Classroom desk

Abstract

A classroom desk is provided at a low cost which does not restrict a positioning angle of a computer display and offers an unobstructed front view when a movable top panel is open. The classroom desk is suitable for a class requiring the occasional use of a small-sized computer. The desk comprises a fixed top panel on which the computer is mounted, and movable top panel which covers and hides the computer. The movable top panel is connected to the fixed top panel by first and second link members and is arranged to stand vertically at the back of the desk in such a manner that about half of a depth of the movable top panel is located below the height of the fixed top panel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to a desk for classroom use in which a small-sized computer may be mounted at all times. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Along with the spread of small-sized computers, many schools have introduced classes using small-sized computers, and classroom desks in which small-sized computers, such as laptops, are disposed. [0003] Japanese Design Registration No. 1094712 illustrates a first example of such classroom desks. The desk is provided with a movable top panel which covers and hides a small-sized computer located on the desktop. In classes requiring the use of the computer, one can simply swing open the movable top panel to unhide the computer. [0004] Japanese Utility Model No. 2555572 discloses a second example of this type of classroom desk. In this example, while open, the movable top panel can be stored vertically in a back space of the desk. [0005] In the desk of the first example as shown in FIG. 5, a movable top panel 21...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The classroom desk of the first example has a simple structure which can be produced at a low cost. Also, such a desk does not require much space for installation. However, the movable top panel in an open state may only be raised to an angle of about 80 degrees at most, relative to the fixed top panel. Consequently, the standing angle of the computer display may be limited. A user is not able to freely adjust the angle of the computer display. Moreover, the open movable top panel is located at a higher position than the computer display. As a result, the panel gets in the way of one's front view. Communication between a lecturer and a participant may be hindered.

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a classroom desk which removes significant restrictions from the standing angle of a computer display and provides an unobstructed front view when the movable top panel is open.

[0015] The link member is provided with a spring which can urge the movable top panel toward an opened state, so that even if the movable top panel is prematurely released at the time of closing, the movable top panel does not bang shut. It is preferable that one of the link members connected to each support block, particularly the link member positioned at the rear side of the movable top panel, is rotatably connected to a shaft which is supported by a bearing attached to each support block. It is also preferable that a rotary damper is provided to dampen or restrict the forward and backward rotations of the shaft. Then, in addition to the inadvertent dropping of the movable top panel at the time of closing, the rebounding of the movable top panel during an abrupt opening can also be avoided.

Problems solved by technology

Consequently, the standing angle of the computer display may be limited.

A user is not able to freely adjust the angle of the computer display.

Thus, the desk may be expensive and require a significant amount of space for installation.

Moreover, opening and closing of the movable top panel is more difficult to accomplish as compared to the movable top panel of the first example.

This type of desk is not suitable for classes which require frequent openings and closings of the movable top panel.

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