Patent Grant
11109672
Vertically adjustable desks typically include a work surface which is supported by a first and a second leg, both the first and the second let of the desk are vertically adjustable to change the elevation of the work surface. Such adjustable desks are becoming more popular due to the flexible height of the work surface and the ability of the user to sit at the desk work surface or stand at the work surface of the desk. Further, the available space below the horizontal work surface may be utilized for other purposes whether the desk is raised or lowered.
This specification is directed generally to systems and mechanisms which allow for affixing various accessories and attachments to the underside of the vertically adjustable desk through the use of an under-carriage mounting system so that attachment of accessories directly to the work surface is not required. The undercarriage mounting system affixes variously to the runner supports under the horizontal work surface and ensuring the longitudinal support of the desk while allowing use of the area under the desk by a number of attached accessories.
The vertically adjustable desk having the under-carriage mounting system may include the first and the second telescoping leg which each are attached to a respective first and second U-shaped support bracket. The respective U-shaped support brackets receive first and second runner supports which extend longitudinally along the underside of the horizontal work surface and between the first and second telescoping support legs. The U-shaped brackets may receive the first and second runner supports within tubular legs to secure the runner supports to the U-shaped brackets. The U-shaped brackets may also incorporate at least one thread plate or other attachment surface on one or both of the tubular legs to receive various accessories. In some implementations, the U-shaped brackets may receive eyelets to connect to hanging accessories below the work surface. In alternative embodiments, the brackets may receive a desk extension assembly which may also support a CPU. In still further implementations, an accessory may span between the U-shaped brackets and hence attached to both the first and the second bracket.
In some implementations, the vertically adjustable desk having an under carriage mounting system includes a work surface supported by a first and a second telescoping leg wherein each of the first and second telescoping legs have a foot, at least one electric motor operably connected to the first and the second telescoping leg, an electrical switch in electrical connection with the electric motor to activate the at least one electric motor to cause the first and second telescoping leg to raise or lower the work surface, the first telescoping leg having a first foot and the second telescoping leg having a second foot, a first leg support on the first leg supporting the work surface and a second leg support on the second leg supporting the work surface, a first and a second runner support extending between the first leg support and the second leg support, at least part of the work surface supported by the first and the second runner support; a first U-shaped support bracket affixed to a first end of the first and the second runner support and a second U-shaped support bracket affixed to a second end of the first and the second runner support; each of the first and the second U-shaped bracket having a plurality of apertures for receiving an attachment screw.
In variations, the vertically adjustable desk where the first and the second tubular leg may include a cross support connection, the first tubular leg receiving the first runner support and the second tubular leg receiving the second runner support. While shown in the various embodiments, the cross support connection may be positioned in different locations, combined with other hardware structure, or removed all together so that the U-shaped support brackets may instead be includes of only the first and second leg without the cross support connection.
In embodiments, the first and the second U-shaped support bracket may each include a thread plate having the plurality of apertures for receiving an attachment screw. Further, in some implementations, the apertures in the U-Shaped support bracket could be threaded apertures. In even further embodiments, the plurality of apertures include at least one aperture of a first diameter and at least one aperture of a second diameter different than the first diameter.
To ensure stability, in some embodiments, the first and the second U-shaped support bracket is affixed to the work surface. In even further implementations, the first U-shaped support bracket may be affixed to the first leg support on the first leg and the second U-shaped support bracket may be affixed to the second leg support on the second leg.
In aspects, the runners which are provided and which extend between the support legs may be in substantially parallel relationship. In addition or in place thereof, the first and the second leg supports may be integrated with the respective first and second legs. As well in addition or in place thereof, the first U-shaped support bracket may have an open end, the open end affixed to the first leg support, and the second U-shaped support bracket may have an open end, the open end of the second U-shaped support bracket affixed to the second leg support. As well and in some implementations of the desk described herein, the first and the second U-shaped support bracket may have an eyelet bracket removably affixed respectively thereto.
In other implementations, the vertically adjustable desk having an under carriage mounting system may include a work surface supported by a first and a second telescoping leg, each of said first and said second telescoping leg having a foot, at least one electric motor operably connected to the first and the second telescoping leg, an electrical switch in electrical connection with the electric motor to activate the at least one electric motor to cause the first and second telescoping leg to raise or lower the work surface, the first telescoping leg having a first foot and the second telescoping leg having a second foot, a first leg support on the first leg supporting the work surface and a second leg support on the second leg supporting the work surface, a first and a second runner support extending between the first leg support and the second leg support, at least part of the work surface supported by the first and the second runner support; a first U-shaped support bracket affixed to a first end of the first and the second runner support and a second U-shaped support bracket affixed to a second end of the first and the second runner support; wherein the first and the second U-shaped support bracket each include a first tubular leg and a second tubular leg, the first tubular leg receiving the first runner support and the second tubular leg receiving the second runner support; the first and the second U-shaped support supporting the work surface and respectively secured to the first and the second telescoping leg.
In some implementations, the overall structure of the vertically adjustable desk may be modified from those set out above. For example, the vertically adjustable desk may include a work surface supported by a first and a second vertically adjustable leg, each of said first and said second vertically adjustable leg having a foot. The vertically adjustable desk may include at least one electric motor operably to vertically adjust the first and the second leg and also have an electrical switch in electrical connection with the at least one electric motor to activate the at least one electric motor causing the first and second leg to raise or lower the work surface. In embodiments, the first leg may have a first foot and the second leg may have a second foot, the first and second foot working to stabilize the vertically adjustable desk, particularly when accessories are attached. The desk may include at least one runner support extending between the first leg and the second leg and also incorporate a first U-shaped support bracket affixed to a first end of the at least one runner support and a second U-shaped support bracket affixed to a second end of the at least one runner support. The first and the second U-shaped support bracket may each include a first leg and a second leg, the first and second U-shaped support attached to the at least one at least one runner support in order to securely affix the runner, legs and work surface all together. The first and the second U-shaped support work to support the work surface and respectively are secured to the first and the second telescoping leg.
Multiple variations and combinations of the features set forth herein may be understood and achieved to provide a vertically adjustable desk having support for the accessories noted.
It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts described in greater detail herein are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed in this specification. For example, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the content and subject matter disclosed herein.
Various implementations of vertically adjustable desks may utilize an under-carriage mounting system that incorporates the various support brackets and attachable accessories as disclosed herein. Beneficially, the system described herein allows the support structure of a vertically adjustable desk to support various accessories underneath the work surface of the desk. Particularly, due to the nature of the vertically adjustable desk, significant space may be created by raising the desk as well as moving items outside of the desk frame. Incorporating the under-carriage mounting system as disclosed herein, the support structure for the vertically adjustable desk may be utilized to affix multiple accessories to the desk in a stable manner while not interfering with the operability and usability of the vertically adjustable desk itself. Particularly, the under-carriage mounting system variously described herein allows the desks to be utilized for supporting a number of accessories directly to the support structure of the desk, such CPU holders, desk extenders and eyelets for supporting other structures such as a hammock, foot rest and the like.
A number of implementations disclosed herein allow the vertically adjustable desk to integrate accessories to the under-carriage support structure of the desk thereby allowing the space under the work surface to be more efficiently utilized. As well, the under-carriage mounting system integrates directly with the support structure of the vertically adjustable desk without requiring restructuring or redesign of the adjustable portion of the desk.
As shown in
As depicted in the example of
In variations, the vertically adjustable desk may include at least one runner support when extends from a first to a second vertically adjustable leg. The at least one runner support may be affixed to the first and second U-Shaped support brackets which are connected to the first and second vertically adjustable legs 12, 13. Hence, the work surface 20, supported by a combination of the at least one runner support, first and second U-shaped brackets and the vertically adjustable legs work on combination to fully support the work surface and allow the work surface to be positionally modified. Also, as outlined herein, the U-shaped supports can be used to support other accessories as noted herein while allowing legs to fully stabilize the desk and carry the weight of the vertically adjustable desk and accessory.
In some implementations, the first and the second U-shaped support brackets may be integral with the first and the second runner supports. In other implementations, the first and the second U-shaped brackets may variously attached to the runner supports. For example, in some implementations, the runner supports may be affixed to structural support member of the U-shaped support bracket. In other implementations, the U-shaped support brackets may receive each of the first and the second runner supports. For example, the first and the second U-shaped support brackets 34, 35 may include a first leg and a second leg which are tubular or which have tubular receiving channels 46, each of the first and second tubular leg portions 45, 46 receiving the respective runner support 39a, 39b and be retained thereto by affixation mechanism such as a screw, bolt or other device. In examples, the tubular leg portions 45, 46 for both the first and the second U-shaped bracket 34, 35 should be of adequate length to provide adequate support for the runner supports 39a, 39b as well as the horizontal work surface 20. AS depicted in
In implementations, the U-shaped support brackets may each include a cross member support 43 which connects the two legs 45, 46. The cross member support 43 may also attach to the underside of the horizontal work surface 20 to stabilize the work surface and connection between it and the support legs. As well, the first and the second U-shaped support brackets may have an open end opposite the cross support 43, the open end allowing the U-shaped support bracket to receive at least a portion of the respective first or second vertically adjustable support leg 12, 13 or side brackets 31, 32. In some implementations, the U-shaped support brackets may be affixed directly to the support leg. For example, the U-shaped brackets may be attached directly to the vertically adjustable leg itself. In other implementations the U-shaped bracket open end may receive a corresponding leg support or other structure. For example, the first and the second vertically adjustable leg 12, 13 may have a leg support structure 16, 17 at a top end thereof which may be received within the open end of the respective U-shaped bracket. In such implementation, the respective leg 45, 46 may be then affixed through screw, bolt or permanent affixation methods to the leg support or to the top end of the vertically adjustable leg. Electric motors or other actuation devices for raising and lowering the legs 12, 13 may be placed in the interior of the leg support structures 16, 17 and be operably connected to the switch 20a.
In implementations, the each of the legs of the U-shaped support bracket may extend around the first and the second leg support 16, 17 and affix directly to the respective first or second vertically adjustable leg 12, 13. By extending around the leg supports, the respective leg supports 16, 17 at the top of the support legs 12, 13 may be utilized to contain the motors or other actuators for vertical adjustment of the respective legs.
In embodiments, the U-shaped support brackets may be affixed to the top end of the vertically adjustable legs by cross bolts. Additionally or in place thereof, each of the U-shaped brackets may be affixed to the support leg by more permanent affixation such as solder. As shown in
In implementations, the U-shaped bracket as depicted in
U-shaped bracket 34 depicted in the figures may also include a plurality of apertures 44 to receive screws or other attachment devices for accessories. In some implementations, the apertures may be threaded apertures to receive threaded screws. In addition or on place thereof the plurality of apertures may also be of varying sizes/diameters. For example, some accessories may need to be attached to the U-shaped support bracket through larger apertures due to the necessity of heavier support. The plurality of apertures may extend through the thread plate 42 and, in some implementations, through the wall of the first leg 46. In such implementations, the attachment device or screw would impact directly against the runner support 39a. Alternatively, the thread plate 42 may simply allow the attachment device, such as a screw, to merely tap into the threads of the attachment plate and not impinge into the interior or the first tubular leg 46.
In some embodiments, the thread plate or other attachment structure of the first and second U-shaped support bracket may allow attachment of accessories to either the first or second leg 45, 46. As shown in the figures, the first leg 46 is utilized for affixing the accessories to the underside of the desk. However, where needed, both the first and the second legs may be utilized to support and affix to accessories where needed.
As shown in
Turning to
Depicted in the example accessory implementation of
Turning to the exemplary implementation of
Also depicted in
The embodiment of
While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.
All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.
The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”
The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.
As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.
As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.
It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.
In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.
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