WO2003030692A2 - Plateau leger portable permettant a l'utilisateur d'adopter plusieurs positions - Google Patents
Plateau leger portable permettant a l'utilisateur d'adopter plusieurs positions Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2003030692A2 WO2003030692A2 PCT/US2002/032553 US0232553W WO03030692A2 WO 2003030692 A2 WO2003030692 A2 WO 2003030692A2 US 0232553 W US0232553 W US 0232553W WO 03030692 A2 WO03030692 A2 WO 03030692A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- frame structure
- members
- support
- portable
- desk top
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 206010049565 Muscle fatigue Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000004243 sweat Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B23/00—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else
- A47B23/001—Trays, e.g. with foldable legs
Definitions
- the present invention relates to portable and adjustable desks or support structures, and in particular, to a portable and adjustable desk or support structure permitting multiple user positions while supporting an object.
- Portable and/or foldable tables have existed to provide users with an easily foldable/unfoldable table structure that provides table surfaces for a wide variety of uses and purposes and convenience to the users.
- These tables may be typically used at places or locations where conventional tables cannot be used. Such tables are used for working, reading/writing, eating, or any other purposes. Common uses of such tables are for placing and supporting laptop or portable computers, books, plates, bowls, or any other such items.
- laptop or portable computers are used by various persons. Laptop computer users often prefer to use their portable computers while sitting in a comfortable chair/couch or while sitting up or lying in a bed. These locations, however, typically require a table or desk on which the computer is placed, or the user must position the computer on his or her lap. Supporting a portable computer on the user's lap is awkward or uncomfortable and causes heat, sweat, muscle fatigue, etc. to the user. Therefore, portable computer users generally prefer to use some type of portable table, stand, support device, or other flat, rigid surface upon which the computer is placed.
- U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,719,614; 2,449,492; 2,476,620; 3,805,710; 4,119,289; 4,726,556; 5,417,168; and 6,019,050 disclose examples of such portable and/or adjustable tables or support structures.
- Some of these prior art tables and support structures are uncomfortable and bulky to use, cumbersome to set up, or not easily or variably adjustable to accommodate the different positions in which the user may use the table and support structures such as lying in bed, sitting at a conventional table or seated in a vehicle.
- leg assemblies for a table or support structure wherein the leg components stay coupled to the leg assembly and wherein the leg components are able to be put into a folding position and rotate or fold easily out of the way of each other when being folded to a compact storage position and are able to rotate back to an unfolding position for use.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,168 discloses a height adjustment mechanism that uses an engaging protuberance to one of a number of height adjustment holes in order to adjust the height of each leg component.
- this height adjustment mechanism has the problem of aligning the engaging protuberance to a certain/desired height adjustment hole. Therefore, the need and desire exists to develop and provide a height adjustment mechanism for a table or support structure that is easily accessible and easy to use to adjust height of the table and able to easily align and engage the engaging protuberance into a certain/desired height adjustment hole.
- a further limitation of the prior art tables or support structures is that they do not explicitly teach or disclose legs or leg components that are independently adjustable to conform the plane of the table or support structure surface to even and uneven surfaces (i.e. bed or mattress surface or any other such even/uneven surfaces).
- Another limitation of the prior art tables or support structures is that they do not adjust to the size and height of the user in that the width distance apart from the legs or leg components are not adjustable when the height of the table or support structure surface is lowered or raised.
- a mechanism for adjusting the angle or pitch of the table or support structure surface is in continual need of improvement and development.
- the present invention discloses and provides a portable and configurable desk top to enable multiple user positions that overcomes the above problems, disadvantages, and limitations of the prior art.
- the present invention is directed to a portable desk top frame structure for supporting an object comprising: a plurality of lateral members; a plurality of transverse members, at least two of said transverse members each connected to at least one of said lateral members to form said frame structure; at least a first and second support member connected transversely to at least one of said lateral members; at least a third support member connected transversely to at least one other of said at least one lateral members, said first, second and third support members oriented so as to stably support said frame structure on a surface, said frame structure inclined to said surface at an angle ergonomically suitable for a user of the object supported on said frame structure.
- the present invention is directed to a portable desk top frame structure for supporting an object comprising: a plurality of lateral members; a plurality of transverse members, at least two of said transverse members each connected to at least one of said lateral members to form said frame structure; at least a first and second support member connected transversely to at least one of said lateral members; at least a third support member connected transversely to at least one other of said at least one lateral members, said first and second support members oriented so as to stably support said frame structure on a surface, said at least a third support member oriented in combination with said first and second support members to stably support said frame structure on another surface, said frame structure inclined to said surface at an angle ergonomically suitable for a user of the object supported on said frame structure.
- At least one of said first and second support members is oriented so as to stably support said frame structure on a surface comprises a wheel and axle assembly.
- At least one of said first, second and third support members comprises at least one positionally adjustable joint for adjusting the position of said frame structure with respect to the surface.
- At least one of said first, second and third support members comprises at least one positionally adjustable joint for adjusting the position of said frame structure with respect to the respective surface.
- the frame structure can further comprise a covering material interfacing with at least a portion of said frame structure.
- FIG. 1 is an elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention of a portable adjustable desk.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention of a portable adjustable desk.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first alternate configuration of the embodiment of the present invention of a portable adjustable desk.
- FIG. 4 A is an elevation view of a second alternate configuration of the embodiment of the present invention of a portable adjustable desk.
- FIG. 4B is an elevation view of a variation of the second alternate configuration of the present invention of a portable adjustable desk.
- FIG. 5 is a variation of the embodiment of the present invention of a portable adjustable desk.
- FIG. 6A is an elevation view of a configuration of a covering for the desk top surface of the embodiment of the present invention of a portable adjustable desk.
- FIG. 6B is an elevation view of a variation of the covering for the desk top surface of the embodiment of the present invention of a portable adjustable desk of FIG. 6A
- FIG. 6C is an elevation view of a second variation of the covering for the desk top surface of the embodiment of the present invention of a portable adjustable desk.
- FIG. 7 is an elevation view of an alternate covering for the desk top surface of the embodiment of the present invention of a portable adjustable desk of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the covering of FIG. 6 A as covering the desk top surface of the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of the upper surface of desk top frame structure 500 of the present invention with respect to an arbitrary set of xyz axes with the x and y axes forming a plane in the plan view and the z axis extends vertically perpendicular to the xy plane.
- the xy plane is inclined from the horizontal by an angle ⁇ from the horizontal as shown in FIG. 2.
- the angle ⁇ is chosen to maximize ergonomic comfort.
- the desk top frame structure 500 comprises at least two members 510 and 512 parallel to the y direction. In the x direction, the members 520 and 522 are joined by a 4-sided cross connection 530 while members 524 and 526 are joined by tee connection 532.
- the x-direction members 520 and 524 intersect with y-direction member 510 by means of tee connections 534 and 536 while members 522 and 526 intersect with y- direction member 512 by means of connections 538 and 540.
- Optional tee connection 538 A can be provided between tee connection 536 and member 510
- optional tee connection 538B can be provided between tee connection 540 and member 512.
- the perpendicular connections of the optional tees 537 A and 537B face in the z-direction toward the upper surface of the desk structure frame 500, as shown by the perpendicular connections 537a and 537b of the tees 537A and 537B, respectively, which act as stopping mechanisms to minimize the chances that any item placed by the user on the desk top frame structure will slide off.
- a y- direction member 542 is connected to tee 544 which in turn is connected to tee 546.
- Tee 546 is in turn connected to cross 530.
- the perpendicular connections 544a of tee 544 and 546a of tee 546 are each oriented downward in the z direction.
- Connections 550 to tee 536 and connection 552 to tee 540 are shown as tees to provide optional capability to connect wheels and other accessories as shown and discussed later in FIGS 4 A and 4B. However, those skilled in the art recognize that tee connections 550 and 552 can be substituted by elbows.
- the perpendicular connections 550a of tee 550 and 552a of tee 552 are in turn connected to one end of support members 554 and 556 respectively whose opposite ends can be in contact with a floor or the ground depending upon the user's desired usage of the device.
- Tee connection 558 is connected to cross 530.
- Tee connection 558 provides dual capability for connecting a third support member 560.
- the third support member 560 can be oriented either by connection to the perpendicular connection 558a of tee 558 or to the in-line connection 558b of tee 558.
- Optional locking mechanisms 508 can be located at suitable locations as shown to strengthen the desk top frame structure 500.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the desk top frame structure 500 of FIG. 1.
- the identical component numbers are used and are not otherwise further described herein unless necessary.
- the only difference between FIG. 2 and FIG. 1 is that the third support member 560 is connected to an optional tee 562 at perpendicular connection 562a.
- the orientation of tee 562 in the horizontal position as shown improves the stability of desk top frame structure 500.
- FIG. 3 is illustrated an alternate configuration of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1.
- the third support member 560 and tee 562 are rearranged by removal from end 558a of connecting tee 558 to connect instead to the end 558b of the tee 558.
- the user can comfortably place an object on the desk top surface 500 while in a vehicle or other confined space by resting the third support member 560 and as appropriate tee 562 on a suitable surface.
- FIG. 4 A is illustrated the alternate configuration of the embodiment of FIG. 3 further altered by removing the end tees 550 and 552 and the members 554 and 556.
- Wheel axles 570A and 570B connecting wheels 572A and 572B, respectively, are attached to the end of tees 536 and 540 as shown.
- Optional additional locking mechanisms 508 can be attached to the tees 536 and 540 as shown.
- the third support member 560 now acts as handle which can be extended in length as necessary to enable a user to transport items located on the surface of the frame structure 500.
- FIG. 4B is a variation of the alternate configuration of FIG. 4A where the tees 550 and 552 remain in place and the connecting members 554 and 556 are just swiveled to an upright position to permit the wheels 572A and 572B to be connected now to the tees 554 and 556 through the wheel axles 570A and 570B.
- This configuration also enables a user to transport items located on the surface of the frame structure 500 without the necessity of storing the members 554 and 556 and the tees 550 and 552.
- FIG. 5 is illustrated a sideways perspective view of the desk top frame structure 500 which is shown with respect to the arbitrary coordinate axes xyz as being inclined at an angle ⁇ . That is, the xy plane is inclined to the horizontal by angle ⁇ .
- the angle ⁇ is chosen for ergonomic reasons and typically ranges from 30° to 45° but is not limited to this range.
- the support member 811 is shown which comprises a plurality of members such as 820, 830, 840 and 845 which can be pivoted with respect to each other in the yz plane by means of the tighteners 825 and 835.
- the tightener 825 permits a pivot angle ⁇ in the yz plane as shown between member 820 and member 830.
- the member 820 can be connected by means of adjustable locking collar 850 to any of the connections 530, 546 or 544. However, typically to obtain maximum support and stability of the item to be supported by the desk top frame, the locking collar 850 is connected either to the cross 530 or the tee 546. This configuration enables the user to make additional adjustments to the orientation of the frame structure 500.
- the member 840 can further comprise a telescoping member 845 which in turn can be constructed with a horizontal stabilizer bar 860.
- the horizontal stabilizer bar 860 in turn can be comprised of two or more flaps 860A and 860B which pivot upward and downward in manner similar to the handles of a periscope.
- the support member 812 comprises a plurality of members such as 870, 880 and 885 which also can be pivoted with respect to each other by means of tighteners 865 and 875.
- tightener 865 comprises a ball joint which allows motion in any direction whereas member 870 is connected to the desk top frame structure 500 by means of tightener 865 which permits pivoting in the yz plane as discussed above.
- Member 870 is connected to support member 880 by tightener 875 which also permits pivoting in the yz plane.
- the member 885 is a telescoping member which is formed with the member 880.
- the third support member 813 which is primarily hidden also comprises a plurality of members in a similar manner which is obvious to those skilled in the art to be as shown and discussed for support member 812.
- FIGS. 6 A, 6B and 6C illustrate alternate configurations of a covering which interfaces over the desk top frame structure 500.
- FIG. 6A is a one-piece mesh suitably sized to span the dimensions outlined by members 510 and 512 and also by members 520, 522, 524 and 526.
- FIG. 6B is a two-piece configuration of the mesh 610 divided into pieces 612A and 612B which are joined by hinges 614 located at suitable locations.
- FIG. 6C is four-piece configuration of the mesh 610 divided into four pieces 616A to 616D. Again, hinges 614 are placed at suitable locations.
- the mesh material can be made of any suitable material such as a metal or plastic. Those skilled in the art recognize that any number of divided pieces of mesh can be provided. The purpose of the multiple pieces of mesh is to enable a user to easily fold the mesh for transportation of the desk top structure.
- FIG. 7 illustrates another covering 710 which can be used either alone or jointly with the mesh 610, 612A, 612B, and 616A to 616D of FIGS. 6A to 6C.
- Covering 710 is a mesh permitting air flow to facilitate heat transfer when a laptop computer or other electronic device is located on the desk top frame structure 500.
- Mesh covering 710 typically can include ULTRA GRIP LINER TM made by the Con-Tact Corp.
- the embodiment has been described in terms of individual tees, crosses and members, suitable typically to be made of a plastic material to provide low weight, low cost and ease of assembly. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be designed as in a unitary manner to provide uniform structures minimizing the number of connections and to provide smooth transitions.
Landscapes
- Handcart (AREA)
- Legs For Furniture In General (AREA)
Abstract
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2002362770A AU2002362770A1 (en) | 2001-10-11 | 2002-10-11 | Portable light weight desk enabling multiple user positions |
PCT/US2003/010996 WO2004032678A2 (fr) | 2002-10-11 | 2003-04-11 | Bureau portable leger permettant plusieurs positions d'utilisation |
US10/531,150 US20060254470A1 (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2003-04-11 | Portable light weight desk enabling multiple user positions |
AU2003221846A AU2003221846A1 (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2003-04-11 | Portable light weight desk enabling multiple user positions |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US32886901P | 2001-10-11 | 2001-10-11 | |
US60/328,869 | 2001-10-11 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2003030692A2 true WO2003030692A2 (fr) | 2003-04-17 |
WO2003030692A3 WO2003030692A3 (fr) | 2003-10-30 |
Family
ID=23282803
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2002/032553 WO2003030692A2 (fr) | 2001-10-11 | 2002-10-11 | Plateau leger portable permettant a l'utilisateur d'adopter plusieurs positions |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU2002362770A1 (fr) |
WO (1) | WO2003030692A2 (fr) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1940336A4 (fr) * | 2005-10-28 | 2013-02-27 | Chun Ho Yu | Ensemble plate-forme pour lit opératoire |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US990408A (en) * | 1910-11-28 | 1911-04-25 | Laurence E Tucker | Fruit-packing bench. |
US1202444A (en) * | 1916-06-03 | 1916-10-24 | Charles J Soleau | Combined bicycle rack and lock. |
US3511252A (en) * | 1968-03-26 | 1970-05-12 | Better Built Mach Corp | Device for washing pans or trays |
WO1990012990A1 (fr) * | 1989-04-25 | 1990-11-01 | Glasstech, Inc. | Ensemble de support de panneaux photovoltaiques |
-
2002
- 2002-10-11 AU AU2002362770A patent/AU2002362770A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-10-11 WO PCT/US2002/032553 patent/WO2003030692A2/fr not_active Application Discontinuation
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1940336A4 (fr) * | 2005-10-28 | 2013-02-27 | Chun Ho Yu | Ensemble plate-forme pour lit opératoire |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2003030692A3 (fr) | 2003-10-30 |
AU2002362770A1 (en) | 2003-04-22 |
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