U.S. patent application number 13/270909 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-12 for computer tables.
Invention is credited to Dean Kenny.
Application Number | 20120085267 13/270909 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45924105 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120085267 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kenny; Dean |
April 12, 2012 |
COMPUTER TABLES
Abstract
The present invention relates to improvements in and relating to
computer tables. In particular, computer tables capable of
automatically adjusting to accommodate the requirements of an
individual user are provided. Preferred embodiments include:
automatic alteration of the height of a computer table support
surface relative to a ground surface; automatic alteration of the
height of a computer monitor support bracket relative to the
computer table support surface; and indication to the user the
required height adjustment of an associated chair so as to accord
to a user's preferred height settings when the user enters
identifier information into an associated programmable logic
unit.
Inventors: |
Kenny; Dean; (Devonport,
NZ) |
Family ID: |
45924105 |
Appl. No.: |
13/270909 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12224911 |
Nov 17, 2008 |
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PCT/NZ2006/000153 |
Jun 15, 2006 |
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13270909 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/20 ;
108/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/28 20130101;
A47B 21/02 20130101; A47B 9/16 20130101; F16M 11/2014 20130101;
A47B 21/04 20130101; F16M 13/022 20130101; F16M 11/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/20 ;
108/28 |
International
Class: |
A47B 21/02 20060101
A47B021/02; A47B 9/00 20060101 A47B009/00; A47B 21/04 20060101
A47B021/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 8, 2006 |
NZ |
545773 |
Claims
1. A computer table disposed on a ground surface, the computer
table comprising: a support surface; at least one first actuator
operably connected to the support surface and capable of altering
the height of the support surface relative to a ground surface on
which the computer table rests; a computer monitor bracket operably
connected to the support surface; a second actuator capable of
altering the height of a computer monitor support bracket relative
to the support surface, wherein the table is configured to enable:
the at least one first actuator to alter the height of the support
surface relative to a ground surface; and the second actuator to
alter the height of the computer monitor support bracket relative
to the support surface; and wherein the at least one first actuator
and the second actuator are configured to be operated by a
programmable logic unit which is configured to: (a) store a user's
preferred height for the support surface, computer monitor support
bracket and an associated chair; (b) receive identifier information
from a data input device as to the user of the table and compare to
the previous height settings of the support surface and computer
monitor support bracket; (c) operate the actuators to adjust the
height of: the support surface relative to a ground surface; and
the height of the computer monitor support bracket relative to the
support surface to the preferred height of the user; and (d)
indicate to the user the required height of the chair to the
preferred height of the user.
2. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
actuators are rotary actuators that are capable of being
electrically driven with an associated electric motor.
3. A computer table as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one
first actuator is two first actuators driven from a single
associated electric motor.
4. A computer table as claimed in claim 3, wherein each first
actuator moves a first leg of a pair of legs which are pivotally
connected to a second leg of each pair of legs in a scissor
arrangement to raise or lower the height of the pairs of legs.
5. A computer table as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first leg of
each pair of legs each include a wheel, or slide thereon to
facilitate movement of the first leg relative to the ground surface
and each second leg of each pair of legs is fixed to the ground
surface and pivotally connected to the underside of the support
surface to enable the height of the support surface to be altered
with movement of the first leg of each pair of legs.
6. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second
actuator is attached to the end of a movable arm to which the
computer monitor support bracket is attached.
7. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second
actuator is a telescopic pillar that is capable of being
electrically driven with an associated electric motor.
8. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer
monitor support bracket is movably connected to the second actuator
via an arm, so that the second actuator can alter the position of
the computer monitor support bracket and associated arm to adjust
the height of the computer monitor support bracket relative to the
support surface.
9. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the identifier
information is in the form of a login name and password.
10. A computer table as claimed in claim 1 wherein the data input
device is in the form of a keyboard.
11. A computer table as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first
actuator is able to alter the height of the computer monitor
support bracket and the support surface.
12. A computer table as claimed in claim 1 wherein the computer
monitor support bracket is operably connected to the support
surface by a linkage.
13. A computer table as claimed in claim 12 wherein the linkage is
a telescopic arm.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part application of
U.S. application Ser. No. 12/224,911 filed on Nov. 17, 2008, the
contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to improvements in and
relating to computer tables. In particular, computer tables capable
of automatically adjusting to accommodate the requirements of an
individual user.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In recent times there is an overall trend towards people
spending longer sedentary hours in front of a computer for either
recreational use and/or business use. Incorrect posture when
sitting at a computer table for extended periods, such as in a
workplace when working at a computer or other equipment, can lead
to problems in a persons comfort, productivity and health.
[0004] Health problems can include repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
or poor posture injuries. Such health problems can increase the
amount of sick days taken by a worker, which can indirectly affect
an employer's costs through decreased productivity.
[0005] Many employees in today's workplaces work flexible hours
with can result in more than one person working at a particular
workstation. An example of a workplace with multi-user computer
tables is at call centres.
[0006] Improvements in office ergonomics have been made over recent
years in terms of improved design for ease of use of tables,
chairs, computers, computer monitors, computer keyboard and
associated computer pointing devices (such as a mouse) in the work
place.
[0007] In terms of computer desks presently available two basic
office table designs exist.
[0008] The static computer table design is basically a table of
standard height and which is not adjustable. From this fixed
position, the operator is forced to work with little or no
flexibility and which does not accommodate a person's individual
posture needs.
[0009] The adjustable computer table design requires manual
adjustment by a user. However, this can lead to inconsistent and
variable height fluctuation, as time constraints on the user can
often prevent correct table adjustment, and further still a user
may not over time exactly remember what height is ideal. Thus these
fluctuations from the ideal height over time can have a detrimental
effect on the health of the individual user.
[0010] There is therefore a need for an adjustable computer table
which is capable of automatically adjusting to the height specified
for a user to ensure correct posture and/or to provide a
comfortable sitting position each time the user uses the table.
[0011] There is also a need for an adjustable computer table that
provides an automatic adjustment of the height of a computer
monitor or screen relative to the table surface to accommodate
different user preference and/or requirements. As having the
computer monitor or screen at or near the correct eye height can
encourage the user to sit up straight preserving the normal
lordotic curvature of the neck while reducing excessive neck and
upper shoulder muscular strain and ligament sprains.
[0012] All references, including any patents or patent applications
cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference.
No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The
discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and
the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and
pertinence of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood
that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to
herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of
these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the
art, in New Zealand or in any other country.
[0013] It is acknowledged that the term `comprise` may, under
varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an
inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and
unless otherwise noted, the term `comprise` shall have an inclusive
meaning--i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not
only the listed components it directly references, but also other
non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be
used when the term `comprised` or `comprising` is used in relation
to one or more steps in a method or process.
[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
computer table capable of automatically adjusting its height and
that of an associated computer monitor or portable computer support
bracket via actuators operated by a programmable logic unit upon
receiving information as to the user of the table or at least to
provide the public with a useful alternative.
[0015] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way
of example only.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided a computer table having a support surface, the computer
table having
[0017] at least one first actuator capable of altering the height
of the support surface relative to a ground surface on which the
table rests;
[0018] a second actuator capable of altering the height of a
computer monitor support bracket relative to the support
surface,
[0019] wherein the table is configured to enable:
[0020] the at least one first actuator to alter the height of the
support surface relative to a ground surface; and
[0021] the second actuator to alter the height of the computer
monitor support bracket relative to the support surface;
[0022] and wherein the at least one first actuator and the second
actuator are configured to be operated by a programmable logic unit
which is configured to:
[0023] (a) store a user's preferred height for the support surface,
computer monitor support bracket and an associated chair;
[0024] (b) receive identifier information from a data input device
as to the user of the table and compare to the previous height
settings of the support surface and computer monitor support
bracket, and,
[0025] (c) operate the actuators to adjust the height of:
[0026] the support surface relative to a ground surface; and
[0027] computer monitor support bracket relative to the support
surface;
[0028] to the preferred height of the user, and
[0029] (d) indicate to the user the required height of the chair to
the preferred height of the user.
[0030] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a computer table disposed on a ground surface, the
computer table having
[0031] a support surface;
[0032] at least one first actuator operably connected to the
support surface and capable of altering the height of the support
surface relative to a ground surface on which the table rests;
[0033] a computer monitor bracket operably connected to the support
surface;
[0034] a second actuator capable of altering the height of a
computer monitor support bracket relative to the support
surface,
[0035] wherein the table is configured to enable:
[0036] the at least one first actuator to alter the height of the
support surface relative to a ground surface; and
[0037] the second actuator to alter the height of the computer
monitor support bracket relative to the support surface;
[0038] and wherein the at least one first actuator and the second
actuator are configured to be operated by a programmable logic unit
which is configured to:
[0039] (a) store a user's preferred height for the support surface,
computer monitor support bracket and an associated chair;
[0040] (b) receive identifier information from a data input device
as to the user of the table and compare to the previous height
settings of the support surface and computer monitor support
bracket;
[0041] (c) operate the actuators to adjust the height of: the
support surface relative to a ground surface; and the height of the
computer monitor support bracket relative to the support surface to
the preferred height of the user; and
[0042] (d) indicate to the user the required height of the chair to
the preferred height of the user.
[0043] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a computer table disposed on a ground surface, the
computer table having
[0044] a support surface;
[0045] at least one first actuator operably connected to the
support surface and capable of altering a distance between the
support surface and the ground surface on which the table
rests;
[0046] a computer monitor bracket operably connected to the support
surface;
[0047] a second actuator capable of altering a distance between the
computer monitor support bracket and the support surface,
[0048] wherein the table is configured to enable:
[0049] the at least one first actuator to alter the distance
between the support surface and the ground surface; and
[0050] the second actuator to alter the distance between the
computer monitor support bracket and the support surface;
[0051] and wherein the at least one first actuator and the second
actuator are configured to be operated by a programmable logic unit
which is configured to:
[0052] (a) store a user's preferred height for the support surface,
computer monitor support bracket and an associated chair;
[0053] (b) receive identifier information from a data input device
as to the user of the table and compare to the previous height
settings of the support surface and computer monitor support
bracket;
[0054] (c) operate the actuators to adjust the distance between the
the support surface and the ground surface; and the computer
monitor support bracket and the support surface to the preferred
height of the user; and
[0055] (d) indicate to the user the required height of the chair to
the preferred height of the user.
[0056] The computer table may have an actuator that may also alter
the height of the computer monitor support bracket and the support
surface.
[0057] The computer table has a computer monitor support bracket
that is operably connected to the support surface by a linkage.
[0058] For the purposes of the specification the term "support
surface" or grammatical variations thereof may refer to computer
table top on which a user may work, or similar.
[0059] For the purposes of the specification the term "ground
surface" or grammatical variations thereof may refer a floor or
such like, on which a computer table rests.
[0060] For the purposes of the specification the term "computer
monitor support bracket" or grammatical variations thereof may
refer to a platform bracket or such like capable of supporting a
computer monitor, television monitor, laptop, tablet computer such
as an iPad or similar.
[0061] For the purposes of the specification, the term "data input
device" refers to a device that can be used to insert data into a
computer or other computational device.
[0062] Preferably, the first actuators are rotary actuators that
are capable of being electrically driven with an associated
electric motor.
[0063] Preferably, the at least one first actuator is two first
actuators driven from a single associated electric motor.
[0064] Preferably, each first actuator moves a first leg of a pair
of legs which are pivotally connected to a second leg of each pair
of legs in a scissor arrangement to raise or lower the height of
the pairs of legs.
[0065] Preferably, the first leg of each pair of legs each include
a wheel, or slide thereon to facilitate movement of the first leg
relative to the ground surface and each second leg of each pair of
legs is fixed to the ground surface and pivotally connected to the
underside of the support surface to enable the height of the
support surface to be altered with movement of the first leg of
each pair of legs.
[0066] Preferably, the second actuator is attached to the end of a
movable arm to which the computer monitor support bracket is
attached.
[0067] Preferably, the second actuator is a telescopic pillar that
is capable of being electrically driven with an associated electric
motor.
[0068] Preferably, the computer monitor support bracket is movably
connected to the second actuator via an arm, so that the second
actuator can alter the position of the computer monitor support
bracket and associated arm to adjust the height of the computer
monitor support bracket relative to the support surface.
[0069] Preferably, the identifier information is in the form of a
login name and password. Preferably, the data input device is in
the form of a keyboard.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0070] Further aspects of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description which is given by way of
example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0071] FIG. 1: shows a top elevation view of a preferred embodiment
of the present invention in the form of a computer table;
[0072] FIG. 2: shows a bottom elevation view of the preferred
embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
[0073] FIG. 3: shows a side view of the preferred embodiment shown
in FIG. 1, and
[0074] FIG. 4: shows a cross sectional side view of the leg drive
mechanism of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3;
[0075] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the gearbox assembly of the
preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2;
[0076] FIG. 6 shows a schematic rear view of a monitor stand of the
preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
[0077] FIG. 7 shows a front elevation view of the monitor stand
shown in FIG. 1;
[0078] FIG. 8 shows a back elevation view of the monitor stand
shown in FIG. 7;
[0079] FIG. 9 shows a front elevation view of the monitor stand
shown in FIG. 1 with a laptop attached to the computer support
bracket;
[0080] FIG. 10 shows a back elevation view of the monitor stand
shown in FIG. 9;
[0081] FIG. 11 shows a front elevation view of the monitor stand
shown in FIG. 1 with two computer monitors attached to the computer
support bracket;
[0082] FIG. 12 shows a back elevation view of the monitor stand
shown in FIG. 11;
[0083] FIG. 13 shows a front elevation view of the monitor stand
shown in FIG. 1 with one computer monitor and a laptop attached to
the computer support bracket;
[0084] FIG. 14 shows a back elevation view of the monitor stand
shown in FIG. 13;
[0085] FIG. 15 shows a schematic view of a network of computer
tables according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0086] FIG. 16 shows a diagram illustrating the process of
operation of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in relation
to an associated chair.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0087] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, in a preferred form of the
invention a computer table is shown generally indicated by arrow 1.
The computer table 1 has a support surface 2 in the form of a table
top which is supported on a ground surface 3 by two pairs of
symmetrical legs 4. Each leg 4 is connected to its pair member at a
rigid bush and flange pivot 4A. Attached to the support surface 2
is a support arm 11 which is supported on the support surface 2 at
a pedestal 6. The support arm 11 supports at least one computer
monitor 24.
[0088] The computer table 1 has two first actuators 8 in the form
of a pair of flexible rotating drive cables driven by a single
motor 9 via a gearbox 10. The first actuators 8 are each moveably
connected to the top end of a first table leg 4B of each leg pair 4
via a lead screw 11 and a rubber sealed ball bearing 12 (best seen
in FIG. 4) which are housed in a plastic injection moulded carrier
13. The top of the table legs 4B is attached to the lead screw 11
so that rotation of the actuator 8 results in movement of the lead
screw 11 and table legs 4B relative to the carrier 13.
[0089] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 the table leg 4B of each leg pair
4 contacts the ground surface 6 by means of a movable wheel 9. The
second leg 4C of each leg pair 4 is pivotally attached to the
underside of the support surface 2 and is in contact with the
ground surface 3 at a foot 15 (as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3) having an
indented grip surface (not shown).
[0090] A table leg drive mechanism comprising the motor 9, gearbox
11, first actuators 8, lead screw 11 and bearing 12 is capable of
altering the height of a support surface 2 relative to a ground
surface 3. Alternatively stated, the table leg drive mechanism is
capable of altering the distance between support surface 2 and
ground surface 3. The use of one motor 9 driving movement of two
first actuators 8 each attached to a leg pair 4 eliminates
synchronisation errors between the two leg pairs 4 and therefore
results in a stable support surface 2 as its height is altered.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 5, the first actuators 8 in the form of
flexi-drive shaft cables are connected to plastic injection moulded
carriers 16 which are in contact with a 12 volt DC motor 10 which
causes rotation of the first actuators. The carriers 16 are in turn
connected to a gearbox 10 comprising a gear set 17 and bearing (not
shown) which is drivingly connected plastic moulded worm gears
which are in turn drivingly connected to a 10 turn wire
potentiometer 19 to provide feedback on the position of the
actuators 8. The gearbox 10 is housed in a plastic cover 20.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 6, the computer table 1 has a vertical
support member in the form of a telescopic pillar 21, the extension
or retraction of which is driven by a second actuator 22 in the
form of a linear thread type actuator (which is housed within an
arm 23) and is configured to alter the height of a computer monitor
24 (such as a 21 inch 16:9 format screen) or laptop computer 24A
(as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 13 and 14) attached to a support bracket
25 or 25A respectively. The support bracket 15 is pivotally
attached to the arm 23 via a hinge 26. The arm 23 is attached to
the telescopic pillar 21 at a hinge 27.
[0093] In response to an electrical signal the second actuator 22
can be activated to alter the position of the support bracket 24
via the telescopic pillar 21 to adjust the height of the support
bracket 24 relative to the support surface 2. Alternatively stated,
second actuator 22 can be activated to alter distance between
support bracket 24 and the support surface 2 via the telescopic
pillar 21. In use, the activation of both the first actuators 8 and
the second actuator 22 may change the height of both the support
surface 2 and computer support bracket 24 simultaneously because
support surface 2 and computer support bracket 24 are connected via
telescopic pillar 21. For example, distance between computer
support bracket 24 and the ground surface 3 may be fixed and the
height of support surface 2 may be changed depending upon the
electrical signals received by actuators 8 and 22.
[0094] It is envisaged the first 8 and second 22 actuators may come
in a variety of different forms (such as pneumatic linear
actuators) without departing from the scope of the present
invention. In addition, the table may be configured in a variety of
different ways to enable the first actuators 8 to alter the height
of the computer table support surface 2.
[0095] The telescopic pillar 21 and second actuator 22 is seated on
the support surface 2 at a pedestal 28 and connected to the support
surface 2 via a clamp 29. The clamp 29 includes a `C` shaped clamp
arm which fixes over the edge of the support surface 2 and attaches
to the telescopic pillar 21 outer housing via a threaded stud (not
shown) which passes up through an aperture in the pedestal 28 and
fixes to a overhang extending from the telescopic pillar 21 outer
housing. A cam insert and cam handle is also incorporated in the
clamp 29 to facilitate releasable attachment of the telescopic arm
21 to the support surface 2.
[0096] The pedestal 28 incorporates data connection ports, in the
form of universal serial bus (USB) 2.00 ports 30 (as shown in FIGS.
7, 9, 11 and 13) for digital connection to a computer 30 (shown in
FIG. 11). The pedestal 28 also comprises up/down control buttons to
facilitate a user to manually control the height of the computer
monitor 24 via the second actuator 22.
[0097] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 14 the telescopic pillar 21 may
support a single computer monitor 24 on a support bracket 25 (as
shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) or a single laptop computer 24A (as shown
in FIGS. 9 and 10), or another display device such as a tablet
computer, on a support bracket 25A via a stem 31 which attaches to
an indexing head 32 of the telescopic pillar 21. Alternatively, a
second monitor 24B or laptop (not shown) is attached to the support
bracket 25 and 25A respectively via an arm 23 which connects the
stem 31 to the indexing head 32 at hinges 26 and 27 respectively to
facilitate fine adjustment of the position of the monitor 24/24B
and/or laptop 24A.
[0098] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the central line of the first
monitor 24 may be adjusted to the central lines 33 of the laptop
24A via adjustment holes 34 in the laptop bracket 25A to
accommodate different sized screens.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 15 the computer table 1 comprises a local
computer 30 located along with an associated data input device, in
the form of a keyboard 36 on the computer table support surface 2.
The computer may optionally be housed in a body (not shown)
attached to the support surface 2. Other forms of data input device
may be used such as a swipe card reader, bar code reader, finger
print scanner, retinal scanner, or similar, without departing from
the scope of the present invention.
[0100] The local computer 30 is in connection with a remote central
server 100 in conjunction with website manager software 200 through
the internet 300. A plurality of like computer tables 1 similarly
connected to the central server 100 forms a network.
[0101] Once a user logs onto the local computer 30 via the keyboard
36, the remote server 100 on receiving the user identifier
information compares the previously stored coordinates for the user
preferred height settings of the support surface 2 and support
bracket 25 with their current positions and (if necessary)
activates the first 8 and second 22 actuators to raise or lower the
height of the support surface 2 and/or support bracket 25/25A
simultaneously and therefore provide for movement of the first leg
4B of each leg pair 4 telescopic pillar 21 respectively to the
preferred height settings.
[0102] Referring to FIG. 16 the computer table 1 also comprises an
associated chair 37 comprising a base 38 and seat 39 (incorporating
a pressure sensor 40). In addition, the chair 37 comprises an
optical sensor module 41, optical sensor beam 42 and optical
reflection plate 43 which cooperate to provide a radio frequency
signal 44 of chair height which is received by a chair mounted
transducer 45 (with an associated energy harvesting module 46 to
charge a battery (not shown). A second transducer 46 situated on
the computer table 1 receives the chair height signal via a radio
frequency link 47 and then transmits a signal 48 to a computer (not
shown) positioned locally to the computer table 1 or a central
computer server (not shown).
[0103] The chair height signal is processed via a processor (not
shown) and visually displayed to a user via a display screen 24 on
logging onto the computer, together with directions to manually
adjust (via lowering or raising) the height of the chair from its
present position to the users preferred height. In this way, the
seating position of a user in relation to the computer table 1 is
optimised.
[0104] A user's preferred height for the support surface 2 and
monitor support bracket 25 and an associated chair 37 may be
determined by measurement of the height parameters which result in
reduced stress on the lordotic curvature of the spine when sitting
behind the computer table 1.
[0105] More specifically, the measurements taken for the user
preferred height parameters may be determined for each user as
follows:
[0106] The ideal preferred height of the support surface 2 relative
to the ground surface 3 may be determined from analysis of a stress
free sitting position achieved when the back of a user has a zero
degree forward flex and the user's chin is parallel to the ground
surface 3. Typically, the height of the support bracket 2 should be
around or just below the elbow height of the user in this stress
free position in the chair 37 to be used with the computer table
1.
[0107] The ideal preferred height of the support bracket 25
relative to the support surface 2 may then be determined by
ascertaining the distance between the support bracket 25 and
support surface 2 when the support bracket 25 is positioned
approximately 2.5 cm above the eye level of the user when sitting
in the stress free position.
[0108] A stress free position of zero degree forward flex may be
generally achieved when the user is seated and an imaginary plumb
line from the centre of the ear falls through the centre of the
shoulder and hip.
[0109] Digital pictures of the seated user in such a zero stress
position on the chair 37 to be used with the computer table 1 of
the present invention may be taken and downloaded into a computer
for analysis by a suitable software program. The height
measurements for a user can then be ascertained by the software may
include: [0110] The height of the support surface 2 relative to the
ground surface 3, and, [0111] The height of the bottom of the
support bracket 25 relative to the support surface 2.
[0112] Alternatively, the preferred height measurements may be
manually obtained, recorded and entered into the computer
controlling the actuators.
[0113] These measurements can then be used to adjust the first 8
and second 22 actuators to the correct computer table height and
support bracket height when a computer table user enters identifier
information.
[0114] The support surface 3 may include a keyboard surface (not
shown) which is positioned below the top of the support surface 3
so that the top of the keyboard 36 and mouse (not shown) are
approximately level with the top of the support surface 3. Such a
design enables the keyboard to sit flush with the support surface
to prevent the possibility of having the wrist in a hyperflexed or
hyperextended position which could over time create an injury.
[0115] The computer table may be sold in kitset form with
accessories such as a computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse or
similar.
[0116] Preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a
number of advantages over the prior art which can include: [0117]
ease of use for a user to achieve an ergonomic working position via
automatic alteration of the height of a computer table support
surface relative to a ground surface; and/or the height of a
support bracket relative to the computer table support surface;
and/or an indication of the preferred height of an associated
chair; [0118] relative low cost of manufacture; and [0119] robust
construction.
[0120] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made
to integers or components their equivalents are incorporated
herein.
[0121] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way
of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and
additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of
the appended claims.
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