WO2000057757A1

WO2000057757A1 - Computer monitor apron

Info

Publication number: WO2000057757A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/008434
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bradley C. Davis; Ronald D. Cook
Original assignee: Boone International, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-03-29
Filing date: 2000-03-29
Publication date: 2000-10-05
Also published as: US20010013304A1; EP1164901A1; EP1164901A4

Abstract

A message board apron (10) for use with a computer monitor and keyboard includes a flat base (16), a support member (14) extending upwardly from the base, and a tabletop member (12) coupled to the support member (14) proximate an edge of the tabletop member (12), the tabletop member having a dry-erase writing surface (26) thereon. A variety of holders are provided in the tabletop member for holding accessories, such as hooks, pockets for writing implements or a recessed portion having a shape for receiving a pad of Post-It notes or other paper therein. The message board apron (10) is placed on a desktop in front of a computer monitor with a keyboard placed in front of or partially underneath the tabetop member (12), thereby removing providing a writing surface and/or accessories available to the computer user yet held up and away from the desktop surface.

Description

DESCRIPTION

COMPUTER MONITOR APRON

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to computer accessories, and more

particularly to a message board apron for use with a computer monitor and/or keyboard

that provides a tabletop.

BACKGROUND

Computer desks are often cluttered and unorganized spaces. First, the

computer itself generally takes up substantial space on the desktop requiring sufficient

room for a monitor and keyboard, even if other components, such as a computer case

and external peripherals are placed off the desktop. A workspace is generally provided

for the computer user in front of or adjacent to the keyboard, but this area often

becomes cluttered with papers, books and the like. Thus, it may become difficult to

locate a pad of paper, a Post-It® note, a pen or other office accessories that may be on

the desktop but buried beneath other objects.

To assist in taking and saving messages and the like, a message board may be

mounted on a wall near the computer desk. These message boards, however, may not

be convenient to the computer user who wants to write a quick message or note without

leaving their desk. Message boards have been suggested that are mounted to the face

of the monitor, e.g., around one or more edges of the monitor without covering the viewing area. These boards, however, may be bulky and may extend well beyond the

space occupied by the monitor, interfering with the computer user's view from their

desk. These boards are also mounted at a height and an angle that may not be

convenient for the computer user to write a note while seated at the desk.

Therefore, there is a need for a computer accessory that facilitates writing

messages and/or holding accessories useful to the computer user without adding

substantially to the clutter on a desktop.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a message board apron for use with a

computer monitor and keyboard. Generally, the message board apron includes a

substantially flat base for supporting the message board apron on a horizontal surface,

a support member extending generally upwardly from the base, and a tabletop member

coupled to the support member, preferably proximate an edge of the tabletop member.

The tabletop member preferably has a writing surface thereon, such as a dry-erase

laminate surface.

Preferably, the tabletop member extends generally parallel to the base. In

addition, the tabletop member may be pivotable relative to the base, for example, by

providing a hinged connection between the support member and the base. In a

preferred form, the base includes one or more feet extending forward from the support

member under the tabletop member, thereby defining a "C" shaped cross-section providing a cavity for receiving a keyboard therein. Preferably, the vertical distance

between the base and the tabletop member corresponds substantially to the distance

between a horizontal surface and a bottom of a viewing area of a computer monitor

placed on the horizontal surface.

The message board apron may also include a variety of holders, such as

recesses and hooks, for holding accessories. For example, the tabletop member may

include a pocket for receiving a writing implement or an eraser, such as a recessed slot

extending horizontally along a portion of the tabletop member or a vertical cylindrical

recess for receiving an end of the writing implement therein.. A recess may be provided

that has a substantially rectangular cross-section for holding one or more planar

accessories, such as business cards or floppy disks, in a generally vertical orientation.

A recessed portion may be provided adjacent the writing surface defined by side

walls and a bottom wall, the recessed portion having a shape for receiving a pad of

paper, such as a pad of Post-It® notes, therein. Two or more upper edges of the side

walls of the recessed portion may include retaining lips extending partially across the

recessed portion for substantially retaining the pad of paper therein. A generally planar

member may be received in the recessed portion substantially parallel to the bottom

wall, the planar member being biased to slide away from the bottom wall for directing a

pad of paper received thereon into engagement with the retaining lips. One of the side

walls may include a sloped edge therein for facilitating removal of one or more sheets

from the top of the pad of paper received in the recessed portion. The message board apron may be placed on a desktop in front of a computer

monitor with a keyboard placed in front of or partially underneath the tabletop member.

The base may be arranged rearward under the monitor stand, thereby substantially

anchoring the message board apron. Alternatively, the base may be arranged forward

under the tabletop member, such that the keyboard may be slid over the base and

stored under the tabletop member. The tabletop member preferably abuts the face of

the monitor immediately under the viewing area, thereby not interfering substantially

with use of the monitor.

A message board apron in accordance with the present invention allows a

variety of accessories, such as a writing surface, a pad of paper, writing implements

and the like to be removed from the desktop surface around the computer, but still

allows the accessories to be available for the computer user. The user may

conveniently write notes or messages on the writing surface and/or the top sheet of the

pad of paper, without having to stand or otherwise leave the computer desk, and

without having to hunt through a cluttered desk for something to write on or for a writing

implement.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from

consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying

drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a message board apron, in accordance with one

aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the message board apron of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A-3C are perspective views of the message board apron of FIG. 1 being

assembled.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the message board apron in front of a computer monitor

with a keyboard placed under and in front of the message board apron, respectively.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a message board apron

with a computer monitor and keyboard, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the message board apron of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first preferred embodiment

of a message board apron 10 that generally includes a tabletop 12, one or more

support members 14 and a base 16. The tabletop 12 is a generally planar member,

preferably having a generally rectangular shape. The tabletop 12 includes front and

back edges 18, 20 generally having a length corresponding generally to the width of a

computer monitor, and side edges 22 having a length substantially smaller than the

length of the front and back edges 18, 20. The back edge 20 preferably has a shape

corresponding substantially to the face of a computer monitor, such as a cathode ray

tube (CRT) or a flat screen display, below the viewing area. For example, the back edge 20 may have a slight concave shape, as shown in FIG. 1 , or alternatively, may

have a substantially flat shape (not shown).

The tabletop 12 has an upper surface 24 which includes one or more useful

accessories. For example, in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 , the upper surface 24

includes a dry-erase laminate surface 26 which covers a substantial portion of the

tabletop 12. The laminate surface 26 may be formed from a variety of known materials,

such as coated paper, melamine-coated masonite or porcelain-coated steel or other

metal. Alternatively, other erasable writing surfaces may be provided, such as a "wet-

erase" laminate or slate.

An elongate semi-cylindrical slot 28 extends along the upper surface 24 for

receiving a dry-erase marker or other writing implement 29. Alternatively, cylindrical

vertical pockets (not shown) may be provided in the upper surface 24 or extending from

the side edges 22 for receiving a writing implement. A generally semi-cylindrical slot 40

is also provided for receiving a similarly shaped dry-erase eraser, such as a generally

cylindrical-shaped eraser (not shown).

A generally rectangular or square recess 30 is provided adjacent the dry-erase

surface 26 for receiving a pad of Post-It® notes and the like (not shown). The recess

30 includes a plurality of side walls 32 and a bottom wall 34 (shown in phantom) having

a predetermined width, length and depth corresponding substantially to a desired pad

size. A pair of retaining lips 36 are provided along upper edges 38 of the recess 30, preferably integrally formed or molded into the tabletop 12, for substantially retaining the pad in the recess 30. One of the side walls 32a may include a sloped region 33 to

facilitate taking one or more sheets from the top of the pad.

A planar member 35, such as a plastic panel having a width and length slightly

smaller than the recess 30, may be placed in the recess 30 which is biased upwards to

direct the pad into engagement with the retaining lips 36. For example, one or more

springs 37 (shown in phantom) may be provided in the recess 30 beneath the planar

member, e.g., attached to and/or extending upwardly from the bottom wall 34 of the

recess 30.

Other structures may also be provided that are attachable to or integrally molded

to the tabletop 12. For example, one or more hooks (not shown) may be attached or

mounted to the tabletop 12, e.g., along one or both of the side edges 18, for receiving a

key ring or other item. Recesses having shapes corresponding substantially to

appropriately sized objects may also be provided in the upper surface 24. For example,

a recess may be provided that has a rectangular shape for holding a plurality of planar

objects, e.g. business cards or floppy disks, in a substantially vertical orientation.

Alternatively, the tabletop 12 may provide one or more dispenser holders (not

shown) for receiving accessories such as scotch tape or stamps. The dispenser holder

may simply be a semi-cylindrical recess into which a roll may be received, or tabs may

be provided for engaging a hub of the roll (not shown).

Turning to FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3A-3C, the tabletop 12 is substantially supported by

the support member 14 and the base 16. The support member 14 and base 16 are preferably separate components that are attached to the tabletop 12 and/or each other

to provide the assembled message board apron 10. The separate components may be

initially separated in a substantially fiat configuration, e.g., pre-packaged for sale, and

assembled by the purchaser prior to use. Alternatively, the tabletop 12, support

member 14 and/or base 16 may be integrally formed or molded together as a single

piece.

The support member 14 extends generally downwardly and preferably

substantially perpendicularly from the tabletop 12, and has a first upper end 54 and a

second lower end 42. The first end 54 is coupled to the tabletop 12, preferably to a

lower surface 50 thereof. In a preferred form, the support member 14 is attached on or

near the back edge 20 of the tabletop 12, thereby maximizing the space under the

tabletop 12. Alternatively, the support member 14 may be attached to an intermediate

region (not shown) of the lower surface 50, or the support member 14 may extend

along the lower surface 50, for example, at least partially between the back and front

edges 20, 18. In a further alternative, the support member 14 may have an arcuate

shape, may be bent or otherwise oriented at an angle with respect to the tabletop 12 to

provide a space under the tabletop 12 for accommodating a keyboard and the like.

As best seen in FIG. 3A, slots or pockets 48 are provided in the lower surface 50

of the tabletop 12, preferably defined by wall portions 56 integrally molded into the

tabletop 12. A first set of tabs 52 are provided on the first end 54 of the support

member 14 that correspond to respective slots 48, e.g., the tabs 52 being defined by notches 53 formed in the support member 14. To attach the support member 14 to the

tabletop 12, the tabs 52 are aligned with and securely inserted into the slots 48.

Turning to FIGS. 3B and 3C, a flange 58 extends along the second end 42 of the

support member 14 that includes notches 60 defining a second set of tabs 62 for

attaching the base 16 thereto. The base 16 includes a pair of substantially flat feet 66

extending generally perpendicularly from the second end 42 of the support member 14.

Each foot 66 preferably includes a toe portion 44 and a heel portion 46 located on

opposite ends of the foot 16, and a raised tab 64 defined by slots 65 at an intermediate

location between the heel and toe portions 46, 44.

Each foot 66 may be attached to the support member 14 by aligning and

inserting the tabs 62 into the slots 65 until the tabs 62 substantially engage the raised

tabs 64. In a preferred form, the toe portion 44 is substantially longer than the heel

portion 46. Thus, when the foot 66 is attached to the support member 14, the toe

portion 44 extends further from the support member 14 than does the heel portion 46.

In addition, one or more non-skid elements (not shown) may be provided on

each of the feet 66 to engage a surface onto which the message board apron 10 is

placed. The non-skid elements may prevent the feet 66 from sliding along the surface

and/or may prevent the feet 66 from scuffing or otherwise damaging the surface. In

one form, one or more tabs (not shown) of non-skid material, such as rubber or silicone,

may be attached, for example by an adhesive, to predetermined locations on a bottom

surface 45 of the feet 66. The tabs may have a generally circular shape and may have an indented surface to provide a slight suction cup contact with the surface that may

further prevent skidding. Alternatively, a non-skid layer of material, such as a thin

rubber mat, may be attached to and cover a portion of or all of the bottom surface 45 of

the feet 66. The layer of material may include a patterned surface to further enhance

engagement between the feet 66 and the surface, as will be appreciated by those

skilled in the art.

When the message board apron 10 is assembled as shown in FIG. 1 , the toe

portion 44 preferably extends forward, i.e., towards the front edge 18 of the tabletop 12.

Thus, the message board apron 10 has a generally "C" shaped cross-section that

defines a cavity 94, as shown in FIG. 2. Turning to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the message

board apron 10 may be placed in front of a computer monitor 80 such that the back

edge 20 of the tabletop 12 abuts the front face 82 of the monitor a short distance below

the viewing area 84. A keyboard 90 may be placed under the tabletop 12 when not

being used (FIG.4A), the keyboard 90 resting on the feet 66, and then the keyboard 90

may be partially pulled out during use (FIG. 4B).

Thus, the message board apron 10 provides a writing surface and/or a number

of useful accessories that occupy substantially little desktop space other than the space

already required for a computer keyboard. The tabletop 12 extends at least partially

over the keyboard 90, but the keyboard 90 may be easily moved out to access all of its

keys. The writing surface 26 on the tabletop 12 is provided in a generally horizontal

arrangement only inches above the desktop surface, thus providing a more comfortable, natural location for the writing surface than vertically mounted message

boards. The tabletop 12 may be oriented substantially horizontally when placed on a

horizontal surface, such as a desktop, or the tabletop 12 may be angled slightly

downward from the back edge 20 towards the front edge 18 to provide additional

comfort or convenience.

Alternatively, the feet 66 may be attached to the support member 14 such that

the toe portion 44 extends rearward. For this arrangement, the toe portion 44 may be

placed under the monitor 80 or its support stand (not shown) in order for the back edge

20 of the tabletop 12 to abut the face 82 of the monitor.

In further alternatives, a single foot (not shown) may be provided, for example,

extending the full width of the support member 14 or tabletop 12 or only partially along

the width if it provides sufficient stability for the tabletop 12. The support member 14

may include a plurality of generally vertical members (not shown) extending between

the tabletop 12 and one or more feet 66. In addition, the connection between the

support member 14 and the tabletop 12 or the base 16 may be pivotable, such that the

generally horizontal angle of the tabletop 12 may be adjusted by the user and/or the

vertical distance between the tabletop 12 and the base 16, i.e., the height of the

tabletop 12, may be adjusted.

Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, another preferred embodiment of a message board

apron 110 is shown, for use with a computer monitor 80 and a keyboard 90. The

message board apron 110 generally includes a tabletop 112, a support member 114 attached to the tabletop 112, and a base 116 pivotally attached to the support member

114. The tabletop 112 preferably includes a dry-erase surface 126, and a recess 130

for receiving a pad of Post-It® notes and the like, similar to the embodiment described

above.

In addition, the tabletop 112 includes a raised lip 128 extending along the front

edge 118 for preventing a writing instrument 129 from falling off the tabletop 112. A

plurality of substantially vertical cylindrical recesses 170 are provided in the tabletop

112 for holding writing instruments, a substantially horizontal semi-cylindrical recess

140 is provided for an eraser (not shown), and a rectangular, recess for business cards

and the like (not shown) is also provided. Other accessories may be provided in

addition to or instead of those shown, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The support member 114 includes an upper flange 152 which may be fastened

to the tabletop 112, e.g., to the lower surface 150, by screws, bolts, adhesives and the

like, and/or by an interlocking fit, such as the tabs and slots described previously. The

support member 114 also has a hinge 162 mated to a cooperating hinge 164 on the

base 116. The hinges 162, 164 preferably allow the support member 114 to be

adjusted, but substantially hold a position once set. For example, the hinges 162, 164

may be held simply by internal friction, or alternatively by a locking mechanism (not

shown) which may be manually locked and unlocked to substantially anchor and

release the support member 114, respectively. The base 116 is preferably a single substantially flat panel which is arranged

rearward from the tabletop 112, and onto which the base 86 of the monitor 80 is placed,

thereby substantially anchoring the message board apron 110 relative to the monitor

80. The back edge 120 of the tabletop 112 may abut the face 82 of the monitor 80

without substantially obstructing the viewing area 84, as explained previously. The

tabletop 112 may then be pulled forward, if desired, to change the angle of the upper

surface 124. Alternatively, the tabletop 112 may be pivotable relative to the support

member 114, thereby allowing the height of the tabletop 112 to be adjusted

independently of the angle.

Thus, the tabletop 112 is provided a predetermined distance above the surface

of the desktop 92, thereby defining a cavity 94 into which the keyboard 90 may be slid,

as best seen in FIG. 6. Preferably, the support member has a predetermined height

such that tabletop 112 is located between about three inches and about eight inches

above the desktop 94, and more preferably between about four inches and about six

inches, i.e., close to the height of the bottom of the viewing area of a standard computer

monitor. This allows the tabletop 112 to be used without substantially obstructing the

viewing area 84 and allows the accessories thereon to be available without occupying

substantial extra space on the desktop 94.

In further alternatives, it may be possible to eliminate the support member and

base and directly couple a tabletop, such as that shown in FIG. 1 , to the face of a

computer monitor below its viewing area. For example, the tabletop may be integrally molded as part of the monitor housing, extending from the face below the viewing area

of the monitor. Alternatively, the tabletop may be a separate member attached to the

front of the monitor by an adhesive and/or by a mechanical fastener, such as a clamp

or strap.

In one form, a separate tabletop member may be provided that defines an upper

surface having an erasable writing surface thereon. A back edge of the tabletop

member may have a shape corresponding substantially to the shape of the face of the

computer monitor. An adhesive, such as a double-sided adhesive tape, may be applied

to the back edge and/or to region of the face of the computer monitor to which the

tabletop member is to be attached. The back edge of the tabletop may then be bonded

substantially permanently to the face of the computer monitor: .

Alternatively, one or more clamping members may be provided having a first

extension attached to the tabletop member and a second extension attachable to the

computer monitor. For example, the first extension may be attached to the back edge

of the tabletop member and/or to a lower surface of the tabletop member. The second

extension may be attached to a side panel and/or a lower panel of the monitor housing.

In a further alternative, one or more straps may be attached to the tabletop member

that may be extended at least partially around, and preferably completely around, the

computer monitor and secured thereto. In still a further alternative, hook and eye

material be attached along the back edge of the tabletop member and the face of the

monitor, respectively, for attaching the tabletop member to the monitor. The adhesive and/or mechanical fastener should be sufficiently strong to support

the weight of the tabletop member, and any accessories that may be received therein,

such as a pad of Post-It® notes, a dry-erase pen and the like. Thus, the tabletop

member may be supported in a cantilever manner from the face of the monitor. When

the monitor is placed on a horizontal surface, the stand which supports the monitor thus

also supports the tabletop at a predetermined height above the surface, thereby

providing a space thereunder for receiving a keyboard, as described above.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications, and alternative forms,

specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings,and are herein described in

detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the

particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all

modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the

appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A message board apron for use with a computer monitor and keyboard,

comprising:

a substantially flat base for supporting the message board apron on a horizontal

surface;

a support member extending generally upwardly from the base;

a tabletop member coupled to the support member, the tabletop member having

a writing surface thereon.

2. The message board apron of claim 1 , wherein the support member is

attached to the tabletop member proximate to a back edge thereof.

3. The message board apron of claim 1 , wherein the tabletop member

extends generally parallel to the base.

4. The message board apron of claim 3, wherein the tabletop member

includes a pocket for receiving a writing implement.

5. The message board apron of claim 4, wherein the pocket is a recessed

slot extending along a portion of the tabletop member.

6. The message board apron of claim 4, wherein the pocket comprises a

substantially vertical cylindrical recess for receiving an end of the writing implement

therein.

7. The message board apron of claim 1 , wherein the tabletop member

further comprises a recessed portion adjacent the writing surface defined by side walls

and a bottom wall, the recessed portion having a shape for receiving a pad of paper

therein.

8. The message board apron of claim 7, wherein one or more upper edges

of the side walls of the recessed portion include a retaining lip extending partially across

the recessed portion for substantially retaining the pad of paper therein.

9. The message board apron of claim 8, further comprising a generally

planar member received in the recessed portion substantially parallel to the bottom wall,

the planar member being biased away from the bottom wall for directing a pad of paper

received thereon into engagement with the retaining lip.

10. The message board apron of claim 8, wherein one of the side walls

includes a sloped region therein for facilitating removal of one or more sheets from the

pad of paper received in the recessed portion.

11. The message board apron of claim 1 , wherein the writing surface

comprises a dry-erase laminate.

12. The message board apron of claim 1 , wherein the tabletop member is

pivotable relative to the base.

13. The message board apron of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises one or

more feet extending forward from the support member under the tabletop member,

thereby defining a "C" shaped cross-section providing a cavity for receiving a keyboard

therein.

14. The message board of claim 1 , further comprising a non-skid element on

a bottom surface of the base.

15. The message board apron of claim 1 , wherein the vertical distance

placed on the horizontal surface.

16. A message board apron for use with a computer monitor and keyboard,

comprising:

a generally planar tabletop member defining an upper surface having a laminate

surface thereon;

a support member extending from the tabletop member, the support member

having first and second ends, the first end being coupled to or near a back edge of the

tabletop member; and

a substantially flat base portion coupled to the support member, the base portion

extending generally parallel to the tabletop member.

17. The message board apron of claim 16, wherein the support member is

pivotally attached to one of the base and the tabletop member for adjusting the position

of the tabletop member relative to the base.

18. The message board apron of claim 16, wherein the tabletop member

comprises a recess having a predetermined shape for holding an appropriately shaped

accessory.

19. The message board apron of claim 18, wherein the recess has a

substantially rectangular cross-section for holding one or more planar accessories in a

generally vertical orientation.

20. The message board apron of claim 19, wherein the one or more planar

accessories are selected from the group consisting of business cards and floppy disks.

21. The message board apron of claim 18, further comprising a tape

dispenser received in the recess.

22. The message board apron of claim 18, wherein the appropriately shaped

accessory is a pad of paper, and the recess has a shape for holding the pad of paper

therein substantially parallel to a bottom wall thereof.

23. The message board apron of claim 22, wherein the recess comprises two

or more upper edges having retaining lips extending partially across the recess for

substantially retaining the pad of paper therein.

24. The message board apron of claim 23, further comprising a generally

planar member received in the recess substantially parallel to the bottom wall, the

planar member being biased away from the bottom wall for directing a pad of paper

received thereon into engagement with the retaining lips.

25. The message board apron of claim 23, wherein the recess comprises a

sloped region for facilitating removal of one or more sheets from the pad of paper

received in the recess.

26. The message board apron of claim 18, wherein the recess comprises a

substantially vertical cylindrical pocket for receiving an end of the writing implement

therein.

27. The message board apron of claim 18, wherein the recess comprises a

semi-cylindrical slot extending substantially horizontally along a portion of the tabletop

for holding a writing implement.

28. The message board apron of claim 16, further comprising an accessory

hook extending from the tabletop member.

29. The message board apron of claim 16, wherein the base portion

comprises one or more feet extending forward from the support member under the

tabletop member, thereby defining a "C" shaped cross-section providing a cavity for

receiving a keyboard therein.

30. The message board apron of claim 16, wherein the vertical distance

between the base portion and the tabletop member corresponds substantially to the

distance between a horizontal surface and a bottom of a viewing area of a computer

monitor placed on the horizontal surface.

31. A message board apron for a computer monitor, comprising:

a generally planar tabletop member defining an upper surface having an

erasable writing surface thereon;

means for coupling the tabletop member to a face of a computer monitor.

32. The message board apron of claim 31 , wherein the tabletop member has

a back edge having a shape corresponding substantially to the shape of the face of the

computer monitor below a viewing area thereof.

33. The message board apron of claim 32, wherein the means for coupling

the tabletop member to the face of the computer monitor comprises an adhesive on the

back edge of the tabletop member bondable to the face of the computer monitor.

34. The message board apron of claim 32, wherein the means for coupling

the tabletop member to the face of the computer monitor comprises a clamp member having a first extension attached to the tabletop member and a second extension

attachable to the computer monitor.

35. The message board apron of claim 32, wherein the means for coupling

the tabletop member to the face of the computer monitor comprises a strap attached to

the tabletop member, the strap being extendable at least partially around the computer

monitor.

36. The message board apron of claim 31 , wherein the tabletop member

further comprises a recess having a predetermined shape for holding an appropriately

shaped accessory.

37. The message board apron of claim 31 , wherein the writing surface

comprises a dry-erase laminate.

38. A computer monitor, comprising:

a monitor housing having a front panel, the front panel having an opening therein

defining a viewing area; and

a generally planar tabletop member extending from the front panel below the

viewing area, the tabletop member comprising an upper surface having a writing

surface thereon.

39. The computer monitor of claim 38, wherein the tabletop member is

integrally molded to the monitor housing.

40. The computer monitor of claim 38, wherein the tabletop member is

attachable to the front panel of the monitor housing.

41. The computer monitor of claim 40, wherein the tabletop member is

attached to the front panel by an adhesive.

42. The computer monitor of claim 40, wherein the tabletop member is

attached to the front panel by a mechanical fastener.