Supports: cabinet structure – Spaced pedestal type
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-06
2001-01-09
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3636)
Supports: cabinet structure
Spaced pedestal type
C312S223300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170926
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to computer desks, and more particularly, to trapezoidal “hidden-monitor” desks which can be used interchangeably as ordinary desks and as computer desks, and can be assembled into various semi-octagonal, S-shaped, straight-line, and angular clusters so as to allow efficient use of classroom or office floor space and also provide an aesthetic classroom or office environment.
A wide variety of modular work stations are known. Some can be assembled into various aesthetically pleasing clusters. Most are designed primarily for industrial or commercial applications. Some of the known modular desks or computer work stations are non-rectangular. “Hidden-monitor” computer desks, such as the one shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,755,009, include a computer monitor supported below a transparent monitor viewing window plate that is embedded in the desk top so the computer monitor can be viewed without occupying space on the desk top. The known hidden-monitor computer desks include a retractable keyboard shelf. None of the known hidden-monitor computer desks have non-rectangular desk tops, and none are non-rectangular modular units that can be linked together in a variety of different clusters which would be well suited for classroom or office use.
Thus, there is an unmet need for an inexpensive, hidden-monitor computer desk module that can, without modification, be used as an ordinary school or office desk, and also can be easily assembled into various clusters so as to make optimum use of classroom or office space, provide a variety of aesthetically pleasing arrangements, allow for more effective teacher-student interaction or work productivity, and provide a measure of individual privacy so as to allow a number of persons to use computers without distracting the others. There also is an unmet need for an effective yet attractive system for invisible routing of overhead electrical cables and computer bus or data cables to and between computer desk modules, shared printers, and/or other computer peripheral devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a computer desk module that can be conveniently and easily assembled into attractive clusters so as to make efficient use of classroom or office floor space and also enhance student-teacher interaction or work-place productivity.
It is another object of the invention to provide a non-rectangular computer desk module and assembled clusters thereof and an attractive complementary system for invisible routing of overhead electrical cables and computer bus cables to all of the computer desk modules.
It is another object of the invention to provide a wide variety of clusters of inexpensive hidden-monitor computer desk modules.
It is another object of the invention to provide a computer desk module that provides convenient, versatile adjustment of the viewing angle of a “hidden” monitor located under the desk top and viewed through a window plate embedded in the desk top.
It is another object of the invention to provide a hidden-monitor computer desk module that can be assembled into clusters with good ventilation therein to effectuate cooling of computers and monitors in the computer desk modules.
Briefly described, and in accordance with one embodiment thereof, the invention provides a computer desk module, having a trapezoidal desk top with a monitor viewing window opening therein. The front edge of the trapezoidal desk top is longer than the rear edge thereof. A transparent monitor viewing window plate is supported in the desk top surface plate so as to cover the window opening. A flat top surface of the window plate is flush with a flat surface of the desk top. A pull-out keyboard shelf is supported under a front edge portion of the desk top, and is secured behind a flip-down drawer. A left storage pedestal is bounded by a left side panel and a left knee space panel, and a right storage pedestal is bounded by a right side panel and a right knee space panel. A monitor compartment is bounded by the desk top, a back panel, the left and right side panels, and a hinged knee space door panel, the left and right knee space panels being parallel to the left and right side panels, respectively. A computer monitor can be supported in the monitor compartment so as to have an upwardly-inclined viewing screen to thereby allow viewing of the screen through the transparent monitor window plate by a person seated in front of the knee space. The trapezoidal shape of the computer desk modules allows them to be assembled in end-to-end fashion into semi-trapezoidal clusters, S-shaped clusters, and a variety of straight line clusters. A power cable and computer bus routing system includes tubular legs supporting a decorative cover extending to the ceiling of a room. The legs extend upward from a cabinet having a semi-octagonal shape dimensioned to mate with semi-octagonal clusters of the computer desk modules. Openings in the side panels of the computer desk modules that are connected end-to-end with other computer desk modules allow improved air circulation through all of them to thereby cool all of the hidden monitors.
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Roberts Fay D.
Williamson Debra D.
Cahill, Sutton & Thomas PLC
Cuomo Peter M.
Hansen James O.
Roberts Fay D.
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