WO2007090110A2

WO2007090110A2 - Adjustable work surface

Info

Publication number: WO2007090110A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/061280
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Steenson
Original assignee: Daniel Steenson
Priority date: 2006-02-01
Filing date: 2007-01-30
Publication date: 2007-08-09
Also published as: WO2007090110A3; US20070176066A1

Abstract

A multi-functional adjustable work surface that mounts on a desk or similar structure to provide a comfortably accessible work surface to support an IO device, such as a computer mouse, keyboard, trackball, or other device. In some embodiments, the adjustable work surface includes an articulated arm, allowing rotation about one or more axes to place the work surface in a comfortable position. Some embodiments include a mounting assembly for affixing the articulated arm to a desk. The mounting assembly may include an elongated rail, so that the arm may be easily positioned laterally relative to the user.

Description

ADJUSTABLE WORK SURFACE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of computer

accessories. More particularly, the present invention provides an adjustable tray that

may be easily mounted to the arm of a chair to provide a generally planar working

surface to support a computer mouse and other accessories, devices and objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Computers are operated through the use of peripheral systems and

devices such as a keyboard, roller mouse or optical mouse, pen, joystick, keyboard,

keypad, roller ball, trackball, personal digital assistant, cell phone or similar device,

or other devices, referred to collectively as IO devices. IO devices enable a user to

interact with a computer or network to send or receive information, make decisions,

and carry out various other functions. Direct physical contact with, and therefore

close proximity to, these devices are essential to their operation.

[0003] However, in most circumstances a computer user works at a desk and

leans forward or sideways from a comfortable sitting position to reach a keyboard or

mouse resting on the top of a desk or other flat surface. Reaching for the keyboard

or the mouse in this way makes it very difficult to maintain proper posture and

operate the computer comfortably. Use of IO devices placed on an inconvenient

surface may stress the back, shoulder and the wrist. Numerous products, such as ergonomically shaped mice and wrist supports, attempt to address the symptoms of

this stress without addressing the awkward positioning that often causes strain.

[0004] Additionally, persons with debilitating injuries may find that reaching to a

desk to use IO devices is difficult or painful. Accordingly, there is a need for a

surface for supporting one or more IO devices that maintain a position so that the

user may maintain ergonomically correct posture and wrist position.

[0005] The purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the United States Patent

and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists,

engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms

or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and

essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither

intended to define the invention, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended

to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

[0006] Features of the present invention will become readily apparent to those

skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only the preferred

embodiments of the invention will be described and shown, simply by way of

illustration of the best modes contemplated to manifest the invention. As will be

realized, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects all

without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as

restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] Fig. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of an adjustable work surface

mounted to a worktop.

[0008] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of an articulated arm assembly as shown in

Fig. 1. Fig. 2 A is a side view. Fig. 2B is a bottom view.

[0009] Fig. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a carriage rail.

[0010] Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the articulated arm shown in

Fig. 2 attached to the carriage rail shown in Fig. 3.

[0011] Fig. 5 is an embodiment of a movable fastener.

[0012] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable work

surface mounted to a worktop.

[0013] Fig. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of an articulated arm mounted to the

arm of a chair.

[0014] Fig. 8 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 7. [0015] Fig. 9 is a side view of another embodiment of an articulated arm slidably

mounted to the arm of a chair.

[0016] Fig. 10 is a top view of an embodiment of a segment of an articulated arm.

[0017] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a carriage block having a bottom slot

accessible from the front.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0018] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative

constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the

drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however,

that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed; on the

contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and

equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the

claims.

[0019] Embodiments of the invention include an adjustable work surface that is

mountable on or near a desk or other generally rigid work surface assembly. Such

work surface assemblies include, without limitation, desks, tables, drafting tables,

modular furniture, computer stands, and chair arms. For clarity, any such work

surface assembly will be referred to herein as a "workstation," and the top work

surface of such work surfaces assemblies will be referred to as a "worktop." The worktop often comprises a structural member having a bottom surface that may be

useful for attaching other elements, such as a sliding keyboard tray or an adjustable

work surface. While embodiments of the invention are particularly useful with

desks and other workstations, there is no intention to limit the use of the invention to

a desk, workstation, or a worktop.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of an adjustable work surface

10. The adjustable work surface 10 includes a platform 12, which provides a surface

support to one or more IO devices. The IO device shown in Fig. 1 is a split keyboard

100; however, other IO devices may be supported, including without limitation, a

computer mouse, trackball, joystick or touchpad. The shape defined by the

perimeter of platform 12 may vary with the application or the supported IO device,

including square, rectangular, circular or other shapes. In Fig. 1, adjustable work

surface 10 is positioned so that keyboard 100 is near a worktop 102.

[0021] The platform 12 and other parts of the adjustable work surface 10 may be

built or molded of any material that allows for strength and ease of use such as

wood, plastic or other similar materials. The platform 12 may incorporate at least

one retainer 14, preferably located around the periphery of the platform 12, to allow

a keyboard, mouse pad, or other devices to be retained within the perimeter of the

platform 12. In some embodiments, one or more discrete retainers 14 may be placed on all sides of the platform 12 to assure that a device does not fall off any side of the

platform.

[0022] In some embodiments, IO devices may be rigidly attached to the platform

12 by a bolt, hook and loop or other means, eliminating the need for retainer 14.

Alternatively, the platform 12 may be integrated with the case of the IO device, so

that the platform 12 and the IO device are presented to the user as a unit.

[0023] Platform 12 is supported by an articulated arm 16. In the embodiment

shown, articulated arm 16 has two or more segments. Each segment may support

rotation in at least one axis relative to an adjacent segment. Relative rotation of each

segment is controllable, so that the arm remains in a shape and orientation selected

by the user. In the embodiment shown, a wrist segment 20 supports a platform

segment 18 (see Fig. 2), which in turn supports platform 12. A twist segment 22

supports platform segment 18. A link segment 24 supports twist segment 22, and is

in turn supported by a carriage segment 26.

[0024] Articulated arm 16 may be made up of any number of wrist segments 20,

twist segments 22 and link segments 24, as required to conform articulated arm 16 to

the shape desired. Each segment is rotatably connected by a rotational element 28 to

another segment to create a rotatable joint. As herein defined, the rotational element

28 is a threaded nut and bolt, a pin connection with a threaded end for tightening purposes, or any other element that provides a pivot for the rotation of adjacent

segments, while still securely interconnecting the segments. In the embodiment

shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the segments are rotatably connected by a rotational element

28 composed of a machine screw and a corresponding nut, and each joint rotates

around the machine screw. In other embodiments, a pin, ball and socket joint, bolt,

or other rotational element may be used. Furthermore, in some embodiments,

rotational element 28 may include a wing nut, a bolt with a knurled head, or similar

device grippable by the user, so that the user may adjust the friction experienced by

the rotatable joint, and thus the apparent stiffness of articulated arm 16.

[0025] Referring to Fig. 2B, a bottom view of articulated arm 16, each joint has at

least one contact region 32. In the embodiment shown, rotation of the joint is

resisted by friction in the contact region provided by the material of the segments.

Friction is controlled by rotational element 28, which can be tightened or loosened to

adjust the friction between the segments. In other embodiments, rotation may be

controlled by placing one or more washers or other friction control devices in

between segments in contact region 32, by texturing the surfaces in contact region 32,

or by adding interlocking teeth or other such devices in contact region 32. Friction

control devices include, without limitation, fiber washers, neoprene washers and

metal star washers. [0026] Similarly, platform 12 may be attached to platform segment 18 by a

rotational fastener 34 or other means. Rotational fastener 34 may pass through a slot

33 in platform segment 18 so that a user may adjust the position of platform 12 along

the length of platform segment 18. Rotational fastener 34 may be tightened to

prevent rotation or motion of platform 12 relative to articulated arm 16. As herein

defined, the rotational fastener 34 is a threaded nut and bolt, a pin connection with a

threaded end for tightening purposes, or any other element that provides a

rotational pivot for the angular adjustment of the platform 12, while still

interconnecting the platform 12 with platform segment 18. Rotational fastener 34

preferably includes a knurled head so that it may be tightened or loosened by hand.

In some embodiments, a friction control device 35 may be placed between platform

12 and platform segment 18 to assist in controlling rotation. Friction control device

35 may include, without limitation, fiber washers, neoprene washers and metal star

washers.

[0027] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2A, a side view of articulated arm 16,

each twist segment 22, link segment 24 and carriage segment 26, has a finger 36

extending into the adjacent segment, providing contact region 32. Twist segment 22

differs from link segment 24 in that finger 36 is rotated approximately 90 degrees

around the long axis of twist segment 22; in other words, twist segment 22 rotates in

a plane perpendicular to the worktop, while the base of wrist segment 20 rotates in a plane parallel to the worktop 102. Wrist segment 20 allows platform segment 18 to

rotate about the long axis of wrist segment 20, that is, around rotational element 28.

Thus, the combination of wrist segment 20, twist segment 22 and link segment 24 or

carriage segment 26 provides at least three degrees of freedom, that is, rotation

around at least three separate axes. If less flexibility is required, then the appropriate

segment may be removed or replaced by a different segment.

[0028] Articulated arm 16 may be attached to a desk or other work surface by a

clamp, bolt, rotational fastener, or other means of attachment. It is preferable to

allow carriage segment 26 to rotate parallel to the plane of the work surface 10. In

some embodiments, a bolt or rotational fastener passes through hole 38 in carriage

segment 26. The bolt or rotational fastener 34 may have a head or may include a

washer to retain carriage segment 26, while allowing carriage segment 26 to rotate

about the rotational fastener 34.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a side view of another embodiment for attaching articulated

arm 16 to a desk, allowing arm 16 to be adjusted laterally relative to the user. In Fig.

3, a carriage rail 40 includes an elongated slot 42. Carriage rail 40 is preferably

fastened to the bottom surface of worktop 102 so that carriage rail 40 is hidden from

view and does not obstruct the top of the worktop; however, some applications may

require carriage rail 40 to be mounted on top of a worktop, on the side of a worktop,

or anywhere on a rigid member comprising the workstation. Carriage rail 40 is preferably rigidly affixed to a worktop and may be secured with glue or with

fasteners 44, including screws or rivets. Alternatively, carriage rail 40 may be

removably secured to a worktop using clamps or other quick release fasteners. The

length of carriage rail 40 is selected to fit the worktop or the particular application.

[0030] Referring now to Fig. 4, a bottom view of carriage rail 40 and carriage

segment 26, a movable fastener 46 passes through hole 38 in carriage segment 26 and

into slot 42 in carriage rail 40, pivotally securing articulated arm 16 to carriage rail

40. As herein defined, the movable fastener 46 is a threaded nut and bolt, a pin

connection with a threaded end for tightening purposes, or any other element that

provides a rotational pivot for the angular adjustment of articulated arm 16, while

still interconnecting arm 16 with carriage rail 40.

[0031] In an embodiment of movable fastener 46 shown in Fig. 5, movable

fastener 46 includes a threaded bolt 48, a threaded nut 50, and a head 52. Referring

to Fig. 4, slot 42 is enlarged in the interior of carriage rail 40. Nut 50 screws onto the

shank of bolt 48, capturing the inner surface of slot 42 (Fig. 4) and carriage segment

26 between threaded nut 50 and the head 52 of bolt 48. Tightening nut 50 secures

carriage segment 26 and prevents it from rotating; loosening nut 50 slightly releases

carriage segment 26 to allow rotation of articulated arm 16 to place platform 12 in a

comfortable position. [0032] Movable fastener 46 is preferably ergonomically designed or covered so

that it does not interfere with the user during use. In some embodiments, movable

fastener 46 incorporates a rounded or other generally smooth shape that allows it to

be easily tightened while simultaneously exposing no sharp edges to the user.

[0033] In some embodiments, articulated arm 16 may be easily removed from a

desk. Referring again to Fig. 3, articulated arm 16 may be removed from carriage rail

40 by sliding the movable fastener 46 along elongated slot 42 to stub slot 56, and then

to enlarged hole 58. Hole 58 is sufficiently large to allow an end of movable fastener

46 to pass through, releasing the movable fastener 46 and the articulated arm 16

from carriage rail 40. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, movable fastener 46

includes a head 52 sized to pass through enlarged hole 58, yet still engage elongated

slot 42.

[0034] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, one or more bosses 54 engage

corresponding axial grooves or similar features in hole 38 to prevent rotation of the

bolt 48 relative to the platform 12 when the nut 50 is tightened, eliminating the need

for a washer and facilitating tightening of the nut 50 to secure articulated arm 16.

While the bosses 54 are depicted as cylinders, the bosses 54 may be of any shape that

engages the grooves and prevents rotation, including a polyhedron or hemisphere. [0035] Many workstations require the use of multiple IO devices; for example,

two split keyboard halves and a computer mouse. Carriage rail 40 also allows

multiple adjustable work surfaces to be installed by successfully inserting the

movable fastener 46 corresponding to each work surface into hole 58, then sliding

the fastener along stub slot 56 and into slot 42. An adjustable work surface may be

fitted for each IO device by selecting an appropriate platform 12: a rounded or oval

platform for a computer mouse, and a generally square platform with a retainer

adapted for a keyboard for each half of the split keyboard. Note that the length of

carriage rail 40 may be adjusted to accommodate the number of work surfaces:

longer for three adjustable work surfaces; shorter for one work surface.

[0036] Fig. 6 shows adjustable work surface 10 attached to a worktop 102. Note

that Fig. 6 shows only one-link segments 24, in contrast to two segments 24 shown in

Fig. 2, illustrating that the length and adjustability of articulated arm 16 may be

adding or deleting segments as desired by the user. Also, the embodiment shown

allows platform 12 to be conveniently raised above the top surface of worktop 102 by

rotating link segment 24 upward, approximately flush with the side of worktop 102.

The wrist joint created by wrist segment 20 and platform segment 18 allows the

platform to be rotated so that keyboard 100 fits comfortably to the hand of the user.

[0037] Fig. 7, a top view, and Fig. 8, a side view, illustrate an embodiment

whereby articulated arm 16 is attached to the arm of a chair 64 through the use of carriage block 60. Attaching work surface 10 to a chair arm allows the user's arm to

be supported by the chair arm and ensures that platform 12 is comfortably presented

to the user's hand independently of the position of the chair relative to a

workstation. Movable fastener 46 passes through hole 38 in the carriage segment 26,

pivotally securing carriage segment 26 to carriage block 60.

[0038] Referring now to Fig. 8, carriage block 60 is shaped to be positioned

directly against a chair arm 64. On some chairs, the preferred position will be where

the armrest transitions from horizontal to vertical. Adjustable work surface 10 will

also work on different styles of arms and chairs with the only general compatibility

requirement being that the chair has an armrest equivalent. Carriage block 60 has a

curved or slanted region 66 to accommodate any curvature of chair arm 64. When

slanted region 66 of carriage block 60 abuts chair arm 64, chair arm 64 provides

additional support to the adjustable work surface 10.

[0039] Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, movable fastener 46 flexibly secures carriage

segment 26 to carriage block 60 by passing through hole 38, through a slot 68 in

carriage block 60, and into a cavity 70 in carriage block 60. The slot 68 in carriage

block 60 has a generally horizontal top leg 72 (Fig. 7) having curved regions on each

end and connecting to two generally vertical legs 74 on either side of carriage block

60 (Fig. 8). Slot 68 may have generally horizontal stub legs 76 on either side of

carriage block 60, terminating in an enlarged hole 78. In some embodiments, slot 68 may extend to a top stub leg 81, allowing some fore and aft adjustment of the

position of articulated leg 16, and thus platform 12. In some embodiments, slot 68

may extend to the bottom of carriage block 60 through bottom leg 80. In an

alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 11, a slot 83 may be located in bottom of

carriage block 60, ending in the front face of carriage block 60 so that the slot 83 is

accessible from the front. This embodiment is particularly useful when two

articulated arms 16 will be attached to carriage block 60; for example, a keyboard

attached to an articulated arm 16 installed on the top of carriage block 60 using slot

68, and a mouse tray attached to an articulated arm 16 installed using slot 83. Skilled

artisans will recognize that many embodiments employing combinations of the slots

and holes described herein are possible, and the invention is not limited to the

embodiments shown.

[0040] Vertical legs 74 need not be precisely vertical: they may slope fore and aft

or side-to-side to accommodate chair arms of various shapes. Similarly, horizontal

stub legs 76 need not be precisely horizontal.

[0041] As a result, a person may position articulated arm 16 on the top, sides, or

bottom of carriage block 60, as desired. Changing positions is performed by

loosening movable fastener 46 slightly, and then sliding the movable fastener 46 and

articulated arm 16 within the slot 68 through legs 72, 74, and 80 to the desired

position. The user may then adjust articulated arm 16 until platform 12 is in the desired position. Not all legs 72, 74, 76, 80, and 81 are present in every embodiment.

For example, in some embodiments the vertical leg 74, relative to the chair, may be

deleted if positioning arm 16 in that leg would interfere with the user when seated in

the chair.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 8, articulated arm 16 may be removed from carriage block

60 by sliding movable fastener 46 along stub leg 76 of slot 68 to enlarged hole 78.

Hole 78 is sufficiently large to allow an end of movable fastener 46 to pass through,

releasing movable fastener 46 and articulated arm 16 from carriage block 60.

[0043] Adjustable work surface 10 further includes one or more guides 82

slidably connected to the carriage block 60. Viewed from above as shown in Fig. 7,

guides 82 are approximately L-shaped on each end, and one leg of each guide is

inserted into a hole 84 and a hole 86 in the carriage block 60. Holes 84 and 86 are

offset, permitting the legs inserted into the slot to be relatively long, accommodating

both wide chair arms and narrow chair arms, where the legs overlap each other in

the slots. The rear of the carriage block 60 may include one or more recesses sized to

accommodate guides 82, allowing guides 82 to be adjusted to accommodate a chair

arm 64 narrower than carriage block 60.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment depicted in Fig. 8, guides 82 are compressed

against the sides of the chair arm 64 by at least one securing device 87. The securing device 87 as herein defined includes, but is not limited to, a clamp, tape, bungee

cords, string, tie cords, or straps. Each securing device 87 preferably passes around

the chair arm 64 and guides 82 and is preferably fastened by a fastener 88. Fastener

88 may be a Velcro fastener, a Tabler buckle, a clip, or similar buckling device. The

compression force of the securing devices 87 presses the guides 82 against the chair

arm 64 and into the armchair stop, effectively securing articulated arm 16. This

embodiment provides the advantage of simplicity and allows articulated arm 16 to

be quickly and easily mounted to a chair arm with ease.

[0045] Another embodiment may include at least one strap slot or loop in each

guide 82 in which to thread the securing devices 87 to compress and secure the

guides 82 to the chair arm 64. The strap slots preferably run a substantial length of

the guides 82 allowing the securing devices 87 to be slid or moved to accommodate

the configuration of the chair arm 64 and particularly the support members.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the guides 82 each have a tab 90 on the end

furthest from the carriage block 60 to prevent securing devices 87 from slipping off

the ends of guides 82. Guides 82 may also be tapered to better conform to curved

chair arms.

[0047] Referring to Fig. 8, the guides 82 curve downward in the region 92 nearest

the carriage block 60 so that the platform 12 is approximately level with the uppermost surface of guides 82. Without the curved region 92, carriage block 60

would be positioned above the chair arm 64, possibly causing the user's wrist to flex

upward when using a mouse or other IO device, potentially causing carpal tunnel

stress within the wrist. In another embodiment, a deeper curve positions the

platform 12 below the chair arm 64, which may be comfortable for some users.

Curved region 92 need not be smoothly curved in the S-shape shown; it may

descend sharply in a Z-shape or with perpendicular angles.

[0048] Adjustable work surface 10 may include multiple sets of guides 82, each

set tapered, curved, and including features that best fit a class of chair arms. The

user may then select the set of guides that best fits the user's chair.

[0049] In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 9, each guide 82 may be inserted

into a corresponding cavity 94 in chair arm 64. The walls of the cavity support guide

82, which in turn support carriage block 60. Each guide 82 may slide in and out of

cavity 94, allowing the user to place the platform 12 a comfortable distance away

from the chair arm 64. In some embodiments, the chair arm 64 has an additional

cavity 96 adapted to accept carriage block 60, so that carriage block 60 may be

retracted into the chair arm 64 and out of the way of the user. In some embodiments,

only one guide 82 is required because there is no need to adapt the assembly to fit

the width of the chair arm 64. [0050] Fig. 9 also shows that in some embodiments, two or more articulated arms

16 may be attached to carriage block 60. In the embodiment shown, a first

articulated arm 16 is attached to one end of slot 68, and a second articulated arm 16

is attached to the other end of slot 68. This embodiment may be particularly useful

to mount one half of a split keyboard and a mouse platform to a chair arm.

[0051] Carriage block 60, guides 82, and securing devices 87 are preferably lined

with a cushioning material 98. Cushioning material 98 as shown on guides 82 in Fig.

7, allows the guides 82 and the carriage block 60 to be tightened against the surface

of a chair without scratching or other marring of the chair. Cushioning material 98

also provides a non-slip surface that prevents movement during the use of the

adjustable work surface 10. Cushioning material 98 may be any material such as

rubber, plastic or cloth that prevents slippage and marring of the arm of the chair. In

a preferred embodiment, the cushioning material 98 is neoprene or other non-skid

rubberized material used to form traditional stand-alone mouse pads.

[0052] In yet another embodiment shown in Fig. 10, a dual link segment 200 may

be created by using two rotational fasteners 28, an independent finger 202, and two

side links 204. The dual link segment 200 may be added to articulated arm 16, or

may replace other segments described above, and allows rotation of over 270

degrees relative to the segment to which it is attached. [0053] When an IO device requiring a cable is supported by adjustable work

surface 10, it may be preferable to add slots to the segments making up articulated

arm 16, so that the cable may be supported within the segments. Alternatively,

loops, rings, cable ties, or other fastener may be used to support the cable. Such

devices may be included as part of each segment, or added separately.

[0054] While there is shown and described the present preferred embodiments of

the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that this invention is not limited

thereto, but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following

claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may

be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by

the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable work surface for use with an IO device and a worktop,

comprising:

an articulated arm, the articulated arm comprising:

a first segment,

a second segment, the second segment joined to the first segment and

capable of rotating about a first axis, and

a third segment joined to the second segment and capable of rotating

about a second axis; and

a platform defining a perimeter, the platform rotatably connected to the

articulated arm;

wherein the first axis and the second axis are not parallel;

whereby the platform may be adjusted in position and angle relative to the

worktop.

2. The adjustable work surface of claim 1, further comprising:

a rail fastenable to the worktop; and

a fastener adapted to travel upon the rail and to secure the articulated arm to

the rail.

3. The adjustable tray of claim 1, wherein the platform defines a generally planar

surface, whereby the platform is capable of supporting an IO device.

4. The adjustable tray of claim 1, wherein the platform is integrated with a

keyboard.

5. The adjustable tray of claim 1, wherein the perimeter is round.

6. The adjustable tray of claim 1, wherein the articulated arm further comprises

one or more rotatably interjoined segments.

7. The adjustable work surface of claim 1, further comprising a mounting

assembly for fastening the articulated arm to the worktop.

8. The adjustable work surface of claim 7, wherein the mounting assembly is a

clamp, bolt, or rotational fastener.

9. The adjustable work surface of claim 7, wherein the mounting assembly

comprises:

a rail defining a slot; and

a fastener adapted to travel along the slot and to secure the articulated arm to

the rail.

10. The adjustable work surface of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly

comprises: a carriage block defining at least one slot, the carriage block fastenable to a

chair arm; and

a fastener adapted to travel upon the slot and to secure the articulated arm to

the carriage block.

11. The adjustable work surface of claim 1, wherein the first segment is connected

to the second segment by a threaded bolt.

12. The adjustable work surface of claim 1, wherein the first segment is connected

to the second segment by a ball joint.

13. An adjustable tray, comprising:

a platform capable of supporting an IO device;

an articulated arm rotatably supporting the platform, the articulated arm

comprising:

a link segment;

a carriage segment rotatably connected to the link segment by a

threaded bolt;

a twist segment connected to the link segment by a threaded bolt and

rotatable about a first axis; and

a platform segment connected to the twist segment by a threaded bolt

and rotatable about a second axis, the second axis not parallel to

the first axis; and

a mounting assembly rotatably connected to the carriage segment.

14. The adjustable work surface of claim 13, further comprising a wrist segment

interposed between the platform segment and the twist segment, wherein the

wrist segment rotates about a third axis, the third axis not parallel to the first

axis, and the third axis is not parallel to the second axis.

15. The adjustable work surface of claim 13, wherein the mounting assembly is a

clamp, bolt, or rotational fastener.

16. The adjustable work surface of claim 13, wherein the mounting assembly

comprises:

a rail defining a slot; and

the rail.

17. The adjustable work surface of claim 13, wherein the mounting assembly

comprises:

a carriage block defining at least one slot, the carriage block fastenable to a

chair arm; and

a fastener adapted to travel upon the slot and to secure the articulated arm to

the carriage block.

18. The adjustable work surface assembly, comprising:

a first articulated arm rotatably supporting a first platform;

a second articulated arm rotatably supporting a second platform;

a mounting assembly adjustably supporting the first articulated arm and the

second articulated arm;

wherein the first articulated arm and the second articulated arm each

comprise:

a first segment;

a second segment, the second segment joined to the first segment and

capable of rotating about a first axis; and

a third segment joined to the second segment and capable of rotating

about a second axis;

wherein the first axis and the second axis are not parallel.

19. The adjustable work surface of claim 18, wherein the mounting assembly is a

clamp, bolt, or rotational fastener.

20. The adjustable work surface of claim 18, wherein the mounting assembly

comprises:

a rail defining a slot; and

the rail.

21. The adjustable tray of claim 18, wherein the first platform defines a generally

planar surface, whereby the first platform is capable of supporting an IO

device.

22. The adjustable tray of claim 18, wherein the second platform is integrated

with a keyboard.

23. A method of supporting an IO device, comprising the steps of:

providing an articulated arm, the articulated arm comprising:

a first segment;

a second segment, the second segment joined to the first segment and

capable of rotating about a first axis; and

a third segment joined to the second segment and capable of rotating

about a second axis;

providing a platform defining a perimeter, the platform rotatably connected

to the articulated arm; and

mounting the articulated arm to a surface.

24. The adjustable work surface of claim 23, wherein the mounting step

comprises:

providing a rail defining a slot; and

providing a fastener adapted to travel along the slot and to secure the

articulated arm to the rail.

5. An adjustable tray for supporting an IO device, comprising:

articulated arm means;

platform means rotatably connected to the articulated arm means, the

platform means adapted to support the IO device; and

means for mounting the articulated arm means to a surface;

wherein the articulated arm means is capable of placing the IO device.