Patent Application
20170208952
The present application relates generally to a worksurface assembly, and in particular to a pivotable worksurface assembly, together with a body support assembly having a pivotable worksurface and methods for the use and assembly thereof.
Individual seating units may be configured with a worksurface arranged above the seat. Likewise, sofas and beds may be configured with a worksurface arranged adjacent to and/or above a body support surface defined by the sofa or bed. The worksurfaces may be used to support various electronic devices, as well as traditional books, papers, trays and other personal items.
Often, the worksurface is fixedly attached to the chair, or other body support member, with ingress and egress provided by way of a recess provided along the side of chair and worksurface. In other embodiments, the worksurface is pivotably attached to the body support member, such that it may be moved out of the way for ingress and egress, or when not needed by the individual using the body support member. In addition, pivotable worksurfaces may be moved to a desired location particularly suited to the position and needs of the user. In these embodiments, the worksurface may be configured to pivot about one or two spaced apart axes. Typically, however, the pivotal arrangement has a limited range of movement, or may be configured with various supports that may impede the movement of the user, or encroach upon the user during use, thereby limiting the overall capabilities of the worksurface.
Nothing in this section should be considered to be a limitation on the following claims.
In one aspect, one embodiment of a worksurface assembly includes a support having a first mounting portion defining a first pivot axis and a second mounting portion defining a second pivot axis, with the second mounting portion spaced above the first mounting portion. The first and second pivot axes are spaced apart. A pivot member is pivotally coupled to the second mounting portion and is pivotable relative to the support about the second pivot axis. A worksurface is rotatably coupled to the pivot member about a third pivot axis, which is spaced apart from the second pivot axis. The worksurface overlies the second and third pivot axes in all positions.
In another aspect, one embodiment of a body support assembly includes a base, a central support connected to the base and a body support member coupled to the base. In one embodiment, the central support is configured as a vertically adjustable support column. The worksurface, and in particular the first mounting portion, may be coupled to the central support, with the central support defining the first pivot axis.
In yet another aspect, one embodiment of a method for adjusting a position of a worksurface includes rotating a first mounting portion of a support about a first pivot axis, and thereby pivoting the support and a second mounting portion about the first pivot axis. The second mounting portion is spaced above the first mounting portion and defines a second pivot axis spaced apart from the first pivot axis. The method further includes pivoting a pivot member about the second pivot axis, wherein the pivot member defines a third pivot axis spaced apart from the second pivot axis, and rotating a worksurface about the third pivot axis. The worksurface overlies the second and third pivot axes in all of the pivot member and worksurface positions.
A method of assembling a worksurface assembly includes providing a support defining first and second spaced apart pivot axes and pivotably coupling the pivot member to the support at the second pivot axis, wherein the pivot member is pivotable relative to the support. The method further includes rotatably coupling a worksurface to the pivot member about a third pivot axis, wherein the third pivot axis is spaced apart from the second pivot axis, and wherein the worksurface overlies the second and third pivot axes. In one embodiment, the method further includes non-rotatably coupling the pivot member to a lower pan member.
The various embodiments of the worksurface assembly, body support assembly and methods of use and assembly provide significant advantages over other worksurface assemblies and body support assemblies, such as sofas, beds and chairs. For example and without limitation, the worksurface may be moved about three, spaced apart axes, thereby providing the user with additional adjustment capabilities. At the same time, by maintaining the worksurface over the second and third pivot axes, the surface area of the worksurface may be maximized while maintaining maximum adjustment capabilities. In one embodiment, the pivot member extends within the thickness of a worksurface member, such that the worksurface assembly provides a simple, elegant appearance while providing for three unique pivot axes. Moreover, the worksurface may be pivoted about the second axis without encroaching upon and interfering with the user's legs.
The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The various preferred embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
It should be understood that the term “plurality,” as used herein, means two or more. The term “longitudinal,” as used herein means of or relating to length or the lengthwise direction 2, for example a direction running from along the length of an upright portion 68 or support column 42. The term “lateral,” as used herein, means situated on, directed toward or running in a direction 4 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, for example from side to side of a body support member or worksurface. The term “coupled” means connected to or engaged with, whether directly or indirectly, for example with an intervening member, and does not require the engagement to be fixed or permanent, although it may be fixed or permanent. For example, a support may be coupled to a body support member directly, or indirectly via a support column.
The terms “first,” “second,” and so on, as used herein are not meant to be assigned to a particular component so designated, but rather are simply referring to such components in the numerical order as addressed, meaning that a component designated as “first” may later be a “second” such component, depending on the order in which it is referred. It should also be understood that designation of “first” and “second” does not necessarily mean that the two components or values so designated are different, meaning for example a first direction may be the same as a second direction, with each simply being applicable to different components.
The terms “above,” “front”, “rear”, “side”, “vertical” and “horizontal”, and variations thereof, refer to the body support members 6, 8, 10, 12 and worksurface assembly 14 as shown in
Referring to
In other embodiments, shown for example in
In another embodiment, shown in
In yet another embodiment, shown in
The various components of the seating unit shown in
Referring to
The seat bracket 28 has a pair of stops 60 circumferentially spaced apart around the pivot axis 44, for example at 180 degrees. The support 54 includes a laterally extending portion 62 having a first end 64 configured with the first mounting portion 56. The laterally extending portion 62 extends laterally outwardly from beneath the seat with a second end 66 positioned laterally outwardly from the side of the chair. The laterally extending portion 62 pivots about the pivot axis 44, with the range of motion (e.g., 180 degrees) limited by engagement with one of the stops 60. In an alternative embodiment, the stops are eliminated and the laterally extending portion 62 may rotate completely around (360 degrees) the pivot axis 44.
The support 54 further includes an upright portion 68 having a first end 72 coupled to the second end 66 of the laterally extending portion. In one embodiment, the laterally extending portion and upright portion are configured as integrally formed bent tube, with the end portions forming a curved junction 74. The support may alternatively be made of separate components joined for example at the ends thereof. The upright portion 68 may be oriented along and define a second pivot axis 80 (which may be vertical), with the upright portion and laterally extending portions being substantially orthogonal. Alternatively, the upright portion may be angled slightly outwardly (or inwardly) relative to a vertical axis (e.g., pivot axis 44). The laterally extending and upright portions 62, 68, while disclosed as linear members, may be curved, curvilinear, or have other shapes as deemed appropriate and desirable. The upright portion 68 has a second end 70 spaced above both the first mounting portion 56 and a body support surface of the seat 24. The second end 70 defines in part a second mounting portion 82. In one embodiment, the upright portion 68 and second mounting portion 82 define the second pivot axis 80. The second end 70 and second mounting portion 82 may be terminated or positioned to support a worksurface 100 at a distance H above the body support surface of the seat 24, or other body support member. The distance H preferably may be at or between 7 and 13 inches, more preferably at or between 9.5 and 11 inches, and most preferably at or between 10 and 10.5 inches.
In one embodiment, the second mounting portion 82 includes a pivot bushing 84 inserted into the second end 70 of the upright portion, which is configured as a tube. The pivot bushing 84 further defines the second pivot axis 80. The pivot bushing 84 may be injection molded, or may include various interior bearing elements, such as needle or ball bearings. In one embodiment, the pivot bushing 84 is press fit into the second end 70 of the upright portion as further explained below.
Referring to
A lower pan 104, or bottom, is secured to the worksurface, for example with vibration welding, adhesives, fasteners, or combinations thereof. The worksurface 100 and lower pan 104 may be injection molded. It should be understood that the worksurface and lower pan may be integrally formed, for example by making the worksurface as a one-piece unit having an exposed bottom surface. It should be understood that the lower portion of the worksurface in such an embodiment defines a lower pan. In one embodiment, the lower pan 104 has substantially the same outer peripheral contour 106 as the worksurface. The lower pan 104 has an opening 108 formed therein. In one embodiment, the opening 108 is centrally located and has a circular shape. A plate 110 is sandwiched between the worksurface 100 and the lower pan 104 and forms a top overlying the opening 108. The plate 110 may be made of metal, or other bearing surface material, which is wear resistance. In one embodiment, the plate 110 is secured to the lower pan 104 with fasteners 111 (
Referring to
The opposite end 120 of the link 116 is provided with a through opening 152 defining the third pivot axis 114, which is laterally spaced apart from the second pivot axis 80. The second and third pivot axes 80, 114 may be spaced apart a distance at or between 2 and 6 inches. The link 116 is non-rotatably secured to a second lower pan 154, or cover, with a securing member 156, which also functions as a bearing member. In one embodiment, the second lower pan 154 has the same outer peripheral profile as the opening 108 (e.g., circular) in the first pan, with the bottom surfaces 158, 160 of the pans 104, 154 being substantially flush. The securing member 156 has a plurality of recesses 162 engaged by tabs 164 extending upwardly from the second pan 154 so as to provide a snap fit connection therebetween, with the link 116 sandwiched between the securing member 156 and second pan 154.
The second pan 154 includes a through opening 166 laterally spaced from the center axis 114 and coaxial with the second pivot axis 80. An annular flange 168 is formed around the opening and abuts the second end 70 of the upright portion 68 of the support 54. An upper end of the pivot bushing 84 is disposed between the worksurface 100 and second pan 154. It should be understood that in this way, the link 116 is disposed between an upper surface of the worksurface 100 and the lower surface 160 of the first pan 104, such that the link 116 is substantially parallel with the worksurface 100, and is coplanar with and disposed within a thickness T of a worksurface member, defined by the worksurface 100 and pan 104. The thickness T is preferably at or between 0.5 and 2 inches, and more preferably at or between 0.75 and 1 inch. In one embodiment, the worksurface 100 and link 116 both lie in substantially horizontal planes.
A washer 170, or bearing member, is disposed around the opening 152 in the link member 116. In one embodiment, the washer is made of Acetal. A flange bushing 172, having a cylindrical hub 174 and annular flange 176, is inserted through the washer 170 and opening 152 so as to align the washer 170 around the pivot axis 114. A fastener 178, such as a nut, is then coupled to the stud 112 (e.g., by threadable engagement), which extends through the securing member 156, the link 116, the washer 170 and the flange bushing 172 so as to connect the link 116 to the worksurface 100. In this way, the flange bushing 172 is non-rotatably secured to the worksurface 100, but with the pivot member 102 (in particular the link 116) and washer 170 sandwiched therebetween. The securing member 156 bears against the plate 110 and provides a wear surface therebetween as the link 116 pivots relative to the worksurface 100. Conversely, the washer 170 provides a wear surface between the link 116 and the flange bushing 172 as the link 116 rotates relative to the bushing 172. The worksurface 100 may rotate 360 degrees relative to the pivot member 102 and lower pan 154 about the third pivot axis 114.
In an alternative embodiment, the second pan 154 defines the pivot member. In this embodiment, the pivot link, securing member, washer and bushing are omitted. Instead, the second pan 154 bears against the plate 110, or alternatively directly against the bottom of the worksurface 100. In this embodiment, the second pan 154 is pivotally connected to the end 70 of the upright portion, for example with a pivot bushing, or directly with a collar, such as the annular flange 168.
In yet another embodiment, shown in
In all of the various embodiments, the pivot member 102, whether configured as the link 116 alone, the second pan member 154 alone, or the two in combination, are substantially planar and preferably lie within a horizontal plane as disclosed above. In this way, the worksurface 100 is provided with two degrees of pivoting or rotational freedom relative to a single pivot axis 80 of the upright 68, which minimizes the clutter beneath the worksurface and maximizes the leg room available to the user. Moreover, because the link 116 and/or pan 154 are disposed under the worksurface, the worksurface 100 overlies the second and third pivot axes 80, 114 in all positions of the support 54, pivot member 102 and worksurface 100. Stated in another way, the pivot axes 80, 114 always intersect the worksurface 100 in all positions of the support 54, pivot member 102 and worksurface 100.
As noted, the pivot member 102 extends substantially horizontal, and defines a horizontal plane, between the second and third pivot axis 80, 114, and extends or is disposed between the worksurface and lower pan, or within the thickness T of the worksurface member made up of those two components (whether separate or integrally formed), such that the worksurface assembly provides a simple, elegant appearance while providing for three unique pivot axes 44, 80, 114. Moreover, the worksurface may be pivoted about the second axis 80 without encroaching upon and interfering with the user's legs. Preferably, the first, second and third pivot axes 44, 80, 114 are parallel, but it should be understood that they need not be parallel. Moreover, one or more of the first, second and third axes are preferably substantially vertical, and are horizontally spaced apart, with the worksurface forming a substantially horizontal, upper surface. The worksurface, pivot member and support are each independently pivotable about their respective pivot axes relative to each other, meaning each of those components may be pivoted individually, or collectively, regardless of the position or pivotable movement of the other components.
In operation, a user 200 (see, e.g.,
A method of assembling a worksurface assembly includes pivotally securing the first mounting portion 56 to a central support member 40, such as the support column 42, for example by inserting the support column 42 through the first mounting portion 56. A plate 110 is sandwiched between the worksurface and lower pan 104. A pivot member 102, including a securing member 156 and link 116, is secured to a stud 112 extending from the plate with a nut 178, clamping a bushing 172 and a washer 170 against the link 116. A pivot bushing 84 is secured to a pivot shaft 122 with a fastener 150. A second pan 154 is then slipped over the pivot bushing 84 and is snap fit to the securing member 156 in a non-rotatable relationship, with the second pan 154 disposed in an opening 108 formed in the first pan. The pans may have flush bottom surfaces 158, 160. Finally, the bushing 84 is press fit into the end 79 of the upright portion 68.
In another embodiment, a support 180 is coupled to a pivot member 184 pivotably supported on the pivot member 102. The worksurface 100 and pan 104 are snap fit to the support 180 with one or more, and preferably a plurality, of radially extending fingers 182.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/286,753, filed Jan. 25, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62286753 | Jan 2016 | US |
