Abstract:
Disclosed is a videogaming and computer workstation unit, preferably integrated with an ergonomic chair, which permits ease of entry and exit to the chair for users of various sizes, and which permits users to use peripheral devices for operating video games and computers comfortably from a chair integrated with a gaming console.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to an integrated videogaming and computer workstation. More particularly, this invention relates to an integrated, ergonomic videogaming and computer workstation and chair that is easy to enter and exit, can accommodate people of different sizes, and can accommodate a variety of interchangeable videogame and computer peripheral devices. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Presently in gaming arcades, a traditional hardware and software machine setup caters to an extremely simplified gaming experience designed mainly to eliminate any learning curve with a particular game, with the intent of enticing potential players to participate readily. 
   It is apparent, though, that in the last few years the videogaming industry has grown tremendously, currently with revenues rivaling major movie production houses, truly becoming a new form of entertainment. In this respect, an immense number of gamers are already exposed to a multitude of games that they can play at home, and complex ones that provide a richer, more rewarding experience. In effect, the offerings at traditional game arcades seem dated by comparison, not managing to capture the attention of many gamers past a few rounds. 
   The hardware and software constraints designed to provide a lower common denominator, and bring in a broad range of players, are effectively working against generating revenue. A highly repetitive gameplay with no real surprises in the storyline can&#39;t keep a player entertained for too long. 
   Another factor that only adds to the problem is that there is usually a high cost associated with not only developing customized software for a specific type of game machine, but it is also much more difficult to upgrade it, this way missing out on the benefits of a rapidly evolving industry 
   For the home environment, the videogaming market is growing rapidly, and more and more people prefer this form of entertainment to more passive, traditional ones, such as watching TV. 
   Both computer gamers and console garners are today using inadequate means to combine a visual display, the entertainment unit itself, whether a console or a computer, and the multitude of peripherals available that are required for a rewarding experience, such as joysticks, steering wheels, etc. This decreases the quality of the gameplay and makes for a complicated setup process, resulting many times in a frustrating and time-consuming procedure and sometimes even damage to cabling or parts and accessories. 
   Currently, there is no known device or furniture item that would provide an effective way of arranging all the necessary gaming and other peripherals together, while maintaining ease of access to each of them separately or together. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,663 to Hill shows a video game apparatus that has a rocking base, with an optional stabilizing system. However, in this patent, there are no means to attach multiple video game peripherals and no option to ergonomically posture the seat. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,476 to May et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,868 to Wynn, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,305 to Hocking disclose certain ways to integrate a chair with multiple computer peripherals. These patents, however, choose to bring a screen and a set of input devices in front of a user by swinging a cantilevered arm from a side, which poses a number of practical and structural problems. 
   Thus, while there are many initiatives to either provide separately gaming furniture or accessories to facilitate videogaming, or improve the ergonomic quality of an office workstation, computer desk or office chair, there have been virtually no efforts made to improve the gaming related needs of a computer/workstation user, or integrate a chair, a workstation and multiple gaming accessories into one integrated unit. 
   Thus, no compact units for either home use or gaming arcade machines exist that provide flexibility to accommodate a rapidly changing technology, provide enhanced gameplay of familiar and popular game titles, or accommodate a broad range of human dimensions and a diversity of ergonomic postures. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention comprises an integrated videogaming and computer workstation, which brings together the functionality of a gaming machine with the comfort of an ergonomic workstation, all integrated with the computer hardware that allows a user to play virtually any commercially available videogame or operate a computer, at the user&#39;s convenience. 
   The invention allows gaming arcades to use the latest games, offering titles that already have a huge installed fan base. Besides being familiar to users, these games are on par with current trends and technologies. This greatly benefits attendance to gaming arcades. 
   Also, since the invention accommodates proven, mainstream computer and gaming technology, with readily interchangeable components, fewer specialized technical solutions are required, which eliminates the need for costly custom parts and specifically trained personnel, and the invention provides virtually maintenance-free operation. 
   For a home user, the invention provides a way to organize computer accessories in a computer system that most people already own, while doing so in an attractive and compact manner. Also, the invention allows the carrying out of tasks unrelated to gaming when not used as such, combining the functionality of an ergonomically adjustable workstation. Furthermore, all of these features can be integrated with a tiltable chair that further enhances the comfort of a user, thus creating a multifunctional compact, integrated pod that serves a number of functions related to either regular computer use or entertainment. 
   It is an object of the invention to allow the user to be immersed in gameplay with little distraction from lack of comfort, improper position of the peripherals or lengthy set-up procedures. 
   An additional object of the invention is to provide the opportunity to accommodate a multitude of interchangeable computer and gaming peripherals while being able to select the ones appropriate for a particular videogaming activity. 
   Yet another object of the invention is to provide an ergonomically integrated workstation and chair that is compact and easy to use, provides a high degree of configurability, and can be fitted with existing consumer computer peripherals. 
   Still another object of the invention is to provide electrical ports and wires integrated into the workstation to allow users to electrically connect all the components and peripherals of a computer system, whether their own or provided by others, so that the entire unit can function as a whole rather than as a mere sum of parts, and also providing a cable and clutter-free environment and esthetically pleasing workstation. 
   More particularly, the invention comprises a workstation comprising: 
   a support assembly; 
   means for mounting at least one screen and computer keyboard on the support assembly; and 
   means for mounting at least one peripheral device adjacent to the support assembly so as to permit the peripheral device to be pivoted down in front of and below or to a side of the screen when use of the peripheral device is desired, and pivoted up and away from the screen when use of the peripheral device is not desired. 
   In one embodiment, the means for mounting the peripheral device comprises at least one movable arm assembly attached to the support assembly, the arm assembly including at least one arm swivelable in a vertical plane on either side of the screen, the arm assembly suitable for mounting the peripheral device. 
   In one embodiment, the support assembly is pivotally attached to a chassis adapted to sit on a floor and is configured to oscillate in a vertical plane between two extreme resting positions so as to allow a user to comfortably enter or exit a chair attached to the chassis, facing the screen, and so as to permit ergonomic use of the keyboard and peripheral device. 
   Preferably, the support assembly is urged away from the chair into a normally-open, inactive position. 
   Preferably, the peripheral device is either fixed to the arm assembly or removable. The peripheral device may include one or more of the following devices: joystick, steering wheel, keyboard, mouse, trackball, touch pad, touch screen, button, switch, pedal, speaker, microphone, camera, glove device, disk drive or any other device suitable for use in video game playing or computer operations. 
   In another embodiment, the invention comprises an ergonomically integrated videogaming and computer workstation and chair unit, comprising: 
   a rigid chassis adapted for placement on a floor and suitable for mounting a computer adapted to power interactive video games; 
   an adjustable chair mounted to the chassis; 
   an inclinable ergonomic backrest, movable independently of the seat, attached to the undercarriage rearwardly of the seat for supporting the upper torso of a user; 
   a movable assembly of support members pivotally attached to the chassis and comprising first and second links of a four-bar linkage, the support members being biased away from the chair; 
   a user interfacing console including at least two swivelable arms attached to a console frame, the console frame being attached to the assembly of support members and adapted to act as a third link of the four-bar linkage, the console frame suitable for mounting a display screen, slidable computer keyboard, mouse, disk drive and sound control devices, the arms suitable for mounting at least one videogaming peripheral device, the arms adapted to describe a motion between a starting position oriented approximately vertically and a finishing position oriented approximately horizontally toward the user seated in the chair, allowing for upper ends of the arms to move farther or closer to the user, whereby the arms may be swiveled down by the user to permit operation of the peripheral device and swiveled up when operation of the peripheral device is not required; 
   a locking and release apparatus associated with the support members for locking the support members in various positions of closeness to the chair so as to keep the console at a distance and so as to allow positioning of the peripheral device and keyboard within arms&#39; reach of the user when so desired; and 
   electrical connection ports and wires associated with the chassis, support members, console frame and arms for connection to the computer, peripheral device and external networks so as to provide electric power and data connections and for permitting computer and video gaming devices to be attached and detached in interchangeable fashion. 
   In another embodiment, the invention comprises a chair suitable for use with a videogaming and computer workstation, comprising: 
   a vertically adjustable undercarriage; 
   a tiltable seat attached to the undercarriage; and 
   a tiltable backrest attached to the undercarriage and movable independently of the seat; 
   whereby the seat is adapted to be raised and lowered by a user seated in the chair, and whereby the backrest is adapted to be tilted backward and forward by the user independently of the seat, and whereby the undercarriage is adapted to cause the seat to be tilted backward and forward in association with the backrest as the backrest is tilted backward and forward. 
   In another embodiment, the chair is attached to a chassis adapted for placement on a floor, the chassis being adapted to mount a screen, computer keyboard and peripheral device ahead of the chair, the chair being adapted to provide ergonomic support for the user&#39;s posture as the user operates the keyboard and peripheral device while seated in the chair. 
   In another embodiment, the undercarriage includes a tilting mechanism for tilting the chair frame and the seat, whereby when the backrest is tilted backward, the seat is moved forward, the back end of the seat is tilted downward over a first distance and the front end of the seat is tilted downward over a second distance, and when the backrest is tilted forward, the seat is moved backward, the back end of the seat is tilted upward over the first distance and the front end of the seat is tilted upward over the second distance. 
   In another embodiment, the tilting mechanism for the chair frame and seat comprises: 
   a shaft fixedly attached to the undercarriage; 
   a chair frame pivotally attached to the shaft, the chair frame adapted to mount the backrest; 
   a bracket fixedly attached to the shaft, the bracket supporting first and second pivot points; 
   biasing means attached between the first pivot point of the bracket and the chair frame; 
   a first see-saw link pivotally attached to the shaft and having first and second pivot points at opposite ends thereof; 
   a second see-saw link pivotally attached to the second pivot point of the bracket and having first and second pivot points at opposite ends thereof, the first pivot point being pivotally attached to the first pivot point of the first see-saw link; 
   an upright link having first and second pivot points at opposite ends thereof, the first pivot point of the upright link being pivotally attached to the chair frame and slidably attached to the second pivot point of the first see-saw link; and 
   a seat support having front and back pivot points, the back pivot point pivotally attached to the second pivot point of the upright link, and the front pivot point being pivotally attached to the second pivot point of the first see-saw link. 
   The invention also comprises a method for operating a workstation, comprising the steps of: 
   mounting a screen and computer on a frame for permitting video game and computer operation; 
   pivotably mounting at least one peripheral device on the frame for controlling images on the screen; 
   pivoting the peripheral device into a first position up and away from the screen when use of the peripheral device is not desired; and 
   pivoting the peripheral device into a second position down in front of and below or to a side of the screen when use of the peripheral device is desired. 
   In another embodiment, the invention comprises a method for operating a videogaming and computer workstation and chair unit, comprising the steps of: 
   providing a chassis adapted to sit on a floor and suitable for housing a computer; 
   providing a chair mounted to the chassis; 
   providing a movable console ahead of the chair, the console attached to a movable support assembly pivotally mounted to the chassis and pivotable over a predetermined range, the support assembly being alternatively biased toward and away from the chair by a biasing force into first and second resting positions, the console including at least one screen and keyboard mounted to a console frame attached to the support assembly, and at least one arm assembly pivotably mounted to the console frame, the arm assembly supporting at least one peripheral device; 
   entering the chair while the console is resting in its first resting position farthest from the chair; 
   swiveling the console toward the chair until the support assembly reaches its second resting position so as to position the peripheral device within arms&#39; reach of the user seated in the chair; 
   operating the computer and peripheral device as desired; 
   releasing the support assembly, thus allowing the biasing force to swivel the support assembly away from the chair and into the open position when the user no longer wishes to operate the computer or peripheral device; and 
   exiting the chair. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other features and advantages of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of certain preferred embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the invention, and in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view taken from the rear right of a preferred embodiment of a videogaming and computer workstation having a tiltable chair, a chassis and a front console unit. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view taken from the front right of the workstation shown in an open position for a user to sit in the chair. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view taken from the front right of the workstation shown in closed position with a user sitting in the chair. 
       FIG. 4  shows a right side view of the workstation with a chair in preferred reclining forward, middle and reclined tilt positions and a front console in its closed and opened positions. 
       FIG. 5A  is a top view of the workstation 
       FIG. 5B  is a front view of the workstation 
       FIG. 5C  is a rear view of the workstation 
       FIG. 6  is a front right perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the workstation. 
       FIG. 7  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the workstation. 
       FIG. 8  is a view of only the lower chassis and front pivoting members of the support assembly for the workstation shown in their closed position 
       FIG. 9  is a partial right side view of the front of the chassis with the front pivoting members shown in their open and maximum-minimum closed positions 
       FIG. 10  is a top view of the front of the chassis with the front pivoting members shown in their open position 
       FIG. 11  is a rear right fragmentary perspective view of the front end of the chassis with the front pivoting members shown in their open position and one possible closed position 
       FIG. 12  is a fragmentary exploded view of the front end of the chassis with the front pivoting members shown in their open position. 
       FIG. 13  is an exploded view of the locking and adjusting mechanism that can lock the front pivoting legs in a variety of positions. 
       FIG. 14  is a partial view showing various components of the locking mechanism described in  FIG. 13   
       FIG. 15  shows a component of the locking mechanism described in  FIG. 13   
       FIG. 16A  is a front right perspective view showing the latching component of the locking mechanism. 
       FIG. 16B  is a right side view of the latching component attached to one of the front pivoting legs of the chassis 
       FIG. 16C  is a sectional view taken along the lines  16 C- 16 C′ in  FIG. 16B   
       FIG. 17  shows a top view of the locking mechanism 
       FIG. 18  is a right side view of the locking mechanism 
       FIG. 19A  is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism shown in its locked position, taken along the line  19 A- 19 A′ in  FIG. 17   
       FIG. 19B  is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism shown in its unlocked position, taken along the line  19 A- 19 A′ in  FIG. 17   
       FIG. 20A  is a cross-sectional view of the adjusting mechanism shown during its repositioning process, taken along the line  19 A- 19 A′ in  FIG. 17   
       FIG. 20B  is a cross-sectional view of the adjusting mechanism shown in a new position, taken along the line  19 A- 19 A′ in  FIG. 17   
       FIG. 21  is a top view of the front console showing only its main console frame connected to the front arms of the chassis 
       FIG. 22  is a sectional side view of the front console, taken along section lines  22 - 22 ′ in  FIG. 25   
       FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the front console, taken from the front right with parts removed for clarity 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the front console, taken from the rear right with parts removed for clarity 
       FIG. 25  is a top view with parts removed for clarity of the front console shown with all its arms in the elevated position, with a keyboard table pushed forwardly to make room for lowering a steering wheel arm 
       FIG. 26  is a partial exploded view showing one of the symmetrical pivot points of the pivoting arms part of the front console 
       FIG. 27  is a partial view with areas removed for clarity that shows the pivoting left table surface of the front console 
       FIG. 28  is a partial sectional side view of the left pivoting table taken along the line  28 - 28 ′ in  FIG. 25   
       FIG. 29  is a rear left perspective view of the front console only shown with all its arms in an elevated position. 
       FIG. 30A  is a rear left respective view of the front console shown with its joystick arms lowered in a position ready to use 
       FIG. 30B  is a rear left perspective view of the front console shown with its steering wheel arm a lowered in a position ready to use 
       FIG. 31  is a right side view of the front console showing the operation of the steering wheel arm of the front console 
       FIG. 32  is a partial right side view showing the interaction between the joystick arm and its lowered position, a computer mouse and the table it sits on 
       FIG. 33  describes a preferred solution of attaching a joystick peripheral to a flat horizontal end of one of the joystick arms of the front console 
       FIG. 34  is a right side view showing only the chair of the workstation, with its seat and backrest in a preferred forward, middle and reclined tilt positions 
       FIG. 35  is a rear right exploded perspective view showing only the tiltable chair of the workstation 
       FIG. 36  shows a front right view looking at the underside of the tilting mechanism for the back of the chair 
       FIG. 37  shows a front right view looking at the underside of the lever mechanism attached to the right armrest of the chair 
       FIG. 38  shows a fragmentary rear right perspective view of the backrest tilting mechanism 
       FIGS. 39 ,  40 ,  41  are showing various components of the tilting mechanism for the backrest and seat of the chair 
       FIG. 42  shows a rear right exploded perspective view of the tilting mechanism for the backrest and seat of the chair 
       FIG. 43  is a cross-sectional view of the tilting mechanism, taken along the lines  43  and  43 ′ in  FIG. 44   
       FIG. 44  is a partial fragmentary top view of the tilting mechanism of the seat and backrest 
       FIGS. 45 ,  46  and  47  show three cross-sectional views (taken along the lines  43 - 43 ′ in  FIG. 44 ) of the tilting mechanism in a reclined, middle and forward tilt position respectively 
       FIG. 48  shows a right side view of the lifting mechanism attached to the rear portion of the chassis 
       FIG. 49  shows a cross-sectional view of the lifting mechanism with its preferred lowest and highest elevated positions 
       FIG. 50  is a rear right exploded the fragmentary view of the lifting mechanism attached to the rear end of the chassis. 
       FIG. 51  shows a top view of a chair lifting mechanism attached to the chassis of the workstation 
       FIG. 52  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention showing an overhead configuration for the chassis. 
       FIG. 53  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention showing a support assembly that is pivotable into two resting positions, and held in place in each resting position by gravity. 
       FIG. 54  is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 53   
       FIG. 55  is a diagram showing one embodiment of the invention showing electrical ports and wiring connections for use with a computer and peripherals. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In the description to follow, references to the terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “upper” and “lower ” are taken from the perspective of a user seated with his or her back against a backrest  401 . 
   Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a first embodiment  100  of an ergonomically integrated videogaming and computer workstation according to the invention. As noted earlier, this embodiment includes a floor-engaging rigid base frame structure  300  onto which an adjustable chair  400  is supported by an undercarriage assembly  500 . Further supported by the base frame  300  is a console unit  200 . An electrical wiring system  600  is also comprised in the workstation  100 . 
     FIG. 2  shows a right-front perspective view of an instance of the workstation  100  in an open position allowing a user to step in and sit in the chair. Comparatively,  FIG. 3  shows a view taken from the same angle that depicts the workstation in a closed position, with a user represented seated as per intended use.  FIG. 4  shows a side elevation of the workstation  100  in an open position and having the closed position figured in phantom lines. 
     FIGS. 6 and 7  show an alternate embodiment  102  where the console unit  200  is supported on a set of legs  244  and has a pair of flat surfaces  246  and  246 ′ supported thereto. 
   Base Frame 
   As per  FIG. 8 , the base frame  300  includes a base chassis  302  that is supported by cross members  313 ,  313 ′ in front and  316 ,  316 ′ respectively in the rear. The paired cross members  313 ,  313 ′ and  316 ,  316 ′ are configured for placement on a floor  101  and have levelers  317  provided at each end thereof, so that if the floor is uneven the entire base chassis  302  can be brought to a substantially level position. Furthermore, a CPU support shelf  321  is attached to the chassis  302 . 
   Chassis 
   The chassis  302  preferably includes two generally longitudinal members  304  and  304 ′, substantially parallel to each other. Each of them has a generally horizontal portion  326  and  326 ′ respectively continued at their front ends with a member  328  and  328 ′ sloping downwardly. Starting to observe the configuration of the base frame  300  from the rear end progressing to the front as described on  FIG. 8 , it can be observed that at their rear ends, members  304  and  304 ′ are each attached, such as by welding or bolting, to a flat, angled brace  324  and  324 ′ respectively. Each brace  324  and  324 ′ is further attached to oblong members  320  and  320 ′ respectively, that slope downwardly. A stiffening plate  322  connects angled braces  324 ,  324 ′ and oblong members  320  and  320 ′, respectively. A vertically placed, Y-shaped flat piece of steel or other strong material  319  connects the lower front ends of the oblong members  320  and  320 ′ with the rear ends of horizontal members  326  and  326 ′ respectively. In this manner described, angled braces  324 ,  324 ′, with oblong members  320 ,  320 ′, stiffener plate  322  and vertical piece  319  effectively create a rigid spatial cage-like structure attached to the horizontal members  304  and  304 ′ respectively. This portion of chassis  302  constitutes the base to which the chair undercarriage  500  is attached, as best described in  FIG. 1 . 
   Also included in the chassis configuration and serving the role of a stiffener for the front portion is an L-shaped flat piece of steel or other strong material  329  which has a depth equal to the distance between the inside faces of members  328  and  328 ′. The flat piece  329  is welded or otherwise attached to the inside faces of the aforementioned members generally at both the top and lower ends and loops below the pair  328  and  328 ′ creating a pocket-like configuration. Inside this pocket, mounted toward the edges of the part  329  is a pair of mounting brackets  341  and  341 ′. Further comprised in the chassis  302  and best described in  FIG. 12  it can be observed that the front ends of portions  328  and  328 ′ are connected to a Z-shaped flat piece of steel or other strong material  330  that has the role of stiffening and connecting the front ends of members  304  and  304 ′. 
   Attached to chassis  302  and observed in both  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 , two elongated members  327  and  327 ′ each have one end welded to the lower end portion of members  328 , while the other is oriented generally forward and upwardly. Together with cross members  313  and  313 ′ they serve as support for a pair of flat footrests  312  and  312 ′. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the right footrest  312  has a lower portion  314  that is substantially horizontal and thus creating a ledge holding an optional foot pedal accessory  614  from sliding down. For the purpose of accommodating a wide variety of pedal accessories, such as foot-operated switches or other controls, the right footrest  312  is preferably wider than the left one  312 ′, since the majority of users are right-handed and right-footed. 
   Support Assembly 
   Included in the base frame  300  is a support assembly  308 , located in this embodiment ahead of the chair, and acting as a supporting leg assembly and comprising a pair of members  311  and  311 ′ (see  FIGS. 10 and 11 ), which are preferably square tubes, respectively bent in a generally crescent shape, with the concave portion towards the front of the workstation  100 . Also part of the frame  308  is a lower shaft  334  ( FIG. 12 ) fixedly attached to the inside faces of members  311  and  311 ′ respectively and an upper shaft  309  ( FIG. 11 ) that connects upper ends of members  311  and  311 ′. Both ends of shaft  309  protrude through the outer faces of members  311  and  311 ′ with equal distances at left and right. 
   With reference to  FIG. 12 , two base-mounted bearings  333  and  333 ′ are fixedly bolted or otherwise attached to the Z-shaped plate  330  of chassis  302 , and are pivotally supporting the shaft  334  of leg  308  so that the leg  308  pivots around a horizontal axis that is normal to a front-rear imaginary median line of the workstation  100 . Included in the leg  308  is a pair of mounting brackets  342  and  342 ′ which are fixedly attached to the lower portion of members  311  and  311 ′ respectively and to the inside faces thereof. 
     FIG. 12  best describes a pair of extension-force gas spring devices  337  and  337 ′ which have a lower eyelet  339  and  339 ′ respectively, hingedly attached to mounting brackets  341  and  341 ′ respectively. Gas spring devices  337  and  337 ′ also comprise upper eyelets  338  and  338 ′ respectively which are hingedly attached to mounting brackets  342  and  342 ′ respectively. It should be noted that while gas spring devices are preferred for the dampened linear motion they provide, any device that provides an elastic extension force between two points can be used instead. The purpose of this described configuration is apparent in  FIG. 9  where the particular placement of brackets  341  and  342 , (overlapping brackets  341 ′ and  342 ′ respectively) together with a correct choice of stroke length for the gas spring devices results in a preferred angular travel of leg  308  of maximum 112 degrees and minimum of 66 degrees around a pivoting point C concurrent with the axis of shaft  332 , in reference to plane of floor  101  and measured counterclockwise in a right side view. 
   Further included in base frame  300  is a center leg  306 , preferably constructed of rectangular section steel tube. The leg  306  is comprised of a generally vertical member  310 , a base-mounted bearing  305  attached to the lower end of member  310  and a second base-mounted bearing  307  ( FIG. 21 ) attached to the upper end of member  310 . The bearing  305  is mounted on a shaft  332 , which in turn is fixedly attached to the inward facing sides of members  328 , and  328 ′ respectively, substantially close to the front ends thereof. The entire assembly thus allows the supporting column  306  to pivot freely around a horizontal axis that is normal to a front-rear imaginary median line of the workstation  100 , concurrently with the axis of the shaft  332 . 
   Locking Mechanism 
     FIG. 9  shows also included in base frame  300  a locking and adjusting assembly  350  fixedly attached to the inward facing sides of members  328  and  328 ′ respectively. Locking mechanism  350  interacts with a pair of hooks  358  and  358 ′ which are pivotally attached to the lower portion of leg  306  and constrains the pivotal movement of column  306  along a radial path with the center at the pivoting point D of column  306 , concurrent with axis of shaft  332  and provides a plurality of locations where hooks  358  and  358 ′ can be positioned. 
   As described in  FIGS. 13-20 , the locking assembly  350  is identically configured in relation to a vertical symmetry plane that is oriented along the main longitudinal axis of the workstation  100 . It is comprised of two profiled, notched side plates  356  and  356 ′, a handle assembly  352  and a cylindrical pin member  377 , which moves slidably in relation to the handle assembly  352 . Each of the side plates  356  and  356 ′ include two arcuate guide members  357 ,  355  and  357 ′,  355 ′ respectively, which follow a radial path with the center in pivot point D of  FIG. 9 . Plates  356  and  356 ′ also include a cutout  354  and  354 ′ whose lower edge is constituted by guide members  375  and  357 ′. The upper edge of each cutout  354 ,  354 ′ has a plurality of notches  354  and  354 ′ disposed radially along a path with a center in pivot point D, each notch having two opposite sides that are parallel. Each notch shall only be as deep as the pin  377  and there should be enough open space left the radially disposed notches and each of the guide members  357  and  357 ′ so that the ends of pin  377  can move freely along a radial path with a center in point D. 
   The handle  352  comprises a cross member  360 , two symmetrically configured parts  361  and  361 ′, a coil spring  380 , a grip  353  and an actuating cable  288  with a flexible, non-compressible sleeve  287  which has a stopper tube piece  381 . 
     FIGS. 13 and 14  shows how the cross member  360  is a T-shaped extrusion with two overhangs  363  and  363 ′ at each ends of the extrusion. Overhangs  363  and  363 ′ slide along guide members  357  and  357 ′ respectively, while the cross member  360  has two notches  364  and  364 ′ placed symmetrically with respect to the center of cross member  360 . Also a tube  359  is placed in the center of cross member  360 , thus creating a penetration that allows cable  288  to move freely through cross-member  360 . The pin  377  has a series of flattened portions  374 ,  375  and  375 ′,  374 ′ respectively, which alternate with cylindrical portions such that the flattened portions and  374  and  374 ′ are placed at both ends of pin  377 . All flattened portions have their two parallel faces distanced so that the ends of pin  377  fit snugly inside any of the series of notches  354  and  354 ′. A cylindrical depression  378  is placed in the middle of the pin  377  receiving the upper end of spring  380 . The center of depression  378  is arranged to fixedly receive one ending of cable  288 . 
   Looking now at  FIG. 15 , it can be seen that part  361  comprises two flat parallel members  363  and  362  spaced apart so that spring  380  can fit freely between them. A cross member  369  joins together the parallel members  363  and  362  at significantly their upper ends, while a cross member  368  joins the lower ends of members  363  and  362 . Also comprised in part  361  are two arcuate members  371  and  370  perpendicularly placed at each end of cross member  369 , and protruding outwardly from the plane of part  361 . The curvature of the lower edge of members  371  and  370  is such that they can slide along the upper guide members  355  and  355 ′, thus providing radial stability for the handle  352  in relation to side plates  356  and  356 ′ while sliding along guides  355  and  355 ′ along a radial path which has a center in point D. Also described in  FIG. 15  are portions  366  and  364  of members  363  and  362  respectively, protruding outwardly from the plane of part  361  so that when coupled with its mirrored counterpart they create two parallel guides  367  and  367 ′. Thus, flattened notches  375  and  375 ′ of pin  377 , and notches  364  and  364 ′ for cross member  360  are constrained to but a direction of movement along the main axis of handle  352 . Being pushed away from each other by the spring  380  placed between them, the pin  377  and cross member  360  will always rest at the top and lower ends, respectively, of the parallel guides  367  and  367 ′ ( FIG. 19A ). 
   The length of guides  367  and  367 ′ is such that when cross member  360  rests at the lower end thereof with its extensions  363  and  363 ′ resting in contact with guide members  357  and  357 ′ and pin  377  is resting at its top end of travel, the ends  374  and  374 ′ of said pin are fully positioned inside one of the notches  354 ,  354 ′ bordering the cutouts of side plates  356  and  356 ′. The configuration such described allows on one hand for the pin ends  374  and  374 ′ to be pulled downwardly by the cable  288  while resisting spring  380  until it clears the notches  354 ′,  354 ′ ( FIG. 19A , B), and on the other hand it allows for the whole handle  352  to be pushed downwardly by a user, resisting spring  380  until the pin ends  374  and  374 ′ have completely cleared the notches  354  and  354 ′. Now, arcuate members  371  and  370  have come in contact with guiding surfaces  355  and  355 ′ respectively and the handle  352  can be repositioned as desired. ( FIGS. 20A ,  20 B) 
   Locking Hooks 
   Interacting with the locking mechanism  350  is a pair of symmetrically mirrored hooks  358  and  358 ′, which are rotatably attached to the lower portion of center leg  310 . For simplification we shall only describe one hook,  358  as per  FIGS. 16A-C , keeping in mind that the following description is mirrored entirely for hook  358 ′ which is not shown. 
   The hook  358  is comprised of a slightly curved flat latching member  390  and a tube or sleeve  392 . The tube  392  is fixedly attached to one end of latching member  390  and has an inner recessed portion  393  which shelters a torsion spring  394 . The end  396  of latching member  390 , pointing rearwardly and angled downwardly has a concavity or cutout  391 , placed on the bottom edge of latch  390 . The cutout  391  is half oval-shaped such that it fits snugly around the cylindrical portions of pin  377  and allows latch  390  to become easily engaged with pin  377 . A rod  398  is fixedly attached perpendicularly to the outward right face of leg  310 . Its remaining end is threaded so that a nut  395  can be threaded onto the rod  398 . Taken together, the hook  358  such described will pivot freely around rod  398  while the torsion spring  394  should be mounted inside sleeve  392  so that it constantly pushes the hook  358  downwardly against a pin  397  placed under the hook  358 , which limits the downward motion of latch  390 . When center leg  306  is pivoted rearwardly, the rear inclined face  396  of latch  390  hits one of the cylindrical portions of pin  377  such that the latch  390  is pushed upwardly, allowing the concavity  391  to become engaged with the said cylindrical portion. ( FIG. 19B ) and thus locking in places the leg  306 . 
   Console 
   As mentioned earlier, the videogaming and computer workstation  100  includes a front console unit  200  that is configured to carry a number of computer peripherals and is attached to the base frame  300 . The front console  200  preferably comprises a rigid, tubular steel skeleton or cage  201  ( FIG. 21 ) which includes two symmetrically constructed frames  211  and  211 ′, connected to each other by two horizontal parallel trusses  263  and  267 . Each frame  211  and  211 ′ is constructed of a series of straight tubular steel segments connected to each other. 
   For simplicity only the right frame  211  best visible in  FIGS. 21-23  will be described in detail keeping in mind that its counterpart  211 ′ has a symmetrical configuration. Starting from the top, frame  211  includes a vertical member  222  slightly inclined rearwardly. Substantially at the middle of member  222  a shaft  249  is fixedly attached to the outward facing side of member  222  so that its disengaged end projects outwardly and its main axis is parallel to the floor and perpendicular to a plane that runs through the main longitudinal axis of workstation  100  ( FIG. 21 ). The free end of shaft  249  is threaded. The lower end of member  222  is connected to another vertical member  220  that slopes downwardly. Another vertical segment  218  sloping rearwardly and inwardly has its top end connected to the lower end of segment  220  and supports an outward projecting bracket  267 . A horizontal member  214  has two bends so that its end segments are parallel and the front end is placed closer to a median axis of videogame workstation  100 . The front end of member  214  is attached to the lower end of vertical member  220 . 
     FIGS. 21-23  show that also included in the frame  201  is a pair of symmetrically constructed, L-shaped flat parts  276  and  276 ′ that are fixedly attached to the inward faces of horizontal members  214  and  214 ′. The vertical portions of  217  and  217  are parallel to each other and distanced so that the center leg  306  of base frame  300  can be placed between parts  276  and  276 ′ without interference. The lower ends of the vertical portions of parts  276  and  276 ′ are connected by a shaft  210 , which is arranged to be pivotally supported by the base-mounted bearing  307 , thus creating a pivoting point B. Also included in frame  201  is a pair of flange-mounted bearings  260  and  260 ′ that are bolted to the inward facing sides of members  214 ,  214 ′, substantially close to the front ends thereof. The flange-mounted bearings  260  and  260 ′ are arranged to pivotally support the ends of the shaft  309  included in the frame  308  and create a pivoting point A. 
   Linkage Between Front Console and Chassis 
   Returning now to  FIGS. 22 and 9 , it becomes apparent that the frame  201  effectively closes a linkage comprising the leg  306 , the rectangular frame  308 , and the front end of chassis  302 , where segments A-C and B-D are parallel to each other and of equal length. The four-bar linkage thus created with its four pivot points A, B, C and D serves the purpose of moving the frame  201  closer or farther away from the rear of chassis  302  while keeping it parallel to the ground at all times. Coupled with the already described adjustable locking mechanism  350  it becomes possible for the frame  201  to be locked in a plurality of positions, each in direct relation to the location of the pin  377  inserted in one of the notches  354 ,  354 ′ and corresponding to a unique angle of inclination of both the frame  308  leg  306  in reference to the ground. Since the already described gas springs  337  and  337 ′ are performing a constant extension force upon the leg  306  and frame  308 , the console  200 , is being kept at the farthest location possible in relation to the chair  400 , corresponding to an open position of the workstation  100 . This way, sufficient egress or ingress room is provided for a user, without having to slide uncomfortably in or out of the chair around the armrests of the chair. 
   Console Details 
     FIGS. 23-25  show the preferred embodiment of console unit  200 ; it includes the already described frame  201  onto which symmetrically identical arms  205 ,  205 ′ and a generally U-shaped arm assembly  203  are pivotally attached. Also included are a pair of U-shaped brackets  281  and  281 ′ and a video display terminal mounting bracket  202  placed in the middle of the horizontal connector  267 . Further comprising the front console are two U-shaped brackets  281  and  281 ′, which are fixedly attached to the free, ends of bent horizontal members  214  and  214 ′ respectively. Their ends are stiffened by a horizontal cross-member  279  and  279 ′ respectively. The left cross-member  279  has an oval-shaped cutout  299 . The placement of the brackets  281 ,  281 ′ is such that their free ends are facing outwardly, thus allowing each of them to nest inside a 5.25″ computer drive cage adapter  285  and  285 ′ respectively. These constitute a standardized bracket for a multitude of commercially available computer accessories and allow for supporting two computer drives  613  and  613 ′ ( FIG. 1 ). A third similar bracket  244  is attached to members  276  and  276 ′ so that a device attached therein faces the rear of workstation  100 . 
   Sliding Keyboard Table 
     FIG. 24  describes best two pairs of sliding hardware  295  and  295 ′ having components  298  and  298 ′ respectively fixedly attached to the inward facing sides of brackets  281  and  281 ′ respectively. They are arranged so that the sliding components  296  and  296 ′ respectively are moving along an axis parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the workstation  100 . A flat rectangular table surface  206  made of particle board is attached to the sliding components  296  and  296 ′, so that the table  206  can be pushed forwardly to a new location  206 ′ ( FIG. 25 ) for a distance that creates sufficient space for a shelf  237  of an arm assembly  203  to rest horizontally leveled in a lowered position, according to the scope of the invention. 
   Rotating Table 
     FIGS. 27 and 28  describe a nut-bolt assembly  273  placed inside the oval-shaped cutout  299  of cross-member  279 . It comprises a rod  293  which has a cylindrical collar  294 , placed generally at the middle thereof and larger in diameter than the width of cutout  299 , a threaded top end and with its lower portion arranged to fixedly secure one end of the cable  288 . A flat particle board surface  209 ′ has a bore drilled substantially close to the rear edge thereof, which is engaged with the rod  293  so that the collar  294  acts as a spacer between the cross-member  279  and the surface table  209 ′. A nut  298  is threaded onto rod  293  fixedly securing it to the table  209 ′. The rearward vertical wall of bracket  281 ′ has a bore drilled that accommodates a short tube  286 . The tube  286  has an inner diameter sufficiently large to allow the cable  288  to move freely inside thereof and an exterior diameter large enough to fixedly receive the top end of the flexible cable sleeve  287 . Furthermore, a barrel-shaped part  291  is attached to the frame member  214 ′, substantially close to both the bracket  281 ′ and sliding hardware  295 . The barrel  291  has a bore arranged to receive a short collared rod  289  with a threaded. The bore diameter of barrel  291  and the diameter of the rod  289  are such that the rod  289  can pivot freely inside the barrel  291 , but constrained to pivot only around its own axis. The top part of rod  289  is engaged with a second distinct bore drilled into table  209 ′ substantially close to the forward edge thereof. A nut  290  is threaded onto rod  289  fixedly securing it to the table  209 ′. 
   Operation of Rotating Table 
   As visible in  FIGS. 25 and 27 , taken together the assembly described allows the table  209 ′ to move rotatably in a horizontal plane around a vertical axis that coincides with the vertical axis of rod  289 . The tabletop  209 ′ is arranged so that its top surface is flush with the top surface of rectangular table  206  and shaped so it doesn&#39;t interfere with table  206  at any time during its rotation. The table surface  209 ′ should be large enough and with a shape that provides a comfortable surface to use various computer peripherals. 
   The radial motion of table  209 ′ is constrained by the rod  293  that can only move inside the oval-shaped cutout  299 . This way, when a user pushes forward the table  209 ′, the ensuing rotation movement of the table  209 ′ engages cable the  288  as it rotates around its pivot point, thus pulling downwardly the pin  377  of handle  352  ( FIGS. 19A ,  19 B). 
   Opening and Closing Operations 
   According to the previous descriptions of the base frame  300  and locking mechanism  350 , a user can now sit in the chair  400  and pull the console  200  closer to the chair  400  by grabbing the forward edges of both tables  209  and  209 ′. It exerts sufficient force to overcome the combined extension force of both gas springs  337  and  337 ′ this way engaging the hooks  358 ,  358 ′ with the pin  377  and locking leg  306  and frame  308  in a particular inclination, in accordance with the specific radial position of the handle  352 . This way, the closed position of the workstation  100  is achieved, where the console  200  is close to the chair, allowing for a user seated in the chair  400  to be within ergonomic reach of all peripherals included in console  200 , in accordance with the scope of the invention. As just explained, when a user pushes the side table to a new position  210  ( FIG. 25 ) this determines the release of the hooks  358  and  358 ′, allowing the extension force of gas springs  337  and  337 ′ to bring the leg  306  and frame  308  back to their neutral position as shown in either  FIG. 9  or  FIG. 2 . The room created by the new position of the console  200  allows a user to leave the chair  400  in a comfortable manner. 
   Returning to the description of console  200  as shown in ( FIG. 29 ), fixedly attached to the outside perimeter of the bracket  281  is a plurality of L-shaped supports  283  arranged to secure a second flat surface  209  constructed of particleboard. The top face of the table surface  275  is arranged to be flush with the keyboard support table  206  so that together with table  209 ′ they can create a surface appropriate for placing and using computer accessories such as a keyboard  611  and a mouse  612 . Further included in console unit  200  is an audio system that can may comprise a pair of speakers  616  and  616 ′ secured to frame members  211  and  211 ′ and a subwoofer  617  placed on a L-shaped steel shelf  265  fixedly attached to the inward faces of frames  211  and  211 ′ of frame  201  ( FIG. 29 ). 
   Arms for Peripheral Devices 
   Further included in console  200  are symmetrical arms  205  and  205 ′ which pivotally attach to the frame  201  and comprise tubular steel members  219  and  219 ′, each having their free end segments angled forwardly in relation to the rest of the member. It is important to note that this angle must be such that when the arms  205  are in a lowered position (as shown in  FIG. 30A ), the end-angled segment will be in a parallel position to the floor. Attached to the outward facing sides of the angled segment of members  219 ,  219 ′ are two flat members  217  and  217 ′ respectively that sit in a plane perpendicular to a vertical plane placed along the main longitudinal axis of the workstation  100 . 
   Referring to arms  205  and  205 ′ as they are shown in  FIG. 23  or  24 , it can be appreciated that the flat surfaces  217  and  217 ′ constitute appropriate support for two joystick computer accessories  615  and  615 ′. Also part of each arm  205 ,  205 ′ is a pair of sets of bolts  208 ,  208 ′ projecting upwardly from the flat surfaces  217  and  217 ′. Since virtually all commercially available variations of computer accessory joysticks that are intended to be used as accessories for this invention have keyholes provided to their underside surface, the mushroom shaped bolts  208 ,  208 ′ can be used to secure said joysticks to arms  205  and  205 ′. (See also  FIGS. 32 ,  33 ) 
   In the following description as it is shown in  FIG. 26 , I will only refer to arms  205  and the right half of arm  203  since left arm  205 ′ is symmetrical to  205  and the left half of  203  is symmetrical to the right half of  203 . Member  219  has a bored lower end arranged to receive a tubular sleeve  221  fixedly attached thereof and projecting outwardly. A bore  223  is drilled in a radial direction only once through the wall of the sleeve, without penetrating it twice. Also included in arm  205  is another sleeve  225  sized so that it fits snugly inside the first sleeve  221 . The inner diameter of sleeve  225  is sized so that it can pivot freely only around its main longitudinal axis when being engaged with the shaft  249 . The left end of sleeve  225  has a cylindrical collar  227  fixedly attached thereto and a cam  229  is secured to collar  227  in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of sleeve. The free end of sleeve  225  has a threaded lumen  233  where a bolt  226  can be threaded therein. Sleeve  225 , collar  227  and cam  229  comprise a hub  224 . It is important to note that lumen  233  and bore  223  of sleeve  221  must be able to overlap so that in a situation where sleeve  225  is placed inside sleeve  221 , the bolt  226  can be threaded into sleeve  225  through bore  223 . 
     FIGS. 24 ,  25  show how the rotatable frame  203  includes two straight arms  231  and  231 ′ that have each of their top ends attached to inward angled plates  239  and  239 ′ respectively. Connecting the two free ends of plates  239  and  239 ′ is a flat shelf  237  made of particleboard that can support a commercially available steering wheel computer accessory  614 . Returning to  FIG. 26  and discussing only the lower right half of arm  203  it is visible that the lower end of arm  231  has a bore arranged to fixedly receive a sleeve  234  such that a large portion of it is placed inside the bore in arm  231  and only short edges project outwardly. The left end of sleeve  234  has a cam  235  fixedly attached thereto. 
     FIG. 26  shows best how to assemble the pivoting points of arm  205  and the right half of arm  203 : first, a thin ring-shaped spacer  245  is positioned concentrically along the shaft  249 . The cylindrical hub  224  is engaged with shaft  249  pressing against ring  245 . Next, the sleeve  234  of arm  231  is concentrically engaged with the sleeve  225  pressing against collar  227 . Anther ring-shaped spacer  247  is similarly engaged unto sleeve  225  and pressed against the exposed end of sleeve  234 . Following the spacer  247  is sleeve  221  of arm  219  that is tightly fitted onto sleeve  225  so that the bolt  226  can be threaded into lumen  233  passing snugly through the bore  223 . Further tightening the bolt  223  will secure arm  219  to hub  224 . Lastly, a washer  241  and a hex nut  243  threaded onto the free end of shaft  249  is keeping all described parts pressed against each other. Taken together, the assembly described allows the arm  219  and hub  224  to pivot freely as a single unit around the main longitudinal axis of shaft  249  while arm  231  can pivot independently from arm  219  around the same axis. An extension force gas spring device  251  has its upper eyelet  255  hingedly connected to cam  229  and its lower eyelet hingedly connected to the bracket  267  ( FIG. 23 ). Similarly, an identical gas spring device  257  has its upper eyelet  261  hingedly connected to cam  235  and its lower eyelet hingedly attached to the same bracket  267 . 
   In accordance with the scope of the invention and best described in  FIG. 31 , they should be arranged so that the imaginary axes that connect the lower eyelets of gas springs  251  and  257  and the upper eyelets, respectively, are parallel to the main longitudinal axis of shaft  249 . The angular disposition of gas springs  251  and  257 , cams  235  and  229  in relation to arms  231  and  219  and their pivoting point F concurrent with axis of shaft  249  will be discussed only for arm  203  as shown in  FIG. 31 . The elevated position of arm  203  where it is inclined sufficiently to rest generally in front and above of the VDT  610  will be taken as a reference and considered the start of the travel path. The cam  229 , gas spring  257  and bracket  267  should be arranged so that the arm  203  is maintained in an elevated position by the extension force exerted by the gas spring  257 . 
   Operation of Arms 
   Furthermore, the arrangement of the aforementioned points should allow the gas spring to be compressed fully once a user has pulled down the arm  203  halfway through its lowest position where the shelf  237  is horizontal. The user continuing to pull down the arm  203 , the gas spring now passes its tipping point where pivot point F and both ends of gas spring  257  are perfectly aligned and the gas spring is fully compressed. Past this point it pushes the cam  235  upwardly determining cam  235  and arm  231  to move in a see-saw motion in relation to pivot point F. According to the description, the arm  203  and similarly arms  205  and  205 ′ will be capable of describing a rocking motion where a user has to manually rotate any of the arms for an initial section x or y of the movement, overcoming the force opposed by the gas spring attached to said arms until the user brings it past the maximum compression point. Thus, if the arm starts in either a lowered or lifted position the last portion of the swing will be executed by the extension force of the gas spring, which will also effectively keep the arm in its final desired position. The entire pivotal motion z described by arms  205 ,  205 ′ and  203  is limited at its top end by the maximum stroke that the gas spring devices  251  and  257  allow. It is important to remember that the flat portions  217 ,  217 ′ of arms  205 ,  205 ′ and table  237  of arm  203  must be in a horizontal position at their maximum low end of the course. The maximum angle z of the rotation described by arms  205 ,  205 ′ and  203  should be chosen to be at least 90 degrees, allowing the peripherals supported by these arms to be stowed away and not interfere with the current activity a user performs. 
   Chair 
     FIGS. 34 and 35  show that a reclining chair  400  as a part of the workstation  100  includes a back support surface  401  fixedly attached to a rigid chair frame  411 , a seat support surface  402  fixedly attached to a pair of ledgers  483  and  483 ′, a pair of arms  403  and  403 ′ attached to the back frame  413  and a reclining mechanism  430 . The seat  402  and backrest  401  are connected through a reclining mechanism  430  to a pair of supporting arms  530  and  530 ′. The arms  530  and  530 ′ are vertically movable and are part of the undercarriage  500  introduced at the beginning of this description that is attached to the rear end of the chassis  300 . A horizontal shaft  419  included in the tilt mechanism  430  is fixedly secured to the arms  530  and  530 ′ of undercarriage  500  and bears the back chair frame  411  and the comprising parts of the reclining mechanism  430  which in turn supports the seat  402  and links it to the back chair frame  411 . A detailed description of securing the chair  400  to the undercarriage  500  is provided in a following description. 
   In a preferred embodiment a pair of speakers  616   c  and  616   d  are attached to the chair frame  411  and a cover shell  426  is attached to the rigid frame of the back  411 , acting as a sound barrier for the speakers  616   c  and  616   d , so that as little noise as possible is propagated around the workstation  100 . 
   Chair Frame 
   Further looking at  FIG. 35  is visible that the chair frame  411  has a symmetrical shape in relation to an imaginary vertical plane placed along the main longitudinal center axis of the workstation  100 . Starting from the top, the chair frame  411  comprises two vertical S-shaped members  413  and  413 ′ respectively, which have their top ends placed substantially outward in relation to their bottom ends. A substantially horizontal cross-member  412  fixedly bolts together the top ends of side members  413  and  413 ′. A pair of generally horizontal members  414  and  414 ′ have their rear ends bent upwardly and connected to the bottom ends of vertical members  413  and  413 ′ respectively. Two cylindrical tubes  423  and  423 ′ are fixedly attached to the underside of each member  414  and  414 ′ respectively, and placed generally at the middle thereof ( FIG. 36 ). Two sloped segments  415  and  415 ′ connect the front ends of members  414  and  414 ′ to a pair of sleeves  416  and  416 ′ respectively that are engaged with shaft  419  so that they can pivot freely around the longitudinal axis thereof. Another horizontal member  417  is perpendicularly bolted to the inward facing sides of members  414  and  414 ′, substantially at their top ends. It is important to note that the chair frame  411  is such configured that it can be assembled and disassembled repeatedly into two halves that allow the placing of the tilting mechanism  430  between them. 
   Reclining Mechanism and Actuating Lever 
   As per  FIG. 37 , the tilting mechanism  430  includes a cable-actuating lever assembly  405  attached to the underside of armrest  403 . The lever assembly  405  has a pivoting lever  404 , which fixedly receives one end of a steel cable  435 . By pushing up the free end of lever  404  a rotation movement will occur which in turn pulls the cable  435  inside a flexible, uncompressible sleeve  435  which is not movable in relation to the cable  435  or lever  404 . The components described function according to the known prior art of cable-actuated assemblies. 
   As visible in  FIG. 38  a cable-actuated, extension-force locking gas spring  432  is further included in reclining mechanism  430 . The prior art of cable-actuated, lockable gas springs is known, so no detailed description of the gas spring  432  is provided. It is only important for our description to say that the gas spring has inside its main cylinder a piston and valve arrangement which can block the piston in any point along the stroke thereof, and a cable-actuated assembly must activate said valve to unlock the piston and exercise the extension force of the spring included. The release of the cable-actuated assembly locks the piston in a new position along its stroke. In our particular case, the lever assembly  405  activates the valve inside the gas spring  432  by moving the cable  435  inside the flexible, uncompressible sleeve  431 . 
   Bracket  438   
   As seen in  FIGS. 36 and 42 , the reclining mechanism  430  also includes a member  438  welded to the shaft  419  and placed at the center thereof. The part  438  comprises a flat crescent-shaped bracket member  437  with a sleeve  436  welded with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the plane of member  437 . The sleeve  436  is placed closer to the convex side of the L-shaped member  437  and it protrudes with equal amounts on each side thereof. The sleeve  436  is welded onto shaft  419  and placed so that its ends are equally spaced from the ends of shaft  419 . The orientation of the member  437  is so that it sits in a substantially vertical plane and its ends are generally above each other with the concave portion oriented rearwardly. A rod  440  with right-hand threaded ends is welded to a bore drilled substantially at the top end of member  437 , so that both its ends are equally spaced away from the vertical faces thereof. On each side of member  437  are two ring-shaped spacers  442 ,  442 ′ tightly fit around the rod and pressed against the sides of member  437 . Two eyelets  444  and  444 ′ are fixedly attached to each side of L-shaped member  437 , substantially at the bottom end thereof. 
   The gas spring  432  has its top end pivotally attached to a pair of eyelets  418  and  418 ′ which are in turn fixedly attached to the horizontal cross-member  417  and its bottom end hingedly attached to the eyelets  444  and  444 ′ of part  438 . Taken together, the parts of locking mechanism  430  described so far allow the back chair frame  411  to pivot around the longitudinal axis of horizontal shaft  419 , with its inclination angle relative to the floor  10 . 1  controlled by the gas spring  432 . 
   Back Tilting Operation 
   As per  FIG. 37 , the pivot point of the back chair frame  411  and the hinged ends of the gas spring  432  should be arranged so that the total length of the stroke of gas spring  432  allows the back chair frame  411  to tilt pivotally at 25 degrees or more in relation the floor  101 , distributed such that there are three preferred tilt positions: Maximum rear tilt corresponds to a relaxed posture, neutral tilt is rotated forward 15 degrees in relation to the maximum rear tilt, and maximum forward tilt corresponding to an alert posture is a full 25 degrees in relation to the maximum rear tilt. 
   Components  462   
   Also included in reclining mechanism  430  are two generally upright members  462  and  462 ′, best visible in  FIG. 42 . Since they are symmetrically configured in relation to a vertical plane placed along the main center longitudinal axis of workstation  100 , a description is provided only for the right side member  462 . As visible in  FIG. 41 , upright member  462  is comprised of a elongated member  463  and two rounded nuts  464  and  466  with internal threads, fixedly attached to the right face of member  463  at the top and bottom ends thereof respectively, and a third rounded nut  465  with internal thread which is fixedly attached to the left face of member  463 , coaxially placed with nut  466 . 
   See-Saw Links  448   
   Further included in reclining mechanism  430  are two symmetrically configured see-saw links or rocker cams  448  and  448 ′ respectively ( FIG. 40 , part  448 ′ not shown). Each includes a crescent-shaped member  452  and  452 ′ respectively, positioned so that its concavity faces upwardly. Furthermore, members  452  and  452 ′ have each of their front ends projecting outwardly relative to their rear ends. Two pairs of bores  450 ,  450 ′ and  451 ,  451  are placed substantially at the front and rear ends, respectively, of each member  452  and  452 ′. Two sleeves  453  and  453 ′ are fixedly attached generally at the middle section of each crescent shape  452  and  452 ′ respectively. The rocker cams  448  and  448 ′ are engaged with the shaft  419  so that they are located to the right and left of part  438 , respectively and pivoting freely around the longitudinal axis of shaft  419 . 
   See-Saw Links  454   
   Also included in the reclining mechanism  430  and best described in  FIG. 39  is a pair of linking see-saw members  454  and  454 ′. Members  454  and  454 ′ are identical to each other, so a detailed description is provided only for linking member  454 . The link  454  is comprised of two parallel end sections  456  and  456 , connected by a middle section  455  such that the front section  457  is placed forwardly and above section  456 , while being placed in the same vertical plane. Each end  456  and  457  has an oval-shaped cutout  458  and  459 , respectively. Also a bore  460  is placed substantially at the front end of section  457 . 
   Linking of All Components 
   All described members  462 ,  462 ′,  454 ,  454 ′  448  and  448 ′ can be linked to the previously described group of elements that tilts the back chair frame  411 . This way, a seat reclining mechanism is assembled, so that the reclining of the back  401  by the user determines a tilt of the seat  402  in accordance with the scope of the invention. 
   As best seen in  FIG. 42 , the pair of connecting ledgers  480  and  480 ′ have each a rounded nut  482  and  482 ′ welded at each of their front ends, respectively. A pair of bolts  478  and  478 ′ threaded into the nuts  482 ,  482 ′ are pivotally connecting the front bores  451 ,  450 ′ of rocker cams  448 ,  448 ′ to the front ends of ledgers  480 ,  480 ′ respectively. Two cylindrical sleeves  481  and  481 ′ welded to each of the rear ends of ledgers  480  and  480 ′ respectively, are pivotally connected to members  462  and  462 ′ by a pair of bolts  472  and  472 ′ threaded into the rounded nuts  464 ,  464 ′ of members  462 ,  462 ′ respectively. Furthermore, another pair of bolts  472 ,  472 ′ passing through the tubes  423 ,  423 ′ of chair frame  411  and threaded into the rounded nuts  466 ,  466 ′ of members  462  and  462 ′ respectively, pivotally connect these members  462 ,  462 ′ to the chair frame  411 . 
   As best observed in  FIGS. 42 and 43 , the last pieces in place necessary to complete the tilting mechanism are the already described links  454  and  454 ′. These links are acting like a see-saw, transmitting the rotation movement of the back chair frame  411  around the shaft  419  directly to the rear ends of rocker cams  448  and  448 ′. This is achieved on one end by engaging the oval cutouts  458 ,  458 ′ of links  454 ,  454 ′ around the rounded nuts  465 ,  465 ′ of upright members  462 ,  462 ′. On the other end, the front bores  460 ,  460 ′ of links  454 ,  454 ′ respectively, are pivotally connected to the rear bores  451  and  451 ′ of rocker cams  448 ,  448 ′ respectively by a pair of bolt and nut assemblies  484  and  484 ′. Furthermore, to achieve the desired linkage each of the front oval cutouts  459  and  459 ′ of links  454 ,  454 ′ are also constrained by two pairs of bolts and washers  441 ,  443  and  441 ′,  443 ′ ( FIG. 42 ). to a sliding and pivoting movement around the non-threaded portion of each end of the rod  440  comprising part  438 , so that the rod  440  acts as pivoting point for the see-saw movement of links  454  and  454 ′. 
   Chair Seat Tilting Operation 
   As best visible in  FIGS. 45 ,  46 ,  47 , the assemblage described so far determines the pivoting of rocker cams  448 ,  448 ′ in relation to the movement and angle of the back chair frame  411 . In explaining the working of the linkage it should be considered that the starting point of the movement shown in  FIG. 45  is when the back is at its maximum backward tilt, positioned so by a user that pushes the seat backwardly against the force performed by the gas spring, while simultaneously pushing up the actuating lever  404  to unlock the gas spring  432  ( FIG. 37 ). In this position the links  454 ,  454 ′ have their upper ends at their maximum elevation, and that in turn determines the farthest and lowest position for the pivot point  450  of ledger  483 , as rocker cam  448  is at its maximum forward rotation. Together with the connecting member  462  that is at its lowest position in relation to floor  101  being linked to the chair frame  411 , they establish the lowest elevation and a sloped position for the ledger  483 , which supports the seat  402 . The angle between the seat and backrest is at its maximum, allowing for a relaxed posture of a user sitting in the chair  400 . 
   The opposite end of the entire course is shown in  FIG. 47 , when a user positions the back frame at its maximum upper limit of the tilt by releasing an actuating lever  404 , part of a lever assembly  405 , and allowing the gas spring to push up the back chair frame  411 . The link  454  thus determines a counterclockwise rotation of rocker cam  448  around shaft  419 , positioning its pivot point  450  and front end of ledger  483  at their highest possible points while being pushed toward the rear. Because connecting member  462  is now at the highest elevation in relation to floor  101 , the ledger  483  thus achieves a maximum height and a new tilt closer to a horizontal position that corresponds to a more alert posture of a user sitting in the chair  400 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the seat is arranged such that it leans slightly forward when ledgers  483 ,  483 ′ are at their maximum forward tilt. Also, by locking the gas spring at any point along its stroke length through the actuating of the lever assembly  405  it is possible to achieve a plurality of inclinations of the back-seat assembly, according to the particular needs of a user, in accordance with the scope of the invention. One such possible inclination is shown in  FIG. 46  that corresponds to a normal posture. 
   The arrangement and dimensions of the parts of tilting mechanism  430  is such that it allows the seat  402  to tilt at roughly half the tilt angle of the back  401 , referred to the floor  101 . At the same time, the seat moves slightly back and forth when the back frame tilts up and down, respectively, compensating the shear affect that appears in the clothing of a user. A preferred relation is shown in  FIG. 37 , where the seat tilts 12 degrees in relation to the floor  101  and the total tilt of the seat is arranged so that 8 degrees of rear tilt correspond to the 15 degrees of tilt of the back frame, referred to the neutral position of the back. The remaining 4 degrees of seat tilt are corresponding to the remaining 10 degrees of forward tilt of the back frame, referred to the neutral position. 
   Chair Lifting Undercarriage 
   The chair  400  can also be placed at different height positions relative to the floor  101  depending on the particular human dimension of a user. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adjustable chair  400  is attached to the undercarriage  500  that allows said chair to be cantilevered from the rear portion of the base frame  300 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 48 , the undercarriage  500  includes the pair of supporting arms  530  and  530 ′ that in turn fixedly support the shaft  419  of chair  400 . The symmetrically constructed arms  530 ,  530 ′ are generally boomerang shaped, with the convex portion oriented upwardly. Two rounded nuts  536  and  536 ′, are attached to the outward face of each of the arms  530 ,  530 ′ and arranged coaxially with a bore placed at substantially the lower rear ends of arms  530 ,  530 ′. Also a pair of bores  533 ,  533 ′ is drilled generally at the middle of arms  530 ,  530 ′, and another pair of bores  532 ,  532 ′ placed substantially at the front ends of arms  530 ,  530 ′ is arranged to fixedly receive the shaft  419  of chair  400 . 
   Further included in the undercarriage  500  is a pair of cams  504  and  504 ′ that have their rear ends fixedly connected to a shaft  514  at each ends thereof. A pair of base-mount ball-bearings  516  and  516 ′ are attached to the stiffening plate  322  of the chassis  302  so that when the shaft  514  is engaged with the ball-bearings  516 ,  516 ′ they allow each of the cams  504 ,  504 ′ to pivot freely in a vertical plane.  FIG. 48  shows that also included in the undercarriage  500  is a pair of symmetrically constructed ball-joint linkages  520  and  520 ′. Describing only the linkage  520  it can be seen that it is comprised by a rod  526  that has two identical ball-joint rod ends  522  and  523  attached thereto. Each rod end has a male threaded shank  524  and  525  respectively, which can pivot freely inside housing ends  522 ,  523 . The threaded shanks  525  and  525 ′are bolted to the angled braces  324  and  324 ′ respectively of chassis  300 , having their rear pivoting ends  523  and  523 ′ respectively, placed substantially above the shaft  514 .  FIG. 48  further shows that each of the shanks  524 ,  524 ′ are engaged with the bores  533 ,  533 ′, of arms  530 ,  530 ′ and secured thereto by a pair of hex nuts  534  and  534 ′, respectively. Also, the remaining ends of the cams  504 ,  504 ′ each have a pair of bores  505  and  505 ′ respectively, which are pivotally attached to the rear ends of supporting arms  530 ,  530 ′ by a pair of bolts  503 ,  503 ′ threaded onto the rounded nuts  536  and  536 ′, respectively. A pair of ring-shaped spacers  502  and  502 ′ are placed between each of the linkages  530 ,  504 ′ and  530 ′,  504 ′, respectively, in order to create enough room for all of the moving parts and not interfere with each other. Thus, two symmetrically constructed four-bar linkages are created, where the first links  504  and  504 ′ are rigidly connected to each other. The second pair of restraining links  520  and  520 ′ must have the same distance between their pivot points as the cams  504  and  504 ′ have, allowing the supporting arms  530  and  530 ′ to move following an arcuate path, but at the same time keeping the arms  530 ,  530 ′ at parallel instances along the movement path. 
   Also included in the undercarriage  500  and best visible in  FIGS. 49 and 50  is a connector  506 , comprised of a pair of symmetrical arms  507 ,  507 ′ fixedly attached to the inside faces of arms  504 ,  604 ′ respectively. Further included in connector  506  is a cross-member  508  also rigidly attached to the inside of arms  504 ,  504 ′. The arms  507  and  507 ′ are shaped so that their upper ends are closer together, and a bore is drilled at the upper ends thereof, constituting an eyelet which pivotally secures the upper end of an extension-force lockable gas spring  512  by means of a nut and bolt assembly  517 . The functioning of the gas spring  512  is identical to the previously described spring  432 , part of the chair tilting mechanism  430 . The gas spring  512  has its remaining lower end pivotally attached to a pair of eyelets  318  which in turn are secured to the oblong members  320 ,  320 ′ of chassis  302  and is actuated by a lever assembly  405 ′ which moves a cable  511  inside a cable sleeve  513 . The lever assembly  405 ′ is attached to the underside of the chair armrest  403 ′ ( FIG. 2 ). In accordance with the scope of the invention, when a user activates the lever assembly  405 ′, the gas spring pushes upwardly the connector  506 , determining a rotational movement of cams  504  and  504 ′ around the axis of shaft  514 . Because cams  504 ,  504 ′ and ball-joint linkages  520 ,  520 ′ restrain the movement of the arms  530 ,  530 ′ as already explained, the resulting motion can only be a vertical elevation of the arms  530 ,  530 ′, albeit along a radial path. The pivot points of the four-bar linkages described are establishing the center of the radial path of arms  530 ,  530 ′ generally above the rear pivot points of both the links  520 ,  520 ′ and cams  504 ,  504 ′. The advantage of this configuration is that as a user releases the spring  512  to elevate the chair  400 , the motion described will also bring the chair forward. This is useful since a person with short members will also want to be closer to the front console  200 . This combined movement can eliminate the need for repositioning the console  200  closer to the chair  400  by adjusting the angle of the legs  308  and  306  or provide extra finely-tuned adjustability in concurrence with the positioning of legs  306 ,  308 . 
   Electrical System 
   In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electrical system is also included in the workstation  100 , as per  FIG. 55 , allowing the workstation  100  to function similarly to an appliance. A housing or mount for a computer or CPU  600  is preferably provided attached to or adjacent to the chassis under the chair. A box  603  placed at the rear of the chassis  302  can be connected to an external power source, such as a household wall plug. Also, a network connection routed to the CPU  600  is included in the box  603  allowing the workstation  100  to connect to a computer network, an Internet connection or similar workstations. Another electrical interfacing box  602  serves as a connection between the computer  600 , the box  603 , the screen, the keyboard, the peripheral device and the rest of electrical components attached to the workstation  100 . The computer  600  has a cover plate  601 , which protects all the wiring associated with a CPU unit, and funnels the physical cablings into the interface box  602 . The interface box  602  powers and connects to the CPU  600  a switch box  620  which in turn connects the keyboard  611 , mouse  612  and peripheral components  614 ,  615 ,  615 ′ to the CPU. Also, the VDT  610  and disk drives  613  and  613 ′ are connected directly to the interface box  602 , which in turn routes them to the CPU  600 . A sound system  616 , which includes a subwoofer  617 , is also connected electrically to the CPU  600  via the interface box  602 . As described, the wiring of all the peripherals and input devices can be conveniently connected to either one of the interfaces  602  or  620 , and only one single interface connects to the CPU. This eliminates long wiring paths and reduces redundancy for the power supplies needed by the various components by acting as an extension cord incorporated with the workstation  100 . Ports or jacks are also provided so as to permit interchangeability of one or more of the peripheral devices. In an alternative embodiment, data connections to one or more of the peripheral devices may be provided wirelessly. 
   Alternative Embodiment with Overhead Chassis 
     FIG. 52  describes an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the means for supporting the console is positioned overhead rather than in front of the chair. 
   In this embodiment, an overhead chassis  701  is provided, which comprises generally longitudinal overhead support members  710  and  710 ′ extending approximately horizontally over and beyond the front of an adjustable chair  400 , the support members being attached to support legs  708  and  708 ′, the legs being attached to a base member  706  under the chair. 
   Pivotally attached to the support members is a console  200  pivotally attached to the support arms by console arms  712  and  712 ′ at pivot points  714  and  714 ′. A biasing means such as a gas spring  716 ′ may be attached between at least one overhead support member and at least one console arm to provide a motion limiting and damping function for the console as the user pivots the console toward and away. The structure and function of the console is the same as in the previous embodiments described above, except that it is being hung in front of the user from above rather than being supported from below. 
   Alternative Embodiment with Peripheral Device Attached to Supporting Members 
     FIGS. 53 and 54  describe an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the console  200  is pivotally attached to the base frame  300  at a pivoting point M. 
   In this embodiment, the supporting members  308 ′ of base frame  300  are pivotally attached to the chassis  302  at a pivoting point M and are configured to support the peripheral pivoting arms  203 ,  205  and  205 ′, screen  610 , side tables  209  and  209 ′ (not visible), the keyboard  611  and sound system components  616 A and  616 B. The positioning of the pivoting point M in relation to the mass center of console  200  is such that it allows the console  200  to pivot between two extreme positions, biased in either of the two by a downward gravitational force. Means of limiting the pivoting range of support members  308  are provided so that when console  200  is at the closest position to the chair  400 , all peripherals mounted hereupon are within comfortable reach of a user seated in the chair  400  and when at its farthest position it allows comfortable exit of a user from the chair  400 . 
   While the invention has been described herein with reference to certain preferred embodiments, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and not to limit the scope of the invention.