Adjustable work surface

Abstract

A multi-functional adjustable work surface that mounts on a desk or similar structure to provide a comfortably accessible work surface to support an IO device, such as a computer mouse, keyboard, trackball, or other device. In some embodiments, the adjustable work surface includes an articulated arm, allowing rotation about one or more axes to place the work surface in a comfortable position. Some embodiments include a mounting assembly for affixing the articulated arm to a desk. The mounting assembly may include an elongated rail, so that the arm may be easily positioned laterally relative to the user.

1 . An adjustable work surface for use with an IO device and a worktop, 
 comprising:    an articulated arm, the articulated arm comprising: 
 a first segment,  
 a second segment, the second segment joined to the first segment and capable of rotating about a first axis, and  
 a third segment joined to the second segment and capable of rotating about a second axis; and  
   a platform defining a perimeter, the platform rotatably connected to the articulated arm;    wherein the first axis and the second axis are not parallel;    whereby the platform may be adjusted in position and angle relative to the worktop.    
   
   
       2 . The adjustable work surface of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a rail fastenable to the worktop; and    a fastener adapted to travel upon the rail and to secure the articulated arm to the rail.    
   
   
       3 . The adjustable tray of  claim 1 , wherein the platform defines a generally planar surface, whereby the platform is capable of supporting an IO device.  
   
   
       4 . The adjustable tray of  claim 1 , wherein the platform is integrated with a keyboard.  
   
   
       5 . The adjustable tray of  claim 1 , wherein the perimeter is round.  
   
   
       6 . The adjustable tray of  claim 1 , wherein the articulated arm further comprises one or more rotatably interjoined segments.  
   
   
       7 . The adjustable work surface of  claim 1 , further comprising a mounting assembly for fastening the articulated arm to the worktop.  
   
   
       8 . The adjustable work surface of  claim 7 , wherein the mounting assembly is a clamp, bolt, or rotational fastener.  
   
   
       9 . The adjustable work surface of  claim 7 , wherein the mounting assembly comprises: 
 a rail defining a slot; and    a fastener adapted to travel along the slot and to secure the articulated arm to the rail.    
   
   
       10 . The adjustable work surface of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting assembly comprises: 
 a carriage block defining at least one slot, the carriage block fastenable to a chair arm; and    a fastener adapted to travel upon the slot and to secure the articulated arm to the carriage block.    
   
   
       11 . The adjustable work surface of  claim 1 , wherein the first segment is connected to the second segment by a threaded bolt.  
   
   
       12 . The adjustable work surface of  claim 1 , wherein the first segment is connected to the second segment by a ball joint.  
   
   
       13 . An adjustable tray, comprising: 
 a platform capable of supporting an IO device;    an articulated arm rotatably supporting the platform, the articulated arm comprising: 
 a link segment;  
 a carriage segment rotatably connected to the link segment by a threaded bolt;  
 a twist segment connected to the link segment by a threaded bolt and rotatable about a first axis; and  
 a platform segment connected to the twist segment by a threaded bolt and rotatable about a second axis, the second axis not parallel to the first axis; and  
   a mounting assembly rotatably connected to the carriage segment.    
   
   
       14 . The adjustable work surface of  claim 13 , further comprising a wrist segment interposed between the platform segment and the twist segment, wherein the wrist segment rotates about a third axis, the third axis not parallel to the first axis, and the third axis is not parallel to the second axis.  
   
   
       15 . The adjustable work surface of  claim 13 , wherein the mounting assembly is a clamp, bolt, or rotational fastener.  
   
   
       16 . The adjustable work surface of  claim 13 , wherein the mounting assembly comprises: 
 a rail defining a slot; and    a fastener adapted to travel along the slot and to secure the articulated arm to the rail.    
   
   
       17 . The adjustable work surface of  claim 13 , wherein the mounting assembly comprises: 
 a carriage block defining at least one slot, the carriage block fastenable to a chair arm; and    a fastener adapted to travel upon the slot and to secure the articulated arm to the carriage block.    
   
   
       18 . The adjustable work surface assembly, comprising: 
 a first articulated arm rotatably supporting a first platform;    a second articulated arm rotatably supporting a second platform;    a mounting assembly adjustably supporting the first articulated arm and the second articulated arm;    wherein the first articulated arm and the second articulated arm each comprise: 
 a first segment;  
 a second segment, the second segment joined to the first segment and capable of rotating about a first axis; and  
 a third segment joined to the second segment and capable of rotating about a second axis;  
   wherein the first axis and the second axis are not parallel.    
   
   
       19 . The adjustable work surface of  claim 18 , wherein the mounting assembly is a clamp, bolt, or rotational fastener.  
   
   
       20 . The adjustable work surface of  claim 18 , wherein the mounting assembly comprises: 
 a rail defining a slot; and    a fastener adapted to travel along the slot and to secure the articulated arm to the rail.    
   
   
       21 . The adjustable tray of  claim 18 , wherein the first platform defines a generally planar surface, whereby the first platform is capable of supporting an IO device.  
   
   
       22 . The adjustable tray of  claim 18 , wherein the second platform is integrated with a keyboard.  
   
   
       23 . A method of supporting an IO device, comprising the steps of: 
 providing an articulated arm, the articulated arm comprising: 
 a first segment;  
 a second segment, the second segment joined to the first segment and capable of rotating about a first axis; and  
 a third segment joined to the second segment and capable of rotating about a second axis;  
   providing a platform defining a perimeter, the platform rotatably connected to the articulated arm; and    mounting the articulated arm to a surface.    
   
   
       24 . The adjustable work surface of  claim 23 , wherein the mounting step comprises: 
 providing a rail defining a slot; and    providing a fastener adapted to travel along the slot and to secure the articulated arm to the rail.    
   
   
       25 . An adjustable tray for supporting an IO device, comprising: 
 articulated arm means;    platform means rotatably connected to the articulated arm means, the platform means adapted to support the IO device; and    means for mounting the articulated arm means to a surface;    wherein the articulated arm means is capable of placing the IO device.