U.S. patent application number 10/217896 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-12 for work station.
Invention is credited to Dye, Craig.
Application Number | 20040025754 10/217896 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31495241 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040025754 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dye, Craig |
February 12, 2004 |
Work station
Abstract
A work station having a main post attached to a base, braces
attached to the main post to support the main post, and a support
assembly that can be attached at a location on the main post
between the base and one of the braces. A work station having a
plurality of posts, a plurality of braces to support the posts, and
a plurality of support assemblies that can be attached to the
posts. A support assembly having a cam mechanism for adjustably
attaching the support assembly to a post of a work station. A
support assembly having tilt/swivel mechanism for positioning a
work surface with respect to a post.
Inventors: |
Dye, Craig; (Issaquah,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SEED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW GROUP PLLC
701 FIFTH AVE
SUITE 6300
SEATTLE
WA
98104-7092
US
|
Family ID: |
31495241 |
Appl. No.: |
10/217896 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 83/001 20130101;
A47B 21/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/50.01 |
International
Class: |
A47B 037/00 |
Claims
1. A work station, comprising: a support structure comprising a
main post, and a plurality of braces attachable to the main post
for supporting the main post in a generally upright position; and a
work-surface support assembly adjustably attachable to the main
post below an attachment point for one of the braces.
2. The work station of claim 1 wherein the work-surface support
assembly comprises an adjustable boom assembly.
3. The work station of claim 1 wherein the work-surface support
assembly comprises an assembly configured to tilt about a first
axis and to rotate about a second axis.
4. The work station of claim 1 wherein the work-surface support
assembly is configurable to support a plurality of work
surfaces.
5. The work station of claim 1, further comprising a base
attachable to the main post for supporting the main post.
6. The work station of claim 1, further comprising a side post
attachable to one of the plurality of braces.
7. The work station of claim 6, further comprising a second
work-surface support assembly attachable to the side post.
8. The work station of claim 6 wherein the side post is attachable
to a piece of furniture.
9. The work station of claim 1, further comprising a side base
attachable to one of the plurality of braces.
10. The work station of claim 1 wherein the main post is configured
to house wiring.
11. The work station of claim 1, further comprising a chase
attachable to the main post and to at least one of the braces.
12. The work station of claim 1 wherein one of the plurality of
braces is attachable to a piece of furniture.
13. The work station of claim 12, further comprising a side post
attachable to the piece of furniture.
14. The work station of claim 1 wherein the work surface support
assembly comprises: a sleeve attachable to an arm and to the main
post; a cam pin; and a cam pivotally coupled to the sleeve by the
cam pin, wherein the cam is adjustable between a locked position
where the cam will hold the sleeve in position on the main post and
an unlocked position where the sleeve can be repositioned on the
main post.
15. The work station of claim 14 wherein the cam is configured to
move to the locked position when the cam is released.
16. A work station, comprising: a support structure comprising a
main post, a side post, a first brace attachable to the main post
and to the side post, and a second brace attachable to the main
post; a first work-surface support assembly adjustably attachable
to the main post for supporting a first work surface; and a second
work-surface support assembly attachable to the side post for
supporting a second work surface.
17. The work station of claim 16 wherein the main post comprises a
base and a beam.
18. The work station of claim 17 wherein the first brace is
attachable to the base of the main post.
19. The work station of claim 16 wherein the first brace is
directly attached to the main post.
20. The work station of claim 16 wherein the side post comprises a
base and a beam.
21. The work station of claim 20 wherein the first brace is
attachable to base of the side post.
22. The work station of claim 16, further comprising a second side
post attachable to the second brace.
23. The work station of claim 16 wherein one of the braces is
configurable to house wiring.
24. The work station of claim 16, further comprising a chase
attachable to the main post and to the side post.
25. A work station, comprising: a beam; a plurality of braces for
attaching the beam to a wall; a plurality of work-surfaces; and a
work-surface support assembly attachable to the beam to support the
plurality of work-surfaces, wherein the position and angle of the
plurality of work-surfaces supported by the support assembly are
independently adjustable with respect to the beam.
26. The work station of claim 25 wherein the position and angle of
at least one of the plurality of work-surfaces supported by the
beam is adjustable using one hand.
27. A work station, comprising: a modular wall structure; a
plurality of modular units attachable to the modular wall
structure; a first work-surface support beam attachable to one of
the plurality of modular units; a first work-surface support
assembly attachable to the first work-surface support beam; a
second work-surface support beam attachable to one of the plurality
of modular units; and a second work-surface support assembly
attachable to the second work surface support beam.
28. The work station of claim 27 wherein the first work-surface
support beam is directly attachable to one of the plurality of
modular units.
29. The work station of claim 27, further comprising a brace
attachable to the first work-surface support beam.
30. A work station, comprising: a first beam; a support structure
for attaching the first beam to a wall; a first work-surface
support assembly attachable to the first beam; a second beam; a
support structure for attaching the second beam to the first beam;
and a second work-surface support assembly attachable to the second
beam.
31. A work station, comprising: a center post base; a center post
attachable to the center post base; a center post cap attachable to
the center post; a first brace attachable to the center post; a
second brace attachable to the center post; a boom inner sleeve
assembly attachable to the center post; a boom outer sleeve
assembly attachable to the boom inner sleeve assembly; a swivel
carriage attachable to the boom outer sleeve; a support platform
attachable to the swivel carriage; a first side-post base
attachable to the first brace; a first side-post attachable to the
first side-post base; a first accessory support assembly attachable
to first side-post; a second side-post base attachable to the
second brace; a second side-post attachable to the second side-post
base; a second accessory support assembly attachable to the second
side-post; and a chase attachable to the center post base, the
first side base and the second side-base.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention is directed to a work station, and
more particularly, to a work station or desk having multiple work
surfaces that can be easily positioned by the user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The rapid explosion of the use of computers, both in the
home and work environment, has created a need for a work station
that provides multiple work surfaces that can be easily positioned
by the user. In addition, conventional computer work environments
often contribute to user injuries and fatigue. Moreover, desired
positions for computer system components will often vary based on
the length of use, the type of work to be performed, and factors
unique to the individual user, as well as other factors. Thus, it
can be appreciated that there is a need for a work station that can
quickly be adjusted to provide an ergonomic environment with
multiple work surfaces for a particular use. The present invention
provides these and other advantages, as will be apparent from the
following detailed description and accompanying figures.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The work station of the present invention provides a support
structure to which multiple work surfaces can be attached in a wide
variety of positions. In one embodiment the support structure
includes a base for supporting the work station on a surface, a
main post attached to the base, a plurality of support braces for
supporting the main post relative to the surface, and a support
assembly attachable to the main post for supporting a work
surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The foregoing features and advantages will be more
appreciated as the same become better understood from the following
detailed description when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 is an isometric projection of one embodiment of a
work station formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0006] FIG. 2 is an isometric projection of another embodiment of a
work station formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a side view of a cam assembly formed in accordance
with the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the cam assembly of FIG. 3;
[0009] FIG. 5 is an isometric projection of a further embodiment of
a work station formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a side view of yet another embodiment of a work
station formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of a work station
formed in accordance with the present invention; and
[0012] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a tilt/swivel
assembly configured for use with a work station formed in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention provides for a work station that is
strong, versatile and moderate in cost. The invention will be
described using a limited number of example embodiments and
drawings.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a work station 100 that includes a center
post assembly 102 formed of a center post 104 that is attached at a
first end 105 to a center post base 106 and at a second end 107 to
a center post cap 108. First and second braces 110, 112,
respectively, are attached to the center post 104 and to a chase
126 resting on a floor. The braces 110 and 112, however, may be
attached to the center post cap 108 or indirectly attached to the
center post assembly 102. The center post assembly 102 and the two
braces 110 and 112 provide a support structure for the work station
100. The braces 110, 112 are configured so as to provide rigidity
to the work station 100 and to brace the center post in a generally
upright position. The optional center post base 106 increases the
stability of the work station 100. The optional center post cap 108
can provide an additional work surface, as illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0015] The work station 100 also includes a work surface support
assembly 130 adjustably attachable to the center post 104 below a
point where one of the braces 110, 112 attaches to the center post
assembly 102. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the work surface support
assembly 130 includes a post sleeve 132 positionable on the center
post 104, an adjustable boom assembly 134 that may be extended, and
a mount 136 for mounting a work surface 138. The adjustable boom
assembly 134 has an inner boom sleeve 133 attached to the post
sleeve 132 and an outer boom sleeve 135 that adjustably engages the
inner boom sleeve 133. The mount 136 may be pivotally attached to
the adjustable boom assembly 134, and the work surface 138 may be
pivotally attached to the mount 136. The work surface 138 is
configured to support a variety of objects, such as a monitor, a
keyboard, books, papers, and the like (not shown).
[0016] The work station 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 has an optional
first side post assembly 114 that includes a first side post 116
attached to a first side post base 118, and an optional second side
post assembly 120 having a second side post 122 attached to a
second side post base 124. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second
side post 122 is extendable in telescopic fashion. The second side
post 122 has an inner sleeve 121 that frictionally engages an outer
sleeve 123. One of skill in the art will recognize that various
telescopic posts can be used. For example, a post held in place by
friction may be used or a post held in place by a locking mechanism
may be utilized. The center post 104 and the first side post 116
may also be extendable, and the second side post 122 may be
fixed.
[0017] The first brace 110 also is attached to the first side post
assembly 114. The second brace 112 also is attached to the second
side post assembly 120. The work station 100 includes an optional
chase 126 attached to the center post assembly 102, the first side
post assembly 114, and the second side post assembly 120. The chase
126 may house wiring (not shown) for use with various items, such
as computers, monitors, keyboards, light fixtures and the like (not
shown). Other components of the work station 100, such as the
center post assembly 102, may also house wiring (not shown).
[0018] As illustrated in FIG. 1, additional work surface support
assemblies 140, 142, are attached to the first side post assembly
114 and the second side post assembly 120, respectively, for
supporting additional work surfaces 144 and 146. (See FIGS. 3 and
4, discussed in more detail below). In addition, the work surface
support assemblies 130, 140, 142, may support additional work
surfaces (not shown). For example, the work surface support
assembly 130 could support a work surface for a monitor (not shown)
and a work surface for a keyboard (not shown), as discussed in more
detail below with respect to FIG. 6.
[0019] FIG. 2 is an external view of another embodiment of a work
station 101 of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the brace 112 is
attached to a piece of furniture 150. An additional post assembly
160 is attached to the piece of furniture 150. FIG. 2 also
illustrates a bookshelf 170 supported by the center post assembly
102 and the side post assembly 114.
[0020] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a cam assembly 200 that can be used
in work surface support assemblies, such as the work surface
support assembly 140 shown in FIG. 1. A sleeve 202 is configured to
be slidably and rotationally mounted on a post 204. A cam 208 is
pivotally coupled to the sleeve 202 by a cam pin 206 in a cam
holder 207. The sleeve 202 also has a mounting hole 210 through
which an arm 212 for supporting a work surface (not shown) may be
inserted. The cam 208 has a contact surface 209, a portion of which
engages the post 204. In one embodiment, the cam pin 206 is
positioned off-center with respect to the contact surface 209.
Alternatively the contact surface 209 is formed to have a lobe that
contacts the post 204 as the cam 208 rotates, thereby using
frictional engagement to maintain the cam assembly in position on
the post 204. Thus, the cam 208 is adjustable between a locked
position, where the cam 208 will hold the sleeve 202 in position on
the post 204, and an unlocked position, where the sleeve 202 can be
repositioned on the post 204. The cam surface 209 may also be
position in such a way that it does not engage the post 204 (not
shown).
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the cam 208 is configured to
move into a locked position by the force of gravity. As illustrated
in FIGS. 3 and 4, gravity will cause the cam 208 to move into the
locked position when it is released. One of skill in the art will
recognize that other mechanisms may be employed to move the cam 208
into the locked position, such as spring mechanisms, and the
like.
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a work station 103 wherein a work surface
support assembly 180 is coupled to the brace 112. FIG. 5 also
illustrates multiple work surface support assemblies 182, 184, 186,
188, and 190 attached to side post assemblies 114 and 120.
[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a work station 105 attached to a wall
602. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the work station 105 has a first
beam 604 attached to the wall 602 by a plurality of braces 606,
608. A work surface support assembly 610 is attachable to the beam
604. A plurality of work surfaces 612, 614, are attachable to the
work surface support assembly 610 in such a way that the positions
and angles of the work surfaces 612, 614, are independently
adjustable with respect to the beam 604. Additional work surface
support assemblies 616, 618 may be attached to the beam 604 to
support additional work surfaces 620, 622.
[0024] A second beam 626 is attached to the first beam 604 using
braces 628, 630. An additional work surface support assembly 632 is
attached to the second beam 626. An additional work surface 634 is
supported by the work surface support assembly 632.
[0025] The position and angle of a work surface, such as work
surface 612, may be adjustable using one hand. For example, the
work surface support assembly 610 includes an extendable boom
assembly 624 that is pivotally coupled to a sleeve 626 and that may
be manually rotated by a user exerting rotational force on the work
surface 612. At the same time, a user may be able adjust the length
of the extendable boom assembly 624 by either pulling on, or
pushing on, the work surface 612.
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a work environment 700
formed in accordance with the present invention. The work
environment 700 includes a modular wall structure 702. The modular
wall structure 702 may have a plurality of wall panels 704, 706. A
plurality of modular units 708, 710, 712, 714, 716, are attachable
to the modular wall structure 702. The plurality of modular units
708, 710, 712, 714, and 716, may be comprised of a variety of
different modular units, such as book shelves, table tops, foot
rests, brackets for supporting other structures, etc., and the
like. The plurality of modular units 708, 710, 712, 714, and 716,
may also be attached to the modular wall structure 702 at different
heights and need not be attached to each other.
[0027] The work environment 700 also has a plurality of work
surface support beams 718, 720, 722 attachable to the plurality of
modular units 708, 710, 712, 714, and 716. One of skill in the art
will recognize that the individual support beams, for example the
support beam 718, may be attachable to a single modular unit, such
as the modular unit 710, or may be attachable to multiple modular
units (not shown). Similarly, one of skill in the art will
recognize that more than one support beam may be attached to a
modular unit (not shown).
[0028] The work environment 700 also has a plurality of work
surface support assemblies 724, 726 and 728, attachable to the
plurality of work surface support beams 718, 720, 722. Work
surfaces 725, 727, and 729 are coupled respectively to work surface
support assemblies 724, 726 and 728. The work environment 700 may
also employ additional support structures, such as the brace 730
illustrated in FIG. 7, to support the plurality of work surface
support beams 718, 720, 722.
[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a tilt/swivel assembly 800
that can be used with the desk or work station of the present
invention. The tilt/swivel assembly 800 has a lower bracket 802
that is attached to an arm 804 of a work surface support assembly
by a bolt 806, a washer 808, and a nut 810. Two friction plates 812
and 814 placed between the lower bracket 802 and the arm 804 permit
the tilt/swivel assembly 800 to pivot about axis A-A'. An upper
bracket 816 is attached to the lower bracket 802 using bolts 818,
washers 820, and nuts 822. Friction plates 824 and 826 permit the
upper bracket to rotate about axis B-B'. A work surface 830 is
attached to the upper bracket 816 using conventional means, such as
mounting bolts 832.
[0030] From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although
specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein
for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made
without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended
claims and the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *