U.S. patent application number 12/684492 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-14 for mechanically adjustable work station with optional retractable work support ledge.
Invention is credited to Michael Dellavecchia.
Application Number | 20110168062 12/684492 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44257499 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110168062 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dellavecchia; Michael |
July 14, 2011 |
MECHANICALLY ADJUSTABLE WORK STATION WITH OPTIONAL RETRACTABLE WORK
SUPPORT LEDGE
Abstract
A work station with a built-in electric mechanical lift that
will allow a user to adjust a work support member to a more
ergonomically correct position (similar to a tilted drafting
station) includes primary and, preferably, secondary work support
members. A lifting structure urged by an actuator engages the
primary work support member for pivoting from a position coplanar
with the second work support member to a position at an angle
relative to the secondary work support member. One or more
structural support members are positioned to support the primary
and secondary work support members, the lifting structure, and the
actuator. The lifting structure includes first and second lifting
arms pivotably connected to one another. A desk of any
configuration has a work support member with at least one pop-up
ledge engaged to a touch latch assembly configured to maintain the
pop-up ledge at a first retracted position inside the work support
member or at a second extended position extending from the work
support member.
Inventors: |
Dellavecchia; Michael;
(Marlton, NJ) |
Family ID: |
44257499 |
Appl. No.: |
12/684492 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/7 ; 108/106;
108/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 17/02 20130101;
A47B 27/02 20130101; A47B 2200/0046 20130101; A47B 2200/0043
20130101; A47B 13/088 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/7 ; 108/3;
108/106 |
International
Class: |
A47B 13/08 20060101
A47B013/08; A47B 27/00 20060101 A47B027/00 |
Claims
1. A work station having a work support member and an electrically
powered lifting structure that will allow a user to adjust a
position of the work support member, comprising: a primary work
support member having a top, work support surface and a bottom
surface, the top surface defining a first plane, the lifting
structure being positioned to engage the bottom surface to pivot
the primary work support member about a first pivot axis from a
first position to a second position, the first pivot axis being at
or proximate to an edge portion of the primary work support member;
an actuator positioned to urge the lifting structure to pivot the
primary support member about the first pivot axis; and one or more
structural support members positioned to support the primary work
support member, the lifting structure, and the actuator; wherein
the first plane at the second position is at an acute angle with
respect to the first plane at the first position; and wherein the
lifting structure includes a first lifting arm having first and
second ends and a second lifting arm having first and second ends,
the first ends being associated with the actuator and the second
ends being associated with the primary work support member, the
first and second lifting arms being pivotably connected to one
another at a location between their ends at a second pivot axis,
each of the first ends of the lifting arms pivoting about a third
axis and each of the second ends of the lifting arms pivoting about
a fourth axis.
2. The work station according to claim 1, further comprising: a
secondary work support member having an upper surface, the upper
surface defining a second plane and being positioned adjacent to
the primary work support member; wherein the one or more structural
support members are positioned to support the secondary work
support member; and wherein at the first position, the first plane
and the second plane are substantially coplanar, and at the second
position, the first plane is at an acute angle with respect to the
second plane.
3. The work station according to claim 2, further comprising a
support frame supported by the secondary work support member or by
at least one of the structural support members, and which
supportably engages the primary work support member.
4. The work station according to claim 3, further comprising a
slide-out shelf, slidably supported by the support frame.
5. The work station according to claim 1, wherein the actuator
includes a motor rotatably connected to a lead screw to turn the
lead screw, wherein the lead screw has a thread and is operably
connected to the lifting structure to urge the first lifting arm
and the second lifting arm to pivot about the second pivot axis,
such that the primary work support member pivots about the first
pivot axis from the first position to the second position.
6. The work station according to claim 5, wherein the lead screw
has a first threaded portion and is rotatably connected to a first
bushing having an internal thread matched to the first threaded
portion of the lead screw and being pivotably connected to a first
end of the first lifting arm such that rotation of the lead screw
causes linear motion of the first bushing along a longitudinal
length of the lead screw and pivoting of the lifting arms about the
second pivot axis.
7. The work station according to claim 6, wherein the lead screw
has a second threaded portion reverse threaded compared to the
first threaded portion, and wherein the first end of the second
lifting arm is pivotably connected to a second bushing having and
internal thread matched to the second threaded portion of the lead
screw and which moves along the longitudinal length of the lead
screw; wherein the second ends of the first and second lifting arms
are pivotably connected to third and fourth bushings, respectively;
and wherein the third and fourth bushings slide along one or more
respective rods positioned parallel to the lead screw, the one or
more rods being connected to the bottom surface such that the
movement of the first and second bushings towards one another will
cause the third and fourth bushings to slide towards one another
and urge the primary work support member from the first position to
the second position.
8. The work station according to claim 1, further comprising a
controller operatively connected to the actuator and configured to
command the actuator to operate in a forward direction to urge the
primary work support member from the first position to the second
position, and in a reverse direction to urge the primary work
support member from the second position to the first position.
9. A work station comprising: a work support member having a top
surface, the top surface defining a first plane; one or more
structural support members positioned to support the work support
member; wherein the work support member includes at least one
pop-up ledge having a superior surface; wherein the pop-up ledge is
engaged to at least one touch latch assembly configured to maintain
the pop-up ledge at a first retracted position or at a second
extended position; and wherein at the first retracted position, the
superior surface is substantially coplanar with the first plane,
and at the second extended position, the superior surface is
extended above the first plane.
10. The work station according to claim 9, wherein the at least one
touch latch assembly comprises a spring configured to urge the
pop-up ledge from the first retracted position to the second
extended position; and wherein the pop-up ledge, when in the first
retracted position, is positioned within an elongated channel
formed in the work support member, the pop-up ledge extending in a
longitudinal direction of the work support member substantially
parallel to a first edge of the work support member.
11. The work station according to claim 10, wherein the at least
one pop-up ledge comprises first and second pop-up ledges
positioned substantially parallel to and spaced from one
another.
12. A work station having a work support member and an electrically
powered lifting structure that will allow a user to adjust a
position of the work support member, comprising: a primary work
support member having a top, work support surface and a bottom
surface, the top surface defining a first plane, the lifting
structure being positioned to engage the bottom surface to pivot
the primary work support member about a first pivot axis from a
first position to a second position, the first pivot axis being at
or proximate to an edge portion of the primary work support member;
an actuator positioned to urge the lifting structure to pivot the
primary support member about the first pivot axis; and one or more
structural support members positioned to support the primary work
support member, the lifting structure, and the actuator; wherein
the first plane at the second position is at an acute angle with
respect to the first plane at the first position; wherein the
lifting structure includes a first lifting arm having first and
second ends and a second lifting arm having first and second ends,
the first ends being associated with the actuator and the second
ends being associated with the primary work support, the first and
second lifting arms being pivotably connected to one another at a
location between their ends at a second pivot axis, each of the
first ends of the lifting arms pivoting about a third axis and each
of the second ends of the lifting arms pivoting about a fourth
axis; wherein the primary work support member includes at least one
pop-up ledge having a superior surface; wherein the pop-up ledge is
engaged to a touch latch assembly configured to maintain the pop-up
ledge at a first retracted position or at a second extended
position; and wherein at the first retracted position, the superior
surface is substantially coplanar with the first plane, and at the
second extended position, the superior surface is extended above
the first plane.
13. The work station according to claim 12, further comprising a
secondary work support member having an upper surface, the upper
surface defining a second plane, wherein at the first position, the
first plane and the second plane are substantially coplanar, and at
the second position, the first plane is at an acute angle with
respect to the second plane.
14. The work station according to claim 12, further comprising a
support frame supported by the secondary work support member or by
at least one of the structural support members, and which
supportably engages the primary work support member, and further
comprising a slide-out shelf, slidably supported by the support
frame.
15. The work station according to claim 12, wherein the actuator
includes a motor rotatably connected to a lead screw to turn the
lead screw, wherein the lead screw has a thread and is operably
connected to the lifting structure to urge the first lifting arm
and the second lifting arm to pivot about the second pivot axis,
such that the primary work support member pivots about the first
pivot axis from the first position to the second position.
16. The work station according to claim 15, wherein the lead screw
has a first threaded portion and is rotatably connected to a first
bushing having an internal thread matched to the first threaded
portion of the lead screw and being pivotably connected to a first
end of the first lifting arm such that rotation of the lead screw
causes linear motion of the first bushing along a longitudinal
length of the lead screw and pivoting of the lifting arms about the
second pivot axis.
17. The work station according to claim 16, wherein the lead screw
has a second threaded portion reverse threaded compared to the
first threaded portion, and wherein the first end of the second
lifting arm is pivotably connected to a second bushing having and
internal thread matched to the second threaded portion of the lead
screw and which moves along the longitudinal length of the lead
screw; wherein the second ends of the first and second lifting arms
are pivotably connected to third and fourth bushings, respectively;
and wherein the third and fourth bushings slide along one or more
respective rods positioned parallel to the lead screw, the one or
more rods being connected to the bottom surface such that the
movement of the first and second bushings towards one another will
cause the third and fourth bushings to slide towards one another
and urge the primary work support member from the first position to
the second position.
18. The work station according to claim 12, further comprising a
controller operatively connected to the actuator and configured to
command the actuator to operate in a forward direction to urge the
primary work support member from the first position to the second
position, and in a reverse direction to urge the primary work
support member from the second position to the first position.
19. The work station according to claim 12, wherein the at least
one pop-up ledge comprises first and second pop-up ledges
positioned substantially parallel to and spaced from one
another.
20. The work station according to claim 12, wherein each touch
latch assembly comprises a spring configured to urge the pop-up
ledge from the first retracted position to the second extended
position; and wherein the pop-up ledge, when in the first retracted
position, is positioned within an elongated channel formed in the
primary work support member, the pop-up ledge extending in a
longitudinal direction of the primary work support member being
substantially parallel to a first edge of the primary work support
member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to a desk or work station
which can be used as a traditional work surface, and additionally,
the work surface's position can be angularly changed in relation to
the user, similar to a tilted drafting table or drafting station.
In the present application, the term "work station" is used to
refer to a desk or a work station or a drafting station, and these
terms are deemed to be interchangeable. Similarly, the terms
"drafting station" and "drafting table" are used interchangeably.
An electric lift mechanism allows the user to adjust the work
surface from horizontal throughout a wide range of angular
positions and back to horizontal. This adjustability creates a
custom, more ergonomically correct and, therefore, beneficial
position for the user. Additionally, the present invention is
directed to a work station that includes at least one retractable
ledge to secure work items through the effect of gravity on a
tilted desk or work station to further serve the enhancement of the
ergonomic benefit to the user, again similar to the benefits
derived from using a tilted drafting station.
[0002] Desk or work station surfaces which are raised or tilted by
motorized mechanisms are known in the art. Furthermore, utilizing
retractable or removable ledges to secure items on a desk is known
in the art. However, there is still a need for desks which can,
with the use of a motor, easily and conveniently adjust from a
flat, horizontal desk or work station to a tilted adjustable work
surface as typified by drafting stations or drafting tables, and
the present invention satisfies this need. Furthermore, retractable
ledges that are easily and selectively placed in one of two
different positions and remain in such position as desired are also
needed and such need is satisfied by the present invention,
optionally, but especially, in combination with the desk described
above. Additionally, the mechanism for lifting all or a portion of
a desk or work station to adjust the work surface(s) should be
simple and inexpensive, features that are satisfied by the present
invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a work
station having a work support member and an electrically powered
lifting structure that will allow a user to adjust the work support
member to an ergonomic position, comprising: a primary work support
member having a top, work support surface and a bottom surface, the
top surface defining a first plane, the lifting structure being
positioned to engage the bottom surface to pivot the primary work
support member about a first pivot axis from a first position to a
second position, the first pivot axis being at or proximate to an
edge portion of the primary work support member; an actuator
positioned to urge the lifting structure to pivot the primary
support member about the first pivot axis; and one or more
structural support members positioned to support the primary work
support member, the lifting structure, and the actuator; wherein
the first plane at the second position is at an acute angle with
respect to the first plane at the first position; and wherein the
lifting structure includes a first lifting arm having first and
second ends and a second lifting arm having first and second ends,
the first ends being associated with the actuator and the second
ends being associated with the primary work support member, the
first and second lifting arms being pivotably connected to one
another at a location between their ends at a second pivot axis,
each of the first ends of the lifting arms pivoting about a third
axis and each of the second ends of the lifting arms pivoting about
a fourth axis.
[0004] More particularly, this first aspect of the invention
comprises a mechanically adjustable work station with an
electrically powered lifting structure that will allow a user to
adjust the position of the work surface to a more ergonomically
correct position. The work station includes a primary work support
member having a top, work support surface and a bottom surface, the
top surface defining a first plane. The work station also includes
a lifting structure positioned to engage the bottom surface to
pivot the primary work support member about a first pivot axis from
a first position to a second position, the first pivot axis being
near or close to an edge of the primary work support member. Thus,
the first pivot axis is at or proximate to an edge portion of the
primary work support member. An actuator is positioned to urge the
lifting structure to engage the bottom surface to pivot the primary
support member about the first pivot axis. The work station
optionally, but preferably, has a secondary work support member
having an upper surface, the upper surface defining a second plane
and being positioned adjacent to the primary work support member.
Also, the desk includes one or more structural support members
positioned to support the primary and secondary work support
members, the lifting structure, and the actuator. At the first
position, the first plane and the second plane are substantially
coplanar, and at the second position, the first plane is at an
acute angle with respect to the second plane and with respect to
the first plane at the first position. The lifting structure
includes a first lifting arm having first and second ends and a
second lifting arm having first and second ends. The first ends are
associated with the actuator and the second ends are associated
with the primary work support. The first and second lifting arms
are pivotably connected to one another at a location between their
ends at a second pivot axis. Each of the first ends of the lifting
arms pivot about a third axis and each of the second ends of the
lifting arms pivot about a fourth axis.
[0005] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a work
station including a work support member having a top surface, the
top surface defining a first plane. The work station has one or
more structural support members positioned to support the work
support member. The work support member includes at least one
pop-up ledge having a superior surface. The pop-up ledge is engaged
to a touch latch assembly configured to maintain the pop-up ledge
at a first retracted position or at a second extended position. At
the first retracted position, the superior surface is substantially
coplanar with the first plane, and at the second extended position,
the superior surface is extended above the first plane.
[0006] The pop-up ledges can be included in any desk or work
station regardless of configuration, including, but not necessarily
limited to, the work station described above which has an electric
mechanical lift mechanism to allow the work surface to be adjusted
at an angle to the horizontal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of the invention, will be better understood when read
in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of
illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings
embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood,
however, that the invention is not limited to the precise
arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0008] In the Drawings:
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a schematic front isometric view of a
mechanically adjustable work station according to the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a schematic partial front elevation view of the
mechanically adjustable work station shown in FIG. 1, with the
primary work surface in a first, lowered position;
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a schematic partial front elevation view of the
mechanically adjustable work station as shown in FIG. 1, where the
primary work surface is in a second, raised or tilted position;
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a schematic partial side elevation and partial
cross-sectional view of the mechanically adjustable work station
taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 2, with the primary work surface in a
first, lowered position, and also showing the connection of
portions of the first and second lifting arms together at a second
pivot axis and at their ends at a third axis to a portion of a lift
actuator assembly and at a fourth pivot axis to an upper guide rod
or rail;
[0013] FIG. 5, which includes FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B, shows a schematic
partial side elevation and partial cross-sectional view of the
mechanically adjustable work station taken along lines 5-5 of FIG.
3, with the primary work surface in a second, raised or tilted
position, and also showing the connection of portions of the first
and second lifting arms together at a second pivot axis and at
their ends at a third axis to a portion of a lift actuator assembly
and at a fourth pivot axis to an upper guide rod or rail;
[0014] FIG. 5A shows a schematic partial side elevation and partial
cross-sectional view showing a connection at the second pivot axis
between a first lifting arm and a second lifting arm.
[0015] FIG. 5B shows a schematic partial side elevation and partial
cross-sectional view of a connection at a fourth pivot axis between
a bushing and the guide rod or rail attached to the primary work
support member;
[0016] FIG. 6 shows a partial isometric view of the work station
shown in FIG. 1, also showing two ledges in an extended position
supporting a plurality of papers, representative of work items on
the tilted primary work surface;
[0017] FIGS. 7A and 7B show partial cross-sectional views along
lines 7-7 of FIG. 6, where FIG. 7A shows the ledges in a retracted
position and FIG. 7B shows the ledges in an extended position;
[0018] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of an exemplary touch latch
assembly;
[0019] FIG. 9 shows a partial side elevation and partial
cross-sectional view of the touch latch assembly shown in FIG.
8;
[0020] FIG. 10 shows an isometric and partial cross-sectional view
of the touch latch assembly shown in FIG. 9, being in a retracted
position;
[0021] FIG. 11A shows an isometric and partial cross-sectional view
of the touch latch assembly shown in FIG. 9, being in a partially
extended position; and
[0022] FIG. 11B shows an isometric and partial cross-sectional view
of the touch latch assembly shown in FIG. 9, being in a fully
extended position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Regarding FIGS. 1-3 and 6, a desk or work station 9 is
shown, having a primary work support member 10 with a top work
surface 58 and which can be mechanically adjusted through a lifting
structure 20 that is moved with an electric lift mechanism,
resulting in the movement of the primary work support member 10
from a first, substantially horizontal position to a second tilted
position. FIGS. 1 and 6 show the primary work support member 10 in
the second position. The primary work support member 10 has a top
work surface 58, which defines a first plane, shown in FIG. 6 as
supporting a plurality of papers, representing work items, which
also or alternatively can include writing implements, drafting
tools, books or anything else. The primary work support member 10
also has a bottom surface 60. Essentially, the primary work support
member 10 is part of a work station and is preferably much longer
and wider than it is thick. In other words, it preferably has a
plate-like form. The work station 9 need not have, but preferably,
has a secondary work support member 12 having an upper surface 62
defining a second plane. Just like the primary work support member
10, the secondary work support member 12 is preferably much longer
and wider than it is thick. The primary work support member 10 can
be adjacent on at least one side, and preferably two or three
sides, to the secondary work support member 12.
[0024] The work station 9 also includes the lifting structure 20
positioned to engage the bottom surface 60 to pivot the primary
work support member 10 about a first pivot axis 16 from the first
position to the second position, the first pivot axis 16 being at
or proximate to an edge portion of the primary work support member
10, and as shown in FIG. 6, a front edge portion. At the first
position, the first plane and the second plane are substantially
coplanar, and at the second position, the first plane is at an
acute angle .theta. with respect to the second plane and is at an
acute angle .theta. with respect to the first plane in the first
position. Thus, at the first position, the primary and secondary
work support members 10, 12 are essentially coplanar and preferably
form, except for a narrow gap along the border between the primary
and secondary work support members 10, 12, a continuous surface on
which a user can work where the desk is utilized as a working
surface which is essentially horizontal or at a slight angle to
horizontal. In the first position, the top surface 58 and upper
surface 62 (also referred to as primary and secondary work surfaces
58, 62) are co-planar, so the angle between them is zero. Small
differences in height between the first and second planes that
would not adversely affect work items supported by both the primary
work support member 10 and the secondary work support member 12 are
considered to still mean that they are substantially coplanar. At
the second position, the primary and secondary work support members
10, 12 are at an angle .theta. to one another because of the
pivoting of the primary work support member 10. The primary work
support member 10 at the second position is at an angle .theta.
with respect to the primary work support member 10 at the first
position. The angular range for .theta. can vary by a number of
factors (user requirements, cost, available space for the lift
mechanism within overall desk design, appearance), but can be
customized to a range from any angular dimension between 0 and 90,
which tilts the back of the primary work support member 10 upward
(similar to a tilted drafting table). Any range or ranges between
zero and ninety degrees is envisioned as supported by the present
disclosure, such as ten degrees to thirty degrees, fifteen degrees
to twenty degrees, or any other range. Thus, the primary work
support member 10 can be used as a fully adjustable work surface
with a top, work surface 58 at an angle from the horizontal.
[0025] The work station 9 also includes one or more structural
support members 14 positioned to support the primary and secondary
work support members 10, 12, the lifting structure 20, and an
actuator 18 (described more fully below). The structural support
members 14 can be any structure, such as filing cabinets or other
structures including drawers, as well as pedestals, legs, pillars,
and/or any other structure that can support the primary and/or
secondary work support members 10, 12, directly or indirectly. The
desk 9 further preferably includes a support frame 22 supported by
the secondary work support member 12 or by at least one of the
structural support members 14, and which supportably engages the
primary work support member 10. The support frame 22 preferably
includes first and/or second and/or third side structures 22a, 22b,
and 22c, one of which, such as 22c shown in FIGS. 1-5, may form or
be part of a back wall of the work station 9. Additional structures
may form part of the support frame 22. Side structures 22a, 22b,
22c are preferably elongated board-like structures supported by the
secondary work support member 12 and/or by one or more structural
support members 14. Preferably, side structures 22a and 22b support
the sides of the primary work support member 10 at opposite sides
of a first pivot axis 16. However, the primary work support member
10 can be directly supported by one or more structural support
members 14. It is preferred that the primary support member 10 be
indirectly supported by one or more structural support members 14
through the support frame 22. This way, the support frame 22 can be
attached to off-the-shelf support members 14 and avoid the need to
modify existing support members 14 to support the primary work
support member 10.
[0026] The desk 9 also preferably, but not necessarily, includes a
slide-out shelf 24, best seen in FIGS. 1 and 6, slidably supported
by the support frame 22. Again, it is also possible for the
slide-out shelf 24 to be directly supported by the one or more
structural support members 14 rather than the support frame 22, but
it is preferable for the slide-out shelf to be supported by the
support frame 22.
[0027] The primary work support member 10 preferably includes pivot
rods 90 which define the first pivot axis 16. The pivot rods 90
preferably are short rods of circular cross-section that extend
into apertures 92 (see FIG. 3) or bushings formed within the
secondary work support member 12, the support frame 22 or the
structural support members 14 and the sides proximate to the front
edge of a front portion of the primary work support member 10 to
engage the secondary work support member 12. The primary work
support member 10 then pivots about the first axis 16 which is
axially aligned with the pivot rods 90. If desired, one pivot rod
90 could extend through a bore from one side of the primary work
support member 10, which may be lined with an elongated bushing,
and opposite ends of the pivot rod 90 would then extend into
apertures 92 in the secondary work support member 12 that can
accommodate the pivot rod 90 rotatably so that the pivot rod 90
will be supported by the secondary work support member but also be
permitted to rotate. Other ways to rotatably support the primary
work support member 10 are envisioned by the present invention.
[0028] Regarding FIGS. 2-5B, the lifting structure 20 includes a
first lifting arm 32 having first and second ends 50, 68 and a
second lifting arm 34 having first and second ends 52, 70,
respectively, the first and second lifting arms 32, 34 being
pivotably connected to one another at a location between their ends
at a second pivot axis 46 formed by a pin, rod, rivet, screw, or
other structure that allows pivoting of the lifting arms 32, 34
about the second pivot axis 46. To lift the primary work support
member 10 from the first position to the second position, the first
lifting arm 32 and the second lifting arm 34 pivot about the second
pivot axis 46, a third pivot axis 102, and a fourth pivot axis 104,
such that the primary work support member 10 pivots about the first
pivot axis 16 from the first position to the second position.
[0029] The force to pivot the first and second lifting arms 32, 34
is generated by an actuator 18, which is positioned to urge the
lifting structure 20 to engage the bottom surface 60 to pivot the
primary work support member 10 about the first pivot axis 16.
Essentially, the lifting structure 20 is connected to the bottom
surface 60 to push the bottom surface 60 to pivot the primary work
support member 10 about the first pivot axis 16. The lifting
structure 20 can also be connected to one or more side surfaces 82
(see FIG. 6) of the primary work support member 10 to be able to
pivot the primary work support member 10. However, the connection
to the bottom surface 60 is preferred, as explained in more detail
below.
[0030] The actuator 18 preferably includes a motor 26, preferably
an electric motor (DC or AC, but preferably DC powered by an AC
transformer), to provide the force for pivoting the primary work
support member 10 from the first, lower position to the second,
tilted position. The actuator 18 has the motor 26 rotatably
connected to a lead screw 27 to turn the lead screw 27, where the
lead screw 27 has a first threaded portion 28 and preferably a
second threaded portion 29 that is preferably reverse threaded
compared to the first threaded portion 28 and is operably connected
to the lifting structure 20 to urge the primary work support member
10 from the first position to the second position. The lead screw
27 is preferably rotatably connected to a first bushing 30 and to a
second bushing 48, where the bushings 30 and 48 have internal
threads matched to the threads of the lead screw 27. The first
bushing 30 is pivotably connected as shown by a pivot connection
31, forming a compound pivot joint, to a first end 50 of the first
lifting arm 32 such that rotation of the lead screw 27 causes
linear motion along and rotational motion about the third pivot
axis 102 by the first bushing 30 through at least a portion of the
longitudinal length of the lead screw 27 and pivoting of the
lifting arms 32, 34 about the second pivot axis 46. The second
bushing 48 is pivotably connected as shown by a pivot connection
49, to a first end 52 of the second lifting arm 34. The rotatable
connection between the second threaded portion 29 of the lead screw
27 and the second bushing 48 is preferably inversely related to the
rotatable connection between the lead screw 27 and the first
bushing 30, such that upon rotation of the lead screw in one
direction, say clockwise for example, the first bushing 30 and the
second bushing 48 move in opposite linear directions. The second
ends 68, 70, respectively, of the first and second lifting arms 32,
34 are pivotably connected to third and fourth bushings 54, 56, by
respectively by pivot joints 55, 57. Also, pivoting of the first
and second lifting arms 32, 34, and the first and second bushings
30, 48 about the third pivot axis 102 via the pivot connections 31
and 49, each forming compound pivot joints and pivoting of the
first and second lifting arms 32, 34 and third and fourth bushings
54, 56 about the fourth pivot axis 104 via the pivot connections 55
and 57, each forming other compound pivot joints, also occurs.
[0031] The third and fourth bushings 54, 56 move along and rotate
about the fourth pivot axis 104, which is comprised of one or more
respective upper rods 74 positioned parallel to the lead screw 27,
the one or more upper rods 74 being connected to the bottom surface
60 such that the movement of the first and second bushings 30, 48
towards one another will cause a sliding of the third and fourth
bushings 54, 56 towards one another and an urging of the primary
work support member 10 from the first position to the second
position. The rods 74 may have a circular cross-section, a square
or rectangular cross-section, a T-shaped cross-section, an I-shaped
cross-section or any other suitable shape, such that the term "rod"
with respect to rod 74, as used herein, may also be include a rail
having a cross-section other than a circular cross-section.
[0032] It is also possible for the motor 26 to be a linear motor
that causes a rod to move linearly (the motor 26 and the rod in
combination being a linear actuator). Thus, rather than having a
lead screw 27 which rotates to move the first bushing 30, the motor
26 can merely push a rod linearly, and the first lifting arm 32 can
be pivotably connected to the linearly movable rod. Other ways to
push the end 50 of the first lifting arm 32 are also envisioned in
the present invention. For example, a rack and pinion assembly can
be utilized as well as a movable chain. Further explanation
regarding various types of actuators 18 is unnecessary since their
structures are well-known in the art.
[0033] The desk/work station 9 also includes at least one
controller 76 operatively connected to the actuator 18 and
configured to command the actuator 18 to operate in a forward
direction to urge the primary work support member 10 from the first
position to the second position, and in a reverse direction to urge
the primary work support member 10 from the second position to the
first position. The controller 76 can be any type of switch,
keypad, wired or wireless remote control, or other device to
communicate with the actuator 18 to activate the motor movement in
a forward direction or in a reverse direction. The controller 76
can be used to set the speed at which the lifting structure 20
raises or lowers the primary work support member 10. Additionally,
the user may want to preset angles for the position of the primary
work support member 10, and the controller can optionally be
programmable to set different positions to which the primary work
support member 10 will move, including multiple positions that can
be identified with a keypad or other input device to automatically
have the primary work support member 10 move to a desired position.
The speed and multiple positions described above can be saved to a
memory device (e.g., a magnetic recorder, a suitably programmed
computer, or other memory devices well known in the art) for use at
a later time by one or more users, each of whom may program in
their own settings, if desired.
[0034] The movement of the lifting structure 20 will now be
explained in reference to FIGS. 2-5. FIG. 2 shows the primary work
support member 10 in the first lowered position. A user then
activates the controller 76 to command the motor 26 to move in a
forward direction. As a result, the lead screw 27 will be rotated
by the motor 26 in a forward direction. The rotating threads of the
lead screw 27 will push the first and second bushings 30, 48 in
opposite longitudinal directions of the lead screw 27 (i.e., the
third pivot axis 102), and about the third pivot axis 102. The
movement of the first bushing 30 is shown with Arrow A in FIG. 2,
which will cause a pivoting of the first lifting arm 32 about the
second pivot axis 46, about the third pivot axis 102 and about the
fourth pivot axis 104 (see FIGS. 4 & 5). The movement of the
first bushing 30 will also cause an exertion of force on the third
bushing 54 as shown by Arrow B in FIG. 2. As can be seen in FIG. 2,
Arrow B has an upward component and an inward component. The
movement of fourth bushing 56 is similar, represented by Arrow C.
The upward component of the force shown by Arrows B and C will push
the upper rod or a rail 74 upward and the inward component of the
force shown by Arrows B and C will cause the third bushing 54 and
fourth bushing 56 to slide inward along the upper rod 74, and to
rotate about rod 74 (i.e., to rotate about the fourth pivot axis
104 (see FIGS. 4 and 5)).
[0035] FIG. 4 shows the third and fourth pivot axes 102, 104 when
the primary work support member 10 is in a first position (not
lifted). FIGS. 5 and 5B show the third and fourth pivot axes 102,
104 when the primary work support member 10 is in a second position
(lifted). A comparison between FIG. 4 on the one hand, and FIGS. 5
and 5B on the other hand, shows the movement of the first bushing
30 and the first and second lifting arms 32, 34 about the third
pivot axis 102, and the movement of the fourth bushing 56 and the
first and second lifting arms 32, 34 about the fourth pivot axis
104.
[0036] The upper rod 74 is connected to at least rod mount 84, and
also preferably to rod mounts 86 and 88. Rod mount 84 and also
preferably rod mounts 86 and 88, are connected to and evenly spaced
laterally along a back portion of the bottom surface 60 of the
primary work support member 10. It is possible for rod 74 to be,
for example, two rods which are both connected to the central rod
mount 88.
[0037] The upward force of the rod 74 is transferred to at least
the rod mount 84, preferably also rod mounts 86 and 88, and to
bottom surface 60 of the primary work support member 10 to push the
primary work support member 10 to pivot about the first pivot axis
16 (see FIGS. 1 and 6). The locations of the rod mounts 84, 86, and
88 can vary, but are preferably at a back portion of the primary
work support member 10 so as to maximize the distance between the
first pivot axis 16 and the rod mounts to increase the torque
applied to the primary work support member 10 about the first pivot
axis 16.
[0038] The engagement of the second bushing 48 to the second
lifting arm 34 and the lead screw 27 will also urge the second
lifting arm 34 to pivot about the second pivot axis 46 in an
opposite direction as the first lifting arm 32. As explained above,
the threads of the lead screw 27 which engage the threads of the
second bushing 48, and the threads of the second bushing 48 are
such that the second bushing 48 moves in an opposite direction as
the first bushing 30. When the motor 26 is operated in a reverse
direction, the opposite movements take place and the primary work
support member 10 moves (to tilt) down.
[0039] Regarding FIGS. 1-3, the lifting structure 20 is supported
by a side frame, such as back side support 22c (also referred to as
third side structure 22c or back side structure 22c), which is
preferably part of the frame 22, but can be separate from the frame
22. The lifting structure 20 can be screwed, riveted, glued, or
otherwise attached to the back side structure 22c. For example,
lead screw mounts 96 can be attached to the back side structure
22c, and the lead screw 27 can be supported by the screw mounts 96,
which would be screwed or riveted or glued to the back side
structure 22c. The actuator 18 may also be screwed, riveted, glued,
or otherwise attached by a mounting bracket 100 that be screwed,
riveted, glued, or otherwise attached to the frame 22, such as to
the back side structure 22c. Alternatively, the actuator 18 may be
screwed, riveted, glued, or otherwise attached directly or by any
other suitable mounting bracket to other side supports, 22a or 22b,
or otherwise to the support frame 22 or to a supporting structure
14.
[0040] Regarding FIGS. 6-11B, another aspect of the present
invention involves a work support member, which may be, but is not
necessarily, the primary work support member 10 of the work station
9 of the first aspect of the present invention, that includes a
first pop-up ledge 36, optionally a second pop-up ledge 38, and
potentially more pop-up ledges. The pop-up ledge aspect of the
present invention will be described for convenience with respect to
the primary work surface 58 of the work station 9.
[0041] The pop-up ledges 36, 38 each includes a respective superior
surface 66. Each pop-up ledge 36, 38 is engaged to at least one,
and preferably at least two touch latch assemblies 40 configured to
maintain the pop-up ledges 36, 38 at a first retracted position
shown in FIG. 7A or at a second extended position shown in FIG. 7B.
At the first retracted position, the superior surfaces 66 are
substantially coplanar with the first plane that is coextensive
with the top, work surface 58 of the primary work support member
10, and at the second extended position, the superior surfaces 66
are extended above the first plane. Thus, the primary work support
member 10 has one or more pop-up ledges 36, 38 which can
independently be extended ("popped up") or retracted ("popped
down") by a user to accommodate work papers, writing implements or
other utensils, and other desirable work items, without their
falling off the primary work support member 10, especially when the
work surface is tilted from the horizontal. When a pop-up ledge 36,
38 is at the first retracted position, the pop-up ledge 36, 38 must
be pushed by a user to then move to the second extended position,
otherwise the pop-up ledge will remain at the first retracted
position. When the pop-up ledge 36, 38 is at the second extended
position, if a user wants to put it back in the first retracted
position, the user must push the pop-up ledge 36, 38 to at least
the first retracted position and preferably slightly beyond the
first retracted position for the touch latch assembly to engage the
pop-up ledge 36, 38 to be at the first retracted position.
[0042] Each touch latch assembly 40 preferably includes a spring
114 configured to urge the pop-up ledge 36, 38 from the first
retracted position to the second extended position. In the first
retracted position, the pop-up ledges 36, 38 are positioned within
an elongated channel 78 formed in the primary work support member
10. The pop-up ledges 36, 38 preferably extend along a longitudinal
direction of the primary work support member 10 substantially
parallel to a first edge 80 of the primary work support member. Any
touch latch assembly can be utilized in the present invention. The
structure of touch latch assemblies 40 is known in the art. For
instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,986,193 and 5,301,616 are directed to
various types of exemplary touch latches and the disclosures of
each of these patents is hereby incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
[0043] Regarding FIGS. 8-11B, an exploded view of a touch latch
assembly 40, such as a magnetic touch latch, Item No. 98568
available from Rockler Woodworking and Hardware Catalog of the
Rockler Companies, Inc., is shown at FIG. 8. There, a threaded base
110 is configured to receive a threaded sleeve 112. The spring 114
is designed to penetrate the threaded sleeve 112 along with a
portion of a post 118. An insert 122 and a magnet 120 are
configured to be inserted into the post 118. A tabbed rotating
guide wheel 116 is positioned around the post 118 to engage the
spring 114 in a direction towards compression of the spring 114. A
washer 130, such as a washer made of steel or other magnetic
material, is configured to be positioned opposite the magnet 120 of
the insert 122. The washer 130 is not necessary for the use of the
touch latch assembly 40 in the present invention, as the top of the
post 118 can bear directly against an underside portion of the
ledges 36 or 38 to engage the first pop-up ledge 36 or second
pop-up ledge 38 to urge the first or second pop-up ledges 36, 38 up
and down. However, for a more positive connection between the touch
latch assembly 40 and the ledges 36, 38, the washer 130 preferably
is retained within a blind hole 124 extending into each of the
ledges 36, 38, from underneath the ledges 36, 38 by attaching
(adhesively, mechanically, or otherwise) the washer 130 to an inner
surface of the ledges 36, 38 opposite the superior surface 66 at
the end of the blind hole 124.
[0044] FIGS. 9 and 10 show the touch latch assembly 40 in a
contracted position, corresponding to the retracted position of the
pop-up ledges 36, 38. FIGS. 11A and 11B show the touch latch
assembly 40 in a partially extended position and in a fully
extended position, respectively. The spring 114 urges the tabbed
rotating guide wheel 116 outward from the threaded sleeve 112, but
the tabs of the tabbed rotating guide wheel 116 extend and are
retained within a guide channel 117 formed within the inner surface
of the threaded sleeve. The guide channel 117 has ridges which
retain the tabbed rotating guide wheel in a retracted or extended
position on alternate presses of the touch latch post 118, based on
pressure applied to the superior surface 66 of each of the pop-up
ledges 36, 38. Thus, the latch assembly 40 can expand and urge
pop-up ledges 36, 38 to move from a retracted position to an
extended position, as desired by the user.
[0045] The present invention is also directed to a work station
with a tilted work surface having at least one pop-up ledge 36, 38,
of any construction, and not necessarily a desk or work station
according to the first aspect of the invention. The pop-up ledges
36, 38 could also be embedded in a flat desk or other work surface,
if desired, such as a desk or tray of a vehicle, such as a motor
vehicle travelling over roads, like a car, van, bus, truck, or the
like, or a train, as well as airplanes and boats. However, the
combination of pop-up ledges 36, 38 with a desk or work station
with a mechanically adjustable work surface is preferred.
[0046] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *