Portable desktop apparatus for exercise equipment

Abstract

A portable desktop apparatus that can be easily and stably mounted to a piece of standard exercise equipment, set at a position desired by the user, and used to accommodate a laptop computer or other equipment. The apparatus is lightweight, adaptable, adjustable, made of durable material, and easily broken down for transport. The user of the apparatus may mount the apparatus to exercise equipment such as a treadmill in order to benefit from light exercise while conducting work-related tasks or other business. The user receives health benefits as a result and is able to burn calories while working as opposed to working in a stationary position and having to find other time for exercise, or forfeit the opportunity to exercise. The apparatus is equipped with safety features for improved stability. Proper use of the apparatus may provide long-term health benefits for its users.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional utility patent application was filed within one year of and claims a domestic priority date of Jun. 21, 2007 based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/936,315, filed Jun. 21, 2007.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Most modern exercise equipment such as treadmills, exercise bikes or elliptical machines, include fixtures that enable one to place a book or magazine in an upright or angled position to enable the user to read while exercising. While such fixtures provide the user with the ability to read while exercising, they lack significant capacity for carrying out other work, such as working with a laptop computer or writing. To provide a more useful work surface, others have developed various attachments for exercise equipment that enable users to fasten more workable surfaces to exercise equipment, but such attachments are typically fastened with screws or clamps that damage the surface of the exercise equipment Others have built workstations around exercise equipment, typically treadmills, that allow the user to conduct a number of tasks while walking, but these workstations require extensive effort to set up and breakdown, and lack practicality for travelers because they are not portable.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, researchers at the Mayo Clinic in particular have been working to raise awareness of the concept that people can burn calories and improve their overall health by raising their baseline metabolic rates through day to day activities that do not involve strenuous exercise. To that end, desks and other office furniture have been adapted to be built around exercise equipment in such a way that the exercise equipment can be used by people while they work on office tasks. For example, Dr. James Levine of the Mayo Clinic has gone so far as to design an office desk complete with computer keyboard and monitor that is positioned around a treadmill to allow the user to walk on the treadmill while working on the computer. A related concept is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,947 (the '947 patent), drawn to a podium-style desk that is adapted to fit around the front end of a treadmill, which can be folded up into a cavity in the podium while not in use to save space. A similar podium-like system that stands on the floor is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,701.

Similar systems have been developed and sold by others. Some such systems resemble traditional microphone stands that comprise a heavy base piece for stability which supports an upright metal cylinder, to which a surface is clamped that may be capable of supporting books, laptops or the like at an angle adjusted to the desire of the user. Other related systems may do away with the stand component in favor of an adjustable arm attached to the work surface that can be clamped onto a piece of exercise equipment at the desired location.

Other systems integrate several pieces of office and exercise equipment into one large unit that can support more pieces of equipment than standing or clamped-on attachments, the compromise being that such integrated units are not transportable without extensive breakdown of the equipment and a large vessel to transport the components. Such is the case of the '947 patent, for example. Another such example is present in a pending U.S. patent application, publication number 2006/0247109. Some clamped-on or bolt-on systems, while they might otherwise be portable, lack portability in a practical sense due to the requirement that they must be fixed or attached to a piece of exercise equipment in order to remain stable, and thus cannot easily be removed and transported without employing tools and carrying cases.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This invention is a portable desktop apparatus that is adaptable to a variety of standard fitness equipment, including, without limitation treadmills. The portable desktop apparatus can be easily set up, removed, stored and transported without the need for special tools or luggage. The portable desktop enables users to perform a variety of tasks that they might typically perform at a stationary office desk. The portable desktop apparatus can also be set at varying widths to accommodate the exercise equipment selected by the user on which the apparatus is to be mounted while providing for additional overall width of the apparatus.

For the purposes of this application, an apparatus is portable not merely because it is literally movable regardless of the amount of time or effort required to move it, but in the more practical sense of the word. In essence, an apparatus is portable if its user can carry it from place to place, travel with it on common carrier vessels, quickly set it up and break it down, and perform all of these tasks with minimal effort when the apparatus is properly manufactured and functioning. An apparatus is adjustable if its dimensions and its orientation with respect to the user can be altered to suit most individual users, and it is adaptable if it can be used in conjunction with more than one type of mounting surface, the typical mounting surface being a standard piece of exercise equipment such as a treadmill, particularly the side bars.

The primary benefit of the portable desktop apparatus is that can be mounted onto modern exercise equipment for the purpose of carrying out desktop tasks, such as tasks performed using a laptop computer or similar device, while exercising, and can be transported from place to place and adapted to various makes and models of exercise equipment. The desktop surface is substantially planar and the apparatus includes a support means for mounting the desktop on a piece of exercise equipment in such a way that it remains stable enough for the user to perform common office tasks while using the exercise equipment simultaneously. Other features are provided to facilitate adjustment, storage and transport.

By providing the user with a portable desktop that can be mounted to a variety of types of exercise equipment, the invention discussed here allows the user to benefit from exercising without having to sacrifice time that would otherwise be devoted to working or carrying out business or other tasks. It is currently recognized that moderate exercise such as walking or peddling at low speeds can burn calories and provide other health benefits such as improved cardiovascular health, prevention of obesity and diabetes, improved bone strength, reduced cancer risks, and improvement of symptoms of depression. Yet many people have difficulty finding the time to benefit from these types of exercises due to busy work schedules and other responsibilities. This invention is designed to provide the user with the capability of carrying out a variety of common work-related or other tasks while enjoying the benefits of exercise, particularly light exercise that raises metabolic rates.

By providing a stable, shock-resistant desktop that can be securely mounted to many types of treadmills or other exercise equipment, the portable desktop apparatus allows the user great versatility in application. For example, a laptop computer may be set atop the desktop once mounted to the exercise equipment, thereby allowing the user to conduct any number of activities from the laptop, including but not limited to word processing, photo editing, sending and receiving email, using the internet, generating spreadsheets or other program files, and so on. With the recent advent of wireless printers, it is conceivable that documents may be generated from a laptop set atop the desktop while the person preparing said documents exercises. Alternatively, books, papers, writing utensils and other such materials may be set atop the mounted desktop and used during exercise. A telephone equipped with headphones, speakerphone or wireless technology may also be set atop the desktop, thus enabling the user to conduct computer activities or write messages while communicating with associates telephonically. All of this can be accomplished while burning calories and improving fitness due to simultaneous exercise.

The desktop apparatus may be sufficiently portable to allow its user to pack it away in a suitcase or briefcase and travel with it, although some users may prefer to fix the apparatus to their home exercise equipment, for example, in a more permanent fashion. Moreover, it is conceivable that an exercise equipment manufacturer could incorporate the apparatus into its exercise equipment. However, the feature of portability is especially useful to people who spend time traveling on business and as a result sacrifice time that would otherwise be available for exercise in order to meet the growing needs of the workplace. The portable desktop apparatus is equipped for easy setup and breakdown in order to maximize the time management benefits conferred upon the health-conscious user by the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts the top view of the portable desktop apparatus. The desktop (1) is shown with several holes (9) bored through the desktop for ventilation and a pen/pencil cavity (10), a raised lip (6) around the perimeter of the desktop surface to prevent objects from rolling off the desktop surface, and eyelets (7) for receiving a safety tether (11). The desk sides (3) and desk legs (4) are shown with the outer desk sides provided with a means to allow for forward and rearward angling of the desk legs (dashed lines), in addition to the desk leg angle selection capability provided by the hinges (8). A safety sticker is also provided (12) to warn the user of any limitations associated with the use of the apparatus.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the desktop apparatus in an operable position for use with the desktop (1), an expansion knob (2) that locks the desk sides (3) in place, desk legs (4) with rubberized undersides (5), a raised lip (6), eyelets (7) for receiving the safety tether, and hinges (8) that enable the desk legs (4) to rotate and can be set at selected angles.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the desktop apparatus in a collapsed position for storage and transport, with the desktop (1) with raised lip (6), expansion knob (2), eyelets (7) and desk legs (4) with rubberized undersides (5) fully folded on their hinges (8). The desk sides are fully contracted and concealed within the desktop.

FIG. 4 shows an overhead view of the desktop apparatus with the desktop surface removed in order to illustrate one possible mechanism used to adjust the width of the work surface. The desk sides (3) are shown in their fully expanded positions. A centralized circular gear (13) interacts with a linear gear (16) that is connected to or continuous with each desk side (3) to allow for adjustment of the overall width of the apparatus. The sectional view indicated as I is taken as a cross-section along the width of the desktop, the central portion of which is shown in detail. View I shows the expansion knob (2), expansion bolt (14), circular gear (13) and expansion sheath (15), which together allow the user to adjust and set the overall width of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is that of a portable, removable desktop apparatus that provides a portable desktop surface that can be temporarily mounted to a standard piece of exercise equipment, without damage to the equipment, and later removed. The portable desktop apparatus can be mounted over the side bars of a treadmill, notwithstanding the fact that treadmills may vary in width depending on the specific make or model. The portable desktop apparatus is designed to adapt to equipment of varying widths by virtue of three features. First, the desktop is provided with an adjustment means for the overall width of the desktop. Second, a support means is provided to brace the apparatus atop the exercise equipment selected by the user, said support means capable of being set at various angles to provide for additional width beyond that of the adjustment means, or add or subtract from the overall height of the apparatus. Finally, a means may be provided to allow for the forward angling of the support means from the desk sides to account for slight variations in angles of mounting surfaces such as the side bars of many modern treadmills relative to the apparatus.

One possible configuration that accounts for these figures is depicted in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the desk sides (3) are expanded out from the desktop (1) widthwise, thus acting as an adjustment means to provide for additional overall width of the apparatus. The support means in FIG. 1 is in the form of the desk legs (4) on either side of the width of the apparatus, and are shown projecting out from the desk sides (3) on hinges (8) which may be set at selected angles. The three dashed lines on either side of the apparatus in FIG. 1 at the outer zones of the desk sides near the hinges (8) represent a possible pivot point for a means designed to allow the desk legs (4) to angle forward.

FIG. 2 provides further elucidation of the functional features of the configuration of the desktop apparatus depicted in FIG. 1. The side view in FIG. 2 shows the desk legs (4) on hinges (8), which constitute one possible support means. The hinges (8) in this configuration allow the desk legs (4) to be used to increase the overall height of the apparatus while sacrificing overall width, or vice versa.

Additional stability is provided for the apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 by the rubberized undersides (5) of the desk legs (4). The term “rubberized” is not meant to limit the material composition of the desk leg undersides of this configuration of the apparatus to rubber. Rather, the term “rubberized” contemplates the use of any suitable material to be used in the manufacture of the undersides of the desk legs (4) that constitute the support means in FIG. 2. For example, foam, soft plastic, cork, cotton, or any number of suitable substitute materials might be used in place of rubber for the purpose of providing additional stability to the applicable support means by molding to the mounting surface of the exercise equipment of choice and absorbing shock during use. The configuration depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 also shows that the rubberized undersides (5) are designed with ridges that should be useful in the more stable mounting of the desktop apparatus on the side bars of a treadmill, for example, or other exercise equipment. However, other designs may not employ ridges on the support means in this manner.

The adjustment means and support means of the configuration shown in FIG. 2 have additional functions as demonstrated through FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the desktop apparatus is shown in a fully collapsed position that is most ideal for storage and travel. By allowing for contraction of the desk sides into the desktop (1) and the collapsing of the desk legs (4) onto the underside of the desktop, the narrowest possible overall width of the apparatus is achieved. The hinges (8) may be set, and the desk sides can be set, in this position, by tightening the expansion knob (2) once the desk sides (3) are fully contracted. These features of this configuration of the desktop apparatus are not only designed to provide adjustment and support means for the apparatus during use, but also to allow for easy storage and transport of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is provided to show the internal functional features of the configuration of the desktop apparatus depicted in the other figures. FIG. 4 shows a top view of the apparatus in FIG. 1, but with the desktop surface removed to show the internal gearing mechanism constituting the adjustment means, which is essentially a rack and pinion type of mechanism, of this configuration. A circular gear (13) is provided within the center of the desktop and contacts linear gears (16) that are continuous with the desk sides (3). When the circular gear (13) is free to move, the linear gears (16) interact with it as the desk sides (3) expand or contract. In the shown configuration, the gears appear as spur gears, but helical or other types of gears may also be employed. Sectional view I is provided in FIG. 4 to show how the adjustment means is set into a selected position in the shown configuration. The expansion knob (2) is essentially the head of an expansion bolt (14) that threads into an expansion sheath (15) that surrounds the circular gear (13). When the user loosens the expansion knob (2), the circular gear (13) is freely movable to allow for adjustment of the overall width of the desktop apparatus. Once the user selects the desired overall width, the user can tighten the expansion knob (2), which threads through the lower portion of the expansion sheath (15), moves freely through the circular gear (13), then threads into the upper portion of the expansion sheath (15). This action results in the upper and lower portions of the expansion sheath (15) compressing on the circular gear (13), and when tight, prohibiting movement of the circular gear (13), thus setting the apparatus at the desired overall width. The expansion knob (2) facilitates manual adjustment by the user without the need for a screwdriver, wrench or any other tool.

The portable desktop apparatus may be provided with additional modifications that improve the overall functionality of the invention. FIG. 1 shows several holes (9) bored into the desktop surface to provide ventilation for electronic equipment that may be placed on the desktop surface during operation, such as a laptop computer. This feature may extend the life of both the desktop apparatus and said electronic equipment. A pen/pencil cavity (10) is also provided so that a user can keep a pen or pencil on the desktop surface without the risk of it rolling off the desktop surface. This cavity is simply a narrow groove that is capable of fitting a common pen or pencil within it to prevent said pen or pencil from rolling. A safety sticker (12) is also contemplated to warn users or any limitations of the desktop apparatus. A raised lip (6) hugs the perimeter of the desktop (1) and prevents articles from sliding off the desktop surface, and is also shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The use of a no-skid surface in the manufacture of the desktop surface will complement the functionality of the raised lip, further reducing the risk that items on the desktop surface will fall off during use. Any rubber or similar no-skid material used to line the work surface should be heat resistant in order to reduce the risk of degradation of said material resulting from heating by electronic devices, such as laptop computers, that are placed on the work surface and used for extended periods of time.

The portable desktop apparatus may also be equipped with safety features in addition to the warning sticker mentioned above. FIG. 1 shows two eyelets (7) on either side of the width of the desktop (1) that are designed to receive clasps or hooks at the ends of a safety tether (11). Despite efforts to support and stabilize the desktop apparatus during operation, there may be instances when additional safeguards are desired to ensure that the apparatus remains stable atop the exercise equipment to which it is mounted. A safety tether can be an adjustable length of canvas strap, for example, that may be wrapped or hooked around any stable object, such as a treadmill console, in order to help hold the desktop apparatus in place during operation. Eyelets (7) are placed on both sides of the width of the desktop (1) so that both right and left handed users can utilize a safety tether while keeping the pen/pencil cavity (10) on the appropriate side of the desktop.

Claims

1. A portable desktop apparatus comprising

a desktop with a substantially planar desktop surface,

a support means capable of supporting said planar surface in a substantially horizontal position while mounted on exercise equipment, and

an adjustment means capable of expanding the overall width of said portable desktop apparatus and allowing said overall width to be selected and set.

2. The portable desktop apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support means and said adjustment means can be set in selected positions.

3. The portable desktop apparatus of claim 1, wherein said desktop surface is a no-skid surface.

4. The portable desktop apparatus of claim 1, wherein said desktop surface is ventilated.

5. The portable desktop apparatus of claim 1, wherein said desktop surface comprises a cavity of suitable size to receive a pen or pencil.

6. The portable desktop apparatus of claim 1, further comprising eyelets that allow said apparatus to be tethered.

7. The portable desktop apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support means comprises

at least two rigid desk legs, at least one of said desk legs being coupled directly or indirectly to each widthwise side of said desktop.

8. The portable desktop apparatus of claim 7, wherein the undersides of said desk legs are rubberized.

9. The portable desktop apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a pivot means to allow said rigid desk legs to pivot about the point at which they are directly or indirectly coupled to the desktop.

10. The portable desktop apparatus of claim 9, wherein said pivot means comprises at least one hinge.

11. The portable desktop apparatus of claim 1, wherein said adjustment means comprises two or more desk sides capable of expanding out from and contracting in toward said desktop.

12. The portable desktop apparatus of claim 11, wherein said adjustment means further comprises

at least one circular gear with a hole in the center of said circular gear, said circular gear located within or under the desktop, and

at least one linear gear connected to or continuous with each of said desk sides, wherein said at least one circular gear interacts with said linear gears to facilitate the expansion and contraction of said desk sides out from and in toward said desktop.

13. The portable desktop apparatus of claim 12, further comprising

a threaded bolt of suitable size to move freely through said hole in the center of said circular gear,

a threaded sheath into which said threaded bolt can be threaded,

said threaded sheath having an upper portion located above said circular gear and a lower portion located beneath said circular gear when said desktop is in a substantially horizontal position,

wherein said upper portion and said lower portion compress as said bolt is tightened and prohibit the movement of said circular gear.

14. The portable desktop apparatus of claim 13, wherein said lower portion of said threaded bolt is equipped with a knob to facilitate tightening or loosening of said threaded bolt by hand.

15. The portable desktop apparatus of claim 1, wherein said exercise equipment is selected from the group consisting of a treadmill, a stationary bicycle, and an elliptical exercise apparatus.

16. The portable desktop apparatus of claim 1, wherein said desktop apparatus is capable of supporting up to twenty pounds of weight while mounted to said exercise equipment.

17. The portable desktop apparatus of claim 1, wherein said desktop apparatus is tethered to said exercise equipment or another substantially stationary object.

18. A method of using the portable desktop apparatus of claim 1, said method comprising the steps of

mounting or affixing or said apparatus to said exercise equipment, or incorporating via said support means or incorporating said apparatus into said exercise equipment, optionally setting the overall width of said apparatus via said adjustment means, optionally tethering said apparatus to said exercise equipment,

placing a laptop computer or other equipment on said substantially planar desktop surface, and

simultaneously operating said exercise equipment and said laptop computer or other equipment.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the user of said portable desktop apparatus burns calories while operating said laptop computer or other equipment.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein at least one health parameter of the user, selected from the group consisting of cardiovascular health, blood pressure, body fat, blood sugar, bone strength, cancer risks, circulation, posture, and symptoms of depression, is improved.