ADJUSTABLE COMBINED SEAT AND DESK

Abstract

An adjustable combined seat and desk includes a seat having an upper surface upon which a person can sit and a lower surface capable of resting on a horizontal support surface. An elongated intermediate member connects the front of the seat to the rear of an upper substantially planar desk. The connections between the intermediate member and the seat and between the intermediate member and the desk are made through the use of hinges that allow the angles between them to be adjusted. The hinges include locks for locking the seat and/or desk to be locked in numerous different positions. As a result, the distance between the seat and desk can be adjusted as can the angles between them. Even further, the combined seat and desk can be folded into a collapsed condition for ease of storage or carrying.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a combined seat and desk and, more particularly toward a combined seat and desk wherein the angle between the seat and the desk can be adjusted. The adjustment also allows for the seat and desk to be folded into a substantially collapsed condition for easy storage and carrying.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is essentially an improvement on the combined seat and desk that is shown in U.S. Design Pat. No. D835,626 that issued on Dec. 11, 2018 and that is entitled Computer Support. The entire content of that patent being incorporated herein by reference and an embodiment of the same is shown as FIG. 1 herein.

As is well known in the art, the device shown in that prior patent is essentially a combined seat A and desk B and can be used in several ways. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower or seat portion A of the combination can be placed directly on the floor. A child can then sit on the seat portion A on the floor to support the same while the upper portion B can function as a desk. In FIG. 3, the lower or seat portion A of the combination is placed on the seat of any standard chair or on a bench and a person sits on the same to likewise support the upper desk portion B.

The prior art combined desk and seat has met with much success primarily due to its versatility and simplicity. It is also very light and, therefore, relatively easy to carry. It does, however, suffer from several drawbacks.

The prior art combination is designed essentially as a one size fits all. While different sizes may be available, the angle between the seat A and upright connector C and the angle between the upright C and the desk portion B are fixed. This can make it difficult for some people to comfortably use the same. Some people may need the desk B to be moved further away from or closer to the seat A. In addition, while the combination may be light in weight, it is relatively bulky in size and shape making it somewhat cumbersome to carry around.

There is, therefore, a need for a combined seat and desk wherein the distances and angles between the seat and desk can be adjusted and wherein the combination can be folded so as to be essentially collapsed for ease of storage and carrying.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art described above. It is an object of the present invention to provide a combined seat and desk wherein the distance between the seat and the desk can be adjusted.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a combined seat and desk wherein the angle between the seat and desk can be adjusted.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a combined seat and desk wherein both the distance and the angle between the seat and desk can be adjusted.

It is an even further object of the present invention to provide a combined seat and desk wherein both the distance and the angle between the seat and desk can be adjusted and then locked into place.

It is a still even further object of the present invention to provide a combined seat and desk wherein the seat and desk can be folded for easy carrying of storage.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiments demonstrating features and advantages of the present invention, there is provided a combined seat and desk that includes a seat having an upper surface upon which a person can sit and a lower surface capable of resting on a horizontal support surface. An elongated intermediate member connects the front of the seat to the rear of an upper substantially planar desk. The connections between the intermediate member and the seat and between the intermediate member and the desk are made through the use of hinges that allow the angles between them to be adjusted. The hinges include locks for locking the seat and/or desk to be locked in numerous different positions. As a result, the distance between the seat and desk can be adjusted as can the angles between them. Even further, the combined seat and desk can be folded into a collapsed condition for ease of storage or carrying.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the accompanying drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the prior fixed combined seat and desk upon which the present invention is an improvement;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one example of how the prior art and the present invention is used;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second example of how the prior art and the present invention is used;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view showing the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the invention shown in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6-12 illustrate a few of the numerous positions that the seat and desk of the present invention can be arranged relative to each other;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of one of the locking hinges incorporated into the invention;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge shown in its locked condition;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 13 but showing the hinge in its unlocked condition, and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the hinge with portions broken away to demonstrate working components thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIGS. 4-16, there is shown a combined seat and desk constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention designated generally as 10. The combined seat and desk 10 includes a seat portion 12, a desk portion 14 and an elongated intermediate member 16. As with the prior art device discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1-3, the seat portion 12 has an upper surface 18 upon which a person can sit and a lower surface 20 capable of resting on and being supported by a horizontal support surface such as a floor or chair as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The seat portion 12 also has a rear edge 22 and a front edge 24.

The desk portion 14 has an upper substantially planar surface 26 for supporting a computer, tablet or book or substantially any papers or the like as with any desk. In addition, the desk portion includes a front edge 28 and a rear edge 30.

The elongated intermediate member 16 has an upper end 32 and a lower end 34. The lower end 34 of the member 16 is pivotally connected to the front edge 24 of the seat portion 12 through a first or lower hinge 36. Similarly, the upper end 32 of the member 16 is connected to the rear edge 30 of the desk member 14 through a second hinge 38.

As will be explained in more detail below, the hinges 36 and 38 allow the seat portion 12 and the desk portion 14 to be adjusted into numerous positions relative to each other as shown in FIGS. 6-12. The hinges 36 and 38 also provide means for locking the seat and desk portions 12 and 14 into any one of the numerous positions shown in the figures. For example, the seat portion 12 and desk portion 14 can be horizontal and at right angles to the upright 16 as shown in FIG. 6 or the desk portion 14 can be moved rearwardly toward the seat portion 12 as shown in FIG. 7 or can be moved away from the seat portion 12 as shown in FIG. 9. The angles of the seat portion 12 and the desk portion 14 relative to the intermediate member 16 can be adjusted and locked in place as shown in FIGS. 8-11.

In addition to partially varying the angles and positions of the seat portion 12 and desk portion 14 relative to the intermediate member 16, the three members can be folded to the point that they overlie each other in a folded position as shown in FIG. 12. And as pointed out above, once moved into any position, the three members can be locked. So, for example, once the seat portion 12 and desk portion 14 are folded into the position shown in FIG. 12, they can be locked and easily carried around for use anywhere desired or can be easily stored away.

Various types of locking hinges are well known in the art and can be used as hinge 36 or 38. However, the preferred form of hinge is shown in FIGS. 13-16. While only the upper hinge 38 is being described in detail, it should be understood that the lower hinge 36 is constructed in essentially the same way and functions in substantially the same manner.

FIGS. 13-16 illustrate the various parts that make up the hinge 38 and how they cooperate with each other. One part of the knuckle of the hinge 38 is formed of the central section 40 that is integral with the rear edge 30 of the desk portion 14. The central knuckle section 40 has an elongated opening 42 therethrough that functions as a bearing. Surrounding the bearing 42 and on either side of the central wall 44 are annular openings 46 and 48. At the outer ends of the annular openings 46 and 48 and surrounding the annular openings are right and left outwardly facing locking members 50 and 52 comprised of a plurality of teeth. Preferably the locking members 50 and 52 are integrally formed in the central knuckle section 40 along with the desk portion 14.

The second part of the knuckle that forms the hinge 38 is comprised of left and right knuckle sections 54 and 56. The major interior of the knuckle sections 54 and 56 have a hexagonal cross section as shown at 58 and 60 that correspond to the hexagonal shape of the locking members 62 and 64. Locking members 62 and 64 have openings 66 and 68 therethrough and inwardly facing teeth 70 and 72 that are adapted to cooperate with the outwardly facing teeth 50 and 52.

The hinge 38 further comprises springs 74 and 76 and an elongated bolt 78 having a knob or handle 80 at one end, standard threads 82 at the free end and an unthreaded body 84 between the two ends. The hinge 38 further includes a threaded nut 86 that is fixed in the center of the locking member 62 and an end cap that can be fixed to the remote free end of the bolt 78.

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 show the hinge 38 assembled. As can be seen, in FIG. 14, when the knob 80 is rotated clockwise, the threaded end 82 of the bolt 78 threads into the nut 86 drawing the locking member 62 inward until the teeth 70 engage the teeth of the locking member 52 against the force of spring 74. At the same time, the knob 80 pushes the locking member 64 inwardly until the teeth 72 engage the teeth of the locking member 50. At this point, the hinge 38 locks the desk portion 14 into whatever angle it has been moved relative to the intermediate member 16.

When it is desired to rotate the desk portion 14 relative to the intermediate member 16, the knob 80 is rotated counterclockwise, As the bolt 78 loosens, the springs 74 and 76 force the locking members 62 and 64 outwardly so that the locking teeth disengage, thus unlocking the hinge. After the desk portion 14 is then rotated into its desired position, the knob 80 is again rotated clockwise to draw the locking members toward each other again to lock the parts together.

The foregoing described locking mechanism is the presently preferred form. It should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that other similar mechanisms could be substituted therefor such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,173,993 or 8,898,862, the entire subject matter of those patents being incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, to make the adjustable combined seat and desk easier to carry, a handle 88 is provided. The handle is essentially an elongated opening in the seat portion 12 adjacent the rear edge 90 thereof as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An adjustable combined seat and desk comprised of: a seat portion having an upper surface upon which a person can sit and a lower surface capable of resting on and being supported by a horizontal support surface, said seat portion having a front edge;a desk portion having an upper substantially planar surface, said desk portion including a rear edge, andan elongated intermediate member having an upper end and a lower end, said lower end being adjustably connected to said front edge of said seat portion and said upper end being adjustably connected to said rear edge of said desk portion.

2. The adjustable combined seat and desk as claimed in claim 1 including a first hinge connecting said lower end of said intermediate member to said front edge of said seat portion and including a second hinge connecting said upper end of said intermediate member to said rear edge of said desk portion.

3. The adjustable combined seat and desk as claimed in claim 2 wherein said first hinge allows the angle between said seat portion and said intermediate member to be adjusted and further including means for locking said seat portion in a selected one of at least three different angular positions relative to said intermediate member.

4. The adjustable combined seat and desk as claimed in claim 2 wherein said second hinge allows the angle between said desk portion and said intermediate member to be adjusted and further including means for locking said desk portion in a selected one of at least three different angular positions relative to said intermediate member.

5. The adjustable combined seat and desk as claimed in claim 4 wherein said first hinge allows the angle between said seat portion and said intermediate member to be adjusted and further including means for locking said seat portion in a selected one of at least three different angular positions relative to said intermediate member.

6. The adjustable combined seat and desk as claimed in claim 1 wherein said seat portion and said desk portion are movable between an inoperative position and a plurality of different operative positions; when said seat portion and said desk portion are in their inoperative position, said desk portion overlies said seat portion and when said seat portion and said desk portion are in one of said operative positions, said desk portion extends forwardly of said front edge of said seat portion and away from the upper surface of said seat portion.

7. The adjustable combined seat and desk as claimed in claim 6 wherein when said desk portion and said seat portion are in said inoperative position, said desk portion lies on said intermediate member.