Patent Publication Number: US-2004045485-A1

Title: Multimedia workstation

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
     [0001] This application claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/384,008, filed May 28, 2002. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0003] The present invention relates generally to desks, workstations and the like and, in particular, to a multimedia workstation having adjustable subcomponents.  
       [0004] 2. Description of Related Art  
       [0005] There is presently a large quantity of applications and structures directed to computer multimedia workstations. However, with the continuing computer age, the desirability of a multimedia workstation for a computer has increased. Therefore, there is still considerable room in the art for fully-functional workstations having both work areas and convenient access to each part of a personal computer. However, such workstations should also be housed in a unit that is aesthetically pleasing.  
       [0006] In addition, computer or multimedia workstations for use in computer applications frequently include pullout keyboard trays, shelves for printers and other functional conveniences. However, such workstations often have a very office-like appearance and may be too large to keep all the different components of a normal workstation easily accessible to the individual worker. Accordingly, there remains a need for a multimedia workstation with increased functionality that is also aesthetically pleasing.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a multimedia workstation that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. It is another object of the present invention to provide a multimedia workstation that includes adjustable and flexible subcomponents for providing sufficient storage and sufficient working surfaces. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a multimedia workstation that is particularly adaptable to housing and allowing the operation of a personal computer and its various components. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a multimedia workstation that is compact and aesthetically pleasing. It is another object of the present invention to provide a multimedia workstation that extends vertically, and therefore, has a reduced footprint. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a multimedia workstation that is mobile.  
       [0008] In accordance with the present invention, a multimedia workstation is provided. The multimedia workstation includes a central body portion, which includes a plurality of substantially planar shelves in operable communication with the central body portion for supporting at least one object thereon. The central body portion also includes a wall portion at least partially bounding the plurality of shelves and at least one pivot support in operable communication with the central body portion for operably engaging with at least one pivot connector. The multimedia workstation also includes at least one substantially planar work/support surface attached to the pivot connector, such that the work/support surface is pivotal about the pivot support and spaced from a ground surface.  
       [0009] Preferably, the plurality of shelves includes a base shelf, a middle shelf spaced from the base shelf and a top shelf spaced from the middle shelf, each of the base shelf, the middle shelf and the top shelf are attached to and supported by the wall portion of the central body portion. Further, the wall portion can be constructed from a substantially flexible material, a plastic, a polymer, a translucent material, a transparent material, a metal, a semi-metal, wood, etc.  
       [0010] In another preferred embodiment, the wall portion includes a side wall portion positioned adjacent opposite side edges of the plurality of shelves and a rear wall portion positioned adjacent a rear edge of the plurality of shelves. The rear wall portion is removable, such that the rear edge of at least one of the plurality of shelves is accessible from a rear position on the central body portion. This allows the user to access the back of any objects or computing equipment that is placed in the multimedia workstation.  
       [0011] In another preferred embodiment, the work/support surface may include one or more work/support surface support legs extending therefrom for supporting the work/support surface. Further, a caster element can be positioned at the distal end of the support leg, which would allow the work/support surface to roll over the ground surface as the work/support surface is pivoted around the pivot support.  
       [0012] Preferably, the multimedia workstation includes multiple work/support surfaces attached to respective pivot connectors. Each pivot connector is operably engageable with the pivot support, such that each of the plurality of work/support surfaces is pivotal about the pivot support. In addition, each of these work/support surfaces is spaced with respect to the other work/support surfaces, which eliminates interference between these surfaces during a pivoting motion. In addition, these work/support surfaces can be connected to multiple and alternatively positioned pivot supports. Still further, it is envisioned that the work/support surface can be vertically adjustable along a substantially vertical pivot support. Also, the pivot connector can vertically slide along the pivot support or be removably attachable at a specified position on the pivot support.  
       [0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the multimedia workstation may also include one or more adjustable planar shelves in operable communication with the central body portion. These shelves are capable of supporting an object and are vertically adjustable within the central body portion. In addition, the adjustable shelves can be removably attachable to the pivot support. Preferably, multiple caster elements are positioned under a bottom surface of the central body portion for allowing the central body portion to roll over the ground surface. Further, a storage area can be attached to a portion of the work/support surface for supporting and storing objects therein.  
       [0014] In yet another preferred embodiment, the shelves and/or the work/support surface may include a layer of material displaced thereon for providing a frictional gripping surface and preventing objects from sliding. The shelves, the work/support surface or other components of the multimedia workstation can be constructed from a plastic, a polymer, a translucent material, a transparent material, a metal, a semi-metal, wood, etc. It is envisioned that the shelves and/or the work/support surface can support a personal computing device, a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, a speaker, a printing device, a scanning device, an electronic device, a docking station, printed material, office supplies, etc. In addition, the multimedia workstation may include a surge protector and/or a power unit positioned in the central body portion, with a power cord extending from the central body portion for inserting in a wall outlet.  
       [0015] The present invention, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with the additional objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood from the following description of exemplary embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outline of one preferred embodiment of a multimedia workstation according to the present invention;  
     [0017]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an outline of a further preferred embodiment of a multimedia workstation according to the present invention; and  
     [0018]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an outline of a still further preferred embodiment of a multimedia workstation according to the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0019] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.  
     [0020] The present invention is a multimedia workstation  10  and is illustrated in various embodiments in FIGS.  1 - 3 . The multimedia workstation includes a central body portion  12 , and this central body portion  12  includes multiple and substantially planar shelves  14  in operable communication with the central body portion  12  for supporting one or more objects (not shown) thereon. In addition, the central body portion  12  includes a wall portion  16  that at least partially bounds the shelves  14 . Further, the central body portion  12  includes one or more pivot supports  18  that are in operable communication with the central body portion  12  for operably engaging with at least one pivot connector  20 . The multimedia workstation  10  further includes one or more substantially planar work/support surfaces  22  attached to the pivot connector  20 . In this manner, the work/support surface  22  is pivotable about the pivot support  18  via the pivot connector  20  and is spaced from a ground surface  24 .  
     [0021] Since the work/support surface  22  is capable of pivoting with respect to the pivot support  18  in the central body portion  12 , the resulting structure of the multimedia workstation  10  allows for maximum flexibility and adjustability in a variety of positions and environments. In addition, this pivoting work/support surface  22  permits easy access to the central body portion  12  and allows a user to adjust his or her work/support surface  22 , taking into consideration the ergonomic needs of the user. In addition, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cylindrical shape of the central body portion  12  provides an additional aesthetic quality not found in prior art workstations.  
     [0022] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the plurality of shelves  14  includes a base shelf  26 , a middle shelf  28  and a top shelf  30 . The middle shelf  28  is spaced from the base shelf  26 , and the top shelf  30  is spaced from the middle shelf  28 . Further, each of the base shelf  26 , the middle shelf  28  and the top shelf  30  are attached to and supported by the wall portion  16  of the central body portion  12 . This provides the user with standard shelf positions upon which the user can place equipment or other office supplies. However, it is also envisioned that the shelves ( 26 ,  28 ,  30 ) are vertically adjustable within the central body portion  12 .  
     [0023] In a further embodiment, the wall portion  16  includes a side wall portion  32  positioned adjacent opposite side edges  34  of the shelves  14 . In addition, the wall portion  16  includes a rear wall portion  36  that is positioned adjacent a rear edge  38  of the shelves  14 . In this embodiment, the rear wall portion  36  is removable or at least movable, such that the rear edge  38  of one or more of the shelves  14  is accessible from a rear position on the central body portion  12 . This will provide the user with rear access to the multimedia workstation  10 , which is particularly desirable when computing equipment is placed in and connected in the central body portion  12 , as typically the wired connections are at the rear of such devices. Therefore, in order to reconfigure, add or adjust the device setup in the multimedia workstation  10 , the user need only remove the rear wall portion  36 , as opposed to deconstructing the entire central body portion  12 .  
     [0024] When the central body portion  12  is cylindrical in shape, in another embodiment, one or more of the shelves  14  are circular and conform to an inner surface of the wall portion  16  of the central body portion  12 . This allows the shelves  14  to align with and gain maximum support from the wall portion  16  and, additionally, provides a further aesthetic quality to the multimedia workstation  10 . It is envisioned that the shelves  14  can be sized and shaped to fit within many and various central body portion  12  configurations.  
     [0025] In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the work/support surface  22  includes one or more work/support surface support legs  40  extending from the work/support surface  22  for supporting the work/support surface  22 . A caster element  42  is positioned at a distal end of the support leg  40  and allows the work/support surface  22  to roll over the ground surface  24  as the work/support surface  22  is pivoted around the pivot support  18 . The support leg  40  may also be substantially curved in shape in order to enhance the ability of the work/support surface  22  to rotate at least  135  degrees with respect to the central body portion  12 .  
     [0026] In the preferred embodiments illustrated in FIGS.  1 - 3 , the multimedia workstation  10  includes multiple work/support surfaces  22  attached to a respective pivot connector  20 , and each pivot connector  20  is operably engageable with the pivot support  18 , such that each of the work/support surfaces  22  are pivotal about the pivot support  18 . In addition, each of the multiple work/support surfaces  22  are spaced with respect to the other work/support surfaces  22 , which eliminates interference between the work/support surfaces  22  during a pivoting motion.  
     [0027] As seen in the embodiment of FIG. 1, a first work/support surface  44  and a second work/support surface  46  are pivotally connected to the pivot support  18  via a respective pivot connector  20 . In addition, the first work/support surface  44  is spaced from the second work/support surface  46 . In this manner, the second work/support surface  46  can be pivoted and rolled over the first work/support surface  44  allowing for easier compaction of the multimedia workstation  10 . In addition, as discussed above, the second work/support surface  46  includes an outwardly curved support leg  40 , which further prevents interference between the second work/support surface  46  and the first work/support surface  44 .  
     [0028] The multimedia workstation  10  may also include multiple pivot supports  18  in operable communication with the central body portion  12  for operably engaging with at least one pivot connector  20 . As discussed above, multiple work/support surfaces  22  can be utilized to increase the flexibility of the multimedia workstation  10 . Again referring to FIG. 1, in addition to the first work/support surface  44  and the second work/support surface  46 , this embodiment includes a third work/support surface  48  and a fourth work/support surface  50 . While the first work/support surface  44  and the second work/support surface  46  are connected to the same pivot support  18 , the third work/support surface  48  and the fourth work/support surface  50  are connected to different pivot supports  18 , both with respect to each other and the first work/support surface  44  and the second work/support surface  46 .  
     [0029] In this embodiment, the third work/support surface  48  and the fourth work/support surface  50  are connected to pivot supports  18  positioned between the middle shelf  28  and the top shelf  30 . Further, the third work/support surface  48  and the fourth work/support surface  50  are of a reduced size that is optimal for placement of smaller items, such as speakers, thereon.  
     [0030] The pivot support  18  is a substantially vertical element and the work/support surface  22  may be vertically adjustable along the pivot support  18 . For example, the pivot connector  20  may be vertically slideable along the pivot support  18  and removably attachable at a specified position on the pivot support  18 . Any manner of releasably securing the pivot connector  20  (and consequently the work/support surface  22 ) to the pivot support  18  is envisioned. For example, a series of pegs or other latches is envisioned for adjusting the work/support surface  22  to a desired height or position.  
     [0031] Similarly, the multimedia workstation  10  may also include one or more adjustable and substantially planar shelves  52  in operable communication with the central body portion  12  for supporting one or more objects, where the adjustable shelf  52  is vertically adjustable within the central body portion  12 . As discussed above in connection with the work/support surfaces  22 , any manner of removably adjusting the adjustable shelf  52  within the central body portion  12  is envisioned. For example, the adjustable shelf  52  may be removably attachable to one or more of the pivot supports  18  or in some manner to the wall portion  16 .  
     [0032] In order to make the multimedia workstation  10  more mobile, multiple caster elements  42  can be positioned under a bottom surface of the central body portion  12 , thereby allowing the central body portion  12  to roll over the ground surface  24 . This use of caster elements  42  in connection with the central body portion  12  and the work/support surfaces  22  allows the entire multimedia workstation  10  to be easily positioned in a variety of environments.  
     [0033] In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the multimedia workstation  10  includes a storage area  54  attached to a portion of the work/storage surface  22 . The storage area  54  is for supporting and storing objects thereon. Further, the storage area  54  may include one or more storage area shelves  56  positioned therein. For example, as seen in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the multimedia workstation  10  includes not only the first work/support surface  44 , the second work/support surface  46 , the third work/support surface  48  and fourth work/support surface  50 , but further includes a fifth work/support surface  58 . It is to this fifth work/support surface  58  to which the storage area  54  is attached to or integrated with. In addition, the storage area  54  is attached to or integrated with the support legs  40  extending from the fifth work/support surface  58 . Still further, in this embodiment, the first work/support surface  44  includes multiple support legs  40  for providing maximum support to the main or central work/support surface  22 . In addition, the relative spacing between the third work/support surface  48 , the fourth work/support surface  50  and the fifth work/support surface  58  allows all three work/support surfaces  22  to be pivoted and centrally collapsed according to spatial requirements. For example, when not in use, the work/support surfaces  22  can be pivoted in an overlapping position and allow the multimedia workstation  10  to be moved or conveniently compact.  
     [0034] A still further preferred and non-limiting embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the fifth work/support surface  58  is positioned on the same pivot support  18  as the fourth work/support surface  50  and spaced therefrom. In addition, the first work/support surface  44  includes only a single support leg  40 , and in place of the support leg  40  of the second work/support surface  46 , the storage area  54  is used. Specifically, the storage area  54 , including multiple storage area shelves  56 , includes caster elements  42  positioned on an undersurface of the storage area  54 , still allowing for the pivoting motion of the second work/support surface  46 . Still further, in this embodiment, the central body portion  12  is substantially rectangular in shape, while the shelves  14  are slightly curved on a front edge  60  of the shelves  14 . This curvature of the front edge  60  still provides the aesthetic quality of the overall structure of the multimedia workstation  10 .  
     [0035] In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the shelves  14  or the work/support surfaces  22  may include a layer of material displaced thereon. This material would provide a frictional gripping surface to prevent objects from sliding off of the shelves  14  or work/support surfaces  22  during movement of the multimedia workstation  10  or jarring of the multimedia workstation  10 . With respect to the materials of construction, it is envisioned that the wall portion  16  can be constructed from a substantially flexible material, a plastic, a polymer, a translucent material, a transparent material, a metal, a semi-metal, wood, etc. Further, the shelves  14  or the work/support surfaces  22  can be constructed from a plastic, a polymer, a translucent material, a transparent material, a metal, a semi-metal, wood, etc. In addition, the shelves  14  and/or the work/support surfaces  22  are particularly adaptable to support a personal computing device, a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, a speaker, a printing device, a scanning device, an electronic device, a docking station, printed material, office supplies, etc.  
     [0036] In another preferred embodiment, the multimedia workstation  10  includes a surge protector and/or a power unit positioned within the central body portion  12 . For example, the surge protector and/or power unit can be attached to or integrated with the shelves  14  or the wall  16 , providing easy access to the user for attaching the various electronic devices to the surge protector and/or power unit. A surge protector and/or power unit with multiple connection outlets is envisioned. In this manner, the power unit would have only a single cord exiting the central body portion  12  for connection to a wall outlet. Such a feature would add to the mobility of the multimedia workstation  10 , as only one cord would emanate from the central body portion  12 , a user could simply unplug the cord, thereby disconnecting all of the components in the multimedia workstation  10 , move the multimedia workstation  10  to another position or location and re-plug the cord into another wall outlet.  
     [0037] Overall, the present invention provides a multimedia workstation  10  that is fully adjustable and has pivotal work/support surfaces  22 . This allows the multimedia workstation  10  to be easily compacted, while the caster elements  42  allow the multimedia workstation  10  to be mobile. Further, the structure of the multimedia workstation  10  is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The use of various shelves  14  and work/support surfaces  22  provides ample areas for both storage and work. In addition, the multimedia workstation  10  extends in a vertical direction and has a reduced footprint, which allows for easier manipulation and positioning and saves floor space. The removable rear wall portion  36  allows for quick access to the central body portion  12 , and the adjustable shelves  14  and work/support surfaces  22  provide for maximum flexibility and functionality.  
     [0038] This invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.