US20040035336A1

US20040035336A1 - Elevating desk/work surface

Info

Publication number: US20040035336A1
Application number: US10/227,557
Authority: US
Inventors: Fred Coble
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-08-26
Filing date: 2002-08-26
Publication date: 2004-02-26

Abstract

Users of desks and work surfaces; such as drafting tables, clothing-pattern layout tables, artist composition surface and architect's modeling display tables may readily adjust the working surface level for comfort and visual acuity, merely by activating a toggle switch conveniently located along side the elevating surface.

Description

THIS INVENTION RELATES TO

A novel support-structure purposed for supporting a desk/work-surface and enabling the user to adjust the desk/work-surface from a sit-down working level to a stand-up working level and all levels in between.

PURPOSE OF INVENTION

To provide an electrically controlled means for adjusting the level of desk/work-surfaces; to allow users to work at optimum level of comfort, efficiency and physical health; from seating and standing positions and to provide for axial orientation of the desk/working surface to gain most favorable illumination and user's desired view; and, as an option, to allow the users to electrically slant the working surface as commonly done with drafting tables.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

This desk/work surface elevator mechanism, FIG. 1, consists of a support structure containing three or more [0003] vertical stanchions 1 constrained by horizontal interconnecting struts 1 a. Each of the stanchions 1 house telescoping shafts 2 that can be made to elevate and lower a desk /work surfaces 3 to levels conducive for the user's work.

METHOD OF OPERATION

When the user tires of sitting or is about to perform work best done while standing, he or she will activate an [0004] electrical switch 4 upward, causing an electrically driven winch 5 to pull three halyards 6 that are strung under pulley wheels 7 mounted in the bottoms of each telescoping shaft—housed in each stanchion—raising the shafts 2, and hence the desk/work surface 3, upwards to the desired level.
[0005] Optional pulleys 8 are mounted in the horizontal structural beams to permit free movement of the halyards 6 and to reroute their directions as required.
The tops of the [0006] telescoping shafts 2 are secured via flexible mountings, to the bottom of the desk/working surface 3, allowing freedom of horizontal inclination and may include a means for lifting the desk/work surface off the basic structure without the need to mechanically disconnect.
Activating an [0007] electrical switch 4 downward reverses the electrical winch 5 allowing the weight of the desk/work surface 3 to lower the desk/work surface 3 to the desired level.
[0008] Wheels 9 may be mounted on both sides of the bottom of the rear stanchions 1; in concert with lockable, directional set of wheels on the forward stanchions. The forward stanchion wheels would be self orienting depending on the direction in which the apparatus is being forced.
Structure and Functionality [0009]
Stanchions [0010] 1 have square cross sections; longitudinally housing telescoping shafts 2. These telescoping shafts may have various cross sectional configurations; such as, illustrated in FIG. 3. That is, they may be square, round or any cross section that will allow halyards to move vertically along the shaft's axis, inside the stanchions; thus providing vertical channels for the halyards to travel down, inside the stanchions, to the pulleys 7 and back up to a point of anchorage 11.
The desk-top may be of any rigid material; such as, plastic, plywood, glass, metals, honey comb and may be configured in nearly any geometric form, as desired [0011]
To retain support of the rising [0012] shafts 2 when they are at their highest extension, the points at which the vertical halyards 6 exit the stanchion is approximately eight to ten inches below the top of the stanchions 1; thereby retaining lateral support.
The free ends of the [0013] halyards 6 rise through the far channel of the stanchions 1 and are anchored 11 on the top-most outer corner of the Stanchions
The [0014] telescoping shafts 2 are raised and lowered by actions of a winch 5 driven by an electrical motor 10 that is coupled, via a speed reduction mechanism.
The [0015] stanchions 1 and connecting membranes 1 a may consist of any material adequate for providing the strength, rigidity and functionality and may be coated on the inner surfaces with a polypropylene to reduce friction and noise.
The [0016] motor 10 is powered by a re-chargeable battery 13 and controlled via a three position toggle-type switch 4 mounted on the desk support frame in easy access to the user. Activating the switch handle upward causes the desk/work surface to rise and activating the switch handle downward causes the desk/work surface to descend. Leaving the switch handle in the mid position maintains the desk/work surface at the last level brought to bear.
Having the [0017] halyards 6 routed under the pulleys 7, mounted in the bottom end of the telescoping members 2 and then up to top of the stanchions 1 provides two advantages:
(a). a mechanical advantage of two reduces the forces required by the pull motor, and [0018]
(b) having the telescoping member bisecting the descending halyard provides centering forces when raising the telescoping member. [0019]
Integral to the electrical motor/winch apparatus is a set of reduction gears that provide effective horsepower and elimination of need for braking action to hold the desk top at a predetermined level. [0020]
FIG. 3. Illustrates one of the varieties of desk/[0021] work surface configurations 3 that will allow the user to enjoy an optimum ergonomic work space; meeting best human factors requirements and maximal range of motion and providing access to various drawer 14 configurations.
Options: [0022]
To provide the capability of tilting the desk top, the horizontal-winch cylinder can be divided into two activating elements, allowing the front of the desk top to rise independent of the rear of the desk top. De-coupling the two cylindrical elements may be accomplished via electrical solenoid or by manual action. [0023]
This tilting concept may also be accomplished by a simpler configuration; eliminating the rear stanchion telescoping shafts, associated halyards and pulleys; thereby providing an only tilt-top application. [0024]
A less costly configuration may be produced by eliminating the [0025] pulleys 7 at the lower end of telescoping shafts and securing the ends of the halyards 6 to the lower end of the telescoping shafts. This configuration would make a plastic lining the inside of the stanchions 1 mandatory—to minimize friction and noises.
The [0026] direction changing pulleys 8 may be substituted by nylon bushings where cost may be an important factor.

Claims

1. The proposed elevating desk/work surface system-of-parts provides the means for users to easily and readily adjust the desk/work surface to desired levels and tilt angles to improve the user's proficiency, productivity, endurance, physical health, demeanor and longevity.

2. The simplistic and innovative structure of the said elevating desk/work surface, claim #1, provides the means for facilitating finest construction methods, ease of transportation, and a wide latitude in desk/working surfaces—both in materials and configurations.

3. By employing a low voltage, self contained drive system, the said elevating desk/work surface, claim #1, enables simple and easy operation, complete containment and ease of portability.

4. The said elevating desk/work surface, claim #1, enables rudimentary attachment and removable of a wide variety of conveniences, such as: story-board support frames, communication systems, file and stationary holders, retractable computer keyboards, television monitors, sound systems, time pieces and computer elements.