Patent Application
20230072609
The present disclosure generally relates to temporary work surfaces that can be quickly and easily mounted to various mounting surfaces such as the framework used in the construction of housing and other buildings. In various configurations, the device disclosed herein can be quickly and easily dismounted, compacted, and relocated without necessitating the use of additional tools or adjustment.
Many environments make it difficult to establish a long-term workspace. For example, construction sites are often left unfurnished and are subject to change on a daily basis, making it cumbersome to establish a permanent workspace solution. Nevertheless, individuals working at these sites often require a place to store documents, prepare plans, review blueprints, mark up diagrams, and the like.
The present disclosure relates to removably mountable temporary work surfaces, and various techniques and methods relating thereto. In some embodiments, the removably mountable temporary work surfaces disclosed herein may comprise: a mounting system; a spacing bar; and a work surface connected to the spacing bar by a hinge. In various configurations, the mounting system comprises a friction fit bracket having no moving parts. In these, or different embodiments, the friction fit bracket may be configured to mount to construction framing. In many different configurations, the systems disclosed herein may include a magnetic attachment mechanism. In some of these and other configurations, a magnetic attachment mechanism may include at least two magnets affixed to opposite ends of a flexible tether. In some configurations, a magnetic attachment mechanism may include a single magnet affixed to the worksurface by a flexible tether. In some embodiments the magnetic attachment mechanism includes a magnet disposed within a housing affixed to a tether removably mountable to the work surface. Likewise, in various configurations the work surface includes a metallic material configured to interface with the magnetic attachment mechanism.
In some configurations, the friction fit bracket implemented in the disclosed devices may include at least three internal edges and a lateral gap, configured such that: the first internal edge is disposed parallel to the second internal edge; the first and second internal edges are separated by a third internal edge that is disposed perpendicular to the first and second internal edges, such that the third internal edge is disposed parallel to the lateral gap. In some configurations the lateral gap may be at least partially defined by the non-connecting ends of the outcroppings or other members defining the fourth and fifth internal edges.
In the same or different configuration, the removably mountable temporary work surface may comprise: a mounting system including a friction fit bracket, wherein the friction fit bracket has at least three internal edges and a lateral gap, configured such that: the first internal edge is disposed parallel to the second internal edge; the first and second internal edges are separated by, and connected to, a third internal edge disposed perpendicular to the first and second internal edges and the lateral gap; wherein the first internal edge is further connected to a fourth internal edge parallel to the third internal edge; and wherein the second internal edge is further connected to a fifth internal edge parallel to the third internal edge. In various configurations, the first internal edge has a length of about 1.5″; the second internal edge has a length of about 1.5″; and the third internal edge has a length of about 6.25″. In some of these and other configurations the first internal edge is connected to a fourth internal edge having a length of about 0.625″; and the second internal edge is connected to a fifth internal edge having a length of about 0.625″. In these and different configurations the non-connecting ends of the members defining the fourth and fifth internal edges may define the lateral gap.
Likewise, in various embodiments, the first and second edges may include a polymer covering. In the same or different embodiment, the first and second edges may include a grooved surface. The grooves may include teeth, barbs, prongs, or any of a variety of other textured outcroppings. The grooves or polymer coating can be configured to increase the friction of the friction fit bracket, or otherwise increase the stability of the mount.
In many embodiments the systems disclosed herein comprise a spacing bar. In some of these configurations, the spacing bar may include at least two locking mechanisms disposed along the length of the spacing bar; and a C-channel configured to slide along the length of the spacing bar and to interface with the one or more of the at least two locking mechanisms to lock the C-channel at one or more predetermined point along the length of the spacing bar. In some of these and other embodiments, the at least two locking mechanisms include at least one ball-spring interface. In various configurations the work surface is affixed to the spacing bar by a hinge configured to provide at least one axis of movement to the work surface. In many embodiments the work surface includes a lower lip.
In many advantageous configurations, the work surface is sized to form a contiguous surface when a plurality of devices is mounted to adjacent framing posts. In some embodiments the work surface has a width selected from about 14.5″, about 16″, about 22.5″, or about 24″.
Many particularly advantageous configurations of the devices disclosed herein relate to a removably mountable temporary work surface configured to be mounted to construction framing. In some configurations, the removably mountable temporary work surface comprises: a mounting system including a friction fit bracket; wherein the friction fit bracket has at least five internal edges and a lateral gap. The internal edges and gap may be configured such that: the first internal edge has a length of about 1.5″, is disposed parallel to the second internal edge, and is connected to a member defining a fourth internal edge having a length of about 0.625″; the second internal edge has a length of about 1.5″, is separated from the first internal edge by a third internal edge having a length of about 6.25″, and is disposed perpendicular to the first and second internal edges, such that the third internal edge is disposed parallel to the lateral gap; the second internal edge is further connected to a member defining a fifth internal edge having a length of about 0.625″; wherein the non-connecting ends of the members defining the fourth and fifth internal edges define the lateral gap disposed parallel to the third internal edge. In some of these embodiments the devices comprise a spacing bar including: at least two locking mechanisms disposed along the length of the spacing bar; and a C-channel configured to slide along the length of the spacing bar and to interface with the one or more of the at least two locking mechanisms to lock the C-channel at one or more predetermined point along the length of the spacing bar. In many of these configurations the device further includes a work surface prepared from a metallic material having: a width of about 14.5″; and at least one magnetic attachment mechanism including two magnetic elements affixed by a flexible tether.
Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments. Various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure.
Various systems and methods relating to removably mountable temporary work surfaces are described below to illustrate selected examples that may achieve one or more desired improvements. These examples are only illustrative and not intended in any way to restrict the general disclosure presented or the various aspects and features described herein. Furthermore, the general principles described herein may be applied to embodiments and applications other than those specifically discussed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to any particular embodiment shown but is instead to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features that are disclosed or suggested.
Past attempts to provide temporary workspace solutions present several significant disadvantages. For example, most temporary workspace solutions come in multiple different pieces, requiring that the user keep track of, store, and transport all the disparate elements of the device to and from the desired location. Such workspace solutions frequently require the user to perform elaborate routines to build or set up the temporary workstation, and many require the use of additional tools to complete the process.
Further, many temporary workstations rely on complicated mounting mechanisms that add significant time and inconvenience to the process. For instance, many temporary workstations utilize complicated mounting mechanisms that rely on the user adjusting the mounting mechanism to clamp down around an outcropping of some compatible size. Some mechanisms utilize large amounts of clamping force which can damage the mounting substrate. Other mounting mechanisms rely on drilling screws or other attachment devices into the mounting surface which damages the mounting surface and prevents such workstations from being mounted to many otherwise available surfaces.
Disclosed herein is a removably mountable temporary work surface, including embodiments that overcome these disadvantages. In some embodiments, the removably mountable temporary work surface can be quickly and easily mounted to a beam or post without the use of additional tools by utilizing a toolless mounting bracket. In many configurations, the device is collapsible and transportable a s a single unit that does not need to be disassembled or reassembled. In this manner, the removably mountable temporary work surface disclosed herein provides a convenient and easy to use workspace that can be mounted, dismounted, and relocated with ease. Further, the toolless mounting bracket can be adjusted up or down the length of the beam or post to which it was mounted in order to manipulate the height of the device to set the height at the preferred level for a user without completely dismounting the device.
In various embodiments, the disclosed removably mountable temporary work surface can be configured to mount to a variety of mounting substrates without requiring additional adjustment to mount, and without damaging the mounting surface. In some particularly advantageous configurations, the removably mountable temporary work surface is configured for use in a construction setting. For example, the device can be configured to mount to the beams and posts used in house framing, and the work surface can be sized such that when multiple devices are mounted on adjacent framing posts, a substantially contiguous surface is created. In some embodiments, the device can be painted a high visibility color for safety that does not conflict with other safety colors frequently found on a construction site. For instance, in some configurations, a high visibility safety color such as green is selected, which does not conflict with the yellow or orange high visibility colors typically found on construction sites.
In some configurations the toolless mounting bracket 110 may be a substantially rectangular member comprising at least three edges, as depicted in
Through the use of these three edges, the toolless mounting bracket can be mounted to a beam, post, or frame by inserting the beam, frame, or post between the first 101, second 102, and third internal edges 103. When properly mounted, the weight of the device 100, including especially the weight of the work surface 140, exerts a downward force along the first edge 101 against the mounting substrate. The downward force exerted by the first edge 101 against the mounting substrate in turn creates an upward force along the second edge 102, causing the second edge 102 to rise upwards. As such, the downward force exerted by the first edge 101 on the mounting substrate is countered by the upward force exerted by the second edge 102 on the mounting substrate, and the opposing forces tension the device 100 onto the beam, post, frame, or other substrate to which it is mounted. The mount is further stabilized by the third edge 103 which prevents the device from slipping off a side of the beam or post along the device's lateral axis X. In this manner, the toolless mounting bracket allows the device to be quickly and easily mounted and does not require any further adjustment to complete the mount.
Utilizing this efficient mounting mechanism, the height of the apparatus can be quickly and easily adjusted without dismounting the device from the beam, post, or other mounting substrate. For instance, a user may lift the device 100 to relieve the force exerted along the first 101 and second 102 edges, allowing the device to be adjusted vertically with respect to the mounting substrate. In this manner, the device 100 can be raised or lowered into a desired configuration.
In some configurations, such as those depicted in
In some configurations, one or more of the edges may include additional features. For example, as shown in
Likewise, in some embodiments one or more of the edges may be comprise a coating, covering, insert, or the like. A coating, covering, or insert may be used to improve the stability of the mount and to reduce the likelihood of damaging the mounting substrate.
As described above, the removably mountable temporary work surface disclosed herein can be configured for use in a particular setting. For instance, in some configurations the toolless mounting bracket can be configured for use in construction sites by arranging the toolless mounting bracket to mount quickly and easily to the beams and posts commonly used in house framing.
The boards and planks used in house framing typically have a nominal size of about 2″×4″, 2″×6″, or about 2″×8″. It will be appreciated that the nominal size typically differs from the board's actual dimensions. In practice, a nominal 2″×4″ typically has actual dimensions of about 1.5″×3.5″. Likewise, a nominal 2″×6″ board typically has dimensions of about 1.5″ by about 5.5″, while a 2″×8″ board typically has actual dimensions of about 1.5″×7.25″.
Accordingly, in various advantageous configurations, the removably mountable temporary work surface disclosed herein can be configured to mount to the 2″×4″, 2″×6″, and 2″×8″ boards typically used in house framing and other construction. Specifically, in some configurations the toolless mounting bracket may have internal dimensions of about 1.5″ by about 6.25″ as measured along the first 101 and third 103 edges. In this manner, the device is configured to interface with the beams and posts used in construction of houses or other buildings to provide a suitable temporary workspace in those environments. In the same or different configuration, the fourth and fifth edges may have a length of about 0.625″ to help secure the device to the post and reduce the chance that the device will become inadvertently dislodged.
However, it will be appreciated that the toolless mounting bracket can be prepared using a variety of other dimensions and can be configured to mount to a variety of surfaces or outcroppings. For instance, in some configurations, the toolless mounting bracket may have internal dimensions measured along the first 101 and third 103 edges of about 1.5″ by about 9″, about 1.5″ by about 14″, or any value therein such as 1.5″ by about 10″. In the same or different embodiment, the fourth 104 and fifth 105 edges may be about 5% to about 45% of the length of the third edge 103. Likewise, in certain configurations, the toolless mounting bracket may have internal dimensions measured along the first 101 and third 103 edges of about 0.75″ by about 1.5″, 0.75″ by about 2.0″, 0.75″ by about 4″, or any value therein.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the toolless mounting bracket can be configured to mount to any of a variety of standard board sizes, ranging from about 1″×2″ to about 2″×8″, but that additional variations are contemplated by this disclosure and the toolless mounting bracket can be configured to mount to nearly any sized board. When configuring the mounting bracket to fit a specified board size, it can be helpful to ensure the long edge includes at least about an additional half inch or greater than the width of the board to which the mounting bracket is being configured to mount in view of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the bracket is sized about 0.75″ greater than the width of the board the device will be mounted to. For instance, in some configurations the device may be configured to mount to a board having an actual dimension of about 1.5″×5.5″, and the device bracket may be sized about 1.5″×6.25″ or to a board having an actual dimension of about 1.5″×3.5″ and the device may have dimensions of about 1.5″×4.25″. As such, the device can be mounted to any of the standard board sizes typically used in construction framing.
As shown in
In many configurations, the spacing bar 120 serves to separate the work surface 140 from the mounting bracket 110 and to allow the work surface 140 to be positioned a comfortable distance from the substrate to which the device 100 is mounted. In some configurations, the spacing bar 120 can be adjustable, or may include other features. For instance, in various embodiments the spacing bar 120 can be configured to allow the device 100 to telescope, collapse, expand, or otherwise retract and extend. In such advantageous configurations, the work surface 140 can be positioned at various distances from the mounting substrate to allow for more convenient and comfortable use of the work surface 140. Furthermore, by configuring the spacing bar 120 to allow the device 100 to extend and retract, the device 100 can be compacted for storage and repositioning to reduce the amount of space and effort required for transport and storage. In other embodiments, the spacing bar 120 may include additional features, such as compartments, openings, or additional fittings. By way of example, in some embodiments, the spacing bar 120 can be configured to hold items within. In some embodiments, the spacing bar 120 can be configured to hold smaller items such as pens and the like within a compartment disposed along the longitudinal axis of the spacing bar 120. In other configurations, the spacing bar 120 may include compartments sized to fit other devices, such as batteries or cabling.
In some configurations, the spacing bar 120 may be configured to allow the device 100 to telescope, extend, or retract. For example, in some embodiments such as the embodiment depicted in
In the illustrated configuration, the spacing bar 120 is locked in place in an extended configuration by ball spring interface 123. The ball spring interface 123 extends through both the first 121 and second 122 portion of the spacing bar 120, and thereby locks the positions of each portion of the spacing bar 120 relative to one another to maintain the device 100 in an extended configuration.
To retract the device, the ball spring interface 123 can be depressed so that the second insertable portion of the spacing bar 122 may be moved relative to the first substantially hollow portion of the spacing bar 121 to collapse the device 100 along its longitudinal axis Y. Once in a collapsed state, the device can be locked in place through the use of a second ball spring interface 124 disposed adjacent to the toolless mounting bracket 110 and extending through both the first 121 and second 122 portions of the spacing bar 120.
In other configurations, the device 100 can be configured to extend or retract in other manners. For example, in the configuration depicted in
Although the foregoing has been discussed with respect to ball spring interfaces, it will be appreciated that a variety of other mechanisms may be employed to retract or extend the device 100 without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. For instance, in other embodiments, the device 100 can be configured to fold along hinges. Likewise, in the same or different embodiments, different locking mechanisms may be employed, such as the use of push-pin interfaces, locking slots, flexible tabs, friction fittings, thumbscrews, keyed slots, and the like.
By way of example,
As depicted in
A variety of hinges may be implemented in accordance with the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the hinge may provide at least 1 axis of movement.
In other configurations, a hinge may be implemented to provide at least 2 axes of movement. For instance,
Although the above discussion mentions the use of single and double axis hinge mechanisms including Reell® positional hinges, it will be appreciated that a variety of other movement mechanisms may be employed without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure, such as ball-and-socket joints, spring loaded hinges, kickstand notches, universal couplings, adjustable screws, or any other of a variety of joints, hinges, and couplings known to those skilled in the art.
Likewise, it will be appreciated that the hinge 130 may be affixed to the spacing bar 120 along with another element aside from or in addition to the work surface 140. For instance, in some configurations, the hinge 130 can be configured to interface with a modular mounting tip. For example, in some embodiments, the hinge 130 can be configured to couple with a tablet or similar computing device such as a mobile computer, a laptop, a smartphone, or a tablet such as an iPad®, either directly, or through the use of an intermediate coupling mechanism.
For instance, the hinge 130 may include screws that couple with an adhesive member, the adhesive member being adhered to the back surface of a computing device, although it will be appreciated that additional variations are contemplated by this disclosure, including the use of clips, hooks, or other mechanisms for coupling disparate elements. For instance, in other embodiments, the hinge 130 may be coupled with a clamping mechanism configured to clamp down around a computing device and hold the computing device in a usable position. In other embodiments, the hinge 130 may be configured to couple with a mounting mechanism, such as a VESA mounting mechanism or other suitable apparatus for mounting a screen, monitor, or other display device. Likewise, the hinge may be configured to adapt with a case for a phone, tablet, or other computing device to allow a user to mount the computing device onto the system to establish a temporary work surface for the computing device.
A suitable work surface prepared in accordance with this disclosure is illustrated in
Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that additional and alternate work surfaces that are useful for documents or a variety of other objects are similarly contemplated by this disclosure. For instance, in some configurations, the work surface may include retaining bands or straps to clamp a device to the surface. By way of example, the work surface may include a clamping device configured to clamp around and retain one or more devices, such as a mobile computing device including tablets, laptops, smartphones, and the like, to the work surface to provide a removable and easily relocatable temporary workspace. In other embodiments, the work surface may include one or more straps that can be configured to wrap around and retain a device to the work surface. In still further configurations, the work surface may be configured with a textured, high friction, or adhesive surface that can be used to retain objects on its surface, such as a tablet or mobile computing device.
In various advantageous configurations, the work surface 140 can be customized for use in a particular setting. For instance, in some configurations, the work surface 140 is sized for use in a construction environment. By way of example, typical residential framing is 16″ on center, or 24″ on center using nominal 2″×4″ boards, 2″×6″ boards, or 2″×8″ boards. Accordingly, typical residential framing studs can be found about 14.5″ apart, about 16″ apart, about 22.5″ apart, about 24″ apart, or any value therein. In view of these dimensions, the work surface 140 can be sized to yield a substantially contiguous surface when multiple devices are mounted to adjacent framing posts. For instance, the work surface 140 can have a width of about 15″ so that the device will form a substantially contiguous surface with about an inch between each work surface when multiple devices are mounted to adjacent framing posts. In other configurations, the work surface 140 may have a width of about 12″, 14.5″, 16″, 22.5″, 24″, or any value therein. In this manner, multiple devices can be mounted to a plurality of adjacent framing posts to form a substantially contiguous desk suitable for viewing or working on larger documents, such as blueprints or other plans. However, it will be appreciated that other dimensions are contemplated for use in similar or other environments. For instance, in some embodiments, the work surface may have a width greater than 24″ to support blueprints with only a single device. In other configurations, the work surface may have a width less than 14.5″ so that the device can be wedged into tight spaces, or to mount to smaller and narrower framing. In some embodiments, a work surface width is selected such that small gaps of about 0.5″ to about 5″ separate each of the adjacent work surfaces. These small gaps can facilitate the mounting and adjustment of multiple devices on adjacent posts. However, these gaps are small enough to prevent larger documents, such as blueprints, from falling between adjacently mounted devices.
In various configurations the work surface 140 can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, polymers, composites, metals, and the like. In some advantageous configurations, the work surface is made from a magnetic metal, which can facilitate the use of magnets to retain contents on the work surface. For example, in some embodiments the work surface 140 can be prepared from—or may include—a magnetic metal such as steel. In this advantageous configuration, magnetic attachment mechanisms 150 can be implemented on the work surface 140 to help retain documents or other contents thereto.
In some embodiments, the work surface may include a magnetic attachment mechanism that can be separated from the device and does not require a magnetic attachment point to interface with the work surface. For example, in some embodiments a strap-style magnetic interface may be implemented that is configured to wrap around the work surface. An exemplary embodiment of such a system is depicted in
As discussed above, in some advantageous configurations, the work surface may be prepared from a magnetic metal to facilitate the use of a magnetic attachment mechanism, such as magnetic tether which can be used to retain documents or other contents onto the work surface.
Likewise,
The present disclosure provides a detailed description of various embodiments of a removably mountable temporary work surface. Although certain aspects, advantages, and features are described herein, it is not necessary that any particular embodiment include or achieve any or all of those aspects, advantages, or features. Some embodiments may not achieve the advantages described herein but may achieve other advantages instead. Any structure, material, feature, or step in any embodiment can be used in place of, or in addition to, any structure, feature, or step in any other embodiment, or omitted. This disclosure contemplates all combinations of features from the various disclosed embodiments. No feature, structure, or step is essential or indispensable.
Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.
Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B, and C” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C.
The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Likewise, the terms “some,” “certain,” and the like are synonymous and are used in an open-ended fashion. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.
The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes, or tends toward, a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may dictate, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees and/or the term “generally perpendicular” can refer to something that departs from exactly perpendicular by less than or equal to 20 degrees.
Overall, the language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims. The claims are not to be limited to the non-exclusive embodiments and examples that are illustrated and described in this disclosure, or that are discussed during the prosecution of the application.
This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Prov. Ser. No. 63/261,043 filed Sep. 9, 2021. That application is incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63261043 | Sep 2021 | US |
