Patent Application
20170029198
Not Applicable
The telecommunications revolution created by the Internet has radically altered conventional work place and educational settings, and in particular how and where people work and learn. In this regard, portable electronic devices, such as laptops, notebooks, and the like with a network connection to the Internet can enable anyone to work from virtually anywhere. Instead of a conventional office building or classroom environment, individuals instead have the ability to perform those identical tasks in the environment of their choosing. As a consequence, virtually any place in the world with a network connection can serve as an office or classroom.
Despite such limitless options, substantial problems still exist insofar as that it is often crucial to have a work space infrastructure necessary to perform prolonged computing tasks, other work or learning activities traditionally performed about a desk-like environment. Along these lines, simply using an electronic device in the absence of other ancillary work space support items, such as a desktop-like work surface with access to writing instruments, paper, notepads, a lighting source and beverage support—and in particular, coffee—becomes substantially less efficient. Indeed, despite the portable nature of many consumer electronic devices, the use of such devices outside conventional office and classroom environments often becomes impractical and inefficient. In this regard, unless an appropriate work space area can be created that enables an individual to be comfortable and focused and without being cramped or having to strain in order to perform functions such as typing or viewing a computer monitor, for example, worker efficiency and the purported advantages of working remotely are substantially compromised.
Accordingly, there is a substantial need in the art for a portable work station that can be easily and readily assembled to not only create a comfortable and efficient work space, but can do so in a manner that is extremely compatible with any of a variety of portable electronic devices and is easily customizable to create a work space to fit the needs of a specific individual. There is likewise a need for such a work station that is exceptionally space efficient and operative to create an ideal work space in very small areas, which is particularly ideal for settings such as airports, dorm rooms and the like. There is further a need for such a work station that is extremely portable in nature, and can further operatively transition into a storage system that is not only easy to handle, but can further serve as a container, such as a carrying case, so as to facilitate the transportation of useful items, such as desktop items, writing instruments, paper, notepads, staplers and any of a variety of portable electronic devices, and enable such items to be easily transported and sufficiently protected. Along those lines, it would be advantageous for such work station to assume a storage system configuration that enables all such items to be easily and readily transportable.
There is still a further need in the art for such a work station system that is modular in nature, easy to assemble, can be made from exceptionally durable materials, and can be interconnected with any of a variety of accessories to enhance the function and operation thereof. Along those lines, it is particularly noted that there is a substantial need for such a modular storage system and work station that can be designed to be exceptionally ergonomic in nature and further facilitate an active work space area so as to prevent well-recognized health concerns associated with prolonged periods of passive activity, such as prolonged periods of sitting, typing and the like, to thus prevent a host of work-related health concerns, such as heart disease, muscle fatigue, and repetitious strain activities.
The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the present invention is directed to a modular storage system and work station comprised of a system of connectable modules that allows for the creation of highly portable yet light-weight workspaces; easily adjustable and modifiable surfaces; and surfaces that allow for attachments of various apparatus for the purpose of securing, positioning, or adding functionalities thereto. According to a preferred embodiment, the invention incorporates a system of connectable modules utilizing the unique features and characteristics of hexagons in a honeycomb-like pattern whereby connectivity is achieved by smaller, “male” hexagon members that can be detachably inserted into a larger “female” hexagon that is either completely or partially empty in the interior. The connectable features of such a system allow for the creation of many items of functional or decoration purposes, including but not limited to functional and decorative structures and surfaces.
To that end, the present invention incorporates the use of panels, which resemble a panel of honeycombs, that can be used as functional surfaces to receive a wide range of attachments. The panels can advantageously allow for the pass-through of wires and pipes and allow for attachments such as lighting or holding apparatus for other items. The attachments can be made permanent or semi-permanent through minor modifications to the connecting parts. Moreover, when placed on a floor or similar surface, such panels can be used to receive temporary or permanent structures for the purpose of securing or positioning them. This could be useful in situations where certain items need to be temporarily immobilized (e.g., an item being worked upon) or secured (e.g., lighting for a photoshoot and stage props).
According to a preferred embodiment, the modular storage system and work station of the present invention is configured to be operatively transitional between a first contained configuration which may take the form of a first compact, carrying case-type configuration whereby work surfaces, modular panels and the like are packed to assume a carrying case shape and size, including a handle member for ease in handling. To form such carrying case configuration in an embodiment of the present invention there is provided first and second shell members formed as minor-images of one another that are connectable to one another by a hinge. The shell members are further provided with latch mechanisms for interconnecting with one another so as to assume a closed carrying-case configuration, similar to a conventional attaché-type case. Such configuration further defines an interior space that is operative to hold numerous other accessories and personal items, which can include any of a variety of portable electronic devices, such as a laptop, notebook and the like, as well as any of a variety of desktop accessories, such as pencil holders, portable desk lamps, coasters, beverages, and any of a variety of support devices for use with the portable electronic device so as to place the device in optimal position for use as part of the work station when so assembled.
In use, the container or carrying case configuration is opened up or expanded to define a work surface upon which the user may place various items as part of a work station. To that end, the honeycomb structure will provide a myriad of options for the user to selectively configure the work surface, which may be configured to have a smooth, flat area defined by flat panels engageable with the honeycomb structure to thus enable the user to write upon the surface or make other drafting tasks. Such honeycomb structure further enables a wide variety of accessories to be selectively positioned upon the work surface so as to optimally serve the needs of the user.
This system further includes interlocking modules, preferably formed as panels that can interconnect with those portions of the system defining the first container configuration as well as other like modules. To that end, the modules are likewise formed to have the honeycomb configuration along with selectively positioned “male” hexagon members. By virtue of their interconnectable nature, the work surface may be selectively set to have a desired height and/or angle relative the user. In this regard, the panels, by virtue of the male/female interconnectivity, can be interconnected to the undersurface of the underside of the work surface defined by the system when assuming its expended configuration, to thus enable the work surface to be raised or lowered as desired, and assume either a perpendicular configuration relative the ground or flat surface, or a selectively angled configuration, as may be desired for drafting tasks or as may be desired to create a podium-like structure. While in such expanded configuration, it is further contemplated that other modular components can be interconnected to the top surface of the work surface area, such as to selectively position a portable electronic device in a desired configuration so as to optimize the user's comfort and ability to use such portable electronic device.
In further refinements of the present invention, it is contemplated that the modular storage system and work station of the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with numerous other devices that are operative to not only provide a fully functional work station, but also an active-type work station that enables the user to engage in movement and activity so as to avoid prolonged sitting or inactivity while the work station is in use, particularly when used for conventional computing tasks requiring prolonged periods of time looking into a computer monitor and/or typing, and the like. Along those lines, it is contemplated that the modular storage system and work station of the present invention may be used in combination with other related inventions designed by applicants, including those disclosed and claimed in Applicants' pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled COMBINATION THERAPEUTIC AND EXERCISE SYSTEM and Ser. No. ______ filed ______ entitled SPLIT ROTATING KEYBOARD SYSTEM, the teachings of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
By integrating such active mechanisms as part of a work station environment, it is believed that the modular storage system and work station of the present invention not only provides an extremely space-efficient and fully functional work station system, but also can enable the work station to be utilized in a manner than minimizes many well-recognized health risks associated with prolonged passive periods of inactivity, particularly when engaged with the prolonged use of portable electronic devices.
These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings, wherein:
The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be implemented or performed. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for practicing the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.
Referring now to the figures, and initially to
Formed about the exterior of the system 10 is a grid or series of equidistantly-spaced apertures 24 that are operative to facilitate interconnection with peg-type anchor members per a male-female type connection, as is well understood in the art. Such male-female interconnection, which serves as the basis for interconnecting various modules of the present invention, is discussed more fully below.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Although a variety of apertures 24 may be provided in spaced arrangement per a number of designs and layouts as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, it is believed that the hexagon/honeycomb structure as depicted in the figures provide several advantageous capabilities. Those capabilities include the fact that attachments can be put in at six different angles without additional mechanical means of angle adjustment insofar as the angles are in 60 degree increments. The hexagon is also a very strong shape in terms of resisting deformation from pressure exerted on its sides. A three-dimensional structure with hexagonal columns is also very strong in resisting pressure exerted on the hexagonal planes. This makes a column-based hexagonal system an attractive option for surfaces that has to endure pressure. The hexagon is also a very material-efficient design, which allows a honeycomb structure to achieve the highest specific strength (strength-to-weight ratio) among identical materials. While other types of aperture “grids” are believed to be suited for use with the present invention, any other such design using similar materials will likely be more costly and heavier than the hexagonal, honeycomb-inspired design. In this regard, the system 10 of the present invention may be fabricated from any of a wide variety of materials such as metal or molded plastic.
To maximize the versatility of the honeycomb arrangement of apertures, there is shown in
To further facilitate the interconnection between shell members 12,14 while in a closed state, shell members 12,14 will further be provided with interlocking members 12e,14e that are receivable into respective receiving apertures 12f,14f. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, such locking members and apertures 12e,14e,12f,14f will be readily understood and easily deployed by those skilled in the art and operative to maintain the shell members 12,14 in interconnected condition when assuming the carrying case/attaché case configuration. To the extent not already interconnected to the exterior of a respective shell member 12,14, panel members 18a,18b may further be stored within the interior of interconnected shell members 12,14 or may be attached to the exterior of either respective shell portion 12,14 to assume the configuration set forth in
In order to provide for an extremely versatile and variable work station that can be readily created per the system 10 of the present invention, the system 10 further expressly incorporates the use of modular supports 30 that are operative to interconnect with shell members 12,14 as well as to other like supports 30, as shown in
With respect to how such modules 30 are operative to facilitate the transformation of the modular storage system and work station 10 of the present invention from its compact, carrying case configuration into a work station area, there is shown in
As illustrated, the work surface 16 is operative to receive and interconnect with planar member 40 via hexagonal anchors 34 formed on the underside thereof and shown in phantom. Such panel member 40 may be operative to define a surface area to be used for a wireless mouse, support a coffee cup or any of a number of desk space functions. Similarly, a portable computer 36 may be secured to the work surface via hexagonal anchor members 34 that are selectively positioned about the underneath portion of computer 36 and operative to be received within respective ones of apertures 24 formed upon work surface 16.
As further illustrated, a mount 38, shown in phantom, which may be operative to hold a portable electronic device in any of a variety of configurations, may likewise be interconnected to the work surface 16 by connection of anchor 34 into respective one of apertures 24. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the interconnection between anchor members 34 and any of the variety of apertures 24 may be selectively chosen, with the anchors readily detached and selectively repositioned as desired, so that any of a variety of accessories can be attached to the work surface 16 in any configuration as desired.
To facilitate the ability of the work surface 16 to attain a desired height, there is shown in
Referring now to
To the extent a lower profile height, such as B shown in
To the extent it is desired to have a work surface 16 that has an angled configuration, such as that shown in
To the extent a greater height is desired, such as C shown in
With respect to such myriad of options, there is shown in
As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the system 10 of the present invention can be used to create strong yet light weight portable or non-portable structures. As mentioned above, the honeycomb inspired male/female design allows for strong yet easily removable attachments at both coplanar and perpendicular angles.
The system also envisions attachments that can achieve non-perpendicular angles through intentional non-planar design or mechanical means, such as a ball-in-socket joint. These designs allow attachments to achieve optimal and user-adjustable angles within their own physical limitations. Moreover, due to the plurality of apertures formed throughout the honeycomb network, wires can run through a variety of hexagonal apertures 24 to attach circuits or splice signals or to power sources and the like.
The system 10 is further operative to receive and interconnect with decorative surfaces whereby decorative elements can be attached to the male or female attachments provided throughout the system 10. Such decorative elements can have different colors and graphics, sayings, slogans, various brands, sports team logos, and the like. Along these lines, a wide range of arrangements can be made to further enhance such decorative features and can include, for example, decorative LED units. Other variations can include types of light displays or infrared sensors may be used such that once a sensor detects an infrared signal, it can cause an LED to flash or indicate the reception of such signal.
It is further expressly contemplated that the modular storage system and work station 10 of the present invention may be incorporated as part of an active work station system whereby not only is the modular storage system portable and operatively transitional to a functional work station, such work station will be active in nature and can be incorporated as part of a physically active system that enables a user to work on a portable electronic device, such as a laptop or notepad, but to do so while in a standing configuration, or in a manner that enables the individual to move and not remain stationary and simply perform repetitious typing activity while staring at a monitor while in a sitting position. To that end, it is believed that the modular storage system and work station 10 of the present invention may be readily utilized with and incorporate inventions conceived by Applicant that relates to an active work station environment. Such inventions are set forth in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled COMBINATION THERAPEUTIC AND EXERCISE SYSTEM and Ser. No. ______ filed ______ entitled SPLIT ROTATING KEYBOARD SYSTEM, the teachings of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
Additional add-on components not mentioned in this description can be developed to provide functions commonly requested by users, including but not limited to USB plugs for charging electronic devices, tablet or phone holders, clips to attach multiple components and units to form larger working surfaces or other structures such as a column, box, or a small wall for purposes such as trade show displays, etc.
The hexagonal panels can be extended in length, width, and height by locking with compatible panels that have interlocking features built-in, or through special clips that securely attach two or more panels to form a larger surface.
The hexagonal panels can also form three dimensional structures with the use of locking elements designed to connect two panels perpendicularly or at any angle of choice.
Through the choice of materials or supplemental ingredients or components, the present invention will be able to provide additional beneficial capabilities as well, including but not limited to the increase in fiction, ability to help clean the air, ability to resist dust accumulation, provide limited lighting through fluorescence, etc.
Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of parts and steps described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent No. 62/198,248, entitled MODULAR CONNECTABLE SYSTEM FOR FORMING FUNCTIONAL OR DECORATIVE STRUCTURES, filed Jul. 29, 2015, all of the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62198248 | Jul 2015 | US |
