HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION

BACKGROUND AND OBJECT OF INVENTION: Portability means many things to many people, but to the traveler it means things you can carry something comfortably, not lug it around. Portability to the traveler also means ease of use. Something can be easily portable but if it is awkward or difficult to assemble, though charming in its novelty, to the traveler it is not especially useful. Reliability also adds to its usefulness, as it is nice on the road with so much that is uncertain that something can be depended upon. The object of this invention was to make a workspace suited to the traveler, and so a work space that was as easily carried as possible, that was as stable as possible, that was light as possible, that was as simple to assemble as possible. In working to satisfy these requirements, it became suddenly evident that with only minor alterations, such a workstation, might be shaped as a case, and so have room inside it, not just for the hardware required for conversion, but also for additional materials.

HISTORY OF INVENTION : Simply, while there is a long history of folding chairs and folding tables, and folding combinations of chairs and tables, a long history of portable desks, most of these without chairs, and a far shorter history of portable workstations, that being where the table and the seat combine so to be singularly carried, none of these successfully address these concerns of the traveler. Workstations that are more portable tend to be rickety. Workstations that are more stable are far less portable. In none of the previous workstation embodiments do the seat and the table the two compartments come together to make a case. Neither do previous workstation embodiments address the need for PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 2/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

transporting equipment beyond the seat and table.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION: THE HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION is a portable case of variable size that comes apart to make a seat and table. In addition to holding the hardware required for the conversion from a case to a seat and table, the

HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION, even when briefcase sized, has additional room inside it for other materials. As a workstation and so desk and seat, the HIGHLY

PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION is also remarkably stable. Applications for such a case are diverse. From disaster relief, to medical outreach, to portable presentation work, to on-sight management, engineering, music production, or recording, professionals of all sorts, where travel is required, will find equipment transport incorporated into a case that forms a seat and table indispensible. The HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION is also well suited to students, who will have more time and more productive studying, by having such a comfortable, stable, quickly and easily assembled, and portable working environment.

Even more eclectic interests, like a stream side fly tying, calligraphy, writing, or landscape watercolor will benefit from the combination of benefits provided by the HIGHLY PORTABLE

& STABLE WORKSTATION. Simply, the HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION makes a comfortable workspace anywhere you bring it, and its portable enough to bring near anywhere.

Though conceived as a travelers' case, its stability and compact-ability make it also attractive for use anywhere space is at a premium. As such, schools and churches and community centers that wish to use rooms as classrooms and activity spaces will find the HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION indispensible. The recessed handle in this embodiment adds to the ease of handling and efficient storage and so stacking ability. Also, PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 3/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

though originally conceived as a brief case, the size of the HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE

WORKSTATION may be expanded to meet far greater equipment carrying requirements.

A basic and defining characteristic of the HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE

WORKSTATION is that a seat section and a table section combine to make a case. As this is unprecedented, there are many existing technologies that might be applied to meet its functional requirements. What follows in an excellent embodiment of the HIGHLY

PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION. Given vast new material science and technologies, a great variety of satisfactory embodiments may be possible.

Accompanying this specification, there are 15 FIGs and their variations presented on 12 pages. A brief description of each FIG and its page placement follows:

FIG 1 : HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION as a briefcase (page 1/12)

FIG 2: HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION case open (page 2/12)

FIG 2a: Detail of case fitting (page 2/12)

FIG 2b: Detail of case fitting (page 2/12)

FIG 3: Table compartment (page 3/12)

FIG 3a: Table compartment with legs swiveled (page 3/12)

FIG 4: Case hook (page 4/12)

FIG 4a: Case hook catch (page 4/12)

FIG 5: Swivel pipe end (page 4/12)

FIG 5a, 5b Alternate swivel pipe ends (page 4/12)

FIG 6, 6a: Cam style pipe grip (page 6/12)

Fig 6b, 6c: alternate cam style pipe grips (page 4/12)

FIG 7: Exploded view of rear leg assembly with leg extensions (page 5/12) PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 4/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

FIG 7a: Internal pipe spring button catch (page 6/12)

Fig 7b: Transparent view of pipe spring button catch (page 6/12)

FIG 7c: Rear table leg and connector pipe unit reinforced (page 5/12)

FIG 8: Seat compartment (page 7/12)

FIG 9: Pedestal support (page 7/12)

FIG 10: Cam grip leg receptacle (page 7/12)

FIG 1 1 , 1 1 a, 1 1 b HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION assembly (page 8)

FIG 12: Assembled workstation with dog nose (page 9)

FIG 12a: Dog nose (page 9)

FIG 12b: Dog nosed workstation side view (page 9)

FIG 13: Illustration of horizontal rotations & the absorption of an impact (page 10)

FIG 13a: Illustration of vertical rotations and the absorption of an impact (page 10)

FIG 14, 14a, 14b: Workstations in combination (page 1 1/12)

FIG 14c: Workstation combo connecting clip (page 1 1 12)

FIG 14d : Workstations in combination (page 12/12)

Fig 15, 15a: Trunk style workstation, (page 12/12)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION: OVERVIEW: The HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION is a case in two sections, a seat section and a table section. These sections come apart to form the table and seat. There are four seat legs. These are detachable and store in the seat section. There are two rear table legs. These are connected by a swivel pipe and swivel out from the back of the table section. Said two table legs are met by table leg extensions stored in the seat compartment. These in combination complete the length of the rear table legs require to meet the ground. There is also a front table leg PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 5/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

here called a pedestal support. Like the rear table legs, this pedestal support is also installed in the table compartment onto a swivel pipe. This pedestal support swivels out from the front table compartment and fixes to the front of the seat section at a center point. There is room inside the case to store the hardware required for assembly. In addition to the means of storing detachable legs, there are also in this embodiment cinch straps to fix unattached case contents for transport. There is also additional room inside the case for other materials, in the briefcase sized HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION, say a laptop.

Importantly, the HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION can be sized much larger to meet specific equipment requirements without compromising function. In this embodiment, a handle provided as a means of transport. Wheels and extending handles, or shoulder straps might also be integrated into the HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION so to further facilitate and ease transport.

FIG 1 shows the HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION as a briefcase with a recessed handle (1), two locking button release latches (2) and a pedestal support hole (3). In FIG 2 this case is shown open. Its two compartments, the seat compartment (4) and the table compartment (5), make up the two halves of the case and detach from each other so that the backs of said compartments can make the tabletop (7) and seat top (6). 2 also identifies and numbers the many various interior parts of the HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION.

While separating hinges are common and suffice for the purposes of making and unmaking the case, this embodiment uses case hooks and catches seen in Fig. 2 (12, 13) and detailed in Figs 4 and 4a. Said case hooks (12) and case hook catches (13) are mounted on the sides of the table and seat compartments opposite the case handle and PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 6/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

case latches. That these case hooks and catches are invisible from the outside of the case helps to better secure said case from tampering. FIG 4 shows the case hook (12) as an "L" shaped hardened metal strip. The long side of the "L" (15) has two holes whereby it is attached to the interior side of the table compartment. The shorter or hook end (16) of said case hook overhangs the edge of said table compartment with the "L" facing away from the compartment. Said hook end (16) is long enough to reach the hook catch recess (17) in the case hook catch (13) and to fix tightly. It is also narrow enough to fit the width of said case hook recess comfortably. The case hook catch (13) is a rectangular flat with a slot in it to receive said case hook (16). At least two such case hooks (12) are positioned on the back side (14, 14a) of the seat compartment so that when the back edge of the table compartment is aligned and fitted into the back of the seat compartment, said case hooks and case hook catches are aligned. Once so aligned, the front of said cases are brought together, with the two hooks (12) in the table section slip into the case hook catches (13). The snugness of the fit is improved in this embodiment by a raised rim around the edge of the seat compartment that fits a recess in the table compartment. FIG 2a shows a close up of one example of such an edge were a single interior rise (108) along the rim of in the seat compartment that fits a recess (109) in the rim of the table compartment. FIG 2b illustrates this possible shaping of case edges. With the recess (109) in the table compartment edge (111 ) accommodating the rise (108) at the table compartment edge (110). When the two case compartments at their case hook and case catch sides, bringing the two compartments together, the case hook ends (16) on the case hooks (13) will fit inside the recesses (17) in said case hook catches

(13). With the distance and placement properly set between said case hooks and catches, closing the case will snug the two compartments tightly together. With the two compartments PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 7/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

snuggly fitted, case latches (2) also work to fix the table and seat compartments together, so securing a case. Once the case is assembled, a handle (1) facilitates transport. NOTE: As water tightness is desirable in some applications, a seal might also be added to the edges of said seat and table compartments, as well as latches appropriate for tightening.

THE TABLE COMPARTMENT: FIG 3: Installed into the table compartment (5) are three pipe legs. Two of these legs are rear table legs (9). One of these is the front pedestal support (10). The rear table legs (9) are connected to each other by means of a rear leg swivel pipe (18), that is in turn mounted inside two swivel pipe housings (19), one at each end of said rear swivel pipe. These swivel pipe housings (19) are mounted to the right and left side walls (20) at the back of the table compartment (21). Being so attached and mounted, the rear table legs (9) may be swiveled via their swivel pipe (18) between a case flush stored and a perpendicular functional position. The position of these rear table legs (9) is reinforced by a crossbar (36) that also connects the two legs and is positioned down the legs from where they connect to the swivel bar (18). In this embodiment this cross bar (36) is single flat reinforce by a second flat bar (36a) and so an L bar, with a gap (36b) at the center so to accommodate the pedestal support in closed position. A cam grip (22)

(detailed in FIG 6) works to fix the swivel pipe (18) and rear table legs (9) in a stored or upright position. The pedestal support (10) is also fixed to a swivel pipe (18a), also fitted into swivel pipe housings (19). These pipe housings are fixed to the front sides (20) of the table compartment (5). A second cam grip (22a) works optionally to fix said pedestal support in flush stored or perpendicular position.

FIG 5 details a swivel pipe housing (19) consisting of a pipe end cup (24) fixed to a PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 8/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

mounting bracket (23). Given the wide diversity of both case materials and hardware, FIG

5a, 5b, show alternate swivel pipe housings. Both alternates have a similar swivel pipe cup

(24). FIG 5a shows a basic plate mount (23) and a second reinforcing plate mount (107).

This mount may be installed between the table compartment sides, or between the side and the back of the table compartment. FIG 5b shows the mount reinforced by a third plate

(108). This mount installs to both sides and the back of the table compartment. Further reinforcement might be accomplished by connecting the two swivel pipe housings, and further still by connecting the four swivel pipe housings.

Recessed screw holes (109) are shown as a means of attachment, but such means may vary given the great variety of case and even hardware materials. The three sided bracket (108), like the two sided bracket (107) and the plate bracket (23) may be of any dimension that fits the case so affording where necessary more contact surface to improve hardware to case connections.

HARDWARE ATTACHMENT: In all cases where hardware attaches to the case, given the great variety of materials of manufacture, the means of fixing hardware to the case need be suited to the materials involved. Riveting, gluing, welding or casting as one piece are among the options. Where injection or rotational molding is used, metal inserts called turtles can be fixed into the molded material, and hardware screwed or riveted to these. Where there is added concern for strength and reliability, such hardware via their brackets might be mounted through the case also to backing plates outside the case. A secondary shell might be added over this even, to smooth out the sides of the case so facilitating transport packing and storage, for reinforcement, and to make the seat top more comfortable, and/or to make the table top less slippery or in some other way a more desirable working surface. PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 9/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

Another approach to secure hardware installation is to fashion an internal armature or harness. With such a harness fixed inside the case, all interior hardware might be fixed to that harness.

A NOTE ON ALTERNATIVES TO PIPE LEGS: While in this embodiment round pipes are used in the table compartment, there is no requirement that the legs and connecting members be hollow or round. Square hollow legs, even solid legs given adequate material strength, lightness and availability might also work excellently. Such alternate embodiments would in some cases require hardware modification.

THE SWIVEL PIPE CAM LOCK: Cam style pipe grip quick lock and release mechanisms are now common in many applications, including bicycle wheel attachment, and bicycle seat adjustments. Here it is adapted for use to fix and release the swivel pipes that the rear table legs and the front pedestal support may be rotated between vertical and flat positions, and fixed there. Detailed in FIG 6, the cam style pipe grip (22, 22a) is made up of a "C" shaped bracket (26) that encircles the swivel bar on 3 sides. At each end of said bracket is a hole to accommodate a bolt (28). Said cam bolt spans between the two holes aligned in the extremes of the "C" shaped bracket. There is a nut (29) at the further end of said bolt with a rubber washer (31). At the top of the cam bold (28) is levered cam lock (30). Said levered cam lock (30) is fixed to the bolt (28) by a pin (34). Said rod pierces the bolt (28) centrally, but is a bit off center where it pierces said cam lock. There is a rubber washer (32) that rides between the cam lock (30) and the top of the "C" bracket (26). FIG 6a shows the cam lever (33) raised. Notice also that the cam lock pin (34) has moved closer to the bracket. Raising and lowering the handle (33) in this way works to tighten and release the grip of the cam style pipe grip (22,22a) around the pipe. NOTE: while the gripping surface in PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 10/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

this embodiment is in two parts it might easy be in 3 parts. FIG 6b illustrates. As is disclosed in FIG 10, such a cam lock can also take the shape of the pipe. This is common in its application to bicycle seat adjustment. FIG 6c illustrates.

In this embodiment a single cam lock (22) is set around the connector pipe (18) near its midpoint. Said cam grip (22) works to fix the rear table legs (9) in both perpendicular and stored positions. A second cam grip (22a) mounted to the table compartment. This cam lock encircles the front swivel pipe (34) and is installed near but not at the center of said front swivel pipe. This second cam lock (22a) works optionally to fix the pedestal support (10) in open and closed position. FIG 3 shows the cam locks (22, 22a) in position and the rear table legs (9) and pedestal support (10) in stored. FIG 3a shows said cam locks in position with the rear table legs and pedestal support positioned for use.

Referring to FIGs 3 and 3a, when legs are returned to the case, said pedestal support (10) is first. Rear table legs (9) follow. With or without the pedestal cam lock (22a) fixed, the cam grip (22) on the rear table leg connector pipe by fixing the said rear table legs (9) will hold the pedestal support (10) in stored position.

In lighter duty applications, where the flexibility and so added stability described later and illustrated in FIG 13,13a is desired, or where cost is a greater consideration, this front cam grip (22a) may be considered optional.

Connecting to the rear table legs (9) are two detachable extension legs (11 ). FIG 7, 7a, 7b work together to illustrate. Each of said extension legs is of a diameter identical with the rear table leg with the exception that at the end where it inserts into said rear table leg. Here said extension leg (11) is of reduced diameter, this reduced segment here termed the PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 11/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

head of the leg (37). These legs can be simply snug fitted together, but in this embodiment, to ever more surely fix the legs together there are pipe holes (38) in both the head (37) of the extension leg and in the rear table leg (9) near its extreme to accommodate a button spring catch (39).

The spring button catch itself (39) is comprised of a catch button (40) and a spring (41 ). The catch button has a lip around the base (42). When said spring button catch (39) is inserted into said extension pipe (11 ) so that said catch button (40) protrudes from the pipe hole (38), said spring works to keep said catch button pressing through its pipe hole (38) while said lip (42) works to retain it inside said pipe.

With the spring button catch (39) so positioned, depression of the spring button (40) allows the extension leg to be inserted into the rear table leg. Full insertion of the head and possibly some twisting allows the spring button head to find its sistered pipe hole (38) in the rear table leg (9). Said button catch has a rounded head (43) to ease assembly. NOTE: this is very common technology, one version of such described in Thomas Patent #3947140 is for pipe extensions though I have not seen it applied to leg attachment.

THE SEAT COMPARTMENT: FIG 8 details the seat compartment. Inside the seat compartment (4) there are 4 leg receptacles (44), one fixed into each of the four interior corners of the case. These leg receptacles are set to hold the legs perpendicularly out of the case so that when seat legs (8) are fixed inside said leg receptacles, flipping said seat compartment (4) transforms it into a seat. In this embodiment, these legs (8) when not in use are stored on the sidewalls of the case in foam retainers (45) fixed to the sidewalls. There is room for 6 legs on the sidewalls, 3 on each side. This is to accommodate the 4 seat legs (8) and two table leg extensions [FIG 7 (11 )]. NOTE: Should such prove necessary or PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 12/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

advantageous, long vertical spring clips might take the place of said foam retainers, a single clip encompassing all 3 legs. This would allow retrieval of the legs without having to disturb the other case contents.

Also in the seat compartment is the pedestal housing (46). Said pedestal housing is fixed to the bottom of the case and the front sidewall at the middle of said sidewalk Said pedestal housing (46) is detailed in FIG 9. NOTE: There is a hole [FIG 1 (3)] in the case to allow for the rim (47) of the pedestal cup (49a) to come flush to the outside of the case. The hole (3) in the pedestal cup (49a) is shaped and sized to accommodate the pedestal support of the table compartment. The pedestal cup (49a) is fixed to a pedestal bracket (49). This pedestal bracket is L shaped and fixes to both the bottom and the sidewall of the case compartment, by which it is fixed to the case. NOTE: Should said pedestal support require reinforcement, said interior bracket may be fixed through the case wall to an exterior plate.

Also in the case compartment (4) are two sets of cinch straps (48), fixed to the floor of the seat compartment. Said straps (48) are fixed across from each other at opposite sides of the case along the front and back walls of said case. One loose is fixed with a female strap catch (50), the opposite loose has its male counterpart (51 ), which inserts into said female and locks. After locking, the loose strap (48a) running from said male counterpart can pulled to cinch the straps around whatever material is stored there. There is foam fixed to the bottom of the seat compartment (4) in several strips (52) to keep case contents from scuttling during transport. Note: Seat legs might also be secured in this manner should the full width of the case be needed to store a particular object.

FIG 10 details a cam grip style leg receptacle (44). This receptacle has a leg pipe housing (52) set securely into a 3 sided plate mount (53), with the leg pipe housing (52) fixed PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 13/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

between the two side plate mounts (54), and capped by the bottom plate mount (55). At the top of the leg pipe housing (52) is a cam lock (55a). This cam grip (55a) is mounted to the two sides plates (54) in line with the leg pipe housing (52) so that when a seat leg (8) is inserted, the cam grip lever (55b) works alternately to fix and release the leg (8). Detailed in

FIG 6c, said cam grip (56) is similar in features to the cam grip FIG 6 (22). In this case, the

"C" bracket (57) and its pipe grip (58) take the contour of the pipe. Again, such hardware is common now in many applications, though as yet unapplied to detachable legs. NOTE: In this embodiment a cam grip leg receptacle is preferred to many other possible alternate means of fixing seat legs because it allows the height of each leg to be individually adjusted while seated. Also NOTE: In application to holding bicycle seats, and so where significant strength is required, the bracket (57) and the pipe grip (58) are a singular material, like an aluminum alloy. As such, it might well be also applied to leg receptacles.

The seat leg (8) as seen in FIGs 2,8,11 is simple and straight and needs no addition or alteration, though at one end a cap may be inserted and fixed to keep such leg from slipping on or scratching floors.

FINAL ASSEMBLY: FIG 11 shows seat legs (8) being fixed into leg receptacles (44). FIG 11a: Inside the table compartment (5) first the rear table legs (9) are released, swung vertically and relocked. The pedestal support (10) is then released by its pipe lock (22a), swung vertically and relocked. The two table leg extensions (11 ) can not be attached to the rear table legs (9). FIG 11 b shows the seat compartment (5) flipped to become a seat (6). The table section may now to be flipped, and the pedestal support (10) inserted into the pedestal support housing (3). FIG 11c shows the assembled HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION, the seat compartment converted to a seat (6), the table PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 14/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

compartment converted to a table (7). NOTE: Optionally, the pedestal support might also be fixed by means of a cam grip installed in the pedestal support housing.

REMAKING THE CASE: To remake the case you simply reverse the procedure illustrated in FIGs 11 ,11a,11 b,11 c. The seat (6) and table (7) are first separated, and then flipped. The table leg extensions (11 ) are then detached and stored in the foam retainers (45) fixed to the sidewalls of the seat compartment (4). The pedestal support is then released swiveled to lay in the table compartment and refixed. Now the back table legs can be released swiveled down over the pedestal support and also locked flush to the table compartment (5). At this time the other equipment may be packed into the seat compartment and strapped in. Once seat legs are removed and stored in their foam retainers (45), All other materials may now be returned to said case and cinched by the storage straps (58). The table compartment is now again reversed to form the lid of the case, with the back rim of said table compartment fitted into the back rim of the seat compartment. Once the compartments are aligned, said lid may be lowered to close the case. In this embodiment, gentle pressure secures latches (2, 2a) on the front side of the case.

To facilitate transport in this embodiment, a recessed handle FIG 2 (1) is fixed between latches (2) on the seat compartment. As a case, the HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION is easily transported. Its recessed handle means that it also stores efficiently. Furthermore, with the flush case handle, these HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATIONS are stackable, fitting together like blocks. This feature makes it especially well suited for use is spaces that require frequent conversion between a classroom and an activity space.

REAR TABLE LEG REINFORCEMENT: As it is important that the rear table leg and PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 15/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

their connector pipe are solid and reliable, and given the wide variety of materials used in manufacture and their diverse strengths and weaknesses, FIG 7c shows braces (36d) triangulating said rear legs (9) and said connector pipe (18).

THE PEDESTAL SUPPORT EXTENDER: As it may be desirable to improve legroom to have more space between the table and the seat, FIG 12 shows the HIGHLY PORTABLE

& STABLE WORKSTATION with a pedestal support adjunct here termed dog nose (75).

Referring to FIG 12a, Said dog nose secures to the front of the case by means of pedestal plug (79) that slips into the pedestal hole (3) in the case. With said plug (79) set firmly into the pedestal support housing (46), a top mount plate (76), and front mount plate (77) set its place. Fixed to the exterior side of the front plate (77) is a pedestal cup (78). Said pedestal cup (78) has a recess (78a) which is positioned so as to hold the pedestal support (10) at an angle directly forward of the seat (6). Use of said dog nose may also work to tilt the tabletop

(7) toward the sitter. NOTE: The seat side height of the table (7) and so angle of the tabletop may be further adjusted depending on the height of the pedestal cup (78) and the depth of the recess (78a).

It need be noted that the HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION is quite remarkably stable. This can be seen as the result of having the table quite assuredly fixed to the seat, the seat held down by weight of the sitter, and the sitters legs to even further stabilize the seat. Even unoccupied, the HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION can be again quite exceptionally stable. This startling stability is gained by having a horizontal and a vertical pivot point available to divert impacts and compound resistance. The horizontal pivot is the unfixed pedestal support in vertical position. FIG 13 illustrates, how an impact is dispersed horizontally. When table is jarred with a force I, the pedestal PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 16/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

support becomes a pivot point hPl. Pivot point hPl works to transfer some of the impact force I. This transference is represented as hf1. A second pivot point hP2 rotational effect is reversed in the seat section so that as the table moves away from the initial impact, it moves rotationally toward the seat (x). Given horizontal flexibility the HIGHLY PORTABLE

AND STABLE WORKSTATION literally keeps its feet under itself. Given hP2 the initial impact I h is further rotationally diverted hf3. Other factors that contribute to stabilizing ability include the counter force of gravity as it manifests in weight and in friction at the six contact points where legs meet ground, and also resistance at the pivot points them selves.

Rubber latex stops on the legs depending on the floor material may also enhance resistance.

A vertical pivot point is established when the front pedestal support swivel bar is unfixed, and it should be noted again that fixing the front pedestal support, even installing one, may be optional. FIG 13a illustrates. Given the pivot point vPl, an impact I is diverted vertically. The force diverted by the pivot is represented as vf1. While this pivot point reaches its limit very quickly, residual force is caught by a second pivot point vf2, creating a bucking effect. Given a horizontal and a vertical pivot point, the HIGHLY PORTABLE AND STABLE WORKSTATION will, with repeated impacts, land repeatedly on its feet. Given that the other angles remain fixed, the HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION demonstrates how a separated horizontal and vertical pivot point work to enhances the stability of an object at rest.

FIG 14 shows two workstations face to face, for games of chess for example.

FIG 14a shows 4 workstations assembled for card games or picnics. Note that the seats are swiveled. FIG 14b shows six assembled workstations joined together to

form a meeting table. As it may be desirable to fix the table tops together, FIG 14c PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 17/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

shows a "C" clip (115) that might be slipped over adjacent table sides from

underneath. FIG 14d shows 7 tables more loosely spaced and supporting a larger tabletop (116) between them.

While we have been talking about traditional and brief case proportioned cases, the essence of the invention is simply having a seat and table that come together to form a case in which other materials may also be carried. Embodiments that conform with these basic precepts are wide ranging and numerous. To give just one example, FIG 15 shows a larger trunk sized case (120). The lid (121 ) of said trunk (120) separates to make a table (122). In this embodiment, here is no need for seat legs as the compartment (123) turned sideways and without legs forms the seat (124). Also notice that the pedestal support housing (125) is on the side of the compartment (123) that forms the seat (124). This leaves said seat compartment (126) open and accessible to sitter while seated. In this particular embodiment there are two pedestal support recesses (125, 125a), one at each end of the seat, making the seat compartment (126) optionally accessible to right or left handed people. This trunk style embodiment is equipped with two standard recessed handles (127) for carrying. It might also be fixed with wheels on the bottom, these wheels being fixed or detachable.

A FINAL NOTE ON TRANSPORTING: While the HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION is fitted with a single handle, and the trunk style workstation fitted with two handles. Such workstations might easily be adapted to other means of carrying. Possibilities include a side handle on the short side of the briefcase, this to make it more comfortable to carry in crowds. The HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION might also be fitted with a single shoulder strap, or several back straps. It might even be fitted with detachable or fixed wheels and an extendable handle as is popular these days in airports. A larger version PCT Application of Matthew B. Herschler 18/18 HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION: SPECIFICATION

be rolled on four wheels of variable size, fixed or detachable, and be pulled by a short leash attached to the handle.

The HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION brings unprecedented innovation to the field of portable furniture. This specification demonstrates the principles, and puts forward several excellent embodiments. Still, as there are an enormous number of hardware and case technologies already in existence that might be alternately applied to meet the requirements of the HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION, no disclosure can be entirely comprehensive.

Finally, being a pro se inventor, I have made every effort, between these pictures and drawings to make a full and honest disclosure of the invention. I do hope that where text fails, the pictures will clarify, and vise versa. For the most part numbers have been carried through the FIGs so that said FIGs might be cross-referenced when questions do arise. So also, it is common English, and not the terminology of physics that I have worked to represent and explain the exceptional stability of the HIGHLY PORTABLE & STABLE WORKSTATION. It is my hope that where language is perhaps difficult, still the principles shine through.