Wall desk

Abstract

A wall desk includes first and second compartments separated by a partition having a passage sized to allow one or more electrical cables to pass between the compartments. A panel of the wall desk may flip down from a closed position covering the first compartment to an open position providing a work surface and affording access to the first compartment. The second compartment may be sized to house an electrical socket and to store electrical cables connected to electronic devices stored in the first compartment or used on the work surface. An access door may be provided for accessing the second compartment.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to wall desks and, in particular, to wall desks with features for accommodating electronic devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wall-mounted desks with a retractable work surface are known to provide a workstation where floor space is limited, such as hospital hallways outside patient rooms. When not in use, the work surface of a wall desk is typically stowed in a vertical position adjacent a frame of the wall desk. Some wall desks include internal storage bins, slots, or shelves that are covered and secured when the work surface is retracted to the closed position and locked in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,101 of Garbutt et al. describes a wall-mounted foldable desk including a work surface that swings up from a downwardly-hanging stowed position to an outwardly-extending working position. The wall-mounted desk includes a cabinet that is covered by the work surface when in the stowed position and an external shelf for holding work-related items, such as books or papers. A container structure supported at the top of the cabinet includes perforations adapted for receiving and holding elongated items, such as writing utensils.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,126 of Neufeld et al. describes a combination wall-mounted desk and chart holder with a desktop that swings down from a vertical closed position to a horizontal open position, exposing a hollow compartment formed by a cabinet body of the combination desk and chart holder. A dual-function rail is attached to the inside surface of a rear wall of the hollow compartment. The rail engages and supports the work surface when in the open position and also forms pockets to receive and store documents within the hollow compartment. A telescoping cylinder is coupled to the desktop for urging the desktop to the open position when the desktop is between an intermediate position and the open position, and toward the closed position when the desktop is between the intermediate position and the closed position. The telescoping cylinder is attached at one end to a top surface of the desktop and extends upwardly through an opening in a top wall of the cabinet body where, at its other end, the telescoping cylinder attaches to a retaining wall that extends upwardly from the top wall of the cabinet body. The chart holder also includes external nooks configured to receive medical charts. In one embodiment a pair of lockable medicine cabinets are attached to and extend outwardly from side walls of the cabinet body.

The present inventors have identified the need for a wall desk that provides a convenient location to store and use electronic devices, particularly portable electronic devices such as laptop computers, MP3 players, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, and the like. The present inventors have also recognized the need for a wall desk that includes features to help organize and stow electrical cables required to operate and interconnect such electronic devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a wall desk with its work surface in a horizontal open position;

FIG. 2 is an auxiliary isometric view the wall desk of FIG. 1 showing the work surface folded up to a closed position;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the wall desk of FIG. 1 with an accessory shelf unit omitted;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the wall desk of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a right side elevation of the wall desk of FIG. 1, wherein an access door of the wall desk located under the work surface is shown in an open position;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation of the wall desk of FIG. 5, in which a removable back panel and modular shelves are omitted to reveal mounting features of a cabinet of the wall desk;

FIG. 7A is a cross section view of the wall desk of FIG. 1 taken along line 7A-7A of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7B is an auxiliary cross section view of the wall desk of FIG. 1 taken along line 7A-7A of FIG. 4, with the work surface and access door shown folded up and locked in their closed positions;

FIG. 8A is a front elevation of the display mounting bracket;

FIG. 8B is a top plan view of the display mounting bracket;

FIG. 8C is a right side elevation of the display mounting bracket; and

FIG. 9 is an auxiliary isometric view the wall desk of FIG. 1 showing the display mount installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Throughout the specification, reference to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment. Thus appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, and characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Skilled persons will appreciate that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In some instances, well-known structures, materials, and operations are omitted or not described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

With reference to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements, FIGS. 1-6, 7A, 7B, and 9 show a wall desk 10 according to a preferred embodiment, including a cabinet 14 having a first side wall 90 and second side wall 100. The cabinet 14 preferably includes a mounting frame 120 connected to and extending rearwardly from the first and second side walls 90, 100 for mounting the wall desk 10 to a wall 16 (FIGS. 3, 7A and 7B) or another support surface. A top plate 95 and a bottom plate 105 of the cabinet 14 may span between and be secured to the first and second side walls 90, 100. Alternatively, top and bottom plates 95, 105 may be secured to other parts of the cabinet 14, such as directly to the mounting frame 120.

A panel 20 is movably attached to cabinet 14 and retractable from a generally horizontal open position, shown in FIG. 1, to a generally vertical closed position, shown in FIG. 2. When the panel 20 is in the open position, it provides a work surface 130 for supporting objects such as documents 140, writing tools, and electronic devices, such as a laptop computer 150, a personal digital assistant (PDA) (not shown), a cell phone, and a personal stereo, for example. The generally horizontal position may include an ergonomically inclined position. In one embodiment, the work surface 130 measures 30 inches by 16.5 inches, but skilled persons will appreciate that many other sizes may be suitable. Opening the panel 20 preferably allows access to a first compartment 50 of the cabinet 14. When the panel 20 is in the closed position (FIG. 2), it may lie adjacent to the first and second side walls 90 and 100, respectively, so as to cover the first compartment 50 and conceal items stored therein. Thus, the generally vertical closed position may include positions tilted from perfectly vertical but at a position to cover the first compartment 50.

The panel 20 may be supported on and coupled to the cabinet 14 by a pair of hinge brackets 25 pivotally connected to the first and second side walls, 90 and 100 respectively, via pivot pins 28 (FIG. 7A). In other embodiments (not shown), other means of movably attaching the panel 20 to the cabinet 14 may be utilized while still facilitating the movement of the panel 20 between the open and closed positions. For example, the work surface 130 may move along a curved path, may fold along piano hinges, or may telescope for storage. If the work surface 130 does not retract to a position covering the first compartment 50, a separate door (not shown) may be provided to control access thereto.

A panel lock 320 may be provided for locking the panel 20 in the closed position and securing the first compartment 50 to prevent theft or tampering with items stored therein. The panel lock may be operated by a key or combination, and may include a latch arm that rotates to engage part of the cabinet 14 and thereby prevent the panel from moving outward from the closed position.

In one embodiment, the mounting frame 120 is formed of a sheet metal material such as steel or aluminum and has at least one rear margin bent inward at a right angle relative to the body of the mounting frame 120 to form a mounting flange 124 in which a first set of keyhole shaped mounting holes 240 are formed. The keyhole shape of the mounting holes 240 facilitates hanging of the mounting frame from screws, or the like, that have been driven into the wall 16 or other support surface for the wall desk 10. The mounting holes 240 are preferably spaced apart at regular intervals along the hangar panel to facilitate installation of the wall desk 10 on the wall 16 or other mounting surface. For example, mounting holes 240 may be spaced apart along the hanger panel 124 by increments selected to fit a common spacing of wall studs in residential or commercial buildings. A corresponding set of keyhole-shaped lower mounting holes 242 may be formed in a back wall 126 of the mounting frame 120 at the back of the second compartment 60 to provide additional mounting points. In one embodiment, a plurality of ventilation holes 110 are provided around the top, bottom, and/or sides of the body of the mounting frame 120 to facilitate air circulation and cooling of electronic devices stored in the wall desk 10.

FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of the wall desk 10 illustrating details of one embodiment wherein the mounting frame 120 is separable from the remainder of the wall desk 10. With reference to FIG. 3, the mounting frame 120 may include a cable port 116 sized to allow one or more electrical cables 170 to exit the second compartment 60. In one embodiment, the cable port 116 is located in the bottom of the body of the mounting frame 120. The mounting frame 120 may also include one or more outlet apertures 118 located in the back wall 126 of the mounting frame 120. The outlet apertures 118 are sized to allow access to wall-mounted electrical outlets 174 which may be installed in an electrical outlet box, such as a two-gang electrical outlet box. Providing the outlet apertures 118 in the back wall 126 of the mounting frame 120 increases the aesthetic appeal of the wall desk 10 by eliminating or minimizing the number of visible electrical cables 170 exiting the cabinet 14.

The mounting frame 120 may be separable from the remainder of the wall desk 10 so that the mounting frame 120 can be mounted to the wall 16 before supporting the weight of the remainder of the cabinet 14 and wall desk 10 on the mounting frame 120 and the mounting screws. When detached from the remainder of the wall desk 10, the mounting frame 120 is relatively lightweight and easy to screw into the wall from the front, without interference from the panel 20 or other components of the wall desk 10. After the mounting frame 120 has been secured to the wall 16, the remainder of the wall desk 10 may be hung from the mounting frame via a set of sideways-L-shaped hangar slots 128 (FIGS. 3, 7A and 7B) in left and right walls of the mounting flange 120. The hangar slots 128 are sized to receive bolts or other fasteners or hangars 134 extending from side walls 90, 100 in a direction transverse to the left and right walls of the mounting flange.

An enclosure formed by the side walls 90, 100, mounting frame 120, top plate 95, and bottom plate 105 of the cabinet 14 (and, at the back, by the wall 16 to which the wall desk 10 is mounted) is preferably divided into two or more adjacent compartments by a partition 40 that extends across the enclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 7A, the partition 40 extends in a generally horizontal direction between the first and second side walls 90 and 100, respectively, and divides the enclosure into a first compartment 50 accessible via the panel 20 and second compartment 60 accessible via an access door 30 (and preferably not via panel 20). The partition 40 preferably spans from a back wall 126 (FIG. 6) of the enclosure or from wall 16 to a location within the enclosure proximate a pivot axis of the panel 20. In other embodiments (not shown), the partition 40 may be configured to merely separate the first compartment 50 from a second compartment or storage space that may not necessarily span the width or height of the enclosure formed by the cabinet 14. The yet other embodiments, the partition 40 is located in places other than adjacent the pivot axis of the panel 20, such as along a side of the enclosure.

The partition 40 may include one or more passages 180 (FIG. 1) sized to allow one or more electrical cables 170 to pass therethrough between the first and second compartments 50, 60. In one embodiment, the passages 180 are rectangular in shape, measuring approximately 5 inches across. The passages 180 may be located along the bottom surface of a well 400 formed in the partition 40 along a rear portion thereof. The well 400 may help support items in the first compartment 50 and may also help hide the passages 180 and a bottom bracket 310 (FIGS. 7A and 7B) from view. Skilled persons will appreciate that the shape of the partition 40 and passages 180 shown in the figures is exemplary, and that many different sizes and shapes of partitions and passages are possible. The partition 40 may be formed and stamped of a sheet metal material and attached to the mounting frame 120 or to another part of the cabinet 14, such as the side walls 90 and 100, via fasteners or another means such as welding or riveting.

The partition 40 may have an upwardly extending front lip 210, which can help to retain portable electronic devices in the first compartment 50 and to prevent items used on the work surface 130 from being pushed into the passages 180 and falling into the second compartment 60. In one embodiment, the front lip 210 may be used to secure the ends of the partition 40 to the first and second side walls 90 and 100 using partition bolts 44 and partition nuts 46 (FIGS. 3, 7A and 7B). The partition 40 may also include one or more downwardly-extending rear flanges 220a, 220b, and 220c. In one embodiment, one or more pins 42 (FIGS. 7A and 7B) may be secured to the back wall 126 of the mounting frame 120 to engage holes provided in the rear flanges 220a, 220b, and 220c thereby facilitating installation and support of the partition 40 in the cabinet 14. However, many other methods, such as a combination of fasteners provided in the front lip 210 and rear flanges 220a, 220b, 220c, may be used to secure the partition 40 to the cabinet 14. In another embodiment, the partition 40, the lip 210, the flanges 220a, 220b, and 220c, and the passages 180 are formed from a single piece of sheet metal into the desired configuration. However, skilled persons will appreciate that many other methods, materials, and configurations are possible to achieve the similar benefits.

While a function of the partition 40 may be to separate the first compartment 50 from the second compartment 60 while allowing cables to pass therebetween, the partition 40 may also function as a shelf within the first compartment 50 for supporting items, such as a laptop computer 150 folded shut (FIG. 6) or a docking station 160 (FIG. 1) for a PDA, cell phone, or other device. In the embodiment shown, the partition 40 also functions as a stop for preventing the panel 20 from rotating downwardly beyond the open position shown in FIGS. 1, 5, 6, and 7A and for bracing the panel 20 in the open position.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 6, 7A, and 7B, the second compartment 60 may be sized to house electrical sockets such as an electrical power tap 172, a power strip, electrical outlets 174, surge protector, network jacks, telephone jacks, and others, and to further house wires and cables used to connect to such sockets. In one embodiment, the lower mounting holes 242 may be spaced to align with mounting holes in the back of a power strip, so that the power strip and the wall desk 10 may hang from the same set of screws. The second compartment 60 may also be sized to fit networking gear, such as routers or hubs, or other electronic equipment. The second compartment 60 may also be used to store and hide electrical cables 170, such as power cables and communication cables, for devices used at or with wall desk 10. Hiding the electrical cables 170 in the second compartment 60 behind the access door 30 increases the aesthetic appeal of the wall desk 10. A key-operated or combination-operated door lock 70 may be included to secure the access door 30 and prevent unauthorized personnel from gaining access to the second compartment 60 and tampering with the electrical cables 170 or other items stored in the second compartment 60. In addition, if access to a network is provided via a router stored in the second compartment 60, the locking access door 30 may prevent unauthorized personnel from gaining access to the network, thereby providing enhanced security.

The access door 30 may be pivotally connected to the first and second side walls, 90 and 100 respectively, via door hinge brackets 34 and pivot pins 36 (FIG. 7A). Alternatively, the access door 30 may be movably secured to the cabinet 14 by other means, while still facilitating access to the second compartment 60. For example, the access door may comprise a sliding door (not shown); a side-opening hatch in one of the side walls 90, 100 or the mounting frame 120; or a bottom-opening hatch in the bottom plate 105 or the mounting frame 120. When the access door 30 is in the open position, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7A, for example, access is provided to the second compartment 60. When the access door 30 is in the closed position, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7B), it lies adjacent to the first and second side walls 90 and 100, respectively, to span therebetween and cover the second compartment 60.

Magnetic catches 200 may be mounted within the cabinet 14 to engage metal fasteners 80 or other metal pieces on the panel 20 and access door 30, to releasably hold the panel 20 and access door 30 in the closed position. The magnetic catches 200 may contain spring mechanisms to allow the panel 20 operate in a push-to-open manner. For example, from the closed position, if the panel 20 is pressed toward the wall 16 the spring mechanism may toggle to an extended position to release and push panel 20 outwardly from the first compartment 50. In some embodiments, the push-to-open action may release the magnetic attraction of the catches 200 and start the panel 20 or access door 30 in motion toward the open position. In another embodiment (not shown), magnetic catches 200 and metal fasteners 80 may be replaced with a spring-loaded mechanical catch to facilitate the push-to-open operation.

A damper 270, such as a cylinder, spring mechanism, or friction device, may be coupled to the panel 20 to regulate the motion of the panel 20 when it is transitioning between the closed and open positions and to prevent the panel 20 from slamming open or closed. A second damper (not shown) may also be coupled to the access door to provide similar benefits. The damper 270 may have a resistance to motion that is tuned to substantially balance the torque created when panel 20 transitions between a closed position and an open position, thereby generating a gliding motion. In another embodiment, the damper 270 may be spring loaded and arranged to automatically move the panel 20 to a closed position when the panel 20 is located between the closed position and an intermediate point in its swing, and to automatically move the panel 20 to an open position when the panel 20 is located between the intermediate point and the open position. In yet another embodiment, a combination of gears and springs may be used to facilitate a gliding motion when transitioning. In still another embodiment, a motor may be provided to facilitate the transition. The damper 270 may be located between the second side wall 100 and the panel 20, where it may be concealed behind an interior panel of the cabinet 14 for aesthetic reasons. The side wall 100 may be shaped to provide a space adjacent the panel 20 to accommodate the operational rotation and extension of the damper 270.

In one embodiment, the wall desk 10 measures approximately 36 inches wide, 26 inches high and 7.25 inches deep when the panel 20 and access door 30 are in the closed position, and just over 22.25 inches deep when the panel 20 is in an open position. However, wall desks ranging from approximately 12 to 70 inches wide, 12 to 50 inches high, and 4 to 15 inches deep when the panel 20 and access door 30 are in a closed position, and 14 to 50 inches deep when the panel 20 is in an open position, may be constructed while providing some or all of the same features described herein. In some embodiments, the wall desk 10 may have an aesthetically pleasing exterior finish (not shown), such as a wood finish or painted finish. Top and bottom panels 95, 105 may be made of wood, metal, or another material. Side walls 90, 100 are preferably made of formed sheet metal for structural integrity, but may, alternatively, be made of other materials.

The wall desk 10 may be mounted to a vertical stationary surface, such as an interior or exterior wall 16 of a building. Wall desk 10 may be useful in a business setting, such as a hospital or corporate setting, in the home, in schools, and in other settings where floor space may be scarce. However, the mounting surface need not be stationary or vertical. For example, the wall desk 10 could be installed in a moving vehicle, such as a van, train, ferry, airplane, or ship, for example. Furthermore, the wall desk 10 could be mounted to a freestanding support structure, thereby facilitating use even when a mounting surface is not available, such as in the center of a room. Essentially, the wall desk 10 may be installed in any location where space may be limited but a working surface is still needed. The wall desk 10 may also be mounted to one or more vertically extending tracks (not shown) that allow the mounting height of the wall desk 10 above the floor to be adjusted with ease. An adjustable mounting height allows the workstation to be used by individuals of all sizes. The wall desk 10 may also be selectively positioned for sitting use or standing use. When adjusted to a standing height, the open work surface 130 may be positioned approximately at or slightly above the waist level, but usually below the user's chest. In a sitting position, the work surface 130 may be at a conventional table height or any desired height for use from a sitting position.

The electrical cables 170 may be secured along the inside surface 125 of the wall desk 10 by cable clips 190 or other cable fixtures. The cable clips 190 can help keep the electrical cables 170 organized within the first and second compartments 50, 60, thereby reducing the clutter typically associated with use of some electronic devices. In one embodiment, the cable clips 190 may be press-fit in the ventilation holes 110 of the mounting frame 120. However, skilled persons will appreciate that many other means may be used for securing cable clips and other cable fixtures to the cabinet 14.

Referring now to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, a removable back panel 260 may extend laterally between the first side wall 90 and the second side wall 100 and may extend vertically between the partition 40 and the top of the first compartment 50. In one embodiment, the back panel 260 may be constructed from a tackable material, such as foam or cork board, to enable the back panel 260 to be used as a bulletin board. The back panel 260 may be covered in fabric having a decorative pattern to further enhance the aesthetic appeal of the wall desk 10. The back panel 260 may be supported in brackets formed integrally in mounting frame 120 or attached thereto. The back panel 260 may be replaceable by sliding the back panel 260 free of a back panel side bracket 300 in a lateral direction then lifting the back panel 260 out of and away from a bottom bracket 310.

A modular shelf unit 230 may be hung from the back panel 260 (FIGS. 1, 7A, 7B) at a desired lateral position to provide additional surfaces for storage of small items within the first compartment 50. The shelf unit 230 may include an inverted U-shaped hangar for hooking over a top edge of the back panel 260. In other embodiments (not shown), shelves may be supported within the cabinet 14 in another manner.

It will be obvious to those having skill in the art that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.

The first compartment 50 may be sized to house a computer display 330, such as a flat panel display. FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a three view drawing of a display mount 326 and FIG. 9 shows the display mount 326 installed in the wall desk 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the mounting bar 334 extends laterally between the first and second side walls 90 and 100. Bracket fasteners 336 or other securing means, such as bolts, may secure the display mount 326 to a plurality of the ventilation holes 110 provided in lateral sides of the body of the mounting frame 120. The array of ventilation holes 110 allows the vertical position and depth of the computer display 330 to be adjusted within the first compartment 50. A mounting plate 338 may be secured to a friction hinge 340 (FIG. 8C) or other adjustable joint to facilitate tilting of the display 330. A plurality of horizontal slots 342 may be provided in the mounting bar 334 to allow the lateral position of the mounting plate 338 and the display 330 to be adjusted within the first compartment 50. The mounting plate 338 may also be provided with a plurality of bracket mounting holes 344 to engage the display 330. In one embodiment the mounting plate 338 may be provided with a 100 mm by 100 mm or 75 mm by 75 mm mounting hole pattern to engage a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) MIS-D, 100/75, C compliant display. In another embodiment the mounting plate 338 may be provided with a 200 mm by 100 mm mounting hole pattern to engage a VESA MIS-E, C compliant display. In yet another embodiment the display mount 326 may include an adjustable swing-arm mounting system (not shown) having a plurality of pivot points and one or more articulating arms to facilitate positioning of the display at a comfortable viewing height, position, and angle and stow age of the display. A display mounting system that may be adapted for such use is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,196 of Sweere et al., the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A wall desk comprising:

a cabinet defining an enclosure, the cabinet having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall;

a partition extending across the enclosure to divide the enclosure into first and second portions, the partition including at least one passage sized to allow electrical cables to pass through the partition;

a panel movably attached to the cabinet for movement between a generally horizontal open position forming a work surface of the wall desk and a retracted position; and

an access door hinged to the cabinet covering the second portion of the enclosure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the panel is hinged to the cabinet for movement between a vertical closed position adjacent the first and second sidewalls and a generally horizontal open position to provide a work surface for supporting documents thereon.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the panel is hinged to the cabinet adjacent the partition.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a damper operably coupled to the panel for regulating movement of the panel.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a collection of ventilation holes in the cabinet.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising cable fixtures operable to secure electrical cables along an inside surface of the cabinet.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a shelf removably supported within the enclosure.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a back panel removably supported along a rear portion of the enclosure.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a display mount supported within the enclosure.

10. A wall desk comprising:

a cabinet defining first and second compartments separated by a partition, the partition including at least one passage sized to allow an electrical cable to pass between the first and second compartments;

a panel movable between a first position, in which the panel completes the first compartment, and a second position, in which the panel extends outwardly from the cabinet to allow access to the first compartment and to provide a work surface for supporting documents thereon; and

an access door covering the second compartment.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a damper operable to resist movement of the panel between the first and second positions.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising an electrical socket positioned within the second compartment.

13. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising cable fixtures along an inside surface of the enclosure.

14. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a lock operable to secure the panel in the first position.

15. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a lock operable to secure the access door.

16. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a display mount operable to support a computer display.

17. A wall desk including multiple compartments comprising:

a first compartment sized to store at least one portable electronic device and accessible by a movable panel, the panel having a closed position, in which the panel completes the first compartment, and an open position, in which the panel functions as a work surface;

a second compartment adjacent the first compartment and accessible by an access door; and

at least one passage between the first and second compartments, the passage sized to allow an electrical cable to pass between the first and second compartments.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a damper operable to resist movement of the work surface when pivoting to the open position.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 in which the first and second compartments are defined by a cabinet.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising a collection of ventilation holes in the cabinet.

21. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the second compartment is sized to accommodate an electrical socket.

22. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising cable fixtures along an inside surface of the enclosure.

23. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a display mount supported within the first compartment.