APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING DESKTOP MOBILITY FOR DESKTOP ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Abstract: The invention provides desktop mobility for desktop electronic devices (300) by connecting at least one mobility assembly (340) to the desktop electronic device (300). Each mobility assembly (340) includes at least one revolving member, which is spherically or cylindrically shaped. The revolving member(s) (340) that touch the desktop preferably have a rubber surface. Alternatively (as illustrated in Fig 8), the present invention includes a platform (820) having at least one mobility assembly (820) connected to the platform (820) for supporting the electronic device. Straps (610) for securing the electronic device (300) are connected to the platform (800) for reducing the risk of the electronic device (300) from falling off of the platform (800). The mobility assembly (340) may be engaged and disengaged from the desktop.

Description: APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING DESKTOP MOBILITY FOR DESKTOP ELECTRONIC DEVICES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Desktop electronic devices, such as computers, computer monitors, keyboards, or multi-component units, have become necessary in places of employment and a convenience at home. The desktop electronic devices have made workforces around the world more efficient and productive. However, as desktop electronic devices have become an essential tool to office workers or deskworkers, premium desktop space has been sacrificed to support the desktop electronic devices. A problem that has arisen due to the desktop electronic devices requiring desktop space is that the deskworker has difficulty finding available desktop space to perform traditional paperwork duties. To accommodate space for the desktop electronic devices and the traditional paperwork duties, businesses have had to resort to purchasing additional furniture for the deskworkers, including tables, desks, and chairs. The additional furniture is costly and, more important, requires additional office space for each deskworker. Typically, the desktop electronic device resides directly on the desk, which is the most physically convenient location for the deskworker to use for operating the desktop electronic device. If the deskworker has a single desktop, then the deskworker has two alternatives to perform traditional paperwork duties: (i) either sit uncomfortably to perform paperwork duties around the desktop electronic device, or (ii) physically pick up or slide the desktop electronic device across the workspace to make usable space available. A deskworker who sits uncomfortably for long periods of time can expect physical ailments, and a deskworker who physically lifts or slides the desktop electronic device may eventually experience physical injury. Furthermore, sliding the desktop electronic device across the desktop on the base of the desktop electronic device can scratch or damage the desktop and/or damage the desktop electronic device. Alternatively, businesses may purchase other mechanisms for the desktop electronic devices to be supported above the desktop. FIGURE 1 shows a desktop electronic device 100 supported above a desk 110 by a swing arm 120. The swing arm 120 allows the desktop electronic device 100 to be moved out of the deskworker' s way without lifting or sliding the device. The swing arm 120, however, is relatively bulky, heavy, and expensive for supporting the weight of the desktop electronic device 100. Less appealing is the requirement that the swing arm 120 be fixedly attached to the desk 110, potentially damaging or scratching the desk 110. Similar problems exist at a home of an individual who owns a desktop electronic device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides desktop mobility for desktop electronic devices by connecting at least one mobility assembly to the desktop electronic device. The mobility assembly (s) allow the deskworker to roll the desktop electronic device to an out-of-the-way location on the desktop so that the deskworker can perform his or her paperwork duties. The mobility assembly (s) may be connected to the desktop electronic device during manufacturing as original equipment of manufacture (OEM) . Each mobility assembly includes at least one revolving member being shaped as a sphere or cylinder. To grip and reduce scratching the desktop, the revolving member (s) that touch the desktop are optionally coated or are made of a solid material, such as rubber. Alternatively, at least one mobility assembly may be connected to a separate platform used to support and provide desktop mobility to the desktop electronic device. The platform optionally includes means for securing the desktop electronic device to the platform to reduce risk of the desktop electronic device from falling off the platform during movement. The mobility assembly (s) may be engaged and disengaged from the desktop for both the separate platform and device integrated OEM designs. Additionally, the present invention teaches an apparatus for providing mobility to a desktop electronic device. The apparatus includes a primary revolving member located within a primary cavity, and at least three secondary revolving members located within at least one secondary cavity extending from the primary cavity. The secondary revolving members contact the primary revolving member, thereby allowing the primary revolving member to rotate 360 degrees. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein : FIGURE 1 is an illustration of a representative workspace for a deskworker having a desktop electronic device mounted on a prior art swing arm unit, as previously described; FIGURE 2 is an illustration of a representative workspace for a deskworker indicating usage and non- usage desktop locations for the desktop electronic device; FIGURE 3A is a schematic diagram of a desktop electronic device of FIGURE 2 having a flat panel display connected directly to the computing device having at least one mobility assembly incorporated m the device base; FIGURE 3B is an illustration of the device base of FIGURE 3A; FIGURE 3C is a schematic diagram of the mobility assembly utilized m the desktop electronic device of FIGURE 3A; FIGURE 4 is a schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of the mobility assembly of FIGURE 3C coupled to a desktop electronic device; FIGURE 5A is a schematic diagram of an apparatus comprising plural mobility assemblies of FIGURE 3C that may be employed m FIGURE 2; FIGURE 5B is a bottom view, pictorial diagram of the apparatus of FIGURE 5A; FIGURE 6 is a schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of FIGURE 5A; FIGURE 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of yet another embodiment of the apparatus of FIGURE 5A having cylindrical rollers for single axis translation; FIGURE 8 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the mobility assembly of FIGURE 3C having a mechanism for disengaging the mobility assembly from the desktop; and FIGURE 9 is a representative flow diagram of a method for forming the mobility assembly apparatus of FIGURE 3C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Deskworkers who use desktop electronic devices, such as computers, find that their desktops are consumed by desktop electronic devices, leaving little desktop space for traditional paperwork duties. While computer manufacturers have begun to combat the desktop space issue by producing computers with flat panel displays, the deskworker still faces the problem of having to work around the desktop electronic device that is, typically and desirably, located in the center of the desktop while being used. The present invention addresses this same desktop space issue, but from the standpoint of facilitating movement of the desktop electronic device, and does so by coupling at least one mobility member to the desktop electronic device. With the aid of the mobility assembly, the deskworker has an easy way to roll the desktop electronic device to an end or back of the desktop. Thus, the deskworker re-gains valuable desktop space to perform paperwork without lifting or damaging the desktop electronic device (s). Additionally, the need for an employer to purchase additional desks for deskworkers is reduced due to the ease in moving the desktop electronic devices across the desktop, which effectively provides for additional desktop space. FIGURE 2 is a typical desktop 200 work environment. Typically, the deskworker positions the desktop electronic devices 210, here a computer chassis with a computer monitor positioned on the computer chassis, at Position A. Though convenient for computer-related tasks, when in Position A, the desktop electronic device 210 is inconvenient for performing traditional paperwork tasks. The deskworker translates the desktop electronic device 210 across the desktop to Position B. The deskworker would benefit greatly if the desktop electronic device 210 could be easily moved into an out-of-the-way position on the desktop 200, such as is shown with the desktop electronic device 210 in Position B. The present invention provides the deskworker with a simple, low-profile, small-footprint, non-desk altering solution to easily move the desktop electronic devices about the desktop, for example, from front- center (Position A) to far-right (Position B) . Of course, the present invention is adaptable to other desktop electronic devices, such as portable computers, network appliances, stereos, adding machines, cash registers, televisions, etc. Since desktop computers are most common in a typical desktop work environment, it is used here as the example desktop electronic device . FIGURE 3A depicts a specific type of desktop electronic device, commonly known as an integrated computer 300. The desktop electronic device 300 incorporates a flat panel display 310, housing 320 and base 330 into a single form. The flat panel display 310 is coupled to the housing 320, which contains the computer electronics. The housing 320 is supported by the base 330. The desktop electronic device 300 (i.e., integrated computer) is manufactured with the flat panel display so as to reduce size, weight, and footprint. Even so, however, as with traditional, non- integrated computers and display monitors (see, for example, the computer 210, FIGURE 2) , the deskworker preferably positions the desktop electronic device 300 directly in the front and center of the desktop, thereby resulting in the same problem of not having desktop space or having to move the desktop electronic device 300 to perform traditional paperwork duties. Because the desktop electronic device 300 is smaller and lighter than traditional desktop electronic devices having larger monitors (e.g., 210), the deskworker can more easily slide the desktop electronic device 300 on its base 330 across the desktop or pick up the desktop electronic device 300 and place it out of the way (i.e., on another location on the desktop) . However, each of these options subjects the desktop and desktop electronic device 300 to damage, and the deskworker to injury. To reduce risk of damage and injury, mobility assemblies 340 are connected to the base 330 of the desktop electronic device 300. These mobility assemblies 340 support and provide mobility for the desktop electronic device 300. It should be understood that the mobility assemblies 340 solve the above problems for moving the desktop electronic device and provide the following benefits. First, the desktop electronic device can be rolled rather than slid across the desktop, preventing damage to the desktop and reducing the likelihood of tipping the desktop electronic device. Second, the deskworker does not have to lift the desktop electronic device, thus avoiding risk of physical injury to the deskworker. Third, the desktop electronic device is protected from being dropped or jarred during operation. FIGURE 3B shows a bottom view of the base 330 of the desktop electronic device 300. Shown connected to the base 330 are a plurality of mobility assemblies 340. These mobility assemblies 340, as shown, are integrally manufactured within the base 330 so as to be original equipment of manufacture (OEM) . A manufacturer of desktop electronic devices 300 that integrates the mobility assemblies 340 directly into the base removes the need for later assembly by the deskworker. It should be understood that the number of mobility assemblies 340 shown are merely representative of one embodiment, and that as few as one and as many as desired (i.e., fit into the footprint of the base 330) could be implemented. Additionally, each mobility assembly 340 includes at least one revolving element, where the size and shape of the revolving element can vary, where shapes include at least spherically and cylmdrically revolving elements. Also, cylmdrically shaped wheels mounted on castors (not shown) , as is well known m the art, could be used to allow the cylmdrically shaped wheels to move the desktop electronic device multi-directionally . FIGURE 3C shows a side view of the mobility assembly 340 according to the present invention. As shown, the base 330, which could also be a separate platform as is further described m reference to FIGURE 8, houses the mobility assembly 340. In one embodiment, the base 330 comprises a first or primary cavity 350, which is spherically shaped, and three secondary cavities 360, also defining spherical shapes. The secondary cavities 360 each have an opening so that a secondary revolving element 370 deployed m a secondary cavity 360 touches a first or primary revolving element 380, deployed m the primary cavity 350. The primary cavity 350 has an opening at the bottom of the base 330 so that the primary revolving element 380 can touch the desktop, thereby supporting the flat surface of the base 330 off the desktop. The extent to which the primary revolving element 380 extends below the opening at the bottom of the base 330 may be dependent upon the weight of the desktop electronic device or simply for aesthetic purposes. The primary revolving element 380 is preferably larger than the three secondary revolving elements 370, but may be smaller or the same size. The three secondary revolving elements 370 may be positioned 60 degrees apart from one another and above the , equator" of the primary revolving element 380. Alternatively, more than three secondary revolving elements 370 are configured around the primary revolving element 380, possibly at random locations in the primary cavity 350 and possibly in one or more secondary cavities 360 that support more than just one secondary revolving element 370. Another embodiment employs secondary cylinders, rather than secondary spheres, to contact the primary revolving element 380. The cylinders may reside in a cylindrical cavity or be mounted on support pins. By configuring the primary revolving element 380 to press against the three secondary revolving elements 370 that are housed in their own secondary cavities 360, the primary revolving element 380 is free to rotate any number of degrees in any direction with very little resistance. This is so because the primary revolving element 380 does not contact the primary cavity 350 wall; it is kept a small distance from the wall by the secondary revolving elements 370. So that the primary revolving element 380 grips the desktop well and reduces likelihood of scratching the desktop, the composition of the primary revolving element 380 may comprise an outer layer of rubber or be formed of solid rubber, or other soft material relative to a desktop, while having a reasonable coefficient of restitution to prevent deformation over time. Other materials capable of providing gripping without scratching for the primary revolving element 380 and allowing the primary revolving element 380 to revolve with little resistance by the three secondary revolving elements 370 are suitable to be used. Additionally, so that the primary revolving element 380 is able to freely rotate, the composition of the outer layer of three secondary revolving elements 370 is Teflon as is each secondary cavity 350 wall so as to provide a low coefficient of friction so that each secondary revolving element 370 is more easily able to rotate within each secondary cavity 350. Other material having a very low coefficient of resistance, such as metal or plastic, could also be used. However, the high coefficient of friction of the primary revolving element provides enough friction with the secondary revolving elements 370 (and the desktop) to allow the primary revolving element 380 and secondary revolving elements 370 to revolve in their respective cavities 350, 360. Note that the revolving of the secondary revolving elements 370 is optional as limited contact between the primary 380 and secondary 370 revolving elements allows the mobility assembly 340 to provide desktop mobility to the desktop electronic device 300. A retainer ring 390 connected to the base 330 by a screw design (not shown) or other retaining method, such as a latching mechanism, prevents the revolving elements 370 and 380 from falling out of the primary cavity 350 when lifted from the desktop. The retainer ring 390 is removable to allow the deskworker to access to the mobility assembly 340 to repair damaged or dirty revolving elements 370, 380 or cavities 350, 360. -lilt should be understood that the mobility assembly 340 can be configured differently from the embodiment described to secure to other, electronic or nonelectronic, devices. Additionally, the mobility assembly 340 and its components can be scaled to be any size (i.e., larger or smaller) so as to be properly sized to support the device to which the mobility assembly 340 is attached. FIGURE 4 is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, at least one mobility assembly 410 is coupled to a desktop electronic device 400. However, unlike the previous embodiments, a plurality of feet 420 support the desktop electronic device 400 while the desktop electronic device 400 is not being translated across the desktop on the mobility assembly 410 by the deskworker. The deskworker may utilize a handle 430 to tilt the desktop electronic device 400 onto the mobility assembly (s) 410 and roll the desktop electronic device 400 across the desktop. The mobility assembly (s) 410 comprise at least one revolving element that may be a cylinder, sphere, or tire-shaped. The mobility assembly (s) 410 may be connected to the desktop electronic device 400, as shown, or higher up on the side. Note that this configuration is not as gentle as the configuration shown m FIGURE 3A for the desktop electronic device 400 or as safe for the deskworker during movement of the desktop electronic device. In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of mobility assemblies 410 are coupled to the desktop electronic device 400 and support it even while at rest . FIGURE 5A shows a front view of another embodiment of the present invention. An apparatus or platform 500a, separate from the desktop electronic device 510, compπses mobility assemblies 520. The platform 500a is designed to be separate from the desktop electronic device 510 (i.e., not part of an originally manufactured desktop electronic device 510) . The platform 500a can be shaped to * form-fit" the base of a desktop electronic device 510, as shown, or can be sized, more geneπcally, to support a desktop electronic device over a wide range of sizes and shapes. Though the mobility assemblies 520 are shown to be coupled to the bottom of the platform 500a, it should be understood that the embodiment of FIGURE 4 could alternatively be employed. FIGURE 5B shows a bottom view of the platform 500a having a plurality of mobility assemblies 520 connected to the platform 500a according to the principles of the present invention. The platform 500a, having the mobility assemblies 520, may be connected to the bottom of the desktop electronic device 510. Although separate from the desktop electronic device 510, the platform 500a provides the same functionality (of providing desktop mobility for the desktop electronic device 510) as the embodiment with the mobility assemblies 520 being connected directly to the desktop electronic device 510 (see, for example, FIGURE 3A) . FIGURE 6 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention in which a platform 500b has only a frame (i.e., the center of the frame is empty, therefore lighter and less expensive to manufacture) . The platform 500b, may form-fit the base of a desktop electronic device. To prevent the desktop electronic device from falling off the platform 500b during a move, the platform 500b has straps 610. On a first end, each strap 610 is coupled to the platform 500b; on a second end, each strap 610 includes a clip 620a, 620b, where the clips 620a and 620b may be designed to be connected together or may be designed to couple to the platform or just to the desktop electronic device. The straps 610 may be stretchable or non-stretchable . Alternatively, a material such as foam rubber or Velcro®, which is a hook and loop securing device, may be employed to improve the coupling between the desktop electronic device and the platform 500b. The material is attached (not shown) to locations on the platform 600b where the desktop electronic device contacts the platform. In the case of a two-part material, such as Velcro®, one part is attached to the platform 500b and the second part is attached to the desktop electronic device. Alternatively, other securing mechanisms may be used to secure the desktop electronic device to the platform 500b, including screws, gaskets, clamps, pins, and snaps. FIGURE 7 is a schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of the platform 500c. The two rollers 710 are connected to the platform 500c via a swivel 720, which allows the platform 500c to rotate. The rollers 710 allow the platform 500c to be moved in a linear manner across the desktop. It should be understood that the number of rollers 710 coupled to the platform 500c can range from one to as many that will fit across the bottom of the platform 500c. Additionally, an arm or flange (not shown) may be connected to at least one of the connecting components 730 connected to the rollers 710 to provide a handle to allow a user to rotate the platform 500c beneath the desktop electronic device. The translation movement of the platform 500c is more limited by utilizing the two, parallel rollers 710 in parallel configuration than the mobility assembly 340 configuration (see, for example, FIGURE 3C) . FIGURE 8 is a schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of a mobility assembly 800. A platform 820 defines a slot 805 into which a housing 810 composing part of the mobility assembly 800 resides. The housing 810 is separate from the platform 820 so that the mobility assembly 800 can be engaged and disengaged (i.e., set to support the desktop electronic device on the desktop or recessed from the desktop) so tha the desktop electronic device can be supported by feet 830. Disengaging the mobility assembly 800 eliminates the possibility for the desktop electronic device to roll off the desktop by incidental contact. To engage and disengage the mobility assembly 800 to/from supporting the desktop electronic device, a deskworker operates a lever arm 840. The lever arm 840 is coupled to the housing 810 of the mobility assembly 800. The lever arm 840 rotates about a hinge 850. A peg 860 fixedly coupled to the platform 820 secures the lever arm 840 in either the engaged or disengaged position. A spring-clip latching mechanism 890 may also be used to lock the mobility assembly in the disengaged position. It should be understood that other engaging and disengaging mechanisms may be used to toggle between having the feet 850 or the mobility assembly 800 support the desktop electronic device. Additionally, the feet 850 may have an engaging or disengaging mechanism to lower and raise the feet to support the desktop electronic device on the platform. Alternatively, an electro-mechanical device (not shown) , such as a worm gear coupled to a motor, may be used to engage and disengage the mobility assembly 800 or the feet 850; a simple hand-activated screw mechanism may be used in place of the motor-worm gear mechanism. Yet another embodiment includes stopper arms having rubber tipped ends (not shown) that press against the desktop with enough force to provide resistance for the desktop electronic device to be prevented from being moved by incidental contact by the deskworker. Finally, a locking mechanism 870 may include a peg 872 having a rubber tip 875 that can be selectively applied to a primary revolving member 880 so that the platform 820 is prevented from moving due to incidental contact by the deskworker. It should be understood that an engaging or disengaging mechanism for the mobility assembly 800 or feet 850 could also be applied to the desktop electronic device by the desktop electronic device manufacturer. A shock absorption mechanism (not shown) , such as springs or dashpots, may also be included between the mobility assembly 800 and the platform 820 so as to provide additional protection for the desktop electronic device during movement. FIGURE 9 is a flow diagram of a method for forming a revolving member according to the principles of the present invention. The method starts m step 900. In step 910, a housing (e.g., 340 or 810) to contain revolving elements (e.g., 370 and 380) is formed. The housing may be formed through plastic molding or die casting techniques, for example. The revolving elements, which may comprise several spherical and/or cylindrical elements, are added to the housing formed m step 920. In step 930, the revolving elements are secured within the housing. For example, a retainer ring may be secured using a technique as previously described. Once the revolving elements are secured m step 930, the method is completed m step 940. The previous description is of a preferred embodiment for implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention should not necessarily be limited by this description. The scope of the present invention is instead defined by the following claims.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. An apparatus for providing desktop mobility to a desktop electronic device, said apparatus comprising: at least one mobility assembly coupled to said desktop electronic device, wherein said at least one mobility assembly comprises at least one revolving member providing mobility for said desktop electronic device to translate from a first position to a second position on a desktop. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said desktop electronic device comprises at least one of the following: a display device, a computing device, or a keyboard device. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one mobility assembly comprises at least one revolving member, said at least one revolving member being spherically shaped. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one mobility assembly comprises a primary, spherically shaped, revolving member and at least three secondary, spherically shaped, revolving members . 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said primary revolving member resides in a primary cavity and said secondary revolving members reside in at least one secondary cavity. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one mobility assembly comprises a primary, spherically shaped, revolving member and at least three, cylindrically shaped, revolving members. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one mobility assembly comprises a wheel- shaped revolving member. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one revolving member comprises at least one of the following materials: plastic, Teflon, rubber, or metal. 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one mobility assembly comprises at least one revolving member, said at least one revolving member being cylmdrically shaped. 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said at least one mobility assembly comprises a rotating mount thereby allowing said at least one cylmdrically shaped revolving member to rotate 360 degrees. 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for engaging and disengaging said at least one mobility assembly. 12. An apparatus comprising: a platform for supporting a desktop electronic device on a desktop; and at least one mobility assembly comprising at least one revolving member coupled to said platform to provide said platform mobility on said desktop. 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising means for securing said desktop electronic device to said platform. 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said means for securing said desktop electronic device to said platform include at least one of the following: a strap, Velcro®, or adhesive. 15. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said desktop electronic device comprises at least one of the following: a display device, a computing device, or a keyboard device. 16. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said at least one mobility assembly comprises at least one revolving member, said at least one revolving member being spherically shaped. 17. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said at least one mobility assembly comprises a primary, spherically shaped, revolving member and at least three secondary, spherically shaped, revolving members . 18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said primary revolving member resides in a primary cavity and said secondary revolving members reside in at least one secondary cavity. 19. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said at least one mobility assembly comprises a primary, spherically shaped, revolving member and at least three, cylmdrically shaped, revolving members. 20. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said at least one mobility assembly comprises a wheel- shaped revolving member. 21. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said at least one revolving member comprises at least one of the following materials: plastic, Teflon, rubber, or metal. 22. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said at least one mobility assembly comprises at least one revolving member, said at least one revolving member being cylmdrically shaped. 23. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said at least one mobility assembly comprises a rotating mount thereby allowing said at least one cylmdrically shaped revolving member to rotate 360 degrees. 24. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising means for engaging and disengaging said at least one mobility assembly.

Inventors: SOLOMON GARY B, SOLOMON MARK B, SOLOMON, GARY, B., SOLOMON, MARK, B.
Applicants: SOLVISIONS TECHNOLOGIES INT L, SOLVISIONS TECHNOLOGIES INT'L
Application year: 2001
Main classification: A47B91
IPC codes: A47B21, H04N5