the chair seat, which typically consists of plywood, plastic, metal, or the like. This flat plate is welded/attached on a 90 degree angle to a vertically telescopic member. Thirdly, the system could be designed to adapt to the standard telescopic armrest that is commonly found on a number of office type chairs. This application could be achieved by removing the screws that secure the padded upper portion of the armrest to the remaining portion. The new system would bolt on using existing holes. The armrest's original up and down adjustment would eliminate the need for a vertical telescopic member of the system which would be needed for other retrofit or factory installed systems.
Embodiments of the invention described within this document relates to the use of a computer keyboard, laptop, note pad, DVD player or other devices, more specifically the support surfaces on which these items rest.
An embodiment of the invention provides a solid support surface for computer devices and office supplies during lap use. In addition, the lap use support surface could be equipped to portably mount to the underside of a traditional desk. In essence, this embodiment is comprised of one single support surface which transitions portably between a desk mounted use position to a convenient and comfortable lap use component support surface.
In one embodiment, a computer support is attachable to an external body, such as a chair or desk. The computer support comprises a top support means which includes a first support joined to a second surface. A first pivoting means provides for at least partial rotational movement of the top support about a pivot point. An alignment means is provided for moving at least a portion of the computer support along a horizontal plane, and a frame means is provided for attaching the support means to the external body.
The alignment means may provide for drawing the computer support in a north to south direction relative to a user. Alternatively, or in addition to north to south movement, the alignment means may be provided for bringing the surface into substantial parallel alignment with the second surface (e.g., relative rotational movement aligns the two surfaces in parallel).
The pivoting means may be a hinge or pin/guide (as in a track, slot, or channel) arrangement.
In the pin/guide arrangement, the pin joins the first surface to the second surface. The pin is located within the guide and is capable of rotating and traversing within the guide. The alignment means may include a second pin and a curvilinear guide wherein the second pin is located within curvilinear guide and traverses therein. This alignment means selectively brings the first surface and the second surface into substantially vertical alignment.
In another embodiment, a computer support provides a variable workspace for a user. The computer support comprises a first surface positioned along a first substantially horizontal plane, a second surface offset from and located on a separate horizontal plane than the first surface; and a pin joining the first surface and the second surface. The pin defines a pivot point upon which the first surface is pivotally mounted to the second surface for rotational movement about Lie pivot point along the first substantially horizontal plane. A guide is adapted for receiving a portion of the pin. At least one portion of the guide is in substantial alignment with the second surface, and the pin is adapted for traversing the at least one portion of the guide. This embodiment may also include a mounting system for attaching the computer support to a chair. The mounting system may include a first bracket attached to the second surface, and a second bracket having a first portion attached to the first bracket and a second portion for attachment to a chair. The mounting system may include a frame attachable to the first bracket. The frame provides structural support for the first and second surfaces. Accordingly, the frame includes a first member located beneath the first surface and a second member generally transverse to the first member and located beneath the second surface. This embodiment may further include a second pin and a curvilinear guide. The second pin joins first surface and said second surface. The curvilinear guide is adapted for receiving the second pin wherein the second pin traverses within the curvilinear guide.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a computer support system for selective attachment to an external body, such as a desk or a chair. The computer support system comprises a top support comprising a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is located on a separate horizontal plane than the second surface. A first pin joins the first surface with the second surface. The first pin defines a first pivot point upon which relative rotational movement between the first surface and the second surface bring the first surface and the second surface into selective substantially parallel alignment. A second guide extends along a portion of the top support. The pin is also located within the second guide wherein traverse of the first pin within the second guide brings the first surface into selective substantially vertical alignment with the second surface. A second pin is located between the first surface and the second surface. A third guide has a curvilinear shape. The second pin is adapted to traverse along a length of the third guide. The first surface may be selectively rotated about the pivot point and traversed in a plurality of directions.
The various embodiments will become more clear with reference to the Figures as set forth below.
The system 10 is adapted for arranging a computer mouse, keyboard, laptops, or other personal electronic devices. The system includes a top support 14 comprising a pair of surfaces 16, 18 having hinges 20, 21 for clockwise or counterclockwise rotation about the hinges 20, 21. Accordingly, the surfaces 16, 18 may be lifted and a storage area 22, designed to accommodate recessed trays for pens, pencils, compact discs. etc. may be located under surfaces 16, 18. The top support 14 may also be pivoted about a hinge 21 to facilitate entry or exit from the chair 11. The movement is indicated by an arrow on
Additionally, surfaces 16, 18 may slide out to accept other size devices, laptops etc. An under support surface area could also accommodate a. pull out drawer. This auxiliary support surface/drawer could also act as an area to rest one's wrists while operating the keyboard. A slide out surface to accept mouse pad for left handed users may also be included.
The system may include an under seat mounted side saddlebag. This storage area could be used in conjunction with the system 10. It would make for convenient storage of the keyboard, laptop, schoolbooks, etc.
It should be understood that the top support 14 can be many shapes and sizes to accomplish its task, and the invention primarily lies in its workings than its appearance. Furthermore, it is also understood that the above mentioned top support 14 could also be used not only to support other devices, but as a convenient working and writing area, using traditional means for writing or the new electronic type computer pens.
The system 10 is capable of movement in many directions to accommodate comfort of the user, preferably one of the movements includes a north to south motion to move the top support 14 closer to or farther away from a user.
Referring to
A second telescopic subsystem 28 allows the system 10 to forward and backward in a substantially horizontal motion along a horizontal plane away and towards a user seated in the chair. This subsystem 28 allows for north and south adjustment in relationship to a seated user.
As illustrated in
Options for mounting the surface 18 are illustrated in
An optional hinged cup holder 48 is illustrated in
This invention's parts would be made of materials commonly used for the above mentioned applications. Including but not limited to various forms or metals, plastics, fiberglass, and wood.
Frame 82 includes end 88. End 88 fits within retainer 90 which is located on the underside of top support 74. The end 88 is typically a four-sided structure. The end 88 slides out of the 4-sided retaining area 90 when the top support 74 is slid to the left to remove top 74 completely from this support frame 82.
Referring to
The receiver 113 is fit within an outer receiving member 118 for vertical (up and down) telescopic movement. A spring stop knob 120 or other similar means maintains the receiver 113 at the proper chosen level. Once again, there are many options to accomplish the up and down movement. (spring assisted, pneumatic leveling. etc.).
The mounting system 110 includes a first bracket or plate 122 for mounting to a chair with bolts, rivets, screws, epoxy, welding or the like. The first bracket 122 includes a receiver channel 124 a bracket portion 125 of the receiver member 113. The receiver 113 is attached to the channel 124 using conventional attachment means. In the embodiment illustrated, six or so short, heavy self tapping screws 126 are provide to attach the first bracket 122 to a chair. Four or more machine bolts 128 are slid up through bracket 122 through springs 130 to threaded nuts 132.
Now referring to
U-shaped bracket 138 is attached top the underside of the top support 74, and mates with telescopic support frame member 112.
The above stated mounting bracket system 110 accomplishes two important mounting issues. First, the through bolted adjustable bracket allows the system to be mounted to varied styles of seat designs. Typically, task style chair seats curve up on the sides to form a dished surface. The travel between bracket 122 and receiver 113 (90 degree angle bracket) allows the frame 82 to be mounted under a chair seat, whether it be flat or curved upwards and at any degree. Secondly, the spring-loaded bolts absorb, to a certain extent most accidental downward or upward undo pressure applied to the cantilevered top.
Now referring to
The embodiment of
The embodiment of
The mounting system 110 includes an upper bracket 207 having a first stabilizing flange 212 which rests on the upper seat portion of the chair 11. A second stabilizing flange 214 extends downwardly from the first flange 212 to form an L-shape. The second flange 214 is located along an edge of the chair 210. A separate lower bracket 216 is fixed to the bottom of the chair 217. The lower bracket 216 include an upwardly extending flange 218 which is joined to the second stabilizing flange to connect the upper bracket 207 to the lower bracket 216. The upper and lower brackets may be attached using any fastening option, nut and bolt or the like and would in at least two locations, attaching L-shaped top seat bracket to the L-shaped under bracket. A plurality of vertical support frame members 220 extend upwardly for added stability.
Similar to other embodiments, this system includes a mouse pad area. 240, and any number of cup holders, storage recesses, pen holders, etc. Accordingly, the first surface 76 and the armrest 78 include hinges for lifting upper members under which the storage recess etc. may be located. This embodiment may be equipped to portably mount to the underside of a traditional desk, similar to a conventional pull-out keyboard drawer or retractable arm mount-style. The first surface 76 could include features not found on a typical under-mount style keyboard tray. In essence, this embodiment is comprised of one single support surface which can transition portably between a desk mounted use position to a convenient and comfortable lap use.
The first surface 76 of this embodiment and the embodiments that follow is joined to the second surface at least by pin 244 offset on a separate substantially horizontal plane than the second surface 78, preferably on a higher plane. This method allows the first surface 76 to slide and overlap the second surface 78; i.e. pivot or rotate along a horizontal plane, preferably the horizontal plane on which the first surface 76 is positioned. The sliding and overlapping application requires no significant fastening demands as these components merely rest upon the system's top support 74.
The embodiment of
In
Referring to
This motion reveals the cantilever support pin 330 tracking location. This area of invention aids secondary support. Pin 330 disengages as the first surface moves to overlay the armrest 78. Tracking may also run along the outside edge of the underlying support structure, as well as a number of other commonly known methods of accomplishing this needed structural element.
Note the rotation of the two adjoining support surfaces to ready the top support 74 for its lap use position. Pin 244 now travels along guides 242 and 245, and Pin 330 now travel along guide 332, as can be clearly seen in
Specifically referring to
Several alternative embodiments have been described and illustrated. A person ordinary skilled in the art would appreciate that the features of the individual embodiments, can be applied to any of the embodiments. Further, the terms “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower,” etc. are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments in any way. The term “plurality” as used herein is intended to indicate any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively as necessary, up to an infinite number. The terms “attached,” “joined,” and “connected” as used herein are intended to put or bring two elements together so as to form a unit, and any number of elements, devices, fasteners, etc. may be provided between the joined or connected elements unless otherwise specified by the use of the term “directly” and/or supported by the drawings. The term “substantially” is often in conjunction with another term to describe a particular characteristic of the present invention. It is a broad term. As used herein, the term “substantially” is intended to mean “largely that which is specified,” and small variations that do not have an appreciable effect on the utility and function of the present invention do not escape scope of that which is specified. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand what was meant by “substantially.”
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the broader aspects of the invention. Also, it is intended that broad claims not specifying details of a particular embodiment disclosed herein as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention should not be limited to such details.
Claims
1. A computer support attachable to an external body, the computer support comprising:
- a first use position wherein the computer support is attached to the external body; and
- a second use position wherein the computer support is separated from the external body and is adapted to fit on a user's lap to support an electronic device.
2. The computer support of claim 1 further comprising:
- a top support means comprising a first surface and a second surface, said first surface joined to said second surface;
- a first pivoting means for at least partial rotational movement of said top support about a first pivot point;
- an alignment means for moving at least a portion of the computer support along a horizontal plane; and.
- a frame means for attaching said top support means to the external body.
3. The computer support of claim 2 wherein said alignment means provides for drawing the computer support in a north to south direction relative to a user.
4. The computer support of claim 3 wherein the alignment means provides for bringing said first surface into substantial parallel alignment with said second surface.
5. The computer support of claim 4 wherein said first pivoting means is a first hinge.
6. The computer support of claim 4 wherein said alignment means includes a secondary tracking system to allow further north to south movement relative to the user, the secondary tracking system comprising a drawer slide mechanism.
7. The computer support of claim 2 wherein said first pivoting means includes a first pin joining said first surface with said second surface.
8. The computer support of claim 7 wherein said alignment means includes a first guide, said pin located within said first guide and capable of rotating and traversing within said first guide.
9. The computer support of claim 8 wherein said alignment means further includes a second pin and a curvilinear guide, said second pin located within curvilinear guide.
10. The computer support of claim 2 wherein said second surface is offset from and located on a separate horizontal plane than said first surface, said first pivoting means selectively bringing said first surface and said second surface into substantially parallel alignment.
11. The computer support of claim 10 wherein said pivoting means includes a first pin, said first pin joining said first surface with said second surface.
12. The computer support of claim 11 wherein said alignment means includes a first guide, said pin located within said first guide capable of traversing within said first guide to bring said first surface and said second surface into substantially vertical alignment.
13. A computer support providing a variable workspace for a user, the computer support comprising:
- a first surface positioned along a first substantially horizontal plane;
- a second surface offset from and located on a separate horizontal plane than said first surface; and
- a pin joining said first surface and said second surface, said pin defining a pivot point upon which said first surface is pivotally mounted to said second surface for rotational movement about said pivot point along said first substantially horizontal plane.
14. The computer support of claim 13 further comprising a guide adapted for receiving a portion of said pin, at least one portion of said guide in substantial alignment with said second surface wherein said pin is adapted for traversing said at least one portion of said guide.
15. The computer support of claim 14 further comprising a mounting system for attaching the computer support to a chair, wherein the mounting system comprises:
- a first bracket attached to said second surface; and
- a second bracket having a first portion attached to said first bracket and a second portion for attachment to a chair.
16. The computer support of claim 15 further comprising a frame attachable to said first bracket.
17. The computer support of claim 16 wherein said frame includes a first member located beneath said first surface and a second member generally transverse to said first member and located beneath said second surface.
18. The computer support of claim 17 further comprising:
- a second pin joining first surface and said second surface; and
- a curvilinear guide adapted for receiving said second pin wherein said second pin traverses with said curvilinear guide wherein said second pin
19. The computer support of claim 18 wherein said guide is located along a length of said second surface wherein said first pin and said second surface are movable along a length of said second surface.
20. A computer support for selective attachment to an external body, the computer support comprising:
- a top support comprising a first surface and a second surface, said first surface located on a separate horizontal plane than said second surface, said first surface having a first guide therein;
- a first pin joining said first surface with said second surface and positioned within the first guide, said first pin defining a first pivot point upon which relative rotational movement between said first surface and said second surface bring said first surface and said second surface into selective substantially parallel alignment;
- a second guide extending along a portion of said top support, said pin also located within said second guide wherein traverse of said first pin within said second guide brings said first surface into selective substantially vertical alignment with said second surface;
- a second pin between said first surface and said second surface; and
- a third guide having a curvilinear shape, said second pin adapted to traverse along a length of said third guide wherein said first surface may be selectively rotated about said pivot point and traversed in a plurality of directions.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 9, 2004
Publication Date: Jun 30, 2005
Inventor: John Kordecki (Arlington Heights, IL)
Application Number: 11/008,502