Ergonomic positioning apparatus for computers and or computer accessories

Abstract

There exists a significant need to improve the ergonomic and dimensional efficiency of keyboard supporting devices. By supporting a keyboard device on a six axis fully adjustable cantilevered platform having appropriate friction and stops on all axis results in a mechanically and economically efficient structure with unparalleled ergonomic benefits. This device is especially beneficial for properly positioning and supporting notebook or laptop style computers and other accessories.

1 . A user adjustable, structure for the purpose of positioning location sensitive items such as a notebook or laptop computer, comprising a rigidly mounted, substantially vertical tube or cylinder which supports an adjustable cross fitting, such that a sliding and rotational fit is achieved with said vertical member, and where said cross fitting slides vertically relative to, and may rotate about said vertical member. Optionally said cross fitting contains a thumbscrew to adjust the friction with said vertical member. Additionally a cantilevered arm member having a flat longitudinally along one side. Additionally said fitting contains a thumbscrew or similar means to compresses the flat of the arm member such that said compression limits the rotational range of the arm along the arm's axis and relative to said cross fitting.  
     
     
         2 . An apparatus claimed in  1 , where said cantilevered element utilizes an oval shaped cross section to achieve a flat side.  
     
     
         3 . Additionally an apparatus claimed in  1 , where a female clevis element is mounted vertically perpendicular to, and mates with, said cantilevered member by means of an adjustable clevis pin or screw that passes perpendicularly through the cantilevered end of said cantilevered element such that a pivot relationship between said clevis element and said arm element is achieved. Additionally said pivot axis is perpendicular to said upright element. Optionally tightening said clevis screw increases the pivot friction between said clevis and said cantilevered arm by means of compressing the fingers of said clevis against said arm.  
     
     
         4 . An apparatus claimed in  3  where the mechanical relationship between said clevis element is such that the pivot range is limited by mechanical contact between said clevis and said arm.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus claimed in  4 , where said clevis element contains a pivoting platform on top such that said platform pivots about an axis that is perpendicular to said clevis pivot.  
     
     
         6 . An apparatus claimed in  5 , where the platform pivot is a flat head screw and where tightening said screw increases the rotational friction between said platform and said clevis hub element and where thread insert design utilizes a setscrew or lock-screw to prevent said pivot screw from backing out when said platform is rotated.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus claimed in  5 , where the supported platform is used to support a notebook computer or other placement sensitive item to achieve ergonomic and space economy benefits.  
     
     
         8 . An apparatus claimed in  7 , where said platform utilizes fingers for the purpose of retaining supported items such as notebook computers. Optionally said fingers are mounted by means of threaded holes in said platform.  
     
     
         9 . An apparatus claimed in  1 , where said upright member is sufficiently tall to be used as a podium.  
     
     
         10 . An apparatus claimed in  1 , where said upright member is sufficiently tall to be used from a platform style bed.  
     
     
         11 . An apparatus claimed in  1  where said upright member is flange mounted by conventional means to a countertop.  
     
     
         12 . An apparatus claimed in  1  where said upright member is flange mounted mounted by conventional means under a cabinet.  
     
     
         13 . A substantially upright mast apparatus capable of mast placement very near furniture is achieved by attaching said mast, by conventional means, to a structurally adequate flat base plate having adequate weight, stiffness and thinness such that traditional furniture legs may be placed on and castors may easily roll over the top of said base plate without disrupting the function of said furniture.  
     
     
         14 . An apparatus claimed in  13  where said base plate is made of 0.12″ thick steel or aluminum.  
     
     
         15 . An apparatus claimed in  13  where said upright member is affixed to said base plate by a stanction base style fitting such that said upright element may be easily disconnected from the base for transport purposes.  
     
     
         16 . An apparatus claimed in  1  and  13 , where the resulting apparatus is used to support a notebook computer or other position sensitive items.  
     
     
         17 . An apparatus claimed in  13  where one or more specialized accessories may be mounted on said upright mast. By conventional means. Examples of such items are shelves, coffee holders, note holders, pencil holder, speaker holder.  
     
     
         18 . An apparatus claimed in  18  where a specialized shelf is configured as a traditional mouse pad.