FOLDABLE TACTICAL FIELD DESK

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/701,211 filed September 30, 2024 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/855,938 filed August 1, 2025. The contents of the applications identified in this paragraph are incorporated into the present application by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of foldable tactical field desks. The foldable tactical field desk disclosed herein is configured to secure, transport, and support in a working position one or more monitors, as discussed below. The foldable tactical field desk is securable in a transport configuration and in a working configuration. In some embodiments, the foldable tactical field desk may form a double foldable tactical field desk having two support panels, with each support panel providing a working surface and an arrangement for supporting one or more monitors in a working position.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Briefly stated, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a foldable tactical field desk. The foldable tactical field desk comprises a body including a bottom panel, opposing side panels, and a top panel together defining an interior and a first opening. The foldable tactical field desk comprises a main panel securable to the body in a transport configuration to cover the opening, the main panel being removable from the body and supportable in operative connection with the body in a working configuration, with the main panel defining a working surface. The foldable tactical field desk comprises a support frame attached to the main panel, the support frame being foldable and including a leg configured to support the main panel in the working configuration. The foldable tactical field desk comprises a stowable monitor support mounted to the body and configured to retain a monitor within the interior of the body in the transport configuration, and rotate with respect to the body so that the stowable monitor support extends from the body in the working configuration to support the monitor above the main panel.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may be configured so that (a) the bottom panel, the opposing side panels, and the top panel together define a second opening; and the tactical field desk further comprises (i) a second main panel securable to the body in the transport configuration to cover the second opening, the second main panel being removable from the body and supportable in operative connection with the body in the working configuration, with the second main panel defining a second working surface; (ii) a second support frame attached to the second main panel, the second support frame being foldable and including a second leg configured to support the second main panel in the working configuration; and (iii) a second stowable monitor support mounted to the body and configured to: (aa) retain a second monitor within the interior of the body in the transport configuration, and (bb) rotate with respect to the body so that the second stowable monitor support extends from the body in the working configuration to support the second monitor above the second main panel.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may be configured so that the support frame includes: (a) a main base member; (b) a transverse base member attached to both the main panel and the main base member at each end of the transverse base member, the transverse base member extending transversely away from the main base member along the main panel and having a proximal end portion located proximally with respect to the main base member and a distal end portion located distally with respect to the main base member; and (c) a leg pivotably attached to the main base member; and wherein the leg includes an upper leg member pivotably attached to the main base member and a lower leg member, with the lower leg member slidably engaging and extending from the upper leg member.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may be configured so that the lower leg member is configured to be extendable farther beyond the upper leg member into the working configuration than in the transport configuration, so that the support frame and the leg are extendable to have a greater length than a greatest side length of the main panel.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may be configured so that the leg further includes, at a lower end thereof, a securable extension element engaged with the lower leg member and securable to secure and release the lower leg member and the securable extension element with respect to relative movement thereof, thereby permitting adjustment of a length of the leg.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may be configured so that the lower leg member is securable via a knob connected to a shaft having threads engaging the lower leg member and the securable extension element to secure and release the lower leg member and the securable extension element with respect to relative movement thereof, thereby permitting adjustment of a length of the leg.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may further include (a) an auxiliary linkage configured to aid in extending the leg or in retaining the leg into the working configuration, the auxiliary linkage including: (i) a proximal-auxiliary link pivotably attached to the main panel; and (ii) a distal-auxiliary link mutually pivotably attached to the proximal-auxiliary link; (b) wherein the proximal-auxiliary link is slidingly and pivotably attached to the upper leg member by way of a sliding pin carrier, the sliding pin carrier being slidably mounted to the proximal-auxiliary link and pivotably engaging a carrier pin, with the carrier pin pivotably engaging the upper leg member.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may further include (a) an auxiliary linkage configured to aid in extending the leg or in retaining the leg into the working configuration, the auxiliary linkage including: (i) a proximal-auxiliary link pivotably attached to the main panel; and (ii) a distal-auxiliary link mutually pivotably attached to the proximal-auxiliary link; wherein the proximal-auxiliary link is slidingly and pivotably attached to the upper leg member by way of a sliding pin carrier, the sliding pin carrier being slidably mounted to the proximal-auxiliary link and pivotably engaging a carrier pin, with the carrier pin pivotably engaging the upper leg member.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may further include an auxiliary linkage configured to aid in extending the leg or in retaining the leg into the working configuration, the auxiliary linkage including: (i) a proximal-auxiliary link pivotably attached to the main panel; and (ii) a distal-auxiliary link mutually pivotably attached to the proximal-auxiliary link; wherein the proximal-auxiliary link is slidingly and pivotably attached to the upper leg member by way of a sliding pin carrier, the sliding pin carrier being slidably mounted to the proximal-auxiliary link and pivotably engaging a carrier pin, with the carrier pin pivotably engaging the upper leg member.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may further include a first mounting element mounted to the body and configured to support at least one monitor, the first mounting element including: (a) a mounting body rotatably attached to the body and rotatable with respect to a mounting-body axis; and (b) a mounting arm having a central arm link with an arm base extending transversely with respect to the central arm link at a proximal end portion of the central arm link, the mounting arm being mounted to the mounting body by the arm base being rotatably mounted to the mounting body, wherein the arm base is offset from the mounting-body axis.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may be configured so that (a) the mounting body is rotatably mounted between a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate, the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate being mounted to the body; (b) the mounting arm is rotatable about a mounting-body axis and rotatable about an arm-base axis, the arm-base axis being transverse to the mounting-body axis; and (c) the mounting arm is rotatable about the mounting-body axis from the transport configuration with the mounting arm in the interior of the body to an intermediate configuration with the mounting arm outside the body.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may further include (a) monitor post extending transversely from the central arm link; and (b) a monitor-support linkage attached to the monitor post, the monitor-support linkage including a base link mounted to the monitor post by a collar to rotate about the monitor post, a first offset link and a second offset link pivotably connected to the base link, and a distal link pivotably connected to the first offset link and the second offset link.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may further include (a) a monitor post extending transversely from the central arm link; and (b) a monitor-support linkage attached to the monitor post, the monitor-support linkage including a base link mounted to the monitor post by a collar to rotate about the monitor post, a first offset link and a second offset link pivotably connected to the base link, and a distal link pivotably connected to the first offset link and the second offset link.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may further include (a) a monitor post extending transversely from the central arm link; and (b) a monitor-support linkage attached to the monitor post, the monitor-support linkage including a base link mounted to the monitor post by a collar to rotate about the monitor post, a first offset link and a second offset link pivotably connected to the base link, and a distal link pivotably connected to the first offset link and the second offset link.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may further include a second monitor-support linkage attached to the monitor post, the second monitor-support linkage including a second-linkage base link mounted to the monitor post by a second-linkage collar to rotate about the monitor post, a first second-linkage offset link and a second second-linkage offset link pivotably connected to the second-linkage base link, and a second-linkage distal link pivotably connected to the first second-linkage offset link and the second second-linkage offset link, wherein the first monitor-support linkage and the second monitor-support linkage are rotatable so that monitors carried by the first monitor-support linkage and the second monitor-support linkage are in facing relation.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may further include a second monitor-support linkage attached to the monitor post, the second monitor-support linkage including a second-linkage base link mounted to the monitor post by a second-linkage collar to rotate about the monitor post, a first second-linkage offset link and a second second-linkage offset link pivotably connected to the second-linkage base link, and a second-linkage distal link pivotably connected to the first second-linkage offset link and the second second-linkage offset link, wherein the first monitor-support linkage and the second monitor-support linkage are rotatable so that monitors carried by the first monitor-support linkage and the second monitor-support linkage are in facing relation.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may further include a biasing member configured to urge the distal link and a monitor upwardly with respect to the main panel.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may be configured so that the biasing member is operatively connected between the first offset link and the second offset link.

In any embodiment, the foldable tactical field desk may be configured so that the biasing member is operatively connected between the collar and first offset link.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. There are shown in the drawings various embodiments, including embodiments which may be presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings, all of which are at least partially schematic:

FIG. 1 is a front right perspective view of a foldable tactical field desk according to the present disclosure, shown in a working configuration;

FIG. 2 a front right perspective view of the foldable tactical field desk, shown in a transport configuration;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the foldable tactical field desk of FIG. 1, with a first panel and a second panel removed and detached;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the foldable tactical field desk of FIG. 1, with the first panel and the second panel removed and detached;

FIG. 5 is a rear isometric view of the foldable tactical field desk of FIG. 1, with the first panel and the second panel removed and reattached in the working configuration to provide working surfaces;

FIGS. 6-8 are rear partial perspective views showing the foldable tactical field desk of FIG. 1 during steps for arranging a monitor support into a working configuration;

FIGS. 9-12 are front elevational views of the foldable tactical field desk of FIG. 1 during steps for arranging two monitor supports into a working configuration supporting four monitors;

FIG. 13 is a rear partial perspective view showing the foldable tactical field desk of FIG. 1 during steps for connecting to a power source in a working configuration;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a mount assembly for supporting one or more monitors in a working configuration of the double tactical field desk;

FIG. 14A is an enlarged elevational view of an arm base of the mount assembly of FIG. 14;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are partial detail perspective views of the mount assembly of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of a panel of the double tactical field desk of FIG. 1, with legs thereof in a partially extended configuration;

FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of the panel of FIG. 17, with legs thereof in a fully extended configuration;

FIG. 19 is a right elevational view of the panel of FIG. 17, with legs thereof in a fully extended configuration;

FIG. 20 is a lower plan view of the panel of FIG. 17, with legs thereof in a fully extended configuration;

FIG. 21 is an upper plan view of the panel of FIG. 17;

FIG. 22 is a lower perspective view of the panel of FIG. 17, with legs thereof in a transport configuration;

FIG. 23 is a lower perspective view of the panel of FIG. 17, with legs thereof in a partially extended configuration;

FIG. 24 is a lower perspective view of the panel of FIG. 17, with legs thereof in a partially extended configuration; and

FIG. 25 is a rear partial elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a stowable monitor support for the foldable tactical field desk of FIG. 1, in a working configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. “Pin” refers to any element capable attaching two elements for relative rotation in the manner of a pin or shaft, including at least an unthreaded pin, an unthreaded shaft, or a threaded or unthreaded portion of a bolt or a screw. “Member” refers to a rigid link forming part of a mechanical linkage or a frame. The words “right,” “left,” “lower,” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inner” and “outer” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of an object and designated parts thereof. Unless specifically set forth otherwise herein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” “At least one” may occasionally be used for clarity or readability, but such use does not change the interpretation of “a,” “an,” and “the.” Moreover, the singular includes the plural, and vice versa, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are relative terms referring to locations or elements that are closer to (proximal) or farther from (distal) with respect to other elements, the user, or designated locations. “Including” as used herein means “including but not limited to.” The word “or” is inclusive, so that “A or B” encompasses A and B, A only, and B only. The terms “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially,” and like terms used herein, when referring to a dimension or characteristic of a component, indicate that the described dimension/characteristic is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude minor variations therefrom that are functionally similar. At a minimum, such references that include a numerical parameter would include variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit thereof.

In one aspect, referring to FIGS. 1-24, a foldable tactical field desk 100 is disclosed. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the foldable tactical field desk 100 includes a body 102, the body 102 comprising a bottom panel 104, opposing side panels in the form of a first side panel 106 and a second side panel 108, and a top panel 110, which together enclose an interior 112. The first side panel 106 and the second side panel 108 may be defined by a plurality of flat elements such as fronts of drawers, flat panels, or the like, or by a location in space defined by the edges of other elements such as the frame and other panels of the body 102.

In the body 102, the bottom panel 104, first side panel 106, second side panel 108, and top panel 110 are joined essentially edgewise by frame elements and are configured to be secured so that the body 102 forms an essentially rigid rectangular shape with a first main opening 122 (facing forward in FIG. 3) and a second main opening 124 (not labeled in FIG. 3, facing forward in FIG. 4).

The foldable tactical field desk 100 includes a first stowable monitor support 116 configured to support at least one monitor 120 (as shown, at least two monitors 120), and a second stowable monitor support 118 configured to support at least one monitor 120 (as shown, at least two monitors 120).

The foldable tactical field desk 100 has a transport configuration and a working configuration. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a main panel 140 is configured to be secured to the body 102 to cover the first main opening 122 in the transport configuration. A second main panel 142 is configured to be secured to the body 102 to cover the second main opening 124 in the transport configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the main panel 140 is configured to be removed from the first main opening 122 and to be supported by a combination of the body 102 and a support frame 144 in the working configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the second main panel 142 is substantially identical to the main panel 140. The second main panel 142 is configured to be removed from the first main opening 122 and to be supported in operative connection with the body 102 by a combination of the body 102 and a support frame 144 in the working configuration. Alternatively, the main panel 140 or the second main panel 142 may be configured to be removed from the first main opening 122 or the second main opening 124 and to remain separate from the body 102 in the working configuration, or alternatively to remain in place in the working configuration, or alternatively to be partially detached from the body 102 in the working configuration.

The main panel 140 is configured to engage and be supported by the body 102 at or near one end of the main panel 140; similarly, the second main panel 142 is configured to engage and be supported by the body 102 at or near one end of the second main panel 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the main panel 140 carries a support loop (which may be identical to the support loop 146 of the second main panel 142, discussed below) configured to engage a lug 148 located on the first side panel 106 or the second side panel 108 of the body 102. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, in the illustrated embodiment, two lugs are shown on the second side panel 108; identical lugs are identically placed on the first side panel 106. The second main panel 142 likewise carries a support loop 146 (two are shown on the second main panel 142, best seen in FIGS. 17-24) configured to engage a lug 148 (two are shown). It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that a wide variety of compatible support elements, including lugs, hooks, and projections, may be attached to the main panel 140 and the second main panel 142 to provide vertical support thereto by engaging a wide variety of corresponding support elements attachable to the body 102.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 9-12, 18, and 19, as attached to both the main panel 140 and the second main panel 142, the support frame 144 is configured to extend downwardly from the main panel 140 or the second main panel 142 to a support surface so that the support frame 144 supports the main panel 140 or the second main panel 142 in position as a working surface of the foldable tactical field desk 100.

Referring to FIGS. 17-24, in the illustrated embodiments, as shown in connection with the second main panel 142, the support frame 144 includes a main base member 150 attached to the second main panel 142. In the illustrated embodiments, an identical support frame 144 is attached to the main panel 140. Alternatively, the main panel 140 may include a different support frame meeting the criteria stated herein. The main base member 150 may extend along, and preferably may extend substantially an entire length of, a side of the second main panel 142. The main base member 150 may be a portion of the main panel 140 or may be a separate frame member attached to the main panel 140. A transverse base member 152 may extend from the second main panel 142 to the main base member 150. The transverse base member 152 may be a portion of the main panel 140 or may be a separate transverse frame member attached to the main panel 140. The transverse base member 152 may contact the main base member 150 at an end portion of the transverse base member 152 . The transverse base member 152 may have a proximal end portion 170 located proximally with respect to the main base member 150 and a distal end portion 172 located distally with respect to the main base member 150. A leg 154 may be pivotably attached to the second main panel 142 such as by being pivotably attached to the main base member 150 at or near an end thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, there is one leg 154 attached at or near each end of the main base member 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the leg 154 includes an upper leg member 156 pivotably attached to the main base member 150 at or near each end of the main base member 150. The leg 154 has a lower leg member 158, which slidably engages the upper leg member 156. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower leg member 158 engages the upper leg member 156 telescopically. The upper leg member 156 further includes, at a lower end thereof, a securable extension element, which in the illustrated embodiment takes the form of an extension block 160. The extension block 160 of the illustrated embodiment is engaged with the lower leg member 158 and securable via a knob 162 having threads engaging the lower leg member 158 and the extension block 160 to secure or release the lower leg member 158 and the extension block 160 with respect to relative movement thereof, thereby permitting adjustment of a length of the leg 154 for engagement with a support surface, such as a ground surface or a floor surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension block 160 is telescopically engaged with the lower leg member 158.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 17-24, an auxiliary linkage 164 is provided which may aid in extending the leg 154 or in retaining the leg 154 into the working configuration. The auxiliary linkage 164 includes a proximal-auxiliary link 166 and a distal-auxiliary link 168. The proximal-auxiliary link 166 is pivotably attached to the main panel 140 at or near the distal end portion 172 of the transverse base member 152. The proximal-auxiliary link 166 and the distal-auxiliary link 168 may be mutually pivotably attached at or near respective ends thereof, including a distal end portion 178 of the proximal-auxiliary link 166 and a proximal end portion 180 of the distal-auxiliary link 168. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal-auxiliary link 166 is slidingly and pivotably attached to the upper leg member 156 by way of a sliding pin carrier 174, the sliding pin carrier 174 being slidably mounted in a longitudinal slot 176 of the proximal-auxiliary link 166. The sliding pin carrier 174 pivotably engages a carrier pin 182, which pivotably engages the upper leg member 156. The distal-auxiliary link 168, in addition to being pivotably attached at the proximal end portion 180 thereof to the upper leg member 156, is also pivotably attached to the lower leg member 158 by a driver pin 184 engaged with a slot 157 of the upper leg member 156.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 17, 18, and 22-24, the disclosed configurations of each leg 154 and each auxiliary linkage 164 provide for convenient extension and/or locking of the leg 154 into the working configuration to support the main panel 140, as well as convenient retraction and/or locking thereof. In the extension process for placing the support frame 144 into the working configuration, the upper leg member 156 is rotated away from the second main panel 142. The support frame 144 may rotate away from the second main panel 142 under a torque exerted by the weight of the support frame 144 itself. Rotation of the upper leg member 156 urges the carrier pin 182 in a distal direction with respect to the proximal-auxiliary link 166, and in turn urges the sliding pin carrier 174 in the distal direction in the longitudinal slot 176 of the proximal-auxiliary link 166. As noted above, the distal-auxiliary link 168 may in turn be pivotably attached to the lower leg member 158 by the driver pin 184 to urge the lower leg member 158 to move distally along the upper leg member 156 as the upper leg member 156 rotates outwardly with respect to the second main panel 142. The proximal-auxiliary link 166 may include a cutout 186 to accommodate the driver pin 184 when the support frame 144 is in the transport configuration. The distal-auxiliary link 168 may also be configured or shaped to align with and engage (for example, by direct contact) the upper leg member 156 when the support frame 144 is in the working configuration, thus arresting movement of the support frame 144 in the working configuration. Because the lower leg member 158 extends farther beyond the upper leg member 156 in the working configuration than in the transport configuration, the disclosed arrangement allows for the support frame 144 and the legs 154 to have a greater length than a greatest side length of the second main panel 142. As a result, the legs 154 may be longer than the longest non-extending foldable leg that could be accommodated within the bounds of the second main panel 142, as a result providing the option of a working height for the second main panel 142 greater than a working height that would be available with a folding, non-extendable leg.

Referring to FIGS. 1-16, the body 102 includes a first mounting element 190 configured for mounting of at least one monitor 120 and preferably two monitors 120, along with a second mounting element 290 configured for mounting of at least one monitor 120 and preferably two monitors 120. Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, each of the first mounting element 190 and the second mounting element 290 is configured to have a transport configuration to support a monitor 120, and preferably two monitors 120, within the body 102. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7-12, each of the first mounting element 190 and the second mounting element 290 is configured to have a working configuration above the main panel 140 and the second main panel 142 for use of the monitor 120 or monitors 120 when the foldable tactical field desk 100 is in the working configuration. The body 102 may include, and as illustrated does include, a second mounting element 290; the second mounting element 290 may be, and as illustrated is, a mirror image of the first mounting element 190.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9-16, the first mounting element 190 and the second mounting element 290 are substantially identical to one another, except that elements of the first mounting element 190 are configured to support monitors 120 in a working configuration with respect to the main panel 140, the main panel 140 extending to the left of the body 102 in a working configuration in a front view of the body 102, as shown in FIG. 1. Elements of the second mounting element 290, on the other hand, are configured to support monitors 120 in a working configuration with respect to the second main panel 142, the second main panel 142 extending to the right of the body 102 in a working configuration in a front view of the body 102, as shown in FIG. 1. Hence the first mounting element 190, as shown separately from the other elements of the foldable tactical field desk 100 in FIGS. 14-16, is discussed in detail below, with the second mounting element 290 being, in the illustrated embodiment, a mirror image of the first mounting element 190.

Referring to FIGS. 14-16, the first mounting element 190 includes a mounting body 192. The mounting body 192 is rotatably attached to the body 102 and is rotatable with respect to a mounting-body axis 194. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting body 192 is rotatably mounted to and between a first mounting plate 195 and a second mounting plate 198 by way of the first mounting plate 195 and the second mounting plate 198 being configured for mounting to the body 102 as shown. Guide plates 197 (omitted from FIG. 15 for clarity, shown in FIG. 16) may be mounted inwardly with respect to the first mounting plate 195 and second mounting plate 198 by a pin in the form of a shoulder screw 199. The first mounting plates 195 and second mounting plates 198 and guide plates 197 may include one or more apertures 196 therein. The mounting-body axis 194 is horizontal or substantially horizontal. A mounting arm 200 (FIGS. 1, 3, 14, 14A) has a central arm link 204. An arm base 202 (FIG. 14A) extends transversely with respect to the central arm link 204 near a proximal end portion 206 of the central arm link 204. A monitor post 210 extends transversely from the central arm link 204, parallel to the arm base 202, at a distal end portion 208 of the central arm link 204, or at a location along the central arm link 204 and spaced from the proximal end portion 206 of the central arm link 204. The mounting arm 200 is mounted to the mounting body 192 by the arm base 202 being rotatably mounted to the mounting body 192 by way of a shoulder screw 216, with the arm base 202 being offset from the mounting-body axis 194. As shown in FIG. 15, a locking element such as a hook 264 may be attached and configured to rotate with the arm base 202, and to enter and engage with at least one of the one or more apertures 196 to prevent further rotation of the mounting arm 200 when the mounting arm 200 has been placed in the working configuration, and to permit rotation of the mounting arm 200 about the mounting-body axis 194 when the mounting arm is returned to the transport configuration. Bearings 234 may support the arm base 202 for rotation on the shoulder screw 216 with respect to the mounting body 192. The mounting body 192 is thus configured so that the mounting arm 200 may be rotated about the mounting-body axis 194, the mounting-body axis 194 being horizontal or substantially horizontal, by rotating the mounting body 192, and may be rotated about an arm-base axis 203, the arm-base axis 203 being transverse to the mounting-body axis 194. The disclosed arrangement allows the mounting arm 200 to be rotated about the mounting-body axis 194 from a transport configuration in the interior 112 of the body 102, to an intermediate configuration wherein the mounting arm 200 is located above the main panel 140 but extends forwardly, as shown throughout FIGS. 1-16 but as shown particularly in FIGS. 6-12. The mounting arm 200 and the central arm link 204 may then be rotated about the arm base 202 while the arm base 202 is substantially vertical, to allow the mounting arm 200 to extend generally to the left when the foldable tactical field desk 100 is viewed from the front thereof. As shown in FIG. 15, a locking element such as a hook 264 may be attached and configured to rotate with the arm base 202, and to enter and engage with at least one of the one or more apertures 196 to prevent further rotation of the mounting arm 200 when the mounting arm 200 has been placed in the working configuration, and to permit rotation of the mounting arm 200 about the mounting-body axis 194 when the mounting arm is returned to the transport configuration. The central arm link 204 may include a monitor-stop 212 to limit the range of movement of the monitors 120, and to provide an anchor to which the monitors 120 may be secured using straps, ties, or the like, all as discussed further below.

As noted above, the monitor post 210 extends transversely from the central arm link 204, parallel to the arm base 202, at or near a distal end portion 208 of the central arm link 204, or at a location along the central arm link 204 and spaced from the proximal end portion 206 of the central arm link 204. The central arm link 204 or the monitor post 210 may have a foot 214 configured for resting on the main panel 140 to provide support to the mounting arm 200 and the components supported by the mounting arm 200. Attached to the monitor post 210 is a first monitor-support linkage 220. A second monitor-support linkage 240 may be provided and is shown. The first monitor-support linkage 220 includes a base link 222 mounted to the post by at least one collar 224 to rotate about the monitor post 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the base link 222 comprises two collars 224 rotatably mounted on to monitor post 210 and retained in spaced relation by one or more spacing elements and a locking strip 223, which may, as in the illustrated embodiment, serve as the base link 222. A spacing element may take the form of one or more of a tubular spacer 225 or a collar 224 or a second-linkage collar 244 associated with a second monitor-support linkage 240 supported by the monitor post 210. The base link 222 has a first offset link 226 and a second offset link 228 pivotably connected to the base link 222. A distal link 230 is pivotably connected to the first offset link 226 and the second offset link 228. A monitor-backing plate 232 is configured for connection both the distal link 230 and the monitor 120 to support the monitors 120 on the monitor post 210 in a working configuration. The base link 222, the at least one collar 224, the first offset link 226, and the second offset link 228 may be configured and connected to form a four-bar linkage to maintain the distal link 230 in a fixed, most conveniently vertical, orientation to provide a mounting point for mounting and maintaining a monitor 120 in a fixed orientation with respect to the body 102 and the main panel 140. A biasing member may be provided and may be configured to urge the distal link 230 and the connected monitor 120 upwardly with respect to the main panel 140 to suspend the monitors 120 above the main panel 140 in the working configuration, or to aid the user in moving the distal link 230 and the connected monitor 120 to the working configuration. Referring to FIGS. 5-8 and 25-28, the biasing member may be provided and may be configured to urge the distal link 230 and the connected monitor 120 upwardly with respect to the main panel 140 to suspend the monitors 120 above the main panel 140 in the working configuration. The biasing member may take the form of a coil spring, a pressurized-fluid cylinder, a torsion spring, other biasing member known in the art; the biasing member 254 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 in connection with the second monitor-support linkage 240, as discussed below.

The second monitor-support linkage 240 may be at least substantially a mirror image of the first monitor-support linkage 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the second monitor-support linkage 240 includes a second-linkage base link 242 mounted to the post by at least one second-linkage collar 244 to rotate about the monitor post 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the second-linkage base link 242 comprises two second-linkage collars 244 rotatably mounted on to the monitor post 210 and retained in spaced relation by one or more spacing elements and a locking strip 223, which may serve as the base link 222. A spacing element may take the form of a tubular spacer instead of or in addition to a collar 224 associated with the first monitor-support linkage 220 supported by the monitor post 210.

The second-linkage base link 242 has a first second-linkage offset link 246 and a second second-linkage offset link 248 pivotably connected to the second-linkage base link 242. A second-linkage distal link 250 is pivotably connected to the first second-linkage offset link 246 and the second second-linkage offset link 248. A monitor-backing plate 252 is configured for connection both the second-linkage distal link 250 and the monitor 120 to support the monitor 120 on the monitor post 210 in a working configuration. The second-linkage base link 242, the second-linkage collar 244, the first second-linkage offset link 246, and the second second-linkage offset link 248 may be configured and connected to form a four-bar linkage to maintain the second-linkage distal link 250 in a fixed, most conveniently vertical, orientation to provide a mounting point for mounting and maintaining a monitor 120 in a fixed orientation with respect to the body 102 and the main panel 140. A biasing member may be provided and may be configured to urge the second-linkage distal link 250 and the connected monitor 120 upwardly with respect to the main panel 140 to suspend the monitors 120 above the main panel 140 in the working configuration. The biasing member 254 may comprise a compressed-gas spring, a coil spring, a pressurized-fluid cylinder, a torsion spring, other biasing member known in the art.

To better protect the monitors 120 against damage during transportation, straps or ties (discussed below) may be provided to secure the monitors in facing relation to one another and to the central arm link 204 via the monitor-stop 212. In addition, a rotation-preventing means may be provided to prevent the mounting arm 200 from rotating on the first mounting element 190 when in the transport configuration. The rotation-preventing means may be a tether such as an elastic cord 256 or other element configured to resist such rotating by restraining the mounting arm 200 or an element connected thereto to one of the bottom panel 104, first side panel 106, second side panel 108, or top panel 110, or to an element thereof. Also, damping material such as an elastic body 258, elastic body 260, or elastic body 262 (or all three) of foam rubber or the like may be provided and placed between the monitors 120 and elements of the body 102 to cushion the monitors in the transport configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 1-16, the second mounting element 290 may be at least substantially a mirror image of the first mounting element 190. The second mounting element 290 includes a mounting body 292, certain details of which are not called out in the views but mirror the corresponding details of the first mounting element 190 and the mounting body 192. The mounting body 292 is rotatably attached to the body 102 and is rotatable with respect to a mounting-body axis (not labeled in the drawings but analogous to the mounting-body axis 194). In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting body 292 is rotatably mounted to and between a first mounting plate (not labeled in the drawings but analogous to the first mounting plate 195) and a second mounting plate (not labeled in the drawings but analogous to the second mounting plate 198), the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate being configured for mounting to the body 102 as shown. The mounting-body axis is horizontal or substantially horizontal. A mounting arm 300 has central arm link 304. An arm base 302 extends transversely with respect to the central arm link 304 near a proximal end portion 306 of the central arm link 304. A monitor post 310 extends transversely from the central arm link 304, parallel to the arm base 302, at a distal end portion 308 of the central arm link 304, or at a location along the central arm link 304 and spaced from the proximal end portion 306 of the central arm link 304. The mounting arm 300 is mounted to the mounting body 292 by the arm base 302 being rotatably mounted to the mounting body 292, with the arm base 302 being offset from the mounting-body axis. The mounting arm 300 is mounted to the mounting body 292 by the arm base 302 being rotatably mounted to the mounting body 292 by way of a shoulder screw 316, with the arm base 302 being offset from the mounting-body axis. Bearings (not labeled in the drawings but analogous to the bearings 234) may support the arm base 302 for rotation on the shoulder screw 316 with respect to the mounting body 292. The mounting body 292 is thus configured so that the mounting arm 200 may be rotated about the mounting-body axis, the mounting-body axis being horizontal or substantially horizontal, by rotating the mounting body 292, and may be rotated about an arm-base axis 303, the arm-base axis 303 being transverse to the mounting-body axis. The disclosed arrangement allows the mounting arm 300 to be rotated about the mounting-body axis from the transport configuration in the interior 112 of the body 102, to an intermediate configuration wherein the mounting arm 300 is located above the second main panel 142 but extends forwardly. The mounting arm 300 may then be rotated about the arm base 302 while the arm base 302 is substantially vertical, to allow the mounting arm 300 to extend generally to the right when the foldable tactical field desk 100 is viewed from the front thereof. The central arm link 304 may include a monitor-stop 312 to limit the range of movement of the monitors 120 attached thereto, and to provide an anchor to which the monitors 120 may be secured, all as discussed further below.

As noted above, the monitor post 310 extends transversely from the central arm link 304, parallel to the arm base 302, at a distal end portion 308 of the central arm link 304, or at a location along the central arm link 304 and spaced from the proximal end portion 306 of the central arm link 304. The central arm link 304 or the monitor post 310 may have a foot 314 configured for resting on the second main panel 142 to provide support to the mounting arm 300 and the components supported by the mounting arm 300. Attached to the monitor post 310 is a first monitor-support linkage 220 configured as described above. A second monitor-support linkage 240 may be provided and is shown; the second monitor-support linkage 240 is configured as described above.

Referring to FIGS. 6-12, to increase protection for the monitors 120 against damage during transportation, straps of the same configuration as the straps 266 (see FIGS. 6-9) or ties may be provided to secure the monitors in facing relation to one another and to the central arm link 304 via the monitor-stop 312. Also, a damping sheet 270 (FIGS. 6-8) such as sheet of cloth or padded material or the like may be provided and placed between the monitors 120 to cushion the monitors 120 in the transport configuration. In addition, a rotation-preventing means may be provided to prevent the mounting arm 300 from rotating on the second mounting element 290 when in the transport configuration. The rotation-preventing means may be a tether such as an elastic cord 356 or other element configured to resist such rotating by restraining the mounting arm 300 or an element connected thereto to one of the bottom panel 104, first side panel 106, second side panel 108, or top panel 110, or to an element thereof. Also, damping material such as an elastic body 358, an elastic body 360, or an elastic body 362 of foam rubber or the like may be provided and placed between the monitors 120 and elements of the body 102 to cushion the monitors in the transport configuration.

Embodiments of the foldable tactical field desk 100 may include one or more drawers such as a drawer 109, power supplies 111, power cables 113, or audio-video cables 115 to power the monitors 120 and to facilitate connection of an audio-visual or video signal from at least one computer or other device to the monitors 120 and to provide power to the monitors 120.

In use, the foldable tactical field desk 100 may be placed into the transport configuration of FIG. 2, with the main panel 140 and the second main panel 142 secured to the body 102, and with the first stowable monitor support 116 and the second stowable monitor support 118 placed and secured in the transport configuration of FIGS. 2 and 4. To begin arranging the foldable tactical field desk 100 in a working configuration, the main panel 140 and the 142 are removed from the body 102. The support frame 144 of each of the second main panel 142 and the support frame 144 is rotated into the working configuration. The support loops 146 of each of the main panel 140 and the second main panel 142 are engaged with the lugs 148 of the body 102. Thereafter, the knob 162 of each leg 154 may be actuated to adjust the length of the extension block 160 protruding from the lower leg member 158 of the leg 154 to orient the main panel 140 and the second main panel 142 as desired (generally level). The first stowable monitor support 116 and the second stowable monitor support 118 may then be placed in the working configuration. For first stowable monitor support 116, the corresponding mounting arm 200 is released by releasing an elastic cord 256 to allow rotation of the mounting arm 200 about the mounting-body axis 194 of the mounting body 192. The mounting arm 200 may then be rotated about 270 degrees as shown in FIGS. 6-12 and 25-27, so that the mounting arm 200 extends generally to the left of the body 102 and along a rearward portion of the mounting arm 200 and the main panel 140. The mounting arm 200 may be rotated to place the monitor post 210 in a desired location on the main panel 140. The monitors 120 at this stage will be strapped to the monitor-stop 212 and to each other by a strap 266. The strap 266 may then be released, allowing the monitors 120 to rotate about monitor post 210 by means of the first monitor-support linkage 220. The monitors 120 are separated and rotated into a desired orientation, generally facing toward the front of the body 102. The first monitor-support linkage 220 maintains each monitor-backing plate 232, and in turn each monitor 120, in a desired (generally level) configuration. The first monitor-support linkage 220 is biased by the biasing member 254 to rotate the distal link 230 and the monitor-backing plate 232 upwardly so that the monitors 120 are held above the main panel 140. The same process may be repeated for the second monitor-support linkage 240 of the second stowable monitor support 118.

Moreover, the same process is repeated for the second stowable monitor support 118 with respect to the second main panel 142. Power may be supplied to the monitors by connecting power cables 113 to the power supplies 111, and connecting the power supplies 111 to a power source such as an extension cord connected to an outlet of the building or a generator. The monitors 120 may be connected to audio-video cables 115, which may be permanently attached to the foldable tactical field desk 100 (and specifically to the first stowable monitor support 116 and the second stowable monitor support 118), and in turn the audio-video cables 115 may be connected to at least one computer or other device (not shown) to display output of the computer or other device.

To return the foldable tactical field desk 100 to the transport configuration, the steps stated above may be reversed. Power may be disconnected from the monitors by disconnecting the power cables 113 from the power supplies 111, and disconnecting the power supplies 111 to the applicable power source. The monitors 120 may remain connected to audio-video cables 115, particularly if the audio-video cables 115 are permanently attached to the foldable tactical field desk 100 (and specifically to the first stowable monitor support 116 and the second stowable monitor support 118). The audio-video cables 115 may be disconnected from each computer or other device (not shown) previously connected.

The first monitor-support linkage 220 may be urged downwardly against the bias of the biasing member 254 to rotate the distal link 230 and the monitor-backing plate 232 so that the monitors 120 may approach or rest against the monitor-stop 212 and may be strapped thereto and to each other by the strap 266. The straps 266 may be fixed, attaching the monitors 120 to one another (preferably facing each other). The mounting arm 200 may then be rotated into a vertical orientation and then into the interior 112 of the body 102. The mounting arm 200 may then be secured within the interior 112 of the body 102 by the elastic cord 256. The elastic body 258, the elastic body 260, and the elastic body 262 serve to cushion the monitors 120 against jostling during transport of the 100. The same process may be repeated for the second monitor-support linkage 240; and the same process described for the first stowable monitor support 116 may be repeated for the second stowable monitor support 118.

To complete the conversion of the foldable tactical field desk 100 to the transport configuration, the support loops 146 of each of the main panel 140 and the second main panel 142 may be disengaged from the lugs 148 of the body 102. The support frame 144 of each of the main panel 140 and the second main panel 142 may be rotated into the transport configuration, with the legs 154 aligned with the main panel 140 and the second main panel 142. The main panel 140 and the second main panel 142 may then be secured (preferably via integral hardware as shown) to place the foldable tactical field desk 100 in the transport configuration of FIG. 2.

FIG. 25 is a rear partial elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a stowable monitor support 1116 for the foldable tactical field desk. The stowable monitor support 1116 offers an alternative monitor support differing in configuration from the first stowable monitor support 116 of the foldable tactical field desk 100 of FIGS. 1-24. The stowable monitor support 1116 is configured for mounting at least one monitor 120 and preferably two monitors 120 (not shown in FIG. 25). The stowable monitor support 1116 is configured to have a transport configuration to support a monitor 120, and preferably two monitors 120.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 25, the stowable monitor support 1116 may be mounted on a monitor post 210, which is configured and supported as described above. Attached to the monitor post 210 is a first monitor-support linkage 1220. A second monitor-support linkage 1240 may be provided and is shown. The first monitor-support linkage 1220 includes a base link 1222 mounted to the monitor post 210 by at least one collar 1224 to rotate about the monitor post 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the base link 1222 is located on the monitor post 210 by two collars 1224. The base link 1222 connects to a first offset link 1226 and a second offset link 1228, which are pivotably connected to the base link 1222. A distal link 1230 is pivotably connected to the first offset link 1226 and the second offset link 1228. A monitor-backing plate 1232 is configured for connection both the distal link 1230 and the monitor 120 to support the monitor 120 on the monitor post 210 in a working configuration. The base link 1222, the at least one collar 1224, the first offset link 1226, and the second offset link 1228 may be configured and connected to form a four-bar linkage to maintain the distal link 1230 in a fixed, most conveniently vertical, orientation to provide a mounting point for mounting and maintaining a monitor 120 in a fixed orientation with respect to a body such as the body 102 and with respect to a desktop panel such as the desktop panel 140, as shown throughout FIGS. 1-24. The monitor-backing plate 1232 may be pivotably attached to the monitor 120 by a first bolt and a second bolt, which may be located in an arcuate slot 1238 to allow pivoting into and fixing of the monitor 120 in either a vertical orientation or a horizontal orientation. A wing nut 1239 may be provided to allow hand-loosening and hand-tightening of the monitor-backing plate 1232 in the desired position with respect to distal link 1230. A biasing member may be provided and may be configured to urge the first offset link 1226 and the connected monitor 120 upwardly with respect to a desktop panel to suspend the monitors above the desktop panel in the working configuration. The biasing member may take the form of a coil spring, a pressurized-fluid cylinder 1270 (including a pressurized-gas cylinder), a torsion spring, oother biasing member known in the art.

The second monitor-support linkage 1240 may be at least substantially a mirror image of the first monitor-support linkage 1220 and may share the base link 1222, as shown. In the illustrated embodiment, a monitor-backing plate 1252 is shown but lacks the arcuate slot and pivoting capability of the monitor-backing plate 1232. In the illustrated embodiment, the second monitor-support linkage 1240 includes the base link 1222 mounted to the monitor post 210 by the collars 1224 to rotate about the monitor post 210. The base link 1222, forming a portion of both the first monitor-support linkage 1220 and the second monitor-support linkage 1240, has a first offset link 1246 and a second offset link 1248 pivotably connected to the base link 1222. A distal link 1250 is pivotably connected to the first offset link 1246 and the second offset link 1248. A monitor-backing plate 1252 is configured for connection both the distal link 1250 and the monitor 120 to support the monitor 120 on the monitor post 210 in a working configuration. The base link 1222, the at least one collar 1224, the first offset link 1246, and the second offset link 1248 may be configured and connected to form a four-bar linkage to maintain the distal link 1250 in a fixed, most conveniently vertical, orientation to provide a mounting point for mounting and maintaining a monitor 120 in a fixed orientation. A biasing member may be provided and may be configured to urge the distal link 1250 and the connected monitor 120 upwardly to suspend the monitors 120 above a desktop panel in the working configuration. The biasing member may comprise a coil spring, a pressurized-fluid cylinder 1270 (including a pressurized-gas cylinder), a torsion spring, or another biasing member known in the art.

The monitors 120 supported by the stowable monitor support 1116 may be fixed at a selected position of the first monitor-support linkage 1220 and the second monitor-support linkage 1240 by tightening a securing nut 1274 configured to arrest pivoting between the second offset link 1228 (or alternatively the first offset link 1226) and the base link 1222, or between the first offset link 1246 (or alternatively the second offset link 1248) and the base link 1222. The securing nut 1274 may have an extension, as shown, to serve as a handle for tightening and loosening the securing nut 1274.

In use, the stowable monitor support 1116 is configured to be secured in a transport configuration or in a working configuration (as in FIG. 25).

To return the stowable monitor support 1116 to the transport configuration, the securing nuts 1274 may be loosened and the first monitor-support linkage 1220 and the second monitor-support linkage 1240 may be urged downwardly against the bias of the biasing member, the pressurized-fluid cylinder 1270, to rotate the distal links 1230, 1250 and the monitor-backing plates 1232, 1252 so that the monitors 120 may be strapped in facing engagement with each other by straps (see FIGS. 6-8), with a damping sheet (see FIGS. 6-8) placed between the monitors 120. The wing nut 1239 may be loosened if the corresponding monitor 120 is oriented vertically so that the monitor 120 may be oriented horizontally for transport.

With respect to any methods and processes first disclosed herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that boundaries between the above-described operations are merely illustrative. The multiple operations may be combined into a single operation, a single operation may be distributed in additional operations and operations may be executed at least partially overlapping in time. Further, alternative embodiments may include multiple instances of a particular operation, and the order of operations may be altered in various other embodiments.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.