Computer Tables

Abstract

The present invention relates to improvements in and relating to computer tables ( 1 ). In particular computer tables capable of automatically adjusting to accommodate the requirements of an individual user. Preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a number of advantages over the prior art which can include: automatic alteration of the height of a computer table support surface ( 5 ) relative to a rest surface ( 6 ); and/or the height of a support bracket ( 15 ) relative to the computer table support surface; so as to accord to a use's preferred height settings when the user enters identifier information into an associated programmable logic unit.

1 . A computer table having a support surface, the computer table comprising:
 at least one actuator capable of altering the height of the support surface relative to a rest surface on which the table rests;   
     wherein the table is configured so as to enable said at least one actuator to alter the height of the support surface relative to the rest surface, and wherein said at least one actuator is configured to be operated by a programmable logic unit which is configured to:
 (a) store a user's preferred height for the support surface; 
 (b) receive information from a data input device as to the user of the table and compare to the previous support surface height settings; and, 
 (c) operate said at least one actuator to adjust the height of the support surface relative to a rest surface, to the preferred height of the user. 
 
   
   
       2 . A computer table having a support surface, the computer table comprising:
 at least one first actuator capable of altering the height of the support surface relative to a rest surface on which the table rests;   a second actuator capable of altering the height of a support bracket relative to the support surface,   
     wherein the table is configured to enable:
 the at least one first actuator to alter the height of the support surface relative to a rest surface; and 
 the second actuator to alter the height of the support bracket relative to the support surface; 
 
     and wherein the at least one first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be operated by a programmable logic unit which is configured to:
 (a) store a user's preferred height for the support surface and support bracket; 
 (b) receive information from a data input device as to the user of the table and compare to the previous height settings of the support surface and support bracket, and, 
 (c) operate the actuators to adjust the height of:
 the support surface relative to a rest surface; and 
 support bracket relative to the support surface; 
 
 
     to the preferred height of the user. 
   
   
       3 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the actuators are thread-type linear actuators, pneumatic linear actuators, rotary actuators, or telescopic pillars that are capable of being electrically activated with an associated electric motor. 
   
   
       4 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the at last one first actuator moves a first pair of legs which are pivotally connected to a second pair of legs so as to raise or lower the height of the legs. 
   
   
       5 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the at last one first actuator moves a first pair of legs which are pivotally connected to a second pair of legs in a scissor arrangement so as to raise or lower the height of the legs. 
   
   
       6 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the first pair of legs each include a wheel, or slide thereon to facilitate movement of the leg relative to the rest surface to enable the height of the support surface to be altered. 
   
   
       7 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the second pair of legs is adapted to prevent the table from moving in relation to the rest surface during movement of the first pair of legs. 
   
   
       8 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the second pair of table legs is attached to the rest surface. 
   
   
       9 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the first actuator is configured with respect to the table so as to be capable of raising or lowering the support surface relative to the legs. 
   
   
       10 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the second actuator is attached to the end of a movable arm to which the support bracket is attached. 
   
   
       11 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the at least one first actuator and the second actuator are activated by the programmable logic unit to raise or lower the height of the support surface and/or support bracket once a user enters identifier information into the data input device. 
   
   
       12 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein identifier information is in the form of a login name and password, fingerprint or retinal information. 
   
   
       13 . A computer table as claimed in  claims 1  or  2  wherein the programmable logic unit is in the form of a computer, microchip swipe card reader. 
   
   
       14 . A computer table as claimed in  claims 1  or  2  wherein the programmable logic unit is in the form of a computer. 
   
   
       15 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the data input device is in the form of a keyboard, swipe card reader, bar code reader, finger print scanner or retinal scanner on the computer table. 
   
   
       16 . (canceled) 
   
   
       17 . A computer table as claimed in  claims 15 , wherein the data input device is in the form of a swipe card reader located remote from the computer table. 
   
   
       18 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the rest surface on which a table rests is the floor. 
   
   
       19 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the support bracket is a platform bracket or such like capable of supporting a computer monitor or television monitor. 
   
   
       20 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the support bracket is positioned above the support surface of the table by one or more arms. 
   
   
       21 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the support bracket is movably connected to the second actuator which can alter the position of the support bracket to adjust the height of the support bracket relative to the support surface. 
   
   
       22 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the support bracket is movably connected to the second actuator via an arm, so that the second actuator can alter the position of the support bracket and associated arm to adjust the height of the support bracket relative to the support surface. 
   
   
       23 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the support bracket includes at least one wheel retained within a suitably configured track which extends along the arm to allow for movement of the support bracket there along. 
   
   
       24 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 1  which further has a connection device for connection of the actuator to a computer. 
   
   
       25 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the connection device is a universal serial bus (USB). 
   
   
       26 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the support surface includes a keyboard surface which is positioned below the top of the support surface so that the top of the keyboard and mouse are approximately level with the support surface. 
   
   
       27 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the computer table is supplied with accessories a computer monitor or a computer. 
   
   
       28 . A computer table as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the computer table is supplied in kitset form. 
   
   
       29 . (canceled) 
   
   
       30 . The computer table as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the data input device is in the form of a swipe card reader located on a door. 
   
   
       31 . The computer table as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the connection device is a socket.