Refrigerator Standing Desk

Abstract

While standing desks take up their own floor space in a home or housing unit, which can diminish the usability of the space and be costly to work, working-from-home, and daily life, and are a separate item a home resident/worker/student must acquire, the refrigerator installed in or near the kitchen is considered essential to a home, or housing unit and already takes up an expected place on the home's unit's floor space. The space in front of the refrigerator is also already presumed to remain clear, because via the front refrigerator door is the way that food and beverages are stored in and accessed from the refrigerator. Because this is naturally already used space in a home, the resident utilizing that space for a second productive function of dwelling in a home—being able to work or study from home—is an improved use of the space directly in front of the refrigerator. The already-assumed refrigerator location, having an essential and unchanged footprint, also affords a top surface already. The Refrigerator Standing Desk invention is the solution to using the outer surfaces of the appliance where housing residents store food as a highly ergonomic and sustainably functioning desk where the resident can stand for work or study.

By not taking up floor space, the Refrigerator Standing Desk benefits residents, homeowners, tenants, landlords, homebuilders, housing developments, work-from-home employees, work-from-home entrepreneurs, and students. The user also benefits with the proximity and ease of chilled and stored food access.

The invention's frame consists of an alcove for the input human-computer interaction (HCI) devices and the user's arms, which is a deep indentation of empty space providing the area for the adjustable platform on which can rest the computer keyboard, mouse, and user's hands, wrists, and forearms. The alcove shaped area in the Refrigerator Standing Desk affords use of the keyboard and mouse in an ergonomic standing position.

Additional innovation consists of: A platform to secure, support, protect, raise, lower, tilt, shift left and right, and connect the user' s laptop or portable computer. A monitor attachment system, consisting of a groove into which a flat monitor can be secured An addition of cabling space designated within the walls of the known refrigerator appliance, and surfacing through the walls at designated port-connection locations such as the unit top surface and the mid-height alcove surface. The cabling channels are spaces through which data typical connection cables (such as USB) can be fed, connecting keyboard, mouse, and monitor connection with the state-of-the-art technology. The connection cables can be fed in-factory or by user. A single connector cord (e.g. USB) extends out of the top of the appliance for the laptop to plug into. This single computer connector also connects with the Connection Hub where the numerous interface devices are all connected. Connection feeds then run from the Hub to the Alcove, where would rest the keyboard and mouse. Access doors to chilled food and beverage being placed above and below the Alcove in a way of storing and accessing them that maximizes access with minimized infringement on concentration and work. The food and drink storage and door innovations minimize distracting stepping, turning, bending, or reaching, such as when doing a video call, meeting, or simply focused on the work or study.

Claims

1) A technological apparatus for supporting and working on a computer device in an ergonomical, standing position, which also stores food in a cold and frozen state functioning as the main chilled food storage appliance (e.g., refrigerator) for the residence, domicile, housing unit, home, or home-office, comprising: (a) joining the food refrigeration function with the standing desk function into one footprint of the Refrigerator Standing Desk, which is no larger on the floor space than the appliance typically used for food refrigeration in a housing unit. (b) providing a height of the computer platform accommodating its use by people of varying heights, by having the top-surface height-adjustable computer platform begin (as its lowest position) at eye-level for a person of below-average height. (c) providing non-slip surface on the top of the Refrigerator Standing Desk (RSD) when a user's laptop or portable computing device and other devices are placed on it, using a top shape with slight raised edges at the front, left, right, and back edges of the RSD top, for securing the user's portable or laptop computing device in a resting position atop the refrigerator, and prevent the slipping or topping and falling of one's portable or laptop computer off of the RSD's top surface. (d) providing a platform to adjustably raise, lower, and tilt the user's laptop computer, as on a platform, on top of the top of the refrigerator, which also has apparatus for securing the non-slippage and non-falling of the computing device off of the platform's edges, to raise or lower the height of the resting laptop computer or portable computing device, and is able to adjust and secure the angle of a tablet computer. (e) providing a holding and supporting surface for the user's hands, wrists, forearms, a keyboard, and a computer mouse, at a front “alcove” of the Refrigerator Standing Desk; providing ergonomic and convenient access at the front of the Refrigerator Standing Desk through a deep indentation (“alcove”) in the front frame of the RSD, as wide as the width of the Refrigerator Standing Desk's from left inner-frame to right inner-frame; and deep enough to hold state-of-the-art computer keyboards, mouse surfaces, and the forearm and wrist support padding for the user; with a placement, dimensions, and volume of space sufficient to encompass the range, from below average to above average, of the heights and lengths of the human forearms and hands while a person is in an ergonomic, standing, computer-operating and typing position. (f) providing the resting place for a keyboard of the user's own keyboard and mouse, as well as forearms, wrists, and hands; upon a height-adjustable platform upon the base of the alcove, with ergonomic support for the person's wrists and forearms in position for typing while standing. (g) providing the top, sides, front, back, and alcove of the Refrigerator Standing Desk (RSD) being uncluttered by cabling while connecting all devices and interfaces (keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor, and user's computer)—so that there is surface-space for the user's portable computer, a removable VR Headset Holder, and organized upright papers upon the top of the Refrigerator Standing Desk apparatus' and space for food and beverage upon the external dish-support tray and cup holders—with cable feed-channels running internally, concealed inside the RSD body nearby the insulation material, from the computer platform on the top of the RSD apparatus to the alcove, and to the large monitor attachment, and to the audio speakers, with the cable Connection Hub enabling one single plug-in for easy connection between the user's computer and the RSD apparatus, as the ends of the cables that emerge through the ends of the channels may extend to reach to the user's computer port; and the user's ability to also use the RSD audio speaker connection port. (h) providing secure attachment of a flat-screen monitor with no additional protrusions to the back of the Refrigerator Standing Desk facing forward, for a monitor of size up to the width of the RSD frame, which is easily removable when vertical clearance space is not available above the RSD top surface; including the latching of the monitor to the back of the frame facing forward, and the cabling channel for connecting the monitor to the user's laptop to prevent cable clutter on the top of the Refrigerator Standing Desk; and providing the benefit which, when positioned atop the refrigerator at the back, facing the user, it is a means of affording the user a larger view of the computer display at a greater and healthier distance between the user and the screen. (i) providing connection to audio speakers at the top of the Refrigerator Standing Desk unit, connectable by cord to the laptop to switch the sound signal to the audio speakers, while keeping the top of the RSD uncluttered and without adding any components to the Refrigerator Standing Desk, via feed channels between the end of the cabling at the user's computer atop the computer platform, and the audio speakers. (j) providing paper holders and dividers for organizing papers specifically in a position atop the Refrigerator Standing Desk placed for easy reference and viewing the papers hands-free, accessible next to the laptop platform, and to the side of the monitor view, for facilitating work and study with paper materials while using the RSD. (k) providing a removable compartment for a Virtual Reality (VR) Headset/Goggles, for securely holding and protecting such a headset and holding it near eye level, to be easily retrieved for its use and also returned when its use session is finished; and for the VR Headset Holder to be removed for user not using VR/metaverse, for ease of seeing the flat-screen monitor. (l) providing internal cabling channels for cable to run through the refrigerator body alongside the insulation material (polyurethane, typically), between the insulation and the outer refrigerator body, without infringing on the form and function of the insulation, from the top computer platform to the alcove to the monitor attachment and to the audio speakers. (m) providing that the power supply of the main appliance delivers electrical power to the speakers, the monitor, and the user's connected laptop, keeping it charged. (n) providing doors and refrigerated compartments where chilled and frozen foods are stored, accessed, and replaced, that minimize interference with the user's workflow while standing at the computer using the arm alcove, with the refrigerator doors placed both fully above the alcove, and fully below the alcove. (o) providing refrigerated compartments and doors located and shaped to optimize convenience of storing, accessing, and returning uneaten meals, snacks, smoothies, and drinks to be consumed during standing work in front of the RSD, including plated dish stackers to hold meals inside chilled compartments, fold-out bowl-holders, cup-holders, and plate holders above and to the side of the arm-keyboard alcove, for holding snacks, meals, and beverages to be presently eaten. (p) providing a slot for storage and attachment of accessory standing pads, foot pads, lift, tactile, haptic, biofeedback interactive technology, pressure point, massage, and exercise accessories, and a cable connection in this accessory attachment slot via a cable channel connecting to the system Connection Hub. (q) providing an alternative entry option to the refrigerated food storage area through the side wall so that, in a conducive floor layout, a second refrigerator user may retrieve and stock the apparatus with food items while the alcove and front-door area, where an RSD user most often stands, is occupied. (r) providing center-opening doors, see-in windows in doors, outer doors with windows, and sliding doors that form a seal when in the closed position, using of state-of-the-art cold-insulating stripping and gasketing, that providing the ability for the user to access food, eat, and return food while at the standing and working position, while remaining in use of the computer without distraction from work, disturbance from video-calls, or unwanted changing of the working body position. 1. The removability of the Refrigerator Standing Desk's upper monitor and paper organizer allow the invention to be installed and function even with low clearance above it. For example, if the kitchen is designed with cabinetry above the refrigerator nook, the RSD may be used there with only the portable computer above the refrigerator, without the back monitor and perhaps without the paper organizer.

2) A means of providing the above apparatus and the equipment required to utilize it with no separate electronic or analog parts (beyond the user's connected connecting a portable computing device) needed, comprising: (a) pre-installing a computer-keyboard and laser mouse and mouse-surface, these being fully cable-connected through the interior cable feeds to the pre-installed cable Connection Hub (as in a USB hub); the keyboard and mouse yet being detachable at their cable ports and interchangeable for the user's preference of keyboard and mouse items, which rest upon the height-adjustable platform in the “alcove” of the Refrigerator Standing Desk. (b) pre-installing state-of-the-art cabling, hubs, and selector switches (such as USB) such that these components run in the cable feed channels inside the body of the Refrigerator Standing Desk, running alongside the insulation in a configuration allowing the user to add no additional electronic parts to the provided standard and simply to plug in the one, uncluttered cable-end provided to their computer on the top computer platform, and begin to immediately use the RSD, and be able to easily replace and customize the keyboard and mouse in the alcove, if desired. (c) pre-installing cabling into the Refrigerator Standing Desk connecting the user's portable computer to the attached yet removable, large computer monitor and audio speakers. (d) pre-installing an attached, yet removable, flat-screen monitor to the back of the Refrigerator Standing Desk, facing forward, of monitor size up to the width of the Refrigerator Standing Desk, which is pre-connected to the pre-installed cable Connection Hub, connecting the monitor to the user's laptop through an internal cable channel that prevents any cabling clutter or tangling on the top surface of the Refrigerator Standing Desk apparatus. (e) pre-installing a switch for the user to select that audio and visual signals, according to the user's desires, go either the Refrigerator Standing Desk's speakers and monitor, or the user's laptop computer's own speakers and monitor. (f) providing for virtual reality (VR) and “metaverse”-related standing usage with minimized distance and uncomplicated standardized movements required to access fresh food items while user is wearing VR Headset or Goggles, because of the simplified food-access motions with the Refrigerator Standing Desk apparatus being capable of becoming routinized, safe, habitual, and undistracting even while sightless with a VR Headset on during sessions; when unused, the VR Headset being secured in the removable VR Headset Holder where they can be retrieved and placed on the head for use, and returned to the VR Headset holder when usage session is complete. (g) providing the unprecedented advantage of working at the front of the Refrigerator Standing Desk without doors that disturb the user's work while accessing and replacing food, including sliding sealing doors which utilize cold-stripping and gasketing which open and close for food access on the front of a refrigerator for seamless access of food while remaining in videoconference or operating the computer.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The brief description of drawings includes a written description of the invention that explains how to make and use it. It should point the reference numerals used in the drawings and should be specific. The details should be sufficient enough for a person skilled in the art to understand and perform the invention.

[0025] The Refrigerator Standing Desk (RSD) is made with key differences from a conventional refrigerator frame, as shown in the frontal, lateral section, and birds-eye view drawings (FIG. 1 through FIG. 5):

[0026] FIG. 1: Frontal View

[0027] 1. Devices Connection Hub (sends signals to keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, accessories)

[0028] 2. System connection to user's portable/laptop computer with a single cable insert.

[0029] 3. Adjustable computer platform, with non-slip resting surface, raises 0 to ˜6″, lowers, tilts, and shifts computer left to right for optimal use. Has slightly raised guard-edges and a non-slip surface.

[0030] 4. Alcove—open arm space for computer operation by the user and spaces for a keyboard and mouse

[0031] 5. Adjustable support platform on raisable/lowerable pins, for supporting of Keyboard,

[0032] Mouse Support, wrist pad, and forearm rest

[0033] 6. Dish and Beverage Tray, which slides out and in

[0034] 7. Upper Level door handles

[0035] 8. Upper Level food storage and access for user in standing work position including slide-window and door

[0036] 9. Lower Level door handles

[0037] 10. Lower level chilled food storage for access in working stance with non-protruding see-in slide window and center-opening door.

[0038] 11. Frozen foods access with center-opening door. Water/ice dispenser may be installed here.

[0039] 12. Removable/attachable large system monitor for attaching to the at the upper-back edge of the RSD, which the user may employ for increasing the distance from eye to screen and for working with the laptop folded closed.

[0040] 13. Rotating Vertical Papers Organizer/Display

[0041] 14. Sound Speakers connected by feed cables

[0042] 15. Removable VR Headset holder, with snap-on means of affixing

[0043] 16. Attachment/storage slot for plausible accessorizing with accessories such as standing pads, foot pads, lifts, tactile, haptic, biofeedback, and experiential interactive technology, and/or lower-body pressure-point, massage, or exercise equipment, and a connection cable channel to this attachment slot from the system Connection Hub.

[0044] 17. Location of optional side door handle.

[0045] FIG. 2: Lateral Section

[0046] 1. Main power cable and adaptor

[0047] 2. Unmodified standard refrigeration components: compressor, condenser, receiver, valves, coils, thermostat switch, fans, etc., in their typical working configuration

[0048] 3. Power cable and adaptor to the Connection Hub for power and signals to the monitor, speakers, and laptop

[0049] 4. Monitor groove for monitor insertion, attachment, and removal of attachable monitor, with data connection

[0050] 5. RSD Monitor and Monitor Attaching System which, when the monitor is attached, would allow user to maintain a greater eye distance from the screen by working with the user' s portable computer folded closed

[0051] 6. Sound Speakers

[0052] 7. Rotatable Vertical Papers Organizer/Display

[0053] 8. Single connection for portable (laptop) computer to RSD

[0054] 9. Digital Devices Connections Hub

[0055] 10. Height-Adjusting platform for portable (laptop) computer

[0056] 11. Upper Level, center-opening, access doors for chilled dishes, meals, and drinks for accessing in the user's standing work stance, with see-in sliding window

[0057] 12. Upper Level storage for dishes, beverages, and snack while user is in standing work posture.

[0058] 13. Adjustable platform for keyboard, mouse, wrist pad, and forearm rest

[0059] 14. Dish and beverage tray

[0060] 15. Chilled storage, including capacity for extra-high stacked items, including preferred snacks, dishes, and drinks

[0061] 16. Organizing compartments for additional meals, foods, beverages, snacks, and frozen foods

[0062] 17. Lower Level access doors and see-in slide windows, for user access while standing

[0063] 18. Optional side door/door handle for special space configurations

[0064] 19. Alcove Area

[0065] 20. Removable VR Headset Holder, with snap-on means of affixing

[0066] 21. Attachment/storage slot for plausible accessorizing with standing pads, foot pads, lifts, tactile, haptic, biofeedback, and experiential interactive technology, and/or lower-body pressure-point, massage, or exercise equipment, and a connection cable channel to this accessory slot from the system Connection Hub.

[0067] 22. Cabling between Device Connection Hub and devices.

[0068] FIG. 3: Aerial View of Top Surface

[0069] 1. Cable connecting computer to Device Hub (concealed), from which cables to connect to keyboard, mouse, monitor, and accessories.

[0070] 2. Anti-slip, raised-edges, laptop and portable Computer Platform that supports, raises, lowers, and tilts a portable (typically laptop) computer

[0071] 3. Audio system connection cable to user's computer

[0072] 4. Protective grills over the tops of audio speakers

[0073] 5. Removable, reattachable monitor

[0074] 6. Rotatable vertical papers organizer/display

[0075] 7. (Upper Level doors and handles)

[0076] 8. Removable VR Headset Holder, with snap-on means of affixing

[0077] FIG. 4: Aerial View of Top Sub-surface

[0078] 1. Cable connecting power adaptor to Device Connection Hub for devices' power.

[0079] 2. Device Connection Hub

[0080] 3. Down/up cable feeds routed to the Alcove, for connection to keyboard, mouse, and accessories' connection

[0081] 4. Monitor connection feed

[0082] 5. Monitor groove for monitor attachment lock-in and plug-in

[0083] 6. Audio connection feed to speakers

[0084] 7. Two speakers (each with woofer and tweeter), and continuing audio feed between first and second speaker

[0085] 8. Optional side door handle for special space configurations

[0086] 9. Tracks for sliding the Computer Platform foundation offset to the left or right as needed for the center of the Computer Platform to align with the center of the keyboard. (While mouse is preferentially used to one side or the other.)

[0087] 10. Attachment and foundation for the computer platform which securely holds user's (laptop) computer and may adjust its height for the user's preferences.

[0088] FIG. 5: Alcove and Support Foldouts from Above

[0089] 1. The Alcove: Large indentation the full width across the RSD from side to side, deep and tall enough comfortably for the user's hands, wrists, lower forearms, wrist pad, adjustable keyboard platform, keyboard, mouse, and their connections and cables.

[0090] 2. Adjustable Keyboard/Mouse/Wrist Pad Platform with adjusting height support settings on both sides for leveling.

[0091] 3. Feed up and down between the Alcove and the Device Connection Hub

[0092] 4. Keyboard connection to system

[0093] 5. Intermediate elevation area in refrigeration compartments at Alcove Level, providing vertical room behind the Alcove for the items stored on the refrigeration shelf below to be stacked extra-high compared to standard known refrigerators.

[0094] 6. Mouse connection to system

[0095] 7. Mouse usage surface

[0096] 8. Wrist Pad location

[0097] 9. Slide-out forearm support

[0098] 10. Retractable dish and beverage-holding tray at the bottom elevation of the Alcove

DRAWINGS NOTES

[0099] Compared to the known art, the Alcove for use with the wrists and hands replaces a section of refrigerated compartment and a section of door.

[0100] As the drawings indicate, accommodations for the added technology relative to the known art include: [0101] Connection feed channels for cabling (such as USB) and the Device Connection [0102] The means for connecting mouse, keyboard, speakers, and monitors into the RSD, either at the factory or by the user. [0103] The securing and balancing of the user's portable computer and other interface items by specially developed nonslip RSD materials, platforms and upwards raised edges.

[0104] Access to meals, snacks, smoothies and drinks is improved through cup-holders, space for stacking plated meals, and access windows and doors to food and drink in conducive ways for eating while working digitally, remotely, and video-calling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

General Explanation

[0105] The Refrigerator Standing Desk is an invention that locates the work-from-home, study-and-homework, and online meta-experience station without allocating additional unit floor space for furniture. In a refrigerator, floor space is already taken, and food and drink are chilled and stored. Thus with a properly equipped refrigerator, a person is enabled to work on a computing device, particularly including portable or laptop computers, in an ergonomical standing posture, right in the nourishment-center of the home or housing unit. This invented apparatus also minimizes the user's time-consuming, disrupting, interrupting, messy, or distracting physical actions that would otherwise be needed for accessing food while working, studying, or connected to the internet.

[0106] The Refrigerator Standing Desk is made by rethinking— with a mindset towards the remote worker's increasing needs for ergonomics and non-clutter at home when interfacing with technology—the form and function, the main body frame, the layers of the body; the doors; and more of the existing appliance used for refrigeration; and at the same time rethinking the standing-operated desk as a space-taking furnishing and instead adding its function into the existing, large, upright appliance footprint typically in (or sometimes near or far from) the kitchen.

[0107] However, the compressor, condenser, receiver, valves, coils, thermostat switch, fans, and other standard mechanical parts used in refrigeration are unchanged.

[0108] The rethinking of the form and function of the kitchen appliance and the standing desk comprises innovations and improvements to the front, top, body frame, electronic capabilities, doors, and food compartments: [0109] Replacing part of the traditional front door of the refrigerator with a spacious, deep alcove for the human interface to the computer system at an ergonomic level for human operation, and equipping it with an adjustable platform to hold a keyboard, mouse pad, and mouse along with these components connection cables and ports; [0110] Improving the refrigerator's top for technological interfacing as shown in the attached drawings; [0111] Adding a height adjustable platform for the laptop itself [0112] Providing a paper display/organizer [0113] Building in audio speakers [0114] Providing for a vertically placed attachable/detachable flat computer screen [0115] Building in a cable connections hub (e.g. USB hubs) to enable the attachment of the portable computing device to the Refrigerator Standing Desk's system keyboard, mouse, monitor, and speakers with a single cable insertion to the portable computer's port [0116] Improving the refrigerator's frame body to contain cabling channels for device connections alongside the frame's insulation layer; [0117] Improving the front of the refrigerator by adding holders for dishware;

USAGE EXAMPLE 1

[0118] A remote worker in an apartment works 8 hours per day, from 8 am to 5 pm with one hour lunch, and would like to stand while working for up to a few hours at a time during the day. To work on the worker's laptop, the worker places the laptop computer on the Refrigerator Standing Desk (RSD) and simply plugs the RSD apparatus system into the computer through one USB connection. The worker adjusts the adjustable computer device platform to cause the monitor to face the worker an appropriate eye-level. Then the worker uses the keyboard and the mouse at the ergonomic hand and forearm height adjusted for the worker's forearm and wrist support, to conduct work and join business videoconferences. For eye relief and wider monitor visual “real estate” during work while standing, the user switches to using the Refrigerator Standing Desk's back-of-unit, forward-facing, eye-level monitor. For more impressive sound than the laptop alone, the worker plugs into the RSD audio system for sound. When thirsty for a cooled beverage, the worker opens a center-opening, minimal-protrusive door to retrieve a beverage, and may the beverage it on the built-in, fold-out beverage-support. When hungry for fresh food from the refrigerator, the worker opens a minimal-protrusive door to retrieve a bowl or plate, and may set in on the built-in, fold-out plate and bowl support and eat or snack. When complete, the user may fold back in the plate and cup supports. When the opportunity presents itself and the work-from-home worker is ready to sit down, the single system connection cable is disconnected, and the worker carries the laptop to a counter or table to continue work.

USAGE EXAMPLE 2

[0119] A learn-from-home student attends online classes at 7:30 am to 9:00 am, 11:00 am to 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm to 4:15, and 6:00 to 7:30 pm. The 7:30 am class is a lecture. To begin the day with a healthy breakfast and some healthy upright posture time, the student watches the lecture on the RSD's monitor and listens through the RSD's speakers or the student's own earphones, as determined by consideration for any other household members' needs. During the lecture, the student takes any refrigerated components of the student's breakfast out through the front food access doors of the RSD apparatus. Breakfast is consumed from the RSD food tray, while the student takes digital notes and interacts with the lectures. Key paper materials that support the lecture material were already placed on the vertical paper organizer/display for reference. During the lecture when the student has finished eating, the breakfast foods that should be chilled are returned to the RSD food storage compartments. At the close of the lecture, the student cleans the tray. The student may now continue studying in a standing position, or unplug and take the computer and/or paper materials to a different location.

[0120] The mid-day practicum (11:00 am to 1:30 pm) can take place with the student sometimes in a standing and sometimes in a sitting position. If standing and hungry or thirsty, access is provided easily and conveniently.

[0121] There is a timed exam from 3:00 to 4:15. To keep the brain alert and nourished during the mid-afternoon test, the student chooses to stand and to have preferred smoothies and nutrition packs. The student begins the timed test while in the standing position at the RSD with speakers plugged in and monitor setting switched to the laptop's own monitor. The nutrition packs rest on the tray, and the fresh smoothie is retrieved partway through the exam by simply opening the access door with minimal effort or distraction. It is placed on the tray for further imbibing later in the test. At the completion of the exam, the user returns uneaten food, unplugs, and goes on with the late afternoon life of a student.

[0122] 6:00 to 7:30 pm is questions and answers (Q&A) with an expert instructor. After a demanding day, the student may wish to participate in Q&A on a sofa and food on the coffee table. Then, finding attention fading while important teaching is occurring, a period of standing becomes attractive to the student. The student carries the laptop to the RSD and plugs in, and interaction switches to the keyboard and mouse in the alcove. The movement boosts the student's attention. The ease of access to the fresh food storage gives the student an inclination to obtain fresh vegetable sticks, dipping sauce, fruit and an evening juice from the RSD with minimal distraction from the valuable learning. After the useful Q&A, the student continues working on an assignment in an upright posture easily eating nutritious fresh food, until easily returning the food to the RSD' s inside food compartments and moving on to a more relaxing posture at the end of the evening.

USAGE EXAMPLE 3

[0123] A user of a metaverse-related technology in a home with limited space seeks a consistent place to log in with their avatar for extended experiences and virtual outings, perhaps with other avatars. The user has a virtual day trip and virtual dinner planned. While in a standing position, the user puts on the VR Headset (found in the Headset Holder), and commences “walking through the daytrip scenery,” virtually or in a “metaverse” type of reality. The user becomes hungry. Remaining in a virtual/meta-space, the user conveniently opens the RSD front door, using a developed spatial familiarity with how to open the food access doors and know exactly how to find and grab the preferred snack, meal, or beverage. The user can eat or drink the item all at once, or place it down on the food and beverage tray, which is also done through nonvisual familiarity with the convenient and user-friendly apparatus. To continue eating or drinking, the user again uses familiarity with the design to pick up the food or drink. When the user has eaten or drunk to satiety, physical familiarity also allows the VR-immersed user to return any partially completed containers to the refrigerated food storage area of the apparatus. If the user finishes the day-trip VR session and has a break before the virtual dinner date, the user may remove the headset and return the headset to the Headset Holder. The user may then further clean the RSD's tray at this time, and may reorganize, take out food for kitchen preparation, and/or restock the refrigerated food storage areas of the RSD apparatus as desired.

[0124] For the virtual dinner gathering, while the user may go to a sitting position and complete the dinner at a table or counter, the user may also, even for the virtual dinner gathering, wish to mix in physically standing, for comfort, stretching, health, or other reasons. Whether a given course of the dinner is warmed and prepared in the kitchen, or is obtained straight out of the refrigerator (such as a drink or desert), the user may come to standing at the RSD apparatus for ease of food tray usage and food and beverage access. At any time the user feels safe doing so, the user may transition between sitting and standing while experiencing the virtual reality/“metaverse”-related dinner event.