Vehicle steering wheel mounted workstation apparatus

Abstract

A method and associated apparatus of mounting an object such as a portable computer on a vehicle steering wheel provides an ergonomic workstation environment in a vehicle and an optimal operation environment for the object. In a preferred embodiment, representatively incorporated as a vehicle steering wheel mounted workstation apparatus, the mounting method comprises of a proximal hanging member with elongated opening over the upper part of the steering wheel, at least two distal lower corner holders for holding the object in an inclined position over the frontal area of the steering wheel, an optional standoff under the apparatus for clearance and stability from possible protrusion existing on the steering wheel, a ventilation opening for an unrestricted air flow, and a wrist rest for ergonomics. The mountable object is not limited to but includes any objects such a; portable processing devices of computation, entertainment, communication, or measurement as well as books and binders.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A vehicle steering wheel mounted workstation apparatus detachably hanging on said vehicle steering wheel comprising: 
 an upper proximal steering wheel hanging member with predetermined dimension that is less than the diameter of said steering wheel for the purpose of securely hanging the apparatus assembly and a mounted object on to said vehicle steering wheel;    a lower distal corner holder member or plurality of said members to mount the object with distinguishable corners, curved sides and multi-dimensional access requirements on the plane of workstation apparatus platform;    means for joining said corner holder members distally planar from said proximal steering wheel hanging member at appropriate distance so as to be able to provide a stable platform for the mounted object on the steering wheel.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said plurality of lower distal corner holder members are connected by the rib or ledge with conformal shape and openings to accommodate mounting the object with curved sides and multi-dimensional access requirements on the plane of workstation apparatus platform;  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the main body of the apparatus or the apparatus as a whole assembly contains an opening or holes to provide unrestricted airflow for the mounted object's ventilation requirements.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the standoff or any similar functioning devices attached to the main body of the apparatus for purpose of providing physical and functional clearance, and open space for improved ventilation.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the apparatus has the capability of an optional wrist rest or similar functional devices for ergonomics and relief of arm muscle and related muscle fatigue arising from the extended operation of a mounted object's functions.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the upper proximal steering wheel hanging member is in form of a strap, loop, flap, hook, ledge, or any variation thereof with certain dimension that is less than the diameter of the steering wheel for purpose of hanging the whole apparatus and a mounted object on to the said vehicle steering wheel conformably and securely.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the lower distal corner holders are in the form of loops, latches, pegs, foldout holders, pivotably mounted holders with pegs or any variations thereof to mount objects with distinguishable corners, curved sides and multi-dimensional access requirements on the plane of workstation apparatus.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the components of the above described apparatus have optional adjustability designed in, whether it be the steering wheel hanging member, the corner holder members, the main body, the standoff or any other parts, having features to lengthen, widen or heighten the various components.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the material of apparatus has the characteristics of flexibility, compressibility, fold-ability and rigidity for the best functionalities, which includes but not limited to fabric, polymers, metal, and other synthetic and natural materials. 
 whereby said apparatus assembly will mount by hanging conformably and securely on the steering wheel, and    whereby said apparatus assembly will provide a stable workstation platform for the mounted said object of various shapes and dimensions on the steering wheel at a proper orientation to perform the intended functions of the mounted said object ergonomically on the steering wheel, and    whereby said apparatus assembly will provide multi dimensional access to the features of said object and permit unrestricted airflow for proper operation of said object on the steering wheel.