U.S. patent application number 10/856518 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-04 for work station.
Invention is credited to Dye, Craig.
Application Number | 20040216646 10/856518 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46301358 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040216646 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dye, Craig |
November 4, 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: |
46301358 |
Appl. No.: |
10/856518 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10856518 |
May 27, 2004 |
|
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10217896 |
Aug 12, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 21/00 20130101;
A47B 83/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/050.01 |
International
Class: |
E04H 001/00; A47F
010/00; A47B 037/00 |
Claims
1. A work station, comprising: a first vertical support attachable
in a substantially vertical position to a first external surface of
a first article of furniture; a second vertical support attachable
in a substantially vertical position to a second external surface
of the first article of furniture; a first vertical adjustment
assembly adjustably attachable to the first vertical support; a
second vertical adjustment assembly adjustably attachable to the
second vertical support; a first support assembly attachable to the
first vertical adjustment assembly; and a second support assembly
attachable to the second vertical adjustment assembly.
2. The work station of claim 1 wherein the first article of
furniture is a shelving unit.
3. The work station of claim 1, further comprising a third vertical
support attachable to a second article of furniture, wherein the
third vertical support is supported in a substantially vertical
position by the second article of furniture.
4. The work station of claim 1, further comprising a third support
assembly.
5. The work station of claim 1 wherein the first vertical support
has a vertical channel and the first vertical adjustment assembly
selectively engages the vertical channel.
6. The work station of claim 1 wherein an angle between the first
vertical support and the article of furniture is adjustable.
7. The work station of claim 1 wherein the first vertical support
comprises a post and the first vertical adjustment assembly
comprises a cam assembly.
8. The work station of claim 1 wherein the first vertical support
has a vertical channel and the first vertical adjustment assembly
has a cleat that selectively engages the vertical channel.
9. The work station of claim 1 further comprising a motor
mechanically coupled to the first vertical adjustment assembly.
10. The work station of claim 1 wherein the first support assembly
has a first arm and a second arm, and the first arm is attachable
to the first vertical adjustment assembly in a substantially
vertical position and the second arm is attachable to the first arm
in a substantially horizontal position.
11. A work station, comprising: a shelving unit having a front,
first and second external sides and a plurality of shelves; a first
vertical support attached to the front of the shelving unit
adjacent to the first external side and positioned in a generally
vertical position; a second vertical support attached to the second
external side of the shelving unit and positioned in a generally
vertical position; a first vertical adjustment assembly adjustably
attached to the first vertical support; a first support assembly
attached to the first vertical adjustment assembly; a first work
surface attached to the first support assembly; a second vertical
adjustment assembly adjustably attached to the second vertical
support; a second support assembly attached to the second vertical
adjustment assembly; and a second work surface attached to the
second support assembly.
12. A work station, comprising: a first shelving unit having a
first side, a second side and a plurality of shelves; a second
shelving unit having a first side, a second side and a plurality of
shelves; a first vertical support attached to the first side of the
first shelving unit; a second vertical support attached to the
second side of the first shelving unit and to the first side of the
second shelving unit; a first vertical adjustment assembly
adjustably attached to the first vertical support; a second
vertical adjustment assembly adjustably attached to the second
vertical support; a first support assembly attached to the first
vertical adjustment assembly; and a second support assembly
attached to the second vertical adjustment assembly.
13. The work station of claim 12 further comprising a third
vertical support attached to the second side of the second shelving
unit.
14. The work station of claim 12 further comprising a work-surface
attached to the first support assembly.
15. The work station of claim 12 further comprising a motor
mechanically coupled to the first vertical adjustment assembly.
16. A work station, comprising: first and second vertical supports
attached in a substantially vertical position to an article of
furniture; a first vertical adjustment assembly adjustably attached
to the first vertical support; a second vertical adjustment
assembly adjustably attached to the second vertical support; a
first support assembly attached to the first vertical adjustment
assembly; and a second support assembly attached to the second
vertical adjustment assembly, wherein the first and second support
assemblies project away from the article of furniture.
17. The work station of claim 16 further comprising a motor
mechanically coupled to the first vertical adjustment assembly.
18. A work station, comprising: a vertical support attachable in a
substantially vertical position to an article of furniture, the
vertical support having a substantially vertical channel; a
vertical adjustment assembly adjustably coupled to the vertical
support, the vertical adjustment assembly selectively engaging the
vertical channel of the vertical support; and a support assembly
attachable to the vertical adjustment assembly.
19. The work station of claim 18 further comprising a motor
mechanically coupled to the vertical adjustment assembly.
20. The work station of claim 18 wherein the support assembly
comprises a first arm.
21. The work station of claim 20 wherein the first arm is
attachable to the vertical support assembly in a substantially
vertical position.
22. The work station of claim 21 wherein the support assembly
further comprises a second arm attachable to the first arm in a
substantially horizontal position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/217,896, filed Aug. 12, 2002, now pending,
which application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] 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.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] 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
[0006] 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.
[0007] In another embodiment, the work station includes first and
second vertical supports attachable in a substantially vertical
position to an article of furniture, vertical adjustment assemblies
adjustably attachable to the first and second vertical supports,
support assemblies attachable to the vertical adjustment
assemblies, and work surfaces attachable to the support
assemblies.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] 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:
[0009] FIG. 1 is an isometric projection of one embodiment of a
work station formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is an isometric projection of another embodiment of a
work station formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of a cam assembly formed in accordance
with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the cam assembly of FIG. 3;
[0013] FIG. 5 is an isometric projection of a further embodiment of
a work station formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side view of yet another embodiment of a work
station formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of a work station
formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0016] 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;
[0017] FIG. 9 is an isometric projection of another embodiment of a
work station formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 10 is an isometric projection of another embodiment of
a work station formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 11 is side view of a vertical support and vertical
adjustment assembly formed in accordance with the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a front view of the vertical support and vertical
adjustment assembly of FIG. 11;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a top view of the vertical support and vertical
adjustment assembly of FIG. 11;
[0022] FIG. 14 is another side view of the vertical support and
vertical adjustment assembly of FIG. 11;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a side view of another vertical support and
vertical adjustment assembly formed in accordance with the present
invention; and
[0024] FIG. 16 is an isometric projection of another embodiment of
a work station formed in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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).
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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).
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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).
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a work station 105 attached to a wall
602. 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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).
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates a work station 100 that includes a
shelving unit 902. Other articles of furniture, such as a desk (not
shown) or a cabinet (not shown) could be employed instead of the
shelving unit 902. A first vertical support 904 is affixed in a
generally upright position to an external front surface 903 of the
shelving unit 902 abutting a first sidewall 906 of the shelving
unit 902. Alternatively, the first vertical support 904 could be
affixed to an external surface 907 of the first sidewall 906. The
first vertical support 904 has a c-shaped cross-sectional
configuration and is described in more detail below (see FIGS.
11-14). An optional support foot 910 is attached to the front 903
of the shelving unit 902. A second vertical support 912 is affixed
in a generally upright position to a second side wall 914 of the
shelving unit 902 using mounting brackets (not shown). An angle
.theta. between the second vertical support 912 and the shelving
unit 902 is adjustable by, for example, using brackets with a
detent mechanism. An optional base 982 is attached to the second
vertical support 912. The shelving unit 902 includes an optional
chase 916, through which wiring (not shown) may be routed. The
shelving unit 902 also contains shelves 991, 992.
[0043] The work station 100 also includes a first vertical
adjustment assembly 908 slidably attached to the first vertical
support 904 to be positionable at various places along the first
vertical support 904. The first vertical support 904 and the first
vertical adjustment assembly 908 are described in more detail below
with respect to FIGS. 11-14. The first vertical adjustment assembly
908 is adjustably coupled to a support assembly 930 (see also FIGS.
11-14). The support assembly 930 projects away from the shelving
unit 902 and includes an adjustable boom assembly 934 that may be
extended away from the first vertical adjustment assembly 908, and
a mount 936 (see FIG. 1) for mounting a work surface 938 (see also
FIGS. 1, 5 and 8). The work surface 938 is configured to support a
variety of objects, such as a monitor, a keyboard, books, papers,
and the like (not shown) and may be adjustably attached to the
support assembly 930 (see the description of FIG. 8).
[0044] The work station 100 also includes a second vertical
adjustment assembly 939 slidably attached to the second vertical
support 912 to be positionable at various places along the second
vertical support 912. The second vertical adjustment assembly 939
is coupled to a second support assembly 940. A second work surface
948 is attached to the second support assembly 940. A third
vertical adjustment assembly 949 is slidably attached to the second
vertical support 912 to be positionable at various places along the
second vertical support 912. The third vertical adjustment assembly
949 is coupled to a third support assembly 950 that is attached to
a lamp 958. An optional base 982 is attached to the second vertical
support 912.
[0045] FIG. 10 illustrates a work station 901 that includes the
work station 100 shown and described above with respect to FIG. 9.
The second vertical support 912 is also attached to a first
sidewall 964 of a second shelving unit 962 using hinges (not
shown). An optional top wall 980 is attached to the second sidewall
914 of the first shelving unit 902 and the first side wall 964 of
the second shelving unit 962 using L-brackets (not shown). The
third vertical adjustment assembly 949, the third support assembly
950, and the lamp 958 shown in FIG. 9 are omitted from FIG. 10 for
clarity. The optional support foot 910 also is omitted from FIG.
10. A third vertical support 966 is attached to a front side 969 of
the second shelving unit 962 abutting a second sidewall 968 of the
second shelving unit 962. A fourth vertical adjustment assembly 970
is slidably attached to the third vertical support 966. A fourth
support assembly 972 is adjustably attached to the fourth vertical
adjustment assembly 970, and supports a third work surface 978.
[0046] FIGS. 11 through 14 illustrate a vertical support 300 and
vertical adjustment assembly 400 in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention, providing, respectively, a side view, a front
view, a top view and another side view of the coupling of the
vertical support 300 and the vertical adjustment assembly 400. The
vertical support 300 has a c-shaped cross-sectional configuration
with a rectangular-shaped longitudinal vertical channel 302 formed
between a back wall 304, a first side wall 306, a second side wall
308, a first front arm 310 and a second front arm 312. The channel
302 is in communication with a longitudinal access opening 314
defined by the first and second front arms 310, 312. Portions of
the vertical support 300 are omitted from FIGS. 11-14 for
clarity.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 11, the vertical adjustment assembly 400
includes a body 402. The body 402 fits into the channel 302 of the
vertical support 300 through the access opening 314. A pair of top
roller bearings 404 are mounted to the top 405 of the body 402
using a roller bearing bolt 406, spacers 408 and a nut 410.
Alternatively, a single top roller bearing 404 could be mounted to
the top 405 of the body 402. A pair of bottom roller bearings 412
are mounted to the bottom 413 of the body 402 using a roller
bearing bolt 414, spacers 416 and a nut 418.
[0048] A pair of top cleats 420 are mounted to the top 405 of the
body 402 and a bottom cleat 422 is mounted to the bottom 413 of the
body 402. After reviewing the specification, one of skill in the
art would recognize that a single top cleat mounted through the
body could be employed. A support assembly 500 is mounted to the
body 402 using a bolt 424, two washers 426 and a nut 428. The
support assembly 500 may be mounted to the body 402 at various
angles with respect to the body 402.
[0049] FIGS. 11 through 13 illustrate the vertical adjustment
assembly 400 when it is locked into position with respect to the
vertical support 300. The top cleats 420 press against the first
and second front arms 310, 312, respectively, of the vertical
support 300. The bottom cleat 422 presses against the back wall 304
of the vertical support 300. Gravity pulls the vertical adjustment
assembly 400 into the locked position with respect to the vertical
support 300 and, when the vertical adjustment assembly 400 is in
the locked position, friction holds the vertical adjustment
assembly 400 in place vertically with respect to the vertical
support 300.
[0050] FIG. 14 illustrates the vertical adjustment assembly 400
when an upward force F is applied to the vertical adjustment
assembly 400 with respect to the vertical support 300. The upward
force F can be applied by a user to the body 402. In response to
the upward force F, the vertical adjustment assembly 400 shifts to
an unlocked position with respect to the vertical support 300. The
top cleats 420 do not engage the first and second front arms 310,
312 of the vertical support 300 and the bottom cleat 422 does not
engage the back wall 304 of the vertical support 300. Instead, the
top bearings 404 engage the back wall 304 and the bottom bearings
412 engage the first and second front arms 310, 312 of the vertical
support 300. When in the unlocked position, the vertical adjustment
assembly 400 can be easily moved in an upward or downward manner
with respect to the vertical support 300. When the vertical
adjustment assembly 400 is at the desired vertical position on the
vertical support 300, the upward force F is discontinued and
gravity will cause the vertical adjustment assembly 400 to shift
into the locked position with respect to the vertical support
300.
[0051] FIG. 15 provides a side view of another vertical support 300
and vertical adjustment assembly 400 formed in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. For convenience, a numbering scheme
corresponding to the numbering schemes of FIGS. 11 through 14 is
employed. The vertical adjustment assembly 400 includes a motor 440
and a pulley 442. The motor 440 is secured to a top 980 of a piece
of furniture using a pair of mounting brackets 982. Alternatively,
the motor 440 could be secured to another part of a piece of
furniture (not shown) or to a back wall 304 of the vertical support
300. The motor 440 has a drive shaft 444 extending through the back
wall into a channel 302. The pulley 442 is affixed to the drive
shaft 444 in the channel 302. A cable 446 is attached to the pulley
442 and to a body 402 of the vertical adjustment assembly 400. A
support assembly 500 is attached to the body 402. The support
assembly 500 supports a work surface 510. A control switch 448 is
mounted to the work surface 510 and electrically coupled to the
motor 440 by wiring 450. Although the control switch 448 is shown
mounted to the work surface 510, the control switch 448 need not be
mounted to any particular object. Using the control switch 448 a
user can move the body 402 of the vertical adjustment assembly 400
into a desired vertical position by activating the motor 440.
[0052] FIG. 16 illustrates a work station 100 that includes a
verticle support 102 that includes a vertical channel (see FIGS.
11-14). The vertical support 102 is mounted to a surface 104 of a
piece of furniture 106. A vertical adjustment assembly 108 is
adjustably coupled to the vertical support 102. The vertical
adjustment assembly 108 is adjustably coupled to a first arm 120 of
a support assembly 130. As illustrated, the first arm 120 is
substantially parallel to the vertical support 102. The first arm
120 is coupled to a second arm 122 of the support assembly 130. As
illustrated, the second arm 122 is substantially perpendicular to
the vertical support 102. An adjustable boom assembly 134 is
adjustably coupled to the second arm 122 of the support assembly
130. A work surface 138 is adjustably coupled to the adjustable
boom assembly 134.
[0053] After reviewing the specification, one of skill in the art
will recognize that alternative embodiments for the vertical
support 300 and the vertical adjustment assembly 400 may be
employed. For example, a beam or post could be attached to the
shelving unit 902 and a cam assembly (see FIGS. 1 through 6) could
be attached to the beam or post.
[0054] All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application
publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign
patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this
specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are
incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.
[0055] 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.
* * * * *