U.S. patent application number 14/690329 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-20 for adjustable workstation.
This patent application is currently assigned to STAMINA PRODUCTS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is STAMINA PRODUCTS, INC.. Invention is credited to Newton Lin, Robert McBride, Peter Ploss, Tyler Rogers.
Application Number | 20160302571 14/690329 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57128550 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160302571 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McBride; Robert ; et
al. |
October 20, 2016 |
ADJUSTABLE WORKSTATION
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to an adjustable workstation
system movable between a sitting configuration and a standing
configuration. The workstation system comprises a body, a desktop,
a tilt mechanism, and a seat. The desktop has a first surface
configured to facilitate desktop activity by a user and a second
surface that is coupled to the tilt mechanism. The tilt mechanism
couples the desktop to the body and facilitates adjustment by a
user of an angle formed between the desktop and the floor. The seat
is coupled to the body and configured to facilitate sitting at the
workstation system. The seat is movable between the sitting
configuration, wherein the seat and the body support weight of the
user when the user sits in the seat, and the standing
configuration, wherein the seat is positioned in proximity to an
axis of the workstation system to facilitate standing at the
workstation system.
Inventors: |
McBride; Robert;
(Springfield, MO) ; Rogers; Tyler; (Springfield,
MO) ; Ploss; Peter; (Springfield, MO) ; Lin;
Newton; (Springfield, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
STAMINA PRODUCTS, INC. |
Springfield |
MO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
STAMINA PRODUCTS, INC.
|
Family ID: |
57128550 |
Appl. No.: |
14/690329 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2083/025 20130101;
A47C 9/022 20130101; A47B 19/06 20130101; A47B 2200/0072 20130101;
A47B 83/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 83/02 20060101
A47B083/02; A47B 17/06 20060101 A47B017/06; A47B 13/08 20060101
A47B013/08 |
Claims
1. An adjustable workstation system movable between a sitting
configuration and a standing configuration, the workstation system
positionable on a floor surface, the workstation system comprising:
a body having a first end and a second end, the body including a
base located toward the second end, the base configured to engage
the floor surface; a desktop having a first surface and a second
surface, the desktop being located toward the first end of the
body, the first surface being configured to facilitate desktop
activity by a user and the second surface being located opposite
the first surface; a tilt mechanism that couples the desktop to the
body, the tilt mechanism configured to facilitate adjustment by a
user of an angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface,
the tilt mechanism comprising a track configured to facilitate
adjustment of a distance between the user and the desktop; and a
seat coupled to the body configured to facilitate sitting at the
workstation system, the seat being movable between: the sitting
configuration, wherein the seat and the body support weight of the
user when the user sits in the seat, and the standing
configuration, wherein the seat is positioned in closer proximity
to the body to facilitate standing at the workstation system.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a support
member coupled to the tilt mechanism, the seat, and the base, the
support member configured to support the desktop, the tilt
mechanism, and the seat, and be supported by the base, the support
member extending from the tilt mechanism to the base.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the seat comprises a collar
configured to couple the seat with the support member such that a
position of the collar on the support member is adjustable by the
user to change a distance between the seat and the floor surface
and/or a distance between the seat and the desktop.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the collar comprises a moveable
pin configured to facilitate: movement of the seat between the
sitting configuration and the standing configuration; and
positioning of the seat at one or more angles relative to the floor
surface while the seat is in the sitting configuration.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the support member and the tilt
mechanism are configured such that a distance between the floor
surface and the desktop is adjustable.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the support member comprises at
least two telescoping support poles configured to adjust the
distance between the floor surface and the desktop.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the tilt mechanism comprises a
guide rail slidably coupled to the body via the track, and coupled
to the second surface of the desktop, and a linkage member coupled
to the guide rail and the second surface of the desktop, the guide
rail having a first end located toward the seat and a second end
opposite the first end, the guide rail pivotally coupled to the
second surface of the desktop toward the first end of the guide
rail, the guide rail forming engagement slots configured to
facilitate adjustment of the angle formed between the desktop and
the floor surface, the linkage member having a first end pivotally
coupled to the second surface of the desktop and a second end
movably coupled to the guide rail, the second end of the linkage
member forming engagement features configured to engage the slots
in the guide rail to facilitate the adjustment of the angle formed
between the desktop and the floor surface.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the guide rail is configured such
that the engagement slots are formed to facilitate adjustment of
the angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface between
a substantially horizontal position relative to the floor surface,
a 15.degree. position, a 30.degree. position, and a 45.degree.
position.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the guide rail is configured such
that the engagement slots include first engagement slots that
correspond to a first angle between the desktop and the floor
surface, and second engagement slots that correspond to a second
angle between the desktop and the floor surface, and wherein the
linkage member is configured such that disengaging the engagement
features from the first engagement slots and engaging the
engagement features with the second engagement slots changes the
angle between the desktop and the floor surface from the first
angle to the second angle.
10. (canceled)
11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a secondary table
configured to facilitate secondary desktop activity of the user,
the secondary table having a smaller surface area than the desktop,
the secondary table slidably coupled to the body, the secondary
table configured to extend along an axis of the workstation that is
substantially parallel to the floor surface.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises at least two
legs configured to support the desktop, the tilt mechanism, and the
seat on the floor surface.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein at least two of the at least
two legs are coupled with rolling devices configured to facilitate
movement of the workstation system on the floor surface.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the desktop is configured to
support up to about 50 lbs. of weight and the seat is configured to
support up to about 275 lbs. of weight.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the body forms an angle of
between about 45.degree. and about 90.degree. with the floor
surface.
16. A method for adjusting a workstation system between a sitting
configuration and a standing configuration, the workstation system
positionable on a floor surface, the workstation system comprising
a body, a desktop, a tilt mechanism, and a seat, the body having a
first end and a second end, the body including a base located
toward the second end, the base configured to engage the floor
surface, the method comprising: coupling, with the tilt mechanism,
the desktop to the body, the desktop being located toward the first
end of the body, the desktop having a first surface and a second
surface, the first surface being configured to facilitate desktop
activity by a user and the second surface being located opposite
the first surface; facilitating, with the tilt mechanism,
adjustment by a user of an angle formed between the desktop and the
floor surface; facilitating, with a track of the tilt mechanism,
adjustment of a distance between the user and the desktop; coupling
the seat to the body, the seat configured to facilitate sitting at
the workstation system; and facilitating, with the seat and the
body, movement of the seat between: the sitting configuration,
wherein the seat and the body support weight of the user when the
user sits in the seat, and the standing configuration, wherein the
seat is positioned in closer proximity to the body to facilitate
standing at the workstation system.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the body comprises a support
member coupled to the tilt mechanism, the seat, and the base; the
method further comprising supporting, with the support member, the
desktop, the tilt mechanism, and the seat; and supporting, with the
base, the support member; the support member extending from the
tilt mechanism to the base.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the seat comprises a collar,
the method further comprising coupling the seat to the support
member with the collar such that a position of the collar on the
support member is adjustable by the user to change a distance
between the seat and the floor surface and/or a distance between
the seat and the desktop.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the collar comprises a moveable
pin, the method further comprising facilitating, with the moveable
pin: movement of the seat between the sitting configuration and the
standing configuration; and positioning of the seat at one or more
angles relative to the floor surface while the seat is in the
sitting configuration.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising facilitating, with
the support member and the tilt mechanism, adjustment of a distance
between the floor surface and the desktop.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the support member comprises at
least two telescoping support poles configured to adjust the
distance between the floor surface and the desktop.
22. The method of claim 16, wherein the tilt mechanism comprises a
guide rail slidably coupled to the body via the track, and coupled
to the second surface of the desktop, and a linkage member coupled
to the guide rail and the second surface of the desktop, the method
further comprising facilitating the adjustment of the angle formed
between the desktop and the floor surface with the guide rail and
the linkage member, the guide rail having a first end located
toward the seat and a second end opposite the first end, the guide
rail pivotally coupled to the second surface of the desktop toward
the first end of the guide rail, the guide rail forming engagement
slots, and the linkage member having a first end pivotally coupled
to the second surface of the desktop and a second end movably
coupled to the guide rail, the second end of the linkage member
forming engagement features configured to engage the slots in the
guide rail.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the guide rail is configured
such that the engagement slots are formed to facilitate adjustment
of the angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface
between a substantially horizontal position relative to the floor
surface, a 15.degree. position, a 30.degree. position, and a
45.degree. position.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the guide rail is configured
such that the engagement slots include first engagement slots that
correspond to a first angle between the desktop and the floor
surface, and second engagement slots that correspond to a second
angle between the desktop and the floor surface, and wherein the
linkage member is configured such that disengaging the engagement
features from the first engagement slots and engaging the
engagement features with the second engagement slots changes the
angle between the desktop and the floor surface from the first
angle to the second angle.
25. (canceled)
26. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a
secondary table configured to facilitate secondary desktop activity
of the user, the secondary table having a smaller surface area than
the desktop, the secondary table slidably coupled to the body, the
secondary table configured to extend along an axis of the
workstation that is substantially parallel to the floor
surface.
27. The method of claim 16, wherein the base comprises at least two
legs configured to support the desktop, the tilt mechanism, and the
seat on the floor surface.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein at least two of the at least
two legs are coupled with rolling devices configured to facilitate
movement of the workstation system on the floor surface.
29. The method of claim 16, further comprising supporting, with the
desktop, up to about 50 lbs. of weight and supporting, with the
seat, up to about 275 lbs. of weight.
30. The method of claim 16, further comprising forming, with the
body, an angle of between about 45o and about 90o between the floor
surface and the body.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an adjustable workstation
system movable between a sitting configuration and a standing
configuration.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Standing and seated worktables are known. Some of these
worktables include both a desktop surface and a seat. Typically,
the height of the worktable's work surface relative to the floor or
a desk where it is installed is adjustable to accommodate users of
different heights. The height of the seat relative to the floor or
relative to the work surface may also be adjustable. However, these
worktables do not include tiltable work surfaces and/or foldable
seats that facilitate conversion of the worktable from a worktable
used while seated to a worktable used while standing.
SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an
adjustable workstation system movable between a sitting
configuration and a standing configuration. The workstation system
is positionable on a floor surface. The workstation system
comprises a body, a desktop, a tilt mechanism, a seat, and/or other
components.
[0006] The body has a first end and a second end. The body includes
a base located toward the second end. The base is configured to
engage the floor surface. In some embodiments, the body comprises a
support member coupled to the tilt mechanism, the seat, the base,
and/or other components of the workstation system. The support
member is configured to support the desktop, the tilt mechanism,
and the seat, and be supported by the base. The support member
extends from the tilt mechanism to the base. In some embodiments,
the support member comprises at least two telescoping support poles
configured to adjust the distance between the floor surface and the
desktop. In some embodiments, the base comprises at least two legs
(e.g., four legs) configured to support the desktop, the tilt
mechanism, and the seat on the floor surface. In some embodiments,
at least two of the at least two legs (e.g., two of the four legs)
are coupled with rolling devices (e.g., wheels) configured to
facilitate movement of the workstation system on the floor surface.
In some embodiments, the body forms an angle of between about
45.degree. and about 90.degree. with the floor surface. For
example, the body may form an angle of about 80.degree. with the
floor surface.
[0007] The desktop has a first surface, a second surface, and/or
other surfaces. The desktop is located toward the first end of the
body. The first surface of the desktop is configured to facilitate
desktop activity by a user. The second surface is located opposite
the first surface. The second surface may be, for example, an
underside of the desktop. In some embodiments, the desktop is
configured to support up to about 50 lbs. of weight.
[0008] The tilt mechanism couples the desktop to the body. The tilt
mechanism is configured to facilitate adjustment by a user of an
angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface. In some
embodiments, the support member and the tilt mechanism are
configured such that a distance between the floor surface and the
desktop is adjustable. In some embodiments, the tilt mechanism
comprises a guide rail coupled to the body and the second surface
of the desktop, and a linkage member coupled to the guide rail and
the second surface of the desktop. The guide rail has a first end
located toward the seat and a second end opposite the first end.
The guide rail is pivotally coupled to the second surface of the
desktop toward the first end of the guide rail. The guide rail
forms engagement slots configured to facilitate adjustment of the
angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface. In some
embodiments, the linkage member has a first end pivotally coupled
to the second surface of the desktop and a second end movably
coupled to the guide rail. The second end of the linkage member
forms engagement features configured to engage the slots in the
guide rail to facilitate the adjustment of the angle formed between
the desktop and the floor surface. In some embodiments, the guide
rail is configured such that the engagement slots are formed to
facilitate adjustment of the angle formed between the desktop and
the floor surface between a substantially horizontal position
relative to the floor surface, a 15.degree. position, a 30.degree.
position, and a 45.degree. position. By way of a non-limiting
example, the guide rail may be configured such that the engagement
slots include first engagement slots that correspond to a first
angle between the desktop and the floor surface, and second
engagement slots that correspond to a second angle between the
desktop and the floor surface. The linkage member may be configured
such that disengaging the engagement features from the first
engagement slots and engaging the engagement features with the
second engagement slots changes the angle between the desktop and
the floor surface from the first angle to the second angle.
[0009] The seat is coupled to the body and configured to facilitate
sitting at the workstation system. The seat is movable between the
sitting configuration and the standing configuration. In the
sitting configuration, the seat and the body support weight of the
user when the user sits in the seat. In the standing configuration,
the seat is positioned in closer proximity to the body to
facilitate standing at the workstation system. In some
implementations, the seat comprises a collar configured to couple
the seat with the support member such that a position of the collar
on the support member is adjustable by the user to change a
distance between the seat and the floor surface and/or a distance
between the seat and the desktop. In some embodiments, the collar
comprises a moveable pin configured to facilitate movement of the
seat between the sitting configuration and the standing
configuration; and positioning of the seat at one or more angles
relative to the floor surface while the seat is in the sitting
configuration. In some embodiments, the seat, the body, the tilt
mechanism, the desktop and/or components of the system are
configured such that a distance along an axis of the workstation
that is substantially parallel to the floor surface between the
seat and the desktop is adjustable. In some embodiments, the seat
is configured to support up to about 275 lbs. of weight.
[0010] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a
secondary table configured to facilitate secondary desktop activity
of the user. Secondary desktop activity may include operating a
mouse, writing, drawing, typing, supporting a notebook and or other
objects, and/or other secondary desktop activity, for example. The
secondary table may have a smaller surface area than the desktop.
The secondary table is slidably coupled to the body. The secondary
table is configured to extend along an axis of the workstation that
is substantially parallel to the floor surface. For example, the
secondary table may be configured such that a user seated in the
seat may pull the secondary table toward himself and/or a user may
slide the secondary table out from under the desktop toward the
right or left of the user (as described herein, these directions
are just examples and are not intended to be limiting.)
[0011] These and other aspects of various embodiments of the
present invention, as well as the methods of operation and
functions of the related elements of structure and the combination
of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent
upon consideration of the following description and the appended
claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which
form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts in the various figures. In one
embodiment of the invention, the structural components illustrated
herein are drawn to scale. It is to be expressly understood,
however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and
description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits
of the invention. In addition, it should be appreciated that
structural features shown or described in any one embodiment herein
can be used in other embodiments as well. As used in the
specification and in the claims, the singular form of "a", "an",
and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0012] All closed-ended (e.g., between A and B) and open-ended
(greater than C) ranges of values disclosed herein explicitly
include all ranges that fall within or nest within such ranges. For
example, a disclosed range of 1-10 is understood as also
disclosing, among other ranged, 2-10, 1-9, 3-9, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] For a better understanding of embodiments of the present
invention as well as other objects and further features thereof,
reference is made to the following description which is to be used
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an adjustable workstation system movable
between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates the workstation system in a sitting
configuration.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates the workstation system in a standing
configuration.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates legs and a baseplate of a base of a body
of the workstation system.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a second surface of a desktop of the
workstation system.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a tilt mechanism of the workstation
system.
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates different angles formed between the
desktop and a floor surface.
[0021] FIG. 8A illustrates two views of a linkage member engaging
different engagement slots of a tilt mechanism so that the desktop
forms different angles with the floor surface.
[0022] FIG. 8B illustrates two more views of the linkage member
engaging different engagement slots of a tilt mechanism so that the
desktop forms different angles with the floor surface.
[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates a seat movable between a sitting
configuration and a standing configuration.
[0024] FIG. 10 illustrates a secondary table coupled to the body
near a second surface of the desktop and the tilt mechanism of the
workstation system.
[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates a method for adjusting the workstation
system between a sitting configuration and a standing
configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an adjustable workstation system 100
movable between a sitting configuration and a standing
configuration. Sitting configuration 102 is illustrated in FIG. 2.
Standing configuration 104 is illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown in
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, seat 500 of system 100 may be folded to
facilitate standing at the workstation and a desktop 400 may be
tilted to accommodate a user's needs while working (e.g., sitting
and/or standing) at the workstation. System 100 is configured to
provide a convenient, comfortable, and easily adjustable place for
a user to conduct desktop activities such as writing, typing,
drawing, working on a desktop, laptop, and/or tablet computer,
and/or other activities in a standing or sitting position.
Returning to FIG. 1, system 100 comprises a body 200, a tilt
mechanism 300, desktop 400, seat 500, and/or other components.
[0027] Body 200 has a first end 202 and a second end 204 with a
first axis 206 running between first end 202 and second end 204.
Body 200 includes a base 208 located toward second end 204
configured to engage a floor surface (not shown in FIG. 1). In some
embodiments, body 200 comprises a support member 210 formed along
first axis 206 coupled to tilt mechanism 300, seat 500, base 208,
and/or other components of workstation system 100. In some
embodiments, body 200 is configured such that support member 210
along first axis 206 forms an angle 230 of between about 45.degree.
and about 90.degree. with a floor surface. For example, body 200
may be configured such that support member 210/first axis 206 forms
an angle 230 of about 80.degree. and/or other angles with a floor
surface.
[0028] Support member 210 is configured to support desktop 400,
tilt mechanism 300, and seat 500, and be supported by base 208.
Support member 210 extends from tilt mechanism 300 to base 208
along first axis 206. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in some
embodiments, support member 210 comprises at least two telescoping
support poles 214, 216 configured to extend along first axis 206 to
adjust a distance 212 between the floor surface and desktop 400. In
some embodiments, telescoping control mechanism 218 may be used to
control an amount that support pole 214 telescopes and/or extends
from support pole 216 to adjust distance 212 between the floor
surface and desktop 400. In some embodiments, support pole 214 may
telescope and/or extend from support pole 216 up to about 12
inches. In some embodiments, support pole 214 may telescope and/or
extend from support pole 216 up to between about 3 inches and about
12 inches. In some embodiments, support pole 214 may telescope
and/or extend from support pole 216 up to about 5.5 inches. In some
embodiments, this may allow a user to adjust distance 212 from
about 36 inches to about 48 inches. In some embodiments, this may
allow a user to adjust distance 212 from about 361/4 inches to
about 411/2 inches. In some embodiments, telescoping control
mechanism 218 may be and/or include one or more of a clamp, a
latch, a pin with corresponding orifices in support poles 214, 216,
a collar, a buckle, a lever, and/or other telescoping control
mechanisms. In some embodiments, support member 210 (e.g.,
telescoping support poles 214, 216) may have a square, rectangular,
oval and other cross-sectional shapes. However, these example
shapes are not intended to be limiting. Support member 210 may have
any cross-sectional shape that allows system 100 to function as
described herein.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates legs 220 and baseplate 225 of base 208.
In some embodiments, base 208 comprises at least two legs 220
configured to support desktop 400 (not shown in FIG. 4), tilt
mechanism 300, seat 500, and/or other components of system 100 on a
floor surface. By way of a non-limiting example, system 100 is
illustrated with four legs 220 in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, at
least two of legs 220 (e.g., two of the four legs 220) are coupled
with rolling devices 222 (e.g., wheels and/or other rolling
devices) configured to facilitate movement of workstation system
100 on a floor surface. Rolling devices 222 may be coupled with
legs 220 by coupling components 221 such as pins, rods, screws,
bolts, and/or other coupling mechanisms. By way of a non-limiting
example, a user may tip system 100 up onto rolling devices 222 and
then roll system 100 across the floor surface using rolling devices
222. In some embodiments, one or more legs 220 may include surface
pads 260. Surface pads 260 may be configured to provide slip
resistance for legs 220 on a floor surface, prevent scratching of
the floor surface, and/or be used for other purposes. In some
embodiments, surface pads 260 may be formed from a polymer material
and/or other materials that provide slip resistance and prevent
scratching. In some embodiments, surface pads 260 include a
threaded portion configured to thread onto/into corresponding
threaded portions of legs 220.
[0030] Baseplate 225 may be coupled to legs 220, support member
210, and/or other components of system 100. Baseplate 225 may be
coupled with legs 220 and/or support member 210 toward second side
204 of body 200. Baseplate 225 may be coupled to legs 220 and/or
support member 210 by way of screws 237, nuts (not shown in FIG.
4), bolts (not shown in FIG. 4), an orifice 239 in baseplate 225,
glue, nails, clamps, buckles, other fasteners, and/or other
coupling devices. As shown in FIG. 4, an end 240 of support member
210 may be coupled to baseplate 225 at orifice 239. Baseplate 225
may be configured to support the feet of a user when the user sits
at system 100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2), leans, and/or stands at
system 100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3). Baseplate 225 may be a
substantially flat surface that has any shape that allows system
100 to function as described herein (e.g., facilitates, sitting,
standing, leaning, etc. at system 100). In some embodiments,
baseplate 225 may have a length 250 of up to about 25 inches. In
some embodiments, baseplate 225 may have a length 250 of between
about 15 inches and about 25 inches. For example, baseplate 225 may
have a length 250 of about 20 and 1/4 inches. As another example,
baseplate 225 may have a length 250 of about 18 and 1/2 inches. In
some embodiments, baseplate 225 may have a width 252 of up to about
16 inches. In some embodiments, baseplate 225 may have a width 252
of between about 13 inches and about 16 inches. For example
baseplate 225 may have a width 252 of about 14 and 9/16 inches. In
some embodiments, baseplate 225 may have a thickness 254 of up to
about 1 inch. In some embodiments, baseplate 225 may have a
thickness of between about 1/4 of an inch and about 1 inch. For
example, baseplate 225 may have a thickness 254 of about 1/2
inch.
[0031] Returning to FIG. 1, desktop 400 has a first surface 402, a
second surface 404, and/or other surfaces. Desktop 400 is located
toward first end 202 of body 200. First surface 402 of desktop 400
is configured to facilitate desktop activity by a user. Desktop
activity may include activities such as writing, typing, drawing,
working on a desktop computer, working on a laptop computer,
working on a tablet computer, and/or other activities. In some
embodiments, first surface 402 of desktop 400 may include a hand
rest 460. Hand rest 460 may be located toward a first side 280 of
system 100 on first surface 402. Hand rest 460 may increase the
comfort of a user's hands, arms, and/or wrists (for example) while
the user works at desktop 400. In some embodiments, desktop 400 may
be formed from wood, plastic, metal, and/or other materials that
facilitate desktop activity by a user. In some embodiments, hand
rest 460 may be foam and/or other polymers, and/or other comfort
enhancing materials. In some embodiments, facilitating desktop
activity includes supporting the weight of various objects (e.g., a
laptop computer). For example, desktop 400 may be configured to
support up to about 50 lbs. of weight.
[0032] In some embodiments, desktop 400 may have a length 450
running from at or near a third side 290 of system 100 toward a
fourth side 295 of system 100 of up to about 30 inches. In some
embodiments, desktop 400 may have a length 450 of between about 20
inches and about 30 inches. For example, desktop 400 may have a
length 450 of about 27 and 1/2 inches. In some embodiments, desktop
400 may have a width 452 running from at or near first side 280 of
system 100 toward second side 285 of up to about 25 inches. In some
embodiments, desktop 400 may have a width 452 of between about 15
inches and about 25 inches. For example desktop 400 may have a
width 452 of about 20 and 1/4 inches. In some embodiments, desktop
400 may have a thickness 454 of up to about 1 inch. In some
embodiments, desktop 400 may have a thickness 454 of between about
1/4 of an inch and about 1 inch. For example, desktop 400 may have
a thickness 454 of about 11/16 inches.
[0033] In some embodiments, hand rest 460 may be up to about 20
inches long. In some embodiments, hand rest 460 may be between
about 15 and about 20 inches long. For example, hand rest 460 may
be about 181/2 inches long. In some embodiments, hand rest 460 may
include an implement cut-out 462 configured to hold writing and/or
other implements used while a user is at desktop 400. Implement
cut-out 462 may be about 10 inches long, for example. However, this
is not intended to be limiting. Hand rest 460 and/or implement
cut-out 462 may have any size and/or shape that allow system 100 to
function as described herein.
[0034] Second surface 404 is located opposite first surface 402
toward second end 204. FIG. 5 illustrates second surface 404 of
desktop 400. As shown in FIG. 5, second surface 404 may be, for
example, an underside of desktop 400. In some embodiments, one or
more tilt coupling devices 470 may be coupled to desktop 400 on
second surface 404. Tilt coupling devices 470 may be configured to
facilitate coupling desktop 400 to tilt mechanism 300. Tilt
coupling devices 470 may include brackets, clamps, buckles, screws,
nuts, bolts, nails, glue, and/or other coupling mechanisms. For
example, in FIG. 5, tilt coupling devices 470 include brackets 472
that have been attached to second surface 404 of desktop 400 with
screws 476. Brackets 472 include holes 474 configured to interface
with corresponding portions of tilt mechanism 300. It should be
noted that the description of possible tilt coupling devices
provided above is not intended to be limiting. Tilt coupling
devices 470 may include any tilt coupling devices that allow system
100 to function as described herein.
[0035] Tilt mechanism 300 is illustrated in FIG. 6. Tilt mechanism
300 couples desktop 400 (not shown in FIG. 6) to body 200 between
first end 202 and second end 204 of body 200 along first axis 206.
Tilt mechanism 300 is configured to facilitate adjustment by a user
of an angle formed between desktop 400 and the floor surface. In
some embodiments, support member 210 and/or tilt mechanism 300 are
configured such that distance 212 (shown in FIG. 3) between the
floor surface and desktop 400 is adjustable.
[0036] In some embodiments, tilt mechanism 300 comprises a guide
rail 306 coupled to body 200 and second surface 404 (shown in FIG.
5) of desktop 400, and a linkage member 309 coupled to guide rail
306 and second surface 404 of desktop 400. Guide rail 306 has a
first end 308 located toward seat 500 (e.g., toward first side 280
of system 100) and a second end 310 opposite first end 308 (e.g.,
toward second side 285 of system 100). Guide rail 306 is pivotally
coupled via a first pivot 312 to second surface 404 of desktop 400
toward first end 308 of guide rail 306. Guide rail 306 forms
engagement slots 314 configured to facilitate adjustment of the
angle formed between desktop 400 and the floor surface. In some
embodiments, engagement slots 314 are formed in pairs along guide
rail 306 with one engagement slot 314 of a pair formed toward third
side 290 of system 100 and the other engagement slot 314 of the
pair formed toward fourth side 295 such that linkage member 309
engages both engagements slots in a pair at substantially the same
time. In some embodiments, linkage member 309 has a first end 316
pivotally coupled to second surface 404 of desktop 400 via a second
pivot 318 and a second end 320 movably coupled to guide rail 306.
Second end 320 of linkage member 309 forms engagement features 322
configured to engage slots 314 in guide rail 306 to facilitate the
adjustment of the angle formed between desktop 400 and the floor
surface.
[0037] In some embodiments, guide rail 306 is configured such that
engagement slots 314 are formed to facilitate adjustment of the
angle formed between desktop 400 and the floor surface between a
substantially horizontal position relative to the floor surface, a
15.degree. position, a 30.degree. position, a 45.degree. position,
and/or other positions. By way of a non-limiting example, guide
rail 306 may be configured such that engagement slots 314 include
first engagement slots 330 that correspond to a first angle between
desktop 400 and the floor surface, and second engagement slots 340
that correspond to a second angle between desktop 400 and the floor
surface. Linkage member 309 may be configured such that disengaging
engagement features 322 from first engagement slots 330 and
engaging the engagement features with second engagement slots 340
changes the angle between desktop 400 and the floor surface from
the first angle to the second angle. This is illustrated in FIG. 7,
FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8B.
[0038] FIG. 7 illustrates four different non-limiting example
positions 700, 702, 704, 706 of desktop 400 in system 100.
Positions 700, 702, 704, and 706 illustrate four different angles
formed between desktop 400 and a floor surface. Position 700
illustrates a substantially horizontal (0.degree. degree) angle
between desktop 400 and the floor surface. Position 702 illustrates
a 15.degree. degree angle formed between desktop 400 and the floor
surface. Position 704 illustrates a 30.degree. degree angle formed
between desktop 400 and the floor surface. Position 706 illustrates
a 45.degree. degree angle formed between desktop 400 and the floor
surface. These illustrations are not intended to be limiting.
System 100 may be configured such that desktop 400 forms any angle
with the floor surface.
[0039] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B illustrate four views 800, 802, 804, 806
of linkage member 309 engaging different engagement slots 330, 334,
338, 340, so that desktop 400 forms different angles with the floor
surface. View 800 illustrates engagement features 322 engaging
slots 340 to form a substantially horizontal angle between desktop
400 and the floor surface. View 802 illustrates engagement features
322 engaging slots 330 to form a 15.degree. angle between desktop
400 and the floor surface. View 804 illustrates engagement features
322 engaging slots 338 to form a 30.degree. angle between desktop
400 and the floor surface. View 806 illustrates engagement features
322 engaging slots 334 to form a 45.degree. angle between desktop
400 and the floor surface.
[0040] Returning to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, in some embodiments, tilt
mechanism 300 comprises a track 303 configured to facilitate
adjustment of desktop 400 toward or away from a user using system
100 (e.g., such that a distance along a second axis of system 100
that is substantially parallel to the floor surface between seat
500 and desktop 400 is adjustable). This position of desktop 400
(toward or away from a user) may be adjusted by loosening handle
350 (shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8B), pulling
desktop 400 toward the user and/or pushing desktop 400 away from
the user so that guide rail 306 moves along track 303, and then
retightening handle 350 so that guide rail 306 no longer moves
along track 303.
[0041] Returning to FIG. 1, seat 500 is coupled to body 200 and
configured to facilitate sitting at workstation system 100. Seat
500 is movable between sitting configuration 102 shown in FIG. 2
and standing configuration 104 shown in FIG. 3. In sitting
configuration 102, seat 500, body 200, and/or other components of
system 100 support weight of the user when the user sits in seat
500. In some embodiments, seat 500 is configured to support up to
about 275 lbs. of weight. In standing configuration 104, seat 500
is positioned in proximity to first axis 206, tilt mechanism 300,
desktop 400, and/or other components of system 100 to facilitate
standing at workstation system 100.
[0042] In some implementations, seat 500 comprises a sitting
portion 502, a seat support member 504, a collar 505, and/or other
components. Sitting portion 502 is configured to facilitate sitting
by the user. Sitting portion 502 may be and/or include a padded
surface. In some embodiments, sitting portion 502 may have
substantially rectangular, oval, pear-shaped, and/or other cross
sectional shapes. Seat support member 504 is configured to link
sitting portion 502 to collar 505. Collar 505 is configured to
couple sitting portion 502 and seat support member 504 with support
member 210 such that seat support member 504 and sitting portion
502 extend away from support member 210 toward first side 280 of
system 100. Collar 505 is configured to couple sitting portion 502
and seat support member 504 with support member 210 such that a
position of collar 505 on support member 210 is adjustable by the
user to change a distance between seat 500 and the floor surface,
and/or a distance between seat 500 and desktop 400. In some
embodiments, collar 505 comprises an adjustment handle 508
configured to facilitate the adjustment of the position of seat 500
on support member 210. For example, a user may loosen adjustment
handle 508, move seat 500 to a desired position on support member
210, and then re-tighten adjustment handle 508. In some
embodiments, collar 505 is adjustable such that the distance
between the floor surface and seat 500 is up to about 36 inches. In
some embodiments, collar 505 is adjustable such that the distance
between the floor surface and seat 500 is between about 20 inches
and about 36 inches. In some embodiments, collar 505 comprises a
moveable pin 506 configured to facilitate movement of seat 500
between the sitting configuration and the standing
configuration.
[0043] In some embodiments, moveable pin 506 facilitates
positioning of seat 500 at one or more angles (e.g., substantially
horizontal, 30.degree., etc.) relative to the floor surface while
seat 500 is in the sitting configuration. This is illustrated in
FIG. 9. In some embodiments, positioning seat 500 at one or more
angles relative to the floor surface may facilitate sitting on seat
500, straddling seat 500, and/or other user positions relative to
system 100. Straddling seat 500 may include at least partially
sitting on seat 500 while a user continues to support himself with
his feet and legs which may be placed on the floor surface, on
baseplate 225, and/or on other portions of system 100, for example.
Straddling seat 500 may reduce pressure on the user's back and/or
other body parts, for example.
[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates seat 500 movable between a sitting
configuration 510 (which includes positioning of seat 500 at one or
more angles 515 relative to the floor surface while seat 500 is in
the sitting configuration) and a standing configuration 520. As
shown in FIG. 9, in sitting configuration 510, seat 500 extends
away from support member 210 toward first side 280 of system 100.
In sitting configuration 510, seat 500, body 200, and/or other
components of system 100 support weight of the user when the user
sits in seat 500. In standing configuration 520, seat 500 is
positioned in proximity to first axis 206, desktop 400, support
member 210, and/or other components of system 100 to facilitate
standing at workstation system 100.
[0045] Returning to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, system 100
comprises a secondary table 600 configured to facilitate secondary
desktop activity of the user. Secondary desktop activity may
include operating a mouse, writing, drawing, typing, supporting a
notebook, books, drinks, food, and or other objects, and/or other
secondary desktop activity, for example. Secondary table 600 may
have a smaller surface area than desktop 400. Secondary table 600
is configured to extend along a second axis 602 and/or a third axis
604 of system 100 that are substantially parallel to the floor
surface. For example, secondary table 600 may be configured such
that a user seated in seat 500 may pull/push secondary table 600
toward/away from himself (e.g., toward and/or away from first side
280/second side 285), and/or a user may slide secondary table 600
out from under desktop 400 toward the right (e.g., toward third
side 290) and/or left (e.g., toward fourth side 295 of system 100)
of the user. It should be noted that these directions are just
examples and are not intended to be limiting.
[0046] Secondary table 600 is slidably coupled to body 200 toward
first end 202 of body 200 near second surface 404 of desktop 400,
tilt mechanism 300, and/or other components of system 100. FIG. 10
illustrates secondary table 600 coupled to body 200 near second
surface 404 of desktop 400 and tilt mechanism 300. Secondary table
600 is slidably coupled to body 200 via secondary table support
members 607, 608, and 609 (shown in FIG. 4), and/or other
components. In some embodiments, secondary table support member 609
may be fixed (e.g., via screws, nuts, bolts, nails, clamps, glue,
other fasteners, etc.) to track 303 and member 607 may be fixed
(e.g., via screws, nuts, bolts, nails, clamps, glue, other
fasteners, etc.) to member 609. In the example embodiment shown in
FIG. 10, secondary table 600 is configured to slide out from under
desktop 400 toward third side of system 100 along third axis 604.
It should be noted that this is not intended to be limiting.
Secondary support members 607, 608, 609, and/or other components of
system 100 may be configured such that secondary table 600 is
configured to slide out from under desktop 400 toward any side of
system 100 along any axis. Secondary table support member 608 is
configured to slide within a sleeve formed by table support member
607 so that secondary table 600 may move along axis 604 (in this
example) out from under desktop 400. In some embodiments, secondary
table support member 608 may include a first portion 620 configured
to slide within member 607, a second portion 622 configured to
support secondary table 600, and/or other portions. Secondary
portion 622 may be coupled to secondary table 600 by way of screws,
nuts, bolts, nails, clamps, glue, other fasteners, etc. The
position of secondary table 600 may be adjusted by loosening a
handle 650, pulling and/or pushing secondary table 600 so that
secondary table support member 608 slides within the sleeve formed
by member 607 along axis 602 and/or axis 604, and then retightening
handle 650 so that secondary table support member 608 no longer
slides within member 607.
[0047] FIG. 11 illustrates method 1000 for adjusting a workstation
system between a sitting configuration and a standing
configuration. The workstation system includes a body, a desktop, a
tilt mechanism, a seat, and/or other components. The body has a
first end and a second end with a first axis running between the
first end and the second end. The body includes a base located
toward the second end configured to engage a floor surface. The
operations of method 1000 presented below are intended to be
illustrative. In some embodiments, method 1000 may be accomplished
with one or more additional operations not described, and/or
without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the
order in which the operations of method 1000 are illustrated in
FIG. 11 and described below is not intended to be limiting.
[0048] At an operation 1002, the desktop is coupled to the body
with the tilt mechanism. The desktop has a first surface, a second
surface, and/or other surfaces. The tilt mechanism couples the
desktop to the body between the first end and the second end of the
body along the first axis. The desktop is located toward the first
end of the body. The first surface of the desktop is configured to
facilitate desktop activity by a user. The second surface is
located opposite the first surface. The second surface may be, for
example, an underside of the desktop. In some embodiments, the
desktop is configured to support up to about 50 lbs. of weight.
[0049] In some embodiments, the body comprises a support member
coupled to the tilt mechanism, the seat, the base, and/or other
components of the workstation system. The support member is
configured to support the desktop, the tilt mechanism, and the
seat, and be supported by the base. The support member extends from
the tilt mechanism to the base along the first axis. In some
embodiments, the base comprises at least two legs (e.g., four legs)
configured to support the desktop, the tilt mechanism, and the seat
on the floor surface. In some embodiments, at least two of the at
least two legs (e.g., two of the four legs) are coupled with
rolling devices (e.g., wheels) configured to facilitate movement of
the workstation system on the floor surface. In some embodiments,
the body is configured such that the first axis forms an angle of
between about 45.degree. and about 90.degree. with the floor
surface. For example, the body may be configured such that the
first axis forms an angle of about 80.degree. with the floor
surface. Operation 1002 may be performed by a tilt mechanism that
is the same as or similar to tilt mechanism 300 (shown in FIG. 1
and described herein).
[0050] At an operation 1004, adjustment of an angle formed between
the desktop and the floor surface is facilitated by the tilt
mechanism. In some embodiments, the tilt mechanism comprises a
guide rail coupled to the body and the second surface of the
desktop, and a linkage member coupled to the guide rail and the
second surface of the desktop. The guide rail has a first end
located toward the seat and a second end opposite the first end.
The guide rail is pivotally coupled to the second surface of the
desktop toward the first end of the guide rail. The guide rail
forms engagement slots configured to facilitate adjustment of the
angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface. In some
embodiments, the linkage member has a first end pivotally coupled
to the second surface of the desktop and a second end movably
coupled to the guide rail. The second end of the linkage member
forms engagement features configured to engage the slots in the
guide rail to facilitate the adjustment of the angle formed between
the desktop and the floor surface. In some embodiments, the guide
rail is configured such that the engagement slots are formed to
facilitate adjustment of the angle formed between the desktop and
the floor surface between a substantially horizontal position
relative to the floor surface, a 15.degree. position, a 30.degree.
position, and a 45.degree. position. Operation 1004 may be
performed by a tilt mechanism that is the same as or similar to
tilt mechanism 300 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).
[0051] At an operation 1006, adjustment of a distance between the
desktop and the floor surface is facilitated. Adjustment of the
distance between the desktop and the floor surface may be
facilitated by the body, the tilt mechanism, and/or other
components of the workstation system. In some embodiments, the
support member (of the body) comprises at least two telescoping
support poles configured to extend along the first axis to adjust
the distance between the floor surface and the desktop. Operation
1006 may be performed by a body that is the same as or similar to
body 200 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).
[0052] At an operation 1008, the seat is coupled to the body. The
seat is coupled to the body and configured to facilitate sitting at
the workstation system. In some implementations, the seat comprises
a collar configured to couple the seat with the support member such
that a position of the collar on the support member is adjustable
by the user to change a distance between the seat and the floor
surface and/or a distance between the seat and the desktop. In some
embodiments, the seat, the body, the tilt mechanism, the desktop
and/or components of the system are configured such that a distance
along a second axis of the workstation that is substantially
parallel to the floor surface between the seat and the desktop is
adjustable. In some embodiments, the seat is configured to support
up to about 275 lbs. of weight. Operation 1008 may be performed by
a collar that is the same as or similar to collar 505 (shown in
FIG. 1 and described herein).
[0053] At an operation 1010, movement of the seat between a sitting
configuration and a standing configuration is facilitated. In the
sitting configuration, the seat and the body support weight of the
user when the user sits in the seat. In the standing configuration,
the seat is positioned in proximity to the first axis to facilitate
standing at the workstation system. In some embodiments, the collar
comprises a moveable pin configured to facilitate movement of the
seat between the sitting configuration and the standing
configuration. In some embodiments, the moveable pin facilitates
positioning the seat at one or more angles relative to the floor
surface while the seat is in the sitting configuration. Operation
1010 may be performed by a collar that is the same as or similar to
collar 505 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).
[0054] Although the disclosure has been described in detail for the
purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be
the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be
understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the
disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the
contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent
arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present
disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more
features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more
features of any other embodiment.
* * * * *