U.S. patent application number 14/263646 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-11 for active workstation apparatus and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Peter Schenk. The applicant listed for this patent is Peter Schenk. Invention is credited to David Littrell, Peter Schenk.
Application Number | 20140360413 14/263646 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51210965 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140360413 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schenk; Peter ; et
al. |
December 11, 2014 |
ACTIVE WORKSTATION APPARATUS AND METHOD
Abstract
An apparatus and method provide various desk structures as
workstations to receive a user, standing or sitting, walking or
stationary, exercising or sedentary. A double duty desk system may
include multiple, dedicated "sitting desks" at seated height and
fixed to a shared "standing desk," the height of whose desktop
stands accessible to a user exercising on an exercise bike,
treadmill, stepper, or the like. A user in an exercise (e.g.,
standing) position may view materials set on the standing desk and
on the attached sitting desks and returns. Heights of desks may be
permanently fixed, adjustable, powered, mechanized, manual, or a
combination. A user may selectively exercise or sit, in order to
read, browse online, attend webinars, edit, monitor, handwrite,
type, lecture, listen, answer phones, make calls, develop software,
or the like from a standing or sitting position, at will.
Inventors: |
Schenk; Peter; (Park City,
UT) ; Littrell; David; (Seattle, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schenk; Peter |
Salt Lake City |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Schenk; Peter
Salt Lake City
UT
|
Family ID: |
51210965 |
Appl. No.: |
14/263646 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61832115 |
Jun 6, 2013 |
|
|
|
61832475 |
Jun 7, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.11 ;
108/59 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 21/02 20130101;
A47B 21/00 20130101; A47B 87/002 20130101; A47B 2220/06
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/50.11 ;
108/59 |
International
Class: |
A47B 21/02 20060101
A47B021/02; A47B 21/00 20060101 A47B021/00 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: providing a plurality of desktops
integrally interdependent on a shared support structure for
mechanical support above a supporting surface; positioning a first
user in a sitting position at a first desktop of the plurality of
desktops during a first dedicated time; positioning a second user
in a sitting position at a second desktop of the plurality of
desktops during a second dedicated time; alternately positioning
the first and second users, during respective first shared time and
second shared time, at a third desktop, of the plurality of
desktops, positioned to be accessible as a desk to at least one of
the first and second users when in a standing position at a
standing station proximate the supporting surface at a location
spaced between the first and second desktops in a horizontal
direction.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: working by the first
and second users simultaneously at the plurality of desktops.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: positioning an
exercise device on the supporting surface at the standing
station.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: using, by the first
and second users, respectively, during the respective first and
second shared times, both the exercise device and the third
desktop.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: using, by the first
and second users, respectively, the first and second desktops
during the respective first and second dedicated times.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: alternately adjusting
a third height corresponding to the third desktop in accordance
with the respective heights of the first and second users during
the respective first and second shared times.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing an exercise
machine between the first and second desktops; working, by one of
the first and second users, at the third desktop while exercising
in cooperation with the exercise machine during a first shared
time; and working, alternatingly, by the other of the first and
second users, at the third desktop while exercising in cooperation
with the exercise machine during a second shared time distinct from
the first shared time.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: working by the first
and second users at the first and second desktops, respectively, as
dedicated desktops at first and second dedicated times,
respectively, distinct from the first and second shared times,
respectively.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: fixing the first
desktop at a first height selected according to a first preference
of the first user; and fixing the second desktop at a second height
selected according to a second preference of the second user.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: fixing the third
desktop at a third height selected according to a third preference
alternatingly corresponding to the first and second users during
the first and second shared times, respectively.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing modular
desktops having a plurality of available widths and available
lengths; selecting, by one of the first and second users, an
arbitrary desktop having a first width and a first length based on
the preference of the one of the first and second users; and
installing a corresponding arbitrary desktop as one of the first
and second desktops associated with the one of the first and second
users.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: positioning the
first, second, and third desktops, interconnected by the supporting
structure in cubical.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: positioning the
exercise device between the first and second desktops absent any
direct mechanical connection between the supporting structure and
the exercise device.
14. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing a wing
desktop, laterally spaced between the first desktop and the third
desktop, and translated transversely to a position behind the first
and second desktop, with respect to the first user.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: positioning the
first and second desktops and the wing desktop to be sufficiently
high to be visible and manually accessible to, and sufficiently low
not to interfere with exercising by, the one of the first and
second users when working at the third desktop.
16. A method comprising: providing a plurality of desktops
integrally interdependent on a shared support structure for
mechanical support above a supporting surface; positioning a first
user in a sitting position at a first desktop of the plurality of
desktops; positioning a second user in a sitting position at a
second desktop of the plurality of desktops, the first and second
users and first and second desktops being positioned on opposite
sides of a third desktop of the plurality of desktops, the third
desktop being positioned to be accessible from a standing position;
working by the first and second users at the third desktop as a
shared desktop, shared in alternating first and second shares of
time, respectively; and working by the first and second users at
the first and second desktops, respectively, as dedicated desktops
at first and second dedicated times, respectively, distinct from
the first and second shares of time, respectively.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: working
simultaneously by the first and second users by a combination of
accessing the first desktop, accessing the second desktop,
accessing the third desktop, and exercising on an exercise device
positioned proximate the third desktop and laterally between the
first and second desktops.
18. An apparatus configured as a system of structurally integrated,
shared, work stations, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of
desktops, each desktop thereof having a working height
corresponding thereto; a support structure interconnecting the
plurality of desktops to provide mechanical support in vertical,
lateral, and transverse directions, mutually orthogonal to one
another, above a supporting surface; the plurality of desktops
integrally connected to be interdependent with respect to one
another and the support structure; the plurality of desktops
further comprising a first desktop positioned at a first height
corresponding to a sitting height of a first user, a second desktop
positioned at a second height corresponding to a sitting height of
a second user, and a third desktop positioned at a third height
corresponding to the standing height of at least one of the first
and second users and placed between the first and second desktops;
and the first and second desktops, each positioned to receive a
user working thereat simultaneously; and the third desktop
positioned to receive a user working thereat simultaneously while
at least one of the first and second desktops is occupied.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising an exercise
device positioned proximate the third desktop to be simultaneously
accessible and usable by a user working at the third desktop.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein: the first and second
desktops are configured to be at least one of adjustable, fixable,
and fixed at a height corresponding to a seated user; the third
desktop is adjustable to correspond to the height of any of a
plurality of users; the first, second, and third desktops are
positioned to be all occupied simultaneously; and the third desk
and supporting structure are configured to receive an arbitrary
exercise machine selectively chosen, removable, and positionable
for use by a user working thereat.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
patent application Ser. No. 61/832,115, filed Jun. 6, 2013,
entitled ACTIVE WORKSTATION APPARATUS AND METHOD, and claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/832,475,
filed Jun. 7, 2013, entitled ACTIVE WORKSTATION APPARATUS AND
METHOD, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to exercise apparatus and, more
particularly, to novel systems and methods for combining a
desk-type work space with exercise apparatus and methods.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] For decades, work space, particularly desks constructed as
work space or workstations for individuals, have continued a
development approach that minimizes motion. Particularly, one
objective appears to be the minimizing of any need of a worker to
rise out of a desk chair to reach for anything in the work space.
Thus, shelving, desktop (work surface), drawers, shelves, racks,
and so forth are placed within arm's reach.
[0006] Chair designs and flooring now accommodate chairs having
casters that permit a chair to easily roll on a comparatively
harder pad, even on carpeted area, by which a worker may move
between areas of a desk or work space without rising from the seat.
This is probably excellent engineering for efficiency, minimal
energy, maintaining focus, and otherwise maintaining a center of
work on the user.
[0007] Nevertheless, technology workers, business people,
secretaries, transcriptionists, engineers, designers, programmers,
customer service representatives, sales persons, and so forth now
spend numerous hours seated at a desk. Moreover, long hours, urgent
deadlines, demanding projects and customers, long commutes, and
other factors combine to consume free time, or that portion of a
day that may have been free time in previous generations.
[0008] What is needed is a system and method for providing ready
access to work space that is fixed, semi permanently, in order to
be immediately accessible, while providing ability for physical
activity. For example, it would be an advance in the art to provide
a workstation having multiple desk surfaces, such as a main desk
accessible in a seated position from a chair, and a standing desk
accessible by standing upright. One of these may be arranged over a
unit of exercise equipment, such as an exercise bicycle, treadmill,
or the like.
[0009] It would be a further advance in the art to provide
different areas of a workstation having different desk heights, all
stabilized together by a common structure. Thus, stability,
compactness, footprints, accessibility, readiness, minimization of
adaptation or adjustment, and the like would make such a
workstation system more usable. Similarly, systems of framing and
connection that permit various levels, all accessible to view, but
not needing adjustment in transition, would minimize interruptions
to a worker.
[0010] Thus, it would be an advance in the art to provide a
workstation system that provides various stations having different
desktops at different levels, all in close proximity. It would also
be an advance in the art to provide shared work spaces in which
certain dedicated desk space is available to the individuals, while
a shared exercise work space provides physical activity on an
exercise device associated with a higher standing desk or exercise
station desk. It would be an advance to provide other returns, deck
spaces, storage spaces, shelving, cabinets, racks, and the like in
close proximity and adaptable around the various workstations.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In view of the foregoing, a system and method in accordance
with the invention may provide an apparatus having various stations
sized to receive a user at that station. Accordingly, each station
may have associated therewith at least one deck or desk. Each desk
will typically have an upper and lower surface, the upper surface
being accessible for working. The upper surface will typically be
substantially planar.
[0012] For example, the upper surface will typically be flat
throughout, but may have interruptions in that uniform planar
expanse for tools, equipment, accessories, holders, wells, and so
forth. Thus, pencil holders, computer monitors, anchor points,
supports, edges, consoles, control boxes, and so forth may be
implemented on or adjacent to a top surface, thus providing
localized areas that will not necessarily be exactly planar.
[0013] A planar surface will typically be level, horizontal in two
dimensions. It may be tilted for visibility, easier access for
drawing, or the like.
[0014] In certain embodiments, a double duty desk may provide for
multiple desks for one individual, multiple desks for multiple
persons, or the like. For example, a standing-height desk (standing
desk) may be adjustable, but need not be quickly adjustable. For
example, a desk may simply use set screws to fix a telescoping leg
at a particular height, thus adjusting a height for a desktop of a
standing desk. An exercise device, such as a treadmill, exercise
bike, or the like may be placed in close proximity to the standing
desk in order for a user to occupy the exercise device while
working at the desk.
[0015] In certain embodiments, a standing desk may have an adjacent
sitting desk. For example, a user may step away from an exercise
device and the associated work surface of a standing desk in order
to sit down at a sitting desk where a computer, other papers, or
other activities may be waiting. In certain embodiments, a user
from the standing position, the seated position, or both may be
able to view the standing desk, the sitting desk, a return, or any
combination or subcombination thereof.
[0016] In certain embodiments, a sitting-height desk will typically
be fixed, dedicated, not shared, and need not be readily
adjustable. Notwithstanding adjustability may be a desirable
parameter, such adjustability need not be frequent, nor even
convenient. For example, many commercial desks are prefabricated at
a standard height. Such standard heights are highly functional.
[0017] Meanwhile, a standing desk will typically be set at a height
suitable for a user or a group of users. Thus, a standing desk may
be set at a particular height. That height may be permanently
fixed, may be adjustable with some inconvenience, or may be readily
adjustable and conveniently so.
[0018] In other embodiments, height adjustments may be driven by
cranks, rack-and-pinion drives, equilibrated (spring or
counter-weight driven) supports, or the like. Nevertheless, such
complexities need not be requirements in a system, inasmuch as a
working height of any working surface is coincident with about the
lower extent of the rib cage of a user. Whether sitting or
standing, such a height is about at the same distance from a user's
shoulder as is that same user's elbow. Thus, elbows can be rested
on a desktop or withdrawn therefrom. Hands can easily access
papers, books, keyboards, controls, and the like on the
desktop.
[0019] In certain embodiments, the standing desktop may be
comparatively easier to adjust. As a practical matter, the
sitting-height desk will seldom need any adjustment. Initially,
depending on the height of a user and convenience or preference,
the sitting-height desk portion may be adjustable. Nevertheless,
once adjusted, any dedicated desk need not be readjusted, inasmuch
as it will not typically have a different user.
[0020] Similarly, returns or wing desks may be attached laterally
beside the station where a user would typically sit. This permits a
"wrap around" approach to flat working surfaces in order to support
accessories, tools, papers, computers, monitors, personal effects,
and so forth.
[0021] In certain embodiments of an apparatus and method in
accordance with the invention, multiple workstations may be
interconnected to be occupied simultaneous by a plurality of users.
Simultaneously, workstations may be occupied by individuals who
work closely, work in a team, or are in the same organization. Most
users may not desire, or may not need, to spend more than a small
(less than half) fraction of a work day on an exercise machine at a
standing workstation.
[0022] Multiple sitting workstations or sitting-height desks may be
provided with shared structural supports. Those shared structural
supports may be shared with the standing desk therebetween. Thus,
one or more users may use a standing desk, and two or more users
may share a standing desk.
[0023] Typically, stability may be improved by providing rigidized,
stabilized, braced structures extending horizontally and vertically
and interconnected between the various work spaces. In this way, a
larger bearing area, more bearing surface area, intermediate
bracing, longer baseline or bearing length (horizontal extent
between supports), and the like provide greater leverage and
greater support. This provides better stability and stiffness to
the structures underlying the various desk surfaces.
[0024] Gussets, angled braces, cross-members, underlying framing or
frames, and so forth may be used. Similarly, vertical supports or
legs may span vertical expanses between the floor or other
supporting surface and a desktop. These vertical supports or legs
may be telescoping to extend an extension portion from a base
portion in order to adjust height.
[0025] A foot or feet may extend horizontally at a lower end of any
leg in order to provide a longer bearing length, and thus more
stability, less rocking, less susceptibility to tipping over, and
generally greater stability for the vertical supports or legs. In
certain embodiments, workstations may be ganged together with
multiple work spaces with adjacent desks, alternating in a suitable
fashion. For example, alternating with sitting-height desks may be
standing-height desks.
[0026] Typically, the legs and feet of a standing-height desk
(standing desk) may straddle an exercise device, such as a
treadmill or exercise bicycle. Thus, the desk may have its own
free-standing support, independent from the exercise device. In
certain embodiments, a user may actually park a particular exercise
device in the work space that will access a standing desk.
Meanwhile, a user may swap out that exercise device, replacing it
with a separate exercise device, and park various devices at
various other workstations, or elsewhere.
[0027] Thus, a user has the option of standing at a standing desk,
with no exercise equipment present, standing on a treadmill at a
stationary, standing while walking on a treadmill, sitting or
standing upright on a device, or sitting in some other position on
an exercise bicycle, or the like. Thus, a user has a great range of
motion, and many options by having free standing desks that may be
used independently from any specific exercise device, while being
usable with several different exercise device types.
[0028] Meanwhile, with quasi-fixed desk heights, an exercise system
or a system of workstations that accommodates exercise equipment
may actually face other devices (head-to-head, back to back, or in
another arrangement such as at right angles) however desired.
However, by a selective arrangement of sitting desks, returns,
shelving, cabinets, and so forth, a workstation may be set facing,
with its most forward edge against, or in close proximity to, a
wall.
[0029] Likewise, an exercise system may be set laterally against a
wall located on one side, the other, or both. For example, an
apparatus and system in accordance with the invention may be
implemented in a standard industrial cubicle of any suitable size
or arrangement, with multiple walls nearby. Those walls may be
sized and spaced to hold standardized cabinets, cubbies (open-faced
cabinets), closed-door cabinets, racks, shelves, or the like.
[0030] In certain embodiments of an apparatus and method in
accordance with the invention, those extended spaces outside the
envelope of the standing decks and exercise machine may be arranged
for convenient working by a user. Such arrangements may be selected
by a user. Typical examples may be a set up that is effectively a
private office. Another might be a shared office. Another situation
may be a conference room or other meeting room.
[0031] Meanwhile a user may read, browse online, attend webinars,
edit, monitor, handwrite, type, lecture, listen, answer phones,
make calls, develop software, or the like from a standing desk,
sitting desk, or combination thereof. Similarly, one may do all the
foregoing tasks and many others while operating an exercise device
at a standing desk, seated at a sitting desk, or a combination
thereof, at will.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The foregoing features of the present invention will become
more fully apparent from the following description and appended
claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting
of its scope, the invention will be described with additional
specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
workstation in accordance with the invention;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a workstation, this having only a single sitting desk in
combination with a standing desk and exercise equipment;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a combined, shared
workstation arrangement having a single standing desk and two
sitting desks flanking it;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
having two standing desks over exercise equipment, with an
intervening return therebetween;
[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment illustrating
three standing desks with intervening return desks as the
sitting-height desk, and illustrating an alternative exercise
machine;
[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a system
in accordance with the invention set up in the space of an office
cubicle;
[0039] FIG. 7 is a right side perspective view of an alternative
embodiment, corresponding to the system of FIG. 6;
[0040] FIG. 8 is a left side perspective view thereof;
[0041] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
thereof, including a return portion as a continuous part of the
sitting desk thereof;
[0042] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
thereof, in which the return forms the entire sitting desk portion
extending axially parallel to the exercise equipment;
[0043] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one alternative embodiment
having two sitting desks flanking a standing desk over an exercise
machine;
[0044] FIG. 12 is a perspective view thereof, absent the flanking,
sitting desks;
[0045] FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative arrangement having three
standing desks over exercise machines, with intermediate, short
returns at sitting height between the standing desks;
[0046] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of two banks of exercise
machines of FIG. 13, these arranged head-to-head;
[0047] FIG. 15 is a top plan view thereof; and
[0048] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment,
wherein two standing desks are arranged in opposite-facing,
parallel directions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0049] It will be readily understood that the components of the
present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the
drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety
of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed
description of the embodiments of the system and method of the
present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not intended
to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely
representative of various embodiments of the invention. The
illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by
reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by
like numerals throughout.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, while referring to FIGS. 1
through 15 generally, a system 10 in accordance with the invention
may be configured as an apparatus 10 operating as workstations for
one or more users. For example, an exercise machine 12 may be
selected from any suitable exercise equipment 12. In general, it is
highly desirable to have an exercise device 12 that is simple to
use, does not require a high degree of interaction or attention,
and which provides a moderate, aerobic type of exercise.
[0051] In one embodiment of an apparatus 10 in accordance with the
invention, a treadmill 12 or other type of exercise device 12 may
be suitable. In the illustrated embodiment, supports 14 or legs 14
may have extensions 16 rendering the supports 14 telescopic or
extendable in their vertical length. Similarly, a support 14 may be
provided with feet 18 or a foot. This may provide a longer bearing
length or bearing distance in order to stabilize the support 14
against tipping or falling over.
[0052] A desk 20 or workstation 20 may be supported at the top end
(proximate end) of a support 14. Meanwhile, a foot 18 may be
secured at the distal end of the same support 14. In certain
embodiments, the extent of the desk 20 may be selected or
calculated to be less than the maximum extent toward a user that
the foot 18 extends. In this way, it is not possible to apply
weight to the proximate edge of the desk 20 in a manner that would
create a moment (as that term is used in engineering as a force at
a distant) that would be outboard or beyond an end of the foot 18.
Thus, the desk 20 will be fundamentally stable against tipping over
in response to weight applied at any location by a user.
[0053] Each desk 20 may be formed to be flat, and thereby have a
surface 21 or working surface 21 on the top face thereof. This
surface 21 may be treated with a particular material, such as a
laminate, a polymeric material, or other suitable material for a
task to be accomplished by a user working at the desk 20. Each desk
20 may be configured or selected to be either a standing desk 22 or
a sitting desk 23.
[0054] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a standing desk
22 may be set at a fixed height. Nevertheless, the actual height
that the telescoping extension 16 extends from the base portion of
the member 14 may be selected by a user and fixed for that user for
all time. On the other hand, adjustability, even motorized,
cranked, or otherwise rapid response of adjustability by the
extension 16 within the member 14 may be engineered into the system
10. In other embodiments, a simple lifting by a user of the desk 20
may result in extending by the extension 16 in order to lengthen
the member 14 for suitable use.
[0055] In certain embodiments, the sitting desk 23 may be dedicated
to a particular user. Meanwhile, the standing desk 22 may be
configured to be used in a standing position, and more readily
adjustable for shared use. It is a benefit specific to a system 10
in accordance with the invention that multiple persons may use
adjacent work spaces 40 or stations 40 simultaneously.
[0056] For example, it may be that a team work area may be
populated by a group of from two to half a dozen workers who are in
close proximity. They may have some relationship by organization,
task, or the like. In such an arrangement, several systems 10 may
be installed to provide individual workstations 40a, 40c at sitting
desks 23a, 23c with an intermediate, shared, standing desk 22.
[0057] In selected embodiments, a system 10 in accordance with the
invention may include multiple sitting desks 23 mechanically
secured by their structural framing, such as the supports 14,
extensions 16, feet 18, and the like. In fact, it may be important
to include a stabilizer 25 between adjacent and corresponding,
supports 14 under a desk 20. For example, the stabilizer 25
connecting the supports 14 under the standing desk 22 may provide
rigidization, dimensional stability, stiffness, and so forth.
[0058] Braces 27 such as diagonal braces 27 illustrated or gussets
27 as illustrated in various configurations in the illustrated
embodiments, may rigidize by the principal of triangulation of
distances, any vertical members 14 against horizontal members 25.
Meanwhile, other framing 26 or frames 26 may extend below various
surfaces, such as the desks 20, or a return 24 (wing desk 24) or
wing table 24.
[0059] For example, an office desk may have a wing extension that
pulls out much as a drawer, just above a set of drawers in the
pedestal of such a desk. This provides an increase in work surface,
and the ability to place items, papers, accessories, tools, or the
like close at hand. In the illustrated embodiment, a wing table 24
or a return 24 may extend along the work space 40b of a standing
user relying on the standing desk 22.
[0060] The positioning of the sitting desk 23 and the standing desk
22 may be very important. Likewise, the positioning of the return
24 or wing desk 24 may also be important. For example, in the
illustrated embodiments, the user in a seated position will find
that the top surface 21a of the sitting desk 23a is at about the
same height as an elbow. Thus, it is accessible from a seated
position, to hands, eyes (for viewing papers and other equipment's
on the working surface 21a), and so forth. Meanwhile, the wing desk
24 or return 24 is also available, at the same height as
illustrated.
[0061] While, while a user is at the standing desk 22, the top
surface 21b is at about elbow height, or waist height, thus making
objects on the top working surface 21b of the standing desk 22
available for viewing, touching, reaching by hand, and so forth.
Meanwhile, the top surface 21b is also available for resting the
elbows, forearms, or the like thereon.
[0062] One will note in the illustrated embodiments, however, that
the top surfaces 21a, 21c, 21d, 21e are all available to a user
standing at the standing desk 22, in the work space 40c. Thus, the
actual usable work space in which a user may place objects, store
objects, spread out papers and documents, arrange a computer
monitor or keyboard, or other accessories, and the like are all
available, accessible, and most can be reached.
[0063] It can be found that a major factor in productivity of
workers is the available work space in which to spread out, view,
reach, and otherwise access for fundamental utility the necessary
tools, papers, documents, reading materials, reference material,
computers, monitors, interfaces (keyboard, mouse, etc.) while
working on a task.
[0064] Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the height of the work
surfaces 21a, 21c, 21d, 21e may be set to be accessible for
viewing, reaching, or the like. Not only is this somewhat so when a
user is in a seated position thereat (at a workstation location
40a, 40c), but also is more effective when a user is standing, such
as walking or exercising in the work space 40b at the standing desk
22).
[0065] A console 28 may be electrically connected to the exercise
device 12. Convenience in working, without interruption, is a
substantial benefit in a system 10 in accordance with the
invention. Accordingly, the console 28 is preferably designed and
shaped to not interfere with reach, vision, activity, or the like
for a user working at the standing desk 22. Thus, the console 28
may be embedded in the standing desk 22, placed slightly beneath it
near the proximal edge closest to a user, or the like.
[0066] Meanwhile, relief 30 may be provided in the standing desk 22
in order to provide more ready access to items, without
interference by the central portion of the standing desk 22 with a
user. For example, to a certain extent, the standing desk 22 may
"wrap around" a user in order to maintain a certain radial distance
more-or-less constant between a user, and the closest edge of the
standing desk 22.
[0067] To the end of comfort, safety, convenience, and the like, a
bumper 31 may be configured as a pad 31, a wrist support 31, a
combination 31 thereof, or the like. Typically, the bumper 31 may
be formed of a foamed, elastomeric polymer, such as a urethane
foam, a polyethylene foam, or other expanded polymeric material.
Thus, a wrist rest 31 as well as a protection 31 against an edge of
the standing desk 22 may be provided.
[0068] The exercise machine 12 may be selected from a variety of
devices. For example, a treadmill 12, an exercise bike 12, a
recumbent exerciser, a stepper, an elliptical walker, or the like
may be involved. However, in selecting an exercise device 12, it
may best serve the needs of a worker to provide a minimum of
distraction, and thus a minimum level of attention required by the
exercise device 12.
[0069] The exercise device 12 may be swapped in and out of the work
space 40b and connected to the console 28 in a convenient place and
manner. On the other hand, the exercise device 12 may be a
particular type and may remain unchanged. Nevertheless, the
exercise device 12 in the illustrated embodiment is completely
disconnected mechanically from any support, and most registration
or alignment requirements with the structure of the desks 20.
[0070] The cowling 32 over the motor 34 of the treadmill 12
illustrated does not interfere with the walking of a user on the
treadmill 12. It need not impinge on any aspect of accessing the
standing desk 22, the sitting desks 23a, 23c, nor the wing desks 24
or returns 24.
[0071] By way of explanation, a trailing letter used herein in
combination with a reference numeral represents a specific instance
of the item identified by the reference numeral. The reference
numeral may be used to refer any or all of the items corresponding
to that reference numeral. Thus, it is not necessary to use or
describe every lettered item, nor is it inconsistent to refer to an
item identified by a reference numeral and trailing letter simply
by the reference numeral. The reference numeral may refer to all of
the instances, and may be thought of as the general reference for
the general item type. Nevertheless, in distinguishing positions,
specific items, and their relationships, it is sometimes convenient
and more clear to a reader if the trailing letters are used to
identify a specific instance discussed.
[0072] In general, the structure of the exercise 12, such as the
treadmill 12 here, will typically involve guards 35 isolating
certain equipment from a user. This increases safety, and relieves
the user of having to pay particular undue attention to certain
aspects of the structure. Particularly, a frame 36 may be protected
by guards 35 thereabove. Similarly, feet 37 may space or adjust the
frame 36 with respect to a supporting surface, such as a floor.
[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, a continuous belt 38 or
endless belt 38 operates as the treadmill track 38 or belt 38 on
which a user walks. By movement, the belt 38 advances, thus causing
a user to be required to advance along the belt 38, in order to
stay stationary with respect to the desks 20. A user may occupy any
of the individual workstations 40 or positions 40.
[0074] As a practical matter, several users may have dedicated
sitting desks 23, and share a single standing desk 22. Thus, the
cost of maintaining and capitalizing the exercise device 12 is
spread over more users. The more conventional functionality served
by desks 20 may still be delivered to individual users.
[0075] For example, in most environments, a user will spend less
than a full day walking on the treadmill 12. On the other hand,
much of the day may be spent at a sitting desk 23. Accordingly, an
individual user may share time with another user, inasmuch as each
has a dedicated sitting desk 23. The time available for accessing
the standing desk 22 may be subdivided among multiple users.
[0076] A "power user" may be able to operate at a desk 22 (standing
desk 22) all day long, while standing, walking, jogging, running,
or a combination thereof on the treadmill 12. However, as a
practical matter, most users will spend only two hours or less per
day actually exercising at a modest walking rate on the exercise
device 12. Thus, the available time may typically be subdivided or
"multiplexed" appropriately as agreed between users.
[0077] One may note that the embodiment of FIG. 1 includes two
separate sitting desks 23a, 23c and an intermediate, shared,
standing desk 22. Nevertheless, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, a
single standing desk 22 is associated with a single sitting desk
23. The latter embodiment is serviceable, even though the standing
desk 22 is not shared.
[0078] In general, the standing desk 22 may be mechanically secured
to a structure, such as the various supports 14 or legs 14,
interconnected by framing 26 supporting the desks 22, 23, 24 and
also securing them to the supports 14 of the system 10. By means of
the framing 26 or frames 26, additional stiffness (e.g. section
modulus) without additional thickness of the desktop material may
be imparted to any desk 20, whether the standing desk 22, the
sitting desk 23, or a wing desk 24.
[0079] On the other hand, such frames 26 may also secure the
supports 14, and be stabilized by braces 27 or gussets 27 that
triangulate distances to add substantial stability. Likewise, this
minimizes the space, weight, expense, and interference associated
with the supports 14 and other frames 26. In these embodiments, a
user may move freely within the work space 40a, 40b, or 40c,
without interference from unused desks 22, 23, 24 or desk portion
22, 23, 24, nor intermediate structures. Thus, one notices that
clearance for and aft from a user position is substantial.
Meanwhile, the lateral clearance (from side to side) is likewise
suitable for either standing, sitting, or a combination, as
desired.
[0080] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, while continuing to refer
generally to FIGS. 1 through 15, in certain embodiments a user may
select a chair 50 of arbitrary, desirable configuration. For
example, some workers prefer an arm chair. Others do not. Thus,
different types of chairs 50 may be selected according to user
preference. Similarly, the specific height at which an individual
sitting desk 23 is set may be unique, and selected for an
individual. That individual, having a dedicated sitting desk 23,
may then set up the height 19 (e.g. 19a, 19b) of that desk 23
according to user preference.
[0081] In certain embodiments, a user may set the wing desk 24 at
the same height 19a as the sitting desk 23. In other embodiments,
the wing desk 24 may be at yet another height 19. Typically, the
wing desk 24, the sitting desk 23, and any materials thereon may be
visible, and may be manually accessible by reaching, for a user
standing at the standing desk 22. Meanwhile, certain objects,
monitors, and the like that may be set on the standing desk 22 may
be visible or reachable from the seated position at a sitting desk
23.
[0082] As a practical matter, it is most important or at least
comparatively more important, that a user operating at a standing
desk 22 be able to see materials, papers, documents, accessories,
computers, screens, and the like resting on a sitting desk 23. For
example, a user at a standing desk 22 may still want access to
materials at the dedicated sitting desk 23. It is unlikely or less
likely that a seated user operating at a sitting desk 23 will need
access to materials on top of the standing desk 22. The operational
concept is somewhat contrary to dedicated use of the standing desk
22. Nevertheless, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the standing desk 22
is associated with a single sitting desk 23.
[0083] A user may position a system 10 on a floor 51, in order to
support a system 10 of desks 20. A user may then configure personal
space on a dedicated sitting desk 23 with personally dedicated
equipment. For example, a computer 52, a monitor 54, a keyboard 56,
a mouse 57, and the like may typically be associated with a single
user.
[0084] In some embodiments, a monitor 54 may be set on the standing
desk 22. Such a monitor 54 may be available to multiple users by
reconnection or switching a connection. On the other hand, a
monitor 54 may be set on a sitting desk 23 when appropriate, and on
the standing desk 22 for reference. Nevertheless, in the
illustrated embodiments, a user may see quite clearly a monitor 54
sitting on a sitting desk 23 even when a user is standing and
operating at a standing desk 22.
[0085] Typically, phones 58, papers 59, and the like may be moved
about by a user. Thus, a user may place a phone 58 at any location
being used as part of a work space 40. Thus, a phone 58 may be
moved to the standing desk 22, and removed back to a sitting desk
23 at will. Similarly, papers 59 may be placed on any desk 20, and
may be moved from a sitting desk 23 to a standing desk 22 at
different times. In general, the system 10 in accordance with the
invention may provide user selection arbitrarily and user
configuration arbitrarily in order to optimize personal preferences
for workstation efficiency, access, organization, and so forth.
[0086] Typically, an office will have walls 60, 61. A user at a
sitting desk 23 may face a wall 60, such as a forward wall 60.
Meanwhile, a lateral wall 61 may be nearby or distant. In the
embodiments illustrated, a lateral wall 61 is adjacent a sitting
desk 23a, and may support shelves, cabinets, accessories, and the
like. Similarly, a frontal wall 60 or front wall 60 may be faced by
a user. It 60 may also be engaged to support shelves, brackets,
accessories, storage, cubbies (cubby-hole-type, open shelving) or
the like. Similarly, cabinets, files, other organization units or
the like may also be secured to a wall 60, 61 as desirable.
[0087] A user may distribute accessories in a manner most conducive
to the task at hand. In general, a user will have the liberty to
arrange the personal work space in accordance with personal
desires. Meanwhile, the shared work space, such as that associated
with the standing desk 22 may be set as agreed upon in order to be
shared. Alternatively, it may be readily adjustable to be
manipulated by each user timely and comparatively quickly when in
use by that particular user.
[0088] Typically, a laptop 62 may be used remotely or may be docked
or otherwise used at a desk 20. Typically, a user may have a phone
64, a smartphone 64, a personal digital assistant 64, or the like.
Other accessories 66 may be placed on the desk 20, attached to a
wall 60, 61, or the like. Thus, great latitude, great individual
freedom for dedicated spaces, is compatible with shared use, thus
minimizing cost, maximizing utility, and maximizing user
productivity by expanding the available work space.
[0089] A safety tether 68 associated with an exercise machine 12
may be connected to the system 10. For example, to prevent
tripping, stumbling, injury, or the like, a user moving away from
the standing desk 22 may automatically pull on a safety tether 68,
thus causing immediate stoppage of all automatic or motorized
mechanical activity of the exercise machine 12. Thus, a system 10
in accordance with the invention need not dispense with the safety
equipment available with exercise machines 12 in general.
[0090] Similarly, the desks 20 replace to a large extent, and may
replace totally, the handles, bars, boundaries, and other
registration devices suitable for gripping by a user in order to
provide stability, gaging of distance, setting of pace on a
treadmill 12, and so forth. A user has the visual registration
ability due to the positioning and non-moving nature of each of the
desks 20. Thus, by viewing the standing desk 22, sitting desk 23,
wing desk 24, or return 24, a user has a mental picture just as in
driving a car down the road. A user does not have to pay attention
to every detail. Peripheral vision gives a sense and sensation of
surrounding objects, their distance, and whether they are moving in
relationship to a user. Thus, the desks 20 provide visual
registration by a user even when viewed only in peripheral
sight.
[0091] Thus, the safety tether 68 may protect against the inability
of a user to reach the console 28, and shut off the exercise device
12. However, the continued use of handles need not be undertaken as
the desks, with their supports 14 and framing 26, provide suitable
structure, strength, support, access, size, and gripping ability
for a user.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 3 specifically, the walls 60, 61, laptop
62, phone 64 or PDA 64, other accessories 66, and safety tether 68
are included. Meanwhile, a phone 58 of conventional type also sits
along with other accessories, such as beverage containers, and the
like.
[0093] Notably, an adjuster 70 may be configured as a crank 70, a
set screw 70, or the like. Accordingly, by suitable sizing and
weighting of the standing desk 22, a user may readily lift the desk
22 by extending the extensions 16 from the supports 14 or the base
portions of the supports 14 in order to adjust the height of the
standing desk 22.
[0094] Similarly, adjustments (not shown) may be provided in order
to tilt the standing desk 22. For example, in dealing with papers,
it may be preferable or desirable by a user to rely upon the bumper
31 or the edge treatment 31 to resist papers sliding off the
standing desk 22, while the standing desk 22 is tilted with respect
to the supports 14, in order to provide a better angle of
visibility for items on the surface 21 of the standing desk 22.
[0095] Thus, adjusters 70 may be included at the attachment
location between the extension 16 and the desktop of the standing
desk 22 in order to tilt the standing desk 22. However, the most
basic adjustment is the adjustment of height, such as by a set
screw 70 that will secure the base of the support 14 and the
extension 16 against relative movement thereof. As a practical
matter, the adjustment 70 may be a set screw 70 that includes a
knob easily turned to apply a force binding the extension 16 in
place. In this way, adjustment is readily available, but not
automatic, powered, or the like.
[0096] For most people, a standing desk 22 may best be set at a
particular height. Personal preference may be particularly
sensitive to a matter of a height difference. However, sitting
desks 23 are typically set at a fixed height 19 of from about
twenty eight to about thirty two inches. Typically, a thirty inch
desk height 19 is quite common. Thus, in some embodiments, the
supports 14 under the sitting desks 23 may not even have any
adjustability. They may simply be fixed at a standard desk height
19. Nevertheless, in certain embodiments, the supports 14 may be
adjustable under the sitting desks 23 in order to be tailored in
their configuration to the exact preferences of an individual
user.
[0097] Referring to FIG. 4, the return 24 may be incorporated even
in the absence of a sitting desk 23. It has been found that users
will frequently need or desire a place to set
necessary-but-not-currently-used items. Drinks, reference
materials, objects, telephones, and the like may be set on a return
24 that is shared between multiple standing desks 22, even in the
absence of dedicated sitting desks 23.
[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of standing desks 22
is arranged with a shared return 24 therebetween. Each standing
desk 22 has its own exercise device 12. In this embodiment, a user
or a pair of users may have at hand and readily available, any item
desired to be set on the return 24, not necessary at hand on the
standing desk 22. Nevertheless, a user may move papers from the
standing desk 22 to the return 24 for storage or for safekeeping
momentarily while other documents are placed in use on the working
surface 21 of the standing desk 22. Thus, a variety of
configurations may be used. In other embodiments, the system 10 of
FIG. 4 may be configured with additional sitting desks 23 outboard
of the standing desks 22. Thus, in such an embodiment, a user may
have multiple returns 24.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 5, a particular embodiment of a system 10
in accordance with the invention is set up in a room having walls
60, 61 defining several work spaces 40. In the illustrated
embodiment, the standing desks 22 are set up similarly to those of
FIG. 4 with a return 24 between each adjacent set of standing desks
22. As illustrated, a single exercise machine is associated with
one location 40. The other workstation locations 40 may also have
exercise machines 12 installed thereat, but need not. Thus, one may
work from a standing position, with or without additional motion
imposed by or supported by an exercise machine 12.
[0100] In this instance, each of the standing desks 22 faces a wall
60. A single workstation 40 or standing desk 22 is flanked also by
the lateral wall 61. Typically, in such an embodiment, the returns
24 are not considered sitting desks 23. The spacing is inadequate
to support seating. Moreover, the length or extent of each of the
returns 24 is substantial, even more so than illustrated in FIG. 4.
Thus, considerable space exists on a work top 21 or surface 21 of
the return 24 in order to set objects, distribute papers, or
otherwise arrange work space. In the illustrated embodiment, each
standing desk 22 appears to be dedicated, while the returns 24 are
shared.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 6, while continuing to refer generally to
FIGS. 1 through 15, a series of cubicles 86 will typically be
arranged in "high-density" office space. An individual cubicle 86
or work area 86 may be furnished for one individual, multiple
individuals, a group, a team, or the like. Accordingly, the
specific dimensions of the cubicle 86 may be configured in
accordance with the number of persons being served by that work
space 86.
[0102] By the same token, cubicles 86 may have walls 60 of various
heights. In some working environments, walls 60 may traverse the
entire distance from floor to ceiling of the enclosing room. In
other embodiments, the height of the walls 60 or the partitions 60
around a cubicle 86 may extend about six feet overhead for most
people. In other embodiments, the height is lower in order than
individuals may converse with one another. Thus, the
appropriateness of the work involved, the need for visibility, the
need for oral communications or privacy, and the like may factor
into the selection of the size or wall height for a cubicle 86.
[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 may be set up
with a standing desk 22 adjacent a sitting desk 23. Meanwhile, an
exercise device 12, in this instance, a treadmill 12, is positioned
directly on the floor between the supports 14 of the standing desk
22. A panel 80 provides additional positions for certain
information, such as may be displayed on a monitor 82 or a screen
82. Meanwhile, the console 28 controlling the exercise device 12
may still be mounted near an edge of the standing desk 22.
[0104] By contrast, a monitor 82 may be mounted above the working
surface 21 of the standing desk 22 or may be positioned therebelow.
In the illustrated embodiment, the monitor 82 may be visible to a
user just as may the standing desk 22. Thus, inasmuch as the space
near the desk 22 and distant from the exercise device 12 will not
interfere with walking movements, the panel 80 may be positioned to
be visibly accessible to a user standing (e.g. exercising) at the
standing desk 22.
[0105] Accessories 84 may include, for example, a shelf 84 or rack
84 mounted to a desk 22, 23, a support 14, or the like. Similarly,
racks 84, shelves 84, and the like may also be secured to the walls
60 of the cubicle 86. In the illustrated embodiment, a lateral wall
61b opposite a lateral wall 61a may flank the system 10. These
walls 61a, 61b may provide additional space for holding brackets,
shelves, cabinets, and the like. Similarly, the desks 22, 23 may be
positioned very close to or touching the forward wall 60.
[0106] In alternative embodiments, the system 10 may be spaced away
from the wall 60 in order to provide space for projecting
accessories such as shelving, cabinets, and so forth that will be
available to a user, above one or more of the desks 22, 23. In
other embodiments, shelves, cabinets, or the like may be secured to
the front wall 60, the lateral walls 61a, 61b, or both, yet spaced
sufficiently from any desk 22, 23 so as not to interfere. For
example, the sitting desk 23 may be positioned immediately adjacent
the front wall 60. It may have a cabinet anchored to the top edge
or near the top edge of the front wall 60 in such a way as not to
interfere. A user may still have lighting, access, visibility, and
the like while working at the sitting desk 23. Likewise, lighting
may be provided under such a cabinet in order to illuminate the top
surface 21 of the sitting desk 23. In certain embodiments,
shelving, cabinets, and the like may also be configured to maximize
user visibility of a desk 20, 22, 23 from a position while using
the standing desk 22, sitting desk 23, or both.
[0107] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 12, while continuing to refer
generally to FIGS. 1 through 15, various configurations of a system
10 may optimize working space according to the desires of a
particular user. For example, the sitting desk 23 of FIG. 7 is
comparatively as long or as wide, from a user perspective, as the
standing desk 22. Thus, the sitting work space 40a is more spacious
than the standing work space 40b. However, a shelf 84 is provided,
which will preclude a user sitting close to the distal or far end
of the sitting desk 23. Meanwhile, relief may be provided in the
sitting desk 23 in order to provide more firm and close attachment
of framing 26, associated with the sitting desk 23, with the
support 14 under the standing desk 22.
[0108] Similarly, the return portion 24 of FIG. 9 may replace, or
augment the presence of a separate return 24, generally. In the
embodiment of FIG. 9, the sitting desk 23 actually includes a
return portion 24 all as part of the uninterrupted (continuous)
working surface 21 thereof.
[0109] Likewise, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the sitting desk 23
may actually be positioned as a return 24. That is, the user
standing in a work space 40b at the standing desk 22 may have
access to the entire length of the work surface 21 associated with
the sitting desk 23. Thus, the sitting desk 23 may be approached
from a side opposite the exercise device 12 (e.g. treadmill 12)
from the standing desk 22. Meanwhile, the entire length of the
sitting desk 23 is still available for viewing of objects, papers,
accessories, screens, computers, and the like. It is reachable by
hand to retrieve any object placed thereon. Thus, the system 10
more thoroughly wraps around a standing user.
[0110] The only additional inconvenience thereof is the fact that a
user, to move from the standing work space 40b to the seated work
space 40a, would need to pass around the end of the sitting desk 23
in order to have access thereto from a seated position.
Nevertheless, the available space required is optimized in that the
distance between a user seated at the sitting desk 23 across that
sitting desk 23 to the support 14 is comparatively less than the
similar measurement for the embodiments of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. Thus,
less lateral distance is required. Chairs 50, auxiliary supports 14
and the like have been omitted from FIG. 10, but are positioned as
appropriate as described hereinabove.
[0111] Referring to FIG. 11, a sitting desk 23, in fact two of them
23, may reflect the aspect ratio (ratio of two dimensions, in this
case length to width) of each of the sitting desks 23. Each is the
same as that of the sitting desk 23 of FIG. 10. However, in this
embodiment, the sitting desks 23 extend a greater distance away
from the exercise device 12 as embodied in the treadmill 12. Thus,
the work spaces 40a, 40c of FIG. 11 are considerably wider, from a
seated user's point of view, along a frontal wall 60. Thus, the
overall footprint of the system 10 of FIG. 10 is comparatively
narrower, measured crossways of (e.g. orthogonally, at right angles
to) the moving direction of the treadmill 12.
[0112] Referring to FIG. 12, a standing desk 22 may be used
standing alone over an exercise device 12, if desired. Thus, at a
minimum, a system 10 may include a non-mechanically-connected
treadmill 12 or other exercise device 12 positioned within the
supports 14. It may be literally completely unconnected except by
the supporting floor surface. Thus, registration fittings, anchors,
fasteners, registration stations, connectors, adapters, and the
like may fix a treadmill 12 or other exercise device 12 with
respect to the supports 14 or the exercise standing desk 22.
However, they ay be completely unnecessary. This provides for more
ready access, simpler set up, and adjustment of the relative
position of the exercise 12 by an individual user. Thus, by
eschewing the forced registration of fixing the exercise device 12
in a bracket or cradle integral to the supports 14 of the standing
desk 22, one may provide additional adjustability, arbitrary
positioning, and so forth for user convenience, comfort, and
personal preference.
[0113] Referring to FIGS. 13 through 16, a system 10 may include a
group or bank of standing desks 22 in comparatively close quarters.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 13, a return 24 that does not
extend backward along the extent of the treadmills 12 and away from
the standing desks 22 may replace any sitting desk 23. However,
such a configuration limits the usefulness of such a bank of
standing desks 22 as far as personal, seated use. That is, in the
embodiment of FIG. 13, seated use is basically not available. Space
is not available.
[0114] On the other hand, certain spaces may be configured as
illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. In this embodiment, banks are
arranged in ranks, columns, or rows. Here, two rows (banks 90) of
standing tables 22 are arranged head-to-head. Accordingly, such a
work space is comparatively less useful, maybe even approximating
useless, for seated work.
[0115] However, in certain embodiments, a general office space may
provide individual desks for users, and make the standing desks 22
only available by moving to a different space where such standing
desks 22 are ganged, or grouped. This may be a suitable arrangement
for situations where the heat generated by perspiration of users,
and the operation of motors 34 within the cowling 32 of the
treadmills 12 may be carried away. This may occur by maintaining a
lower room temperature, such as about 60 to about 65 degrees,
rather than the more common 68 to about 72 degrees at which comfort
heating is provided. Thus, a centralized room containing banks 90
of standing desks 22 may be maintained at a suitable temperature
different from that of comfort heating in a general common,
sedentary, work space.
[0116] In the illustrated embodiments, many benefits accrue to
users and owners of systems 10 in accordance with the invention. In
the illustrated embodiment, the system is modular in that
individual systems 10 may be expanded by the addition of a number
of sitting desks 23, various combinations of standing desks 22,
arrangements, orientations, attachments, angular intersections of
the central axis of such devices 20, and so forth.
[0117] Similarly, the standing desk 22 and sitting desk 23 may be
secured together to minimize the amount of hardware required while
still obtaining the maximum bearing length (the distance between
adjacent or distant supports for an object). Thus, for example, a
support 14 under a sitting desk 23 tends to support and stabilize
the connecting support 14 of a standing desk 22 positioned adjacent
thereto. Numerous embodiments showing this principal are included
in the FIGS. 1 through 15. Moreover, fewer legs 14 or supports 14
are required, thus providing more open spaces, and clear space for
positioning chairs 50, feet and legs of a user, and so forth.
[0118] One may see that a system 10 provides for multiple heights
19 of desks 20. For example, a sitting desk 23 may have a height
19a selected by a user for seated work. Meanwhile, a standing desk
22 may have a height 19b suitable for standing. Meanwhile, returns
24 may have different heights 19, or the same height as either a
sitting desk 23, standing desk 22, or the like.
[0119] In accordance with the invention, a shared standing desk 22
allows for a shared exercise device 12 in the work space 40
associated with different workstation system 10 available to users.
The wing tables 24 or returns 24 may actually be replaced by
sitting desks 23 oriented perpendicularly to the orientation to the
standing desks 22. Thus, footprint may be modularized, and may be
highly adjustable between a more rectangular total footprint of a
system 10 versus a more spread out footprint of the system 10.
[0120] Meanwhile, the feet 18 associated with supports 14 below
desks 20 may typically be secured such that at least one thereof
extends outward farther than the edge of the corresponding desk 20.
In this way, support against tipping over is available to a user.
Meanwhile, this permits much more flexibility in selecting and
positioning an exercise device 12 under a standing desk 22. It also
provides safety, an effective railing or handle, and so forth.
[0121] The system 10 may define forward and rearward directions
with respect to a user on the exercise machine 12 while working at
a standing desk 22 (e.g., standing desktop 22). A lateral direction
is horizontally to the right or left, with respect to a user. A
transverse direction may be either of the forward or rearward
directions. An axial direction may be along any axis, such as a
centerline of an object or person. Vertical is upward or downward
with respect to a user and any supporting surface such as a
floor.
[0122] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its purposes, functions, structures,
or operational characteristics. The described embodiments are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not
restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by
the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All
changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
* * * * *