Computer workstation for use in aircraft

Abstract

A workstation comprising a desktop assembly for supporting a display and an input device, a base for securing the workstation to an aircraft structure, and means for extending and retracting the desktop assembly between a deployed position and a stowed position.

1 . A workstation comprising: 
 a desktop assembly for supporting a display and an input device;    a base for securing the workstation to an aircraft structure; and    means for extending and retracting the desktop assembly between a deployed position and a stowed position.    
     
     
         2 . The workstation of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 means for counterbalancing the weight of the desktop assembly for easy movement between the stowed position and the deployed position.    
     
     
         3 . The workstation of  claim 2 , wherein the means for counterbalancing the weight of the desktop assembly comprises: 
 a constant force device.    
     
     
         4 . The workstation of  claim 3 , wherein the constant force device comprises a flat wound constant force spring.  
     
     
         5 . The workstation of  claim 1 , wherein the means for extending and retracting the desktop assembly between a deployed position and a stowed position comprises: 
 a door assembly having first and second sides, each of the sides including first and second channels for receiving rollers attached to the desktop.    
     
     
         6 . The workstation of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 means for locking the desktop assembly in the deployed position.    
     
     
         7 . The workstation of  claim 6 , wherein the means for locking the desktop assembly in the deployed position comprises: 
 a lever arm having a paw for engaging a striker plate; and    means for moving the lever arm.    
     
     
         8 . The workstation of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 means for adjusting the position of the display.    
     
     
         9 . The workstation of  claim 8 , wherein the means for adjusting the position of the display comprises: 
 first and second display mounting brackets for supporting the display, wherein the first and second display mounting brackets are pivotally mounted to the desktop and at least one of the first and second display mounting brackets includes a curved opening for receiving a locking member.    
     
     
         10 . The workstation of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 sliding means for retaining a keyboard on the desktop.    
     
     
         11 . The workstation of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 first and second channels connected to the base for securing the base to seat rails in an aircraft floor.    
     
     
         12 . A workstation comprising: 
 a desktop assembly for supporting a display and an input device;    a base for securing the workstation to an aircraft structure; and    a mechanism for extending and retracting the desktop assembly between a deployed position and a stowed position.    
     
     
         13 . The workstation of  claim 12 , further comprising: 
 a constant force device for counterbalancing the weight of the desktop assembly for easy movement between the stowed position and the deployed position.    
     
     
         14 . The workstation of  claim 13 , wherein the constant force device comprises a flat wound constant force spring.  
     
     
         15 . The workstation of  claim 12 , wherein the mechanism for extending and retracting the desktop assembly between the deployed position and a stowed position comprises: 
 a door assembly having first and second sides, each of the sides including first and second channels for receiving rollers attached to the desktop.    
     
     
         16 . The workstation of  claim 12 , further comprising: 
 a locking device for locking the desktop assembly in the deployed position.    
     
     
         17 . The workstation of  claim 16 , wherein the locking device comprises: 
 a lever arm having a paw for engaging a striker plate; and    means for moving the lever arm.    
     
     
         18 . The workstation of  claim 12 , further comprising: 
 first and second display mounting brackets for supporting the display, wherein the first and second display mounting brackets are pivotally mounted to the desktop and at least one of the first and second display mounting brackets includes a curved opening for receiving a locking member.    
     
     
         19 . The workstation of  claim 12 , further comprising: 
 sliding means for retaining a keyboard on the desktop.    
     
     
         20 . The workstation of  claim 12 , further comprising: 
 first and second channels connected to the base for securing the base to seat rails in an aircraft floor.