Supports – Brackets – Adjustable
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-26
2001-10-02
Ramirez, Ramon O. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Brackets
Adjustable
C248S278100, C248S918000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06296216
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to computers, and more specifically to a keyboard support tray that stows the keyboard underneath a desktop when not in use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Personal computers are becoming more and more common in many industries and office environments. Personal computer systems comprise among other things a CPU unit, a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse. In order to preserve desktop space, the CPU is often times stowed at the far edge of desktop area furthest away from the user, or on the floor underneath the desk. The monitor is placed on the desktop or mounted on a platform directly over the desktop so the user can easily and ergonomically view it. While the keyboard can also be moved from the desktop to save space, the keyboard must still be supported generally in front of the user and approximately at desktop height when in use. The most common keyboard support is a drawer or tray mounted directly underneath the desktop. The user can pull out the drawer/tray when using the computer, and slide it away under the desktop when the computer is not in use.
It is difficult to make an inexpensive tray with a desirable sliding action and stable support rigidity. Inexpensive trays tend to move and flex while the keyboard is in use, and do not have a smooth, quiet, non sticking movement easily manipulated by a single hand as they are slid underneath the desktop. Trays that slide directly out toward the user provide only one location in its extended position for the keyboard, without any capability to adjust the keyboard location side to side and/or to adjust the angle of the keyboard relative to the front edge of the desktop. Trays must use supports attached to the desktop that are either wider than the length of the tray support, or deeper than the depth of the tray in its retracted position, which is problematic when there is limited space underneath the desktop.
Recently, more complex keyboard support systems have been developed which allow the user to position the keyboard at multiple locations and heights during use, and to slide and/or vertically pivot the keyboard under the desktop when not in use. These keyboard support systems tend to be excessively complex and expensive, thus requiring balancing springs, reinforced tray slides and other movable parts. They often require heavy support structures that are heavy, difficult to operate and necessitate regular lubrication. The excessive size and space used under the desktop for these complex keyboard support systems make them impractical for desktops with limited space underneath. Such systems are not practical to attach to the keyboard itself, and therefore always require a keyboard support platform.
There is a need for an inexpensive retractable keyboard support assembly that provides a stiff support surface when in its extended position, a smooth and simple movement to a retracted position under the desktop, and lateral and angular position adjustments of the keyboard during use. The keyboard support assembly needs to have a simple design with minimal parts for low manufacturing costs, and use minimal space underneath the desktop.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention solves the aforementioned problems by providing a support assembly for a keyboard tray or keyboard itself that efficiently and smoothly stores the computer keyboard under the desktop. The support assembly has a simple, low cost design, and occupies minimal space underneath the desktop.
The support assembly of the present invention includes first and second mounting brackets each having a mounting surface for attachment to a bottom surface of a desktop, first and second support arms pivotally attached to the first and second mounting brackets respectively to define first and second pivot axes, and a platform having a top support surface and a bottom surface. The first and second support arms rotate in a single plane about the first and second pivot axes respectively. The first and second support arms are pivotally attached to the bottom surface of the platform to define third and fourth pivot axes respectively. The support arms are rotatable relative to the platform in the single plane about the third and fourth pivot axes respectively. The distance between the first and second pivot axes is greater than the distance between the third and fourth pivot axes so that the platform is translatable between the mounting brackets, in a plane that is located between the first plane and the mounting surfaces of the mounting brackets, from a deployed position in front of the desktop to a retracted position underneath the desktop.
In another aspect of the present invention, the support assembly includes first and second mounting brackets each having a mounting surface for attachment to a bottom surface of a desktop, first and second support arms pivotally attached to the first and second mounting brackets respectively to define first and second pivot axes, and a computer keyboard have a top surface with input keys and a bottom surface. The first and second support arms rotate in a single plane about the first and second pivot axes respectively. The first and second support arms are pivotally attached to the bottom surface of the keyboard to define third and fourth pivot axes respectively. The support arms are rotatable relative to the keyboard in the single plane about the third and fourth pivot axes respectively. The distance between the first and second pivot axes is greater than the distance between the third and fourth pivot axes so that the keyboard is translatable between the mounting brackets, in a plane that is located between the first plane and the mounting surfaces of the mounting brackets, from a deployed position in front of the desktop to a retracted position underneath the desktop.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent by a review of the specification, claims and appended figures.
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Janik Craig M.
Law David John
Gray Cary Ware & Friedenrich LLP
Ramirez Ramon O.
Speck Product Design
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