BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective front view of one embodiment of the present invention with a user seated with back erect and legs outstretched working with a laptop computer.
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the same embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with its user seated in a semi-reclined posture.
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the same embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the user seated in an erect position with both feet on the ground.
FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the same embodiment shown in FIG. 1 which uses a modified office chair to safely permit a fully reclined user posture.
FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up, detailed view of the tilting worktable shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up, detailed view of the calf supports shown in FIG. 1. Five instances of the support labeled A to E are shown mounted to the central support column to illustrate a preferred adjustment mechanism.
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the same embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 1 and illustrating the use of the invention with a conventional desk and desktop computer.
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention having a bolt-on table fixture augmenting the functionality of the invention as shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 9 illustrates a monolithic embodiment of the invention having no moving parts or adjustments.
FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the invention which has greater adjustability than the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the invention which is easily collapsible for storage.
FIG. 12 illustrates the same embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 11 in a collapsed configuration for storage.
FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of the invention that supports the soles of the user's feet rather than the calves of their legs for semi-recumbent seating.
FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of the invention which attaches to the base of an office chair.
FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 16 illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention using tubular members.
FIG. 17 illustrates another example of the invention in FIG. 16 in a folded configuration.
FIG. 18 depicts an alternate, kit embodiment of the invention that exploits additional office structures (other than the typical office chair), to provide the desired support structure for the user's calves and their computer equipment, thereby enabling the same recumbent working posture as the invention's non-kit embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring first to FIG. 1 there is illustrated a front perspective view of my invention: a workstation module for a reclinable office chair. User 2 is seated on a typical office chair 4, which in turn is positioned adjacent to my workstation 6. Office chair 4 is ergonomically designed for user comfort and efficiency and comprises a base 8 supporting seat 10, seatback 12 and typically also includes left and right armrests 14 and 16 respectively. Base 8 is typically comprised of 5 radial support members denoted 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26, each radial being supported at its outboard end by swivel-caster 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 (these numbers not all shown on figure) and centrally joined to chair support column 38). Support column 38 telescopes to provide seat height adjustability and typically employs a pneumatic piston mechanism.
User 2 sits on seat 10, leans against seatback 12 and utilizes control levers 11 to adjust the chair's moveable parts until comfortable ergonomics are achieved. For example: lever 40 might adjust the length of telescopic support column 38, lever 42 might adjust the angle of seatback 12 with respect to seat 10 and lever 44 might adjust the overall backwards tilt angle of the seat and seatback. More sophisticated controls (not illustrated) may be included to provide additional degrees of adjustment such as: armrest height, fore and aft seat position, lumbar support firmness, headrest position etc. In order to insure safety and stability, modern standards regulate the number and dimensions of base radials 18 to 24 with respect to the maximum tilt angle of seatback 12.
The office chair 4 shown in FIGS. 1 though 15 illustrate typical dimensions and proportions with respect to the illustrated, average-sized male human 2. My invention 6 is also shown with typical dimensions, proportions and mechanical configurations however further variability may be reasonably inferred to accommodate atypical user physiques or work habits.
My invention 6 is comprised of a base portion 50, which centrally supports a substantially vertical column 52 and to which inclined support arm 54 is mounted. Working platform 56 is tiltable and mounted to the upper end of inclined support arm 54 and two leg support platforms 58 and 60 are adjustably mounted to opposite sides of vertical column 52. To use my invention, user 2 stretches out upon reclined office chair 4 placed adjacent to base portion 50 and straddles column 52 such that calves 62 and 64 rest on leg support platforms 58 and 60. Working platform 56 is positioned for use by adjusting the reclinable chair's posture controls 40, 42 and 44 to locate and orient the user such that working platform 56 provides ergonomic support for office work object 66 (such as the illustrated laptop computer). Other suitable work objects for support by table 56 might be: a keyboard, reading material, or writing material.
Working platform 56 is typically affixed to inclined support arm 52 by means of hinge clamp 68, thereby enabling adjustment of the table's tilt angle for greater comfort. When not being used as a workstation, the user may rotate table 56 to the horizontal to enable it to serve as a conventional table. See FIG. 5 for more detail of the hinge clamp 68.
Restraining member 70 forms a ridge along the lower edge of the tilted working platform 56 thereby preventing work object 66 from sliding off. The upper rear edge 72 of member 70 is typically rounded to provide a comfortable support for the user's wrist while keyboarding. The lower rear edge 74 of member 70 may also be rounded to prevent marring of armrests 14 and 16 in the event that chair 4 is positioned such that the working platform's lower edge contacts the armrests.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the base portion 50 is comprised of an “H” shaped configuration of three members. Base members 76, 78 and 80 are typically formed of rectangular cross-section steel and welded into the desired form however other member cross-sections, materials or joinery methods may be used (e.g.: bolted aluminum or glued wood). Cross-member 80 joins left and right foot-members 76 and 78 to form an “H-shaped” base having open ends into which the casters of chair 4 may be advanced as required in order to adjust the horizontal position of the user 2 with respect to worktable 56.
The cross-member 80 has a first end and a second end and is shown joined near the midpoints of members 76 and 78 however those “H” proportions may be varied to increase the depth 77 of the open end 79 presented towards the user 2. Moving the cross-member 80 forward ultimately transforms the “H-shaped” base in a “C-shaped” base (see FIGS. 10 and 11). An “E-shaped” base is also possible. This configuration (not illustrated) might also be employed in which the tip of its center prong is used to support the vertical column 52. Other configurations for base portion 50 may also be used to minimize construction costs or to immobilize vertical member 52. For example: when provided for use by students in a university study hall, base portion 50 might be comprised of a plate bolted to the floor or vertical member 52 may even be simply embedded into a concrete floor.
Other freestanding base portion shapes such as circular or radial designs (similar to base 8 of chair 4) are also within the scope of the invention.
Level adjuster feet 75 are typically provided at the corners of base 50 as illustrated (lockable casters may also be used for increased mobility).
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown in FIG. 2 the same embodiment of my invention 6 as illustrated in FIG. 1 however the user 2 is in a semi-reclined position. The back 12 of the seat 4 is adjusted by use of one of the controls 40, 42 or 44 depending on the design of the chair. The height of the chair seat on column 38 is also adjustable by the user. The user's calves 62 and 64 are resting on the leg rests 58 and 50 adjustably fixed to vertical member 52.
Vertical member 52 is affixed at its first end 53 to cross-member 80 near its mid-point 81. Fixation is typically by welding however appropriate bolted, clamped or hinged fixations may also be used. The second end 55 of vertical member 52 is affixed to first end 57 of inclined support member 54. Again, monolithically welded construction is typical however a pivoting joint may also be provided at joint 59 in order to adjust angle 61 between the vertical member 52 and angled member 54 for improved comfort and ease of storage and dismantling (see FIG. 10 for example). The second end 63 of inclined support member 54 is fixed to work table 56 via fixation means 68. Fixation means 68 may be rigid or articulated for more ergonomic adjustability.
Left and right leg support platforms 58 and 60 are affixed to vertical member 52 such that the reclined user's calves 62 and 64 rest comfortably on them. The means used to affix platforms 60 and 62 to vertical may be a welded joint however its preferred embodiment is comprised of a mechanism 90 allowing both positional and angular adjustments of the platforms as further explained below.
The length and orientation of support member 54 result in both horizontal and vertical offsets of worktable 56 with respect to vertical member 52. The support member's length and orientation are chosen such that horizontal offset 92 is approximately equal to 94 (the horizontal distance between the user's hands 96, 98 and calves 62, 64 when seat 4 back 12 is reclined). To provide comfortable ergonomics, distances 92, and 94 are also approximately equal to distance 100 (the pullback distance resulting from reclining seatback 12).
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 there is shown the same embodiment of my invention 6 but in this FIG. 3 the user 2 is sitting in an upright posture with both feet on a floor surface. Distance 94 and 100 are both reduced when the user elects to work in the conventional upright office posture however, since the leg rests 58 and 60 are no longer utilized the approximate equality of distance 92 to distances 94 and 100 is no longer required.
Referring now to FIG. 4 there is shown the same embodiment of my invention 6 as in FIGS. 1 to 3 however in the this FIG. 4 the user 2 is in a fully reclined position and the seat back 12 is almost horizontal, that is, angle 110 approaches 180 degrees. In this configuration, the user is able to adopt a comfortable resting position while at the workstation 6 and rest legs 112 and 114 on leg rests 58 and 60. To provide greater support and stability to the reclined user, at least one 116 of the plurality of radial chair supports is extendable to a length 53 underneath the reclined chair back 12. This prevents tipping of the chair backwards. Alternatively, the fully reclining chair can be stabilized against tipping by integrating it into this embodiment (see FIG. 13).
Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown the lower surface 120 of the worktable 56. Also shown is vertical member 52 joining the inclined support member 54 at joint 59. The second end 63 of inclined support member 54 is pivotally attached to the lower surface 120 of the work table 56 by means of an apertured hinge 122 over an aligned aperture (not shown) in the second end 63 of the inclined support member. The hinge is adjustably fixed by way of locking clamp 124. The hinge 122 is fixed to a plate 126 comprising screw holes 128 at each of its corners 130. The lower surface 120 of the work table has a plurality of holes 134 in linear trains that are adapted to coincide with the screw holes on the plate 126. The work table can be therefore adjusted to suit the user and then fixed into place by screws.
Referring now to FIG. 6 there is shown one embodiment of my invention in which the left and right leg rest platforms 140 and 142 are adjustably fixed to vertical column 144. To clarify how fore/aft adjustment of the leg rest platforms 140 and 142 can be done using a simple U-bolt clamping mechanism 146 the leg rest platforms are shown in a variety of positions A to E on the vertical column. In positions A and B, between the left and right leg rest platform is a leg rest axle 150. A first 152 and second 154 U-bolts are used to fix the axle 150 against the outside surface 156 of the vertical column 144. The threaded ends 158 of the U-bolts are joined by a pressure plate 160 between them. The pressure plate includes a threaded aperture 162 at its centre which receives a threaded shaft 164 with a knob 166. As the knob is turned, the threaded shaft threads into the aperture and against the inside surface 170 of the vertical column 144 thereby tightening the U-bolts against the axle and the outside surface of the vertical column. By loosening the U-bolts the leg rest platforms can be moved up and down the vertical column and angles to suit the user. In positions C and D the leg rest platforms can be reversed. In position E the leg rest platforms can be lowered to the bottom of the vertical column to act as foot rests.
As FIG. 6 illustrates, on the top surface 190 and 192 of each of the leg rest supports 140 and 142 there is a cushion 194 and 196 configured to provide a comfortable support for each of the user's calves. To provide optimal comfort, each platform's upper surface may be somewhat concave to roughly conform to the user's calf and may also include a cushioned covering that further relives pressure points.
Still referring to FIG. 6 the leg rest platforms may be adjustable in a fore and aft motion by an eccentric fore/aft fixation of axle 150 onto the leg-rest platforms 140 and 142 to effect the desired movement. Note in position A that the distance from axle 150 to the front end of the platform is somewhat greater than the distance from the axle to their back ends. In position B the axle is more centered on the platform and so these distances change. In position C and D the platforms have been mounted so that the axle 150 is against the front surface 170 of column 144 and in the opposite direction, thereby reversing the eccentricity and moving the platforms further back thereby providing two more horizontal adjustment options for the two leg-rest platforms.
In order to accommodate the most complete range of user physiques and work desirable postures, my invention may be equipped with reversible platforms that can support either the user's calves or the user's feet. In position E the leg rest platforms are installed cushion side down to present a flat durable surface 198 suitable for a footrest when the user desires only a lightly reclined posture.
Referring now to FIG. 7 there is illustrated another embodiment of my invention 200 being used in conjunction with a full-sized desktop computer comprised of: CRT monitor 202, CPU unit 204 and keyboard 206. The monitor 202 is too heavy and bulky to be supported by worktable 208 and so an existing, standard office desk 210 may be positioned in front of and somewhat above my invention 200 such that the reclined user 212 can achieve a usage configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The computer system's keyboard 206 resides on worktable 208 together with a computer mouse (not shown). The system's CPU unit 204 may be placed either on the floor as shown or on table 210.
FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of my invention 220 that integrates the same functionality as the configuration shown in FIG. 7. Instead of resting adjacent to an existing office desk, a purpose-built desk 220 is dimensioned such that its legs 224 to 230 affix onto base members 232 and 234 using fixation bolts 222. FIG. 8 also shows the location of knob 166 used to adjust the location and angle of the leg supports.
Now referring to FIG. 9 there is shown yet another embodiment of my invention 250 which integrates a horizontal, monitor-supporting table 252 with the tilted, keyboard-supporting table 254. Table 252 and tilted supporting table are joined at a fixed or adjustable hinged joint 256. The horizontal table and the tilt table are supported by a vertical column 258 fixed to the mid-point of cross-member 260. If angular adjustment is provided, it may be used either to improve the ergonometric angle of keyboard 262 or to make the horizontal table 252 coplanar with tilt table 254 when the invention is not being used as a work station.
Referring now to FIG. 10 to facilitate compact retail packaging, the frame members used to form base 60 may be bolted together for assembly by the end-user. FIG. 10 illustrates a bolted embodiment that facilitates such disassembly for compact storage. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 also lends itself to compact storage: if the upper and lower ends of vertical member 52 have removable fixations to base 50 and table 56 then those upper and lower planar members can be boxed closely together for efficient shipping or compact storage. Even easier collapsibility can be incorporated into this general concept by utilizing lockable hinge joints (not illustrated) at the two ends of vertical member 52 thereby enabling base 50 and table 56 to be quickly folded into a flattened structure suitable for compact storage.
Still referring to FIG. 10 vertical support member 302 comprises a vertical support column 304 and a flange 306. Both the vertical support column and flange comprise a plurality of apertures vertically 308 and horizontally 310. The horizontal cross-member 312 is also comprises a plurality of apertures 314. In this embodiment, the top end 316 of the vertical support column 304 is pivotally fixed by hinge 340 to the first horizontal component 320 first end 322. The first horizontal component 320 second end 324 has a telescoping relationship with second horizontal component 326 first end 328 so that the length of the combined horizontal support 330 can be adjusted towards or away from the user 332 so that different user physiques can be accommodated. The first horizontal component 320 is fixed positional with respect to the second horizontal component 326 by way of a locking camp 334. The second end 336 of second horizontal component 326 is pivotally fixed to the underside 338 of work table 340 so that the tilt angle of the work table can be adjusted to suit the user. The second end of the second horizontal component is fixed to the underside of the table using the same means as illustrated in FIG. 5 and described previously. Cross-member 312 and apertured flange 306 can be moved towards or away from the user thereby adjusting the distance of the leg supports and table from the user. Similarly, the height of the support 330 can be adjusted by adjusting the aperture point at which the first end 322 of the first horizontal member 320 is fixed to the vertical column 304. Therefore it is easy for the user 332 to establish ideal ergonomics.
Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown yet another embodiment of my invention 350. The base 352 comprises first and second parallel members 354 and 356 having respective first ends 358 and 360 and second ends 362 and 364. The first ends 358 and 360 of each of the first and second parallel members are joined by cross-member 366 thereby forming a channel-shaped or “C”-shaped support. The angled support member 368 is a single piece column that has a first end 370 and a second end 372. The angled support member first end 370 is pivotally fixed to the cross-member 366 at a pivot located at its mid-point so that the entire angled support member is able to pivot from zero degrees to 180 degrees around mid-point of cross-member 366. The pivot may be fixed at a desired angle using a clamp or cotter pin. In another embodiment a ratchet mechanism would permit the user to raise and lock the table height. Releasing the ratchet might be accomplished using a lever located at the pivot point or by remote cable actuation from the user's seated position.
This embodiment also incorporates leg supports 380 and 382 adjustably fixed to the angled support member by means previously described in respect of FIG. 6. The second end 372 of the angled support arm is pivotally connected to the underside 382 of the tilt table 384 so that the angle of the tilt table can be adjusted and fixed by a clamp. In this embodiment the base 352 of the invention includes feet 386 at each of the first and second ends of the first and second parallel members 354 and 356. Casters may also be used.
Referring to FIG. 11a there is shown a similar embodiment to that shown in FIG. 11 except that the table top has a horizontal surface 371 and an inclined surface 373. The operator can use a keyboard 375 on the inclined table top while the screen 377 rests on the horizontal portion. The operator retains the same inclined posture as shown in FIG. 11.
Referring to FIG. 12 there is shown the same embodiment as FIG. 11 of the invention 350. In FIG. 12 the angled support member is shown at an angle of zero degrees with respect to the horizontal floor the base 352. The first 354 and second 356 base members are shown parallel to the angled support member. The tilt table 384 is shown at an angle of zero with respect to the angled support member. In these configurations the invention is easily folded and stored under a bed or in a closet.
Referring now to FIG. 13 there is shown another embodiment of my invention 400 in which the “T”-shaped base 402 of the invention is directly attached to a support leg 404 of the chair 406. Adjustment of the base with respect to the support leg 404 is accomplished by way of a clamp 410. In FIG. 13 the leg support platforms 412 and 414 are used as foot platforms.
Referring to FIG. 14 which is the same embodiment as FIG. 13, the operator is sitting upright with both feet on the floor.
Referring to FIG. 15, there is shown one embodiment of the invention that is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, but for the working surface comprises a tilted portion 23 upon which the keyboard 44 is placed and a horizontal portion 41 upon which the computer flat screen 61 is placed.
Referring to FIG. 16, there is shown yet another embodiment of the invention 100 wherein the supporting members [102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120] comprise tubular members or pipes and the pipes are fixed together by pipe connectors [122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140]. The working surface 142 is similar to that shown in FIG. 15 in that it comprises a horizontal surface 145 and a tilted surface 147 which is adjustable by way of T-connection 148. All of the pipe connectors are held to the pipes by way of setscrews 151 which can be easily loosened and tightened for disassembly and adjustment. Similar pipe connectors that employ threaded fixation or clamping fixation may also be used (not illustrated). For example, the setscrews on T-connection 148 can be loosened for angle adjustment of the tiltable surface 146. Leg rests 158 and 158 are fixed to the ends of pipes 160 and 162 by way of elbow couplings 128 and 132. Collar coupling 130 fixes the leg rest assembly to the vertical member 110. Again setscrews within each of the couplings permit easy adjustment of the height and angle of the leg rest assembly. The base of the unit comprises two parallel members 102 and 104 separated by members 106 and 106. Depending on the location of the workstation, the base members can be adjusted by setscrews 150 in couplings 122 and 124 to form either a “C”-shaped configuration to the base or an “H”-shaped configuration. The working surfaces 144 and 146 and the leg rests 150 and 156 are fixed to their respective pipe members and elbow joints by way of flange members 160. The bottom 162 of each of the working surfaces and leg rests are perforated 164 with lines of holes so that the location of the working surfaces and leg rests can be adjusted with respect to their pipe supporting members. Pads 166 may be located at the end of each supporting base member 102 and 104 for floor contact.
FIG. 17 is the same workstation of FIG. 16 showing it in a folded configuration. The setscrews in the necessary couplings have been loosened so that the workstation can be easily folded for storage.
FIG. 18 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention that further adapts and exploits typical office structures (other than the typical office chair and table utilized in the embodiments described above). To provide the necessary support structure for the user's calves and their computer equipment, a leg rest 120 and a keyboard rest 122 are provided. The leg rest is adapted to affix to the top of a typical desktop computer tower 124 and is angled at an angle 126 to provide an ergonomic comfort position for the operator 128. Angle 126 is about 20 degrees. The leg rest may also have a cushioned surface for added comfort. The keyboard rest 122 is also included at an angle 130 for maximum comfort and stress free operation of the keyboard. Angle 130 is about 30 degrees. The leg rest and the keyboard rest would be sold as a kit.
This description contains much specificity that should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but merely provides illustrations of some of its embodiments. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.
Patent Application
20070278834
