WO2018130884A1

WO2018130884A1 - A multi-purpose desktop accessory for reading, writing and computer usage

Info

Publication number: WO2018130884A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/051546
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gene LASHLEY
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-01-10
Filing date: 2017-03-16
Publication date: 2018-07-19
Anticipated expiration: 2019-07-10

Abstract

A desk accessory comprises a tilted first panel that includes a back end and a front end, a tilted second panel that includes a back end and a front end, and foot means for elevating the second panel and the back end of the first panel. The foot means further comprises positioning means for positioning the back end of the first panel close to and above the second panel. A computer keyboard supported on the second panel is therefore accessible for use by someone whose forearms and wrists are supported on the first panel. By this means the use of a computer keyboard positioned on the second panel can be conveniently integrated with reading and writing on the first panel.

Description

SPECIFICATION

A MULTI-PURPOSE DESKTOP ACCESSORY FOR READING, WRITING AND

COMPUTER USAGE

PRIORITY CLAIMS

This PCT patent application claims priority from the following US Provisional Applications: No.62/465,785 filed 1 March 2017, which is a continuation of the provisional application No. 62/463,730 filed 27 February 2017, which is a continuation of the provisional application No. 62/450,320 filed 25 January 2017, which is a continuation of the provisional application No. 62/444,442 filed 10 January 2017, which is a continuation of the provisional application No. 62/383,525 filed 5 September 2016, which is a continuation of the provisional application No. 62/350,213 filed 15 June 2016, which is a continuation of the provisional application No. 62/309,127 filed 16 March 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a multi-purpose desktop accessory that facilitates the combination of reading and writing with computer usage, with emphasis on the space-efficient use of inline space between a computer user and the computer monitor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Together with computer and communications hardware, books, hardcopy and writing continue to be an integral part of desk usage, especially for academic students. There continues therefore to be a need for space-efficient, versatile solutions that deliver a more convenient inline integration of items related to reading, writing and computer usage. Currently an unlimited variety of workstation designs and accessories are available, but what they all have in common is a conspicuous lack of ergonomic convenience, space-efficiency and versatility where it is most needed - the front-centre space between the user and the computer monitor.

While there have been innovative gestures toward this need over the years, their efficacy has been handicapped by the requirements of traditional keyboard ergonomics, which hitherto assigned only one acceptable position for the computer keyboard - front-centre at elbow level, or lower. However, current thinking has begun a paradigm shift out of the box of conventional ergonomic correctness to revisit and re-define what actually works in practice and what doesn't. The present invention demonstrates a much needed alternative position for the computer keyboard and reveals thereby, improved space-efficiency, convenience and versatility for inline multi- tasking. STATE-OF-THE-ART DESIGNS

Three products seem to have some bearing on the present invention. They are: A Workstation Comprising Adjustable Desk Easel Facilities (W.I.P.O. patent application # WO2003043461); Microdesk (http://ergonomicessentials.com.au); and U Slope htt ://www .backdesigns .com/ Assets/images/ergocafe/uslope-k_z.jpg). The latter two non-patent products allow intermittent, editorial writing while the keyboard is in the forefront for keying, but full access for more continuous writing requires the accessory to be drawn forward over the keyboard. Two other products, Flexdesk and Multirite, offer a document holder with a slidable platform that can slide forward and downward over a frontally positioned computer keyboard to facilitate writing thereon. Ergo Desk (https://ergodesk.com/) has a rearward shelf fixed at a steep angle as a book rest.

LIABILITIES OF THE MOST RELEVANT DESIGNS

The Workstation Comprising Adjustable Desk Easel Facilities provides simultaneous accessibility of facilities for reading, writing and keying by placing the computer keyboard in an elevated, rearward position on an ample, sloped worktop.

The liability of this design, however, is that with the forearms and wrists supported on the worktop, the keys of the keyboard could only be reached by bending the palms of the hands upward or backward with an uncomfortable stressful posture of the wrists, which is uncomfortable and unsustainable. The cause of this problem is that the keys of the keyboard are above the level of the worktop, while the forearms and wrists are supported on the worktop. Without the support of the worktop the forearms and wrists would be suspended over the keyboard by muscular effort. This also is uncomfortable, stressful and unsustainable. The liability of the Microdesk, U-Slope and similar accessories for reading and writing, is that such accessories need to be positioned between the computer keyboard and monitor when the keyboard is being used. This increases the distance between the keyboard and monitor by about 30 cm. Since most people need to look at the keyboard to use it, it becomes necessary to look back and forth continually and frequently between the keyboard and the computer monitor, which are separated by a desk accessory, which requires extra time and effort.

A second liability is that while the keyboard is in use, Microdesk and U-Slope must be positioned behind the keyboard where it is accessible for intermittent editorial writing, but not close and convenient enough for longer periods of comfortable writing. For anything more than editorial writing, Microdesk and U-Slope must be drawn forward over the keyboard. Then the accessory must be pushed backwards again to access the keyboard for intermittent keying. Therefore, there is an adjustment break from keying to writing and back, instead of full, simultaneous and seamless access to writing and keyboard usage.

A third liability is that, for those who need to look at the keyboard to use it, the relatively low and close position of the keyboard causes the stressful, bent-over posture of the head, neck and back characteristic of many keyboard users. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention embodies an innovative and useful positional relationship between a tilted first panel - a frontal, primary worktop for reading and writing - and a secondary support structure behind it, whereby a computer keyboard positioned on the rearward support structure is easily and comfortably accessible for use by someone whose wrists and forearms are supported on the first panel. The rearward support structure can be a second panel, a desktop, or a pair of supportive arms for supporting a computer keyboard. The use of a computer keyboard so positioned can be conveniently integrated with reading and writing upon front panel. Hardcopy on the first panel does not compromise its support of the forearms and wrists for the purpose of keying.

The invention can therefore be broadly described as a desk accessory that includes a first panel comprising a back end and a front end; a second panel comprising a back end and a front end; and foot means for elevating the second panel and the back end of the first panel. The foot means further comprises positioning means for positioning the back end of the first panel close to and above the second panel, so that a computer keyboard supported on the second panel is easily accessible for use by someone whose forearms and wrists are supported on the first panel. By this means the use of a computer keyboard can be conveniently integrated with reading and writing upon the first panel. Compared with the 'Workstation Comprising Adjustable Desk Easel Facilities ', the advantage of the present invention is that the surface supporting the keyboard is lower than the surface level of the back end of the first panel. Consequently, the wrists supported on the first panel become closer to the surface level of the keys of the keyboard. The closer the wrists get to the level of the keys, the straighter the wrists become, and the easier it becomes to access and use the keys. The preferred or ideal level is where the surface level of the keys is slightly below the surface level of the back end of the first panel. At this level the wrists and hands are ergonomically straight and the fingers curve comfortably downward onto the lowered keys of the keyboard. It works on the same principle as a wrist rest. While excessive difference in height puts the keyboard out of functional reach, the smallest difference in height is novel and helps to relieve stress on otherwise bent wrists.

Compared with other products such as Microdesk, and U-Slope, the first advantage of the present invention is that it reduces excessive eye, head and neck movement required otherwise to frequently look back and forth between the keyboard and the monitor. This is so because the keyboard is positioned behind the front panel and closer to the computer monitor. Consequently, the eye, head and neck movement required for a user to look from keyboard to monitor and back is greatly reduced. Compared with Microdesk and U-Slope, the second advantage of the present invention is that it facilitates a more relaxed, less bent-over, more laid-back posture of the head, neck and back. This is so because the elevated and tilted position of the keyboard is inline with the upward gradient of the the forearms and wrists that are fully supported on the first panel. Also the extension of the first panel over the front edge of the desktop bridges the gap between the desktop and the user, thus bringing the keyboard and first panel closer to the user. The rearward keyboard therefore remains easily accessible even in a relatively laidback posture. When typing copy, the copy can be conveniently positioned on the worktop in the ample space between the forearms of the person using the keyboard. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the following brief description of the drawings, the views are abbreviated thus: REV means 'rear elevation view'; SEV is 'side elevation view'; TPV is 'top plan view'; SPV is 'side perspective view'; FPV is 'front perspective view'; and RPV is 'rear perspective view'. DRAW VIEW BRIEF DESCRIPTION

-INGS

1A SEV Preferred embodiment #1- Ergonomics of the use.

IB SEV Foot means limit downward rotation of panel 1.

1C SEV Hinge means allow upward rotation of panel 1.

ID SPV Positions of main components.

IE TPV Positions of main components.

IF SEV Inter-connection of main components - resting, hinged and fastened.

2A TPV Position and effect of stays of 1 ^st Panel.

2B TPV Positions of movable elongate stay.

2C TPV Use of movable elongate stay.

3A SPV Embodiment #2 - 1 st and 2^nd panels, foot means, base panel & riser.

3B SPV 3 A with 1^st panel removed.

3C SPV Alternative foot means & riser on base panel with 1^st & 2^nd

4A SPV Embodiment #3 - 1^st & 2^nd panels supported on left & right side members.

4B SEV 1^st & 2^nd panels supported on left & right side members.

4C TPV 1^st & 2^nd panels slidable sideways on left & right side members.

5A SPV Embodiment #4 - Positions of main parts; 2^nd panel seen through

5B TPV 2^nd panel is wide & slidable sideways on left & right side members

5C SEV Positions of main parts.

5D SEV Ergonomics of using a laptop computer.

6A SPV Embod. #5- extended 1^st panel fastened upon left & right side members.

6B TPV Extended 1^st panel fastened upon left & right side members; wide 2^nd panel.

7A SEV Embodiment #2- 2^nd panel as a semi-upright document holder.

7B TPV Strut panel for supporting document holder.

8 SEV Embodiment #1- 2^nd panel as a semi- upright document holder.

9A SPV Embod. #6 - no 2^nd panel; 1^st panel fastened on left & right side members.

9B TPV There is no 2^nd panel; 1^st panel is fastened on left & right side members.

10 SPV Embodiment #7 - 1^st and 2^nd panels supported on left & right side members

11 SPV Embodiment #8 - left & right side members are floor-engaging.

12 SPV Embodiment #9 - a strut supports 1^st panel and 2^nd panel.

13 SPV Embodiment #10 - a desktop serves as the 2^nd panel.

14A SPV Embodiment #11 - a rigid frame version of 3B.

14B SPV Embodiment #12 - a rigid frame version of the foot means of 4A THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Basic Elements

In the preferred embodiment #1 shown in Figures 1A-1F, a desk accessory comprises: a first panel (12) that includes a back end (12a) and a front end (12b); a second panel (22) that includes a back end (22a) and a front end (22b); and foot means for elevating the second panel and the back end of the first panel. The foot means further comprises positioning means for positioning the back end of the first panel close to and above the second panel. The result is that a computer keyboard supported on the second panel is accessible for use by someone whose forearms and wrists are supported on the first panel. By this means the use of a computer keyboard supported on the second panel can be conveniently integrated with reading and writing upon the first panel.

DEFINITIONS AND EXPLANATIONS

The desk accessory can be used on a desk, table or other ground- supported item of furniture as a free-standing or a built-in feature. The word 'panel', as in 'first and second panel', includes any structural element that provides a flat upper surface useful for desk work. 'Base panel' and 'sloped panel' hereinafter likewise refer to a structural element providing a flat upper surface that can be made of wood, plastic, metal or other suitable material.

'Foot means' includes relatively flat panels or any frame or rigid structure comprising vertical, diagonal or horizontal slender parts for bracing, support or attachment (see Figures 14A,14B). A vertical leg means or riser, for example, needs some kind of connective cross -bracing by a horizontal or diagonal cross-piece. The braces can be slender or broad or both, which determines whether they are called a frame or a panel when combined with the vertical leg means, which latter can also be relatively slender or broad. The braces can also be side to side or back to front or both, which determines whether they are referred to as left and right side frames or panels, or back and front cross -members, or cross-panels. Because these elements are so variable, the term 'foot means' is used to cover all obvious variations of side panels, frames and rigid support structures known to the prior art.

The back end of the first panel being 'close to and above' the second panel is the point of departure from designs known to the art. It means the same thing as the second panel being close to and below the back end of the first panel. Closeness causes the keys of the keyboard on the second panel to be within reach of the fingers. 'Above' begins with the smallest degree of difference and ends within the range of functional accessibility of the keyboard.

Wrists resting on the higher first panel will be less bent, or ergonomically straight, and the fingers will curve naturally over the keyboard. If the keyboard were supported on the same level as the first panel, the wrists resting on the first panel would have to arc backwards to access the keys, or would be suspended above the keys unsupported. Both of these alternatives would be uncomfortable and unsustainable. So initially, the lower the second panel becomes, the straighter the wrists become in accessing the keyboard until an ideal level is reached. Lower still and the keyboard becomes gradually out of reach. The identifiable and practical point of departure from known designs, therefore, is the smallest degree of height difference between the surface level of the second panel and the surface level of the higher back end of the first panel. The keyboard is accessible not only in the sense of being within reach and usable, but also in the sense of the ease and comfort derived from support for the forearms when they are extended, and relative straightness of the wrists when keying. The same effect is experienced when using a wrist rest to elevate the wrists and hands in relation to the level of a keyboard. Other well-known factors of ease and functionality are introduced by additional features such an extended, sloping worktop that facilitates a more laidback sitting posture. The presence of hardcopy on the first panel does not hamper frequent and intermittent use to the computer keyboard while reading and writing.

The Preferred Embodiment

In Figures 1A-F of the preferred embodiment #1, it is shown that the foot means comprises left and right side members (14a,b) that support the second panel in a sloping position, and are fixedly attached to the second panel. The first panel includes an angled projection (12c) fixedly attached at or near the back end, and the angled projection comprises a hinge means connecting the angled projection to the second panel.

By elevating and tilting the second panel, a computer keyboard thereon is elevated closer to a computer monitor behind it so that looking from one to the other is made easier. Also, a computer keyboard, laptop or tablet computer is elevated and tilted towards the user, and aligned with the sloping gradient of the user's forearms and wrists upon the first panel. The connection of the first and second panels by hinge means enables the first panel to be securely anchored when it is extended over the front edge of a desktop. With the first panel extended in this manner, the second panel and the computer keyboard positioned thereon are made closer and more accessible to the user. The extension of the first panel over the edge of the desktop facilitates a more laidback posture for reading, writing and keying, as may be desired.

'Fixed attachment' of the second panel to the supporting left and right side members can be accomplished by various means known to the art, including fasteners, brackets, welding, a releasable mechanism, or tooling a single piece to form both panel and support members. An 'angled projection' includes a transverse member, a plurality of props, or any kind of riser or connector known to the art that fulfils this simple function. The connection of the first panel to the second panel by hinge means helps to anchor the first panel so, that it can be more securely extended over the front edge of a desktop. 'Hinge means' includes any of a variety of devices that securely attach two parts to allow pivoting movement.

In Figures 1B,C,E and F, it is shown that the front portions of the left and right side members (1B,C,E) supportively engage the underside of the first panel at or near the mid-section thereof in such a manner as to allow the front portion of the first panel to rest upon the edge of a desktop. This increases the resistance of the front end of the first panel to downward pressure when it is extended over the edge of a desktop. Another benefit is the increased resistance to any tendency of the first panel to slide forward and downward when pressure is exerted on the extended portion.

In Figure 8 showing embodiment # 1, the desk accessory further comprises: a third panel (25) comprising a back end (25a) and a front end (25b); detent means (25c) at or near the back end of the third panel; an elongate stay (25d) at the front end of said third panel; and detent means (22c) at the back end of the second panel. Also included is a strut (76 ) for supporting the third panel in a semi-upright position by engaging detent means (22c) of the second panel and detent means (25c) of the third panel. By this means, the third panel can be used for holding books and documents.

Figure 2A shows the preferred first panel that further includes a relatively wide middle stay (34a - Figure 2A) at the middle of the front end, and two relatively narrow lateral stays (34b, c) at or near the extremities of the front end. By this means, spaces between the elongate stay and the lateral stays allow access for the wrists and forearms to rest upon the first panel for the purpose of writing, drawing and keying. And despite the spaces, hardcopy (40) can be positioned on the left, right or centre positions of the first panel, as may be desired. In Figures 2B and 2C of the preferred embodiment, the relatively wide middle stay comprises pins (38a,b) at or near each end of the underside thereof. The first panel comprises holes (42a,b,c,d) spaced along the front end for receiving the pins, so that the middle stay may be readily positioned on the left, right or middle of the front end of the first panel as may be desired. Using this feature, an opening can be enlarged for a book (21 - Figure 2C), binder or paper to be conveniently positioned at an angle for writing on the left or right side of said first panel without any impediment of a stay near the centre.

The ability of hardcopy items, set at an angle for writing on, to extend without impediment beyond the upper and lower edges of the first panel improves the space-efficiency the first panel, so that less actual depth is required to achieve the desired convenience for supporting hardcopy and for writing. The preferred countersunk level of the keyboard permits hardcopy to extend beyond the upper limits of the first panel. At the lower end, the elongate or relatively wide stay positioned in the middle can be readily adjusted to the left or right side to expand or reduce openings on either side between the fixed lateral stays, so that larger hardcopy may extend at an angle beyond the edge of the lower front end. Without these efficiencies, the first panel would need to be deeper making, the keyboard less accessible.

In Figures 3A-3C showing embodiment #2, the foot means comprises a base panel (68c), and foot means (68a,b and 14a,b) that fixedly attach the second panel to the base panel. The first panel includes an angled projection (12c) fixedly attached at or near the back end, and the angled projection comprises a hinge means (23) that connects it (12c) to the second panel. A riser (13) is fixedly attached to the base panel for supportively engaging the underside of the first panel at or near the mid- section thereof, in such a manner as to allow the front portion of the first panel to rest upon the edge of a desktop. This serves to increase the resistance of the front end of the first panel to downward pressure when it is extended over the edge of a desktop.

In Figure 7 A, embodiment # 2 further comprises: a third panel (25), comprising a back end (25a) and a front end (25b), that (25) is wide enough to support a computer keyboard and computer mouse side by side; detent means (25c) at or near the back end of the third panel; stay means (25d) along the front end of said third panel; and detent means (22c) at the back end of the second panel. Also included is a strut (76) for supporting the third panel in a semi- upright position by engaging detent means (22c) of the second panel and detent means (25c) of the third panel; whereby said third panel may be used for holding books and documents in a semi-upright position, as may be desired.

In Figures 4 A and 4B showing embodiment #3, the foot means includes left and right side members (14a,b) comprising slots (60a,b) on their upper ends. The first panel (12) comprises an angled projection (12c) that can be positioned within the slots to stabilize the back end of the first panel close to, and at a given distance above, the second panel.

In Figure 4C showing embodiment #3, the second panel is wider than its support on the left and right side members, and comprises stay means (22d) along the front end for retaining items thereon. The angled projection comprises a transverse member (12c) that can slide sideways within the slots, the second panel can be slid to the left or right side to position various items thereon.

In Figures 5A and 5B of embodiment #4, the foot means comprises left and right side members (14a,b - Figures 5A,B) that are braced by bracing means including a front cross-member (68a). The second panel (22) is wider than its support upon the left and right side members, and is supported unattached upon said left and right side members. Second panel can therefore be slid to the left or right side, as may be desired. In Figures 5A, C and D of embodiment #4, the first panel includes an angled projection (12c) at or near the back end that comprises hinge means connecting the angled projection to the front cross-member. The first panel further includes ribs (36a,b) on the underside to engage the surface of a desktop near the front edge thereof to stabilize the first panel against sliding forward when it extends over the edge of a desktop. The stabilized extension of the first panel facilitates a more laidback posture and brings the second panel closer so that even a laptop computer (29 - Figure 5D) can be made accessible thereon. The ribs are a form of detent that can be replaced by other forms of protuberance that perform the same function.

In Figures 6A and 6B of embodiment #5, the foot means comprises left and right side members (14a,b) upon which the first panel is fixedly attached. The second panel includes stay means (22d) along the front end. The front portions of the left and right side members supportively engage the underside of the first panel at or near the mid-section thereof, in such a manner as to allow the front portion of the first panel to rest upon the edge of a desktop. This increases the resistance of the front end of said first panel to downward pressure when it is extended over the edge of a desktop

In Figures 9A and 9B showing embodiment # 6, left and right side members (14a,b) comprise back portions (18,19) and front portions (16a,b). A first panel (12), comprising a back end (12a) and a front end (12b), is fixedly attached in a sloping position upon the front portions of the left and right side members, so that the back portions extend behind the first panel. Front ends (18b, 19b) of the back portions are close to and lower than the back end of the first panel, so that a computer keyboard (20) supported on the back portions of the left and right side members is accessible for use by someone whose forearms and wrists are supported on the first panel. In this way the use of a computer keyboard so positioned can be integrated with reading and writing upon the first panel.

In Figure 10 showing embodiment #7, the foot means comprises left and right side members (14a,b - Figure 10). The first panel and the second panel are supported upon the left and right side members, and the first panel is fixedly attached to said left and right side members. The foot means further includes a transverse member (12c) between the back end of the first panel and the second panel.

In Figure 11 showing embodiment #8, the foot means comprises left and right side members (14a,b - Figure 11) that are braced together by bracing means and extend to the floor as floor- engaging members. The first panel and the second panel are supported upon the left and right side members. The foot means further includes a transverse member (12c) between the back end of the first panel and the second panel. In Figure 12 showing embodiment #9, the foot means comprises a strut (16) connected to the back end of the first panel, and an elongate bracket (18) that connects the second panel to the strut. In Figure 13 showing embodiment #10, the positioning means comprises an angled projection (12c) that raises the back end of the first panel above the level of a desktop, so that the portion of the desktop behind the first panel becomes the second panel for supporting the computer keyboard.

In Figures 14A and 14B showing embodiment #11, the foot means comprises a rigid frame of slender parts for bracing, support and attachment of the first and second panels. The drawings illustrate that the phrase foot means should be construed in the present invention to include all the possible means of elevating and tilting the first and second panel.

Conclusion

Ten embodiments have been described. Most of the components named can be varied in obvious ways known to the prior art. For example, the angled projection may be a part of the second panel that is hingedly attached to the first panel. The hinge means may be plastic, metal, rubber or any pliable material that is strong. There may be a several hinges or a single elongate hinge. The foot means may be a cross-bar at the front and back ends, or four feet at the four corners. The stabilizing rib may be a pair of projections on the left and right sides instead of a single cross-piece. And the left and right side members, and cross-members include both members with sheet-like surfaces or and non- sheet- like surfaces like wire-frame structures. Furthermore, the components from the different embodiments of the invention can be combined into new versions of the invention. These also are included in the claimed invention.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim

1. A desk accessory comprising:

(a) a first panel (12) that includes a back end (12a) and a front end (12b);

(b) a second panel (22) that includes a back end (22a) and a front end (22b); and

(c) foot means for elevating the second panel and the back end of the first panel;

the improvement wherein:

(d) the foot means comprises positioning means to position the back end of the first panel close to and above the second panel, so that a computer keyboard supported on the second panel is accessible for use by someone whose forearms and wrists are supported on the first panel;

whereby the use of a computer keyboard positioned on the second panel can be integrated with reading and writing upon the first panel.

2. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

(a) the foot means comprises left and right side members (14a,b - Figures 1A-F)

that support the second panel in a sloping position, and are fixedly attached to the second panel;

(b) the first panel includes an angled projection (12c) fixedly attached at or near the back end; and

(c) the angled projection comprises hinge means that connect the angled projection to the second panel.

3. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 2, wherein the front portions of the left and right side members (1B,C,E) supportively engage the underside of the first panel at or near the mid- section thereof in such a manner as to:

(a) allow the front portion of the first panel to rest upon the edge of a desktop; and

(b) increase the resistance of the front end of said first panel to downward pressure when it is extended over the edge of a desktop.

4. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 2, further including:

(a) a third panel (25-Figure 8) comprising a back end (25a) and a front end (25b); (b) detent means (25c) at or near the back end of the third panel, and an elongate stay (25d) at the front end of said third panel;

(c) detent means (22c) at the back end of the second panel; and

(d) a strut (76 ) for supporting the third panel in a semi-upright position by engaging

detent means (22c) of the second panel and detent means (25c) of the third panel.

The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first panel further includes:

(a) a middle stay (34a - Figure 2A) at the middle of the front end of the first panel; and

(b) two lateral stays (34b,c) at or near the extremities of the front end.

The desk accessory as claimed in claim 5, wherein:

(a) the middle stay comprises pins (38a,b - Figures 2B-2C) on the underside thereof; and

(b) the first panel comprises holes (42a,b,c,d) spaced along the front end for receiving the pins;

whereby the middle stay may be readily positioned on the left, right or middle of the front end of the first panel, as may be desired.

The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

(a) the foot means comprises:

(1) a base panel (68a - Figures 3A,B,C); and

(2) elevation means (68a,b and 14a,b) that fixedly attach the second panel to the base panel;

(b) the first panel comprises an angled projection (12c) fixedly attached at or near the back end; and

(c) the angled projection comprises hinge means (23) that connect the angled projection to the second panel.

The desk accessory as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a riser (13 - Figures 3A-3C)) that is fixedly attached to the base panel for supportively engaging the underside of the first panel at or near the mid-section thereof in such a manner as to:

9. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 7, further including:

(a) a third panel (25 - Figures 7A-7B), comprising a back end (25a) and a front end

(25b), that (25) is wide enough to support a computer keyboard and computer mouse side by side;

(b) detent means (25c) at or near the back end of the third panel;

(c) stay means (25d) along the front end of said third panel;

(c) detent means (22c) at the back end of the second panel; and

(d) a strut (76) for supporting the third panel in a semi-upright position by engaging

detent means (22c) of the second panel and detent means (25c) of the third panel;

whereby said third panel may be used for holding books and documents in a semi-upright position, as may be desired.

10. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

(a) the foot means includes left and right side members (14a,b - Figures 4A,B)

comprising slots (60a,b) on their upper ends; and

(b) the first panel comprises an angled projection (12c) that can be positioned within the slots to stabilize the back end of the first panel close to, and at a given distance above, the second panel.

11. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 10, wherein:

(a) the angled projection comprises a transverse member (12c);

(b) the second panel (Figures 4B,C) is wider than its support on the left and right side

members; and

(c) the second panel comprises stay means (22d) along the front end of the second panel for retaining items thereon;

whereby:

(i) the transverse member can slide sideways within the slots to the left or right side; and

(ii) the second panel can be slid to the left or right side to position various items

thereon, as may be desired.

12. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein; (a) the foot means comprises left and right side members (14a,b - Figures 5A,B) that are braced by bracing means including a front cross-member (68a);

(b) the second panel is wider than its support upon the left and right side members; and

(c) The second panel supported unattached upon the left and right side members.

whereby the second panel can be slid to the left or right side, as may be desired.

13. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 12, wherein:

(a) the first panel includes an angled projection (12c - Figures 5A,C,D) at or near the back end;

(b) the angled projection comprises hinge means that connect it (12c) to the front

cross-member; and

(c) the first panel further includes detent means (36a,b) on the underside to engage the surface of a desktop near the front edge thereof, to stabilize the first panel against sliding forward when it extends over the edge of a desktop.

14. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

(a) the foot means comprises left and right side members (14a,b - Figures 6A,B);

(b) the first panel is fixedly attached upon the left and right side members;

(c) the second panel further includes stay means (22d) along the front end; and

(d) the front portions of the left and right side members (1B,C,E) supportively engage the underside of the first panel at or near the mid-section thereof, in such a manner as to:

(i) allow the front portion of the first panel to rest upon the edge of a desktop; and

(ii) increase the resistance of the front end of said first panel to downward pressure when it is extended over the edge of a desktop

15. A desk accessory that includes:

(a) left and right side members (14a,b - Figures 9A,B), comprising back portions (18,19) and front portions (16a,b);

(b) a first panel (12), comprising a back end (12a) and a front end (12b), that (12) is fixedly attached in a sloping position upon the front portions of the left and right side members, so that the back portions extend behind the first panel; and

(c) front ends (18b, 19b) of the back portions that are close to and lower than the back end of the first panel, so that a computer keyboard (20) supported on the back portions of the left and right side members is accessible for use by someone whose forearms and wrists are supported on the first panel;

whereby the use of a computer keyboard positioned on the left and right side members can be integrated with reading and writing on the first panel.

16. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

(a) the foot means comprises left and right side members (14a,b - Figure 10);

(b) the first panel and the second panel are supported upon the left and right side members, said first panel being fixedly attached to said left and right side members; and

(c) the second panel further includes stay means (22d) along the front end between the back end of the first panel and the second panel.

17. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 16, wherein the left and right side panels (14a,b - Figure 11) are braced by bracing means and extend to the floor as floor-engaging members.

18. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foot means comprises:

(a) a strut (16 - Figure 12) connected to the back end of the first panel; and

(b) a bracket (18) that connects the second panel to the strut.

19. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foot means comprises an

angled projection (12c - Figure 13) that raises the back end of the first panel above the level of a desktop, so that the portion of the desktop behind the first panel becomes the second panel for supporting the computer keyboard.

20. The desk accessory as claimed in claim 1 that comprises any combination of the

components described herein with reference to the drawings.