Patent Publication Number: US-6041723-A

Title: Portable collapsible self-assembling desk

Description:
This application claims priority on co-pending, provisional application Ser. No. 60/060,135 filed on Sep. 26, 1997 under 35 USC § 119(e). 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a portable, collapsible, self-assembling desk which may be collapsed for portability, shipment, or storage and which may be readily erected to a sturdy, useable configuration without need of assembly or other further effort. The desk in its collapsed configuration resembles a suitcase having a handle for one-handed carrying and easy portability. 
     The assembly of prior desks has required much time and effort, and often produces frustration since the parts and their assembly are numerous. Such desks are not readily useable when purchased due to the time and effort required for assembly, nor may they be folded for storage. Since such desks are not readily collapsed, unless taken apart, and those skilled in the art know that they tend to remain in the taken apart or the erected configuration and are not often converted between these configurations. Such desks generally are not easily collapsed and remain in their assembled position thereby occupying more space and preventing the area occupied by the desk from being utilized for other uses. 
     Examples of various tables which fold include U.S. Pat. No. 1,766,616 which discloses a table having a foldable base and anglable top. U.S. Pat. No. 1,975,857 discloses a table with a tiltable top which can be collapsed. U.S. Pat. No. 1,990,032 discloses a folding table utilizing a locking bar for positioning the table top in a upright or flat position. U.S. Pat. No. 3,191,555 which discloses a folding desk designed for use as a study desk or sewing machines or the like. This invention consists of crossed u-shaped legs which pivot to fold the desk. U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,305 which discloses an improvement upon an office desk or table which allows the legs to fold under the table by loosening screws, moving the legs out from under the table, and tightening the screws. 
     While the above applications allow for foldable tables and desks, the easily collapsible desk with a design allowing ample desktop space and self-assembly is a problem to which considerable attention should be given. The present desk, having such easy assembly, allows the space taken by the erected desk to be substantially recovered for other use when the desk is in the collapsed configuration. Also, the desk in the collapsed configuration allows the desk to be portable and transported in a suitcase-like manner. By providing self-assembly functionality, the present invention greatly improves over the prior designs for desks which currently exists in the field. 
     Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a portable collapsible self-assembling desk which may be collapsed thereby taking considerably less space in this configuration and which may be readily unfolded to a sturdy, useable configuration with little need of assembly or other further effort. The desk in the collapsed configuration will substantially reduce the footprint of the space occupied by the desk as compared to the erected configuration. 
     Another object of this invention is to have a portable collapsible desk which can be carried in a suitcase like manner utilizing a handle thereby only requiring one hand for portability and transportation. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable collapsible self-assembling ready-to-use desk which contains a tray and a lower shelf for storing various materials beneath the desktop. Both the lower shelf and the tray will add structural support to the desk in the erected configuration by acting as cross-braces. The lower shelf can also serve as a modesty screen preventing anyone from viewing underneath the desk when the desk is in the erected configuration. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The above objectives are accomplished in the present invention by providing a portable collapsible self-assembling desk having a desktop, base pivot unit, tray, and lower shelf and pivotal side supports. The desk, in its collapsed configuration, allows for easy transportation and storage. With a handle connected to a base unit the desk can be carried in a suitcase-like manner only requiring one hand. Primarily, the desk contains a base pivot unit with a front side, a rear side and a first and second side, and a base top. Also the desk may contain a desktop, a tray, a lower shelf, a first pivotal side support and a second pivotal side support. The desktop is connected to the base pivot unit in a manner which allows the desktop to pivot on a horizontal axis from a downward pivoted position when the desk is in a collapsed configuration to an upward position which is generally 180 degrees opposite the downward position. When the desktop is in the downward position the desktop co-extends with at least a portion of the rear side of the base pivot unit forming a compact, collapsed, desk with easy portability. 
     The desktop also has a work position where the desktop rests on the pivotal side supports providing a generally horizontal working surface. The pivotal side supports can be manufactured to provide a generally horizontal or tilted work surface when the desktop engages the pivotal side supports in the work position. The pivotal side supports have floor engaging supports so that when the desktop is in the work position, the pivotal side supports support the desktop above the floor. 
     The pivotal side supports are connected to the base pivot unit allowing them to pivot on a vertical axis from a retracted position to an extended position. When the pivotal side supports are in the retracted position, they are generally contained within the storage space of the base pivot unit. 
     The base pivot unit has a storage space, defined by the front, rear, first and second sides, which accepts the pivotal side supports thereby making a more compact transportable desk with a smaller footprint when the desk is in the collapsed configuration than when the desk is erected. 
     The desk also has a tray connected to the base pivot unit in a manner allowing the tray to pivot on a horizontal axis. When the tray is in its downward position, it is also contained with the storage space of the base pivot unit again allowing for a more collapsed transportable desk with a small footprint. The desk also has a lower shelf which is connected to the base pivot unit. The lower shelf is connected in a manner to allow it to pivot from a raised position to a lowered position. The raised position of the shelf allows the shelf to operate as a vanity screen preventing anyone from viewing under the desk when the desk is erected. The raised position of the shelf allows the desk to collapse while leaving room for the tray and pivotal side supports to be contained within the storage space of the base pivot unit. When in the lowered position, the shelf allows for the storage of books as well as to provide additional support to the structural integrity of the desk as a whole increasing the stability of the desk in the erected configuration. 
     The self-assembling feature is operated by raising the desktop from the downward position to the upward position. The desktop is connected to the pivotal side supports by a flexible connection assembly so that when the desktop is raised, the pivotal side supports are automatically extended from their retracted position to their extended position. This allows the extension of the pivotal side supports to be achieved in one step. 
     Once the pivotal side supports are extended, the desktop is lowered to its work position and rests on the pivotal side supports in either a tilted position or a horizontal position, providing different desktop configurations. These positions are achieved by a leveling bar pivotally attached to the underside of the desktop. The leveling bar allows the desktop to rest on the pivotal side supports providing a tilted working surface when the leveling bar is raised and a generally horizontal surface when the leveling bar is lowered. The raised and lowered position of the leveling bar allows for adjustment of the tilt of the desktop and working surface. 
     Once the support members are extended and before the desktop is placed in its work position, the tray can be lifted to its raised position and connected to the pivotal side supports providing a tray for storage of various material under the desktop. By connecting to the pivotal side supports to the tray, additional support for the desk is provided. Once the upper tray has been attached, the desktop is lowered and rests on the pivotal side supports. 
     In order to facilitate carrying of the desk, a handle is connected to the base top of the base pivot unit. The handle has a storage position and a carrying position. The carrying position allows the desk to be transported in a suitcase like manner when the desk is in the collapsed configuration. The handle is raised from a recess in the base top facilitate carrying the desk. In the storage position, the handle is lowered and recesses into a space in the base top. The top surface of the base pivot unit therefore is not interfered with by the handle when the handle is in the storage position. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings attached and incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the portable collapsible self-assembling desk as constructed in the present invention in its collapsed configuration, and also shows an upward position of the desktop in the dotted lines; 
     FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating the positions of the various elements of the portable collapsible self-assembling desk in a semi-assembled position; 
     FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating various positions and movements of elements of the portable collapsible self-assembling desk in a semi-assembled position; 
     FIG. 4 is rear perspective view of the portable collapsible self-assembling desk in an erected configuration; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the a desktop double pivot hinge connecting the desktop to the base pivot unit with the desktop in its upward position as when the desktop is partially assemble and the pivotal side supports are being extended; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the a desktop double pivot hinge connecting the desktop to the base pivot unit with the desktop in its downward position as when the desk is collapsed; 
     FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a desktop illustrating a leveling bar in the lowered position; 
     FIG. 8 is a side elevation of a desktop illustrating a leveling bar in the raised position, and; 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portable collapsible self-assembling desk taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 4, illustrating the elements contributing to the collapsible and self-assembling functions. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the drawings, the invention will now be described in more detail. As best can be seen from FIG. 1, a collapsible, self-assembling desk is illustrated generally as A, having a freestanding base pivot unit, generally designated as B. A desktop 10 is pivotally connected to base pivot unit B. Desktop 10 is shown in both its downward position 10a and in its raised position 10b. As will be discussed, this pivoting motion allows the desktop to collapsed into a downward position which substantially reduces the footprint and the amount of space occupied by the desk when compared to its erected configuration (FIG. 4). 
     In the present invention, a handle is carried by a base top 12 of base pivot unit B to provide a carrying method much like a suitcase. This handle can be seen in FIG. 1 and is designated 16. The handle has a carrying position (dotted lines) and a storage position. In the carrying position, the handle is raised away from the top of the base pivot unit providing a method of carrying the desk with one hand. When the handle is in the storage position, a space 18 in the top of base pivot unit B receives the handle and allows the handle to recess generally beneath base pivot unit top surface 12a. This configuration can best be seen from FIG. 9. Handle 16 is shown in the storage position contained with space 18 on the top surface 120 of base pivot unit B. The handle, in this storage position, allow the desk surface of desktop 10 and base top 12 of base pivot unit B to form a generally flat work surface. FIG. 4 illustrates the desk in the erected configuration with the desktop and the top of the base pivot unit forming a relatively flat working surface while handle 16 is recessed into to the base pivot unit. FIG. 4 also shows desktop 10 in the work position engaging a first pivotal side support 20 and a second pivotal side support 22 creating a stable, generally horizontal working desk. 
     FIG. 2 shows desktop 10 in its raised position 10b. In this figure, first pivotal side support 20 and second pivotal side support 22 are shown in their extended positions. First pivotal side support 20 is pivotally carried by a first side 24 of base pivot unit B. Second pivotal side support 22 is pivotally carried by a second side 26 of base pivot unit B. These pivotal side supports 22, 24 have a retracted position (FIG. 1) and an extended position (FIG. 4). When in the extended position, the pivotal side supports are generally parallel to base units first side 24 and second side 26. In the extended position, the first and second pivotal side supports engage with the floor which provides support for the desktop when the desktop is in its work position (FIG. 4) thereby engaging the first and second pivotal side supports. The pivotal side supports terminate in floor supports 20a and 22a respectively, which allows the pivotal side supports to support desktop 10 above the floor. In the present embodiment, each pivotal side support has a top crosspiece, a bottom crosspiece and a leg. FIG. 4, illustrates the top crosspiece 20b of first pivotal side support 20, the bottom crosspiece 20c and the leg 20a. As described above, leg 20a terminates in a floor support. The frame formed by leg 20a, top crosspiece 20b, and bottom crosspiece 20c provide for lightweight pivotal side support structure while also providing structural stability to support desktop 10. The light weight construction allows for a more transportable desk. 
     In viewing FIG. 1, it can be seen that the base pivot unit has a front side 28, a rear side (30 of FIG. 9), a first and second side 29, 31. A storage space 32 is formed within a perimeter defined by these sides of the base pivot unit. The storage space receives the first and second pivotal side supports when they are in the retracted position. When the desk is in its collapsed configuration and the first and second pivotal side supports are in their retracted position contained within the storage space, the desktop is free to pivot into its downward position (FIG. 1) and provides a reduced foot print therefore substantially reducing the space occupied by the desk. The difference between these two positions is illustrated by comparing the collapsed configuration of FIG. 1 and the erected configuration of FIG. 4. 
     FIG. 9 shows a more detailed illustration of the connection between base pivot unit B and pivotal support sides 20, 22. In the present invention, two hinges 34a and 34b connect first pivotal side 20 to base pivot unit B. This allows the pivotal side supports to pivot into the storage space of the base pivot unit when the desk is collapsed and to pivot to an extended position when the desk is erected. 
     Double pivot hinge 36 is shown in FIG. 9 connecting between base top 12 and desktop 10. The double pivot hinge has a first part 36a and a second part 36b. First part 36a is connected along inside edge 12b of base top 12. Second part 36b is connected along inside edge 10a of desktop 10. FIGS. 6 further illustrate double pivot hinge 36 when desktop 10 is in the downward position. Double pivot hinge 36 has a first pivot axis 38a which allows movement of desktop 10 between a work position (FIG. 4) and a downward position (FIG. 1). FIG. 5 further illustrates double pivot hinge 36 with desktop 10 in the upward position (FIG. 2). Double pivot hinge 36 has a second pivot axis 38b which allows movement of desktop 10 from the work position (FIG. 4) to the upward position (FIG. 2). First and second pivot axis, 38a and 38b, allow the desktop to have a range of motion from the downward position (FIG. 1) to the upward position (FIG. 2). 
     FIG. 2 best illustrates the pivotal connection between desktop 10 and the pivotal side supports 20 and 22 which provides for the automatically pivoting of the pivotal side supports from the retracted position to the extended position. A flexible connection assembly, designated generally as between desktop 10 and pivotal side supports 20, 22 achieves this functionality. In the present invention, flexible chains 14 are used to connect the underside of the desktop at connection points 42a and 42b to connection points 44a and 44b respectively, on the pivotal side supports. When desktop 10 is raised from its downward position as shown in FIG. 1 to its upward position as shown in FIG. 2, tension is placed on chains 14 which in turn places tension on the attachment points of the pivotal side supports and forces then to pivot from their retracted position within the storage space to their extended position as shown in FIG. 2. This allows the pivotal side supports to be extended simultaneously from the base unit in one simple step using one hand to assemble the desk and provide support for the desktop when the desk is in its erected configuration. 
     As shown in FIG. 4, when first pivotal side support 20 and second pivotal side support 22 are extended desktop 10 engages the first and second side supports, a generally horizontal surface 10c is formed providing a full sized, stable, easy to assemble, working surface. 
     Advantageously, in the present embodiment, the desk has a tray pivotally attached to the base pivot unit. FIG. 2 shows tray 50 pivotally connected to base pivot unit B with the tray in its lowered position. When in the lowered position, the tray is also contained within storage space 32 (FIG. 1) of base pivot unit B. This allows the desk to have a substantially reduced footprint when the desk is in the collapsed configuration. FIG. 2 shows that in the present embodiment, tray 50 is contained within the storage space with the pivotal side supports 20 and 22 pivoting into the storage space and along side the tray when the desk is in the collapsed configuration. FIG. 9, a cross-section of FIG. 9--9, shows a detailed view of the pivot connection between base pivot unit B and tray 50. As shown, hinge 53 connects tray 50 to rear side 30 of base pivot unit B. This connection allows the tray to be raised in a horizontal position for use with the erected desk as well as to be lowered to be contained within the storage space providing a collapsed, compact, transportable desk with a small footprint. 
     When the desk is in the raised position, as shown in FIG. 3, tray 50 is attached to the first and second pivotal side support. In this configuration tray 50 acts as a crosspiece between pivotal side support 20 and pivotal side support 22 adding additional structural stability when the desk is in the erected configuration. In the present embodiment, the tray has a first aperture 50a and a second aperture 50b which correspond with aperture 21 and 23 receptively of pivotal side supports 20 and 22. The apertures in the tray align with the apertures in the pivotal side supports to allow screws 52 to be fastened through the respective apertures and secure the tray to the pivotal side supports. This configuration provide both a storage space beneath the desktop 10 as well as providing a cross-brace for additional structural support for the desk in the erected configuration. 
     In addition to the tray, the present embodiment may also contain a lower shelf 54 (FIG. 4), pivotally connected to base pivot unit B. FIG. 4, showing the desk in the erected configuration, shows lower shelf 54 pivotally connected to a cross member 56 of front side 28 of base pivot unit B. Lower shelf 54 is shown in its downward position which provides a storage space for such items as books, papers, supplies or other materials. In the present embodiment, lower shelf 54 engages pivotal side supports 20 and 22 to further provide a cross-brace and structural support to the desk when the desk is in the erected configuration. 
     FIG. 3 shows lower shelf 54 pivoting from the raised position to the downward position and engaging pivotal side supports 20 and 22. When the lower shelf is in the raised position, the shelf serves as a modesty or vanity screen preventing anyone from viewing under the desk. FIG. 1 shows lower shelf 54 in the raised position and flush with front side 28 of base pivot unit B. When in its raised position, the lower shelf can be locked in this position with latches. FIG. 9 is a cross-section of FIG. 4 and best illustrated the pivotal connections between base pivot unit B and lower shelf 54. From FIG. 9, it can be seen that the lower shelf is pivotally connected to front side 28 of base pivot unit B. Specifically, lower shelf 54 is connected to a lower cross member 58 of front side 28 allowing lower shelf 54 to pivot from a vertical position flush with front side 28 to a horizontal position. This pivot connection allows the shelf to be contained flush with or within the base unit providing a compact, transportable desk with a substantially smaller footprint when in the collapsed configuration. 
     The latches which secure the lower shelf in the upright position can best be described when viewing FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, lower shelf 54 is shown in its upward position. In the embodiment on this invention, lower shelf 54 is latched to front side 28 of the base pivot unit B by a latch 60 having a first part 60a connected to the front side if the base pivot unit and a second part 60b connected to the lower shelf. 
     In the present embodiment the desktop can be configured in a generally horizontal manner as well as a tilted or sloped manner. FIG. 7 illustrates the desktop in the generally horizontal position. Desktop 10 is shown connected to base top 12. A leveling bar 70 is connected to the underside of base top 10 by hinge 72. FIG. 7 shows the leveling bar in the lowered position. As illustrated, top cross piece 20b of the pivotal side support is tapered downward and away from the base top. Therefore, when the desktop is in its work position as shown, leveling bar 70 engages pivotal support top cross piece 20b thereby providing a generally horizontal work space. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates desktop 10 in a generally sloped work space. Leveling bar 70 is in the raised position thereby providing less space between desktop 10 and top cross piece 20b. The results when desktop 10 is in the work position is to provide a work surface which is generally sloped downward away from base top 12. The raised and lowered configuration of leveling bar 70 allows for the desktop to be configured in at least two positions to provide more functionality for the user. 
     The present invention allows a full size desk in the erected position while substantially reducing the footprint to recover usable space when the desk is in the collapsed position. The collapsed position also provides for an easily portable, collapsible desk. The self-assembly features make practical assembling the desk from the collapsed configuration to the erected configuration and back with little effort.