Abstract:
A workstation for selectively positioning a work surface includes a housing which defines a storage compartment, a tambour door track secured to the housing, and a tambour door disposed in the tambour door track. The tambour door is adapted to move between a closed position and an open position to provide selective access to the storage compartment. The workstation also includes an articulating arm including a first end secured to the housing, and a second end adapted to support said work surface. The articulating arm is adapted for adjustable movement between a retracted position placing the work surface within the storage compartment, and a user-selected extended position placing the work surface outside of the storage compartment.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/772,761, filed Feb. 13, 2006. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/235,611, filed Sep. 26, 2005. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to workstations, including wall-mountable workstations that contain electronic equipment, such as computer equipment.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART  
       [0003]     Workstations that secure a keyboard and/or a monitor within a workstation housing are known in the art These workstations are particularly useful in medical facilities, such as a hospital room, where doctors and technicians demand convenient and secure access to a computer or other electronic device.  
         [0004]     Such workstations, however, include a number of limitations. For example, conventional workstations often fix the monitor and keyboard in a predetermined position that limits a user&#39;s ability to orient the keyboard and/or monitor. For at least this reason, improved workstations are desired that overcome limitations of the prior art. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0005]     Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a wall-mountable workstation according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0007]      FIG. 2  is a top, partial cross-sectional view of the workstation of  FIG. 1 , showing a data-display panel and a keyboard in a first extended position;  
         [0008]      FIG. 3  is a top, partial cross-sectional view of the workstation of  FIG. 1 , showing a data-display panel and a keyboard in a second extended position;  
         [0009]      FIG. 4  is a top, partial cross-sectional view of the workstation of  FIG. 1 , showing a data-display panel and a keyboard during retraction into the workstation;  
         [0010]      FIG. 5  is a top, partial cross-sectional view of the workstation of  FIG. 1 , showing a data-display panel and a keyboard retracted into the workstation with the keyboard in a generally horizontal or deployed position;  
         [0011]      FIG. 6  is a top, partial cross-sectional view of the workstation of  FIG. 1 , showing a data-display panel and a keyboard retracted into the workstation with the keyboard in a generally vertical or stored position;  
         [0012]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the wall-mountable workstation of  FIG. 1 , showing the electronic equipment storage compartment door in a closed position;  
         [0013]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a wall-mountable workstation according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing an optional computer CPU storage compartment;  
         [0014]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a workstation depicted with an open door and shown with a display panel and keyboard in an extended or deployed position according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 10  is a front elevation view of a workstation shown with a closed door according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of a workstation depicted with an open door and shown with a display panel and keyboard in a generally retracted position according to an embodiment of the invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of a workstation illustrating an optional storage compartment shown in an open configuration according to an embodiment of the invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a portion of a support arm shown connected to an inner portion of a cabinet of the illustrated workstation according to an embodiment of the invention; and  
         [0019]      FIG. 14  is a simplified schematic illustrating an example of how a tambour door and related track may be incorporated into a cabinet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0020]     The Figures illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a system for dimming one or more light sources, and a method for dimming one or more light sources in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Based on the foregoing, it is to be generally understood that the nomenclature used herein is simply for convenience and the terms used to describe the invention should be given the broadest meaning by one of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0021]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a wall-mountable workstation  10  for storing electronic equipment, such as a keyboard  12  and a data-display panel  14 , is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, workstation  10  includes a generally rectangular housing  16  having an electronic equipment storage compartment  18  for storing electronic equipment, such as a keyboard  12  and/or a data-display panel  14 . Workstation  10  may also include an optional computer central processing unit (CPU) storage compartment  20  adapted to store a computer CPU  22  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8 ). Power and/or data distribution cables  24  of the electronic equipment may be routed through one or more holes (not shown) between electronic equipment storage compartment  18  and computer CPU storage compartment  20 , or, alternatively, between electronic equipment storage compartment  18  and a wall or structure upon which workstation  10  is mounted if not equipped with an onboard CPU  22 . However, when equipped with a CPU  22 , for example, housing  16  may include at least one cooling device  26 , such as a vent or fan, to facilitate airflow into and out of housing  16  to cool CPU  22  or other electronic equipment.  
         [0022]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , workstation  10  also includes an articulating arm  28  having a first end  30  non-movably secured within housing  16  and a second end  32  adapted to support the electronic equipment, such as, for example, a keyboard  12  and/or a data-display panel  14 , for adjustable movement between a user-selected extended position away from electronic equipment storage compartment  18  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) and a retracted storage position (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ) within electronic equipment storage compartment  18 . In an embodiment, articulating arm  28  is non-movably secured to a bottom support wall  34  of housing  16  so that workstation  10  may be shipped as a complete unit. Alternatively, the wall or structure upon which housing  16  is mounted may function as the de facto support wall of workstation  10 , in which case articulating arm  28  may be mounted to the wall or structure itself within electronic equipment storage compartment  18 .  
         [0023]     In an embodiment, articulating arm  28  includes first and second articulating arm components  36 ,  38  separated by a hinge  39 . In the illustrated configuration, first and second articulating arm components  36 ,  38  are stacked, one on top of the other, which permits second articulating arm component  38  to be pivoted over first articulating arm component  36 . When so configured, the space occupied by the first and second articulating arm components  36 ,  38  in the retracted storage position is minimized (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). While first and second articulating arm components  36 ,  38  are shown in the drawings as being substantially the same length, it will be appreciated that first and second articulating arm components  36 ,  38  may be different lengths provided the electronic equipment and arm components are received within housing  16  in the retracted storage position. It is also noted that articulating arm  28  may include more than two articulating arm components when more adjustable movement of the electronic equipment is desired, or, alternatively, even a single arm component when only limited movement of the electronic equipment is desired.  
         [0024]     In an embodiment, second end  32  of articulating arm  28  includes a keyboard support tray  40  adapted to adjustably support keyboard  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , keyboard support tray  40  may be moved between a generally vertical or stowed position to a generally horizontal or deployed position. If CPU  22  supports use of a mouse, electronic drawing tablet, or the like, keyboard support tray may also include space for an optional mouse, mouse holder, electronic drawing tablet, or the like (not shown).  
         [0025]     In an embodiment, second end of articulating arm  28  also includes a data-display panel adjustment mount  42  adapted to adjustably support data-display panel  14 . As shown in an embodiment, data-display panel  14  is attached to mount  42  at a pivot point  44 , which permits data display panel  14  to pivot relative to mount  42 . Mount  42  may also include at least one adjustment handle  46  that enables a user to grip and move data-display panel  14  and mount  42  along with articulating arm  28 . Mount  42  and support tray  40  may be connected to articulating arm  28  at a common pivot point  48 , which enables mount  42  and support tray  40  to pivot relative about second end  32  of articulating arm  28 .  
         [0026]     To securely enclose the electronic equipment within housing  16  when not in use, a door  50  is secured to housing  16  and is adapted to move between a closed position (see, e.g.,  FIG. 7 ) in which electronic equipment storage compartment  18  is closed and an open position (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ) in which electronic equipment storage compartment  18  is open. In an embodiment, door  50  is configured to automatically move toward the closed position when articulating arm  28  is moved toward the retracted storage position. In one configuration, for example, at least one pressurized cylinder  52  is positioned between housing  16  and door  50  for biasing door  50  toward the closed position (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 8 ). Door  50  may also include a locking device  54 , such as a key lock, to secure keyboard  12  and data-display panel  14  within storage compartment  18  when closed.  
         [0027]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a workstation  100  for storing equipment, such as a keyboard  12  and a display panel  14 , is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, workstation  100  includes a housing  16  (which may be generally rectangular) having an electronic equipment storage compartment  18  for storing electronic equipment, such as, for example, a keyboard  12  and/or display panel  14 . Workstation  100  may also include an optional computer CPU storage compartment  20  adapted to store a computer CPU  22  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 12 ). Power and/or data distribution cables  24  of the electronic equipment may be routed through one or more holes, slots, or openings between electronic equipment storage compartment  18  and computer CPU storage compartment  20 , between electronic equipment storage compartment  18  and a wall or structure upon which workstation  100  is mounted if not equipped with an onboard CPU  22 , or otherwise as needed. When equipped with CPU  22 , for example, housing  16  may include at least one cooling device  26 , such as a vent or fan, to facilitate airflow into and out of housing  16  to cool CPU  22  or other electronic equipment.  
         [0028]     Workstation  100  also includes an articulating arm  28  having a first end  30  secured within housing  16  and a second end  32  connected to an attachment or otherwise adapted to support electronic equipment, such as a keyboard  12  and/or display panel  14 , for adjustable movement between a user-selected extended position away from electronic equipment storage compartment  18  (for example as shown in  FIG. 9 ) and a retracted storage position within electronic equipment storage compartment  18 .  
         [0029]     In an embodiment, articulating arm  28  may be secured to a bottom support wall of housing  16  so that workstation  100  may be shipped as a complete unit. Alternatively, the wall or structure upon which housing  16  is mounted may function as a support wall of workstation  100 . For example, as generally illustrated in  FIG. 9 , articulating arm  28  may be mounted to a portion of the workstation  100 , such as illustrated wall  37 , or another structure, within or forming part of electronic equipment storage compartment  18 .  
         [0030]     In an embodiment, articulating arm  28  includes first and second articulating arm components  36 , 38 , which may be connected by and/or separated by a hinge member. The hinge member may be a hinge  39 , such as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , or may take the form of another structural member or members that permits second articulating arm  38  to change positions or rotate relative to first articulating arm.  
         [0031]     Moreover, as generally illustrated in the configuration shown in  FIG. 9 , first and second articulating arm components  36 ,  38  may be vertically offset or stacked (e.g., one on top of the other) to permit second articulating arm component  38  to be pivoted about (e.g., over or under, as the case may be) first articulating arm component  36 . When configured in such a potentially offset or “stacked” relationship, the horizontal space (or footprint) occupied by first and second articulating arm components  36 ,  38  in the retracted storage position (e.g., such as within the compartment  18 ) may be minimized (see, e.g.,  FIG. 11 ). While first and second articulating arm components  36 ,  38  are shown in the drawings as being substantially the same length, it should be appreciated that first and second articulating arm components  36 ,  38  may instead be different lengths provided the electronic equipment and arm components can be received within housing  16  when in the retracted storage position. It is also noted that articulating arm  28  may include more than two articulating arm components when more adjustable movement of the electronic equipment is desired, or even a single arm component when only limited movement of the electronic equipment is required.  
         [0032]     In an embodiment, second end  32  of articulating arm  28  includes a keyboard support tray  40  adapted to adjustably support keyboard  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 11 , keyboard support tray  40  may be moved between a generally stowed position to a generally deployed position. If CPU  22  or other electronics or hardware supports use of a mouse, electronic drawing tablet, or the like, keyboard support tray may also include space for an optional mouse  41 , mouse holder. electronic drawing tablet, or the like.  
         [0033]     In an embodiment, second end of articulating arm  28  also includes a display panel adjustment mount  42  adapted to adjustably support or position the display panel  14 . Display panel  14  may be attached to mount  42  at a pivot point, which permits display panel  14  to pivot relative to mount  42 . Mount  42  may also include at least one adjustment handle that enables a user to grip and move display panel  14  and mount  42  along with articulating arm  28 . Mount  42  and support tray  40  may be connected to articulating arm  28  at a common pivot point, which enables mount  42  and support tray  40  to pivot relative about second end  32  of articulating arm  28 .  
         [0034]     To securely enclose the electronic equipment within housing  16  when not in use, a door  150  is secured to housing  16  and is adapted to move between a closed position (see, e.g.,  FIG. 10 ) in which electronic equipment storage compartment  18  is closed and an open position (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9 ) in which electronic equipment storage compartment  18  is open. As generally illustrated in connection with the embodiments of the workstation  100  shown in  FIGS. 9, 10 ,  11 , and  14 , the door system employed in connection with the workstation  100  can be a door that, when moved to an open position, does not extend outwardly from the workstation  100 , such as a tambour door system that includes a tambour door  150 . An example of a tambour door system  60  is generally shown in  FIG. 14 . The door system  60  is shown including a door  150  (that is a tambour door) and a track  62  (shown in generic form), which may include one or more straight segments or portions  64 , and one or more curved segments or portions  66 .  
         [0035]     The tambour door  150 , according to an embodiment, may be comprised of solid wood, wood veneer, metal, or other materials known to those in the field. The tambour door  150  may be comprised of a plurality of slats  52 , generally connected in succession. Components of successive or adjacent slats  52  may be physically interlocked, or in other embodiments, a hinge (e.g., a plastic or metal hinge) may be used to connect successive or adjacent slats. The use of a tambour door  150  generally permits segments of the door  150  to bend or curve as the door  150  is opened or closed about curved segments or portions of the track (e.g., segment  66 ). Moreover, the use of a tambour door  150  may be used for applications in which it may not be desirable to have a door  150  extend outside of the space of the compartment or the workstation  100 .  
         [0036]     However, the invention is not limited to the use of or type of tambour door  150 , track, or system shown and described, and it is to be understood that other types of tambour doors  150 , tracks, and systems, as well as other types of doors  150 , may be used.  
         [0037]     Door  150  may also include one or more handles  54  and/or a locking device (not shown), such as a key lock, to secure keyboard  12  and display panel  14  within storage compartment  18  when closed.  
         [0038]     With reference to  FIG. 14 , in an embodiment of the invention, articulating arm  28  may be adapted to be movable and/or adjustably secured to a portion of the workstation  100 , such as a side or rear wall of the storage compartment  18 . According to an embodiment, second articulating arm component  36  is shown connected to a support device  68  that is positioned generally at or about end  30 . Second articulating arm component  36  is connected to the support device  68  in such a manner so as to permit arm component  36  to move, pivot, or otherwise rotate as necessary or desired with respect to the support device  68 .  
         [0039]     Support device  68  may be connected to one or more tracks, such as, for example, vertical track  70  shown in connection with wall  37  (i.e., a rear wall of compartment  18 ). If desired, the support device  68  can be adapted or configured to securely be positioned at one or more locations or positions along track  70 . Support device may for example be in a sliding engagement along a length of track  70  and, in an embodiment, may be locked or secured at various positions along the track  70 . In the illustrated embodiment, a lever or handle  72  is shown for use in connection with securing the support device  68  at a desired position or location along the track  70 .  
         [0040]     The present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, which are merely illustrative of the best modes for carrying out the invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that the method and apparatus within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. This description of the invention should be understood to include all novel and non-obvious combinations of elements described herein, and claims may be presented in this or a later application to any novel and non-obvious combination of these elements. Moreover, the foregoing embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature or element is essential to all possible combinations that may be claimed in this or a later application.