GB2338182A

GB2338182A - Sliding support stand, e.g. for monitor.

Info

Publication number: GB2338182A
Application number: GB9911653A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alfred Charles Main
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-05-20
Filing date: 1999-05-20
Publication date: 1999-12-15
Also published as: GB9810730D0; GB9911653D0; GB2338182A9

Abstract

A stand, particularly a stand for supporting a monitor above a desk, comprises an elongate support member 4, a mounting means 8,an arm portion extending from the mounting means, a load carrying portion fixed to the end of the arm portion and a bracing portion 14. The mounting means is supported by the support means such that the mounting means can be moved along the support means. The support means may form part of a desk. The mounting means preferably includes profiled wheels 20 which engage the support means and these are ideally set at an angle to the horizontal. A wheel is also preferably fitted to the bracing means where it engages a further support 6 which may also be a part of a desk. The arm portion may comprise a parallelogram linkage (Fig. 3c) or a simpler linkage (Fig. 2) so that vertical adjustment of the load carrying portion may be made.

Description

1 2338182 IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO SUPPORTING STUCTURES This invention

relates to an improved stand and also to improvements relating to furniture incorporating the stand. In particular the invention may be applied to monitor stands but may not necessarily be so limited.

It is know to provide monitor stands comprising small mounts, which fit underneath a monitor and allow a user of the monitor to manipulate the monitor to a comfortable viewing position. Such a stand is shown in US patent US5588625.

It is also known to provide desk assemblies to provide a comfortable working environment for persons working at a computer situated on the desk assembly and such a device is shown in US patent 5568773. The skilled person will appreciate that poor posture of a computer user working at a computer can cause a number of problems including Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), back problems, eye strain, etc. It is therefore important to provide computer users with a comfortable working position so that such problems are avoided.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a stand comprising an elongate supporting means and a mounting means, the mounting means having an arm portion extending from the mounting means and the arm portion having a load carrying portion at a distal end from the mounting means, said mounting means further comprising a torque absorbing portion adapted to react the torque created by a load on the load carrying portion and the mounting means being supported by the support means such that the mounting means can be moved along the support means.

2 Such a stand provides a flexible way of arranging for a load to be supported. Once a load is placed on the stand the load can be made to traverse along the support means with little effort and thus flexible repositioning of the load is offered.

Preferably the support means is substantially horizontal. Such an arrangement may prove to be the most useful for a working space. However, the skilled person will appreciate that in some circumstances it may be beneficial to have a support means, which is inclined at an angle to the horizontal.

The support means may be tubular. The support means may be circular in cross section. Alternatively, the support means may be square, rectangular, oval, elliptical or any other shape in cross section.

Preferably the mounting means comprises a friction-reducing portion which engages the support means such that frictional engagement between the mounting means and the support means is reduced. An advantage of such an arrangement is that the mounting means can be more easily moved relative to the support means.

The friction reducing portion may comprise at least one loading wheel which may engage the support means. A wheel provides a simple structure, which is effective at reducing friction. Preferably at least two loading wheels are provided on the friction reducing portion to engage the support means.

Preferably the surface of the loading wheel is contoured with a complementary profile to that of the support means. Such a str-ucture ensures that the loading wheels engage the support means correctly and are less prone to loose contact with the support means. That is 1 3 the likelihood of the loading wheels slipping off the support means is reduced.

The loading wheel may be mounted on bearings so further reducing the frictional engagement between the mounting means and the support means.

The loading wheel is preferably inclined at an angle to the vertical. The loading wheel may be inclined at an angle to the vertical substantially in the range 10 to 350. More preferably the loading wheel is inclined at an angle to the vertical substantially in the range 100 to 200. Most preferably the loading wheel is inclined at angle to the vertical of substantially 150.

The stand may comprise a rigid member adapted, in use, to interact with the torque absorbing portion of the mounting means such that torque created by a load placed at the load carrying portion is reacted preventing twisting of the mounting means.

The rigid member may be substantially parallel to the support means.

Preferably the torque-absorbing portion has a cantilever wheel adapted, in use, to engage the rigid member. The use of a wheel is advantageous because it reduces friction between the torque absorbing portion and the rigid member.

The cantilever wheel may be mounted substantially horizontally.

The torque-absorbing portion may comprise a leverage arm, which is adapted to provide a mechanical advantage to react the torque of a load placed on the load-carrying portion. Preferably the leverage arm extends from the mounting means and has the cantilever wheel 4 mounted at a distal end of the arm. Such an arrangement allows for the maximum mechanical advantage to be achieved.

The arm portion may comprise a number of sections pivotable relative to one another providing a structure, which allows a load, supported by the stand to be more accurately positioned.

Preferably a resilient means is provided between the sections of the arm portion. The resilient means allow the sections of the arm portion to be held in the desired orientation.

The resilient means may be a coil spring. Of course, the skilled person will appreciate that the resilient means could be any other suitable structure, perhaps a leaf spring, a compression spring, a pneumatic piston, a hydraulic piston, etc.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a monitor stand having an elongate support means and a mounting means, the mounting means being adapted to provide a support for a monitor, the mounting means being supported by the support means such that the mounting means can be moved along the support means for a distance which is substantial when compared to the width of a monitor.

An advantage of such a monitor stand is that it provides great flexibility in the horizontal position at which the monitor can be positioned. This may help to alleviate any problems, which would lead to injuries to a user of the monitor. The monitor stand according to the invention may also provide for a flexible working environment.

Preferably the support means is substantially horizontal such an arrangement may prove to be the most useful for a working space. However, the skilled person will appreciate that in some 1 circumstances it may be beneficial to have a support means, which is inclined at an angle to the horizontal.

The support means is preferably straight. Alternatively, the support means may be provided as curve. The provision of such support means may allow the monitor stand to be used in association with different working environments. The skilled person will appreciate that some working spaces are based around rectangular desks and other working spaces are based around curved desks.

Preferably the mounting means comprises a friction-reducing portion which engages the support means such that frictional engagement between the mounting means and the support means is reduced. An advantage of such an arrangement is that the mounting means can be easily moved relative to the support means.

Preferably the surface of the loading wheel is contoured with a complementary profile to that of the support means. Such a structure ensures that the loading wheels engage the support means correctly and are less prone to loose contact with the support means.

6 The loading wheel may be mounted on bearings so further reducing the frictional engagement between the mounting means and the support means.

The loading wheel is preferably inclined at an angle to the verticalThe loading wheel may be inclined at an angle to the vertical substantially in the range 10 to 350. More preferably the loading wheel is inclined at an angle to the vertical substantially in the range 10o to 20o. Most preferably the loading wheel is inclined at angle to the vertical of substantially 150.

Preferably the mounting means further comprises an arm portion extending from the friction reducing portion having a monitor carrying portion at an end distal to that of the friction reducing portion. Such a structure allows any monitor supported by the monitor stand to be held away from the support means.

Preferably the mounting means further comprises a torque absorbing portion which is adapted to balance the mass of a monitor placed on the monitor mounting portion of the mounting means. This ensures that the mass of the monitor is adequately supported.

The monitor stand may comprise a rigid member adapted, in use, to interact with the torque absorbing portion of the mounting means such that torque created by a monitor placed at the monitor mounting portion is reacted.

The rigid member may be substantially parallel to the support means.

Preferably the torque absorbing portion has a cantilever wheel adapted, in use, to engage the rigid member. The use of a wheel is advantageous because it reduces friction between the torque absorbing portion and the rigid member.

7 The cantilever wheel may be mounted substantially horizontally.

The torque-absorbing portion may comprise a leverage arm, which is adapted to provide a mechanical advantage to react the torque of a monitor placed on the monitor-carrying portion. Preferably the leverage arm extends from the mounting means and has the cantilever wheel mounted at a distal end of the arm. Such an arrangement allows for the maximum mechanical advantage to be achieved.

The arm portion may comprise a number of sections pivotable relative to one another providing a structure, which allows a monitor, supported by the monitor stand to be more accurately positioned.

A linkage means may be provided to ensure that an end portion of the arm portion remains in a predetermined orientation. Preferably the predetermined orientation is for the end portion of the arm portion to remain horizontal.

Preferably the monitor can be traversed for substantially up to 50cm, possibly up to 1m, possibly up to 2m, or possibly up to 3m. In one embodiment the monitor may be traversed 1.75m.

8 According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an item of furniture provided with a monitor stand according to the second aspect of the invention.

The furniture may be a desk, shelving, a table, a computer work station, or other such item of furniture.

A standard working environment for use with a computer and associated monitor includes a desk and it is therefore advantageous to provide a desk fitted with a monitor stand to provide a suitable working environment for a user of the monitor. However, it will be appreciated that the desk is not necessary to fully realise the invention but complements some of the aims of the monitor stand.

Preferably at an edge portion of the desk there is provided a cable storage means which is adapted in use to receive cables associated with a monitor and/or computer associated with the monitor stand.

The cable storage means preferably comprises a channel portion, which is adapted to receive the cables.

The cable storage means may have a lid portion and the lid portion may be attached to the channel portion with hinges. The hinges are advantageous in that they allow the lid portion to be temporarily removed so that a user can access the channel.

A brush means may be fitted along an edge portion of the desktop such that it abuts the lid portion of the cable storage means. This is advantageous in that any gap between the edge portion of the desktop and the lid portion is hidden by the brush means.

There now follows, by way of example only, a detailed description of one embodiment of the present invention of which:

9 Figure 1 is a schematic view of a desk incorporating a monitor stand according to the present invention; Figure 2 is an end elevation of the desk of Figure 1; Figure 3a, b and c are enlarged details of a stand according to one aspect of the invention; and Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a joint in an arm portion of the stand.

A desk 2 fabricated to include a stand according to the invention is shown in Figure 1. The desk 2 is provided with a 1750mm long circular section tubular supporting-means 4 which is chrome plated steel. A rectangular cross section bar, or rigid member 6 is spaced parallel to but displaced from the supporting means 4. Therefor in effect the desk is supporting two parallel beams: the circular cross section supporting- means 4 and the rectangular cross -section rigid member 6.

A mounting means 8 is supported by the supporting-means 4 and is most clearly seen in Figures 2 and 3. The mounting means 8 comprises a friction reducing portion 10, an arm portion 12 and a torque absorbing portion 14.

The friction reducing portion 10 comprises a length of channel 16 within which there are mounted, at opposite end portions of the channel 16, loading wheels 18, 20. The loading wheels 18, 20 are arranged such that their centres lie on a line parallel to the supporting means 4. Each loading wheel 18, 20 is in contact with the supporting means 4.

The loading wheels 18, 20 have perimeter which is contoured such that it has a complementary profile to the supporting means 4. This is most clearly seen in Figure 3a and 3b.

As seen in Figure 2 the arm portion 12 has a first end 22 attached to the channel 16 of the friction reducing portion 10. The first end 22 comprises a short length of rectangular section tube 24. At both sides of the tube 22 there is screwed (or otherwise attached for example by welding, riveting, bolting, gluing, etc.) a short length of plate 25 which has one rounded end portion 26 in which there is positioned a hole 28 passing entirely through the plate 25. The lengths of plate 25 are arranged such that the rounded end portion protrudes from the end portion of the tube 24 such that the hole 28 is fully outside the tube 24.

The arm portion 12 further comprises an intermediate length of rectangular section tube 30 which also has two short lengths of plate 32 each with a single rounded end portion having a hole through, attached such that the plate 32 protrudes with the hole fully outside the tube 30. However the portions of plate 32 attached to the intermediate length 30 have spacers 34 positioned between the plate 32 and the wall of the tube 30.

The spacers 34 are of such a width that the lengths of plate32 on the intermediate length 30 fit inside those attached to the short length of tube 24 with a fibre washer 36 placed between each pair of plates. The holes in the four lengths of plate 25, 32 are arranged such that a bolt 37 can pass through the four holes when the short 24 and intermediate 30 tubes are brought together. A coil spring 38 (resilient means) is positioned concentric with the bolt 37 such that end portions of the spring engage the insides of the two short 24 and intermediate portions of tube 30.

11 At one end of the bolt 37 a tensioning handle 40 is provided such that the bolt 37 can be slackened and tightened relatively easily by a user of the stand using only the user's hand. This arrangement provides a joint 42 in the arm portion 12. The joint in effect separates two distinct sections of the arm portion 12.

A second joint 44 is provided in the arm portion 12 separating the intermediate length of tube 30 from a final 46 length of tube. The joint is provided in the same manner as the first joint 42.

The short 24, intermediate 30 and final 46 lengths of tube are provided from 75mm by 25mm box section steel tube.

At an end portion of the final length of tube 46 there is provided a load carrying portion 56 which in the embodiment shown in the Figures comprises a proprietary monitor stand. The monitor stand comprises a platform 58 which can be adjusted in various degrees of freedom.

As shown in Figure 3c it is possible to provide a linkage 111 which lies substantially parallel to the intermediate length of tube 30. To achieve this end a first bracket 115 is provided on the short length of tube 24 and a second bracket 114 is provided on the final length of tube 46. The linkage 111 is pivotally connected to each of the first and second brackets 114, 115.

The skilled person will appreciate that as the base of the platform 58 is moved vertically up and down the geometry of the linkage 111 and the intermediate length of tube 30 ensures that the final length of tube 30 (and therefore the platform 58) remain horizontal. The platform is mounted on a tilt and swivel base 117 so that it may be orientated according to a user's wish relative to the horizontal final length of tube 46.

12 Also attached to the friction reducing portion 10 is the torque absorbing portion 14 which is most clearly seen in Figure 2. The torque absorbing portion 14 itself comprises a first, second and third length of tube 48, 50, 52 which together form a leverage arm. The first length of tube 48 is attached to the channel 16 of the friction reducing portion 10 such that its base is co-planar with the base of the channel 16. In the arrangement of Figure 2 the first length of tube extends at an angle to the horizontal. This will be discussed hereinafter.

The second length of tube 50 attaches to the opposite end portion of the first length of tube 50 from that attached to the channel 16 and extends vertical downwards from the first length of tube 50.

The third length of tube 52 attaches to an end portion of the second tube 50 which is opposite that attached to the first length of tube 48 and extends horizontally so that it passes back underneath the supporting means 4. The dimensions of the tubes 48, 50, 52 of the torque absorbing portion are such that the third tube 52 passes close to and terminates in the region of the rigid member 6.

A cantilever wheel 54 is provided at an end portion of the third tube 52. The cantilever wheel 54 is mounted on bearings and engages the rigid member 6.

It should be noted that a hole 56 is provided which passes entirely through the first tube.

One further point to note is that the loading wheels 18, 20 are not vertical and are aligned at an angle of approximately 15o to the vertical. This ensures that when a load is applied to the load carrying portion the friction reducing portion 10 can still traverse the supporting means 4. Should the loading wheels 18, 20 be provided 13 vertically they would tend to jam on the supporting means when a load were placed on the stand.

An anti-tilt wheel 57 may be provided. This anti-tilt wheel is associated with the mounting means and engages the underside of a further beam of the desk and prevents the loading wheels 18, 20 from being removed from the supporting means 4.

In use, a user of the desk 2 places a monitor onto the load carrying portion 56. The weight of the monitor causes a torque about the supporting means 4 due to the leverage of the arm portion 12. This torque is reacted by the torque absorbing portion 14. An equal and opposite torque will be produced by the torque absorbing portion and this is provided by the operation of the cantilever wheel 54 acting onto the rigid member 6.

Should the user desire to position the monitor along the desk 2 the friction reducing portion 10 can be pushed along the supporting member 4. The loading wheels 18, 20 and the cantilever wheel 54 provide low friction engagement of the mounting means onto the supporting means.

The joints 42, 44 in the arm portion 12 give the user flexibility in at least the vertical positioning of the monitor. To adjust one of the joints 42, 44 the user would turn the tensioning handle 40 such the bolt 37 was slackened. Tension in the spring 38 prevents the joint from collapsing and allows the user to gradually adjust the joint 42, 44 before re-tensioning the bolt 37 to again lock the joint 42, 44.

In the present embodiment it will be appreciated that only vertical movement in the arm portion relative to the mounting means is possible. However, the skilled person will appreciate that joints could 14 be provided in the same manner as those described herein which allow horizontal movement of the axm portion relative to the mounting means. There may be provided some joints allowing horizontal movement and some joints allowing vertical movement. Perhaps one joint allowing horizontal movement and one joint allowing vertical movement may be provided.

As the skilled person will appreciate any monitor would have wires emanating from the rear. These wires must be provided for if the monitor is to repositioned and therefor the wires are passed through the hole 56 such that the wires are moved with the mounting means 10 as it is moved.

Other points to note can be seen in Figure 2 wherein a cable storage means 100 has been provided at a rear portion of the desk surface 102. A beam 104 supports the edge of the desk surface 102 and also defines an edge of the cable storage means 100. A lid portion 106 is hingedly attached to the desk surface by a hinge (not shown) such that the lid portion can be hinged upwardly away from the cable storage means giving access inside.

A brush means 108 is provided along an edge portion of the lid portion 106 such that the lid is effectively scaled such that pencils, etc. cannot fall inside the cable storage means.

A vertically arranged rear board 110 is positioned at the rear of the desk such that the stand mechanism is protected and also users are protected from the stand mechanism. It will be clear from Figure 2 that the torque absorbing portion passes around the rear board 110. The rear board 110 may be fabricated from the same material as the desk surface 102 to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

1 In use, cables from the monitor,'etc. pass through the hole 56 and into the rear of the cable storage means 100 such that they are kept tidy and do not interfere with the desk surface 102.

The skilled person will appreciate that a first motive means could be provided to motorise the mounting means relative to the supporting means. Perhaps the loading wheels may be driven by the motive means. Further, the joints in the arm portion may be motorised perhaps by at least a second motive means. It would be possible to make the motive means operate under the control of a computer. Perhaps the computer would be mounted at the desk. Perhaps the motive means are under the control of a "mouse" of the computer mounted at the desk.

16 CLims 1. A stand comprising an elongate supporting means and a mounting means, the mounting means having an arm portion extending from the mounting means and the arm portion having a load carrying portion at a distal end from the mounting means, said mounting means further comprising a torque absorbing portion adapted to react the torque created by a load on the load carrying portion and the mounting means being supported by the support means such that the mounting means can be moved along the support means.

2. A stand according to claim 1 wherein the support means is substantially horizontal.

3. A stand according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the support means is substantially tubular.

4. A stand according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support means is substantially circular in cross section.

5. A stand according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the support means has substantially one of the following cross sections: square, rectangular, oval, elliptical- 6. A stand according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting means comprises a friction reducing portion which engages the support means.

7. A stand according to claim 6 wherein the friction reducing portion comprises at least one loading one wheel.

8. A stand according to claim 7 wherein at least two loading wheels are provided.

/17 17 9. A stand according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the surface of the loading wheel has a complementary to that of the supporting means.

10. A stand according to any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the loading wheel is mounted on bearings.

11. A stand according to any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the loading wheel is inclined at an angle to the vertical axis of the desk.

12. A stand according to claim 11 wherein the loading wheel is inclined at an angle substantially in the range 10 to 200 to the vertical axis of the desk.

13. A stand according to claim 11 or 12 wherein the loading wheel is inclined at an angle substantially in the range 50 to 100 to the vertical axis of the desk.

14. A stand according to any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the loading wheel is inclined at substantially 100 to the vertical axis of the desk.

15. A stand according to any one of the preceding claims which comprises a rigid member adapted, in use, to interact with the torque absorbing portion of the mounting means.

16. A stand according to claim 15 wherein the rigid member is substantially parallel to the support means.

17. A stand according to claim 15 or 16 wherein the torque absorbing portion comprises cantilever wheel adapted to engage the rigid member.

18 111 18. A stand according to claim 16 wherein the cantilever wheel is substantially horizontal.

19. A stand according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the torque absorbing portion comprises a leverage arm, which is adapted to provide a mechanical advantage to react torque created by a load placed on'the load carrying portion.

20. A stand according to claim 19 wherein the leverage arm comprises a number of section moveable relative to one another.

2 1. A stand according to claim 20 wherein the sections of the leverage arm are pivotable relative to one another.

22. A stand according to claim 20 or 21 wherein a resilient means is provided in association with the joins between the sections of the arm.

23. A stand according to claim 22 wherein the resilient means comprises a spring.

24. A stand according to claim 23 wherein the spring is a coil spring.

25. A stand according to any one of the preceding claims which is adapted in use to support a monitor (a visual display unit VDU).

26. A monitor stand which has an elongate support means and a mounting means, the mounting means is adapted to provide a support for a monitor, the mounting means being supported by the support means such that the mounting means can be moved along the support means for a distance which is substantial when compared to the width of the monitor.

1 1 19 27. A stand according to claim 26 wherein the support means is substantially horizontal.

28. A stand according to claim 26 or 27 wherein the support means is substantially straight.

29. A stand according to claim 26 or claim 27 wherein the support means is substantially curved.

30. A stand according to any one of claims 26 to 29 wherein the support means is tubular.

3 1. A stand according to any one of claims 26 to 30 wherein the support means has a substantially circular cross section.

32. A stand according to any one of claims 26 to 30 wherein the support means has one of the following cross sections: square, rectangular, oval, elliptical. 33. A stand according to any one of claims 26 to 32 wherein the mounting

means comprises a friction reducing portion which engages the support means.

34. A stand according to claim 33 wherein the friction reducing portion may comprise a loading wheel.

35. A stand according to claim 33 or 34 wherein there are provided at least two loading wheels.

36. A stand according to claim 34 or 35 wherein the surface or the loading wheel is contoured with a complementary profile to the that of the support means.

37. A stand according to any one of claims 34 to 36 wherein the loading wheel or wheel is mounted on bearings.

38. A stand according to any one of claims 34 to 37 wherein the loading wheel is inclined at an angle to the vertical axis of the stand.

39. A stand according to any one of claims 34 to 38 wherein the loading wheel is inclined at an angle to the vertical axis of the desk by substantially in the range 10 to 200.

40. A stand according to any one of claims 34 to 39 wherein the loading wheel is inclined at an angle substantially in the range 50 to 100 to the vertical axis of the desk.

4 1. A stand according to any one of claims 34 to 40 wherein the loading wheel is inclined at substantially 100 to the vertical axis of the desk.

42. A stand according to any one of claims 26 to 41 wherein the mounting means comprises a carrying arm portion extending from the friction reducing portion and having a monitor carrying portion at a distal end thereof.

43. A stand according to any one of claims 26 to 42 which comprises a torque absorbing portion which is adapted to balance the mass of a monitor placed, in use, on the stand.

44. A stand according to claim 43 which comprises a rigid member adapted, in use, to interact with the torque absorbing portion, such that a reaction is created to a torque created by a monitor held, in use, by the stand.

21 45. A stand according to claim 44 wherein the rigid member is substantially parallel to the support means.

46. A stand according to any one of claims 43 to 45 wherein the torque absorbing portion has a cantilever wheel adapted, in use, to engage the rigid member.

47. A stand according to claim 46 wherein the cantilever wheel is substantially horizontal.

48. A stand according to any one of claims 43 to 47 wherein the torque absorbing portion comprises a leverage arm, which is adapted to provide a mechanical advantage to react the torque of a monitor placed on the monitor carrying portion.

49. A stand according to claim 48 as it depends from claim 47 wherein the leverage arm extends from the mounting means and has the cantilever wheel mounted at an end distal therefrom.

50. A stand according to any claim directly or indirectly dependent from claim 42 wherein the carrying arm portion comprises a number of sections moveable relative to one another.

51. A stand according to claim 50 wherein the sections are pivotable relative to one another.

52. A stand according to claim 50 or 51 wherein a resilient means is provided in association with the joins between the sections of the carrying arm.

53. A stand according to claim 52 wherein the resilient means comprises a spring.

22 54. A stand according to claim 53 wherein the spring is a coil spring.

55. A desk provided with a stand according to any one of the preceding claims.

56. A desk according to claim 55 wherein a cable storage means is provided.

57. A desk according to claim 56 wherein the cable storage means is provided at an edge portion of the desk.

58. A desk according to claim 56 or 57 wherein the cable storage means comprises a channel portion.

59. A desk according to any one of claims 56 to 58 wherein the cable storage means comprises a lid portion.

60. A desk according to claim 59 wherein the lid portion is attached to the cable storage means by a hinge means.

61. A desk according to any one of claims 59 or 60 wherein a brush means is provided along an edge portion of the desk such that it abuts the lid portion.

62. A stand substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

63. A monitor stand substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

64. A desk substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.