Compact foldable work/activity station

Abstract

An ergonomically designed, compact, foldable, portable work / activity station comprising an integral user seat having a seating surface and an integral back support hinged to the seat that allows for correct and comfortable posture for a user while performing activities on an integral desktop. The work station includes four discrete elements: a seat element, a back element, a hinge element foldably connecting the seat element the and back element, and a work surface. The work surface is mounted on articulated tubing members permitting adjustment in position, elevation, and angle of the work surface with respect to the seat. When folded in storage mode, the work station is easily portable and fits conveniently in an overhead luggage compartment of an airplane.

Description

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER APPLICATIONS AND PATENTS[0001]The present application draws priority from a pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60 / 817,994, filed Jun. 30, 2006.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to stations for performance of work by humans; more particularly, to a portable work station including a planar work surface positionable in front of a seated user; and most particularly, to a compact work / activity station wherein a user is comfortably seated to perform work or other activity on an integral work surface and wherein the compact work / activity station may be folded up and carried as a briefcase-size item of luggage.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Many human work or recreational activities are facilitated by the performer or user (referred to herein as “user”) being comfortably seated at a desk or work station having seating means and a work surface positioned in front of the user for supporting the device to be used. Some examples of suc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The present invention is directed to an ergonomically designed, compact, foldable, portable work / activity station comprising an integral user seat having a seating surface and an integral back support hinged to the seat that allows for correct and comfortable posture for a user while performing activities on an integral desktop. The integral seating surface obviates the need for an auxiliary chair or bench, while permitting a user to be seated in comfort while using the work station. The work surface is mounted on an articulated tubing arrangement extending from the seat, permitting adjustment in position, elevation, and angle of the work surface with respect to the seat and a user's lap. When folded in storage mode, the work station is easily portable and fits conveniently in an overhead luggage compartment of an airliner. Transition between use mode and storage mode requires no assembly or tools.

Problems solved by technology

A conventional desk or work station may not be available in many locations or situations in which a user may desire to perform such activities, for example, at a beach, in a park, while camping, or at a crowded airline terminal.

The prior US patent art has numerous examples of collapsible and portable devices intended to meet such need temporarily, none of which is entirely satisfactory.

This device is not useful in situations wherein conventional seating means for a user is not available.

Again, this device is not useful in situations wherein conventional seating means for a user is not available.

A serious drawback of the disclosed device is that in folded configuration the device is relatively large and cumbersome and is not readily adapted for business use or airplane travel in overhead luggage compartments.

Again, the device is relatively large and cumbersome in terms of personal portability and is not suitable for business use or airplane travel in overhead compartments.

This device is solely for a standing user and provides no seated support capability.

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