AU2017101717A4

AU2017101717A4 - Desktop Assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2017101717A4
Application number: AU2017101717A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Murray Ian Davidson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-12-06
Filing date: 2017-12-06
Publication date: 2018-01-18
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-06

Abstract

A desktop assembly adapted for being positioned on a desk, the assembly comprising: at least a first work surface adapted for being movable between a raised configuration and lowered configuration; one or more panels extending upwardly relative to the work surface; and a fastening arrangement for fastening said one or more panels relative to the work surface.

Description

DESKTOP ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to ergonomic workplace environments, and more particularly to a desktop assembly.

BACKGROUND

Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

Adjustable desks (also known in the art as “sit-stand desks”) that can be raised or lowered to allow a user to work in a standing or sitting position (depending on the user’s preferences or requirements) are currently known. A major problem with the currently available sit-stand desks is that such desks are typically positioned in open plan offices and used for converting conventional desks or tables into a sit-stand desk. However, users of currently available sit-stand desks have raised concerns that include: (a) concerns regarding privacy/security of documents on screen when standing; (b) noise concerns when people are speaking on the phone in a standing position; and (c) increased distractions when standing.

In view of the above problems there is at least a need for an improved desktop assembly that addresses some of the above concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a desktop assembly comprising: at least a first work surface adapted for being movable between a raised configuration and lowered configuration; one or more panels extending upwardly relative to the work surface; and fastening arrangement for fastening said one or more panels relative to the work surface.

In another aspect, the invention provides a desk comprising: at least a first work surface adapted for being movable between a raised configuration and lowered configuration; one or more panels extending upwardly relative to the work surface; and fastening arrangement for fastening said one or more panels relative to the work surface.

In an embodiment, the one or more panels are acoustic panels. In a further embodiment, the one or more of the acoustical panels comprises a sound attenuating material preferably covered by a fabric.

In an embodiment, the one or more of the panels are of a generally rectangular configuration.

In an embodiment, the one or more panels are mounted or fastened along a peripheral portion of the first work surface.

In another embodiment, the desktop assembly further comprises a panel assembly wherein the panel assembly comprises a central panel flanked by laterally located panels, said laterally located panels being hinged relative to the central panel.

In an embodiment, the one or more panels are adapted for being removably fastened to one or more mounting brackets arranged along the first work surface. Preferably, each of the brackets comprises: a fastening portion adapted for fastening the bracket to the first work surface; and a panel receiving portion adapted for receiving the one or more panels therein.

In an embodiment, the desktop assembly further comprises a second work surface positioned below and in a spaced relationship relative to the first work surface. Preferably, the first work surface and the underlying second work surface are movable between a raised configuration and lowered configuration preferably without changing the spacing in between the first and second work surfaces.

In an embodiment, the at least one work surface is mounted to a frame, said frame being movable between the raised configuration and lowered configuration.

In an embodiment, the desktop assembly further comprises a base wherein the at least first work surface is movable between a raised configuration and lowered configuration relative to the base. Preferably, the first and second work surfaces are movable between the raised configuration and lowered configuration relative to the base.

In an embodiment, the desktop assembly further comprises a connecting arm for inter-connecting the base relative to the at least one work surface.

In an embodiment, the connecting arm is pivotally connected relative to one or both of the base and the at least one work surface. Preferably, the connecting arm is pivotally connected to the frame.

In an embodiment, the desktop assembly further comprises a biasing mechanism for maintaining the first work surface in a raised configuration. Preferably, the biasing mechanism is adapted for maintaining the first and second work surfaces in a raised configuration. More preferably, the biasing mechanism is adapted for maintaining the frame in a raised configuration relative to the base.

In an embodiment, at least the first work surface and preferably both the first and second work surfaces, are adapted to be positioned and maintained in a plurality of positions in between the raised configuration and the lowered configuration. Preferably, the frame is adapted to be positioned and maintained in a plurality of positions in between the raised configuration and the lowered configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a desktop assembly 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is rear view of the desktop assembly 100.

Figure 3 is a side view of the desktop assembly 100.

Figure 4 illustrates side views of the desktop assembly 100 in various operating configurations (including two raised configurations and a lowered configuration).

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a desktop assembly 200 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a first top perspective view of the desktop assembly 200.

Figure 7 is a second top perspective view of the desktop assembly 200.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a height adjustable desktop assembly 100 is illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 to 3, in particular illustrate the desktop assembly 100 in a raised configuration whilst Figure 4 illustrates the desktop assembly 100 in a lowered configuration. The desktop assembly 100 in the preferred embodiment is adapted for being positioned on a standard desk during use.

Turning to Figures 1 to 3, in particular, the desktop assembly 100 comprises a first work surface 110 that is spaced apart (by a pre-determined space)from an underlying second work surface 120. The space between the work surfaces 110 and 120 may be large enough to store a computer keyboard and mouse, and allow for the use thereof.Each of the first and second work surfaces 110 and 120 are mounted on a frame 115 (shown most clearly in Figure 3). The frame 115 is configured for mounting and maintaining the work surfaces 110 and 120 in a spaced relationship. The desktop assembly 100 also includes a base platform 130 that is adapted for being positioned on top of a desk D (such as a conventional writer’s desk- best shown in Figure 2).

The frame 115 is interconnected with the base 130 by a connecting mechanism for allowing the frame 115 to be raised and lowered relative to the base 130. The connecting mechanism comprises a connecting arm 170 that interconnects the base 130 and the frame 115. The connecting arm 170 comprises an upper end 170A and a lower end 170B (shown in Figure 2). The upper end 170A of the connecting arm 170 is pivotally connected to the frame 115. The lower end 170B of the connecting arm 170 is pivotally connected to the base 130.

Referring to Figure 4, the pivoted configuration of the connecting arm 170, as described above, allows the frame 115 and the work surfaces 110 and 120 mounted thereon) to be positioned relatively away from the user when the frame 115 in a raised configuration. In comparison, the frame 115 (and the work surfaces 110 and 120) are positioned relatively closer to the user when the frame is in a lowered position. Advantageously, a biasing mechanism (such as spring assisting mechanism) is also provided for biasing and maintaining the frame 115 (and the work surfaces 110 and 120) in a raised configuration. The biasing mechanism assists the user of the desktop assembly 100 in countering the weight of the working surfaces 110 and 120 and any electronic devices, such as a computer, screen, keyboard and mouse positioned thereon, to allow for smooth and easy raising of the working surfaces 110 and 120. A locking lever 180 fixedly engages the frame 115 (and the working surfaces 110 and 120) at a plurality of orientations relative to the base 130.

The working surface 110 is provided with an upwardly extending acoustic panel 140 that is positioned in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the plane of the working surface 110. The panel 140 comprises a rectangular configuration. The panel 140 is formed from a sound attenuating material that is covered or enclosed by a fabric. The panel 140 is fastened along a peripheral portion of the first work surface 110 by way of mounting brackets 150. Each of the brackets 150 comprises a fastening portion adapted for fastening the bracket to the work surface 110 and a panel receiving portion adapted for receiving the panel 140.

The provision of the panel 140 along the work surface 110 allows the panel 140 to be raised and lowered in conjunction with the work surface 110. As a result, during use, when the user raises the work surface 110, the panel 140 is raised simultaneously thereby providing the user privacy/security at the time of viewing documents on a computer screen positioned on the work surface 110. The provision of the panel 140 in the aforementioned configuration also absorbs sound and therefore addresses noise concerns when the user of the desktop assembly 100 is speaking on the phone whilst in a standing position. The provision of the panel 140 mounted along the working surface 110 whilst the working surface 110 is in a raised configuration also prevents the user from being distracted whilst operating the desktop assembly 100 in a standing position.

Turning to Figures 5 to 7, a second embodiment of the desktop assembly 200 is illustrated. Like reference numerals denote like features that have been previously described. The desktop assembly 200 includes a panel assembly 240 that is fastened along a peripheral portion of the work surface 110. The panel assembly comprises a central panel 246 and flanked by laterally located panels 242 and 244 on either lateral sides of the central panel 246. Each of the laterally located panels 242 and 244 are hinged relative to the central panel 246.

The provision of the panel assembly 240 along the work surface 110 allows the panels 242, 244 and 246 to be raised and lowered in conjunction with the work surface 110. As a result, during use, when the user raises the work surface 110, the panel assembly 240 is raised simultaneously thereby providing the user privacy/security at the time of viewing documents on a computer screen positioned on the work surface 110. The provision of the panel assembly 240 in the aforementioned configuration also absorbs sound and therefore addresses noise concerns when the user of the desktop assembly 100 is speaking on the phone whilst in a standing position. The provision of the panel assembly 240 mounted along the working surface 110 whilst the working surface 110 is in a raised configuration also prevents the user from being distracted whilst operating the desktop assembly 100 in a standing position.

Each of the work surfaces 110 and 120 may be of any size and shape and be made from any appropriate strong and rigid material, such as wood, metal, glass, particle board, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), High Density Fiberboard (HDF), reinforced plastic, or reinforced composites and laminates, or combinations thereof, as is well known by those skilled in the art. Since the work surfaces 110 and 120 are configured to be raised and lowered at regular intervals, as described below, it is preferably made from a lightweight, rigid material to provide a durable work surface. As mentioned above, the work surfaces may take on any shape, but as shown and described in this application, the upper work surface 110 is C-shaped and the lower work surface 120 is rectangular in shape.

Whilst the preferred embodiment refers to the use of acoustic panels, the present invention is in no way limited to such acoustic panels. For example, exemplary embodiments are disclosed that include visual and/or acoustic privacy features for the desktop assembly or the desk described herein. In at least some configurations, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features of the panels may be configured to provide the user with at least some visual and/or acoustic privacy and isolation from others in an open plan office environment.

The terms “desktop assembly” refer to any structure that may be placed upon a desk or a table, the structure being adapted to receive and support electronic devices such as a computer and/or a computer screen, keyboard, mouse and any other office equipment.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A desktop assembly adapted for being positioned on a desk, the assembly comprising: at least a first work surface adapted for being movable between a raised configuration and lowered configuration; one or more panels extending upwardly relative to the work surface; and a fastening arrangement for fastening said one or more panels relative to the work surface.
2. A desktop assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the one or more panels are acoustic panels.
3. A desktop assembly in accordance with claim 2 wherein the one or more of the acoustical panels comprises a sound attenuating material preferably covered by a fabric.
4. A desktop assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the one or more of the panels are of a generally rectangular configuration.
5. A desktop assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the one or more panels are mounted or fastened along a peripheral portion of the first work surface.
6. A desktop assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising a panel assembly wherein the panel assembly comprises a central panel flanked by laterally located panels, said laterally located panels being hinged relative to the central panel.
7. A desktop assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the one or more panels are adapted for being removably fastened to one or more mounting brackets arranged along the first work surface.
8. A desktop assembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein each of the brackets comprises: a fastening portion adapted for fastening the bracket to the first work surface; and a panel receiving portion adapted for receiving the one or more panels therein.
9. A desktop assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising a second work surface positioned below and in a spaced relationship relative to the first work surface.
10. A desktop assembly in accordance with claim 9 wherein the first work surface and the underlying second work surface are movable between a raised configuration and lowered configuration preferably without changing the spacing in between the first and second work surfaces.
11. A desktop assembly in accordance with any one of the claims wherein the at least one work surface is mounted to a frame, said frame being movable between the raised configuration and lowered configuration.
12. A desktop assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the desktop assembly further comprises a base wherein the at least first work surface is movable between a raised configuration and lowered configuration relative to the base. Preferably, the first and second work surfaces are movable between the raised configuration and lowered configuration relative to the base.
13. A desktop assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising a connecting arm for inter-connecting the base relative to the at least one work surface.
14. A desktop assembly in accordance with claim 13 wherein the connecting arm is pivotally connected relative to one or both of the base and the at least one work surface.
15. A desktop assembly in accordance with claim 14 wherein the connecting arm is pivotally connected to the frame.
16. A desktop assembly in accordance with claim any one of the preceding claims further comprising a biasing mechanism for maintaining the first work surface in a raised configuration.
17. A desktop assembly in accordance with claim 16 when dependent upon any one of claims 9 or 10 wherein the biasing mechanism is adapted for maintaining the first and second work surfaces in a raised configuration relative to the base.
18. A desktop assembly in accordance with claim 10 wherein the one and/or the second work surfaces are adapted to be positioned and maintained in a plurality of positions in between the raised configuration and the lowered configuration.
19. A desktop assembly in accordance with claim 18 wherein the frame is adapted to be positioned and maintained in a plurality of positions in between the raised configuration and the lowered configuration.
20. A desk comprising: at least a first work surface adapted for being movable between a raised configuration and lowered configuration; one or more panels extending upwardly relative to the work surface; and a fastening arrangement for fastening said one or more panels relative to the work surface.