A MULTIPURPOSE DESKTOP ACCESSORY

FOR READING, WRITING AND COMPUTER US AGE

PRIORITY CLAIMS

This PCT patent application claims priority from the following US provisional patent applications: 63/053,570 dated 18 ^th July 2020; no. 63/056,840 dated 27 ^th July 2020; no. 63/063,284 dated 8 ^th August 2020; no. 63/083,905 dated 26 ^th September 2020; no. 63/145,993 dated 5 ^th February 2021; and no. 63/152,625 dated 23 ^rd February 2021.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a multi-purpose desktop accessory that facilitates versatility, multi-tasking capability, and a more comfortable, slightly laid-back sitting posture for reading, writing and computer usage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Together with computer and communications hardware, books, hardcopy and writing continue to be an integral part of desk usage, especially for academic students. Increasingly, professionals worldwide are telecommuting, freelancing, and doing a greater variety of things at a desk with a computer. Therefore, there has been an exponentially increasing need for a versatile desktop accessory that facilitates multi-tasking with a more relaxed, slightly laid-back siting posture. Currently an unlimited variety of workstations and desktop accessories are available, but what they all have in common is a conspicuous lack of ergonomic convenience and versatility where it is most needed - the front-centre space between the user and the computer monitor.

A horizontal desktop is not ergonomically aligned with the upward slant of the forearms, nor the elevated viewpoint of the eyes. Using a computer keyboard or a laptop computer on a horizontal desktop is not compatible with a comfortable, relaxed sitting posture. This is so because the use of an elbow-level keyboard tray requires touch typing skills to avoid excessive bending of the neck to look down. A tilted worktop supported on a desk or table has been helpful for reading and writing, but comfortable computer keying, and the inline integration of reading and writing therewith, have continued to be problematic. Over the years there have been many innovations in search of an adequate solution, but their efficacy has been handicapped by the requirements of traditional keyboard ergonomics.

THE NEAREST PRIOR ART

Hitherto the computer keyboard has been assigned one standard ergonomic position - flat on an elbow-level tray or desktop. However, current thinking has begun a paradigm shift out of the box of conventional ergonomic correctness, to revisit and re-define what actually works in practice and what does not. Now, a new generation of desktop accessories provide a tilted worktop that can extend over the edge of a desk or table top to allow a more comfortable, slightly laid-back sitting posture for computer keying. Four relatively new designs fit in this category.

The first by inventor Gregory Bright is described in the patent US6745986B1 and entitled Support Apparatus and Method. Bright was apparently the first to demonstrate the ergonomic feasibility of using a computer keyboard or a laptop computer in a sloping position, substantially extended over the edge of a desktop. The second design, called the Aviator Laptop Stand, seems to be the first product to illustrate the method of supporting the elbows on the armrests of a chair, so that one‘s forearms are more comfortably supported and aligned with the use of a laptop computer in an inclined and extended position over the edge of a desktop. The third design is Tilt-n-Slide Keyboard Manager marketed by the Fellowes brand. It is a computer keyboard platform featuring a built-in wrist rest, mouse pad, and screw clamps to fasten the platform in a sloping position upon the front edge of a desktop.

These three solutions each have only one function; they lack versatility and multi-tasking capability. The first is heavy and bulky; the third is relatively complex; and both are relatively expensive to manufacture. The fourth design is a multipurpose desktop accessory for reading, writing and computer usage described in the international patent application PCT/IB2018/053344 by Lashley, G, which was published in Patentscope (WO/2018/207161 ) on 15 ^th November 2018. This design is quite versatile; it facilitates multi-tasking, and a comfortable, relaxed posture for reading writing and computer usage. The substantially extended worktop is stabilized by the weight of a base and second worktop attached behind it.

SUMMARY AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION Amultipurpose desktop accessory comprises a panel worktop (12) that can be stabilized in a gently sloping position substantially extended beyond an edge of a desk or table top. With elbows supported on armrests of a chair, one can enjoy a more comfortable, slightly laid-back sitting posture for using a computer keyboard or a laptop computer thereon, as well as for reading, writing, and drawing. The worktop is stabilized by a bracket (14) that is fastened to the desktop with a biomimetic, dry adhesive that enables the worktop to be easily and repeatedly attached to and removed from a desktop, and be portable for use in different locations. A second, sloping worktop (22) with the same functions can be positioned for use behind the first; this also is accessible for use with a slightly laid-back sitting posture. The two structures (12,22) together provide exceptional versatility and multi-tasking capability.

The advantages of the present invention over the nearest prior art include the following, (i) Being fastened to the desktop, the extended worktop is far more stable than one that is stabilized on a desktop by weight only, (ii) The worktop does not require a bend to be connected to a suction cup; a simple flat panel is far cheaper to manufacture and ship, (iii) The worktop is more compact and portable because the rear support is separate and optional, (iv) The fastening means preferably comprises a biomimetic, dry adhesive whereby the worktop can be easily and readily attached to and removed from a desktop, and is portable for use in different locations, (v) The worktop allows adjustment of its angle of inclination, and it is pivotable upward for safety in case of accidental impact from below, (vi) The stays for retaining items on the sloping worktop are spaced apart to allow comfortable access of the hands and forearms between them, and the middle stay is adjustable to the left or right to allow tilting of hardcopy for writing on. (vii) The worktop has five functions compared with one or two functions of the prior art. (viii) For those who need superior multi-tasking capability, both the rear support and the panel worktop are comfortably accessible for using a computer keyboard, a laptop computer or viewing hardcopy, (ix) The worktop and rear support can be used in different ways according to which activity is predominant, (x) The design is exceptionally cost-efficient, (xi) Compared with the prior art, the desktop accessory of this invention is far superior in ergonomic comfort, versatility, multi-tasking capability.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following brief description of the drawings, the views are abbreviated thus: SEV is side elevation; FPV is front perspective; RPV is rear perspective; TPV is 'top plan; and SPV is side perspective view. REF. VIEW BRIEF DESCRIPTION

1 A SEV Sloping first panel 12; stabilized on edge of desktop for reading and writing.

IB SEV Supported elbows; forearms and wrists aligned with laptop computer on 12.

1C SEV Supported elbows; forearms & wrists aligned with keyboard & wrist rest 24.

ID SPV Wrist rest 24 and computer keyboard 30 on first panel 12.

2A SEV Screw means 18, 28 join first panel 12 to bracket 14 and to stay means 34.

2B REV Adhesive 20 and bracket 14 stabilize first panel 12 (worktop) on desktop.

2C FPV Worktop 12 comprises back end 12a, front end 12b, and stays 34a, b,c.

2D SPV Inverted bracket 14 and adhesive 20; parts 14d and 14e are pivotably joined.

3A SEV 1 ^st 14c, 2 ^nd 14d, and 3 ^rd 14e parts of single bracket 14 are rigidly connected.

3B SEV 2 ^nd part 14d pivotably joined to 1 ^st part 14c & rigidly joined to 3 ^rd part 14e.

4 A SEV 1 ^st part 14f pivotally joined to back end and rigidly joined to 2 ^nd part 14g.

4B SEV 2nd part configured for rigid connection to desktop by means of adhesive 20.

5A TPV Normal position of stays 34a, b,c; spaces provide access for hands to worktop.

5B TPV Alternative positions of middle stay 34a for left and right-handed writing.

5C TPV 34a on left; hardcopy tilted sideways for comfortable, right-handed writing.

6A SPV Rear support 22 is free-standing and adjoins back end 12a of first panel 12.

6B SEV 30 countersunk on 22; laid-back posture; wrists & forearms supported onl2.

6C SEV 36 countersunk on 22; laid-back posture; forearms supported on 12.

6D SEV Hardcopy 21 at hand on 22a; reading, writing, or drawing on worktop 12.

6E SEV Laptop computer 36 on 22 is operated by means of computer keyboard on 12.

7A FPV Sloping, extended worktop 12 with stays 34a, b,c spaced along front end 12b.

7B RPV 4 ^th part 14f passes through connectors 27a, b & joins 2 ^nd & 3 ^rd parts 14d,e.

7C SEV Adhesive 20 & base 26b, 27b connect 14f to desktop; 14d pivots on 14f.

7D SEV Screw means 18 joins 1 ^st part 14c rigidly to 12; 14e pivots on 14f.

7E SEV Supported elbows; forearms & wrists aligned; slightly laid-back posture.

8A RPV Base comprises one disc and connector; no elongate first part of the bracket.

8B RPV Two brackets between two discs; co-planar with & pivotable on crossbar.

8C RPV Two brackets; no crossbar.

8D RPV Lower part of bracket joined rigidly to base and pivotally to upper part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

EXPLANATION OF TERMS

Herein, a 'desk' includes any elevated, planar surface amenable to being used for desk work such as reading, writing, and operating a computer. A 'panel' means a comparatively thin, flat piece of wood or other material such as plywood, sheet plastic or sheet metal. A 'stay means' is for retaining or stabilizing items on an inclined surface. To 'fasten' means to stabilize by attaching, binding, or connecting. A bracket is an intermediate component for fixing one part to another.

An adhesive is a substance that causes something to adhere or stick to something else. Adhesives are fundamentally different from hardware fasteners such as nails, screws, staples, and rivets, which bind objects together by a penetrative action. There are many different adhesives. Some occur in nature while others are man-made. Some man-made or synthetic adhesives are biomimetic in that they imitate the adhesive nanostructures of nature. Currently, most biomimetic adhesives are dry adhesives, whereas the majority of adhesive systems in biology involve fluids. The fine-hair adhesive system found in nature can be reversed; it can alternately adhere to and detach from just about any surface. This type of biomimetic, dry adhesive is best demonstrated in the pad of the gecko.

Gecko adhesive is an adhesion product based upon the adaptations of geckos' feet that allow them to climb sheer surfaces such as vertical glass. Synthetic equivalents use carbon nanotubes as synthetic setae on reusable adhesive patches. Unlike conventional adhesives, gecko adhesive can be removed easily, re-used repeatedly, stays quite clean, and leaves no residue on porous surfaces. It has been used to produce products for consumer markets under various brand names.

A ‘package’ refers to one or more discrete components of the claimed invention that are contained within conventional packaging material, such as a box, paper or plastic wrapping, or the like. A package may contain a single component, a plurality of the same component, one or more different components, or any combination of these without limitation. A ‘kit’ refers to a package that contains components whereby one may assemble a complete embodiment of the desktop accessory of this invention. A package may contain one or more kits. A detailed description of some embodiments of the invention is provided hereunder in three sections. The first section includes the basic features common to the described embodiments. With specidfic reference to the antecedent basic features, the second section describes preferred features for all embodiments, and the third section includes mainly the distinguishing features of various embodiments.

FEATURES COMMON TO THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS DESCRIBED HEREIN.

The desktop accessory of this invention comprises: (a) a worktop in the form of a first panel (12) including a back end (12a), a front end (12b), and a stay means (34) at or near the front end; and (b) a fastening means capable of stabilizing the first panel on a desktop in a sloping position substantially extended beyond an edge of the desktop. The fastening means includes: (c) at least one bracket (14); (d) a first connective means (18) for connecting the at least one bracket to the first panel; and (e) a second connective means comprising an adhesive (20) for rigidly connecting the at least one bracket to the desktop.

By this means: (i) The desktop accessory can be quickly and easily stabilized on a desktop by pressing down directly on the back end of the first panel, thus causing the adhesive and the at least one bracket to become securely attached to the desktop, (ii) With elbows supported on armrests of a chair, one may conveniently use the extended first panel for reading and writing with a more comfortable, slightly laid-back sitting posture (Fig. lA; 5A-5C). (iii) With elbows supported on armrests of a chair, an upward slant of one's forearms and wrists can be conveniently aligned with use of a laptop computer (36) on the first panel (Fig. IB), (iv) A more comfortable, slightly laid- back sitting posture, and a more upright posture of one’s neck and head are facilitated when using a laptop computer (Fig. IB) thereon.

COMMONLY PREFERRED FEATURES OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS DESCRIBED HEREIN.

WORKTOP (FIRST PANEL).

The desktop accessory of this invention preferably includes a means of pivoting the first panel upward. By this means: (i) The first panel can be installed at alternative given angles of inclination according to its degree of extension over an edge of the desktop, (ii) A pivotable first panel prevents personal injury, or dislocation of the at least one bracket, which can be caused by accidental impact on front end (12b) from below, (iii) The first panel can be pivoted upward to access storage space below it for holding stationery. When being fastened to a desktop, a preferred angle, depth, and extension of the first panel are 17 degrees, 305mm and 114mm, respectively.

WRIST REST

The desktop accessory preferably includes a removable wrist rest (24, Fig. 1C-1D) for placement on the first panel behind the stay means. By this means: (i) With elbows supported on armrests of a chair, an upward slant of a one’s forearms and wrists can be conveniently aligned with use of a computer keyboard (30) positioned on the first panel behind the wrist rest, (ii) Amore comfortable, slightly laid-back sitting posture, and a more upright posture of one’s head and neck are facilitated when using a computer keyboard on the first panel.

STAY MEANS

The stay means preferably comprises two lateral stays (34b, c; Fig.5A-5C) at or near extremities of front end (12b) of the first panel, and an elongate middle stay (34a) including pins (46a, b) on an underside thereof. The first panel comprises holes (42a,b,c,d) along the front end for receiving the pins. By this means: Hardcopy such as loose pages (40, Fig.5 A), open folders and books can be supported across a full width of the first panel, while affording comfortable access to the first panel (worktop) for one’s hands between the elongate middle stay and lateral stays, (ii) The elongate middle stay can be readily positioned on a left or right side, as may be desired, to accommodate a preferred sideways tilting of hardcopy for writing on (Fig.5C). The lateral stays preferably comprise a screw means (28, Fig.2A) for connecting them to the first panel. By this means, the first panel and lateral stays can be: (i) manufactured more cost-efficiently from different stock materials; (ii) stored and shipped more cost-efficiently; and (iii) repaired or replaced more cost-efficiently, as may be desired.

REAR SUPPORT

The desktop accessory preferably includes a rear support (22, Fig.6A-6E) for use immediately behind the first panel, said rear support comprising: (a) a second panel (22a) that includes a back end and a front end; (b) a back riser (22c) attached at or near to the back end; (c) a front riser (22b) and stay means (22d) attached at or near to the front end, and roughly at right-angles to the first panel; and (d the second panel being roughly parallel to the first panel and offset below the back end of the first panel. By this means: (i) with forearms and wrists supported on the first panel, one’s fingers can be comfortably positioned over a computer keyboard (30) on the second panel (Fig.6B); (ii) with forearms supported on the first panel, one’s fingers can be comfortably positioned over a laptop computer (36) on the second panel (Fig.6C); (iii) reading and writing on the first panel (Fig.6B; 6C) can be combined with use of a computer keyboard or a laptop computer on the second panel; (iv) the second panel can support books, files and papers (21, Fig.6D) at a low angle that allows a computer monitor to be visible behind it; (v) a laptop computer (36, Fig.6E) on the rear support can be operated by a computer keyboard (30) on the first panel; and (vi) viewing or reading material on the rear support can be combined with reading, writing or drawing on the first panel (Fig.6D; 5A-5C; 6A).

The addition of a rear support behind the first panel greatly improves versatility and multi-tasking capability of the first panel by enabling various task combinations. It permits a combination of reading, writing, and keying, without having to adjust or remove anything to transition from one activity to another. On any given occasion, the worktop and rear support can be used in different ways according to which activity is predominant, whether it is reading, writing, drawing, using a computer keyboard, or using a laptop computer.

DRY ADHESIVE

The second connective means preferably comprises a biomimetic dry adhesive (20) that is reusable, whereby the desktop accessory: (i) can be readily stabilized on both porous and non- porous desktops; (ii) can be easily and repeatedly removed without leaving residue on desktops; (iii) can be easily and repeatedly installed without loss of adhesive strength; and (iv) is portable for use in various locations.

A PACKAGE AND KIT OF COMPONENTS

The present invention preferably includes a package comprising one or more components of the inventive desktop accessory, whereby said components are contained for shipment, sale, storage or assembly as may be desired. The present invention preferably includes a kit comprising components of an embodiment of the inventive desktop accessory, whereby said embodiment can be assembled from said kit. The present invention preferably includes a package comprising one or more kits, whereby said one or more kits are contained for shipment, sale, storage or assembly as may be desired DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS HEREIN.

FIGURES 2A-3B

In a first embodiment of the desktop accessory, the first connective means comprises a first screw means (18a,b; Fig.2A) in aligned holes. A single bracket (14, Fig.2A-2D) comprises: (a) a first part (14c) that is configured for rigid connection to first panel (12); (b) a second part (14d) that connects the first part to a third part (14e); and (c) the third part being configured for rigid connection to the desktop. In a first version (Fig.2A-2D) of the first embodiment, the second part is rigidly connected to the first part, and pivotally connected to the third part. In a second version (Fig.3A), the second part is rigidly connected to the first part, and rigidly connected to the third part. In a third version (Fig.3B), the second part is pivotally connected to the first part, and rigidly connected to the third part.

FIGURES 4A-4B

In a second embodiment of the desktop accessory, a single bracket (14, Fig.4A-4B) comprises: (a) a first part (14f) connecting the back end of the first panel to a second part (14g); and (b) the second part being configured for rigid connection to the desktop. In a first version of the second embodiment, the first part is pivotally connected to the back end and rigidly connected to the second part (Fig.4A). In a second version, the first part is rigidly connected to the back end and pivotally connected to the second part (Fig.4B).

FIGURES 7A-7E

In a third embodiment of the desktop accessory, the first connective means comprises a first screw means (18, Fig.7D) in aligned holes. The fastening comprises a single bracket (14) that includes:

(a) a first part (14c, Fig.7B-7D) that is configured for rigid connection to a position near and roughly parallel to the back end of the first panel, extending across a midsection of the first panel;

(b) a second part (14d) and a third part (14e) that are roughly perpendicular to the first part, and rigidly connected at or near to extremities of the first part; and (c) a fourth part (14f) that is roughly parallel to the first part, and connects the second part to the third part at or near to extremities thereof (14d,e). The single bracket further includes: (d) a base comprising: (i) two discs (26a, b) that are configured for rigid connection to the desktop by means of the adhesive; and (ii) two connectors (27a, b) that comprise side pilot holes and are rigidly connected to centers of the discs.

The fourth part comprises a round crossbar that passes through the side pilot holes.

By this means: (i) The second and third parts are pivotable upon the fourth part; (ii) The fourth part is pivotable within the side pilot holes; and (iii) The single bracket can pivotably support and stabilize the the first panel on the desktop. The fourth part further includes: (a) threaded end portions (38a,b) that extend beyond the second and third parts; and (b) two lock nuts (52a, b) that can be fastened on the threaded end portions against the second and third parts. By this means: (i) Lateral stability of the second and third parts upon the fourth part can be improved; and (ii) The base can be easily assembled and disassembled for repair and replacement, or addition of discs and connectors as may be desired.

FIGURES 8A-8D

Possible modifications of the third embodiment include the following. In Figure 8A, the base comprises one disc and one connector; there is no elongate first part of the bracket. In Figure 8B there are two brackets between two discs instead of beside them. Figure 8C shows two discs and two brackets that are not connected by a crossbar. In Figure 8D, a lower part of a single bracket is rigidly connected to a base and pivotably connected to an upper part.

OBVIOUS VARIATIONS OF THE INVENTION

Although the invention has been described above by reference to certain embodiments of the invention, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Modifications and variations of the embodiments described above will occur to those skilled in the art, in light of the above teachings. While the specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For examples:

(a) The first panel, rear support, and base plate can be made of any solid sheet material including but not limited to sheet plastic, sheet metal, plywood, or a grid panel made of such materials.

(b) The stay means, screws and brackets likewise can be made in a variety of sizes and materials known to the prior art.

(c) Regarding the number of brackets, a single centrally positioned suction cup and bracket can function adequately in any embodiment of the invention. More than two brackets can be accommodated; the number of brackets possible is limited only by the width of the first panel.

(d) For the first screw means, a wide variety of screw options are available; and the screw means itself can be replaced by other means including but not limited to glues, epoxies, dry adhesives, slot joints, slide channel joints and other methods known to the field of permanent and detachable connections.

(e) The second connective means (20) can comprise any of a variety of adhesives, including but not limited to: (i) dry adhesives; (ii) biomimetic dry adhesives; (iii) glues; (iv) epoxies; (iv) micro-suction tapes with adhesive backing; (v) hook and loop tape with adhesive backing; (vi) magnetic tape; and (vii) double-sided tape.

(f) Adhesive tapes may be supplied as separate pieces with a protective removable film on the adhesive surfaces.