U.S. patent application number 12/929179 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-12 for adjustable vertical desk.
Invention is credited to John T. Early, IV, Lydia Bellia Early.
Application Number | 20120174833 12/929179 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46454250 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120174833 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Early; Lydia Bellia ; et
al. |
July 12, 2012 |
Adjustable vertical desk
Abstract
An adjustable, vertical desk with a horizontal work surface and
vertical display surface upon which is attached a computer monitor
or other electronic equipment to be viewed, in a range of height
positions appropriate to adults of varying heights. The horizontal
work surface may also be adjusted to position a keyboard and a
mouse at an appropriate hand level for adults of varying heights.
The desk allows users to place electronic equipment to heights as
needed to suit their stature and by so doing encourages more
natural body alignment while in a standing or in a seated position.
When the vertical desk is used in combination with a standard
treadmill set at low speed, the vertical desk permits mild exercise
without work interruption.
Inventors: |
Early; Lydia Bellia; (Mahone
Bay, CA) ; Early, IV; John T.; (Mahone Bay,
CA) |
Family ID: |
46454250 |
Appl. No.: |
12/929179 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.11 ;
108/144.11; 108/147.19; 108/161 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2220/06 20130101;
A47B 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/50.11 ;
108/161; 108/147.19; 108/144.11 |
International
Class: |
A47B 37/00 20060101
A47B037/00; A47B 9/20 20060101 A47B009/20; A47B 9/00 20060101
A47B009/00; A47B 13/02 20060101 A47B013/02 |
Claims
1. A vertical desk comprising; two spaced-apart legs; a display
surface extending vertically across top portions of said legs; a
shelf affixed to said legs at an intermediate height along said
legs below said display surface; and a desk surface affixed to said
legs below said shelf; said legs having a plurality of spaced-apart
channels formed therein and said desk surface being selectively
affixed to a pair of said channels.
2. The vertical desk as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
keyboard wedge mounted over said desk surface for supporting a
keyboard in a negatively tilting orientation over said desk
surface.
3. The vertical desk as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shelf has
a raised lip along a front edge thereof and said desk surface has a
raised lip along a rear edge thereof.
4. The vertical desk as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said
legs comprise a leg footing and a leg extension telescopically and
removably mounted to said leg footing.
5. The vertical desk as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of leg
extension has a vertical groove therein and said display surface is
mounted in said grooves.
6. The vertical desk as claimed in claim 1 wherein said desk
surface is affixed to said pair of channels in a free sliding fit
in said channels.
7. The vertical desk as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of said
channels has a thickness, and an engagement of said desk surface in
one of said channels has a length over said thickness ratio of 12:1
and a width over said thickness ratio of 4:1.
8. The vertical desk as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display
surface has slots therein for passing computer wiring there
through.
9. The vertical desk as claimed in claim 8, wherein said shelf has
a shelf extension extending behind said display surface for
supporting a power bar thereon; and brackets extending upward
therefrom for retaining computer wiring behind said display
surface.
10. A vertical desk comprising; two spaced-apart legs; a display
surface extending vertically across top portions of said legs; a
shelf affixed to said legs at an intermediate height along said
legs below said display surface; and a desk surface affixed to said
legs below said shelf; said display surface having grooves therein
for retaining computer equipment thereto at different heights.
11. The vertical desk as claimed in claim 10, wherein said shelf
has side portions extending forward said display surface and a
central portion extending behind said display surface.
12. The vertical desk as claimed in claim 10, wherein said display
surface has slots therein for passing computer wiring there
through.
13. The vertical desk as claimed in claim 11, wherein said central
portion has a shelf extension for supporting a power bar thereon
behind said display surface.
14. The vertical desk as claimed in claim 13, wherein said shelf
has brackets mounted to said central portion for retaining computer
wiring behind said display surface near said power bar.
15. In combination a treadmill and a vertical desk, said vertical
desk comprising; two spaced-apart legs mounted astride said
treadmill; a display surface extending vertically across top
portions of said legs; a shelf affixed to said legs at an
intermediate height along said legs below said display surface; and
a desk surface affixed to said legs below said shelf; said legs
having a plurality of vertically spaced-apart channels formed
therein; said desk surface being selectively affixed to a pair of
said channels.
16. The combination as claimed in claim 15, wherein said shelf has
an open central area along a forward edge thereof providing
unobstructed view of a control panel of said treadmill by a user of
said vertical desk.
17. The combination as claimed in claim 15, wherein said desk
surface has recesses in a rear edge thereof providing unobstructed
access to controls of said treadmill by a user of said vertical
desk.
18. The combination as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a
keyboard wedge mounted over said desk surface for supporting a
keyboard in a negatively tilting orientation over said desk
surface.
19. The combination as claimed in claim 15, wherein said display
surface has slots therein for passing computer wiring there
through, and wherein said shelf has brackets mounted thereto behind
said display surface for retaining computer wiring behind said
display surface.
20. The combination as claimed in claim 19, wherein said shelf has
a shelf extension extending behind said display surface for
supporting a power bar thereon behind said display surface.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention pertains to office furniture, and more
particularly, this invention pertains to a vertical desk that
allows adult users the option of sitting, standing, or walking on a
treadmill while at work on computer equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Cumulative trauma disorders also known as repetitive motion
injuries, are a group of musculoskeletal disorders experienced most
by computer users due to the misuse or over-use of muscles,
tendons, and nerves. Most commonly affected body members are
fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, arms, shoulders, backs, and
necks.
[0003] Insurance company and government statistics show that
repetitive motion injuries cost employers approximately $2 billion
in lost revenue and medical costs annually. While industry suffers
financial loss due to cumulative trauma disorders, affected workers
suffer varying degrees of disability, pain and discomfort.
[0004] Factors that lead to injuries include repetitive tasks, such
as typing, maintaining an awkward position or a fixed body position
for extended periods of time, insufficient recovery time, and the
pace of work performed. Workers may develop inflammation of joints
and muscles and suffer symptoms such as numbness, redness,
tingling, burning, decrease in joint motion, weakness, clumsiness,
loss of strength, pain, aching, swelling, and cracking or popping
of joints. Exacerbating the problem for desk-bound workers is
anthropometric mismatch, the use of office furniture that does not
properly fit the stature of the user, potentially promoting
contorted posture and poor body alignment.
[0005] To mitigate these problems, desks should ideally be
adjustable to better fit the stature of each user, should allow
flexibility in the placement of computer equipment, should permit
physical movement while the worker continues to perform computer
tasks, and should promote mild cardiovascular exercise.
[0006] In regard to cardiovascular exercises, attempts have been
made in the past to design computer desks that allow adjustment
thereof for use in combination with exercise equipment such as a
treadmill. The following publications disclose examples of computer
workstations that are used in combination with a treadmill.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,475 issued to J. M. Kehrbaum on Oct. 26,
2004; discloses a computer workstation that is usable in
combination with a treadmill. This concept includes a cubicle
device enclosing a treadmill. The cubicle has shelves therein for
supporting the computer equipment above the forward end of the
treadmill.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7,614,991 issued to S. Fox on Nov. 10, 2009;
discloses another cubicle device enclosing a treadmill. A table is
set over the forward end of the treadmill for supporting a computer
and a keyboard.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,701 issued to N. Edelson on Nov. 2,
1993; discloses an adjustable rack having a table that can be
adjusted to different heights. The rack can be set over a treadmill
for supporting a computer over a treadmill while a user exercises
on the treadmill.
[0010] While the prior art confirms the need for a desk and
treadmill combination, the prior art designs have had limited
success in providing adjustment options at hand and eye levels,
versatility of use, and design compactness.
[0011] Thus despite efforts of others to provide an ergonomically
correct computer desk, a significant need remains.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The adjustable vertical desk according to the present
invention has two legs between which is located a vertical display
surface with front-facing attachment slats. The attachment slats
are used to support a computer screen or a computer at a desired
height. A shelf may be attached between the two legs below the
display surface. A desk surface is also attached to the legs below
the shelf for supporting a keyboard, a computer mouse, and other
hand-held items. The desk surface is mounted to the legs in a pair
of channels formed in the legs. A plurality of spaced-apart
channels are provided to selectively mount the desk surface at a
proper height.
[0013] The adjustable vertical desk according to the present
invention reflects the sciences of ergonomics and kinesiology. The
desk permits physical activity and increased movement in the normal
course of the work day. The desk is not fixed in position and may
be moved as needed, facilitating alternate uses including as a desk
only or as a desk with treadmill. The vertical desk also creates a
work space in a smaller footprint than that of many conventional
desks due to its utilisation of vertical space; a potential benefit
in both home and corporate environments.
[0014] The desk permits the placement of office and electronic
equipment in ergonomically advantageous positions to suit the
stature of a range of adult users. The ability to locate equipment
as per height and work habits encourages proper body alignment,
comfort, and improved posture, minimizing the factors that
contribute to musculoskeletal injury typically present when using a
conventional, flat desk. Users of the adjustable vertical desk may
stand, sit in a tall chair, or walk on a treadmill, allowing more
freedom of movement and a more upright posture than is possible in
a conventional, seated desk position.
[0015] In another aspect of the vertical desk according to the
present invention, there is provided in combination, a treadmill
and a vertical desk mounted astride the treadmill. The vertical
desk has two spaced-apart legs; a display surface extending
vertically across top portions of the legs; a shelf affixed to the
legs below the display surface; and a desk surface affixed to the
legs below the shelf. The shelf has an open central area along a
forward edge thereof providing unobstructed view to control panel
of the treadmill by a user of the vertical desk and treadmill.
Also, the desk surface has recesses in a rear edge thereof
providing unobstructed access to controls of the treadmill.
[0016] When the adjustable vertical desk is used with a standard
treadmill, an adult user thereof is able to complete computer work
normally while walking at a slow pace. Mild cardiovascular activity
is possible while walking on the treadmill and medical studies have
shown that computer activity can continue uninterrupted while
walking at a slow pace. The gentle activity of walking promotes
fitness and alertness as it increases blood flow through the body.
Walking while using the desk aids in mitigating neck, shoulder,
back, and joint strain normally associated with a static, seated
desk position, and is particularly beneficial when the placement of
computer equipment is tailored to the stature and work habits of
each worker. The curved, cut-out areas of the shelf and desk
surface facilitate access to treadmill panel and controls.
[0017] In yet another aspect of the vertical desk according to the
present invention, the display surface has slots therein for
passing computer wiring there through, and the shelf has a shelf
extension extending behind said display surface for supporting a
power bar thereon behind the display surface. The shelf also has
brackets extending upward therefrom for retaining computer wiring
thereto behind the display surface. The slots in the display
surface, the shelf extension and the brackets cooperate together to
maintain all computer wiring in a neat and tidy arrangement.
[0018] When the adjustable vertical desk is used without a
treadmill, the user has the option of sitting in a more upright
posture on a tall, draughtsman chair with footrest, or standing for
periods of time while working, allowing the body more freedom of
movement and the opportunity to stretch as often as needed without
interrupting productivity. Electronic office equipment to be viewed
and the desk surface for keyboard and mouse can each be separately
positioned to better accommodate a range of user heights.
[0019] This brief summary has been provided so that the nature of
the invention may be understood quickly. A more complete
understanding of the invention can be obtained by reference to the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof
in connection with the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] A preferred embodiment of the adjustable vertical desk is
illustrated in the attached drawings. In these drawings the same
numeral labels are used to identify the same elements. In the
drawings;
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective front, top and right side view of
the adjustable vertical desk according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective rear, top and right side view of the
adjustable vertical desk according to the preferred embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective front and top view of the shelf that
is mountable to the adjustable vertical desk;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective front and top view of the desk
surface that is mountable to the adjustable vertical desk;
[0025] FIG. 5 shows the adjustable vertical desk in use over a
treadmill.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be
described in details herein, one specific embodiment of an
adjustable vertical desk. It should be understood that the present
disclosure is to be considered as an example of the principles of
the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the
embodiment illustrated and described.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the preferred adjustable
vertical desk 10 includes basically two leg footings 20 with
inverted T-shapes, two leg extensions 22 extending from the leg
footings 20, a vertical display surface 23, a horizontal shelf 24,
and a horizontal desk surface 25. On the forward side of the
display surface 23 there is mounted a slat wall 26 extending from
the top to the bottom edges of the vertical display surface 23. The
slat wall 26 has grooves therein to which can be attached a flat
computer screen for example, to different heights.
[0028] On either or both sides of the slat wall 26 there are
provided vertical slots 27 for passing electrical cords and
computer cables through the display surface 23.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 3 in combination with FIGS. 1 and 2,
the structure and function of the shelf 24 will be explained. The
shelf 24 has side portions 28 extending forward the display surface
23. These side portions 28 are convenient for supporting pens, a
portable phone, eyeglasses or other personal articles. The shelf 24
has a U-like shape and raised lips 30 along its front edge to catch
small objects such as pens. The shelf 24 has a U-like shape with an
open front central area 32 to provide an unobstructed view of a
computer screen mounted to the display surface 23 when viewed from
below the shelf level by a person of a short stature, or to provide
an unobstructed view of the treadmill control panel viewed from
above the shelf level, by a person of a tall stature.
[0030] Referring back to FIG. 1, the leg footings 20 have sockets
40 on their top ends as can be understood at label 40. The leg
extensions 22 are telescopically inserted in these sockets 40 and
extend upward from the leg footings 20. The leg extensions 22 are
separable from the leg footings 20 so that the adjustable vertical
desk 10 can be delivered to a buyer in a compact form.
[0031] The leg extensions 22 have horizontal transverse channels 44
therein at spaced intervals. The desk surface 25 is mountable in a
pair of these transverse channels 44 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
2. The plurality of transverse channels 44 allow the placement of
the desk surface 25 at a plurality of heights to satisfy the
stature or posture of a user of the adjustable vertical desk 10.
The transverse channels 44 preferably extend into the leg
extensions 22 from the font side of the leg extensions 22, but can
also extend from the rear side, as those illustrated in FIG. 2 for
supporting the shelf 24.
[0032] The desk surface 25 has a raised lip 46 which runs along the
rear edge thereof to catch small objects such as pens. The desk
surface 25 is better illustrated in FIG. 4. The rear edge of the
horizontal desk surface 25 has two identical recesses 48 to provide
easy access to treadmill controls when the adjustable vertical desk
10 is used in combination with a treadmill.
[0033] The desk surface 25 also has a keyboard wedge 50 mounted on
its central forward area. The keyboard wedge 50 has a triangular
shape with a backward inclination for negatively tilting the
keyboard relative to the user of the keyboard to encourage a more
relaxed and natural curvature of the wrist while typing, to promote
wrist comfort. The keyboard wedge 50 is removable from the desk
surface 25 if a flat keyboard surface is preferred.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the shelf 24 has a rear
portion 60 extending behind the display surface 23. The rear
portion 60 includes central extension 62. The purpose of this
central extension 62 is to support an electrical power bar (not
shown) for supplying electrical power to a computer or a computer
screen mounted to the display surface 23.
[0035] Referring again to FIG. 2, a pair of angle brackets 64 are
preferably mounted to the rear portion 60 at each sides of the
central portion 62. These brackets 64 are convenient for neatly
retaining unsightly electrical cords that are needed with computer
equipment. The provision of the slots 27 in the display surface 23,
the central extension 62 and the brackets 64 provide means for
neatly arranging all power cables and other computer wiring so that
no wire hangs down over the control panel of the treadmill when the
adjustable portable desk is used with a treadmill.
[0036] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vertical display
surface 23 mounts into vertical grooves 70 formed in the leg
extensions 22. The vertical grooves 70 have a T-like cross-section,
a dovetail-like cross-section or a square cross-section as those
illustrated.
[0037] Similarly, the transverse channels 44 can have different
cross-sections. When a square or rectangular cross-section is used,
the preferred thickness `T` of each channel 44 as seen in FIG. 1 is
a free sliding fit of the desk surface 25 or the shelf 24 therein.
The preferred engagement dimensions of the shelf 24 and of the desk
surface 25 into each channel 44, as illustrated by dash lines `L`
and `W` in FIG. 4, in relation with the thickness `T` of each
channel 44 is about 12:1 and 4:1 respectively. Such dimensions
provides an easy assembly of the shelf 23 and desk surface 24 to
the leg extensions 22 and provide stability and sturdiness of the
adjustable vertical desk 10 in use.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5 while referring to FIGS. 3 and 4,
there is illustrated therein a preferred use of the adjustable
vertical desk 10, in combination with a treadmill 80. The user of
the preferred desk 10 is represented by the android 82. The
preferred adjustable vertical desk 10 is preferably mounted astride
the treadmill 80 as illustrated. As can be seen, a laptop computer
84 is mountable to the slat wall 26. As may also be understood, the
open central area 32 of the shelf 24 allows unobstructed line of
sight 86 to the control panel of the treadmill 80, and the recesses
48 in the desk surface 25 allow unobstructed access 88 to the
treadmill controls.
[0039] Although the preferred adjustable vertical desk 10 has been
illustrated in use with a treadmill 80, it will be understood that
it can also be used as a stand alone desk by a person standing or
it can be used by a person sitting on a draughtsman chair for
example. Drawings of the preferred adjustable vertical desk 10 in
use by a person standing or sitting have not been provided as these
drawings are considered repetitive and unnecessary.
[0040] The above description, illustrations and examples provided
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention,
which is defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *