AU2020200160B2

AU2020200160B2 - Adjustable Desk Platform

Info

Publication number: AU2020200160B2
Application number: AU2020200160A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Daniel G. Flaherty; Sheng Chien Wang
Original assignee: Varidesk LLC
Current assignee: Varidesk LLC
Priority date: 2012-07-30
Filing date: 2020-01-09
Publication date: 2021-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 2034-08-22
Also published as: EP2842458A1; AU2020200160A1; AU2014216002A1; AU2014216002B2; EP2842458B1; CA2860970C; CA3110698C; CA3110698A1; EP3360440A1; CA2860970A1

Abstract

B-AU-D1 Abstract: An adjustable desk platform can include an upper platform defining a first substantially planar work surface and a lower platform defining a second substantially planar work surface. At least one set of pivot arms can connect the lower platform and the upper platform. The set of pivot arms can comprise a primary pivot arm and a secondary pivot arm, wherein the set of pivot arms is adapted to move the upper platform substantially in parallel with the lower platform between a fully raised position and a fully lowered position. A locking mechanism can be associated with the set of pivot arms. The locking mechanism can include: a plurality of perforations located in the primary pivot arm or the secondary pivot arm, a locking set fixed with respect to the upper platform or the lower platform, the locking set including at least one anchor adapted to selectively engage at least one of the plurality of perforations, and a handle connected to the anchor by a linkage. The handle can be adapted to selectively move the anchor into engagement with at least one of the plurality of perforations. Other embodiments and features are also discussed. 10 30 23 211 , " 21 3031 70 32- 20 23 FIG. 1

Description

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FIG. 1

5506B-AU-D1

ADJUSTABLE DESK PLATFORM

Technical Field:

[0001] This application relates generally to ergonomic workplace environments, and more particularly, to an adjustable desk platform or desk.

Background:

[0002] Sitting for long periods of time during the work day is generally not good for one's health and wellness. Medical studies show that sitting increases the rate of all cause mortality, especially from cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, for example. People who sit for most of the day are 50 percent more likely to die of heart attacks. Even if you exercise, the longer you sit the greater the chances you will die. Sitting shuts down the circulation of the fat-absorbing enzyme lipase, while standing up engages muscles and promotes the distribution of lipase, which prompts the body to process fat and cholesterol, independent of the amount of time spent exercising.

[0003] There are desks available to be used while standing, and even desks adapted for use while a user is on a treadmill. However, standing for very long periods of time to work is more tiring, dramatically increases the risks of carotid atherosclerosis because of the additional load on the circulatory system, and increases the risks of varicose veins.

[0004] Taking regular breaks from sitting for prolonged periods of time can have several positive outcomes. For example, standing can provide more energy during the work day. In addition, because standing burns more calories than sitting, standing can also result in weight loss without changes in diet or exercise. It is also harder to become more tired or lose focus when standing.

[0005] Because regular breaks from sitting are beneficial, and because many people during the work day want to remain productive while taking breaks from sitting, and because everyone will sit and stand for different lengths of time at different times during the day, there exists a need to create a work environment that is ergonomic for someone standing as well as sitting, and allows the transition to be easy, quick, and simple.

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SUMMARY:

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an adjustable desk platform comprising: an upper platform defining a first substantially planar work surface, and a lower surface opposite the work surface; an upper platform defining a substantially planar work surface, and a lower surface opposite the work surface, wherein an edge of the upper platform defines a generally U-shaped recess having first and second lateral sides; first and second lower mounting brackets extending below the upper platform, the first and second lower mounting brackets laterally spaced apart from one another; a base located beneath the upper platform, the base defining a bottom surface without legs that is adapted to sit on an existing desk; first and second upper mounting brackets extending upward from the base, the first and second upper mounting brackets laterally spaced apart from one another; first and second sets of arms coupling the first and second lower mounting brackets to the first and second upper mounting brackets, respectively, wherein the first and second sets of arms are adapted to move the upper platform substantially in parallel with the base between a fully raised position and a fully lowered position; a keyboard tray suspended below the upper platform, and adapted to support a keyboard, wherein the keyboard tray defines first and second lateral edges; a first support bracket extending between the first lateral side of the generally U shaped recess and the first lateral edge of the keyboard tray; and a second support bracket extending between the second lateral side of the generally U-shaped recess and the second lateral edge of the keyboard tray; wherein the surface area of the keyboard tray is less than one half of the surface area of the upper platform.

[0007] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following

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description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein,

by way of illustration and example, embodiments of the invention are

disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0008] The features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the

following description, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference

numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar

elements.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable desk

platform.

[0010] Figure 2 is another perspective view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure

1.

[0011] Figure 3 is a side view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 1.

[0012] Figure 4 is front view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 1.

[0013] Figure 5 is perspective view of parts of an embodiment of a locking

mechanism of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 1.

[0014] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the locking mechanism of Figure 5.

[0015] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a biasing mechanism of

the adjustable desk platform of Figure 1.

[0016] Figure 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the locking mechanism of the

adjustable desk platform of Figure 1, showing the handle in the locked position.

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[0017] Figure 9 is a side view of the locking mechanism of Figure 8 showing the

handle in the un-locked position.

[0018] Figure 10 is a side view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 1 showing

an example of directional movement of the upper platform relative to the lower platform

and the pivot arms.

[0019] Figure 11 is a side view of an embodiment of the biasing mechanism.

[0020] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the adjustable desk

platform, showing the tray.

[0021] Figure 13 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the adjustable desk platform

showing the tray and counter weights.

[0022] Figure 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the adjustable desk

platform including a keyboard tray.

[0023] Figure 15 is an enlarged, perspective view of the pivot arms of an

embodiment of the adjustable desk platform.

[0024] Figure 16 is perspective view of an embodiment of the adjustable desk

platform including legs.

[0025] Figure 17 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the adjustable desk

platform with legs of Figure 16.

[0026] Figure 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the adjustable desk

platform, shown in a fully lowered position.

[0027] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 18,

shown in a fully raised position.

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[0028] Figure 20 is a side view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 18, shown in

the fully lowered position.

[0029] Figure 21 is a side view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 18, shown in

the fully raised position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0030] Embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below. In describing

embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the

invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected. While

specific embodiments are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for

illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other

components and configurations can be used without departing from the spirit and scope

of the invention.

[0031] Embodiments of the adjustable desk platform described herein can transition

between a lower operating position and an upper operating position quickly, easily, and

simply. This may be useful, for example, to provide height adjustability to conventional,

fixed desktop workspaces. Alternatively, embodiments of the adjustable desk platform

can include their own support legs.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the adjustable desk platform can generally include

an upper platform 10, a lower platform 20, and left and right pivot arm sets 30, which

can connect the upper platform 10 and lower platform 20. According to embodiments,

the upper platform 10 and/or the lower platform 20 can include a substantially planar top

surface that can serve as a working surface for the user, for example, to support

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reading materials, papers, computers, other electronic devices, and the like. The

adjustable desk platform can include one or more locking mechanisms 40, for example,

one associated with each of the left and right pivot arm sets 30. The adjustable desk

platform can also include one or more biasing mechanisms 50 (see Figure 3), for

example, each associated with the left and right pivot arm sets 30. The adjustable desk

platform can also include a reinforcement member 60, visible in Figures 2 and 4.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 6, lower mounting brackets 11 can be

located on upper platform 10, for example, secured thereto, or formed integrally

therewith. As shown in the figures, two lower mounting brackets 11 can be secured to

the underside of the upper platform 10 at opposite sides of the upper platform 10. As

shown in Figures 2 to Figure 4, lower platform 20 is located below the upper platform

, and the pivot arm sets selectively adjust the height of the upper platform 10 with

respect the lower platform 20, for example, with the upper platform 10 and the lower

platform 20 remaining substantially parallel to one another during movement.

[0034] Lower platform 20 can include two upper mounting brackets 21, for example,

one located near each side of the lower platform 20. The upper mounting brackets can

be formed integrally with the lower platform 20, or alternatively, secured thereto using

fasteners or other means known in the art. Lower platform 20 can also include one or

more counter weights 22, and a housing 23 near each upper mounting bracket 21.

[0035] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the upper mounting brackets 21 can be located

on the top surface of the lower platform 20, for example, at opposite sides thereof, and

the lower mounting brackets 11 can be located on the bottom surface of the upper

platform 10, for example, in registry with the upper mounting brackets 21. Each upper

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mounting bracket 21 can include an arc slot 211, shown in Figures 1 and 3. One of the

housings 23 can be located adjacent the outer side of each of the upper mounting

brackets 21. As shown in Figure 2, one or more counter weight(s) 22 can be located on

the bottom surface of lower platform 20.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, each pivot arm set 30 is connected to the

respective lower mounting bracket 11 on the upper platform 10 and to the respective

upper mounting bracket 21 on the lower platform 20. As shown, each pivot arm set 30

can include a main pivot arm 31 and secondary pivot arm 32. The pivot arms 31, 32

can be pivotably connected to the lower mounting bracket 11 at one end, and to upper

mounting bracket 21 at the other end using, for example, rivets, fasteners, or other

structures known in the art. The main pivot arm 31 and secondary pivot arm 32 can be

connected to the lower mounting bracket 11 and upper mounting bracket 21 at different

locations, as shown in the figures. The pivot arm sets 30 can be connected to the upper

mounting bracket 21 at the opposite side of the respective housing 23. For example,

the pivot arm sets 30 can connect to the interior side of the upper mounting brackets 21,

while the housings 23 can connect to the exterior sides of the upper mounting brackets

21.

[0037] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the upper end of each primary pivot arm 31 can

include a locking part 311 including a plurality of perforations 3111. The plurality of

perforations 3111 can include at least one perforation that is selectively movable into

alignment with a hole 111 in the respective lower mounting bracket 11. Referring to

Figures 3 and 7, each secondary pivot arm 32 can include a boss 321 that slides within

the arc slot 211 of the respective upper mounting bracket 21.

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[0038] Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 8, one or more locking sets 40 can be located

on the bottom of the upper platform 10. For example, each locking set 40 can be fixed

on the respective lower mounting bracket 11, however other locations are possible.

Referring to Figure 6, each locking set 40 can include anchors 41. Each anchor 41 can

selectively engage one of the perforations 3111 of locking part 311, and can also

engage through the hole 111 of lower mounting bracket 11, thereby fixing the main pivot

arm 31 in position with respect to the respective lower mounting bracket 11.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 8, each locking set 40 can include a handle 42

and a linkage mechanism 43.

[0039] Referring to Figures 5, 6, and 8, each linkage set 43 can include a first

linkage 431, a second linkage 432, and a third linkage 433, which, according to an

embodiment, are pivotably connected to one another in sequence. Each first linkage

431 can be located underneath the bottom of the upper platform 10, and can have a

pivot joint with handle 42. Each third linkage 433 can be connected with the respective

anchor 41, for example, by rivets, pins, or other structures extending through the third

linkage 433 and anchor(s) 41 as shown in Figures 9 and 10. Each locking set 40 can

contain a spring 44, adapting piece 45, and housing 46. Each adapting piece 45 of

locking set 40 can be secured on the bottom of upper platform 10, and can include a

pivot joint with second linkage 432. One end of spring 44 can be connected with

adapting piece 45 and the other end of spring 44 can be connected with second linkage

432 in proximity to the first linkage 431. Each locking set 40 can include a housing 46

that can cover at least the second linkage 432, third linkage 433, spring 44, adapting

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piece 45, and anchor 41. The housing 46 can be connected to the underside of the

upper platform 10.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, each biasing mechanism 50 can be located on

lower platform 20, and can be connected with pivot arm sets 30 to assist the upper

platform 10 in raising/lowering with respect to the lower platform 20. Each biasing

mechanism 50 can include a spring 51, a support 52, a booster spring 53, and a pivot

point 54. One side of spring 51 can be connected with the support 52 and the other

side can form a pivot joint with the secondary arm 32, for example, by attaching to the

boss 321. Each support 52 and booster spring 53 of biasing mechanism 50 can be

connected with lower platform 20. Arc slot 211 can be selectively connected with the

respective secondary pivot arm 32 on the other side of the respective upper mounting

bracket 21. Pivot point 54 can be located against the bottom side of booster spring 53.

Each biasing mechanism 50 can be located between the respective upper mounting

bracket 21 and housing 23, thereby concealing the biasing mechanism 50.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, reinforcement member 60 may extend between the left

and right pivot arm sets 30. According to an embodiment, reinforcement member may

include a supporting rod 61 and a separate reinforcement 62, however, other single

member and multi-member embodiments are possible. According to an embodiment,

supporting rod 61 can be connected with the primary pivot arm 31 of each pivot arm set

, and reinforcement 62 can be connected with the secondary pivot arm 32 of each

pivot arm set 30. According to embodiments, the reinforcement member can fix the

side-to-side distance between the pivot arms and add stability, avoiding side-to-side

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movement when lifting or lowering upper platform 10 from lower platform 20, and can

make the adjustable platform operate smoothly.

[0042] When in use, the user can place the adjustable desk platform on to a desktop,

and may place items on the upper platform 10 as desired, such as, without limitation, a

computer, documents, desk lamps, instruments, and supplies. The user can adjust the

height between the upper platform 10 and the lower platform 20 according to their

working posture and/or other needs.

[0043] Figure 3 depicts the adjustable desk platform in a fully raised position.

Referring to Figures 3, 8-10, and 12, in order to lower the adjustable desk platform, the

user can pull handle 42, which in turn displaces the first linkage 431, second linkage

432, and third linkage 433. This can, in turn, retract the anchor 41 and cause the

anchor to withdrawal from the perforation(s) 3111 of the primary pivot arm 31. As a

result, the pivot arm 31 is released from a substantially fixed position, allowing primary

pivot arm 31 and secondary pivot arm 32 to move, consequently allowing the upper

platform 10 to move with respect to the lower platform 20. Accordingly, the distance

between upper platform 10 and lower platform 20 can be reduced, for example, to the

fully lowered position shown in Figure 11, or to some position between the fully raised

position and the fully lowered position. This allows the distance between the upper

platform 10 and lower platform 20 to be easily set and adjusted.

[0044] As shown In Figures 3 and 8-11, when the user moves the upper platform 10

and lower platform 20 to a desired height relative to each other, the user can release

the handle(s) of locking set(s) 40. As a result, the retraction force of springs 44 of each

locking set 40 can move the second linkage 432, causing first linkage 431 and third

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linkage 433 to move sequentially, thereby causing anchors 41 to lock through the hole

111 of the lower mounting bracket and the corresponding perforations 3111 on primary

pivot arm 31. This, in turn, locks the position of the upper platform 20 relative to the

lower platform 10.

[0045] As shown in Figures 3, 10, and 11, as the primary and secondary pivot arms

31, 32 pivot with respect to the respective upper mounting bracket 21, the boss 321

slides within arc slot 211 of the upper mounting bracket 21, and accordingly, stretches

or relaxes the compression spring 51 of the corresponding biasing mechanism 50.

Referring to Figure 11, since pivot point 54 leans against the bottom side of booster

spring 53, when upper platform 10 and lower platform 20 are moved toward the fully

lowered position, boss 321 can press laterally against the booster springs 53, thereby

causing booster spring 53 to bend. Thus, in embodiments, the booster springs 53 can

provide additional upward bias when the upper platform 10 is in or near the fully lowered

position.

[0046] As shown in Figures 3, 8, 9, when the user desires to increase the distance

between the lower platform 20 and the upper platform 10, the user can pull the

handle(s) of the locking set(s) 40 to impact locking set 40, springs 44, and anchors 41,

causing anchors 41 to retract from the perforation 3111 and hole 111, releasing the

primary and secondary pivot arms 31, 32 so the spacing between the upper platform 10

and the lower platform 20 can be increased.

[0047] As shown in Figures 3, 10, and 11, lowering the upper platform 10 causes the

pivot arm sets 30 to pivot with respect to the upper mounting brackets 21. The resultant

rotation of the secondary pivot arms 32 causes the respective bosses 321 to slide within

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the respective arc slots 211, thereby stretching the respective compression springs 51

of the biasing mechanisms 50, providing a measure of resistance against lowering of

the upper platform 10. When the distance between the upper platform 10 and the lower

platform 20 is gradually increased from the fully lowered position, bosses 321 slowly pull

away from the respective booster springs 53, and allows the booster springs 53 to

retract to their natural, unbent state.

[0048] Increasing the weight on upper platform 10 (e.g., by placing an item on the

upper platform 10) can increase the difficulty of raising the upper platform 10 from the

lower platform 20. Due to the configuration of the biasing mechanism 50, booster

spring 53, and pivot point 54, when upper platform 10 is raised from the lower platform

, the elastic force of booster spring 53 and spring 51 can influence the boss 321 of

each secondary pivot arm 32, causing secondary pivot arm 32 to generate an upward

lifting force, reducing the amount of effort required from the user to raise the upper

platform 10.

[0049] When lifting upper platform 10, the overall center of gravity of the adjustable

desk platform can shift between lower platform 20 and upper platform 10, especially

when various items are placed on top of upper platform 10. Because items located on

the upper platform create additional weight, the overall center of gravity of the

adjustable desk platform will quickly shift to the upper platform 10, and potentially make

the adjustable desk platform unstable. Accordingly, the counterweight(s) 22 can

increase the weight of lower platform 20, thereby helping to counterbalance the weight

of the upper platform 10 when in the raised position and/or when weighted with items.

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[0050] According to embodiments, the housings 23 of upper platform 10 and the

housings 46 of locking set 40 can help protect the user's fingers or other foreign matter

from being caught in the locking sets 40, the pivot arm sets 30, and/or inside of the

biasing mechanisms 50. Housings 23 and housings 46 can also add to the aesthetic

appearance of the adjustable desk platform.

[0051] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the adjustable desk platform can include a

keyboard tray 70. The keyboard tray 70 can be detachably connected with lower

platform 20. Keyboard tray 70 includes a tray portion 71 and one or more releasable

joint component(s) 72. According to an embodiment, two joint components 72 can be

connected on opposed sides of tray portion 71. The joint components 72 can be

slidably mounted on the lower platform 20. Additionally or alternatively, the joint

components 72 can be drilled in the housing 23 of lower platform 20. The joint

components are not limited to the embodiments show, and other connectors known in

the art can be used as alternatives.

[0052] When desired, the keyboard tray 70 can be attached to lower platform 20,

and items can be placed on it, such as a keyboard. According to embodiments, tray 70

can be located at an adjustable distance from the lower platform 20.

[0053] Referring to an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 14, the keyboard tray

A can be attached to the bottom side of the upper platform 10. For example, a joint

component 72A can connect the tray portion 71A to the underside of the lower platform

10. When in use, keyboard tray 70A may move up and down with upper platform 10,

thereby making it more convenient to access items placed on keyboard tray 70, such as

a keyboard.

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[0054] Referring to Figure 15, the main pivot arm 31 and/or secondary pivot arm 32

can be cladded with a protector 80. According to an embodiment, the protector 80 is

made with EVA foam (ethylene - vinyl acetate copolymer), however other materials are

possible. Protector 80 can help prevent jammed fingers due to an operator reaching

between pivot arm sets 30 and upper mounting brackets 21.

[0055] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, embodiments of the adjustable desk platform

can include legs that support the adjustable desk platform above the ground. For

example, the adjustable desk platform can include four legs 90 extending from its

corners, as shown, however, more or less than four legs are possible. The legs 90 can

be fixed in length, or alternatively, can be adjustable in length using structures known in

the art. The legs 90 can allow the adjustable desk platform to be self-supported above

the ground. Except for the provision of legs and the related structures, embodiments of

the adjustable desk platform shown in Figures 16 and 17 can be substantially the same

as described in connection with Figures 1-15.

[0056] Referring to Figure 17, the adjustable desk platform can include a frame

member 91 that attaches, for example, to the upper mounting brackets 21, lower

platform (not shown), or other part of the adjustable desk platform. For example,

fasteners such as bolts or rivets, welding, bonding, or other attachment techniques can

be used. The legs 90 can in turn be attached to the frame member 91, for example,

using fasteners such as bolts or rivets, welding, bonding, or other attachment

techniques. As shown in Figure 17, an embodiment can include end caps 92 that

extend into open ends of the frame member 91, however, other configurations are

possible. Referring back to Figure 16, embodiments can include a cover portion 93 that

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extends over and conceals all or a portion of the frame member 91, thereby improving

the safety and/or appearance of the adjustable desk platform. Although not shown,

lateral supports can extend between one more pairs of the legs 90.

[0057] Referring to Figures 18-21, another embodiment of the adjustable desk

platform is shown. The embodiment of Figures 18-21 is substantially the same as

shown and described in connection with Figures 1-15. For example, the adjustable

desk platform of Figures 18-21 can include the same or similar pivot arm sets 30,

locking set(s) 40, biasing mechanism(s) 50, reinforcement member(s) 60,

counterweight, legs, and/or other features of previously-described embodiments.

Accordingly, only additions or differences from previous embodiments are described

below.

[0058] Generally similar to the embodiment of Figure 14, the adjustable desk

platform of Figures 18-21 can include a keyboard tray 70A suspended below the upper

platform 10. The keyboard tray 70A can be adapted to support a computer keyboard,

mouse, tablet computer, or other device. For example, the keyboard tray 70A can be

substantially planar, and can have a size equal to, or greater than, a conventional

computer keyboard. According to an embodiment, the surface area of the keyboard

tray 70A is between about one half and about one quarter of the surface area of the

upper platform. According to an embodiment, the surface area of the keyboard tray 70A

is about one third of the surface area of the upper platform 10. In order to provide

sufficient space for the keyboard tray 70A, according to embodiments, the pivot arm

sets 30 can be lengthened as compared to embodiments without the keyboard tray, for

example, to increase distance between the upper platform 10 and lower platform 20.

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For example, the pivot arms sets 30 may be increased lengthwise by between about 2"

and about 5" as compared to embodiments without the tray, more specifically, by about

3" to about 4".

[0059] As best seen in Figures 18 and 19, the keyboard tray 70A can be generally

"T"-shaped, in that it can define a relatively narrow portion 100 joined to a relatively wide

portion 102 to define a "T" shape. The narrow portion 100 and wide portion 102 are

shown separated by an imaginary dashed line in Figure 18 for illustration purposes only.

The edge of the upper platform 10 adjacent the keyboard tray 70A can also define a

recess 104, such as a generally "U" shaped recess. The width of the recess 104 can be

the same or similar to the width of the narrow portion 100 of the keyboard tray 70A. As

a result, the narrow portion 100 of the keyboard tray 70A can be positioned generally in

registry with the recess 104, for example, for ergonomic reasons.

[0060] Referring to Figures 18 and 21, first and second support members 106, 108

can connect the keyboard tray 70A to the upper platform 10. According to

embodiments, the first and second support members 106, 108 can be located adjacent

opposite sides of the generally U-shaped recess 104. Additionally or alternatively, the

first and second support members 106, 108 can be located adjacent opposite ends of

the narrow portion 100 of the T-shaped keyboard tray 70A. According to this

embodiment, the narrow portion 100 of the keyboard tray 70A can fit the keyboard, and

the wide portion 102 of the keyboard tray 70A can provide additional support for the

user's hands or wrists, however, other uses are possible. One of ordinary skill in the art

will understand based on this disclosure that the upper platform 10 and keyboard tray

A are not limited to the specific shapes and appearances shown in Figures 18-21.

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[0061] Still referring to Figures 18 and 21, the support members 106, 108 can

comprise metal brackets, such as stamped metal brackets, that are connected to the

keyboard tray 70A and to the upper platform 10 on opposite ends, for example, using

fasteners such as screws, nails, rivets, or bonding or other techniques known in the art.

Alternatively, all or a part of the support members 106, 108 can be integral (e.g.,

monolithic) with the upper platform 10 and/or keyboard tray 70A. According to the

embodiment shown, the support members 106, 108 can have cutouts, e.g., forming an

X-shape, in order to decrease weight and material, however, other configurations are

possible.

[0062] The embodiments illustrated and discussed in this specification are intended

only to teach those skilled in the art the best way known to the inventors to make and

use the invention. Nothing in this specification should be considered as limiting the

scope of the present invention. For example, the arrangement of features with respect

to the upper platform and the lower platform, such as, e.g., the locking mechanism, can

be reversed. All examples presented are representative and non-limiting. The above

described embodiments of the invention may be modified or varied, without departing

from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above

teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the claims and their

equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

5506B-AU-D1 Claims The invention claimed is:

1. An adjustable desk platform comprising: an upper platform defining a substantially planar work surface, and a lower surface opposite the work surface, wherein an edge of the upper platform defines a generally U-shaped recess having first and second lateral sides; first and second lower mounting brackets extending below the upper platform, the first and second lower mounting brackets laterally spaced apart from one another; a base located beneath the upper platform, the base defining a bottom surface without legs that is adapted to sit on an existing desk; first and second upper mounting brackets extending upward from the base, the first and second upper mounting brackets laterally spaced apart from one another; first and second sets of arms coupling the first and second lower mounting brackets to the first and second upper mounting brackets, respectively, wherein the first and second sets of arms are adapted to move the upper platform substantially in parallel with the base between a fully raised position and a fully lowered position; a keyboard tray suspended below the upper platform, and adapted to support a keyboard, wherein the keyboard tray defines first and second lateral edges; a first support bracket extending between the first lateral side of the generally U-shaped recess and the first lateral edge of the keyboard tray; and a second support bracket extending between the second lateral side of the generally U-shaped recess and the second lateral edge of the keyboard tray; wherein the surface area of the keyboard tray is less than one half of the surface area of the upper platform.

2. The adjustable desk platform of claim 1, wherein the first and second support brackets comprise metal brackets.

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3. The adjustable desk platform of claim 1 or 2, wherein the keyboard tray is generally T-shaped.

4. The adjustable desk platform of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the substantially planar work surface is unobstructed.

5. The adjustable desk platform of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper platform moves rearward with respect to the base when moved from the fully lowered position to the fully raised position, and the base includes a counterweight adapted to offset weight of the upper platform when in the raised position.

6. The adjustable desk platform of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a locking mechanism associated with the first or second set of arms, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a plurality of perforations located in the first or second set of arms; a locking set fixed with respect to the upper platform or the base, the locking set including at least one anchor adapted to selectively engage at least one of the plurality of perforations, and a handle connected to the anchor by a linkage, the handle adapted to selectively move the anchor into engagement with at least one of the plurality of perforations.

7. The adjustable desk platform of claim 6, wherein the anchor is resiliently biased into engagement with at least one of the plurality of perforations.

8. The adjustable desk platform of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a boss located on the first or second set of arms, the boss adapted to move through an arcuate path as the upper platform moves between the fully raised position and the fully lowered position; and a first spring fixed in position with respect to the upper platform or the base, wherein movement of the upper platform toward the fully lowered position extends the first spring.

9. The adjustable desk platform of claim 8, wherein the first spring is a compression spring. Page 19

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10. The adjustable desk platform of claim 8 or 9, further comprising a second spring fixed in position with respect to the upper platform or the base, wherein movement of the upper platform toward the fully lowered position causes the boss to bend the second spring.

11. The adjustable desk platform of claim 10, wherein the second spring is a cantilever spring.

12. The adjustable desk platform of claim 10 or 11, wherein: the first spring extends between the boss and the upper mounting bracket or the lower mounting bracket; and the second spring is secured to the upper mounting bracket or the lower mounting bracket.

13. The adjustable desk platform of claim 12, further comprising a pivot point located adjacent to the second spring, wherein the boss is adapted to bend the second spring about the pivot point.

14. The adjustable desk platform of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: a first spring fixed in position with respect to the first lower mounting bracket, wherein movement of the upper platform toward the fully lowered position extends the first spring.

15. The adjustable desk platform of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first and second lateral sides of the generally U-shaped recess are joined by a third side that is angled with respect to the first lateral side and the second lateral side.

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