US20020020329A1

US20020020329A1 - Ergonomic visual display terminal and personal computer workstation apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20020020329A1
Application number: US09/883,313
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert Kowalski
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-06-23
Filing date: 2001-06-19
Publication date: 2002-02-21

Abstract

The disclosed Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus is a manually operated corner oriented commercial office or telecommuter/home office computer desk that provides all exterior computer system components within reach and encourages frequent adjustment to the video display/monitor screen distance from the eyes, keyboard angle, and pointing device angle. It is related to US patent Classification 312: Cabinet Structure Supports, 108: Horizontally Supported Planar Surfaces, and 248: Supports. The disclosed Apparatus is distinguished from prior art for the following reasons:(1) The adjustable tilt Control Panel is always at the same height as the desktop. (2) It allows the keyboard “F” and “J” keys, the document holder/organizer, the video display/monitor, and the CPU to be centered directly in front of the User. (3) It has a unique Control Panel with separate adjustable keyboard and pointing device platforms. The Control Panel has a solid attachment to the support base and desktop that eliminates wobble. It is also removable, (4) The mobile Monitor Caddy accommodates large video display/monitors, facilitates height and distance adjustments of the monitor from the eye, and has a break peg to prevent it from rolling of the desk. (5) The Document Holder/Organizer, is designed to be placed between the keyboard and the monitor and holds multiple documents at a natural reading angle. It has a wide wire passageway under the base that does not restrict the keyboard and pointing device wires. The angle of the back plain helps reduce glare and reflection of the document on the screen. (6) The mobile Computer Caddy traverses on the floor and facilitates full access to the computer without crawling under the desktop. (7) The Cable Management System allows fill access to all computer components without disconnecting or unplugging or adding extension wires and cables. The system holds the wires and cables off the floor.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/213,652, filing date: Jun. 23, 2000[0001]

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

“Not Applicable”

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

“Not Applicable”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed Ergonomic Visual Display Terminal (VDT) and Personal Computer (PC) Workstation Apparatus is manually operated and is related to US patent Classification 312: Cabinet Structure Supports, 108: Horizontally Supported Planar Surfaces, and 248: Supports.

During the evolution of the visual display terminal and personal computer, computer workstation desk designers and manufacturer's, and computer users have modified desks and worktables to accommodate these devices. Unfortunately, to date these modifications and designs have caused musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) as well as mental stress and other physical injury to people that use these devices. Ironically, computer and video display/monitor manufactures publish healthy work environment recommendations in their User Manuals that go unnoticed by corporate facility mangers. Consequently, computer users suffer unnecessary injury. Recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) developed a VDT Workstation Checklist as part of their Ergonomics Program Standard-1910.900 to minimize MSD problems in the workplace. The disclosed Ergonomic VDT/PC Workstation Apparatus is the only apparatus that exceeds the applicable OSHA VDT Workstation Checklist guidelines. “Usability, Accessibility, and Ergonomics” are features that minimize MSD issues as well as mental and other physical stress problems.

The main emphasis of the Ergonomic VDT/PC Workstation Apparatus is to position the computer monitor, document holder/organizer, keyboard, and CPU in a straight line directly in front of the User, which complies with OSHA Checklist question B and 13. At the same time it provides adjustability to encourage frequent changes to the height, distance, and tilt angle of the keyboard, pointing device, monitor, and desktop and complies with OSHA Checklist question F, G, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, and 22. U.S. PAT. NO. 5,450,800 is an expensive answer to some of the problems solved by the disclosed Apparatus.

The disclosed Apparatus minimizes the annoying problems encountered by everyone that is involved with the setup, use, and maintenance of a VDT and/or PC on a desk or workstation. Desktop Technicians, VDT/PC Users, corporate facilities and maintenance personnel benefit from this apparatus design. Employers benefit from reduced Total Cost of Operation. The disclosed Apparatus's knock down design makes it easy to assemble, disassemble, store, and move to different locations. It can be turned on it's side and moved in one piece.

The most common problem with prior art is the location and support of the VDT/PC keyboard and pointing device platforms. The OSHA VDT Workstation Checklist questions 6 and 7 suggest that the keyboard platform should be stable and large enough for the pointing device to be located next to the keyboard at the same level. However, OSHA does not mention that the platform should be wide enough or located so that the “F” and “J” keys of the keyboard are centered in front of the User and video display/monitor screen. Users, Desktop Technicians, and workstation designers use bilateral symmetry, which centers the entire keyboard in front of the video display/monitor, when positioning the keyboard. This technique offsets the “F” and “J” keys to the left of center. Consequently, the User experiences MSD problems and the workstation fails OSHA Checklist questions “B” and “G” because the upper body is leaning or twisted to the left and the right wrist is angled sideward toward the little finger. This wrist angle is the Awkward Postures condition 9 of the Table W-1: Basic Screening Tool of the non-mandatory OSHA Regulations, Ergonomics Program Standard-1 910. The VDT/PC Workstation Apparatus's Control Panel, which includes the keyboard platform, pointing device platform, and tilting mechanism, provides room to the right side of the keyboard platform to center the “F” and “J” keys directly in front of the User and video display/monitor. This feature complies with OSHA Checklist question G, 6 and 7. It has right and left hand built-in pointing device areas. At the same time, the Control Panel has a solid attachment to the Support Structure and does not bounce or wobble and complies with OSHA Checklist question 6. The Keyboard Platform tilts downward to change the angle of the keyboard, which complies with OSHA Checklist question 22. Additionally, OSHA recommends that the User's elbow should not move from close to the body while the hand articulates from the keyboard to the pointing device. In other words, the arm should not reach forward when the User changes from the keyboard to the pointing device. The semi-circular configured console of U.S. PAT. NO. 5,416,666 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,481,987 addresses this recommendation but the curved front edge prevents the User from getting close enough to the keyboard because the armrests of the chair get in the way. U.S. PAT. NO. 5,680,820 U.S. PAT. NO. 6,220,181 also addresses this issue but they only have one planar surface to support the keyboard and pointing device. The disclosed Apparatus Pointing Device Platform is contoured to the movement of the Users hand with a straight front edge, wide enough not to restrict the armrests, and with angled side wings that are ergonomically set to the User's arm movement without moving the elbow. This complies with OSHA Checklist question E. The Pointing Device Platform tilts to custom fit the angle of the User's forearm. This complies with OSHA Checklist question 9. The Control Panel is removable and interchangeable with other apparatuses of the same type. U.S. PAT. NO. 5,443,237 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,775,657 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,857,415 U.S. PAT. NO. 6,220,181 are classic examples of unstable keyboard platforms. U.S. PAT. NO. 5,377,951 has no room for the pointing device. These designs cause User stress because they bounce and wobble. Furthermore, prior art U.S. PAT. NO. D 353,279 U.S. PAT. NO. D 366,165 U.S. PAT. NO. D 386,015 U.S. PAT. NO. D 400,371 U.S. PAT. NO. D 401,776 .S. PAT. NO. D 430,979 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,416,666 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,680,820 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,857,415 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,865,125 U.S. PAT. NO. 6,158,829 U.S. PAT. NO. 6,220,181 only has one planar surface to support the keyboard and pointing device. They do not provide enough space to the right side to center the “F and “J” keys of the keyboard inline with the User, Document Holder/Organizer, and Video Display/Monitor. Also, this is an improvement to U.S. PAT. NO. 4,428,631 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,680,820 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,857,415 U.S. PAT. NO. 6,220,181 because they do not have a quick release portable feature that allows the Control Panel to be removed and interchanged with Apparatuses of the same type. Under the desk keyboard mechanisms such as U.S. PAT. NO. 5,443,237 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,775,657 are always in the way of the User's legs while being used or stored under the desktop. Five manually adjustable feet on the Support Structure are used to adjust the vertical height of the Control Panel. The disclosed Apparatus is designed for computer use and not for hand writing hence the keyboard does not need to be stored under the desk. The Control Panel does not have a mechanism that gets in the way of the User's legs.

Poor cable management is the next annoying problem solved by the disclosed Ergonomic VDT/PC Workstation Apparatus. Wires, cables, and power strips under the Users feet are annoying and for some very stressful. Crawling under desks to access equipment is also annoying. Extension wires cause problems with the video display/monitor and add to the expense. Cable portals usually are too small for A/C adapters and their wire connection must be feed up from underneath the desktop. The elongated guide slot of the Ergonomic VDT/PC Workstation Apparatus located in the center of the desktop under the monitor caddy accommodates the wires and cables from the Video Display/Monitor, speakers, microphone, camera, universal serial bus, etc. The elongated guide slot is positioned directly over the Computer Caddy under the desktop. These wires and cables travel in and are guided by the elongated guide slot as the computer caddy is rolled on the floor in and out from under the desktop, which solves the prior art U.S. PAT. NO. 4,669,789 U.S. PAT. NO. 4,766,422 U.S. PAT. NO. 4,852,500 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,041,770 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,680,820 problem of crawling under the desk and adding extension cables. The cable portals of the Support Structure hold the wires and cables up off the floor and from under the User's feet. The Power Strip Brackets, located inside the cable coops, provide a place to secure and hold the power strip off the floor and within the Users reach to turn the main power switch off (a Green feature). The Support Structure Cable Coops store the un-interruptible power supply, surge protector, and excess wire and cable. Previous art U.S. PAT. NO. D 430,979 provides for cable management but does not give the User full access to equipment without crawling under the desk. Previous art U.S. PAT. NO. D 366,165 U.S. PAT. NO. D 386,015 U.S. PAT. NO. D 400,371 U.S. PAT. NO. D 401,776 U.S. PAT. NO. 4,345,803 U.S. PAT. NO. 4,555,150 U.S. PAT. NO. 4,852,500 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,680,820 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,738,422 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,845,586 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,857,415 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,865,125 U.S. PAT. NO. 6,220,181 leaves the wires on the floor. Prior art U.S. PAT. NO. D 353,279 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,680,820 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,857,415 U.S. PAT. NO. 6,220,181 requires extension wires and cables to gain to same adjustment and accessibility of components as the disclosed Apparatus.

Cooling fans and spinning hard drives in the computer on the desktop cause noise pollution in the workplace. Secondly, the noise can distort computer based home sound systems. The noise pollution can be minimized by locating the computer under the desk. However, the front panel of the computer is not easily accessible, the video display/monitor cables are too short, and the computer takes up legroom in this location. The disclosed Apparatus is designed for corner orientation and locates the computer on a rolling caddy that can be pushed into the corner away from between the User's legs. The elongated guide slot on the desktop eliminates the cable problem because the video display/monitor cable goes directly through the slot to the computer back panel. The rolling computer caddy eliminates the accessibility problem. Thus minimizing the noise pollution problem. Now that the front panel of the computer is accessible on the floor under the desk, the document holder can be placed directly in front of the User between the keyboard and video display/monitor. Another improvement to prior art U.S. PAT. NO. D 376,278 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,118,172 is the tread pads on the Computer Caddy that allow the User to use their feet to manually pull the caddy on the floor out from under the Apparatus. The Computer Caddy is on multiple fixed rigid casters and is designed to fit back into the far corner of the apparatus. The Computer is not between the legs of the User in this position and complies with OSHA Workstation Checklist question 16.

The Monitor Caddy is directly in front of the User positioned behind the document holder/organizer and complies with OSHA Workstation Checklist question 13. It is on multiple fixed casters and has a break peg that extends into the elongated guide slot on the desktop. This is an improvement to prior art U.S. PAT. NO. 5,263,678 U.S. PAT. NO. 6,109,585 because there is a wide passageway created between the desktop and bottom of the caddy plate for the keyboard and pointing device wires that travel unrestricted from the Control Panel through the elongated guide slot to the computer without extension wires. Riser Plates are used to adjust the video display/monitor screen to eye level, which complies with OSHA Checklist question 10 and 14. The multiple fixed casters are used to change the distance between the eye and the monitor screen, which complies with OSHA Checklist question 12. This is an improvement to prior art U.S. PAT. NO 4,669,789 U.S. PAT. NO 4,766,422 because the video display/monitor distance can be easily adjusted. A Speaker Wing is mounted to the bottom of the caddy to allow the speaker wires to be bundled with the monitor wires. This keeps the speaker wires off the desktop and from under the monitor caddy casters.

The OSHA Ergonomics Program Standard discourages turning the head to the side while typing. The Document Holder/Organizer of the disclosed Apparatus is positioned directly in front of the User between the keyboard and the video display/monitor to solve this problem. This is an improvement to prior art U.S. PAT. NO. 4,893,775 U.S. PAT. NO. 4,978,096 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,029,798 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,651,524 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,810,316 U.S. PAT. NO. 6,010,158 U.S. PAT. NO. 6,042,075 U.S. PAT. NO. 6,062,145 U.S. PAT. NO. 6,109,585 because the base of the disclosed document holder/organizer is elevated above the desktop by legs that create a passageway for the keyboard and pointing device wires to travel from the Control Panel through the elongated guide slot to the CPU. It complies with OSHA Checklist Question 18. Furthermore, the shelf is wide enough and deep enough to accommodate several documents and/or books at a natural reading angle. At the same time, the back rest angle minimizes reflection of the documents in the video display/monitor screen which complies with OSHA Checklist question 14.

The stand-alone knock down design allows disclosed Apparatus to be turned on the Back Wall Panel side onto a dolly for fast mobility. It fits through standard doorways and on elevators in one piece. This is an improvement to prior art U.S. PAT. NO. 5,680,820 U.S. PAT. NO. 4,536,044 because they are not mobile in one piece.

The wide delta wing desktop has space to support other peripheral devices and office equipment. This is an improvement to prior art U.S. PAT. NO. D 401,776 U.S. PAT. NO. 5,680,820 because there is limited space for other desktop devices, i.e. printer, scanner, phone, calculator, task lamp on the desktop which complies with OSHA Checklist question 21.

The invention being thus described, it will be clear that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.



References Cited

4,345,803	8/1982	Heck	312/194
4,428,631	1/1984	Cope	312/194
4,536,044	8/1985	Ziegeiheim	312/257
4,555,150	11/1985	Tumbull	312/250
4,669,789	6/1987	Pemberton	312/7.2
4,766,422	8/1988	Wolters	340/700
4,852,500	8/1989	Ryburg	108/105
4,893,775	1/1990	Long	248/442.2
4,978,096	12/1990	Struckmann	248/451
5,029,798	7/1991	Clark	248/459
5,041,770	8/1991	Seller	318/265
5,118,172	6/1992	Ugalde	312/208
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5,377,951	1/1995	Johnson	248/639
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5,450,800	9/1995	Leonard	108/7
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5,865,125	2/1999	Alexander	108/50.011
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D 353,279	12/1994	Funk	D6/426
D 366,165	1/1996	Holsinger	D6/421
D 376,278	12/1996	Zivari	D6/421
D 386,015	11/1997	O'Sulivan	D6/426
D 400,371	11/1998	Robinson	D6/423
D 401,776	12/1998	Weng	D6/426
D 430,979	9/2000	Brandenberg	D6/426

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus is a free standing delta wing shaped design and of knock down construction. It is designed for computer use rather than handwriting and is the only apparatus that exceeds the applicable OSHA VDT Workstation Checklist guidelines with “Usability, Accessibility, and Ergonomic” features that minimize MSD issues as well as mental and other physical stress problems. Prior art complies with some of the guidelines on a piece meal basis. The disclosed apparatus allows the keyboard “F” and “J” keys, the document holder/organizer, the video display/monitor, and the CPU to be centered directly in front of the User. It has a Control Panel with separate adjustable keyboard and pointing device platforms. The Control Panel has a solid attachment to the support base and desktop that eliminates wobble. The Computer Caddy facilitates full access to the computer without crawling under the desktop. The Monitor Caddy accommodates large video display/monitors and facilitates height and distance adjustments. The Document Holder/Organizer holds multiple documents at a natural reading angle and has a wire passageway under the base. The Cable Management System allows full access to all computer components without disconnecting or unplugging or adding extension wires and cables. The system holds the wires and cables off the floor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus [0017] 10 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the [0018] Support Structure 22 of the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is the [0019] Control Panel 34 bottom view of the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is the bottom and side view of the right hand Locking Toe and [0020] Tilt Mechanism 91 of the Control Panel 34 of the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is the [0021] Back Wall Panel 66 view of the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is the [0022] Side Panel 70 view of the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is the [0023] Compartment Panel 76 view of the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is the [0024] Cable Coop Shelf 50 of the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is the [0025] Cross Bar 78 view of the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a top view of the [0026] Desktop 32 and Control Panel 34 of the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is the [0027] Desktop Panel 32 b top view of the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is four views of the [0028] Monitor Caddy 16 of the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is four views of the [0029] Computer Caddy 20 of the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is the isometric view of Document Holder/[0030] Organizer 18 of the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a view of [0031] Control Panel 34 right hand side Locking Toe and Tilt Mechanism 91 attached to the Support Structure 22 in the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is an exploded view showing the relationship of the parts in the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus of the present invention.[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus is a manually operated commercial office or telecommuter/home office computer workstation. It provides all exterior computer system components within reach and encourages frequent adjustment to the video display/monitor screen distance from the eyes, keyboard angle, and pointing device angle. The disclosed Apparatus invention can be manufactured from metal, solid wood, wood veneer over medium density fiberboard, melamine with vinyl “T” molding, or acrylic polymer. [0033]
Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention provides the Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus [0034] 10 having a Desktop 32, Control Panel 34, Monitor Caddy 16, Document Holder/Organizer 18, Computer Caddy 20, and Support Structure 22 as dependent parts. Apparatus 10 is distinguished from prior art because the tilt adjustable Control Panel 34 is always at the same height as the Desktop 32.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 16, the [0035] Support Structure 22 consists of first Back Wall Panel 66 and second mirror image Back Wall Panel 68 also shown in FIG. 5, first Side Panel 70 and second mirror image Side Panel 72 also shown in FIG. 6, first Compartment Panel 74 and second mirror image Compartment Panel 76 also shown in FIG. 7, first Cable Coop 82 and second mirror image Cable Coop 84, first Cable Coop Shelf 50 and second mirror image Cable Coop Shelf 51 also shown in FIG. 8, first Power Strip Bracket 52 and second mirror image Power Strip Bracket 53, three Rectangle Supports 98, two Triangle Supports 96, and two Triangle Supports 99, first and second Cross Bars 78 and 80 also shown in FIG. 9, and five Adjustable Feet 100.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 16, [0036] Support Structure 22 provides a structurally stable support for Desktop 32 and Control Panel 34. Structure 22 accommodates the various computer cables, power strips, and Computer Caddy 20. First and second Back Wall Panels 66 and 68, oriented perpendicular to the floor, form a ninety-degree angle at point AA. They are vertically connected together by a Rectangle Support 98 using conventional joint connector bolts and threaded insert nuts. Conventional joint connector bolts and threaded insert nuts are used throughout to facilitate ease of assembly and disassembly. First and second Side Panels 70 and 72 attach perpendicular to the Back Wall Panels 66 and 68 at points BB and CC and are vertically connected with Rectangle Supports 98 using conventional joint connector bolts and threaded insert nuts. First and second Compartment Panels 74 and 76 attach to the Side Panels 70 and 72 at forty five-degree angles at points DD & EE and are connected with Triangle Supports 96 using conventional joint connector bolts and threaded insert nuts. Compartment Panels 74 and 76 attach to the Back Wall Panels 66 and 68 at forty-five degree angles at points FF & GG and are vertically connected with Triangle Supports 99 using conventional joint connector bolts and threaded insert nuts. Back Wall Panel 66, Side Panel 70, and Compartment Panel 74 forms the left side Cable Coop 82 cabinet. Back Wall Panel 68, Side Panel 72, and Compartment Panel 76 forms the right side Cable Coop 84 cabinet. Power Strip Brackets 52 and 53 are vertically mounted on the inside front edge of the large opening 77 of the Compartment Panels 74 and 76 facing into the cabinet. First and second Cable Coop Shelves 50 and 51 horizontally form the bottom of Cable Coop 82 and 84 cabinets and are supported by conventional “L” brackets and screws. Shoulder 200 and 210 of first and second Cross Bars 78 and 80, also shown in FIG. 9, horizontally insert into and connect to notches 74 a and 74 b, 76 a and 76 b of Compartment Panels 74 and 76 FIG. 7 using conventional joint connector bolts and threaded insert nuts. Back Wall Panel 66 and 68 are recessed under Desktop 32 to facilitate plugging power cords into wall outlets without bending to plug. Five Adjustable Feet 100 vertically screw into the bottom of Rectangle Supports 98 and Triangle Supports 96 using conventional fasteners and threaded insert nuts. They are used to adjust the height of Desktop 32 and Control Panel 34. Feet 100 are deliberately designed large enough to be turn by hand and no tools are required. Conventional Double Roller Catches 110 and 120 are mounted facing outward on the upper front edge of the Compartment Panels 74 and 76 using conventional fasteners and are used to hold Control Panel 34 in place and at the same time provides a quick release to remove Panel 34 FIG. 15.
Referring to FIG. 10, [0037] first Desktop Panel 32 a and second mirror image Desktop Panel 32 b, also shown in FIG. 11, form the horizontally stationary delta wing shaped planar Desktop 32 that is supported by the Support Structure 22 FIG. 1. The apex AA of the Desktop 32 delta wing points toward connection AA of the Support Structure 22 FIG. 2. Desktops 32 a and 32 b are parallel to the floor and attach to the Support Structure 22 with eight conventional “L” brackets 130 FIG. 2. The Elongated Guide Slot 42 is created on the forty-five degree bisected line where the Desktop Panels 32 a and 32 b are horizontally jointed together to form Desktop 32 and is located toward the apex AA. Slot 42 is the major feature of the Cable Management System. All the wires and cables from the Video Display/Monitor, keyboard, pointing device, speakers, microphone, camera, etc. pass through Slot 42 and Cable Portals 105 of Support Structure 22 and to the computer mounted on Computer Caddy 20. These wires and cables are guided and travel forward and backward in Slot 42 as Monitor Caddy 16 is adjusted to distance and Computer Caddy 20 is moved forward from under Desktop 32 and Control Panel 34 and backward into point AA of Support Structure 22. The length and position of Slot 42 eliminates the need to disconnect or unplug wires and cables to move and access the computer equipment. Also, it eliminates the need for extension wires and cables. The hypotenuse edge 135 of the delta wing forms the front edge of the Desktop 32. The hypotenuse side edge 135 has a concave contoured shape that matches the Control Panel 34 back edge convex contour shape. The Cable Portal Covers 97 with removable caps on top of Desktop 32 a and 32 b are located directly over connecting points BB & CC of the Support Structure 22 FIG. 2.
Referring to FIG. 12, [0038] Monitor Caddy 16 supports the video display/monitor and is horizontally supported by and connects to Desktop 32 by gravity. It is centered over the Elongated Guide Slot 42 FIGS. 1 and 10. There are four rigid casters 160 under the comers of the Monitor Caddy Plate 16 a creating a passageway 190 between the Desktop 32 and Plate 16 _a. Riser Plates 44, supported by and connected to Plate 16 a by gravity, are added to the top of Plate 16 a to elevate the Video Display/Monitor to the recommended height if necessary. Adding Plate 44 also facilitates adjusting the video display/monitor screen perpendicular to Desktop 32, which minimizes glare and reflection on the screen from ambient over head lighting. Speaker Wing 155 is mounted under the Monitor Caddy Plate 16 a and extends horizontally to the left and right sides providing space for conventional computer system speakers and is attached with convention fasteners. A downward extending Break Peg 165 attaches to the back most edge and is centered on the underside of the Monitor Caddy Plate 16 a with conventional fasteners. The Break Peg 165 inserts downward through Elongated Guide Slot 42 and prevents the Monitor Caddy 16 from rolling off the Desktop 32 while traversing from the apex AA to the hypotenuse 135 of the delta wing FIG. 10. This is an improvement to prior art because Caddy 16 can be easily rolled and encourages frequent changes to distance between the Video Display/Monitor screen and the eye. It is deliberately designed to roll forward to the front hypotenuse 135 edge of Desktop 32 to facilitate ease of video display/monitor installation and maintenance without physical back strain caused by reaching over a long surface with heavy objects.
Referring to FIG. 13, the [0039] Computer Caddy 20 supports the computer and is supported by the floor. It has four fixed rigid casters 160 mounted under the Plate 20 a. The back edge of the Plate 20 a is notched with two forty-five degree angles Q which allows it to be manually pushed on the floor into corner AA of the Support Structure 22 FIG. 2. At point AA the computer is not in between the User's legs. Two Tread Pads 170 are horizontally mounted by adhesive to the front left and right corners of the top of the Plate 20 a. The Tread Pads 170 create friction for the User's feet as the Computer Caddy 20 traverses on the floor under the Elongated Guide Slot 42 from the apex AA and all the way out from under Control Panel 34. This allows full access to the back panel of the computer without unplugging or disconnecting wires or cables. It is deliberately designed for mobility to facilitate ease of installation, use, and maintenance of the computer. This is an improvement to prior art because they require the User to crawl under the desktop to gain access to the computer back panel.
Referring to FIG. 14, Document Holder/[0040] Organizer 18 is horizontally supported by and attaches to Desktop 32 by gravity between the Monitor Caddy 16 and Control Panel 34. The support legs 175 create a passageway 62 between the Planar Base 56 and the top of Desktop 32. This passageway 62 in combination with passageway 190 created by the Monitor Caddy 16 FIG. 12 allow the keyboard and pointing device wires from the Control Panel 34 to pass unrestricted through the Elongated Guide Slot 42 to the Computer Caddy 20. The distance between legs 175 is deliberately designed to guide and prevent the wires from getting under the casters 160 of Monitor Caddy 16. The forty-five degree Angled Support 58, which holds documents at a natural reading position and minimizes reflection of the document in the screen, of the Document Holder/Organizer 18 is heat formed from the Planar Base 56. The Document Support Lip 60, wide enough for several documents and deep enough to hold books, horizontally attaches by adhesive at point MM across Angled Support 58. This is an improvement to prior art because they restrict the keyboard and pointing device wires while passing under to base. Consequently extension wires maybe needed to gain the same accessibility to all computer components as in Apparatus 10. A further improvement is the added capacity for documents and books on Document Support Lip 60.
Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, [0041] 10, and 15, the Control Panel 34 supports a computer keyboard and pointing device and is horizontally supported by the Support Structure 22 and Desktop 32 FIG. 10. The Pointing Device Platform 36 is supported by and piano hinged to Locking Toe Plate 92 and 93 with Locking Toe Hinge 90 with conventional flat head screws. The Pointing Device Platform 36 has a cut out middle section for the Keyboard Platform 38 and is contoured to the arc of the Users hand. It has a straight front section 35 to support a wrist rest and is wide enough not to restrict the armrests of a chair. It has ergonomically set diagonally outward side wings 37 a and 37 b angled so that the User is not required to move their elbow while moving the hand from the keyboard to the pointing device. The under side front edge of Keyboard Platform 38 is horizontally supported by and piano hinged to the under side back edge of Pointing Device Platform 36 with Keyboard hinge 87. Keyboard Platform 38 is wide enough to center the “F and “J” keys of the keyboard on the Control Panel 34 and inline with the User, Document Holder/Organizer 18, and Video Display/Monitor. This avoids awkward sideward wrist angles. Keyboard Platform 38 tilts downward from Pointing Device Platform 36 FIG. 15. This encourages the User to frequently change the angle of the keyboard and avoid stress injuries. The Pointing Device Platform 36 tilts upward from the Locking Toe Plate 92 and 93 FIG. 15. This encourages the User to adjust the angle of the planar surface of Platform 36 to fit the User's forearm. Thus preventing the front edge of Platform 36 from cutting blood circulation to the forearm, wrist, and hands. This is a major improvement to prior art because they only have one planar surface to support the keyboard and pointing device. Furthermore, they do not provide enough space to the right to center the “F and “J” keys of the keyboard inline with the User, Document Holder/Organizer 18, and Video Display/Monitor.
Referring to FIG. 3, the bottom surface of first and second [0042] Locking Toe Plates 92 and 93 of the Control Panel 34 are supported by and slide on the Locking Toe Notches 140 of Side Panel 70 and 72 and Compartment Panel 74 and 76 FIGS. 2, 6, 7, and 15. The top rear surface of Locking Toes 92 and 93 slide under and are trapped by Desktop Panels 32 a and 32 b at points W creating a snug and stable fit and prevents vertical movement Conrol Panel 34 FIG. 10 and 15. The Locking Toe male pins 150 and 152 plug into the Double Roller Catches 110 and 120 on the Compartment Panels 74 and 76 of Support Structure 22 and hold the Control Panel 34 in place and at the same time make Control Panel 34 removable FIG. 15. This is an improvement to prior art because of the quick release removable portable feature that allows the Control Panel 34 to be interchanged with Apparatuses 10 of the same kind.
Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and [0043] 15, the Locking Toe and Tilt Mechanism 91 consists of first and second Locking Toes Plates 92 and 93, Mounting Brackets 180 and 181, two Locking Toe Hinges 90, two Keyboard Platform Tilt Hinges 86, two Pointing Device Platform Tilt Hinges 85, and two Double Roller Catch Male Pegs 150 and 152 FIG. 3. Locking Toe Hinge 90 attaches to the top front edge of the Locking Toe 92 and 93 at point LL & KK with conventional flat head screws. Mounting Brackets 180 and 181 attach vertically to the underside of Locking 92 and 93 facing inward toward the Keyboard Platform 38 with conventional flat head screws. Brackets 180 and 181 slide between the top front side of Compartment Panels 74 and 76 just below notches 140 to prevent lateral movement of Control Panel 34. The Double Roller Catch Male Pegs 150 and 152 attach to the back end of the Mounting Brackets 180 and 181 with conventional flat head screws. The Keyboard Tilt Hinge 86 base attaches to the under side of the Keyboard Platform 38 at point RR & SS with conventional flat head screws. The swivel section of the Keyboard Tilt Hinge 86 attaches vertically to the Mounting Bracket 180 and 181 at point TT. The Pointing Device Platform Tilt Hinge 85 base attaches horizontally to the under side of the Pointing Device Platform 36 directly over the Locking Toe 92 and 93 at point UU & VV with conventional flat head screws. The swivel section of the Pointing Device Tilt Hinge 85 attaches vertically to the Mounting Bracket 180 and 181 at point XX. The Tilting Mechanism 91 encourages the User to frequently change the angle of Keyboard Platform 38 and Pointing Device Platform 36.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, [0044] 6, 7, 10, 12, and 14, the Cable Management System provides access to the computer system and other peripheral devices without disconnecting or unplugging wires and cables. It consists of the one Elongated Guide Slot 42, two Power Strip Brackets 52 and 53, two Cable Portal Covers 97, sixteen Cable Portals 105 of Support Structure 22, Passageway 190 under Monitor Caddy Plate 16 a, Passageway 62 under Document Holder/Organizer Base 56, Cable Coops 82 and 84, and Cable Coop Shelf 50 and 51. The Elongated Guide Slot 42 manages the wires and cables from the Video Display/Monitor, speakers, microphone, USB, etc. The Power Strip Brackets 52 and 53 hold the power strips off the floor and within reach of the main power switch encouraging the User to turn off power to all peripheral devices after the computer shuts down. Cable Portal Covers 97 are removable to permit A/C adapters to pass down through from top of the desktop with other wires and cables. Portal 97 avoids the annoying task of feeding wires up from under the desktop. The sixteen Cable Portals 105 of Support Base 22 are lined with vinyl molding to prevent scrapping wires and wide enough to pass through A/C adapters. Portals 105 hold the wires and cable off the floor from under the User's feet and while Monitor Caddy 16 and Computer Caddy 20 are moved. Passageway 62 prevents the keyboard and pointing device wires from getting under Monitor Caddy 16 casters went Caddy 16 is moved.
The stand-alone knock down design allows the Apparatus [0045] 10 to be turned on the Back Wall Panel 66 or 68 side in one piece onto a dolly for fast mobility.
Referring to FIG. 16, this is an exploded view showing the relationship of the parts of [0046] Apparatus 110.

Claims

What I claim as my invention is:

1. A break-down standalone Ergonomic Video Display Terminal and Personal Computer Workstation Apparatus supporting a computer system, computer peripheral devices, and other office equipment, comprising of:

a two piece horizontal delta wing shaped planar desktop, with an elongated guide slot and cable portals, supporting the monitor caddy and document holder/organizer, and

a support structure supporting the desktop and control panel with horizontal desktop support beams, cable portals, cable coops and shelves, adjustable height feet, vertical power strip brackets, rectangle and triangle vertical supports, vertical back wall panels, vertical side panels, vertical compartment panels, and

a mobile horizontal traversing monitor caddy supporting a video display/monitor with speaker wing, casters, riser plate, break peg, and

a wide document holder/organizer supporting papers and books with planar base, angled support with lip, support legs, a wire and cable passageway, and

a slide-in, plug-in, removable, and interchangeable control panel supporting a computer keyboard and pointing device with ergonomically set side wings with right and left pointing device areas, locking toe mechanism, tilting keyboard platform, tilting pointing device platform, and

a mobile horizontal traversing computer caddy supporting a computer with friction thread pads and casters, and

a cable management system consisting of an elongated guide slot, cable portals, cable coops, and power strip brackets.