Portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation

Info

Publication number: 20070034124
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 9, 2005
Publication Date: Feb 15, 2007
Inventor: Anthony Benson (Detroit, MI)
Application Number: 11/199,703

Abstract

A portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation that is both functional and decorative. A solid, L-shaped body is oriented like a shelf when in use. The shelf like surface is greater than the wall plate assembly surface which consist of the top of wall plate with pencil cradle and the wall plate. The back of the wall plate assembly has two keyhole fasteners allowing the desk to be removed and placed anywhere screws or fasteners can be installed. The bottom of the desk is assembled together with a continuous hinge, and two drop leaf brace provide the desk erect and collapsible function. A quick fold bar makes folding the desk away easy. The desk itself is made of a hard material, not unlike a wood, plastic, metal or any suitable material that can perform as a desk, table, countertop or workbench as well as any other device that may hold items.

Description

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a desk/workstation and, more particularly, to a portable collapsible desk/workstation designed for used in vehicles and other spaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In December of 2003 I started to put together a mobile office in the back of my cargo/work van. I found and could readily buy all the things I needed for my mobile office (printer, fax, scanner, copier and computer) but couldn't find the type of desk or computer stand I wanted. After weeks of looking for a desk and not being able to find what I wanted, on Jan. 2, 2004 I invented the Portable Pop-Up Mobile Desk/Workstation and installed it in the back of my van to the bulkhead.

The Portable Pop-Up Mobile Desk/Workstation is an ergonomic design that has been designed to fit any full size cargo or work van as well as mini vans that are equipped with a bulkhead installation. The Portable Pop-Up Mobile Desk/Workstation™ may be attached in the forward cab area or in the rear cargo area of the bulkhead. A unique feature of the Portable Pop-Up Mobile Desk/Workstation is its portability, you have the option to affix it permanently to the bulkhead or dock it temporarily and move it from dock to dock as needed.

To use the Portable Pop-Up Mobile Desk/Workstation as a workbench you can take advantage of its portability. You may simply install POP-UP Docking Screws as-needed or desired. By installing Docking Screws to the rear or side door of your vehicle van the Portable Pop-Up Mobile Desk/Workstation becomes a workbench, which can hold a maximum load of up to 50 lbs.

The Portable Pop-Up Mobile Desk/Workstation is a valuable addition to any serviceperson working out of a cargo or work van. The desks are spacious enough to accommodate today's larger laptop computers.

The Portable Pop-Up Mobile Desk/Workstation can be used anywhere you have limited space, in your home, at the office, in hallways, garages, dorm rooms, loading & shipping docks, utility and emergency vehicles, etc. The polyethylene design can be used in doctors' exam rooms and in small kitchens with limited counter space. The Portable Pop-Up Mobile Desk/Workstation can go virtually anywhere a temporary desk, workstation, countertop or work surface is needed.

Other mobile computer desk used in vehicles are all designed on pedestals or stands which take up precious floor and cargo space in vehicles. They are also designed with limited functionality they primarily hold laptop computers in place for viewing and manipulating. Because they are permently affixed they get in the way and limit useage of that space. My search for this type unit at the USPTO came up with 0 found, however they do exist and can be found on the internet. JOTTO DESK is one example.

Prior art mobile desk inherently have limited functionality, in our increasingly information and technology driven mobile world, doing all of your office functions on the road is becoming the norm. Writing estimates, preparing reports, taking orders having a work surface to hold items that are being worked on, even having lunch are all being done on the road in vehicles. Conventional mobile computer desks provide a limited function, they hold laptop computers.

Heretofore, no device has been created to fulfill the need for a completely functional desk/workstation needed in modern mobile (vehicles) offices. A desk/workstation that can be used in many situations is inherently not necessarily the solution for all situations. The vicissitudes of modern mobile (vehicles) office environments require an improved desk for writing and computing, as well other mobile office and work tasks

Moreover, no current approach addresses the problem of recapturing cargo space and mobile office functionality. With the Portable Pop-Up Mobile Desk/Workstation, you have a laptop desk, a writing desk, a dinning surface, and a workbench surface. When finished using the Portable Pop-Up Mobile Desk/Workstation it can be either folded away, or removed and stored away recapturing the space. No longer is there a need for a cumbersome stand mounted in the middle of the floor eating up precious space. In prior mobile computer desks, viewing and manipulating laptop computers are the designs only function.

It is an object of the invention to provide a portable mobile desk/workstation for vehicles.

It is an object of the invention to provide a multifunctional portable work surface.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a portable mobile desk/workstation that is collapsible.

It is an object of the invention to provide a portable mobile desk/workstation that is removable.

It is another object of the invention to provide a portable mobile desk/workstation that may be used in any situation where a desk or workstation in needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation that is both functional and decorative. A solid, L-shaped body is oriented like an shelf, with its biggest surface at its uppermost point. Attached to its smaller surface containing a pencil cradle and wall plate attachment. The circumference of the biggest surface is greater than the circumference of the smaller surface containing a pencil cradle and the wall plate attachment. The wall plate itself is made up of the smaller surface which contains the pencil cradle attached to the wall plate. The wall plate assembly is glued or screwed together. The back of the wall plate assembly has two keyhole fasteners allowing the desk to be removed and placed anywhere screws can be installed to hold the unit. The bottom surface of the desk is assembled together with a continuous hinge, and two drop leaf braces provide the desk erect and collapsible function. A quick fold bar is also provided, which is an l-shaped cane bolt, which is solider or screwed across the two drop leaf braces for ease of folding the desk away with one hand motion. The desk itself is made of a hard material, not unlike a wood or high density polyethylene, in order to provide a rigid surface that can perform as a desk, table or workbench.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is a portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation view of a side elevation of a completely assembled unit;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a continuous hinge used to attach wall plate assembly which comprises the top of wall plate with pencil cradle and the wall plate to primary desk board;

FIG. 3 is a quick fold bar view of a device use to rapidly fold down the desk with one motion;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a six pilot hinge hole alignment for placement of the hinge and to indicate where the screws to attach the wall plate to the primary desk board;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a five hole placement which allow the desk/workstation to be screwed or fasten to another surface. It also depicts pilot holes for the drop leaf brace alignment and attachment;

FIG. 6 is a bottom of main desk board view of a matching alignment of six pilot holes to affix hinge to connect wall plate assembly to primary desk board, and the four pilot holes needed to attach the drop leaf braces to primary desk board;

FIG. 7 is a top of portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation screw placement view of an alignment of screws showing screw placement that attach top of wall plate with pencil cradle to wall plate, this part may also be glued or fasten by any acceptable method of fastening;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a drop leaf brace two to these are used to spring the primary board into working position and lock it in place providing a stable surface not unlike a shelf, desk, table, countertop or workbench or any other device which may store or hold items;

FIG. 9 is a back elevation view of a wall plate with through holes depicted which are drilled so the unit may be attached to another surface, it also depicts two keyhole fasteners;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a the top of wall plate with pencil cradle;

FIG. 10a is a split view of a top wall plate with pencil cradle;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a showing how and where the hinge is attached to connect the wall plate assembly which consist of the wall plate and the top of the wall plate with pencil cradle to the primary desk board, it also depicts the two pilot hole locations where the drop leaf braces will be attached;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a drop leaf brace attached to the primary desk board and wall plate;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a quick fold bar attached to drop leaf brace;

FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of a portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation folded down;

FIG. 15 is a right side view of a folded away portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation, it also exposes the spring that provides the tension that pops the primary desk board into working position. Further it depicts the quick fold bar;

FIG. 16 is a left side view of a folded away portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation, it also exposes the spring that provides the tension that pops the primary desk board into working position. Further it depicts the quick fold bar; and

FIG. 17 is a top alternative view of an alternative design for the top of wall plate with pencil cradle, design has a cup holder and three utility holes for small tools, like but not limited to screw driver etc. and pencils and pens.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the FIGURES.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the open portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation 10, in accordance with the invention. The desk may be fabricated of wood, plastic, metal or any other suitable material and may be in various sizes. The primary desk board 14 is attached to top of wall plate with pencil cradle 16 by hinge 20 and screws, top of wall plate with pencil cradle 16 is attached to wall plate 18 with screws or may be glued together. drop leaf brace 12 there are two spring tension drop leaf brace 12 which screw to the bottom of the primary desk board 14 and to wall plate 18. hinge 20 is placed and screwed in place in alignment with the six pilot holes 24 the six pilot holes 24 are on the bottom of top of wall plate with pencil cradle 16. wall plate 18 has five through holes 26 that allow it to be attached to another surface with screws or any acceptable fastener. wall plate 18 also has four wall plate pilot holes 28 where drop leaf brace 12, are attached by screws or any acceptable form of fastening. The bottom primary desk board six hinge pilot holes 30, align the attachment of hinge 20, with screw to top of wall plate with pencil cradle 16 The bottom of the primary desk board 14 has four pilot holes for drop leaf braces 32 where the drop leaf brace 12 are attached with screws or acceptable fasteners.

The portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation 10 may be fabricated of wood, plastic, metal or any other suitable material and may be in various sizes.

For the purpose of this application the unit is built from wood stock ¾″ thick. The width of the unit is 15″, the wall plate 18 is 15″ wide and 2¾″ high. The top of wall plate with pencil cradle 16 is 15″ wide×¾″ thick×3″ deep. The primary desk board 14 is 15″×17″ with rounded corners, when the unit is in working position it 15″×20″. The attaching parts are one 12″×½″ continuos hinge 20 with one dozen screws, two 10″ drop leaf brace 12 with four screws and one quick fold bar 22. To construct this unit six pilot holes 24 are drilled in both the primary desk board 14 and the top of wall plate with pencil cradle 16 the holes are 5/64″ and are placed 7/16″ on center from the edges where the hinge 20 is attached the first hole is drilled 3″ from the one of the outer edges and the next five holes are drilled 2″ apart. The wall plate 18 has four polite holes for the attachment of drop leaf brace 12 the holes are 3/32″ and are drilled 1″ from the bottom of the wall plate 18 3 and 4″ from the left and right side of the wall plate 18. Drill five through holes 26 in the wall plate 18 ½″ from the top edge size 8/32″ start 1½″ from one of the outer edges and place every 3″. Drill four through holes into top of wall plate with pencil cradle 16 make hole size big enough to accommodate # 10 or #12 screw, the first hole to be ½″ from one of the outer edges of the part and ⅜″ from the back edge of the part. The primary desk board 14 has four polite holes for the attachment of drop leaf brace 12 the holes are 3/32″ and are drilled 6⅜″ from the top of the primary desk board 14 and 3 and 4″ from the left and right side of the primary desk board 14. To assemble the portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation 10 Step 1. Screw the top of wall plate with pencil cradle 16 into the wall plate 18. Step 2. Screw hinge 20 to both the primary desk board 14 and the wall plate 18 assembly. Step 3. Screw both drop leaf brace 12 to wall plate 18 assembly and primary desk board 14. Step 4. Attach quick fold bar 22 to the larger side of the drop leaf brace 12, it may be screwed or welded or fasten by any other acceptable means.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective of continuous hinge 20 use to connect the primary desk board 14 to top of wall plate with pencil cradle 16.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective of quick fold bar 22 which is use to rapidly fold away the portable pop-up desk/workstation, with one hand, in one motion, the quick fold bar 22 is a l-shape steel rod similar to a cane bolt and is attached to the two drop leaf brace 12, by welding or screwing it across the two drop leaf brace 12 or may b attached by any acceptable form of fastening.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective of six pilot holes 24 that align the hinge 20 for the placement of screws to attach the top of wall plate with pencil cradle 16 to the primary desk board 14.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective of the placement of five through holes 26, which allow the portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation 10 to be screwed or fastened to another surface. It also depicts four wall plate pilot holes 28 that align the placement of the drop leaf brace 12 to be attached.

FIG. 6 is depicting the primary desk board six hinge pilot holes 30 that align the hinge 20 to be attached to the top of wall plate with pencil cradle 16 and primary desk board 14, four pilot holes for drop leaf braces 32 are also shown they align the drop leaf brace 12 for attachment to primary desk board 14 they may be screwed or attached by any acceptable means of fastening.

FIG. 7 is a top view perspective of an assembled desk/workstation showing screw placement 34 that connects top of wall plate with pencil cradle 16 to wall plate 18.

FIG. 8 is a enlarged view of a drop leaf brace 12 which is made of steel or some type of metal substance with a spring for tension. The drop leaf brace 12 spring tension provides the jackknife motion the pops the primary desk board 14 into working position. The two are connected to the wall plate 18 and to the primary desk board 14 by screws.

FIG. 9 is a back elevation of the wall plate 18 with through holes depicted which are drilled so the unit may be attached to another surface, it also depicts two keyhole fasteners 36.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation for provides a portable collapsible desk/workstation for vehicles and other spaces whether small or large needing a temporary or permanent work surface. comprising:

means for desk/workstation and may be used for any activity a table, desk, countertop or shelf may be used for as well any other device that may hold items;

means for the drop leaf braces spring tension provides the jack knife action that pops the primary desk board into working position. the two drop leaf braces are connected to the primary desk board and to the wall plate by screws or other fasteners;

means for the primary work surface of the portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation and may be used for any purpose things like a table, desk, countertop or workbench may be used for or any other shelf like device may be used for;

means for is the top of the wall plate assembly which features a pencil cradle that is 9″ long×1 2/8″ wide and is ¼″, however pencil cradle may be of any size and may or may not be incorporated on every portable pop-up mobile desk;

means for wall plate is connected to top of wall plate with pencil cradle by screws but may be glued or fastened by other methods the wall plate has five through holes drilled in it so the unit may be attached to another surface, the holes may vary in number;

means for hinge function is to connect top of wall plate with pencil cradle to the primary desk board this is done by aligning the hinge over the 6 hinge pilot holes on the primary desk board and also aligning the hinge over the 6 pilots holes on the top of wall plate with pencil cradle and fastening into place with screws or any appropriate method of fastening;

means for rapidly folding away the primary desk board with one hand, in one motion. the quick fold bar lays across and attaches to the drop leaf braces it may be welded, screwed or mechanically fastened with screws or any method well known to those skilled in the art;

means for hinge to be aligned for placement and attachment and to be drilled into to fasten hinge, to the bottom of the primary desk board and to the bottom of the top of wall plate with pencil cradle, there are a total of twelve hinge holes six on each of the parts mentioned here;

means for five through holes are drilled into wall plate for attachment to another surface, the amount of holes may be varied;

means for aligning the drop leaf braces into position to be fasten to the wall plate and then screwed into or fasten by any mechanically accepted method to the primary desk board;

means for aligning the hinge which connects primary desk board to the top of wall plate pencil cradle;

means for aligning drop leaf braces into position to be fastened by screws or any mechanically accepted method to the primary desk board so that it may attach to the wall plate there are a total of eight drop leaf pilot holes four on each of the two parts mentioned here;

means for indicating where screws or any other accepted mechanical method of fastening may be place to fasten top of wall plate with pencil cradle to wall plate; and

means for attaching the back of the wall plate allowing the portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation to be hung up temporarily or permanently, or the portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation can be hung from place to place by means of the keyhole fasteners. the keyhole fasteners help give the portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation it's portability and it's diverse functionality.

2. The portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for desk/workstation and may be used for any activity a table, desk, countertop or shelf may be used for as well any other device that may hold items comprises a portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation.

3. The portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for the drop leaf braces spring tension provides the jack knife action that pops the primary desk board into working position. the two drop leaf braces are connected to the primary desk board and to the wall plate by screws or other fasteners. comprises a drop leaf brace.

4. The portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for the primary work surface of the portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation and may be used for any purpose things like a table, desk, countertop or workbench may be used for or any other shelf like device may be used for comprises a primary desk board.

5. The portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for is the top of the wall plate assembly which features a pencil cradle that is 9″ long×1 2/8″ wide and is ¼″, however pencil cradle may be of any size and may or may not be incorporated on every portable pop-up mobile desk comprises a top of wall plate with pencil cradle.

6. The portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for wall plate is connected to top of wall plate with pencil cradle by screws but may be glued or fastened by other methods the wall plate has five through holes drilled in it so the unit may be attached to another surface, the holes may vary in number. comprises a wall plate.

7. The portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for hinge function is to connect top of wall plate with pencil cradle to the primary desk board this is done by aligning the hinge over the 6 hinge pilot holes on the primary desk board and also aligning the hinge over the 6 pilots holes on the top of wall plate with pencil cradle and fastening into place with screws or any appropriate method of fastening comprises a hinge.

8. The portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for rapidly folding away the primary desk board with one hand, in one motion. the quick fold bar lays across and attaches to the drop leaf braces it may be welded, screwed or mechanically fastened with screws or any method well known to those skilled in the art comprises a quick fold bar.

9. The portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for hinge to be aligned for placement and attachment and to be drilled into to fasten hinge, to the bottom of the primary desk board and to the bottom of the top of wall plate with pencil cradle, there are a total of twelve hinge holes six on each of the parts mentioned here comprises a six pilot holes.

10. The portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for five through holes are drilled into wall plate for attachment to another surface, the amount of holes may be varied. comprises a five through holes.

11. The portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for aligning the drop leaf braces into position to be fasten to the wall plate and then screwed into or fasten by any mechanically accepted method to the primary desk board. comprises a four wall plate pilot holes.

12. The portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for aligning the hinge which connects primary desk board to the top of wall plate pencil cradle comprises a primary desk board six hinge pilot holes.

13. The portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for aligning drop leaf braces into position to be fastened by screws or any mechanically accepted method to the primary desk board so that it may attach to the wall plate there are a total of eight drop leaf pilot holes four on each of the two parts mentioned here. comprises a four pilot holes for drop leaf braces.

14. The portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for indicating where screws or any other accepted mechanical method of fastening may be place to fasten top of wall plate with pencil cradle to wall plate comprises a screw placement.

15. The portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for attaching the back of the wall plate allowing the portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation to be hung up temporarily or permanently, or the portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation can be hung from place to place by means of the keyhole fasteners. the keyhole fasteners help give the portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation it's portability and it's diverse functionality. comprises a keyhole fasteners.

16. A portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation for provides a portable collapsible desk/workstation for vehicles and other spaces whether small or large needing a temporary or permanent work surface. comprising:

a portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation, for desk/workstation and may be used for any activity a table, desk, countertop or shelf may be used for as well any other device that may hold items;

a drop leaf brace, for the drop leaf braces spring tension provides the jack knife action that pops the primary desk board into working position. the two drop leaf braces are connected to the primary desk board and to the wall plate by screws or other fasteners;

a primary desk board, for the primary work surface of the portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation and may be used for any purpose things like a table, desk, countertop or workbench may be used for or any other shelf like device may be used for;

a top of wall plate with pencil cradle, for is the top of the wall plate assembly which features a pencil cradle that is 9″ long×1 2/8″ wide and is ¼″, however pencil cradle may be of any size and may or may not be incorporated on every portable pop-up mobile desk;

a wall plate, for wall plate is connected to top of wall plate with pencil cradle by screws but may be glued or fastened by other methods the wall plate has five through holes drilled in it so the unit may be attached to another surface, the holes may vary in number;

a hinge, for hinge function is to connect top of wall plate with pencil cradle to the primary desk board this is done by aligning the hinge over the 6 hinge pilot holes on the primary desk board and also aligning the hinge over the 6 pilots holes on the top of wall plate with pencil cradle and fastening into place with screws or any appropriate method of fastening;

a quick fold bar, for rapidly folding away the primary desk board with one hand, in one motion. the quick fold bar lays across and attaches to the drop leaf braces it may be welded, screwed or mechanically fastened with screws or any method well known to those skilled in the art;

a six pilot holes, for hinge to be aligned for placement and attachment and to be drilled into to fasten hinge, to the bottom of the primary desk board and to the bottom of the top of wall plate with pencil cradle, there are a total of twelve hinge holes six on each of the parts mentioned here;

a five through holes, for five through holes are drilled into wall plate for attachment to another surface, the amount of holes may be varied;

a four wall plate pilot holes, for aligning the drop leaf braces into position to be fasten to the wall plate and then screwed into or fasten by any mechanically accepted method to the primary desk board;

a primary desk board six hinge pilot holes, for aligning the hinge which connects primary desk board to the top of wall plate pencil cradle;

a four pilot holes for drop leaf braces, for aligning drop leaf braces into position to be fastened by screws or any mechanically accepted method to the primary desk board so that it may attach to the wall plate there are a total of eight drop leaf pilot holes four on each of the two parts mentioned here;

a screw placement, for indicating where screws or any other accepted mechanical method of fastening may be place to fasten top of wall plate with pencil cradle to wall plate; and

a keyhole fasteners, for attaching the back of the wall plate allowing the portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation to be hung up temporarily or permanently, or the portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation can be hung from place to place by means of the keyhole fasteners. the keyhole fasteners help give the portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation it's portability and it's diverse functionality.

17. A portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation for provides a portable collapsible desk/workstation for vehicles and other spaces whether small or large needing a temporary or permanent work surface. comprising: