Computerized flex workstation, tray, cabinet and cart

Abstract

A workstation includes a keyboard integrated therein and a substantially planar work surface. The keyboard may be disposed between an upper and lower portion of the workstation such that a substantially planar upper surface is provided. Additionally, the keyboard may be formed within a portion of the workstation so that an exposed surface of the keyboard is flush with or underlying the substantially planar upper surface. Advantageously, the workstation may provide an interface between a user and the keyboard that may be efficiently cleaned, sterilized and disinfected.

1 . A workstation to provide an aseptic interface between a user and a keyboard, comprising:
 a substantially planar work surface; and   a keyboard integrated into the workstation and accessible through the work surface.   
   
   
       2 . The workstation of  claim 1 , wherein the workstation includes an upper portion overlying the keyboard and a lower surface positioned generally parallel to and opposing the upper portion. 
   
   
       3 . The workstation of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion comprises a panel formed from a transparent material or a translucent material, the panel being sized and configured to render the underlying keyboard visible to the user. 
   
   
       4 . The workstation of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are selectively attached to one another using a fastener. 
   
   
       5 . The workstation of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are integrally formed into a single, unitary structure. 
   
   
       6 . The workstation of  claim 1 , wherein the keyboard fitted into a receptacle in the work surface that is sized and configured to receive the keyboard. 
   
   
       7 . The workstation of  claim 6 , wherein an upper surface of the keyboard is exposed through and is substantially planar with the work surface. 
   
   
       8 . The workstation of  claim 7 , wherein a gap between the keyboard and the work surface is filled or fused to form a substantially planar work surface. 
   
   
       9 . The workstation of  claim 1 , further comprising a support pivotally attached to the workstation. 
   
   
       10 . The workstation of  claim 1 , wherein the workstation comprises an upper portion formed around the keyboard and a lower portion attached to and providing support for the upper portion. 
   
   
       11 . The workstation of  claim 1 , wherein the work surface and the keyboard are integrated as a single, unitary structure. 
   
   
       12 . The workstation of  claim 1 , wherein the keyboard is fitted within a receptacle in the surface, the receptacle being sized and configured to receive the keyboard. 
   
   
       13 . The workstation of  claim 1 , further comprising a lower portion underlying the work surface and providing generally uniform strength and structural integrity to the work surface. 
   
   
       14 . The workstation of  claim 1 , wherein the keyboard is disposed between an upper portion and a lower portion of the planar work surface. 
   
   
       15 . The workstation of  claim 1 , wherein the surface is a thermoplastic material disposed over the keyboard. 
   
   
       16 . The workstation of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an upper portion having a substantially planar upper surface and at least one panel sized and configured to render a portion of the keyboard visible to a user;   a keyboard disposed substantially between the lower portion and the upper portions   a lower portion disposed generally parallel to and spaced apart from the upper portion;   a fastener for securing the upper portion to the lower portion with the keyboard   
   
   
       17 . The workstation of  claim 16 , wherein the portion of the keyboard visible to the user is accessible by the user. 
   
   
       18 . The workstation of  claim 16 , wherein the upper and lower portions enclose a hollow interior portion containing the keyboard. 
   
   
       19 . A cart integrated with a keyboard, comprising:
 a workstation comprising a keyboard integrated into a surface thereof and having a substantially planar work surface;   a support configured to support the workstation; and   a base connected to the support and providing movement and stability to the cart.   
   
   
       20 . A dental tray with an integrated keyboard, comprising:
 a workstation configured to have a substantially planar upper surface and having a keyboard therein; and   a support pivotally connected to the lower portion of the workstation.   
   
   
       21 . The dental tray of  claim 20 , wherein the support is moveably secured to a mounting surface. 
   
   
       22 . A cabinet with an integrated keyboard, comprising:
 a work surface having a substantially planar upper surface;   a keyboard integrated into and accessible to a user via the work; and   a base sized and configured to support the work surface, the base including at least one storage space therein.   
   
   
       23 . The cabinet of  claim 22 , wherein the keyboard is disposed within a receptacle in the work surface, the receptacle sized and configured to receive the keyboard so that an upper surface of the keyboard is flush with the work surface.