Ergodynamic desktop

Abstract

A novel concept of ergodynamic desktops with slowly varying configurations for ergonomic purposes is provided. Very slow motions are incorporated into the design of desktops, usually used by computer users. The introduced motion is at such a slow pace that it is hardly noticeable, similar to the adiabatic motions of hour or minute hands on a clock. Users of the desktops are therefore induced to adjust their body posture accordingly in a gradual and healthy manner, while still continuing to perform their normal activities without interruption. These desktop designs allow a natural and effortless combination of normal life and exercise. When used in a working environment, they will be useful to improve the health and to enhance the efficiency of workers.

1 . A system for moving an article, comprising: 
 a supporting surface; and    a tray assembly for sitting on said supporting surface and comprising: 
 a lower supporting element, and  
 an upper tray element for supporting said article and coupled to said lower supporting element,  
   wherein said upper tray element is selectively movable with respect to said lower supporting element in a planar direction.    
   
   
       2 . The system for moving an article of  claim 1 , wherein said planar movement of the upper tray element is linear.  
   
   
       3 . The system for moving an article of  claim 1:   wherein said lower supporting element includes a bottom surface that is seated on said supporting surface;    wherein said upper tray element includes a top surface on which said article is seated.    
   
   
       4 . The system for moving an article of  claim 1 , wherein said lower supporting element comprises a lower tray element.  
   
   
       5 . The system for moving an article of  claim 4 , wherein said lower tray element and said upper tray element are substantially parallel to one another.  
   
   
       6 . The system for moving an article of  claim 3 , further comprising a movement mechanism at least partially positioned in a space defined between said bottom surface of said lower supporting element and said top surface of said upper tray element.  
   
   
       7 . The system for moving an article of  claim 6 , wherein the movement mechanism comprises: 
 a motor;    a first gear driven by the motor;    a second gear selectively engaging said first gear and with a pin cooperatively engaged by said second gear; and    at least one bar connected to said upper tray element and engageable by the pin so as to permit movement of said upper tray element in a planar direction when said gears cooperatively rotate.    
   
   
       8 . The system for moving articles of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of wheels attached to said upper tray element and being in contact with said lower support element so as to substantially evenly distribute the load weight on said upper tray element.  
   
   
       9 . The system for moving an article of  claim 7 , wherein said lower support element has an opening cooperating with the at least one bar and serving as a movement guide for facilitating movement of said upper tray element.  
   
   
       10 . A system for moving at least two articles, comprising: 
 a supporting surface;    a first tray assembly for sitting on said supporting surface and comprising: 
 a first lower supporting element; and  
 a first upper tray element for supporting one of said articles and coupled to said first lower supporting element, wherein said first upper tray element is selectively movable with respect to said first lower supporting element in a planar direction; and  
   a second tray assembly for sitting on said first tray assembly and comprising: 
 a second lower supporting element; and  
 a second upper tray element for supporting another of said articles and coupled to said second lower supporting element, wherein said second upper tray element is selectively movable with respect to said second lower supporting element in a planar direction.  
   
   
   
       11 . The system for moving at least two articles of  claim 10 , wherein movement of said first upper tray element is linear; and wherein movement of said second upper tray element is circular.  
   
   
       12 . The system for moving at least two articles of  claim 10:   wherein said first upper tray element and said second upper tray element are substantially parallel to one another.    
   
   
       13 . The system for moving at least two articles of  claim 10:   wherein said second lower supporting element includes a bottom surface that is seated on said first upper tray element; and    wherein said second upper tray element includes a top surface on which said another of said articles is seated.    
   
   
       14 . The system for moving at least two articles of  claim 13 , further comprising a movement mechanism at least partially positioned in a space defined between said bottom surface of said second lower supporting element and said top surface of said second upper tray element.  
   
   
       15 . The system for moving at least two articles of  claim 14 , wherein the movement mechanism comprises: 
 a motor;    a first gear driven by the motor;    a second gear selectively engaging the first gear; and    an element connected to the second gear and also connected to said second upper tray element so as to permit movement of said top surface of said second upper tray element in a planar direction when said gears cooperatively rotate.    
   
   
       16 . The system for moving at least two articles of  claim 10 , further comprising a plurality of elements attached to said second upper tray element, each element having a wheel in substantial contact with said second lower supporting element so as to evenly distribute the load weight on said second upper tray element.  
   
   
       17 . The system for moving at least two articles of  claim 10 , further comprising a plurality of elements attached to said second lower supporting element so as to provide a non-slip contact surface with said first upper tray element.  
   
   
       18 . An ergonomic computer system, comprising: 
 a supporting surface;    a keyboard and a monitor;    a first tray assembly including: 
 a first lower supporting element seated on said supporting surface, and  
 a first upper tray element for supporting said keyboard and coupled to said first lower supporting element, wherein said first upper tray element is selectively movable with respect to said first lower supporting element in a planar direction; and  
   a second tray assembly sitting on said first tray assembly and including: 
 a second lower supporting element seated on said first upper tray element, and  
 a second upper tray element for supporting said monitor and coupled to said second lower supporting element, wherein said second upper tray element is selectively movable with respect to said second lower supporting element in a planar direction.  
   
   
   
       19 . The ergonomic computer system of  claim 18 , wherein said planar movement of said first upper tray element is linear and said planar movement of said second upper tray element is circular.  
   
   
       20 . The ergonomic computer system of  claim 19 , wherein said planar movement of said tray element is simultaneous.