Modular computer workstation system

Abstract

The present invention is a modular computer workstation system, comprising a frame structure having two frame structure sides with curved bottoms. Each side has a handle, a higher back vertical side, and a lower front vertical side. The curved bottoms allow the frame structure to rock, and to be non-rigid. The frame structure has: a front horizontal support having an upper surface and a perpendicular front flange, and a back horizontal support. When modular document support and other support elements are placed on the frame structure, the document surface is at an angle with respect to the horizontal surface on which the frame structure typically will rest. The present invention further comprises a plurality of document support elements, and other elements and devices a computer workstation user may wish to situate.

Description

I claim the benefit of the filing date of provisional application 61206696 filed on Feb. 3, 2009

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various ergonomic systems have been developed for using documents with computers. A variety of document holders and copy holders have been invented, to assist people both in supporting heavier objects, such as large books, and to allow people to conveniently view written and graphic information while having the free use of their hands. In general, the variety of features of different document holders is driven by the variety of circumstances in which people view documents, and associated ergonomic issues. As examples, document holders have been devised to facilitate reading documents while in cars, and to facilitate reading in bed. Brief examples of prior art are offered, with U.S. patent nos. in parenthesis:

One document holder mounts on a display terminal, and presents a document to a preferred side of the terminal. (U.S. Pat. NO. 4,475,705)

Some document holders situate documents below the screen, (U.S. Pat. No. 4,657,214, U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,775, U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,237, U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,876, U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,262, U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,075, U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,585).

The present inventor holds U.S. Pat. No. 6,712,327, similar in some ways to the present invention, for a free-standing computer document holder, having a rectangular viewing surface with a front top flange, and supported by right and left quadrilateral side structures having longer rear side edges and shorter front side edges. Documents are supported and presented to a computer user at an angle to a work surface, such that the top of a document is above the bottom of the document. The computer document holder is situated above a computer keyboard, and is in front of, and/or over, and/or to the rear of, the keyboard. The computer user can operate the keyboard and/or a mouse while the computer document holder is situated as described. An optional monitor riser may be used to position the monitor such that the computer document holder does not obstruct a full view of the screen.

The prior art of ergonomic document holding systems has a theme—the structures tend to be rigid. Even when adjustable, they require an overt act of adjustment, usually involving resetting something such that the system again becomes rigid. The present invention is designed to allow the user to interact with the system in a way that is not rigid.

In addition, in recent years recently there has been a proliferation of “information devices” including as just two of many many examples: cell phones with mid-size displays, and e-book readers. The current need is for a frame that will ergonomically support whatever documents and “information devices” a user wants to situate in view and at hand.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a modular computer workstation system, comprising a frame structure having two frame structure sides. The sides further a curved bottom, allowing the frame structure to rock, a handle, a higher back vertical side, and a lower front vertical side. The curved bottoms allow the frame structure to rock, and/or the user to interact in a non-rigid, more comfortable way with the system than is possible for more rigid structures of the prior art. The frame structure has a back horizontal support, and a front horizontal support. The front horizontal support, further comprises an upper surface, and a perpendicular front flange. The higher back vertical side and the lower front vertical side are dimensioned such that when a modular element, such as a clear plastic document support, is placed on the frame structure, the document surface is at an angle with respect to the horizontal surface on which the frame structure typically will rest.

The frame structure, provides means to support a plurality of modular elements. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of one modular element, a clear plastic document holder. The clear plastic allows a person to see their hands, computer keyboard keys, and other devices such as a mouse, while using embodiments of the present invention. The lower front vertical side is dimensioned such that a person can easily move their hands below the bottom of the front horizontal support while using a keyboard, a mouse, and/or other devices. It should be understood that a variety of modular elements can be supported by the frame structure, comprising flat screen monitors, laptops, electronic book readers, and other devices. The frame structure can situate multiple objects, including electronic devices and/or documents with indicia on paper and/or other material, side by side.

The modular computer workstation system, taken as a whole, is a means by which information in all its forms: via monitors, books, documents, and the full and growing range of “information devices”can all be situated before a user, such that their indicia and/or information on all devices and documents is visible, and accessible for additions and/or modifications through a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, a pencil, a camera, or whatever is needed.

An additional modular element comprises a monitor stand, used to support computer monitors, and/or other devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of elements of the modular computer workstation system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a frame structure elements supporting a document supporting modular element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates embodiments of elements of the modular computer workstation system of the present invention, comprising a frame structure, 101, having two frame structure sides, 121. The frame structure sides further comprise a curved bottom, 122, allowing the frame structure to rock, a handle, 123, a higher back vertical side, 124, a lower front vertical side, 125. The frame structure, 101, further comprises a back horizontal support, 131, and a front horizontal support, 141. The front horizontal support, 141, further comprises an upper surface, 142, and a vertically supporting perpendicular front flange, 143. The higher back vertical sides, 124, and the lower front vertical sides, 125, are dimensioned such that when a modular element, such as a clear plastic document support, 201, referring now to FIG. 2, is placed on the frame structure, 101, the document surface, 202, is at an angle with respect to the horizontal surface on which the frame structure, 101, typically will rest.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, the frame structure, 101, provides means to support a plurality of modular elements, which may be used to support books, documents, and/or other objects, including “information devices”. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of one modular element, a clear plastic document support, 201, comprising a document surface, 202, an upper front flange, 203, and a lower rear flange, 204. The clear plastic allows a person to see their hands, computer keyboard keys, and other devices such as a mouse, while using embodiments of the present invention. The lower front vertical side is dimensioned such that a person can easily move their hands below the bottom of the front horizontal support while using a keyboard, a mouse, and/or other devices. It should be understood that a variety of modular elements can be supported by the frame structure, 101, comprising flat screen monitors, laptops, electronic book readers, and other devices. The frame structure can situate multiple objects, including electronic devices and/or documents with indicia on paper and/or other material, side by side.

FIG. 1 further illustrates an embodiment of an additional modular element of the present invention, comprising a monitor stand, 301. This module can be used to support computer monitors, and/or other devices, such that a monitor, documents and/or other computer devices, a keyboard and/or a mouse, can all be situated before a user, such that indicia on all devices and documents is visible, and accessible for additions and/or modifications through a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, or a pencil, as needed.

When in use, the rocking, non-rigid character of the modular computer workstation system of the present invention allows the user to interact in a way that is more comfortable and natural.

Claims

1. A modular computer workstation system, comprising:

a. a frame structure having two frame structure sides, each side having a higher back vertical side, and a lower front vertical side, and the sides further comprising a curved bottom, and

b. a higher back horizontal support, and a lower front horizontal support, the front horizontal support, further comprising an upper surface, and a perpendicular front flange, and

c. The higher back vertical side and the lower front vertical side dimensioned such that when a modular element, such as a clear plastic document support, is placed on the frame structure, the document surface is at an angle with respect to a horizontal surface.

2. The modular computer workstation system of claim 1, further comprising a said clear plastic document support, the document support further comprising a document surface, an upper front flange, and optionally a lower rear flange.

3. The modular computer workstation system of claim 1, further comprising a monitor stand.