U.S. patent application number 10/272730 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-24 for motorized adjustable workstation.
Invention is credited to Allen, Norman Walter.
Application Number | 20030075080 10/272730 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26955701 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030075080 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Allen, Norman Walter |
April 24, 2003 |
Motorized adjustable workstation
Abstract
The present invention is a new and improved Motorized Adjustable
Workstation. The invention base has substantially parallel feet and
legs that rise at an angle to support the main drive tube. Attached
to the main drive tube is a linear actuator that raises the main
work surface. The preferred embodiment of the invention
incorporates an adjustable monitor lift that raises' a monitor
with, and above the main work surface and is particularly suited
for computer workstations.
Inventors: |
Allen, Norman Walter;
(Janesville, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Norman W. Allen
PO Box 70
Janesville
CA
96114-0070
US
|
Family ID: |
26955701 |
Appl. No.: |
10/272730 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60330331 |
Oct 19, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.02 ;
108/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 21/0314 20130101;
A47B 21/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/50.02 ;
108/92 |
International
Class: |
A47B 037/00 |
Goverment Interests
[0001] US Department of Education SBIR grant #ED-99-PO-4679,
"Development of an ergonomic computer workstation environment"
funded research in local schools on the need for adjustable
ergonomic computer workstation environments. We found over 90% of
students in any given age group or grade did not fit the computer
workstations available in their school. It was demonstrated that
the MOTORIZED ADJUSTABLE WORKSTATION invention, with a motor driven
work surface and a motor driven monitor lift, had enough range of
movement to ergonomically adjust to accommodate 6-year-old first
graders to 6'3" high school students.
Claims
1. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a computer
workstation with single or plural linear actuators for the raising
and lowering of single or plural horizontal planar surfaces. The
invention has a multitude of height positions that include a range
and interaction of one or more surfaces that allow a lower starting
height for children and shorter people as well as accommodate
people over six feet tall without the addition of costly
articulated keyboard trays, monitor arm/risers or other "ergonomic
accessories".
2. The workstation of claim 1 wherein a platform for a monitor or
other equipment is on a vertically adjustable lift that travels
with and rises above the main planar work surface, which can raise
a monitor into the ergonomically recommended eye level position. It
can hold a multiplicity of types and or plurality of monitors
including but not limited to Cathode Ray Tube monitor(s) with or
without adjustable swings.
3. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the monitor lift can start
from the lowest possible height position and rising up from there,
frees up the single main work surface.
4. The workstation of claim 1 wherein single or multiple horizontal
planar surfaces and/or tilting surfaces for use in other
applications beyond the preferred embodiment, including but not
limited to work supports, CAD, wall and post mounts, other supports
and incorporation into furniture.
5. The workstation of claim 1 wherein has a high ratio of strength,
stability, range, type and number of adjustments to material
costs.
6. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the 45+-degree legs adjoin
and maximize the attachment area of the legs to the main tube
increasing the stability of the main base and planar surface(s). As
the base stance increases, horizontal tubes enhance stability with
more attachment area.
7. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the 45+-degree legs and means
of adjoinment raises' the bending moment of the workstation higher
than pedestal base systems attached at the base.
8. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the 45+-degree legs spread
the forces outwardly for a stable wide stance, and leaves more room
for the users feet under the workstation.
9. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the invention's adjustments
can also be utilized in a manual, maintenance adjustable manner
with hand screws, pins, hydraulic and other means of adjustment can
be utilized.
10. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the monitor lift can be
attached anywhere on the work surface/frame or can be a separate
unit. It utilizes a safety or load switch or in the preferred
embodiment uses a linear actuator that has a means of decoupling
the drives downward motion for safety purposes.
11. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the inventions monitor lift
shaft and drive occupies very little of the valuable space of the
main work surface, and frees up most of the space under the monitor
for other purposes, this is a better solution than a split work
surface.
12. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the total combined range of
movement of the work surface and monitor lift is suitable for
sit/stand operations for many persons.
13. The workstation of claim 1 wherein in other embodiments
breakdown legs can be utilized for transportation and/or storage
purposes.
14. The workstation of claim 1 wherein two or more legs of the
raised bending moment type including adjustment means are used in
multiples for larger workstations.
15. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the invention is wheelchair
and ADA compliant.
16. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the invention can be used
with casters for mobility.
17. An adjustable motorized monitor lift that can be attached to
other surfaces and positions.
18. The workstation of claim 17 wherein a monitor lift can start
from the lowest possible height position and rising up from there,
frees up the single main work surface.
19. The workstation of claim 17 wherein the monitor can be swung
around 180.degree. for viewers to the side or in back of the
workstation.
20. A thin, flat panel monitor arm that attaches to a monitor lift,
swivels, tilts, rotates and can lay flat, a new position that is
beneficial for teaching and interpersonal situations where the
monitor laying down does not impede the view of the teacher,
student, etc. The flat panel monitor can be placed forward for low
vision, ADA applications and back for farsighted applications. The
flat panel arm can be configured to hold a plurality of monitors or
other items or equipment.
21. The workstation of claim 19 wherein the monitor lift starts
from the lowest possible height position and rises up from there,
freeing up the single main work surface.
22. The workstation of claim 19 wherein the monitor can be swung
around 180.degree. for viewers to the side or in back of the
workstation. It is understood that modifications and improvements
can be made to the invention without straying from the intent of
the disclosed concept.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 1,218,923 Mar. 13, 1917 Bogdanski 108/5
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 3,285,207 Nov. 19, 1966 Vom Hagen
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,546,708 Oct. 15, 1985 Wilburth 108/13
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,835 Feb. 4, 1986 Reese et al.
108/102
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,320 Dec. 21, 1993 Reneau 108/147
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,025 Jun. 21, 1994 Sherman et al.
108/147
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,017 Aug. 22, 1995 Wacker et al.
108/3
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0009] This invention relates to the field of adjustable
workstations. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a
computer workstation. The use of adjustable workstations may reduce
Repetitive Stress Injuries of users. User types include but are not
limited to: workers, students, families and individuals. The
advantage of adjustable height work surface(s) is the ergonomic
positioning of work materials and various equipment in the field of
labor, education and especially computer use, etc. More
specifically, this invention relates to a new, sturdy, affordable,
adjustable, powered, ergonomic workstation solution that can be
used to substantially improve user access to ergonomically
adjustable workstations.
[0010] Health professionals, OSHA and other federal and state
agencies recognize the value of adjustable workstations and the
benefits of adjustable work surface heights are well established.
Dr. Alan Hedges of Cornell University and others have recognized
that these same problems and solutions apply to K-12 grade school
children; ergonomically, adjustable workstation solutions
appropriately sized for students would improve postures at computer
terminals in schools.
[0011] The disadvantage of prior inventions are: the majority of
"adjustable" workstations are "maintenance adjustable" requiring a
mechanical takedown of the workstation to change heights, the next
class of "adjustable" workstations are hand-cranked, gear driven
workstations that can require up to 13 turns or more per inch of
vertical travel, an obvious disadvantage for those with, or prone
to, wrist, hand, arm or upper body Repetitive Stress Injuries;
these types of "adjustable" workstations are not likely to be
utilized. Few workstations are available with powered monitor
"lifts" they usually have a second pedestal driven surface. I have
no knowledge of any prior "monitor lift" that raises the monitor
with and above the main work surface that does not occupy a
considerable portion of the main work surface.
[0012] Adjustable height electrical pedestal style tables have
large pedestals raising centrally from a cross member at or near
floor level, the pedestal is large enough to contain the electric
drive, provide a wide bearing surface that controls lateral table
movement and big enough to sustain the bending moment occurring at
the bottom mount. The crosspiece and large pedestal are in the way
of the users feet. Dual pedestal units take up even more room.
[0013] Most adjustable workstations have two side legs, they are
more expensive due to extra mechanisms and materials and require
extra bracing and if they have dual adjustable surfaces the
complexity, limitations and stability problems increase.
[0014] Problems with prior art: non-adjustable, maintenance
adjustable, manual and power adjustable workstations are either not
capable of readily adjusting the work surface(s) or they do not
have enough range of movement or appropriate movements that can
conform to a majority of the population, children and shorter and
taller people simply do not fit at inappropriate workstations.
[0015] The easiest and most ergonomic way to adjust a workstation's
height is with an electric drive(s) requiring only a switch(s) to
operate. To utilize the full potential of electric drives, a
workstation needs to be sturdy, stable and have enough range of
adjustment to ergonomically accommodate the highest percentile of
users. A computer workstation requires two movements with
sufficient range: a main work surface and a monitor lift capable of
raising the monitor to the ergonomically correct top of screen, eye
level position.
[0016] The inventions 45+/-degree angle of attachment(s) from the
horizontal to the vertical element(s) presents the simplest, most
torque resistant structural joining of workstation feet, legs and
base. For use in business, home and schools, the inventions unique
design was derived from the complex issues of cost and function in
making a wheelchair accessible, computer workstation for schools
(prior to receiving the USDE SBIR grant). The cost of changing
workplace, school and other user stations to readily adjustable,
motorized ergonomic workstations will be enormous so the invention
utilizes the full potential of electric linear actuators in a new
affordable adjustable workstation that will of benefit to the
market.
[0017] It is especially noted that workstations are not available
that can ergonomically adjust to fit children or shorter persons
and also have the capability to adjust upwards to fit persons over
6 feet tall.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The adjustable workstation system of the present invention
increases the users ability to achieve an ergonomically correct
posture with a range of adjustments that are more inclusive of the
general population and not age, height, ability or gender biased.
Multiple users in the workplace, schools, families and individuals
will benefit from the invention, which is also ADA compliant.
[0019] The invention accomplishes this by using new unique
structural elements and innovations that provide a vectored,
torsion resistant, sturdy, stable base with a cantilevered
electrically adjustable main work surface and an electrically
adjustable monitor lift that travels with and raises above the main
work surface for a greater combined range of adjustment; together
they provide enough range of movement to accommodate most 6 year
old children to adults over 6 feet tall. This is achieved without
adding articulating keyboard trays, footrests, monitor arms, and
etc.
[0020] I have no knowledge of any adjustable workstation utilizing
a design that significantly raises' the bending moment of a single
drive unit above its base.
[0021] The invention is modular and can be configured for other
uses. Horizontal bracing may be used in bases and especially in
wider stance bases. Multi adjustable leg bases can be used for
corner and long workstations and other embodiments. The adjustable
embodiments of the invention can be utilized in other embodiments.
The monitor lift can be made separable and utilized on other
surfaces and embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0022] FIG. 1 Perspective view of the Motorized Adjustable
Workstation, linear actuators not shown
[0023] FIG. 2 Frontal view of the Motorized Adjustable
Workstation
[0024] FIG. 3 Top view of the Motorized Adjustable Workstation
[0025] FIG. 4 Side view of the Monitor Lift
[0026] FIG. 5 Side view of the Separable Monitor Lift
[0027] FIG. 6 Top end view of the drive shaft tube and drive
shaft
[0028] FIG. 7 Bottom end view of the drive shaft tube and drive
shaft
[0029] FIG. 8 Side view of the tilt-able, swiveling Flat Panel
Monitor Arm
[0030] FIG. 9 Top view of the tilt-able, swiveling Flat Panel
Monitor Arm
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The present invention relates to a new and improved
Motorized Adjustable Workstation. The invention can be utilized in
any environment where people would benefit from an adjustable work
surface and/or adjustable monitor lift. It is particularly suited
for computer workstation solutions.
[0032] The preferred embodiment of the workstation as shown in
FIGS. 1-3, consists of a base made of tubing that generally
includes two feet 2 and two legs 1 forming a stable bipod that
intersects and supports the main drive tube 4 with a means of
adjoinment, that approximate 45+-degree angles to form a stable,
sturdy structure that raises the bending moment of the main drive
tube a significant distance above the floor. The main linear
actuator 12 raises the main drive shaft 14 which supports the bow
back 6 with its attached arms 3 and support the main work surface
11, and the monitor lift attachment tube 17 that supports the
monitor drive tube 5 that has a linear actuator motor mount 7A. The
monitor drive shaft 8 has a monitor mounting arm 9 to support the
monitor platform 10. The main drive tube 4 and drive shaft 14 can
utilize an electrically driven linear actuator 12 mounted to the
base of the drive tube 4 with a motor mount 7B and at the bow with
another motor mount 7B. A switch 15 controls the linear
actuator(s).
[0033] FIG. 2 shows horizontal tubes 16 that increase the
attachment area of the legs 1 to the main drive tube 4 reinforcing
the bending moment and enhancing stability in wider bases.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment of the
monitor lift, where the monitor lift tube 5 is attached to the bow
back 6 by the attachment tube 17. The monitor lift is driven by the
linear actuator 13 which attaches to the bottom of the monitor tube
5 with the motor mount 7A and to the underside of the monitor
support arm 9, on the upper end of the monitor drive tube 8, it
also supports the monitor base plate 10. The top end of the linear
actuator may be positioned anywhere on the monitor drive shaft
8.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a separable monitor lift for
attachment in different areas of a workstation or by itself in
other embodiments. The monitor lift tube 5 is attached to the upper
mounting plate 18 and with a bottom mounting plate 19 the unit is
attached to a work surface. FIG. 5 also shows bearing adjustment
screws 20. The monitor drive shaft tube 8 supports the monitor base
arm 9. The monitor lift linear actuator 13 is attached to the
monitor lift tube 5 at or near its base with motor mount 7A and at
the monitor arm 9 or variably on a motor mount on the monitor drive
shaft 8.
[0036] FIG. 6 shows the main drive tube 4 at its upper end,
encasing the main drive shaft 14 where the main drive shaft is
aligned and stabilized with one or more bearing material 21 that
are adjusted by one or more adjustment screws 20.
[0037] FIG. 7 shows the main drive tube 4 at its lower end, and the
main drive shaft tube 14 end where alignment and stability is
achieved with one or more bearing material 21 that are adjusted by
one or more internal adjustment screws 20. FIG. 7 also shows an
alternate means of raising the main and monitor drive shafts with
the turning of an internal acme thread rod drive 22 (past a nut
encased in the drive shafts) by an external drive.
[0038] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a swiveling, tilting flat panel
monitor adaptation to the monitor lift. The monitor drive shaft 8
alternately has attached a flat panel mounting arm 23 that supports
a series of swivel-able arms 24, 29, and 25 with bearing plates 32
between, adjustable on the axis of the means of attachment 28. The
flat panel monitor 30 attaches to the swiveling arm 25 by various
means of attachment depending on the manufacturers means of
attachment. In the preferred embodiment the mounts 26 attach to the
back of the monitor 30 in a manner that allows tilting on the axis
of the attaching means 27 to the monitor arm 25.
[0039] FIG. 9 shows a top view of a swiveling, tilting flat panel
monitor adaptation to the monitor lift. The flat panel mounting arm
23 supports a series of arms 24, 29, and 25 with bearing plates 32
between, is adjustable on the axis of the means of attachment 28.
The flat panel monitor 30 attaches to the swiveling arm 25 by
various means of attachment depending on the manufacturers means of
attachment. In the preferred embodiment the mounts 26 attach to the
back of the monitor 30 in a manner that allows tilting on the axis
of the attaching means 27 to the monitor arm 25. The primary
swiveling monitor arm 24 has a slotted hole 31 for cable management
in the preferred embodiment, which may be modified for other cable
management applications.
* * * * *