Supports: cabinet structure – Accessible from plural sides
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-26
2001-03-27
Hansen, James O. (Department: 3636)
Supports: cabinet structure
Accessible from plural sides
C312S302000, C312S322000, C312S249130
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206495
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a utility stand, more particularly to a compact, mobile computer stand having a small footprint in which all the necessary computer equipment may be stored and/or rolled for mobility, and a unique, adjustable keyboard tray assembly.
With more and more homes and offices being equipped with computer equipment, the problem of providing a small compact computer stand occupying a small footprint yet which will accommodate all the computer and peripheral equipment is a problem to which considerable attention need be given. Heretofore, various computer tables, desks, hutches and mobile stands have been provided. However, these devices have lacked the utility and versatility for accommodating all of the computer equipment and peripheral equipment in a compact manner with a stand which has a small footprint yet is versatile.
Keyboard trays have typically been shelves. The keyboard is carried on the shelf which slides in and out of a computer desk. Numerous adjusting mechanisms for keyboard shelves are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,901,933; 5,881,984; 5,839,373; 5,145,136; and 4,844,388. While these devices are suitable for computer desks and the like, they are relatively complex mechanisms and do not provide a wide variety of keyboard positionings as disposed within a compact arrangement. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,913,582, 5,772,292, 5,797,666, and 5,803,562 show various keyboard and computer stands of general interest. However these stands are relatively complicated having a large number of parts, and are not suitable for compact, small footprint stands requiring only a small space.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a compact mobile computer stand with adjustable keyboard tray having a small footprint so it is portable and/or may be used along side other office furniture.
Another object of the invention is to provide a keyboard tray assembly which is compactly foldable yet has a wide range of operational positions.
Another object of the invention is to provide a stand in which computer equipment may be docked or rolled so that it is highly portable and may be used throughout an office or home.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a highly mobile and compact computer stand in which computer equipment may be docked or rolled about to a desired location where the stand may be opened to provide for additional shelf space for accessory equipment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above objectives are accomplished according to the present invention by providing a portable utility stand for computer equipment and the like comprising a stand having a pair of spaced opposed sides. A support tray assembly is carried by the stand between the sides for supporting a computer keyboard. A slidable base is included in the tray assembly which slides relative to the stand. A utility tray supports the keyboard and is rotatably carried by the slidable base so that the tray rotates on the base. The utility tray has a stored position wherein the tray and base are generally longitudinally aligned and are received longitudinally in the stand, and an operational position wherein the tray is withdrawn from the stored position and oriented at a desired angle relative to the base for keyboard operation. A mount is constructed and arranged to mount the tray on the base in a manner that the tray and base swivel and move in a straight-line relative to each other. Preferably, the tray includes a keyboard section for supporting a computer keyboard, and a mouse pad section for supporting a computer mouse. The mount positions the tray in a right-hand operational position wherein the mouse pad section is offset to the right side of the keyboard section. Alternately, the mount positions the tray in a left-hand operational position which is rotated 180 degrees from the right-hand operational position wherein the mouse pad section is offset to the left of the keyboard section.
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Flint & Kim, P.A.
Hansen James O.
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