Abstract:
A linear arrangement comprising a pole having at least one adjustable arm for storing and using devices in a utility space, such as workspaces for home entertainment, accessory storage, for use by automotive mechanics, artists, seamstresses, beauticians, aestheticians, doctors, dentists, manicurists, cosmetologists, jewelers, musicians, or anyone requiring easy access to a multiplicity of work areas and equipment is provided. The present invention could also be used for display purposes in a retail setting, or for storage. It could also be used as a host stand in a restaurant, or in a kitchen for holding a multiplicity of appliances.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to the field of utility spaces. Specifically this invention relates to a linear arrangement for storing and using devices in a utility station, such as workspaces for home entertainment, accessory storage, for use by automotive mechanics, artists, seamstresses, beauticians, aestheticians, or anyone requiring easy access to a multiplicity of work areas and equipment. It is also useful for storage or display of a variety of components. The linear utility station of the present invention can be utilized in any orientation such as vertical, horizontal or any angle in between vertical and horizontal, according to the needs of the user. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The utility or work station, or desk as it was previously known, is an integral part of most people&#39;s homes. Over the years, devices such as computers and all their accessories and peripherals have added considerable requirements to the desk from a simple table to an accessory storage system, a.k.a. utility station. Depending on how many accessories you wish to have, these utility stations can be considerable in size. In addition, there are ergonomic concerns due to the time spent at these utility stations, using keyboards and sitting in chairs for longer periods of time. Therefore, inventors have created several solutions to make the utility stations more adjustable to the specific user, while keeping the utility station footprint or area required as small as possible. 
         [0003]    Bollman U.S. Pat. No. 4,705,327 discloses a multi adjustable multi functional work station system. This system appears to use a plurality of work surfaces and therefore has a considerable footprint. 
         [0004]    Schwartz U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,835 discloses an automatic vertically adjustable work surface. This system appears to attach a work surface to a wall and does not consider the other components to a modern utility station such as a computer or monitor. 
         [0005]    Maguire U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,666 shows an ergonomic operator utility station having a monitor with wing unit. This system appears to have a considerable footprint and does not appear to be adaptable to any new accessory that the user may wish to add at a later date. 
         [0006]    Richard U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,323 shows an ergonomic computer utility station that appears to use a desk configuration and therefore a considerable footprint. In addition, it appears to lack adaptability to any new accessory or component that may come in the future. 
         [0007]    Sweere U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,849 discloses a lift system for a monitor and keyboard that attaches to the wall. This is specifically for the lift system and does not consider other utility station components. 
         [0008]    US patent publication to Johnson, Publication number 2006/0054751 includes a vertically adjustable mobile computer utility station that appears to be a cart system to carry and store a computer, monitor and keyboard. It does not consider any other accessories. The keyboard and monitor may also not be adjustable relative to each other. 
         [0009]    Weener U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,783 discloses a portable multipurpose floor ceiling pole for an office. This pole appears to be a telescopic support pole for offices with clamps or brackets for office furniture. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention provides improvements over these previous designs by providing a more comprehensive utility station, capable of managing many electronic components or accessories, using minimal space and with maximum ergonomic potential. Electronic components are defined as modern technology elements such as computer components, including monitors, key boards, scanners, fax machines, “x-box” consoles, “m-box” consoles, “Ipod” or Mp3 accessories as well as speakers, lamps and work space, for example. 
         [0011]    Specifically, this invention relates to a linear arrangement for storing and using devices in a utility space, such as workspaces for home entertainment, accessory storage, for use by automotive mechanics, artists, seamstresses, beauticians, aestheticians, doctors, dentists, manicurists, cosmetologists, jewelers, musicians, or anyone requiring easy access to a multiplicity of work areas and equipment. The present invention could also be used for display purposes in a retail setting, or for storage. It could also be used as a host stand in a restaurant, or in a kitchen for holding a multiplicity of appliances. 
         [0012]    In many home, commercial and office environments, abundant space is not always available, especially for the ever growing number of components and accessories that can be part of a utility station, such as speakers, camera printers and multiple monitors. This invention provides a method of managing these components at positions convenient to the user while minimizing the amount of space required. The present invention facilitates the use of a single work station by multiple users, such as shift workers. The instant invention is also useful in dorm rooms or loft homes, which have a minimum of space. 
         [0013]    In addition to spatial constraints, wiring for the growing number of components is also a consideration. Many utility stations require at least one, and often more than one power strip to accommodate all of the components. The present invention provides a means for accommodating a multiplicity of wiring and communications cables together with an integrated electrical power strip to conveniently, safely and neatly provide access for all components. Such wiring for components may include, for example an Ethernet jack, phone jack, or other network and connectivity components, and electrification for lighting or other components. 
         [0014]    This utility station is intended to be easily moved or repositioned when necessary. The arms of the invention can then be folded and the unit moved to a corner when not in use, providing the user with more space when required. 
         [0015]    The individual accessories and components may be repositioned to the user&#39;s benefit using a variety of hinges and joints. The joints may be of a variety of configurations including elbow joints and block joints, for example. The joints may be locking joints. Any joints for permitting the movement and stabilization of the various platforms of the work station are envisioned. The present invention provides improved ergonomics over many existing utility stations. 
         [0016]    The accessories or components could easily be repositioned when not in use. This invention could therefore take up less space when not in use. 
         [0017]    Furniture such as lap tables, shelving or filing cabinets could be attached to this utility station also if necessary to add utility. 
         [0018]    Any number of arms could be added to the utility station pole to add utility and maximize space efficiency. 
         [0019]    The utility station of the present invention provides many advantages over the existing utility station designs. It is flexible and able to adapt to the changing technology world. It takes up minimal space and will accommodate a wide range of ergonomic requirements and can be repositioned for multiple users. 
         [0020]    An alternative embodiment comprises hydraulic means for repositioning the various arms of the invention. 
         [0021]    An alternative embodiment comprises a utility station having a multiple leg or support base such as a tripod base fixture. 
         [0022]    An alternative embodiment comprises a work station having a base fixture and the top of the pole comprises a torchiere light fixture for accommodating an upward directed light bulb. 
         [0023]    An alternative embodiment comprises a utility station which has a mount from the ceiling. 
         [0024]    An alternative embodiment comprises an arm for holding an adjustable magnifying glass. This is useful for jewelers, anglers and other hobbyists. 
         [0025]    An alternative embodiment comprises a control panel to control the position of the arms electronically and to control the lighting. 
         [0026]    One embodiment of the invention comprises a table top having a hole in the middle to accommodate the vertical pole, for use by a multiplicity of users simultaneously with or without seating for these users situated on a multiplicity of arms. 
         [0027]    An alternative embodiment of the present invention can have at least one end of the pole fastened to a wall, and the pole can be oriented in a horizontal position. 
         [0028]    An additional alternative embodiment can have the pole in a horizontal orientation overhead of the user with the arms holding the components hanging down to a suitable position for the user. 
         [0029]    The components of the present invention can be made from a variety of materials including, but not limited to: wood, aluminum, graphite, plastic, alloys, other metals and thermoplastic materials and composite materials, for example. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the linear utility station of the present invention in a vertical orientation. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2   a  shows an embodiment of the present invention illustrating both a base and a ceiling fixture. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2   b  shows an embodiment of the present invention illustrating a base fixture. 
           [0033]      FIG. 2   c  shows an embodiment of the present invention illustrating a ceiling fixture. 
           [0034]      FIG. 3   a  shows one embodiment of the pole base&#39;s configuration. 
           [0035]      FIG. 3   b  shows an alternative embodiment of the pole base&#39;s configuration. 
           [0036]      FIG. 4   a  shows an embodiment of a base cross section and floor fixture mechanism. 
           [0037]      FIG. 4   b  shows an alternative embodiment of a base cross section and floor fixture mechanism. 
           [0038]      FIG. 4   c  shows an alternative embodiment of a base cross section and floor fixture mechanism. 
           [0039]      FIG. 4   d  shows an alternative embodiment of a base cross section and floor fixture mechanism which is bolted to the floor. 
           [0040]      FIG. 4   e  shows an alternative embodiment of a base cross section and floor fixture mechanism which is not bolted to the floor. 
           [0041]      FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of a ceiling fixture cross section. 
           [0042]      FIG. 6   a  shows an embodiment of a wall fixture mechanism. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6   b  shows an embodiment of the pole height adjustment mechanism. 
           [0044]      FIG. 6   c  shows an additional embodiment of the pole height adjustment mechanism. 
           [0045]      FIG. 7  shows a side view of the accessory attachment means. 
           [0046]      FIG. 8   a  shows an embodiment of the arm hinge means. 
           [0047]      FIG. 8   b  shows a top view of an embodiment of the accessory collar positioning means. 
           [0048]      FIG. 9   a  shows an additional embodiment of an accessory collar positioning mechanism. 
           [0049]      FIG. 9   b  shows a top view of the additional embodiment of an accessory collar positioning mechanism. 
           [0050]      FIG. 10  shows an arm positioning mechanism using a ball and socket. 
           [0051]      FIG. 11   a  shows a side view of an accessory arm elbow rotation mechanism. 
           [0052]      FIG. 11   b  shows a top view of an accessory arm elbow rotation mechanism. 
           [0053]      FIG. 12  shows a means for accommodating the wiring and electrical connections. 
           [0054]      FIG. 13  shows an embodiment of a block joint. 
           [0055]      FIG. 14  shows an embodiment of how the arms connect to the pole. 
           [0056]      FIG. 15  shows an embodiment of how the arms move vertically along the pole. 
           [0057]      FIG. 16  shows an alternative embodiment of how the arms connect to the pole. 
           [0058]      FIG. 17  shows an alternative embodiment shown an alternative base and additional retention system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0059]    The term “work station” and “utility station” are to be construed as meaning the same thing. Also, even though most of the following description is directed toward a vertical utility station, it is to be understood that other orientations, such as horizontal, or any other angle is also encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0060]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the invention of the present invention showing the vertical utility station and some possible components. 
         [0061]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  show two possible embodiments of the vertical workspace support pole  1 . Pole  1  consists of a tube that may be circular in cross section. The cross-section of pole  1  may also be other shapes if necessary for structural requirements or aesthetics, such as rectangular, square, triangular, oval, elliptical or other shape. The pole  1  is made from a significantly structurally supportive material, such as steel or aluminum, for example, so as to support the weight of the components or accessories that will be attached to pole  1 . Pole  1  may be a solid tube or hollow. In one preferred embodiment, the pole  1  is at least partially hollow so as to accommodate wiring connections including but not limited to electrical power, USB, cable, speaker wire or internet connections, for example. 
         [0062]    In  FIG. 2   a , pole  1  spans between the floor  2  and the ceiling  3 . The ceiling  3  may be a drop ceiling or fixed ceiling. At the bottom of the pole  1  there is a pole base  4 . At the top of the pole  1 , there is a ceiling flange  6 . This ceiling flange  6  provides pole stabilization using pressure against the ceiling  3  or mechanical attachment means to the ceiling  3 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 2   b  shows the pole  1  spanning from the floor to some desired height, but does not necessarily touch the ceiling  3 . At the bottom of the pole  1  there is a pole base  4 . Base  4  can be equipped with wheels (not shown) for ease of relocation. The wheels can be locking wheels to provide stability when the pole is in its new location. 
         [0064]      FIG. 3   a  shows a top view of an embodiment for the pole base  4 . In  FIG. 3   a , the perimeter  7  is large enough to stabilize the pole when components are added to the utility station. The pole base  4  may be filled with a material to help stabilization such as water or sand. There may be a wiring connection  9  that electrically connects the accessories on the pole  1  to a wall socket. This wiring connection could include but is not limited to a USB connection, electrical connection and speaker wiring. 
         [0065]      FIG. 3   b  shows a top view of another embodiment for the pole base  4 . The base  4  of this embodiment consists of a plurality of stabilizing, extendable and contractible legs  10 . These legs  10  are independently telescopic via mechanical means such as screw or sliding means. A positioning collar  11  may also be used to fix the legs  10  in position. This collar  11  can be loosened by twisting the collar  11  in one direction to allow the leg  10  to extend or contract. By twisting the collar  11  in the opposite direction to tighten the collar  11 , the leg  10  may be fixed in the desired position. By varying each leg length the utility station stability can be optimized for varying weights and sizes of accessory. 
         [0066]      FIG. 4   a  shows a cross section of one embodiment of a base comprising a leaf spring  16  which is anchored to base plate  13  inside the base cover  12 . Threaded tightening bolt  37  resides in the center of pole  1  and the weight of the pole impinges on the leaf spring. The pole is stabilized by tightening bolt  37  and secured in place with nut  38 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 4   b  shows a cross section of an alternative embodiment of a base comprising pole  1  terminating in a base steel foot  15  which is perpendicular to the pole  1 . The base steel foot  15  is bolted into floor  2  by two or more base bolts  14 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 4   c  shows a cross section of another alternative embodiment of a base comprising a torsion spring  66  which travels along spring shaft  67  which is situated inside pole  1 , and spring shaft  67  is perpendicular to and attached to base steel foot  15 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 4   d  shows a cross section of a base connection that rigidly connects and stabilizes the utility station to the floor  2 . The pole  1  is connected to a perpendicular steel foot  15  using mechanical means such as welding, bracketing, bolts or screws, for example. The steel plate  15  can then be bolted to the floor  2  using bolts or screws  14 . A slip cover  12  is placed over the foot  15  to cover the area to protect the user and for aesthetics. 
         [0070]      FIG. 5  shows a cross section of a possible embodiment for a ceiling flange  6 . Similar to the base  4 , the pole  1  is connected to a perpendicular steel foot  17  using mechanical means such as welding, bracketing, bolts or screws, for example. The steel plate  17  is then bolted to the ceiling  3  using bolts or screws  18 . A slip cover  21  is placed over the foot  17  to cover the area to protect the user and for aesthetics. The ceiling cover  21  may include lighting  20  for utility station lighting. The ceiling cover  21  may also include a ceiling flange lighting switch  22  positioned somewhere on the ceiling flange cover  21  in a position that is convenient to the user. 
         [0071]      FIG. 6   a  shows a pole  1  which is attached to a wall  26 . In this embodiment pole  1  is split into two poles, the upper pole  31  and lower pole  30 . The desired height can be achieved using the pole tightening collar  29 . The tightening collar  29  can be loosened by twisting the collar  29  in one direction and then sliding the upper pole  31  and lower pole  30  relative to each other to the desired overall height. Then the tightening collar  29  can be twisted in the opposite direction to tighten the collar  29  and keep the pole  1  at the desired height.  FIG. 6   a  also shows a wall bracket stabilizing mechanism. This includes a wall bracket collar  23  that may be rigidly attached to the pole  1  or moveable up and down the pole  1 . The wall bracket collar  23  is attached to a wall bracket arm  24 . This wall bracket arm  24  may be hinged or rotatably attached to the wall bracket collar  23  if necessary, for correct positioning on the wall  26 . The wall bracket arm  24  connects the wall bracket collar  23  to a wall bracket  25 . The wall bracket  25  may be connected to the wall  26  using mechanical means such as screws or bolts  28 , for example. 
         [0072]      FIG. 6   b  shows an alternative embodiment for telescoping a utility station and maintaining the utility station at the desired height for a vertical pole work station. Pole  1  is split into two poles, the upper pole  31  and lower pole  30 . The upper pole  31  comprises screw threads  32  on the pole&#39;s external surface for a segment that interfaces with interconnecting threads  33  on the inside surface of lower pole  30 . By turning the upper pole  31  relative to the lower pole  30  the overall height will extend or contract. 
         [0073]      FIG. 6   c  shows a third alternative embodiment to extend or contract the utility station to interface with a ceiling  6  and floor  2 . Pole  1  is split into two poles, the upper pole  31  and lower pole  30 . The upper pole  31  and lower pole  32  are adjusted to the ceiling  3  height using a torsion spring. In the relaxed position, the overall height of the utility station is at least the distance from ceiling  3  to floor  2 . During assembly, the user would compress the spring  34  to the ceiling  3  to floor  2  span and the utility station will then stay in position by means of tension on the spring. A spring cover  34  is used to keep the spring in line with the upper pole  31  and lower pole  32 . This mechanism is easily adjustable to accommodate many ceiling  3  to floor  2  spans. 
         [0074]      FIG. 7  shows the pole  1  with accessory collars  40  and arms  41  attached. These accessory collars  40  may be slidably attached to the pole  1 , so that they can slide up and down the pole  1  and then be fixed in place using mechanical means, when the accessory height is where the user wishes. Attached to the accessory collar  40  is an accessory arm  41  that connects the accessory to the accessory collar  40 . This arm  41  may be hingedly or rotatably attached to the collar  40  for more precise accessory positioning. This arm  41  may have an accessory arm elbow  42 , which will add further adjustability to the accessory positioning. 
         [0075]      FIG. 8   a  shows an embodiment for the accessory collar  40  attachment and hinge. The height of accessory collar  40  may be positioned by sliding the collar  40  up or down the pole  1 , while the bolts or screws  45  are loosened. On the pole  1  there are a series of holes or slots  44 . Once the accessory arm  41  is positioned at the desired height, the screws or bolts  45  are inserted into the holes or slots  44 . The hinge system consists of a simple bearing  46  that connects the arm  41  to the collar  40 . An alternative to holes or slots  44  are vertical grooves in the surface of pole  1  to permit more options for adjustability in the height of the accessory arm. 
         [0076]      FIG. 8   b  shows a top view of an alternative embodiment for an accessory collar  40  attachment mechanism. It includes a pole cavity  54  and accessory collar positioning bolt  51 . The cavity  54  is a shape that will wrap around the utility station pole  1  and slide up and down easily. By loosening this bolt  51  the collar  40  can slide up or down to the desired height and then the bolt  51  can be tightened to keep the collar in the desired location. 
         [0077]      FIG. 9   a  shows a side view of another embodiment of an accessory arm positioning mechanism. There is at least one accessory arm positioning slot  48  on the utility station pole  1 . This embodiment uses an accessory bracket  58  that has a key  60 , shown in  FIG. 9   b . The key  60  fits into the slot  48  and can slide up and down the pole  1 . When the desired position has been located, bolts or screws  50  can be inserted into accessory arm bracket holes or slots  55  in the utility station pole  1 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 9   b  shows a top view of the embodiment shown in side view of  FIG. 9   a . Key  60  protrudes from the end of accessory arm  41  and fits into slot  48 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 10  shows an embodiment for a rotating mechanism to position the accessory arm  41 . Once the collar  40  or bracket  58  is in the desired location, the arm  41  can be placed in many positions using a ball  63  and socket joint  64 . The ball  63  can rotate and be positioned in many positions while the socket screw  62  is loosened. Once the arm is in position by rotating the ball  63  in the socket  64 , the ball and socket screw(s)  62  can then be tightened, thus locking the accessory arm into place. 
         [0080]      FIG. 11   a  shows a side view of an embodiment for the mechanism for the accessory arm elbow  42 . The elbow&#39;s purpose is to add extra adjustability of accessory positioning and the elbow connects the accessory arm  41  with a lower arm  76 . The connection consists of a series of at least one ball and socket joint located in a ball clamp  72 . This ball clamp  72  can be loosened and tightened using a ball clamp locking pin  74  and ball clamping locking nut  73 . Rigidly attached to the accessory arm  41  is an accessory arm ball joint  70 . Rigidly attached to the lower arm is a lower arm ball joint  75 . When the ball clamp  72  is loosened both the accessory arm ball joint and lower arm ball joint are free to rotate in many directions, adding increased positioning precision. Once the accessory is in the correct position, the ball clamp  72  can be tightened and the accessory will remain in the desired location. 
         [0081]      FIG. 11   b  is a top view of the elbow mechanism. There may be at least one ball lock set  77  in the ball clamp  72 . This ball lock set  77  will provide a guide for the ball to stay in the same location during rotation and not fall out of the clamp  72 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 12  shows a possible embodiment of accommodating various wiring connections in the utility station. This figure shows the utility station pole  1  with an accessory collar  40  attached with an accessory arm  41 . Along the arm  41 , there may be wire clamps  80  that safely keep speaker wires, or electricity cables in place along the arm  41 . In addition, there may be a plurality of electrical sockets or USB sockets  82  integrated into the pole  1  wall. This would allow the accessory wiring to travel along the arms  41  and  76  and then possibly plug into the pole sockets. There may be internal wiring  84 , inside the pole that connects the sockets to a central wiring system at the base of the pole. 
         [0083]      FIG. 13  shows an embodiment of a block joint for mobility of positioning of the arm. The joint shown shows a two-way block joint having a range of motion in a horizontal plane in addition to having a range of motion in a vertical plane. 
         [0084]      FIG. 14   a  shows an embodiment of how the arms connect to the pole  1  and move in the running tracks comprised of pole grooves which traverse the length of the pole. This figure shows accessory arm bracket  56  attached to the pole  1  by means of accessory arm bracket key  60  which travels in pole groove  65 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 14   b  shows a cross section of the pole showing the arm bracket  56  in the pole groove  65 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 15  shows an embodiment of how the arms move vertically along the pole. 
         [0087]      FIG. 16  shows an alternative embodiment of how the arms connect to the pole. 
         [0088]      FIG. 17  shows an alternative embodiment shown an alternative non-bolted base and additional retention system. 
         [0089]    Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.