Abstract:
A multiple purpose table having at least one fixed or moveable work surface, support walls and frame, and an adjustable arm for supporting a video display, which can retract into a protective storage well beneath one or more of said work surfaces. The adjustable arm is attached to the support walls below a work surface at a first end. A second end of the adjustable arm is attachable to the display. A display storage position of the multiple purpose table includes placing the adjustable arm second end and display below the work surface. A display access position of the multiple purpose table includes moving any work surface covering the storage position and raising the display, supported by the adjustable arm, into the user determined viewing position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
         [0001]    Not Applicable.  
         STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
         [0002]    Not Applicable.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0004]    This invention relates to tables or computer work stations for use in instructional interactive environments and more particularly to the mounting of a video display terminal in a concealed location when not in use, which is movable, by use of an adjustable support arm, to a user controlled, ergonomic, viewable position above the work surface when needed.  
           [0005]    2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART  
           [0006]    Multiple purpose tables with stowed video display terminals are known to the prior art. The following patents illustrate such tables:  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,562,482 disclosed a work station with computer screen recessed into the desk with screen offset from desk knee opening.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,789 disclosed a computer desk with top workspace pivotable upward with a monitor compartment supported below the top workspace.  
           [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,467 disclosed a stow-away screen mechanism for a video display concealed within the desk raised by a motor driven lift mechanism.  
           [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,422 disclosed a computer-integrated desk with video display terminal, keyboard, disc drives and printer completely concealed when not in use. This patent discloses raising of a flat screen video display, fixed at the rear of the desk, from beneath the work surface.  
           [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,342 disclosed a convertible computer desk that appears to be a conventional desk in a first position with an elevatable equipment platform to raise equipment to desktop level.  
           [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,666 disclosed a desk with liftable video display case that moves in a vertical direction between a display visible and a display nonvisible position.  
           [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,250 B1 disclosed a flat panel video display secured in a frame housing, allowing the display to be rotated 90° around a perpendicular axis through the screen, then rotated from a vertical to a horizontal position, for stowage in a drawer-type configuration within a desk.  
           [0014]    The increased usage of computers and computer education, and the use of computers in classrooms, lectures and meetings have necessitated multiple purpose rooms, in which computer classes may be followed by a conventional lecture or a laboratory requiring drafting space. Either case requires a flat work surface for texts, written materials and conventional note-taking, along with an unobstructed view of the surrounding area. In other instances the room may require the use of video displays to support remote learning systems. Several methods have been attempted to resolve the need for tables that can support both computer and conventional use. Such methods have typically offered two distinct configurations, a flat work surface or a computer user station, while failing to adequately support integrating computers in an interactive classroom, meeting or lecture environment.  
           [0015]    In some cases the table has been designed to incorporate a method for mechanically raising a video display from beneath the table, as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,342 issued to Stefan, U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,467 issued to Wolters, U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,422 issued to Wolters et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,666 issued to Park. However each of these requires a substantial mechanism to lift and lower the display. Such equipment requires regular maintenance, may be expensive, and may significantly impair a user&#39;s ability to see a presenter and substantial parts of the use area. Additionally, the computer configuration occupied a substantial part of the horizontal work surface, restricting the ability to use this space for laying out written materials, instructional manuals or conventional notes. In other cases the table has been designed to incorporate the video display below the surface of the tabletop, as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,789 issued to Pemberton on Jun. 2, 1987 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,562,482 issued to Brown on Dec. 31, 1995. However, U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,789 issued to Pemberton teaches a multiple purpose table which may not simultaneously be used as a conventional table and for computer use. U.S. Pat. No. 4,562,482 issued to Brown teaches use of a video display located below the work surface, which frustrates the ability of the user to view both the display and a presenter, or other activities in the use area, or to have written materials open on the work surface. Thus it would be beneficial to the prior art to provide a multiple purpose table with a stowed display, which would require little maintenance, be inexpensive, would not interfere with use of the primary work surface, and would not impair the user&#39;s clear view of the surrounding use area.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0016]    Accordingly, objects of my invention are to provide, inter alia, a multiple purpose table with a stowable video display that:  
           [0017]    requires little maintenance;  
           [0018]    is inexpensive;  
           [0019]    easily converts from a computer table to a conventional table;  
           [0020]    provides an table-top workspace in both modes, and during transition; and  
           [0021]    while in computer table configuration, allows for an unobstructed view of the user&#39;s surroundings.  
           [0022]    Other objects of my invention will become evident throughout the reading of this application. Individual embodiments of the invention may not provide each and every object identified in this application.  
           [0023]    My invention is a multiple purpose table having at least one fixed or moveable work surface, support walls and frame, and an adjustable arm for supporting a display, which can retract into a protective storage well beneath one or more of said work surfaces. In embodiments of the invention possessing a plurality of fixed and adjustable work surfaces, such surfaces may or may not be generally co-planar. The adjustable arm is attached to the support walls or frame below said work surface at a first end. A second end of the adjustable arm is attachable to a display. A storage position of the multiple purpose table includes positioning said adjustable arm entirely below the work surface and positioning said work surface so it is functionally usable. Embodiments may include such positioning being within a protective storage well under a moveable work surface. A display access position of the multiple purpose table includes positioning the second end of the adjustable arm such that an attached display is at least partially visible above the work surface&#39;s horizontal position. Embodiments of the invention include a moveable work surface, which offers access to the display stowed within the storage well. The adjustable arm allows for a number of display positions in order to meet the user&#39;s ergonomic and viewing needs and preferences. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]    [0024]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the multiple purpose table with a stowed display.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the multiple purpose table with a display raised for use.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 3 a  is a partial cut-away side view of the multiple purpose table with a display raised for use.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 3 b  is a partial cut-away side view of the multiple purpose table with a display stowed.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary adjustable arm.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of the multiple purpose table with a display raised for use.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 6 is a top view of an embodiment of the multiple purpose table, placing the storage well along one side, with a display raised for use.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of the multiple purpose table, supporting multiple storage wells, with the displays stowed. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0032]    Referring first to FIG. 1, multiple purpose table  11  is shown configured as a conventional table. The exemplary embodiment includes a first work surface  12  and a second work surface  13  which are abutted to form the table top and which are co-planar. First work surface  12  is rigidly attached to two spaced, parallel table supports  14 . Each table support  14  includes a support frame  15 , in the exemplary embodiment, and a support wall  16 . Second work surface  13  is movably attached to support frame  15 .  
         [0033]    Referring to FIG. 2, in the exemplary embodiment second work surface  13  is movably attached to support frame  15  by hinges  18  located on the rear edge of the support frame. Second work surface  13  may be rotated on hinges  18  between a closed position depicted in FIG. 1 and an open position depicted in FIG. 2. In the closed position of second work surface  13 , multiple purpose table  11  is configured as a conventional table, and second work surface  13  forms work space which augments first work surface  12 .  
         [0034]    Referring to FIG. 2, a display  20  extends above first work surface  12 . As used herein display can mean any type of video display. The exemplary embodiment utilizes a flat panel monitor, but other embodiments of a visual output device are within the subject matter of this invention. As described herein, the display  20  may be placed in various positions, including a storage position within a protective storage well below second work surface  13 .  
         [0035]    A first vertical panel  22  is attached to support frame  15  extending downward from the rear of first work surface  12 . First vertical panel  22  is of sufficient strength to prevent any damage to display  20  from the legs of the table user when multiple purpose table  11  is configured as a conventional table.  
         [0036]    A second vertical panel  24  is attached to support frame  15  extending downward at the table rear  23  of multiple purpose table  11 . Second vertical panel  24  is of sufficient strength to prevent any damage to display  20  from passersby. First vertical panel  22  and second vertical panels  24  provides a traditional modesty panel for the benefit of the table user.  
         [0037]    Support walls  16 , first vertical panel  22  and second vertical panel  24 , in combination define the display storage well for retaining and protecting the display  20  when the display  20  is not in use.  
         [0038]    When multiple purpose table  11  is configured for use with the display, second work surface  13  is rotated to an upright position about hinges  18 . Second work surface  13  is retained in such upright position by one or more lid stays  29 .  
         [0039]    Referring to FIG. 3 a,    3   b  and  4 , an adjustable arm  19  is attached at arm first end  32  to support frame  15  and at arm second end  34  to display  20 . Commercially-practiced flat panel displays have a threaded opening for a threaded attachment of a support provided at the rear of the display. In the exemplary embodiment, the arm second end  34  is configured to attach to a commercially-practiced flat panel display. The invention additionally anticipates other means of attachment.  
         [0040]    In a storage position of display  20 , the adjustable arm  19  is positioned such that the display  20  is located below second work surface  13  in a storage well defined by support walls  16 , first vertical panel  22  and second vertical panel  24   
         [0041]    In a position for use of the display  20 , adjustable arm  19  is manually articulated to raise display  20 . The user may manually adjust the height, lateral position, angle and tilt of display  20  to achieve a use location suitable to the individual user. In the exemplary embodiment, the arm first end  32  is fixedly attached to frame  15 , such as by threaded connectors or welding, at a location with the storage well identified by support walls  16 , first vertical panel  22  and second vertical panel  24 .  
         [0042]    Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a moveable tray  25  is positioned below first surface  12  and may be used to support a computer keyboard  26  or other data entry means. In a first keyboard storage position, moveable tray  25  is located entirely below first surface  12  and does not impede the use of multiple purpose table  11  as a conventional table. In a second keyboard operation position, moveable tray  25  is drawn outwardly from the first surface  12  to allow use of a keyboard  26 , mouse, tablet or other accessory.  
         [0043]    The exemplary embodiment also includes conveniences for location of the computer case and cabling. Referring to FIG. 1, a computer case support  60  is provided on support frame  15  proximate the base of the support frame  15 . At least one strap  62  is attached to case support  60 . At least one second strap  64  is attached to support frame  15  above each case support  60 . Straps  62  and second straps  64  function in pairs, where each strap  62  may be attached to a corresponding second strap  64  by conventional means, such as buckles, hook and loop fasteners, or cinches. The computer case  27  may be placed on case support  60  and fixedly attached by straps  62  and second straps  64 .  
         [0044]    Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cable opening  17  is provided in support wall  16  so that computer, network, television, electrical and other connections may be run between the exterior of the table and the interior of the storage well defined by support walls  16 , first vertical panel  22  and second vertical panel  24 . Cable opening  117  is provided in first vertical panel  22  so that computer, network, television, electrical and other connections may be run between the exterior of the table, the interior of the storage well defined by support walls  16 , first vertical panel  22  and second vertical panel  24 , and the computer case  27 .  
         [0045]    Referring to FIG. 3 a,  a cable tray  30  is located on second vertical panel  24  to retain computer and electrical cables in an organized manner.  
         [0046]    Referring to FIG. 3 a,    3   b  and  4 , the adjustable arm  19  of the invention is depicted. Such adjustable arm is commercially available. An exemplary type of adjustable arm  19  is triple articulating with pivoting and tilt features that provides an ability to rotate the adjustable arm  19  about a vertical axis at the arm first end  32 , provides vertical travel with arm segment  35 , provide 360° rotation about a vertical axis at arm central connector  33 , and provides both 360° rotation about a vertical axis and provide incline and decline tilt about a horizontal axis at the arm second end  34 .  
         [0047]    Referring to FIG. 1, 2,  3   a  and  3   b,  to place the multiple purpose table  11  into display access position, the user lifts second work surface  13  to an open position, and engages lid stay  29 . User then raises display  20 , supported by the adjustable arm  19 , into the selected viewing position. If needed, user can then draw out moveable tray  25  (not shown in FIG. 3 a  and  3   b ) to the keyboard operation position. To return the table for conventional use, the user need only return moveable tray  25  (not shown in FIG. 3 a  and  3   b ) to its keyboard storage position, if deployed, position adjustable arm  19  such that display  20  is below the plane of second work surface  13 , release lid stay  29 , and replace second work surface  13  to its work surface use position.  
         [0048]    Referring to FIG. 5, a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. A moveable work surface  113  of a multiple purpose table  111  does not extend the full width of the table  111 . A work surface  112  extends to the full depth of the table  111  along a portion of the rear of table  111 .  
         [0049]    Referring to FIG. 6, a top view of an additional alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. A moveable work surface  213  of a multiple purpose table  211  is positioned along a side of the table  211 .  
         [0050]    Referring to FIG. 7, a top view of an additional alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. The embodiment of FIG. 7 provides two moveable work surfaces  313  and  413  each extending from a table end with a fixed work surface  312  sized to mate with the two moveable work surfaces  313  and  413 . The embodiment of FIG. 7 allows for use by two users of a multiple purpose table  311  having two displays (not shown), two keyboards (not shown) and two computers (not shown).  
         [0051]    The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.