WO2004049863A2

WO2004049863A2 - Computer desk with keyboard tray

Info

Publication number: WO2004049863A2
Application number: PCT/IB2003/006429
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shangchen Liu; Shenghao Jin; Wen Ai
Original assignee: Lifetime Hong Kong, Ltd.
Priority date: 2002-12-04
Filing date: 2003-12-04
Publication date: 2004-06-17
Also published as: AU2003296859A8; AU2003296859A1; WO2004049863A3

Abstract

A computer desk includes a desktop and a slidable keyboard tray. The computer desk also includes a first leg assembly and a second leg assembly that are pivotably connected to the desktop. In addition, a first telescopic assembly may be connected to the first leg assembly and a first side of the tray, and a second telescopic assembly may be connected to the second leg assembly and a second side of the tray. Each telescopic assembly desirably includes an outer telescoping member and an inner telescoping member. The leg assemblies may also each include a foot member in which the front free end of the foot member is longer than the rear free end of the foot member.

Description

Computer Desk with Keyboard Tray

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [001] This application claims priority to and benefit of Chinese Application

No. 02255751.2, filed December 4, 2002 and entitled "A Type of Computer Desk with Keyboard Tray," which application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[002] The present invention generally relates to furniture and, in particular, to tables with a keyboard tray.

Description of Related Art

[003] The functional requirements placed on modern furniture, whether furniture for the home or for the office, have become increasingly stringent in the areas of practicality, safety, and comfort. In addition, computers are now widely used in all aspects of society. Accordingly, computer desks have been developed and designed to be increasingly practical, safe and comfortable. In particular, computer desks with keyboard trays have developed in an effort to achieve this. [004] A conventional computer desk with a keyboard tray is shown in Figure 1.

The conventional computer desk includes a desktop 1, a keyboard tray assembly 2, a first leg support panel 3, and a second leg support panel 4, a connecting assembly 5, a first rail 6 and a second rail 7. The desktop 1 is connected to the first leg support panel 3 and to the second leg support panel 4. The first leg support panel 3 and the second leg support panel 4 are symmetrical relative to the desktop 1 and the keyboard tray assembly 2 may move in both left-to-right and front-to-back directions.

[005] In greater detail, the connecting assembly 5 of the conventional computer desk may include a first bracket 51, a second bracket 52, a third bracket 53 and a fourth bracket 54. The first bracket 51 and the second bracket 52 are fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the desktop 1. The first rail 6 is fixedly connected to the first bracket 51 and to the second bracket 52. The third bracket 53 and the fourth bracket 54 are likewise fixedly connected to the desktop 1 and the second rail 7 is fixedly connected to the third bracket 53 and the fourth bracket 54. [006] As shown in Figure 1, the keyboard tray assembly 2 is located underneath the desktop 1. The keyboard tray assembly 2 includes s a tray 21, a first track 22, a second track 23, a first stop member 24 and a second stop member 25. In particular, the tray 21 is fixedly connected to the first track 22 and the second track 23. The first rail 6 and the first track 22 are capable of sliding relative to each other. During sliding, the first stop member 24 and the first stop member 61 of the rail 6 are used to set a maximum distance for their front-back movement with respect to each other. Likewise, the second rail 7 and the second track 23 are capable of sliding relative to each other. During sliding, the second stop member 25 and the second stop member 71 of the second rail 7 are used to set a maximum distance for their front-back movement with respect to each other. Thus, after the rails and the tracks have been used together over a period of time, dust or dirt will adhere to them and block the relative movement of rails and tracks, inconveniencing the user. [007] Many computer users are accustomed to resting their arms while using or typing on a computer by applying a portion of their bodyweight to the keyboard tray. The keyboard tray of many conventional computer desks, however, is often not strong enough to support the additional weight. In addition, when a person pulls out the keyboard tray to use it, a slight downward pressure on the keyboard tray may cause the computer desk to topple forward when subject to moment of force. The connecting assembly fixed to the bottom surface of the desktop often lacks sufficient strength to prevent this from occurring.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [008] A need therefore exists for a computer desk with a keyboard tray that eliminates the above-described disadvantages and problems.

[009] One aspect of the present invention is a safe, easy-to-assemble, structurally simple computer desk with a slidable keyboard tray. [010] Another aspect is a computer desk with a desktop including a top surface and an opposing bottom surface. The computer desk also includes a tray with a first side and an opposing second side, and the tray is disposed in slidable relation to the desktop so that it is selectively positionable between a use position and a storage position. The computer desk may also include a first leg assembly connected to the bottom surface of the desktop and a second leg assembly connected to the bottom surface of the desktop. In addition, a first telescopic assembly connected to the first leg assembly and the first side of the tray, the first telescopic assembly including a first outer telescoping member, and a first inner telescoping member slidably disposed in the first outer telescoping member; and a second telescopic assembly connected to the second leg assembly and the second side of the tray, the second telescopic assembly including a second outer telescoping member, and a second inner telescoping member slidably disposed in the second outer telescoping member. [011] Advantageously, the first leg assembly may be pivotably connected to the desktop and the second leg assembly may be pivotably connected to the desktop. Additionally, the first leg assembly may include a leg member and a foot member. Preferably, a front free end of the foot member is larger than a rear free end of the foot member. Similarly, the second leg assembly may include a leg member and a foot member. Preferably, a front free end of the foot member is larger than a rear free end of the foot member. [012] Still another aspect is a computer desk with a keyboard tray including a first outer telescoping member and a second outer telescoping member that may be connected to the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly by a pair of brackets at both ends of the outer telescoping member. The bracket may include a lug, a collar, a first fastening plate, a second fastening plate, and at least one bolt joining the first and second fastening plate. The first inner telescoping member and the second inner telescoping member may be connected to the first side and second side of the tray by a pair of tray brackets.

[013] Yet another aspect is a computer desk in which the desk top may be constructed from blow-molded plastic. In addition, the tray may be constructed from blow-molded plastic. Desirably, the tray may include a recess at the front end to prevent a keyboard from slipping off of the tray. In addition, a lip may be formed around the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the desktop and a pair of generally C-shaped connecting structures may be formed on the bottom surface of the desk top.

[014] A further aspect is a computer desk may include a frame assembly with a pair of outer side rails connected to an inner surface of the lip on opposing sides of the desktop. Preferably, the first leg assembly and second leg assembly are connected to the first and second outer side rails of the frame. The frame assembly may further include a first inner side rail and a second inner side rail connected to the pair of generally C-shaped connecting structures.

[015] A still further aspect is a computer desk may include a first support assembly with a first end pivotably connected to the first leg assembly and a second end pivotably connected to a first support bar. Preferably, the first support bar has opposing ends pivotably connected to the inner and outer side rails of the frame. The computer desk may also include a second support assembly with a first end pivotably connected to the first leg assembly and a second end pivotably connected to a second support bar. Desirably, the second support bar has opposing ends pivotably connected to the inner and outer side rails.

[016] Another aspect is a computer desk in which mechanical stops are provided by the leg brackets and tray brackets. That is, the front end face of the first leg bracket and the rear end face of the first tray bracket may set the maximum distance for inward movement of the first inner telescoping member. The front end face of the third leg bracket and the rear end face of the third tray bracket set the maximum distance for inward movement of the second inner telescoping member. In addition, the rear end face of the first leg bracket and the front end face of the second tray bracket set the maximum distance for outward movement of the first inner telescoping member. The rear end face of the third leg bracket and the front end face of the fourth tray bracket set the maximum distance for the outward movement of the second inner telescoping member.

[017] These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [018] To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[019] Figure 1 is a lower perspective view of a conventional computer desk with a keyboard tray.

[020] Figure 2 is an upper perspective view of a computer desk in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, illustrating the keyboard tray in an extended or use position.

[021] Figure 3 is a lower perspective view of the computer desk shown in

Figure 2, illustrating the keyboard tray in the extended position. [022] Figure 4 is a lower perspective view of the computer desk shown in

Figure 2, illustrating the keyboard tray in a stored position.

[023] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the computer desk shown in

Figure 2, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the telescopic assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [024] With reference to Figures 2 through 5, an exemplary computer desk 1 is illustrated incorporating features of the present invention. The computer desk 1 includes a desktop 15, a tray 2, a frame assembly, a first leg assembly 3, a second leg assembly 4, a first telescopic assembly 5, and a second telescopic assembly 6. [025] As shown in Figure 3, computer desk 1 includes a desktop 15. The desktop 15 is preferably constructed of blow-molded plastic. The desktop 15 has a top working surface and a bottom surface 151. The desktop 15 includes a lip 1511 formed on the outer periphery thereof and extending outwardly from the bottom surface 151 of the desktop 15. In addition, a pair of C-shaped connecting structures 1512 is formed at a central portion of the bottom surface 151 of desktop 15. [026] A frame assembly assists in connecting the first and second leg assemblies 3, 4 to the desktop 15. The frame assembly includes a first outer side rail 11, a second outer side rail 12, a first inner side rail 13, and a second inner side rail 14. The first outer side rail 11 and the second outer side rail 12 are separately and fixedly connected to the lip 1511 of the desktop 15. The first inner side rail 13 and the second inner side rail 14 are separately and fixedly connected to the connecting structures 1512 of the desktop 15.

[027] The first leg assembly 3 and the second leg assembly 4 are symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides of the desktop 15 and the tray 2. The first leg assembly 3 comprises a first leg 31, a second leg 32, a first foot member 33, a first central cross bar 34, a first V-shaped support assembly 35, a first end rail 36, and a first support rod 37. The first leg 31 and the second leg 32 are separately and fixedly connected to the first foot member 33, the central cross bar 34, and the first end rail 36. [028] The first end rail 36 is pivotally connected at opposing ends to the first outer side rail 11 and the second outer side rail 12. The support assembly 34 is connected at one end to the first and second legs 31, 32 and at a second end to the first support rod 37. The first support rod 37 is pivotally connected to the inner side rail 13 and the second inner side rail 14 at opposing ends.

[029] The first foot member 33 can be further divided into a first free end 38 from the first leg 31 to the front end of the first foot member 33 and a first rear free end from the second leg 32 to the rear end of the first foot member 33. Preferably, the distance of the first front, free end 38 is greater than that of the first rear free end 39.

[030] The second leg assembly 4 comprises a third leg 41, a fourth leg 42, a second foot member 43, a second cross bar 44, a second V-shaped support assembly 45, a second end rail 46, and a second support rod 47. The third leg 41 and the fourth leg 42 are separately and fixedly connected to the second foot member 43, the second cross bar 44, and the second end rail 46. The second end rail 46 is pivotally connected at opposing ends to the first outer side rail 11 and the second outer side rail 12. The support assembly 45 is connected at one end to the third and fourth legs 41, 41 and a second end to the second support rod 47. The support rod 47, in turn, is pivotally connected to the inner side rail 13 and the second inner side rail 14 at opposing ends.

[031] In addition, the second foot member 43 can be further divided into a second front free end 48 from the third leg 41 to the front end of the second foot member 43 and a second rear free end 49 from the fourth leg 42 to the rear end of the second foot member 43. Preferably, the distance of the second front free end 48 is greater than that of the second rear free end 49. [032] As a result, even if the computer desk 1 is subject to relatively great force on the tray 2, the computer desk will not topple because the moment of force has been reduced or the moment direction has been changed.

[033] With reference to Figure 4, the first V-shaped support assembly 35 comprises a first V-shaped rod 351 and a first connecting rod 352. The two ends of the first V-shaped rod 351 are separately and pivotably coupled with the first leg 31 and the second leg 32 of the support frame 3. The other end is pivotably coupled with the first connecting rod 352. Moreover, the connecting rod 352 is pivotably connected to the first support rod 37.

[034] Additionally, the second V-shaped support assembly 45 comprises a second V-shaped rod 461 and a second connecting rod 462. The two V-shaped ends of the second V-shaped rod 461 are separately and pivotably coupled with the third leg 41 and the fourth leg 42 of the second leg assembly 4. The other end is pivotably coupled with the second connecting rod 462. Moreover, the second connecting rod 462 is pivotably connected to the second support rod 47.

[035] With reference back to Figure 2, the tray 2 is preferably formed of blow- molded plastic. The tray 2 has a top surface 21 and a bottom surface. On the top surface 21 of the tray 2, there is a keyboard recess 22 nearest the user. This keyboard recess 22 assists in keeping the keyboard from falling off.

[036] Turning to Figure 3, a first telescopic assembly 5 and a second telescopic assembly 6 are connected to the first leg assembly 3 and the second leg assembly 4, respectively. In addition, the first and second telescopic assemblies 5, 6 are connected to the right and left side of tray 2, respectively, so that a user can selectively position the tray 2 in a use position (Figure 3) and a storage position (Figure 4). [037] The first telescopic assembly 5 comprises a first leg bracket 51, a second leg bracket 52, a first outer telescoping member 53, a first tray bracket 54, a second tray bracket 55, and a first inner telescoping member 56. The second telescopic assembly 6 comprises a third leg bracket 61, a fourth leg bracket 62, a second outer telescoping member 63, a third tray bracket 64, a fourth tray bracket 65, and a second inner telescoping member 66.

[038] The first leg bracket 51 is rigidly connected to the first leg 31. As shown in further detail in Figure 5, first leg bracket 51 includes a first lug 511 having a through hole 515. The lug 511 is attached to a first collar 512, a first fastening plate 513, and a second fastening plate 514. The first collar 512 fits around the top portion of the first leg 31. The first fastening plate 513 and the second fastening plate 514 are connected with screws 516. Friction between the first collar 512 and the first leg 31 is used to fix the position of the first leg bracket 51. The structure and functional principles of connecting the third leg 41 to the third leg bracket 61 are the same as for the first leg bracket 51.

[039] The second leg bracket 52 comprises a second lug 521 having a non- through hole 525. The second lug 521 is also connected to a second collar 522, a third fastening plate 523, and a fourth fastening plate 524. The second leg bracket 52 can thus be connected to a top portion of the second leg 32. The principle according to which the fourth leg 42 is connected to the fourth leg bracket 62 is the same as for the second leg bracket 52.

[040] The first tray bracket 54 includes a first non-through hole 541 and a first fastening piece 542. The first tray bracket 54 is fixed to the tray 2 with screws 543. The second tray bracket 55 comprises a first outer through hole 551 and a second fastening piece 552. The second tray bracket 55 is secured to the tray 2 with screws 553. The third tray bracket 64 and fourth tray bracket 65 are constructed similarly to the first and second tray brackets 54, 55.

[041] The first outer telescoping member 53 is disposed in the through hole

515, non-through hole 525, and through hole 551. Similarly, the second outer telescoping member 53 is disposed in corresponding through holes and non-through hole in the third and fourth leg brackets 61, 62 and fourth tray bracket 65. [042] One end of the first inner telescoping member 56 is fastened to the non- through hole 541 in the first tray bracket 54. The other end is slidably disposed in the first outer telescoping member 53. One end of the second inner telescoping member 66 is fastened to a non-through hole of the third tray bracket 64. The other end is slidably disposed in the second outer telescoping member 63. [043] The first inner telescoping member 56 with the first outer telescoping member 53 and the second inner telescoping member 66 with the second outer telescoping member 63 combine to form a telescopic mechanism. During use, the movement of the tray 2 is effected by means of the relative movement between the first outer telescoping member 53 and the first inner telescoping member 56 and the second outer telescoping member 63 and the second inner telescoping member 66. [044] Mechanical stops are provided by virtue of the leg brackets and tray brackets. That is, the front end face of the first leg bracket 51 and the rear end face of the first tray bracket 54 set the maximum distance for inward movement of the first inner telescoping member 56. The front end face of the third leg bracket 61 and the rear end face of the third tray bracket 64 set the maximum distance for inward movement of the second inner telescoping member 66.

[045] In addition, the rear end face of the first leg bracket 51 and the front end face of the second tray bracket 55 set the maximum distance for outward movement of the first inner telescoping member 56. The rear end face of the third leg bracket 61 and the front end face of the fourth tray bracket 65 set the maximum distance for the outward movement of the second inner telescoping member 66. [046] Thus, the tray 2 can be selectively positions in a use position (Figure 3) in which the tray is pulled outward, and a storage position (Figure 4) in which the tray is pushed inward. With such a structure, after the tray 2 is placed in the storage position, first leg assembly 3 and the second leg assembly 4 can be folded against the bottom surface 151 of the desktop 15.

[047] While the outer telescoping members are shown being connected to the leg assemblies while the inner telescoping members are shown connected to the tray, it will be appreciated that this configuration may be reversed. [048] While embodiments of the invention have been described with the first and second telescoping mechanisms connected to the leg assemblies and the tray, it will be appreciated that the telescoping mechanism may also be connected to the desk top and the tray. In fact, the latter embodiment may be preferred where the desktop is a blow-molded plastic structure and connecting structures can easily be formed on the bottom surface thereof during the blow-molded plastic process. [049] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A computer desk comprising: a desktop having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface; a tray having a first side and an opposing second side, the tray being disposed in slidable relation to the desktop so that it is selectively positionable between a use position and a storage position; a first leg assembly connected to the bottom surface of the desktop; a second leg assembly connected to the bottom surface of the desktop; a first telescopic assembly connected to the first leg assembly and the first side of the tray, the first telescopic assembly comprising: a first outer telescoping member, and a first inner telescoping member slidably disposed in the first outer telescoping member; and a second telescopic assembly connected to the second leg assembly and the second side of the tray, the second telescopic assembly comprising: a second outer telescoping member, and a second inner telescoping member slidably disposed in the second outer telescoping member.

2. The computer desk as recited in claim 1, wherein the first leg assembly is pivotably connected to the desktop and the second leg assembly is pivotably connected to the desktop.

3. The computer desk as recited in claim 1, wherein the first leg assembly comprises a leg member and a foot member, wherein a front free end of the foot member is greater than a rear free end of the foot member.

4. The computer desk as recited in claim 1, wherein the second leg assembly comprises a leg member and a foot member, wherein a front free end of the foot member is greater than a rear free end of the foot member.

5. The computer desk as recited in claim 1, wherein the first outer telescoping member and the second outer telescoping member are connected to the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly by a pair of brackets at both ends of the outer telescoping member.

6. The computer desk as recited in claim 5, wherein the bracket comprises: a lug; a collar; a first fastening plate; a second fastening plate; and at least one bolt joining the first and second fastening plate.

7. The computer desk as recited in claim 1, wherein the first inner telescoping member and the second inner telescoping member are connected to the first side and second side of the tray by a pair of tray brackets.

8. The computer desk as recited in claim 1, wherein the desk top is constructed of blow-molded plastic.

9. The computer desk as recited in claim 1, wherein the tray is constructed of blow-molded plastic.

10. The computer desk as recited in claim 1, wherein the tray comprises a recess at the front end to prevent a keyboard from slipping off of the tray.

11. The computer desk as recited in claim 1, further comprising a lip formed around the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the desktop.

12. The computer desk as recited in claim 1, further comprising a pair of C- shaped connecting structures formed on the bottom surface of the desk top.

13. The computer desk as recited in claim 11, further comprising a frame assembly comprising a pair of outer side rails connected to an inner surface of the lip on opposing sides of the desktop.

14. The computer desk as recited in claim 13, wherein the first leg assembly and second leg assembly are connected to the first and second outer side rails.

15. The computer desk as recited in claim 12, further comprising a first inner side rail and a second inner side rail connected to the pair of C-shaped connecting structures.

16. The computer desk as recited in claim 15, further comprising: a first support assembly having a first end pivotably connected to the first leg assembly and a second end pivotably connected to a first support bar, the first support bar having opposing ends pivotably connected to the inner and outer side rails; and a second support assembly having a first end pivotably connected to the first leg assembly and a second end pivotably connected to a second support bar, the second support bar having opposing ends pivotably connected to the inner and outer side rails.