Priority is claimed under U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/877,624, which was filed on 25 Jun., 2004 by Applicant.
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a triangular desk, more particularly, a compact modular triangular desk for supporting a notebook computer or a computer monitor and keyboard while providing an easily accessible work area.
2. Background Information
Increasingly computers are becoming permanent fixtures in schools from elementary through college level. Most private and public schools have computer labs separate from traditional classrooms. When students have to use the school's computers, they travel from their classroom to the computer lab. Then, when they are again ready for instruction in front of a blackboard, they all travel back to their classroom. This arrangement is inconvenient in that students and teachers loose precious, instructional time moving about the building, or between school buildings. The student's records are often at his or her desk. Also, the number of students often greatly exceeds the number of computers.
Uses for computers in the classroom extend far beyond word processing and Internet research. There are many computerized interactive teaching aids for subjects ranging from Algebra to Spanish. These computerized teaching aids are usually most effective when combined with concurrent or intermittent teacher instruction. As the student becomes more and more familiar with his or her own computer, he or she begins to identify with it.
As another example, when teachers instruct students on the use of a software program, it is helpful for each student to follow along on his or her own computer. As computers permeate more and more aspects of our lives, students need more than occasional access to computers in order to become proficient users and keep pace with innovation, new interfaces, new and updated software, etc. Today, ideally, every student should have constant access to a computer. In the future, this may be a necessity, not just a luxury.
Conventional rectangular student desks are not designed to accommodate computers. If a computer monitor and keyboard are placed on such a desk, there is no appreciable work space left. Thus, there is a need for a student desk, which holds a computer monitor, keyboard, and other computer-related items, while still furnishing ample elbow room and work space.
The present invention is a modular triangular desk with an attached chair. This modular triangular desk is primarily intended to support a notebook or desktop computer in a classroom setting, yet still provide ample work space. The desk of the present invention includes the chair and a triangular shaped desk top, as well as a frame that elevates the desk top and chair to an appropriate, predetermined height and maintains the chair an appropriate distance from the desk top. In its preferred embodiment, the desk top possesses the shape of an equilateral triangle.
This modular triangular desk has several advantages over currently available student desks. The generally triangular-shaped desk top of the present invention accommodates a computer, while providing a wider, vacant writing surface at the front of the desk where the student requires it. The desk of the present invention also has an arm, or rest, for holding a keyboard, and, if desired, a mouse pad area in an ergonomically practical position for use during the day. When the student no longer needs to utilize the computer, the keyboard arm/rest is rotatable 180 degrees. The keyboard arm stores out of the way under the desk top. When the keyboard arm or rest is inverted, gravity causes most crumbs and dirt particles, such as dust, that have accumulated between the keys to dislodge. Rotation of the keyboard arm/rest also permits the student to more easily access the vacant surface of the desk top.
The attached chair gives the student freedom to move his or her chair without inflicting damage to the classroom floor. Damage to school floors from the feet of the four legs of a conventional student chair has caused some schools to place used tennis balls over the feet. This is not a good solution, since it is an invitation to some unsupervised students to pull the tennis balls off and toss or roll them around the room. Even if they are not pulled off, the tennis balls often come loose and have to be replaced over the feet.
Next, the generally triangular shape of the present triangular desk is more space efficient, versatile, and practical than conventional, rectangularly-shaped student desks. The instant modular triangular desks can quickly and easily be grouped into a number of alternate space-efficient arrangements to improve classroom layout. For example, they can be placed side by side to form a tight cluster of six desks, or they can be placed into various interesting circular, semi-circular, ovular, triangular, or linear arrangements. The arrangements of these triangular desks also retain their configuration. The present desks can be temporarily coupled to one another. Most currently available student desks do not include a means of attachment to one another, and arrangements of these desks are readily distorted, causing teachers, students, and custodians to waste time straightening up the desks. Also, some students enjoy scooting their desks across the classroom in discrete increments each time the teacher looks away. Thus, individual, conventional, movable student desks are often a source of distraction and confusion.
The present triangular desks are stackable, which facilitates moving or storing them. Since the instant modular triangular desks save space, classrooms may be smaller, and more students can be placed in existing classrooms. In its preferred embodiment, the modular triangular desk is made almost entirely from plastic and/or aluminum, and is therefore sturdy and easy to manufacture.
Lastly, removable attachments make the modular triangular desk customizable and suitable for applications outside of the classroom. For example, these desks may be utilized in home or office settings. Many modern offices are large, open spaces with movable room dividers and office furniture that is designed to be reconfigurable. This is facilitated by the present modular triangular desks.
A more complete understanding of the invention and its advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein examples of the invention are shown, and wherein:
In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also, in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “front,” “back,” “within,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Referring in more detail to the drawings, the invention will now be described.
Turning first to
Referring to
The work portion 24, which is in front of the monitor portion 23, is in the shape of a trapezoid having two, obtuse, interior angles 28A–B and two, acute, interior angles 28C–D, two, opposed non-parallel edges 29, 30, and two, opposed parallel edges 31, 32. The obtuse angles 28A–B lie between the first parallel edge 31 and the first and second non-parallel edges 29, 30, respectively, while the acute angles 28C–D lie between the second parallel edge 32 and the first and second non-parallel edges 29, 30, respectively.
As shown in
The edge 35C of the monitor portion 23 is generally parallel to and abuts the first parallel edge 31 of the work portion 24. The second parallel edge 32 of the work portion 24 is generally parallel to and abuts the first parallel edge 38 of the keyboard arm 25. Edges 35A, 29, and 37 are flush, forming one edge of the desk top portion 22, and edges 35B and 30 are flush, forming another edge of the desk top portion 22, such that the entire desk top is generally triangular in shape. Angles 33B–C, 28C–D, and 34D are equal in size, while angles 28A–B and 34C are equal in size. Most preferably, the monitor portion 23 is in the shape of an equilateral triangle, with angles 33A–C, 28C–D, and 34D being 60 degrees, angles 34A–B being 90 degrees, and angles 28A–B and 34C being 120 degrees.
The monitor portion 23 and the work portion 24 are preferably contiguous and made from a single piece of material. The monitor portion 23 is large enough to accommodate a computer monitor 48 so that the monitor 48 does not impinge on the work portion 24. The work portion has space for a student to set books and papers and conduct non-computer related work, such as reading and writing. The keyboard arm 25 accommodates a computer keyboard 49. The computer tower, if there is one, can be placed beneath the desk top portion, optionally on a shelf beneath the desk top.
The keyboard arm 25 is preferably rotatable in order to allow the student better access to the work portion 24. At least one hinge (not shown) connects adjacent edges 32 and 38 of the work portion 24 and the keyboard arm 25 such that the keyboard arm 25 is rotatable 180 degrees about the work portion 24 in the direction of arrow 26. When the student needs access to the keyboard 49, he or she positions the keyboard arm 25 in the same horizontal plane as the work portion 24, as shown in
The keyboard 49 is removably anchored to the keyboard arm 25 by hook and loop strips or any other suitable means. Thus, when the keyboard arm 25 is inverted, the keyboard 49 turns upside down with the keyboard arm. As a result, crumbs and other dirt particles, such as dust, fall out of the crevices of the keyboard 49 due to the force of gravity and can be easily swept up. In a preferred embodiment, inversion of the keyboard arm 25 shuts down the computer via a small switch triggered by rotation of the keyboard arm. A notebook computer does not require a switch; it can simply be removed from the docking station on the desk top portion. A student can remove the notebook 53 from the desk 16 and use it at home. In the classroom, the student can re-attach the notebook 53 to the docking station, which may include a fixed keyboard 49.
A mouse pad 50 may be removably anchored by hook and loop strips or the like to the keyboard arm 25 to the left or right of the keyboard 49, depending upon the student's dexterity. In order to use a mouse, the student or other user sets the mouse on the mouse pad 50 and drags it around the mouse pad 50. Before inverting the keyboard arm 25, the student removes the mouse from the mouse pad 50 and stores the mouse, so the mouse will not fall from the inverted keyboard arm 25 and sustain damage.
Suitable anchoring mechanisms, such as hook and loop strips, can be included on the triangular desk 10 for altering the configuration of the keyboard 49 and mouse pad 50 in the classroom to accommodate both left-handed and right-handed students. Alternatively, the triangular desks 10 may be fabricated in the manufacturing plant as left-handed desks and right-handed desks.
Referring back to
The frame 18 comprises only two frame components for supporting the desk 10 on a floor surface: a substantially horizontal chair base support rod 41 connecting a substantially vertical first (left) front leg 42 of the frame and a substantially vertical chair leg 40, an opposite end of the chair leg 40 supporting the chair portion 19; and a substantially horizontal desk base support rod 47. The desk base support rod 47 connects a substantially vertical, opposite, second (right) front leg 46 of the frame and a substantially vertical, single rear leg 45 of the frame 18. This is advantageous in that it is simple, lightweight, and easy to manufacture, and facilitates stacking of desks 10. A desk need not have four conventional legs, or two matching side support rods, and this modular triangular desk 10 does not.
The second (right) front leg 46 projects upwardly from an end of the desk base support rod 47 and the single rear leg 45 projects upwardly from an opposite end of the desk base support rod 47. The rear leg 45 contacts an underside of the monitor portion 23 at its apex 27 and thus supports the rear end of the desk top portion 22. The first/left front leg 42 projects upwardly from an end of the chair base support rod 41 and the chair leg 40 projects upwardly from an opposite end of the chair base support rod 41. The seating surface 20 is bolted to an end of the chair leg 40 opposite the chair base support rod 41. The first/left and second/right desk support rods 43 and 44 are affixed to edges 35A, 29, 37 and edges 35B, 30, respectively. Ends of the first (left) desk support rod 43 join an end of the first (left) front leg 42 opposite the chair base support rod 41 and an end of the second (right) desk support rod 43 adjacent the apex 27. An opposite end of the second (right) desk support rod 43 joins an end of the second (right) front leg 46 opposite the desk base support rod 47.
Continuing with
The chair portion optionally includes a back rest 21, which extends substantially vertically from a rear end of the seating surface 20. As shown in
In another version of the modular triangular desk 10, the chair portion 19 does not comprise a back rest 21. The first (left) front leg 42, second (right) front leg 46, and rear leg 45 of the desk are vertically oriented. Therefore, the desk base support rod 47 is located directly below the second (right) desk support rod 44. The chair leg 40 is also vertically oriented.
In yet another embodiment of the present modular triangular desk 10, the chair portion 19 comprises a back rest 21. The first (left) front leg 42, second (right) front leg 46, and rear leg 45 are vertically oriented. Therefore, the desk base support rod 47 is located directly below the second (right) desk support rod 44. The chair leg 40 is also generally vertically oriented. As such, the desk 10 is not stackable on another, identical desk 10.
Turning now to
As shown in
The wedge shape of the desks 10 also facilitates formation of a variety of linear arrangements 13A–C. With regard to linear arrangement 13A, a first, straight row of triangular desks 10 is interspersed between a second, straight row of triangular desks 10 facing a direction that is 180 degrees opposite a direction that the first, straight row of desks 10 is facing. Spaced apart, generally parallel straight rows of triangular desks 10 facing the same direction form linear arrangements 13B–C, however, in linear arrangement 13B each row does not have the same number of triangular desks 10, while in linear arrangement 13C each row has the same number of triangular desks 10.
Other examples of desk arrangements include an angled arrangement 14, an ovular arrangement 15, a circular arrangement 16, and a triangular arrangement 17. According to the angled arrangement 14, the triangular desks 10 are organized into the shape of an approximately ninety degree angle. The ovular arrangement 15 is generally in the shape of an oval, in which the desk top portions 22 are on the inside of the oval and the chairs 19 are on the outside of the oval. According to the circular arrangement 16, six triangular desks 10 are arranged in a pinwheel-like fashion. In the last, triangular arrangement 17, several triangular desks 10 form an equilateral triangle.
The triangular shape of the desk 10 is advantageous over the traditional rectangular shape of conventional student desks. Certain arrangements of a number of triangular desks 10, such as a circular arrangement 16, require less space than identical arrangements of the same number of traditional rectangular student desks. Certain arrangements, such as the cluster 11, are not possible with traditional rectangular student desks. Thus, the modular triangular desk 10 of the present invention offers school administrators, interior decorators, teachers, and students more freedom in classroom design and organization. It enhances the traditionally box-shaped, stifling classroom environment, promotes creativity, and encourages students to think outside of the box.
Naturally, the present modular desk 10 may be utilized outside of the classroom, for example, in the home or office. Several removable attachments enhance the versatility of the triangular modular desk 10 and make it suitable for different applications, such as seat covers, and back rests. The desk top portion 22, the frame 18, and the chair portion 19 are preferably made of plastic, wood, and/or aluminum so that they are sturdy, resilient, and easy to manufacture.
Turning to
Continuing with the frame, the first (left) and second (right) desk support rods 43, 44 are affixed to edges 35A, 29, 37 and edges 35B, 30, respectively. Ends of the first/left desk support rod 43 join an end of the first/left front leg 42 opposite the chair base support rod 41 and an end of the second (right) desk support rod 43 adjacent the apex 27. An opposite end of the second/right desk support rod 43 joins an end of the second/right front leg 46 opposite the desk base support rod 47. As seen in
The left and right desk support rods 43, 44 are optionally two segments of a single tubular rod bent approximately in the middle at the apex 27 of the triangular desk top to form an angle of between about 45 and about 75 degrees, most preferably about 60 degrees. The end of the left desk support rod 43 preferably extends through a hole in a first/left corner section 67 of the desk, as seen in
Prior to stacking two or more desks as shown in
The seating surface 20 is turned out approximately ninety degrees prior to stacking of the desks by means of a leg joint 59 in the first (left) front leg 42 of the frame 18 (see
Also, the user can push the seating surface slightly to the left or right to adjust the nearness of the seating surface to the desk. This is helpful, for example, where the user wants to stretch his or her legs, in which case the user pushes the seating surface away from the desk top, or move closer to a book, for example, on the desk surface, in which case the user pushes the seating surface to the right and closer to the desk top.
The desk top portion optionally includes a hole over the top of the rear leg 45, as seen in
Referring to
To use the seat height adjustment mechanism 54, a user simply lifts the seating surface 20 up slightly, which pulls the inner chair leg segment 58 up, inserts the plug 56 in an appropriate chair leg hole 57, and lets the seating surface 20 drop back down to that position. The next seat user can lift the seating surface slightly, pull out the plug 56, and insert the plug in a different one of the chair leg holes 57, depending on the desired height of the seat. Normally, a student who is short in height will use an upper one of the chair leg holes 57, and a taller student user will use a lower one of the chair leg holes. The same chair height adjustment mechanism 54 is suitable for raising and lowering the seating surface with a back rest 21 described hereinabove.
Turning to
Continuing with
To use the keyboard rest rotation mechanism 61, the user pulls the rod handle 65 slightly out of the slot 64 and turns the handle in the desired direction. This rotates the keyboard arm/rest 60 in the same direction. Pushing the rod handle 65 into the like-sized slot locks the rotatable keyboard arm/rest 60 in place until the user desires to move it again. The flee right corner section 63 of the desk allows easy access to the rod handle and slot.
The student's keyboard and/or docking station are removably attached to the keyboard rest 60 by corresponding hook and loop strips on the bottom of the keyboard and the top face of the keyboard rest, or by any other suitable means. When the student no longer needs to utilize the computer, the keyboard rest 60 rotates 180 degrees and stores out of the way. When the keyboard rest 60 is turned upside down, gravity causes most crumbs and dirt particles, such as dust, that have accumulated between the keys of the keyboard to dislodge. Rotation of the keyboard rest 60 is also advantageous in that it permits the student to easily access the opposite, vacant surface of the desk rest for writing, reading, etc.
In one embodiment, the frame 18 is made of one or two pieces of tubular pipe, which is/are bent to form the frame 18. The chair base support rod 41 and chair leg 40, and optionally the first/left desk support rod 43, may be made of a single bent piece of tubular pipe. Similarly, the desk base support rod 47, rear leg 45, and right front leg 46, and optionally the right desk support rod 44, may be made of a single length of tubular pipe that is bent at approximately right angles. In any embodiment herein, a conventional hook can be fastened to any frame component, such as the right or left leg 42, 46, for hanging a backpack, handbag, etc.
From the foregoing it can be realized that the described device of the present invention may be easily and conveniently utilized as a modular triangular student desk for holding a desktop or notebook computer, docking station, keyboard, mouse pad, and/or a mouse. It is to be understood that any dimensions given herein are illustrative, and are not meant to be limiting.
While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, this description is for illustrative purposes only. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications, substitutions, omissions, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, and that such are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. It is intended that the doctrine of equivalents be relied upon to determine the fair scope of these claims in connection with any other person's product which fall outside the literal wording of these claims, but which in reality do not materially depart from this invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.
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