Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6527235
-
Patent Number
6,527,235
-
Date Filed
Monday, May 15, 200024 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, March 4, 200321 years ago
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Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 248 1183
- 248 118
- 248 1181
- 248 28111
- 248 23181
- 248 918
- 248 1185
- 248 2051
- 248 917
- 248 919
- 248 920
- 108 97
- 108 96
- 108 65
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International Classifications
-
Abstract
A desk accessory support for use with a desktop has an upper surface, a lower surface and an edge extending between the upper and lower surfaces. The support includes a first abutment for abutting the upper surface, and a second abutment for abutting the lower surface. A connecting structure is configured for connecting the first and second abutments to each other. The first and second abutments and the connecting structure define a substantially U-shaped recess for receiving the edge of the desktop.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to means for supporting a keyboard, a VDU monitor or the like in relation to a desk having an upper surface and an opposed lower surface.
The invention has been developed primarily for use with an office desk or work station and will be described hereinafter with reference to that application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that particular field of use and is also applicable to other work surfaces, storage surfaces or the like.
BACKGROUND ART
Hitherto, the inclusion of a keyboard platform on an office desk has necessitated specific mechanical alterations of that desk (for example a cut out section) to accommodate the linkage mechanism joining the platform to the desk. This is particularly so for linkage mechanisms which allow height adjustment of the keyboard platform. Because of the many configurations and variations required to meet the specific demands of the office and consumer markets it is difficult for manufacturers to conveniently and cost effectively produce the desks and associated keyboard supporting platforms.
The keyboard to be placed on the keyboard platform is generally associated with a computer having a screen which is located on the desk surface. However, the narrow width of most modern desks makes it increasingly difficult, even with the use of known keyboard platforms, to maintain a distance between the screen and the eyes of the operator using a keyboard which meets the internationally recognised optimum of 550 mm. Moreover, once an optimum is achieved, further height or angular adjustment of the screen is generally impracticable, whether it be to share screen information or for operator convenience of comfort. Attempts to provide adjustable monitor supports also suffer from the disadvantage of requiring desk surface modifications. To avoid this it has been proposed to employ a monitor platform attached to the desk via an arm extending from a screw clamp. Such arrangements are often insecure because of the weight of the monitor. Screw clamps cannot be placed at the front edge of the desk because their bulk interferes with the attachment and/or use of a keyboard and renders the desk surface unusable. Attachment of screw clamps at the desk rear or desk side edges tends to damage the desk and to interfere with placement of desks against a wall or screen (if clamped at the rear) or side-by-side (if clamped at the side). In general, monitor supports tend to occupy an excessive desk area or interfere with desk space.
It is an object of the present invention, at least in the preferred embodiment, to overcome or substantially ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a desk accessory support adapted to co-operate with a desktop having an upper surface and a lower surface, the support including:
a first abutment means adapted to abut the upper surface;
a second abutment means adapted to abut the lower surface;
a connection means for coupling the first and second abutment means whereby in use, the connection means is disposed adjacent to an edge of the desktop and the first and second abutment means co-operatively grip the desktop; and
at least one accessory bearing means coupled to the first or second abutment means.
Preferably the first abutment means includes a substantially upper planar surface, and the connection means includes a planar portion extending between the first and second abutment means, where in use, the connection means is disposed to abut a non linear edge of the desktop at two locations, and at least a portion of the first abutment means spans the region defined by the connection means and the portion of the non linear edge of the desktop in between the two locations.
Preferably the first and second abutment means include substantially parallel upper and lower planar fins respectively, which in use extend away from the edge of the desktop and along at least a portion of the respective upper and lower surface.
Alternatively the first abutment means includes a substantially planar upper fin and the second abutment means includes a bent planar lower fin having a first portion adjacent the connection means and extending away from both the connection means and the upper fin, and a second portion disposed at a direction towards the upper fin and extending away from the connection means and the first portion, where in use the two abutment means extend away from the edge of the desktop and along at least a portion of the respective upper and lower surface.
Preferably the grip is a resilient clamping grip and the first and second abutment means are resiliently biased into abutment with the upper and lower surface of the desk.
Alternatively the grip is an engaging grip.
Preferably the first and second abutment means are substantially rectangular.
Preferably the first and second abutment means are plates.
Optionally the first and second abutment means are releasably connected together, and/or are adjustably spaced apart at a predetermined distance. Alternatively the first and second abutment means are integrally formed plates.
Preferably the at least one accessory bearing means is coupled to the first or second abutment means at a distance away from the desk edge.
In a preferred embodiment, an accessory bearing means is coupled to the second abutment means by a cantilevered coupling extending from the second abutment means and in use in a direction towards the desk edge.
Preferably the cantilevered coupling includes a linkage assembly extending from a bracket assembly mounted to the second abutment means.
Preferably the cantilevered coupling allows adjustment of one of the position or orientation of the accessory bearing means.
Preferably the linkage assembly is a pantograph assembly.
Advantageously in use, the bracket assembly presses at least a portion of the second abutment means further into abutment with the lower surface when the accessory bearing means is loaded with an accessory, and communicates the load to the first abutment means via a fulcrum at the edge of the desk pulling at least a portion of the first abutment means into further abutment with the upper surface.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, an accessory bearing means is coupled to the first abutment means by a cantilevered coupling extending from the first abutment means and in use in a direction away from the desk edge.
Preferably the cantilevered coupling includes a post extending from the first abutment means which advantageously in use presses at least a portion of the first abutment means further into abutment with the upper surface when the bearing means is loaded with an accessory, and communicates the load to the second abutment means via a fulcrum at the edge of the desk pulling at least a portion of the second abutment means into further abutment with the lower surface.
Optionally the desk accessory support further includes at least a second accessory bearing means mounted to the post.
Preferably the cantilevered coupling includes a linkage assembly extending from a bracket assembly mounted to the first abutment means.
Preferably the cantilevered coupling allows adjustment of at least one of the position or orientation of the accessory bearing means.
Preferably the linkage assembly is a pantograph assembly.
Advantageously in use, the bracket assembly presses at least a portion of the first abutment means further into abutment with the upper surface when the accessory bearing means is loaded with an accessory, and communicates the load to the second abutment means via a fulcrum at the edge of the desk pulling at least a portion of the second abutment means into further abutment with the lower surface.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, an accessory bearing means is coupled to the first abutment means by a cantilevered coupling extending from a pedestal adapted to abut the upper surface of the desk, and in use in a direction towards the desk edge, wherein the pedestal is also adapted to abut at least a portion of a lower surface of the first abutting means and in use is at least partially sandwiched in between the first abutting means and the upper surface of the desk.
Preferably the cantilevered coupling includes a post extending from the pedestal which in use advantageously presses at least a portion of the pedestal further into further abutment with the upper surface when the bearing means is loaded with an accessory.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first abutment means includes a substantially upper planar surface which defines the at least one accessory bearing means.
Preferably the first abutment means includes a raised formation adjacent the connection means and in use the raised formation provides a wrist rest for a user operating a computer keyboard or mouse placed on the upper planar surface for support.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1
is a top view of one embodiment of a desk accessory support according to the invention mounted to a desk;
FIG. 2
is a sectional view along line
2
—
2
of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 3
is a view similar to
FIG. 2
of a desk accessory support similar to that shown in
FIG. 1
but adapted for forward/rearward adjustment of a keyboard platform;
FIG. 4
is a part side sectional view of another embodiment of a desk accessory support according to the invention provided with an auxiliary mouse platform;
FIG. 5
is a part side sectional view of another embodiment of a desk accessory support according to the invention showing a keyboard platform in a raised configuration;
FIG. 6
is the view of the embodiment of the desk accessory support in
FIG. 5
with the keyboard platform shown in a lowered configuration;
FIG. 7
is a perspective view of another embodiment of a desk accessory support according to the invention having adjustably spaced mounting plates;
FIG. 8
is a side view of another embodiment of a desk accessory support according to the invention having resiliently biased plates;
FIG. 9
is a side view of another embodiment of a desk accessory support according to the invention;
FIG. 10
is a perspective view of a another embodiment of a desk accessory support according to the invention having a monitor platform and a keyboard platform;
FIG. 11
is a perspective view of the embodiment in
FIG. 10
bearing a mouse pad keyboard and monitor;
FIG. 12
is a perspective view of a variation of the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11
having a wrist rest attached to the keyboard platform;
FIG. 13
is a perspective view of a variation of the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11
omitting the keyboard platform;
FIG. 14
is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 13
, bearing a monitor, a writs rest and a keyboard;
FIG. 15
is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 13 and 14
further provided with a swing-away mouse platform;
FIG. 16
shows a side view of another embodiment of a desk accessory support according to the invention with an accessories column;
FIG. 17
shows another embodiment of a desk accessory support according to the invention provided as a two-part assembly;
FIG. 18
shows the two-part assembly of
FIG. 17
when in use;
FIG. 19
is a part perspective view of another embodiment of a desk accessory support according to the invention having a bent bottom plate;
FIG. 20
is a part cross sectional side view of another embodiment of a desk accessory support according to the invention with an integral wrist rest and bearing a keyboard;
FIG. 21
is a side view of a variant of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 20
having a bent bottom plate and a lead in lip on the bottom plate.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG.
1
and
FIG. 2
, there is shown a keyboard support
1
for a desk
2
having a substantially planar upper surface
3
and an opposed co-extending lower surface
4
having respective straight edges
5
and
6
. The edges are joined by a vertical sidewall
7
which extends in a plane and that is substantially normal to the upper and lower surfaces. Support
1
includes a first mounting means in the form of a planar rectangular metal plate
11
which abuts the adjacent upper surface
3
. A second mounting means in the form of a second planar metal rectangular plate
12
is connected to plate
11
by way of an intermediate portion
13
and abuts the adjacent lower surface
4
. Plates
11
and
12
are substantially parallel and, in combination, maintain support
1
in a predetermined disposition with respect to desk
2
. A linkage assembly in the form of a pantographic linkage mechanism
21
extends from a first pair of parallel brackets
22
adjacent plate
12
to a second pair of like brackets
23
. A keyboard support platform in the form of a support surface
30
is mounted to brackets
23
to selectively support a keyboard (not shown).
With reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2
, plates
11
and
12
and connecting portion
13
are preferably integrally formed from a single folded steel plate such that the distance between the opposed plate faces
11
,
12
is substantially equal to the distance between desk edges
5
and
6
. In other embodiments, opposed faces
11
,
12
are disposed slightly further apart and use is made of respective strips of dense resilient foam to facilitate an interference fit between support
1
and desk
2
, while also reducing the risk of any point loading.
In other embodiments plates
11
and
12
and connecting portion
13
are integrally constructed from plastics.
Linkage mechanism
21
includes four parallel arms
35
which are arranged in two spaced apart pairs which extend between respective brackets
22
and
23
to allow altitude adjustment of platform
30
with respect to desk
2
. As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art other linkage mechanisms are also suitable. For example, in some embodiments the linkage mechanism allows tilt and/or altitude adjustment of platform
30
, while in other embodiments platform
30
is fixed with respect to desk
2
.
Linkage arms are connected to brackets
32
at a distance inwardly of connection
13
at the desk edge. Consequently the weight of platform
30
results in a torque being generated which is transmitted by arm
35
to plates
11
and
12
. This torque forces the plates into more secure engagement with the respective adjacent surfaces
3
and
4
. If an object such as a keyboard is placed on platform
30
it will increase the torque and hence the plates will more securely impinge upon the adjacent desk surfaces. Accordingly, an inherently safe self locking system is provided. For example, if an operator or other person inadvertently applies a load to platform
30
, by leaning on it or otherwise, support
1
is further locked to desk
2
.
As best shown in
FIG. 1
, upper and lower surfaces
3
and
4
are L-shaped and define a corner work station for a computer operator.
In the
FIGS. 1 and 2
embodiment, plate
11
includes longitudinally extending edges
31
and
32
which are joined by transverse by extending edges
33
and
34
. Plate
12
also includes longitudinally extending edges
31
and
32
and transversely extending edges
37
and
38
. As shown, edge
38
is disposed intermediate edges
33
and
34
although in other embodiments edge
38
is adjacent to edge
34
.
Plate
11
includes a slot
40
which extends longitudinally inwardly from edge
34
and terminates at rounded end
41
. Slot
40
allows a cord extending between the keyboard and the associated computer to be discretely passed under plate
12
and then onto surface
3
. This results in a more aesthetically pleasing arrangement which is also less likely to hinder the height adjustment of platform
30
. In some embodiments slot
40
is large whereby plate
11
is in the form of a frame extending inwardly from the periphery of the plate shown in FIG.
1
.
Support
1
is shown in
FIG. 1
mounted to the corner of the L-shaped surfaces of desk
2
. This is effected by initially manoeuvring edges
34
and
38
to be adjacent edges
7
and
8
respectively. Thereafter, plates
11
and
12
are biased away from each other to separate ends
34
and
38
sufficiently to allow their progression beyond edges
5
and
6
. The biased is then removed allowing plates
11
and
12
to co-operatively grip surfaces
3
and
4
, and, if required, support
1
further manoeuvred into a desired configuration. Although platform
30
is shown bridging the corner of desk
2
, it is equally suitable for mounting along one of the straight edges, that is, with edge
34
maintained substantially parallel to any edge of the desk.
In
FIG. 1
, platform
30
extends transversely beyond plates
11
and
12
and includes bevelled sides
45
which lie flush with the adjacent sidewall
7
. For embodiments of support
1
which are intended for symmetrical mounting in the corner of desk
2
, bevelled sides
45
extend at 45° to edge
34
. In other embodiments platform
30
transversely coextends with plate
11
and includes straight sides.
Reference is now made to
FIG. 3
, where corresponding features are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. More particularly, a support
46
is illustrated which includes a plate
12
(second abutment means) having a down turned edge
38
defining a lip
47
for facilitating initial placement of the support on desk
2
. Moreover, support
46
includes two parallel spaced apart longitudinally extending tracks
49
disposed between plate
12
and respective brackets
22
. The brackets are captively and slidably mounted to the tracks to allow longitudinal progression of platform
30
between an extended and retracted configuration with respect to desk
2
. Platform
30
is illustrated in the extended and retracted configurations by unbroken and broken lines respectively. Progression of platform
30
toward the extended and retracted configurations is limited, for example, by bump stops (not shown) adjacent portion
13
and lip
47
respectively. In some embodiments at least one of tracks
49
include a plurality of spaced apart locking formations which are selectively engaged by a complementary formation on the adjacent bracket
22
to effect positive locating of that bracket with respect to the track.
Platform
30
, in some embodiments, has a sufficiently large surface area to accommodate, in addition to the keyboard, one or more other input devices such as a mouse, joystick, removable hard drive, tape drive or the like. However, in some circumstances an operator requires additional space to conveniently locate input devices for the computer other than directly on platform
30
. This is easily achieved through use of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG.
4
and generally designated as auxiliary platform
52
.
Auxiliary platform
52
includes plates
11
and
12
and portion
13
, similarly to the other embodiments described above. However, in this case, auxiliary platform
52
, is substantially smaller than platform
30
and fixed with respect to plates
11
and
12
by a pair of parallel underlying beams
53
. These beams are fixedly attached to plate
12
and convert any torque arising from a load applied to platform
52
into a locking force between plates
11
and
12
and respective adjacent surfaces of desk
2
.
In some embodiments platform
52
is mounted to platform
30
rather than desk
2
.
Platform
52
is intended to support a mouse
54
or other input device. In this embodiment the upper surface of the platform includes a neoprene layer
55
to facilitate operation of mouse
54
.
Platforms
30
and
52
can all be retrofitted to existing desks or other surfaces without any modifications being required. Moreover, platforms
30
and
52
are easily moved for optimum placement by applying a bias to the support surface to counteract the gravitational bias applied by any load carried by that surface.
Platforms
30
and
52
being cantilevered from plate
12
are self-locking and ensures that when a load is applied to the platform surface that the support will be more securely located on the desk.
As support
1
extends beyond sidewall
7
of desk
2
it provides a user with additional desk space and allows that user to comfortably and easily maintain a greater distance between their eyes and the screen.
Reference is now made to
FIGS. 5 and 6
which illustrate an alternative support
60
, where corresponding features are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. These figures are intended to show the direction the forces acting upon plates
11
and
12
during upward and downward adjustment of platform
30
. More particularly, in
FIG. 5
platform
30
is in the raised configuration and a downward force represented by arrow
61
is applied to move the platform to a reduced height with respect to desk
3
. This results in the generation of forces represented by arrows
62
and
63
respectively on the front and rear edges of plates
11
and
12
. These forces act to further lock support
60
to desk
3
. When platform
30
is in the lowered configuration, as shown in
FIG. 6
, it is necessary to apply an upward force, represented by arrow
65
to more the platform surface to a higher position with respect to desk
3
. With the application of force
65
, two forces are generated, represented by arrows
66
and
67
, respectively, which act on the front and rear of plates
12
and
11
. Again, locking action is effected.
The application of either of forces
61
or
65
has the desired effect of locking support
60
to desk
3
, notwithstanding the opposed nature of these forces.
Reference is now made to
FIG. 7
which is a perspective view of two plates
75
and
76
which form part of a keyboard support according to the invention. For the purposes of clarity the linkage assembly has been omitted, although it will be appreciated that, in use, such an assembly extends from the bottom of plate
76
.
Plates
75
and
76
are opposed and include respective flanges
77
and
78
which extend toward the other of the plates. Preferably, each flange extends normally from its respective plate.
Flange
77
includes two spaced apart circular apertures
79
and corresponding nuts
80
. In other embodiments nuts
80
are omitted and apertures
79
are threaded.
Flange
78
includes two spaced apart parallel extending slots
81
which, in use overlie apertures
79
. Respective bolts
82
are inserted through slots
81
and apertures
79
, and threaded into engagement with nuts
80
to maintain flanges
77
and
78
in a fixed spaced apart configuration.
During installation of the keyboard support to a desk, bolts
82
are loosened to allow movement of plates
75
and
76
into engagement with respective opposed surfaces of a desk. Thereafter, bolts
82
are tightened with respect to nuts
80
to securely maintain the plates in the engaged configuration. Accordingly, plates
75
and
76
accommodate a variety of desk thicknesses.
Plate
75
includes a mouse pad
83
in the top right hand corner. This allows a user convenient access to the keyboard, which is located on the support platform (not shown) and a mouse located on pad
83
.
An alternative arrangement is illustrated in
FIG. 8
where, again, the linkage assembly has been omitted for clarity purposes. More particularly, two spaced apart, substantially parallel plates
85
and
86
are integrally formed and are joined by an intermediate curved resilient portion
87
. Portion
87
flexes to allow a greater separation between plates
85
and
86
, thereby accommodating a range of desk thicknesses, while resiliently biasing plates
85
and
86
to co-operatively grip the desktop (not shown).
An alternative embodiment keyboard support
90
is illustrated in FIG.
9
. Support
90
is similar to support
60
, as illustrated in
FIG. 6
, and corresponding features are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. The plates
11
and
12
of the
FIG. 9
embodiment are spaced slightly further apart than those shown on
FIG. 6
to provide a small gap between the plates and the respective adjacent surfaces of desk
3
.
Plate
11
and plate
12
both include spaced apart rubber feet
91
and
92
which are respectively disposed at the front and rear of those plates. When a downward load is applied to platform
30
feet
91
and
92
are biased into gripping engagement with the adjacent desk surfaces.
Plate
11
also includes a rearwardly disposed spherical roller
93
which is engaged with the top surface of desk
3
when an upwardly directed force is exerted upon platform
30
. Such an upwardly directed force will also remove feet
91
and
92
from gripping engagement with the desk surfaces. Accordingly, movement of support
90
is facilitated.
The
FIG. 9
embodiment of the invention is intended for mounting to the straight edge of a desk and for subsequent transverse movement along that edge. Preferably, therefore, desk
3
includes a guide in the form of a transversely extending track
94
which overlaps with the rear of plate
12
to facilitate a smooth progression. Track
94
is maintained against desk
3
by way of a plurality of spaced apart screws
95
.
Support
90
is easily transversely progressed by a user who simply needs apply an upwardly directed force to platform
30
to overcome the gripping engagement of feet
91
and
92
. Support
90
is then progressed transversely, as required, and the upwardly directed force is removed. Platform
90
is then biased downwardly under the influence of gravity and from any resilience between plates
11
and
12
whereby feet
91
and
92
are again biased into gripping engagement with desk
3
.
In another embodiment plate
12
includes formations for selectively engaging with a plurality of corresponding transversely spaced apart formations on the lower surface of desk
3
. The interengagement between the formations effecting an even more positive engagement between the desk and support. When an upwardly directed force is applied to the platform the rear edge of plate
12
is progressed downwardly such that the formations are disengaged and either transverse and/or longitudinal movement of the support relative to the desk can occur.
With reference to
FIG. 10
there is shown an embodiment similar to that of
FIG. 1
but wherein a second load bearing platform
100
(in this case adapted to support a monitor) is mounted to first abutment means
11
(the upper plate) by means of a mounting post
102
spaced inwardly from edge connection
13
. Desirably mounting post
102
is provided with telescopic, airlift, or other height adjustment and may also be provided with swivel adjustment.
FIG. 11
shows the embodiment of
FIG. 10
when supporting a monitor on platform
100
, a keyboard on platform
30
and a mouse on upper plate
11
.
FIG. 12
shows an embodiment similar to that of
FIG. 10
but wherein keyboard support platform
30
is provided with a wrist support
103
.
FIG. 13
shows an embodiment wherein a monitor platform
100
is supported by a support pillar
102
from upper plate
11
of support means
1
. As shown in
FIG. 13
in this embodiment no separate support platform is provided for a keyboard. Instead, as is shown in
FIG. 14
, upper plate
11
may be provided with a wrist support
103
and the keyboard may be emplaced upon upper plate
11
.
FIG. 15
shows a further embodiment similar to that of
FIG. 14
but wherein mounting pillar
102
is provided with a laterally extending auxiliary platform
101
whereby a mouse may be supported. It will be appreciated that the embodiments of
FIGS. 13
,
14
and
15
share the same stability as embodiments earlier described in that the loads in each case tend to improve the grip between the support means and the desk.
FIG. 16
shows an embodiment in which a basket
104
and a task light
106
are supported via a pillar
102
from upper plate
11
. It will be understood that in each case pillar
102
may be made of adjustable length and horizontal support arms may be adjustable in height and radial direction from the pillar.
FIG. 17
shows an embodiment wherein a monitor support platform
100
is supported by a column
102
from a base plate
105
and wherein as shown in
FIG. 18
base plate
105
is clamped onto a desk top by means of support
1
engaging base plate
105
between upper plate
11
and the desk top.
FIG. 19
illustrates an alternative embodiment to those shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8
. The embodiment in
FIG. 19
includes an upper plate
85
integrally connected to a lower bent plate
86
via an intermediate portion
110
. The bent plate
86
includes a portion
86
a
disposed in a direction away from the upper plate
85
, and a portion
86
b
disposed in a direction towards upper plate
85
. Plates
85
and
86
are resiliently biased in a direction towards each other, and advantageously this embodiment will allow the desk accessory support
114
to be used in respect of the desk tops (not shown) of different thicknesses. Preferably rubber pads
111
are provided on the upper surface of the lower plate
86
in the vicinity of where portion
86
a
meets
86
b
which provides protection to the lower edge of a desk top (not shown) when the accessory support is applied to a desktop where the desk thickness is greater than the height of the intermediate portion
110
.
The embodiment of the desk accessory support
115
in
FIG. 20
is an alternative embodiment to the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
8
. The numeric references in
FIG. 20
which are also in
FIG. 8
refer to the same features in both illustrations. However, the support
115
in
FIG. 20
includes an intermediate curved resilient portion
87
formed in a manner to provide a raised formation with respect to upper plate
85
which in use provides a wrist rest for a user operating for example a computer keyboard
112
which has been placed on the upper plate
85
.
Advantageously the wrist rest feature
87
is integrated with the upper plate
85
and lower plate
86
of the support
115
. Finger
113
is a schematic representation of human fingers which illustrates the intermediate portion/wrist rest support
87
for the purposes of providing physical support to a human hand.
The embodiment of the accessory support
116
shown in
FIG. 21
is an alternative embodiment to that illustrated in FIG.
20
. The support
116
includes a lower plate
86
bent into
3
portions
86
c
,
86
d
and
86
e
. Lower plate
86
is provided with a lip portion
86
d
to assist the location of the accessory support
116
on a desk top. The bent portion
86
c
allows the desk accessory support
116
to be applied to thinner desk tops while maintaining the same size wrist rest support
87
for example when compared to the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
20
.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teaching hereof features of one embodiment may be combined with those of another and the apparatus may be constructed from any suitable materials and in forms differing from those depicted in the drawings without departing from the scope of the invention herein disclosed.
Claims
- 1. A desk accessory support for use with a desktop having an upper surface, a lower surface and an edge extending between the upper and lower surfaces, the support including:first abutment means for abutting the upper surface; second abutment means for abutting the lower surface, at least a portion of the second abutment means being resiliently displaceable away from at least a portion of the first abutment means such that said portions are biased towards each other for cooperatively gripping the desktop; connection means configured for connecting the first and second abutment means to each other and for being disposed adjacent to the edge when the first and second abutment means are in abutment with the upper and lower surfaces respectively; said first and second abutment means and said connection means defining a substantially U-shaped recess for receiving the edge of the desktop; at least one accessory being means connected to the second abutment means by means of a cantilevered coupling extending from the second abutment means so as to be at a distance from the edge in use; said cantilevered coupling adapted to allow adjustment of the position or orientation of the accessory bearing means with respect to the desk top; wherein a load applied to the accessory bearing means by an accessory carried thereon causes a moment on one of the first and second abutments means which urges at least a part of one of the first and second abutment means towards a part of the other abutment means, for causing deformation of at least one of the first and second abutment means and the connection means thereby to cause at least one of said parts more firmly to impinge upon the corresponding surface of the desktop to increase the grip of the first and second abutment means on the desktop.
- 2. The desk accessory support of claim 1 wherein said connection means is effective for resiliently connecting the first and second abutment means to each other such that said abutment means are biased towards each other on being moved away from each other.
- 3. The desk accessory support of claim 1 wherein the first abutment means includes a substantially planar upper surface, and the connection means includes a planar portion extending between the first and second abutments means, where in use, the connection means is disposed to abut a non linear edge of the desktop at two locations, and at least a portion of the first abutment means spans the region defined by the connection means and the portion of the non linear edge of the desktop between the two locations.
- 4. The desk accessory support of claim 1 wherein the first and second abutment means include substantially parallel upper and lower planar fins respectively, which in use extend away from the edge and along at least a portion of the respective upper and lower surfaces.
- 5. The desk accessory support of claim 1 wherein the first and second abutment means are substantially rectangular.
- 6. The desk accessory support of claim 1 wherein the first and second abutment means are plates.
- 7. The desk accessory support of claim 6 wherein the first and second abutment means are integrally formed plates.
- 8. The desk accessory support of claim 1 wherein the first and second abutment means are releasably connected together.
- 9. The desk accessory support of claim 1 wherein the first and second abutment means are adjustably spaced apart at a predetermined distance.
- 10. The desk accessory support of claim 1 wherein the accessory bearing means is coupled to the second abutment means at a coupling position, by a cantilevered coupling extending, in use, at least partly in a direction from the coupling position to the edge, said moment causing said part of the second abutment means more firmly to impinge upon the lower surface.
- 11. The desk accessory support of claim 10 wherein the cantilevered coupling includes a linkage assembly extending from a bracket assembly mounted to the second abutment means at the coupling position.
- 12. The desk accessory support of claim 10 wherein the linkage assembly is a pantograph assembly.
Priority Claims (4)
Number |
Date |
Country |
Kind |
PO 8627 |
Aug 1997 |
AU |
|
PO 8632 |
Aug 1997 |
AU |
|
PO 0949 |
Dec 1997 |
AU |
|
PO 8525 |
Aug 1998 |
AU |
|
PCT Information
Filing Document |
Filing Date |
Country |
Kind |
PCT/AU98/00636 |
|
WO |
00 |
Publishing Document |
Publishing Date |
Country |
Kind |
WO99/08566 |
2/25/1999 |
WO |
A |
US Referenced Citations (16)
Foreign Referenced Citations (4)
Number |
Date |
Country |
38 40 893 |
Jun 1990 |
DE |
43 36 141 |
Apr 1995 |
DE |
0 642 752 |
Mar 1995 |
EP |
0 775 456 |
May 1997 |
EP |