Patent Application
20130014675
The present invention relates generally to furniture having means for adjusting the height thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to a desktop apparatus that is used to adjust the working surface between a lower, seated position and a raised, standing position.
For many people, it is desirable to have a desktop or work surface that is positioned at a high enough level so that the person may work while standing. Particularly for people who have chronic back pain, working in a standing position is preferable to working in a seated position, in order to alleviate the pain associated with remaining seated for long periods of time. However, even for these people who prefer to work while standing, there are times when it is simply easier to work in a seated position, as well. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a desktop or tabletop work surface that may be raised so that a person may work in a standing position, and alternatively, may be lowered so that the person may work in a seated position. Various devices have been developed and commercialized over the years for this purpose.
For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,450 is directed to a table lift apparatus including a folding frame assembly and a pair of support members which are connected to the folding frame assembly by a linkage. This apparatus is mounted on a coffee table base, and is capable of an open position in which the table top of the coffee table is lifted to a height appropriate for a dining table.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,038,982 includes a table having a tabletop that is divided into three parts, of which one is fixedly connected to the frame of the table, the second is articulated on the first by a joint and the third is in turn articulated on the second by joint and is adjustable as to height.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,514 discloses an adjustable height table support mechanism, used for tables, counters, or the like, in which the top lifts and pivots upward and outward on pairs of links attached to the top and to link housings attached to the table or counter base.
One problem associated with each of these designs is that when the adjustable height surface is raised to an upper position, it must also be moved laterally or outwardly away from the supporting frame. This arrangement requires additional space around the supporting frame, thus precluding the possibility of positioning these tables in tight quarters, or against a wall. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a desktop mechanism where the work surface may be raised straight up in a vertical manner, without the necessity of moving the work surface in an outward or lateral direction away from the supporting frame.
Certain adjustable height desks do move only in a vertical plain, however they focus on replacing the entire desk, which also necessitates the further expense of adding separate drawers and file cabinets beneath the moveable top. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a mechanism that would sit on top of existing desks to avoid the need and expense of removing and replacing the entire desk structure and transferring contents and files as well as purchasing new storage drawers and filing cabinets.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a height-adjustable desktop apparatus is provided. A flat work surface is hingedly attached to a pair of support members disposed in parallel relation to one another. The support members each include a hinge on a top portion thereof, which is connected to the underside of the flat work surface, and further include a hinge on a bottom portion thereof, that is attached to a sliding base member. In the raised, upper position, the flat work surface, the supports and the sliding base member form a rectangular shape, so that the support members are generally in a vertical position, and the work surface and sliding base member are disposed horizontally. During adjustment, the support members both pivot in the same direction, so that the work surface and sliding base member are still in a horizontal position, and with the support members disposed angularly in the same direction so that they are in a parallel configuration. When the flat work surface is in the lowered position, each component (the work surface, the support members, and the sliding base member) are disposed in a horizontal position, with the work surface on top, the support members positioned beneath the work surface (adjacent one another in the same plane), and the sliding base member on bottom in a type of sandwich configuration.
On one or both sides of the adjustable apparatus is a stationary vertical component (hereafter referred to as a hutch, but which could take many forms), which includes a fixed base member and may include one or more raised shelves, with each shelf having a fixed vertical support on either side thereof. The work surface may include one or more guides extending outwardly therefrom, and which may take the form of a simple guide pin or a more secure connection such as roller wheel connected to the hutch within a channel or by a vertical sliding mechanism. The guides contact or connect to a vertical surface of the hutch and are used to maintain the lateral position of the work surface. This arrangement allows the work surface to move only in a vertical direction, and prevents the work surface from moving in a lateral or sideways direction. The sliding base member is attached to the fixed base member of the hutch by a sliding mechanism, which is commonly used as the sliding mechanism for cabinet drawers. In this way, when the work surface is moved from an upper position to a lower position, the base member slides in a lateral direction to one side, while the support members pivot in parallel fashion, and the work surface moves downwardly in a horizontal direction. The sliding base member, is disposed beneath the work surface in an offset manner when in the lower position, and is disposed in a more central configuration below the work surface when the work surface is in the raised position.
In addition to functioning as a stationary attach point for the sliding base member(s) and for the guides vertically, the hutch also may provide a vertical attach point and support for a vertical lifting mechanism which creates upward force on the flat work surface to facilitate the vertical movement of the work surface with a minimum amount of force. In one embodiment, a pivoting lever may be attached to a side of the fixed support of the hutch. The front portion of the lever may be attached to the underside of the flat work surface, and the back portion of the lever may be attached to a gas piston or spring. The bottom of the gas piston may be attached to the back portion of the lever, and the top portion of the gas piston may be attached to the corresponding side of the fixed support of the hutch. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of these gas piston/lever mechanisms may be used for optimal support.
Additionally, a gas piston may be employed in order to regulate the speed with which the apparatus is adjusted, so that the adjustment motion is smooth and slow enough to prevent damage or injury to the apparatus or operator. In one embodiment, a gas piston may be attached between a hinged support member and the sliding base member. In another embodiment, a gas piston may be attached between a hinged support member and the underside of the flat work surface.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an A-frame type of height adjustment apparatus is provided. In this embodiment, the flat work surface is similarly disposed adjacent a fixed hutch, and a pair of sliding base members is provided, one on the left side of the workstation, and one on the right side. The sliding base members are disposed beneath the flat work surface, and each sliding base member includes a pair of hinged, parallel support members attached thereto. In the raised position, the support members of the each sliding base member are angled slightly toward the center of the work surface, thus forming the A-frame. When the work surface is adjusted toward the lower position, each sliding base member slides laterally away from one another beneath the flat work surface, and the work surface, similarly to the embodiment set forth above, moves only in a vertical direction. Again, the guide moves vertically along a side surface of a fixed support of the hutch, thus preventing any lateral movement of the flat work surface. Each sliding base member is affixed to the fixed base member of the hutch using a sliding mechanism, so that the base members may slide laterally with respect to the fixed base member toward an outward position. In the lowered position, the sliding base members are positioned beneath the flat work surface, and preferably do not extend beyond the sides of the flat work surface, in order to form a compact unit. Additionally, the various configurations of gas pistons or springs previously described may be used in order to effectuate and facilitate a vertical lifting action and a smooth, slow adjustment action.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an A-frame type of height adjustment apparatus is provided with single support members on each side. In this embodiment, the flat work surface is similarly disposed adjacent to a fixed hutch, and two sliding support members are provided, one on the left side of the workstation, and one on the right side. The support members are disposed beneath the flat work surface. In the raised position, the support members are angled slightly toward the center of the work surface, thus forming the A-frame. When the work surface is adjusted toward the lower position, each sliding support member slides laterally away from one another beneath the flat work surface, and the work surface, similarly to the embodiment set forth above, moves only in a vertical direction. Again, the guide moves vertically along a side surface of a fixed support of the hutch, thus preventing any lateral movement of the flat work surface. The bottom corner of each sliding support member is affixed to the fixed base member of the hutch using a sliding mechanism, so that the support members may slide laterally with respect to the fixed base member toward an outward position. In the lowered position, the sliding support members are positioned beneath the flat work surface, and preferably do not extend beyond the sides of the flat work surface, in order to form a compact unit. In the A frame embodiments, the two support members are connected by means for synchronizing the movements of the support members. For instance, a dual rack and pinion assembly or ball and screw mechanixm may be attached between the support members in order to maintain even movement of each support member during adjustment thereof. Additionally, the various configurations of gas pistons or springs previously described may be used in order to effectuate and facilitate a vertical lifting action and a smooth, slow adjustment action
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
The present invention includes, in a first embodiment, a height adjustable desktop apparatus including a flat work surface 10 that may be adjusted between a raised and a lowered position, as well as any desired intermediate position, as shown in
As the flat work surface 10 is lowered, the sliding base member 14 moves laterally in a sideways direction beneath the flat work surface 10, and the hinged support members 12 pivot, in parallel fashion, in the same direction as the sliding base member 14. Thus, in an intermediate position between the raised and lowered position, the work surface 10, the sliding base member 14 and the hinged supports 12 work in concert so that the work surface 10 and the sliding base member 14 are in a horizontal orientation, and the hinged support members 12 are in a parallel, angled configuration.
When the flat work surface 10 is in a lowered position, the sliding base member 14 is in a horizontal position that is offset from the center of the flat work surface 10, and the hinged support members 12 are in a horizontal orientation, in the same plane as one another, between the horizontally disposed flat work surface 10 and the sliding base member 14, to form a compact unit in a type of sandwich configuration. This arrangement allows the flat work surface 10 to move in a vertical direction only, while the sliding base member 14 moves in a lateral, horizontal direction only. A pair of guide members 24 may extend outwardly from a backside of the flat work surface to engage a fixed support 22 of the hutch 16, so that they move along a vertical surface of the fixed supports 22 of the hutch 16, in order to further prevent any lateral or sideways movement of the flat work surface 10. The guide means may alternately or supplementally consist of a slide or roller wheel/channel connection to provide for a more uniform distance between the hutch 16 and the flat work surface 10.
The sliding base member 14 may be attached to the fixed base member 18 of the hutch 16 by using a sliding mechanism 26 commonly found in cabinet drawers. A gas piston 28 may be attached between the sliding base member 14 and the hinged support members 12, or the flat work surface 10 as shown, in order to effectuate a smooth, slow, controlled adjustment action. Such gas pistons are commonly used in association with screen doors or storm doors on buildings, for similar purposes.
An additional gas piston 28 or spring may be used in conjunction with a pivoting lever 30 attached to a side of the fixed support 22 of the hutch 16. The front portion of the lever 30 is disposed beneath the flat work surface 10, and the back portion of the lever 30 is attached to the gas piston 28 or spring (not shown). The bottom of the gas piston 28 may be attached to the back portion of the lever 30, and the top portion of the gas piston 28 may be attached to the corresponding side of the fixed support 22 of the hutch 16. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in
In one embodiment as shown in
In order to use the start lever 32, a user simply grabs the handle end 34 of the start lever 32 when the work surface 10 is in the raised position and applies force in the direction that the sliding base member 14 must move in order to lower the work surface 10. The start lever 32 pivots to a position that is perpendicular with the longitudinal direction of the sliding base member 14 while the hook member 36 is engaged with the fixed pin 38, and this motion causes the sliding base member 14 to slide laterally. Then, the user continues to apply force in the same direction, the hook 36 disengages from the fixed pin 38, and the sliding base member 14 continues to slide in the lateral direction until the work surface 10 is either in the collapsed position, or in a desired intermediate position. In order to move the work surface 10 to a raised position, the user simply applies upward pressure to the bottom of the work surface, whereby the force of the pistons assists in lifting the work surface.
A second embodiment is shown in
Similarly to the first embodiment set forth herein, the sliding base members 14 may be slidably attached to a fixed hutch 16, the guide members 24 may be similarly utilized, and gas pistons 28 and pivoting levers 30 may be used in a similar manner to effectuate a smooth, controlled adjustment action and as a lifting device to facilitate movement up and down with a minimum amount of required force. It should be understood that the gas pistons 28 may be attached to the adjustment mechanism in a variety of ways, and it is preferred that the gas pistons 28 be attached in a manner that accomplishes the purpose of providing smooth adjustment action without interfering with the nesting capability of the apparatus in the collapsed configuration.
In the A-frame embodiments shown in
It should be understood and recognized by those skilled in the art that any number of other mechanisms or devices may be used to secure the flat work surface in a raised position, or in any desired intermediate position. It should also be understood that although the A-frame apparatus is described as having a pair of hinged support members 12 attached to each sliding base member 14, it is possible to use a single hinged support member 12 in connection with each sliding base member 14. Alternatively, the A-frame embodiment may include two hinged support members 12 without a sliding base member 14, wherein a lower portion of the hinged support members 12 may be slidably attached to the hutch 16, as shown in
Further, although the hutch 16 has been described as having a base member 18 and raised shelves 20, the hutch 16 may be formed in many configurations, so long as it provides a point of attachment on a fixed base 18 for the sliding mechanism 26 that allows the sliding base members 14 to move in a lateral direction, and preferably provides some vertical means for the guides 24 or vertical slides or similar vertical guide mechanisms, as well as an attachment point for an optional vertical lift system incorporating springs or gas pistons 28, or a ball and screw mechanism (manual or electrically driven), as described herein. One particular feature of the hutch 16 that may be incorporated therein is an additional shelf 20 that may be disposed between the side shelves to provide a smooth, planar surface of the hutch 16 on a top level thereof. Such a third shelf may also include height adjustment means to allow height adjustment for various size computer screens.
Spaced upper block members 88 are affixed underneath work surface 80 and to an upper slide mechanism 116 which is connected to an end 86a of second hinged support frame 86, as will be discussed more fully below. The opposing end of the second hinged support frame is pivotally attached to fixed base frame member 81. In this manner, the work surface may be moved in a vertical direction while the lower sliding base 82, and upper end 86a of the second hinged support member may be moved in a lateral, horizontal direction. In a raised position 92, the first and second hinged support frames form an X-frame configuration 90. It will be seen that the lower sliding base member 82 and end 86a are positioned so they both slide in the same direction when the work surface is raised or lowered.
A hutch framework 94 includes at least two spaced vertical supports 96, 98 affixed to fixed base member 81, and may also include a third spaced vertical support 97. An optional adjustable hutch shelf 99 may be connected between vertical supports 96, 97, or between supports 96 and 98. In the event the shelf is carried between vertical supports 96 and 97, a smaller shelf 99 may be carried between vertical members 97 and 98. One or more cross-brace 101 may extend between outermost vertical supports. First and second hinged support frames 84, 86 each include a pair of frame legs 84c, 84d, and 86c, 86d, respectively. Legs 84c, 84d of first hinged support member 84 cross legs 86c, 86d of the second hinged member, and said crossing legs are connected by a pivot bolt 100 to form an X-frame 90 when the work surface is raised.
An upper block 102 is affixed to underside 80a of work surface 80 and the first hinged support frame is hinged at 84b to the upper block. A lower block 104 is affixed to fixed base member 81 and second hinged support frame 86 is hinged to the lower block at end 86b. First hinged support frame 84 includes first transverse braces 106a, 106b connected between legs 84c and 84d at ends 84a, 84b, respectively. Second hinged support frame 86 includes second transverse braces 108a, 108b connected between legs 86c, 86d at opposing ends.
Referring to
One or more gas pistons 122 or spring mechanisms may be attached between one of the hinged support frames and a fixed member such as the work surface or fixed base member for reducing the amount of force necessary to lift the work surface to a raised position. Reducing means may be selected from the group consisting of a lever and gas piston assembly, springs, a scissor mechanism, or a ball and screw mechanism.
Ideally, the scissors-like, cross-fame support configuration facilitates use of means to adjust and lock the work surface at other heights between the raised position of
Preferably, end faces of vertical support members 96, 98 include vertical slots 130 which receive a pivotal arm mechanism 134 to soften the raising and lowering of the work surface while stabilizing the ends of the work surface. The arm mechanism includes a gas spring 136 and piston bracket 138 connected to guide arm 140 (right side not shown). Such a mechanism is described more fully in reference to
Each of the configurations disclosed and described herein has the advantage of allowing the work surface 10,80 to move solely in a vertical direction and the sliding base members 14,82 to move in a solely lateral or sideways motion, with the hinged support members 12,84,86 facilitating such movement. This arrangement provides a compact, low profile mechanism that may be used in tight quarters or against walls, because raising the work surface does not require additional lateral space surrounding the apparatus. Additionally, the unit may be incorporated into a desk or table during the manufacturing process thereof, or may simply be placed on top of an existing flat surface, such as a table or desk, as an aftermarket item. Additionally, a cushion or self-inflating pad 44 may be attached to the work surface 10, 80 to provide additional height adjustment means as shown in
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13180815 | Jul 2011 | US |
| Child | 13486206 | US |
