Patent Application
20220369806
Various exemplary embodiments relate to height adjustable work surfaces.
Modern workplace environments and work stations, as well as the demands for mobility and body positioning are vastly changed from earlier workplaces, where desks and chairs were provided to support workers in typically upright seating postures. Modern workplaces are adapting both sitting and standing worker positions allowing user mobility and range of motion to facilitate job tasks.
Providing the option to either sit or stand at a workstation can allow a user to alternate working positions, preventing injury due to being set in a specific position over an entire day. While workstations (e.g., tables or desks) with a raise and lower mechanism are available, these can be expensive and are not ideal for each environment. Convertible platforms that are placed on top of a user's standard sitting desk are also available, however these are designed for stationary use, decreasing their flexibility and flexibility in the workplace environment.
A height adjustable work surface includes a platform and a height adjustment assembly moveably connected to the platform. A leg assembly is connected to the height adjustment assembly and moveably connected to the platform. The leg assembly is moveable between a raised position, a lowered position, and at least one intermediate position. A locking assembly is moveably connected to the platform. The locking assembly is configured to engage the height adjustment assembly to selectively secure the leg assembly in the raised position, the lowered position, and the at least one intermediate position.
In one aspect of the invention, the platform includes a main body having a base and a tray recessed from at least a portion of the base, and wherein at least a portion of the height adjustment mechanism is positioned between the tray and the base. The platform may include an inner cover positioned over the tray and wherein an outer cover is positioned over the base. In another aspect of the invention, the platform has a height that reduces toward the user.
In another aspect of the invention, the leg assembly includes a first leg and a second leg and wherein the height adjustment assembly includes a first slider connected to the first leg and a second slider connected to the second leg. The first slider may include a first set of teeth and the second slider may include a second set of teeth configured to align with the first set of teeth. The locking assembly may include a third set of teeth configured to engage the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth to secure the leg assembly in a selected position. The first set of teeth and the second set of teeth may be angled toward a distal portion of the platform and the third set of teeth may be angled toward a proximal portion of the platform. The first slider and the second slider may translate relative to the platform. The first leg may be rotatably connected to the first slider and the second leg may be rotatably connected to the second slider. A first biasing mechanism may be attached to the platform at a first end and attached to the first slider at a second end, and a second biasing mechanism may be attached to the platform at a first end and attached to the second slider at a second end. The first biasing mechanism and the second biasing mechanism may bias the leg assembly to the raised position. The first slider may be positioned on top of the second slider.
In another aspect of the invention, the leg assembly includes an H-leg and a split leg. In another aspect of the invention, a link is rotatably connected to the leg assembly and rotatably connected to the platform, and the link is configured to support the platform through movement of the leg assembly, and the height adjustable work surface further comprises a torsion spring positioned in the leg assembly and connected to a spring bracket, the link is rotatably fixed to the spring bracket, and the torsion spring is configured to bias the link toward the raised position.
In another aspect of the invention, the locking assembly includes a first arm rotatably connected to the platform and a second arm rotatably connected to the platform. The locking assembly may include a first biasing mechanism biasing the first arm to a locked position and a second biasing mechanism biasing the second arm to a locked position.
In another aspect of the invention, the height adjustable work surface further comprises a lower position lock configured to releasably secure the leg assembly inside of the platform in the lowered position. The lower position lock may include a protrusion extending from the leg assembly and recessed tab formed in the locking assembly, and the protrusion may include a hook configured to releasably engage the recessed tab.
In another aspect of the invention, the leg assembly is positioned in a cavity in the platform when the leg assembly is in the lowered position. In another aspect of the invention, the height adjustable work surface further comprises a foot pivotally connected to the leg assembly.
The aspects and features of various exemplary embodiments will be more apparent from the description of those exemplary embodiments taken with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a height adjustable desktop riser work surface includes a platform 100, a leg assembly 200, a height adjustment assembly 300, and a locking assembly 400. The desktop riser is configured to be positioned on a horizontal surface, such as an existing desk or table. The platform forms a surface to support a user's work material (e.g., keyboards, computers, papers, etc.) between a raised, standing position (
As best shown in the lowered position of
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As best shown in
The first leg 204 and second leg 206 each includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes connecting members 210 to connect the legs 204, 206 to the platform 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting member 210 includes a cylindrical opening that receives a pin 212. The pins 212 extend through the connecting members 210. A first end of the pin 212 extends into a first slot at least partially defined by the base 108 and a cover 214 releasably connected to the base 108. A second end of the pin is received in a second slot at least partially defined by the tray 114 and connected to the height adjustment assembly 300. The pin 212 can slide in the slots (e.g., relative rotation between the pin 212 and the slots) as the platform 100 is raised and lowered and the H-leg assembly 202 rotates about the pin 212 during movement.
The leg assembly also includes a split-leg rotatably and slidably connected to the rear of the platform. The split-leg includes a third leg 216 and a fourth leg 218 that are connected to the platform 100 and to a plate 220 that extends between the third and fourth legs 216, 218. The plate 220 is also connected to the height adjustment assembly 300. Each of the third leg 216 and the fourth leg 218 are positioned on the outside of the H-leg 202 and can include an upper portion 222 that angles toward the interior of the platform 100 and a lower portion 224 that angles toward the exterior of the platform 100.
The upper portion 222 of the third and fourth leg 216, 218 each includes a connecting member 226 to connect the respective legs 216, 218 to the platform 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting member 226 includes a cylindrical opening that receives a pin 228. A first end of the pin 228 extends into a slot at least partially defined by the base 108 and a cover 230 releasably connected to the base 108. A second end of the pin 228 is connected to the plate 220. The second end of the pin 228 can have a flattened section 232 so that the pin 228 can be connected to the plate 220 with one or more fasteners. The pin 228 can slide in the slot as the platform 100 is raised and lowered and the respective third or fourth leg 216, 218 rotates about the pin 228 during movement. In some embodiments, a sleeve 234 can be positioned inside of the connecting member 226 to receive the pin 228.
In an exemplary embodiment, the H-leg 202 and the split-leg are connected to one another at an intermediate connection point along the leg assembly 200. For example, a first pin 236 can rotatably connect the first leg 204 to the third leg 216 and a second pin 238 can rotatably connect the second leg 206 to the fourth leg 218. The first and second pins 236, 238 can extend into respective openings on the legs. In some embodiments, sleeves 240 can be positioned in the openings to receive the pins 236, 238.
As shown in
The first end 244 of the link 242 can be received by a sleeve 250 positioned in the respective third or fourth leg 216, 218. The second end 246 of the link 242 can be connected to the base by a link bracket 252 that is fixedly attached to the main body 102. The second end 246 of the link 242 can be positioned so that it aligns with the pivot point of the leg structure and a midpoint of the platform along the line Cl.
In certain embodiments, the position of the link bracket 252 is adjustable relative to the main body 102, for example along an axis running from the front to the back of the platform 100. This creates a floating connection point that can allow for easier assembly of the link 242. For example, the exact position of the second end 246 of the link 242 will depend on the position of the leg assembly 200, height adjustment assembly 300, and locking assembly 400. This position may not always be in an exact location due to manufacturing and assembly tolerances. Allowing adjustment of the link bracket position (i.e., plus or minus 2 mm from a set point) accommodates these tolerances.
As shown in
The H-leg slider 302 includes a body 310 having proximate end positioned toward the front of the platform 100 and a distal end positioned toward the rear of the platform 100. The proximate portion includes a connecting member 312 configured to receive the pins 212 from the H-leg assembly. The proximate portion also includes an attachment feature 314 that connects the H-leg biasing mechanism 304 to the body 310. The attachment feature 314 can include a hook, slot, channel or other feature configured to connect to an end of the H-leg biasing mechanism 304.
A plurality of teeth 316 are positioned along each side of the body 310 and are configured to engage the locking assembly 400. The teeth 316 are angled toward the distal end of the body 310. Movement of the H-leg slider 302 is guided by one or more slots 318 formed in the body 310. The slots 318 receive a protrusion extending from the tray 114, for example a cylindrical post or protrusion 118 as best shown in
The H-leg biasing mechanism 304 includes a first end connected to the H-leg slider 302 and a second end connected to the main body 102. A force is exerted by the H-leg biasing mechanism 304 to bias the H-leg slider 302 to the rear of the platform (i.e., the raised position). The first and second ends of the H-leg biasing mechanism 304 can include connecting features such as hooks or loops that allow the ends to be releasably connected. In an exemplary embodiment the H-leg biasing mechanism 304 includes a single coil extension spring having a hook formed in the first and second ends. Other types of biasing mechanisms, including gas springs, elastomeric springs, etc, can also be used.
The split-leg slider 306 includes a body 322 having a proximate end positioned toward the front of the platform 100 and a distal end positioned toward the rear of the platform 100. The distal portion of the body 322 is connected to the plate 220. The distal portion also includes a connection 324 for the split-leg biasing mechanism 308. The connection 324 can include a hook, slot, channel or other feature configured to connect to an end of the split-leg biasing mechanism 308. The body 322 also includes a plurality of teeth 326 along each side of the body 322 that are configured to engage the locking assembly 400. The teeth 326 are angled toward the distal end of the body 322. The teeth 326 of the split-leg body 322 are also configured to align with the teeth 316 of the H-leg body 310. Movement of the split-leg slider 306 is guided by one or more slots 328 formed in the body. The slots 328 receive a protrusion 118, for example a cylindrical post, extending from the tray 114. The protrusion 118 extends into the slot 328 to promote translation of the split-leg slider 306 with respect to the tray 114. In an exemplary embodiment, the protrusions 118 extend through the slots 318, 328 in both the H-leg slider 302 and the split-leg slider 306.
The split-leg biasing mechanism 308 includes a first end connected to the main body 102 and a second end connected to the split-leg slider 306. A force is exerted by the split-leg biasing mechanism 308 to bias the split-leg slider 306 to the front of the platform 100 (i.e., the raised position). The first and second ends of the split-leg biasing mechanism 308 can include a connecting feature such as hooks or loops that allow the ends to be releasably connected. In an exemplary embodiment the split-leg biasing mechanism 308 includes a single coil extension spring having a hook formed in the first and second ends. Other types of biasing mechanisms can also be used.
In an exemplary embodiment, the body of the H-leg slider 302 and the split-leg slider 306 can each include a recessed groove 330, 332 that receives a portion of the length of the H-leg biasing mechanism 304 and the split-leg biasing mechanism 308 as shown in
According to various exemplary embodiments, the locking assembly 400 includes a first arm 402, a first arm biasing mechanism 404, a second arm 406, and a second arm biasing mechanism 408. The first and second arms 402, 406 are moveably connected to opposite sides of the main body 102 between a locked position that prevents movement of the leg assembly 200 and a released position that allows movement of the leg assembly 200. The first and second arms 402, 406 can extend from underneath the platform 100 and be accessible to a user to engage and disengage the locking assembly 400. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking assembly 400 directly engages with the slider assembly 300 to prevent movement, although other configurations (e.g., direct engagement with the leg assembly) can also be used. The first and second arm biasing mechanisms 404, 408 bias the arms 402, 406 into the locked position.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second arms 402, 406 are mirror images of each other and share the same structural features. As such, only a single arm is described in detail. Other exemplary embodiments can include arms with different structures. Some embodiments can utilize a single moveable arm for the locking assembly. The first and second arms are also shown as unitarily formed or monolithic members, although they can also be formed in separate parts.
As best shown in
A first body portion 414 of the arm extends away from the cylindrical wall. A set of arm teeth 416 are formed in the first body portion 414. The arm teeth 416 angle toward the proximate portion of the platform 100 and are configured to releasably mate with the teeth 316, 326 of the slider assembly 300. The size of the arm teeth 416 allows them to mate with both the H-leg slider teeth 316 and the split-leg slider teeth 36. In certain embodiments, the set of teeth 416 includes either three or four teeth. If too few teeth are used, the engagement strength is insufficient and if too many teeth are used the locking assembly 400 can become too bulky.
When the sets of teeth are engaged, the riser is locked in position and when the sets of teeth are disengaged the riser can be raised or lowered. In this way the platform 100 can be retained at different heights with the arm teeth 416 capable of engaging any set of the slider teeth 316, 326. The angle of the arm teeth 416 creates a self locking behavior when the platform 100 is under load.
A second body portion 418 of the arm 402 extends away from the first body portion 414 outwardly toward the outer edge of the platform 100. A hook 420 can extend from the second body portion 418 to receive the first arm biasing mechanism 404. A handle 422 extends from the second body portion 418. The handle 422 extends underneath the platform 100 and is configured for user engagement. For example, by pulling the handle 422, the user can rotate the first arm 402 to disengage the arm teeth 416 from the slider assembly 300. Additionally, a slot 424 is formed in the arm 402 that receives the link 242/256, allowing the arm 402 to move relative to the link 242/256.
The first arm biasing mechanism 404 includes a first end connected to the main body 102 and a second end connected to the first arm 402. A force is exerted by the first arm biasing mechanism 404 to bias the first arm 402 into engagement with the slider assembly 300 (i.e., a locked position). The first and second ends of the first arm biasing mechanism 404 can include a connecting feature such as hooks or loops that allow the ends to be releasably connected. In an exemplary embodiment the first arm biasing mechanism 404 includes a single coil extension spring having a hook formed in the first and second ends. Other types of biasing mechanisms can also be used.
Use of the two arms as shown and described requires that both arms must be intentionally moved by the user to release the height adjustment assembly 300 for movement in either direction. This helps prevent inadvertent movement of the platform 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the arms 402, 404 are positioned to be at least partially along mid-line Ci of the riser. This allows the user to more easily raise or lower the platform compared with handles that are positioned closer to the user.
The lower position lock assembly includes a set of protrusion 278 extending from the first and second legs 204, 206 of the H-leg 202. The protrusions 278 can include a cantilevered hook member having a head with an angled top edge. A recessed tab 426 is formed on the first and second arms 402, 406. The recessed tab 426 includes an angled bottom wall 428. When in the locked position, the hook engages the tab 426, which prevents or limits the leg assembly 200 from moving relative to the locking assembly 400, and therefore the platform 100.
When lowering the riser from the raised position, the head of the protrusion 278 can engage the angled bottom wall 428 in the respective arm 402, as shown in
The legs can include a curved recessed portion 620 having a pair of side sockets 622. A rear over-hang 624 extends from the leg on one side of the recessed portion 620. The foot 600 is press fit or snap fit into the leg so that the pins 610 are positioned in the sockets 622. As the leg is moved from a raised to lower position, the over-hang 624 can rotate around the rear protrusion 614 and engage the clip 608 so that the foot 600 stays engaged with the leg.
In some embodiments, the front feet 600 can be equipped with first base pads 630 that include a material having a first friction coefficient (ie., a higher friction material such as rubber or another elastomer) and the rear feet 600 can be equipped with second base pads 632 that include a material having a second friction coefficient that is less than the first friction coefficient (i.e. low friction material such as felt or another fabric) as best shown in
The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodiments has been provided for the purpose of explaining the general principles and practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the exemplary embodiments disclosed. Any of the embodiments and/or elements disclosed herein may be combined with one another to form various additional embodiments not specifically disclosed. Accordingly, additional embodiments are possible and are intended to be encompassed within this specification and the scope of the appended claims. The specification describes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.
As used in this application, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and other orientational descriptors are intended to facilitate the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the structure of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular position or orientation. Terms of degree, such as “substantially” or “approximately” are understood by those of ordinary skill to refer to reasonable ranges outside of the given value, for example, general tolerances associated with manufacturing, assembly, and use of the described embodiments.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2019/052888 | 10/10/2019 | WO |
