DK2698076T3 - Element to a work surface and a device - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Background [0001] The invention relates to a work surface, and particularly to an element for a work surface.

[0002] WO 99/08566 discloses a desk accessory support adapted to cooperate with a desktop having an upper surface and a lower surface. The desk accessory support has parallel plates for engaging the upper and lower surfaces of the desktop between the plates, and a curved resilient portion that for providing a wrist rest for a user operating a computer.

[0003] US2003/230222A1 discloses a movable board for a desk board. The movable board can be lifted up or pressed down relative to the main desk board. The movable desk board has the size and the shape thereof corresponding to the recess opening and is pivotally connected to one or two lateral edges of the recess opening with a pivot part. A liquid crystal display is mounted to the rear side of the movable desk board.

[0004] In screen work, the health of a worker is greatly affected by the ergonomics of a workstation. Good ergonomics enables the worker's musculoskeletal ill-health to be reduced or even prevented. Common disorders or diseases in those performing screen work include back diseases, arthrosis, polyarthritis or sequela thereof, rheumatoid arthritis, knee arthritis, hip arthritis, chronic back syndrome, and chronic neck-shoulder area pain.

[0005] In screen work, the worker's wrists and elbow joints are subject to strain and stress when the worker uses a keyboard or a mouse controller. Consequently, the worker's wrists and elbowjoints may become painful.

[0006] Screen work is the typical kind of work carried out in office spaces. The efficiency of space utilization of office spaces influences companies' operating costs, which are to be kept low. Absence from workstations on account of workers being on sick leaves or business trips reduces the efficiency of office spaces. Conference rooms and other spaces which, when unused, reduce the efficiency of the particular space also contribute to the efficiency of the space utilization of office spaces.

Brief description of embodiments [0007] An object of the invention is thus to provide an apparatus so as to enable at least some of the aforementioned problems to be solved. The object of the invention is achieved by an arrangement that is characterized by what is stated in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0008] The idea underlying the invention is that an arm rest may be hidden or brought out onto a work surface. Thus, the work surface may have more than one and at least two modes of use. In a first mode of use, the work surface makes screen work accessories available to a user while in a second mode of use the screen work accessories are hidden from the user. The screen work accessories enable a screen work station to be provided on the work surface, wherein the work station is capable of taking into account screen work requirements, such as ergonomics, and thus of helping in preventing the worker from developing musculoskeletal disorders or diseases.

[0009] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an element for a work surface, the element comprising opposite faces and the element being arranged to be installed in a first position with respect to the work surface and in a second position with respect to the work surface, in which first position and second position different opposite faces are out on the work surface, wherein the element comprises screen work accessories on one of the opposite faces, whereby in the first position of the element the screen work accessories are out on the work surface and in the second position of the element the screen work accessories reside underneath the work surface.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an arrangement comprising an element according to an aspect.

[0011] An advantage of the arrangement and element according to the invention is that the use of arrangements, such as work surfaces, including the element becomes more versatile. Since the modifiability of the work surface makes it possible to use the work surface in different modes of use, the use of the office space provided with the work surface may be modified from screen work to other forms of work which do not necessitate accessories, such as an arm rest, a data processing device controller and/or a reading stand, contained in the element. Further, since the arrangement and the element provide an arm rest, the use of office spaces may be enhanced taking the ergonomics of the work stations into account. Arrangements that include many elements according to the invention enable the arrangement to be utilized simultaneously for screen work as well as for other work wherein the accessories, such as an arm rest, a data processing device controller and/or a reading stand, contained in the element are hidden from the user.

Brief description of the figures [0012] The invention is now described in closer detail in connection with preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawngs, in which

Figure 1 a illustrates an example useful for understanding the invention and shows an element installed in a position with respect to a work surface, in which position an arm rest is hidden from a user;

Figures 1b and 1c illustrate examples useful for understanding the invention and show an element installed in a position with respect to the work surface, in which position the arm rest is out on the work surface;

Figure 1d illustrate an example useful for understanding the invention and shows an element and a work surface;

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate examples useful for understanding the invention and show an arm rest, a controller for a data processing device, and a reading stand, installed in an element for a work surface, according to an embodiment;

Figure 3 shows an element and a work surface, according to an embodiment;

Figure 4 shows an element and a work surface, according to an embodiment; and

Figure 5 shows an element according to an embodiment, arranged to receive screen work accessories.

Detailed description of embodiments [0013] In the embodiments set forth, ergonomics of screen work is improved by means of an arm rest. Typical arm rests used in screen work are padded e.g. with foam plastic upholstered with fabric or leather.

[0014] Referring to Figures 1a to 1d, an element 102 for a work surface 104 is shown in different positions with respect to a work surface. The element comprises opposite faces 106, 108, an arm rest 110 being installed on one 108 of the faces. The element is installable in two different positions with respect to the work surface, in each different position a different opposite face being out on the work surface. In Figures 1 a and 1 d, the element 102 is shown installed in a position with respect to the work surface 104, in which position the arm rest 110 is hidden from a user. In Figures 1b and 1c, the arm rest is out on the work surface. The arm rest is fastened to the element e.g. by screws or other fastening means available to those skilled in the art such that the arm rest stays fastened to the element when the arm rest is used in screen work and the element is turned into different positions.

[0015] In Figures 1 a to 1 d, the element comprises edges 151, 152, 153, and 154 at which it confines itself to the work surface in a depth direction Sp and in a width direction Lp of the work surface. On both its sides 151, 153, the element is flanked by the work surface in the width direction of the work surface. An edge of the element 102 closest in the depth direction of the work surface is not confined by the work surface, in which case the edge is free.

[0016] In Figures 1a to 1d, the depth direction Sp of the work surface is determined from the user 150 in front of the element perpendicularly towards the work surface including the element. The width direction Lp of the work surface is perpendicular to the depth direction. The width direction and the depth direction are both in a plane determined by a face of the work surface. The width direction and the depth direction of the work surface may be determined in the same way in all embodiments set forth.

[0017] When the element is in a position where the arm rest is hidden from the user, the face 108 of the element to which the arm rest 110 is fastened is downwards. In such a case, the arm rest resides under the work surface and discernible underneath the work surface. The arm rest is hidden from the user when it is not out on the work surface.

[0018] When the element is in a position where the arm rest 110 is out on the work surface, the face 108 of the element to which the arm rest 110 is fastened is upwards. In such a case, the arm rest resides on the work surface and out on the upper face of the work surface.

[0019] A face of the element is upwards when it is on the same side of the work surface as is the face of the work surface on which the weight of objects, e.g. a coffee cup, to be laid on the face of the work surface is supported. A face of the element is dowowards when it is on a side of the work surface opposite to the face of the work surface on which the weight of objects to be laid on the face of the work surface is supported.

[0020] The element 102 comprises a part to be installed in the work surface, a face 106, 108 of the part settling in the same plane as the face of the work surface does when the arm rest is hidden. In such a case, the work surface may be used as a work surface with a uniform surface but no element.

[0021] When the arm rest 110 is out on the work surface, the element is in a position with respect to the work surface enabling ergonomic screen work. In the screen work position, the face 108 of the element may be placed in the same plane as the face of the work surface, but it is also possible to place it in another plane. The arm rest may comprise one or more rests installed at a front edge of the work surface, which is closest to the user 150 when the arm rest is out on the work surface. The arm rest may comprise: an elbow rest, a wrist rest or a combined elbow and wrist rest. An ordinary arm rest has a thickness of 5 cm or less, in which case it lifts the user's hand to a height of a data processing device controller to be placed on the element.

[0022] In Figure 1b, the element 102 is shown installed in a position with respect to the work surface wherein the arm rest 110 is out on the work surface. In Figure 1b, the arm rest is installed on the face of the element and close to the edge 152 of the element close to the user 150 when the user is at a desk. In such a case, the edge 154 of the element opposite in the depth direction Sp of the desk to the edge close to the user 150 is farthest from the user.

[0023] In an example, the position of the element may be changed with respect to the work surface from the position of Figure 1a to the position of Figure 1 b. In such a case, the element is reversed in the depth direction Sp of the work surface. The work surface may be reversed by turning it by 180 degrees, for instance. When the element 102 is turned from the position of Figure 1 b to the position of Figure 1 a with respect to the work surface, the edge 152 of the element, at which the arm rest is provided in Figure 1b, turns according to Figure 1 a farther from the user than the edge 154 closest to the user in the depth direction Sp of the work surface in Figure 1 a. In such a case, the arm rest 110 turns to be hidden and far away from the user, as is shown by the location of the edge 152 in Figure 1 a.

[0024] Since in Figure 1 a the arm rest 110 of the element is installed at the edge 152, wlnich in the depth direction Sp of the work surface is far away from the user 150 when the element has been turned into the position of Figure 1a, wherein the arm rest is hidden, the user's leg room underneath the work surface is kept as large as possible. Although the arm rest is downwards, the leg room experienced by the user may thus be kept substantially as before as compared with the position of the element in Figure 1b, wherein the arm rest is out on the work surface. Thus, no need exists for the user to change the ergonomically set height of his or her chair as a result of the turning of the element, enabling unergonomic chair height to be avoided.

[0025] In an example, the position of the element 102 may be changed with respect to the work surface from the position of Figure 1c to the position of Figure 1a. When the element 102 is turned from the position of Figure 1c into the position of Figure 1 a wth respect to the work surface, the edge 154 of the element at wlnich the arm rest is in Figure 1c turns and becomes hidden according to Figure 1a, and remains close to the user 150.

[0026] It is to be noted that the above-disclosed examples of changing the position of the element with respect to the work surface, wherein the arm rest is either hidden underneath the work surface or brought out on the work surface, may be carried out in both directions, i.e. to bring the arm rest out or to hide the arm rest.

[0027] The work surface may be e.g. a desk or another work surface enabling screen work. Screen work comprises work carried out by using data processing devices, such as computers, mobile telephones, tablet computers and/or various controllers for data processing devices, including for instance mouse controllers and keyboards. Ordinarily, work surfaces are made out of wood, for instance. The material of the element may be selected to be the same as the material of the work surface.

[0028] In an embodiment, the material of the element may be selected to be a transparent material, such as glass. This enables the user to see, through the element, the arm rest turned to be hidden underneath the work surface. Thus, preferably, the glass used is sufficiently clear to enable visibility through the element. Owing to the transparency, it is possible for the user to see the hidden arm rest, in which case it is possible to discern the arm rest even if it is turned underneath the work surface. Since the user is thus capable of discerning the arm rest even if it is turned to be hidden, the element becomes easier to use, enabling directions necessary for using the element to be reduced.

[0029] Figure 1d shows an element and a work surface according to an example useful for understanding an embodiment. The element and work surface of Figure 1d illustrate the element and work surface of Figures 1 a to 1 c in closer detail. In Figure 1d, the work surface comprises a recess formed by edges 151 a and 153a in the depth direction as well as an edge 152a in the width direction. The edge 152a of the work surface in the vwdth direction forms a rear edge of the recess, defining a depth at which the element is to be installed in the work surface. The recess formed by the edges 151 a, 152a, and 153a is rectangular, but it is to be noted that recesses of other shapes are also feasible.

[0030] Preferably, the size of the recess formed by the edges 151-a, 152a, and 153a is as similar as possible to the size of the element 102, in which case when the element resides in the recess, supported by fastening means 162 and 164, the work surface and the element form a surface which is as uniform as possible. In such a case, the edges 151 a and 153a of the work surface in the depth direction meet the corresponding edges 151b and 153b of the element, and the edge 152a of the work surface in the width direction meets the corresponding edge 152b of the element. Thus, the use of the work surface when the element is in the position where the arm rest is turned to be hidden corresponds as well as possible with the use of the work surface with no element.

[0031] The fastening means 162, 164 enable the position of the element 102 to be changed with respect to the work surface 104. The element comprises fastening means 164 at the edges 151b and 153b parallel with the depth Sp of the work surface. The work surface comprises fastening means 162 at the edges 151 a and 153a parallel with the depth of the work surface. The fastening means 164 support the element on the fastening means 164 of the work surface.

[0032] Referring again to Figure 1 d, in an embodiment the fastening means 162 and 164 may fasten the element to be rotatable around an axis of the desk in the width direction. Such a fastening may be achieved e.g. when the fastening means 162, 164 comprise an axis via which the element at the edges 151 b, 153b becomes fastened to the edges 151 a, 153b of the work surface. The fastening allows the element to rotate such that the arm rest can be turned underneath the work surface from top of the work surface, or vice versa. In addition, when the arm rest is hidden, the upper face of the element resides in the same plane as the upper face of the work surface. Preferably, the fastening means enable the element to rotate by 180 degrees, in which case the turning of the arm rest to be hidden and out is carried out by reverse rotational movements. It is to be noted that the fastening means may also enable rotation by more than 180 degrees, e.g. 360 degrees.

[0033] When the arm rest is hidden, it is not visible on the work top of the work surface, in which case the work surface may be used unhindered by accessories necessary for screen work, such as the arm rest. The hiding of the arm rest thus enables the work surface to be used in a versatile manner. Consequently, the office space, such as a room, in which the work surface is located may serve both as a screen work space and as space for other purposes, such as work necessitating unhindered desk surface, e.g. graphic design or hobby activities.

[0034] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate examples useful for understanding the invention and show an arm rest 810, a controller for a data processing device 820, and a reading stand 830 installed in an element 802 for a work surface. The element may be the element shown in Figures 1 a to 1 d, for instance. The element comprises the arm rest 810 and the reading stand 830, which is hinged to the element 802 by a hinge 840. The reading stand is in Figure 2a in a closed position while in Figure 2b the reading stand is in an opened position. Owing to the hinged fastening, the reading stand may be turned between the positions of Figures 2a and 2b. In the closed position, the reading stand encloses the data processing device controller 820, e.g. a keyboard, a mouse controller or a combined keyboard and mouse controller. In the closed position, the leg room taken by the reading stand underneath the work surface is as small as possible when the element has been turned into a position wherein the arm rest is hidden.

[0035] In Figure 2b, the reading stand is in the opened position, wherein the reading stand is in use, enabling an item to be read, for instance a book or a data processing device, such as a tablet computer, mobile telephone, to be placed thereon. In the opened position, the reading stand is supported at an angle a with respect to the work surface, in which case the reading stand provides support for the item to be read. In the opened position of the reading stand, the screen work accessories, such as the keyboard and the mouse, covered by the reading stand in Figure 2a are out. In such a case, in addition to the arm rest and the keyboard, the element provides ergonomics for screen work also by the reading stand, which enables the text or display to be read to be set in an easily readable position. In addition, when the reading stand is in the closed position, it protects the keyboard e.g. from the user at the work surface inadvertently pushing the keyboard, which could otherwise harm the keyboard.

[0036] Figure 3 shows an element 902 and a work surface 904, according to an embodiment. The element may be an element shown in the previous . The element is shown from above and turned into a position with respect to a work surface, wherein an arm rest installed in the element resides underneath the work surface. The element is embedded in the work surface, in which case the work surface surrounds the element. In such a case, the work surface surrounds the element both in the depth direction Sp of the work surface and in the width direction Lp of the work surface. Preferably, the element is above and below free from the work surface, as in the above-described examples. A section of the work surface 906 remains between the element and the user 950 of the work surface, the dimension of the section in the depth direction being illustrated by a measurement Se in Figure 3. The element 902 may be turned into another position with respect to the work surface by fastening the element to the work surface rotatably e g. through an axis, as described in the previous examples. Since the work surface surrounds the element at the edges of the work surface in the width and depth directions, the user may lean on the work surface on every side of the element. It is to be noted that since in the embodiment of Figure 3 the work surface surrounds the element, the element may be fastened to be rotatable with respect to the work surface, e.g. through an axis, either in the width direction or the depth direction of the work surface.

[0037] Figure 4 shows an element 1102 and a work surface 1104, according to an embodiment. The element may be an element shown in the previous. The element is shown from above and turned into a position with respect to a work surface, wherein screen work accessories installed in the element reside underneath the work surface. The screen work accessories may comprise one or more of the group consisting of: an arm rest, a data processing device controller, a reading stand, and a combination thereof.

[0038] In Figure 4, the element is embedded in the work surface, in which case the work surface surrounds the element. In such a case, the work surface surrounds the element both in the depth direction Sp of the work surface and in the width direction Lp of the work surface. Preferably, the element is above and below free from the work surface, as in the above-described examples. A section of the work surface 1106 remains between the element and the user 1150 of the work surface, the dimension of the section in the depth direction being illustrated by a measurement Se in Figure 4.

[0039] In an embodiment, the section of the work surface remaining between the user and the element comprises an arm rest 1106. Preferably, the arm rest may be embedded in the work surface so that it forms a substantially uniform work top with the work surface. Thus, when the element and the screen work accessories therein have been turned underneath the work surface, the arm rest interferes as little as possible with other work to be carried out on the work surface not necessitating screen work accessories. The arm rest may be asymmetrical or symmetrical, as described above. The arm rest may also be embedded so as to protrude upwards from the work surface, in which case the height of the arm rest from the work surface may be set according to the screen work accessories used in order to achieve the best ergonomics when the screen work accessories have been turned out, onto the work surface.

[0040] The element 1102 may be turned into another position with respect to the work surface by fastening the element to the work surface rotatably e g. through an axis, as described in the previous. Since the work surface surrounds the element at the edges of the work surface in the width and depth directions, the user may lean on the work surface on every side of the element. It is to be noted that since in the embodiment of Figure 4 the work surface surrounds the element, the element may be fastened to be rotatable with respect to the work surface, e g. through an axis, either in the width direction or the depth direction of the work surface.

[0041] Figure 5 shows an element 1204 according to an embodiment, wlnich is arranged to receive screen work accessories 1224. The element may be used in work surfaces as shown in the above description. The element comprises a groove 1222 arranged to receive at least part of the screen work accessories 1224, such as the keyboard. The groove runs across the element over its entire extent or part thereof, as shown in Figure 5. The screen work accessories may cover the groove when the screen work accessories reside on the element. The bottom of the screen work accessories may be provided with a protrusion 1226, which is shown in a side profile of the screen work accessories 1224. When the screen work accessories have been placed on the element, the protrusion settles in the groove. Such a protrusion is typical e.g. in wireless keyboards, where batteries or accumulators reside in the bottom of the keyboard, thus forming a protrusion. The protrusion may also be brought out or hidden, as are e.g. legs that are commonly used in the bottoms of keyboards for computers and that may be brought out, in which case they protrude from the bottom, and hidden, in which case they do not protrude from the bottom. Preferably, the groove is directed to run in the width direction Lp of the work surface when the element is fastened to the work surface. In such a case, the protrusions typical in keyboards in particular become placed in the element such that the keyboard settles symmetrically with respect to the user of the work surface.

[0042] It is to be noted that the groove may be arranged according to the type of the protrusion. A plurality of grooves may also be provided. For instance, the element may be provided with recesses corresponding to the size and number of the legs of a keyboard.

[0043] When the screen work accessories 1224 have been placed on the element 1204, the protrusion settles itself in the groove of the element, in which case the screen work accessories can be supported more firmly on the face of the element than if the element were not provided with a groove for a protrusion. Further, the groove of the element enables keyboards in particular to be placed on the element such that the angle between the keyboard and the element is very small and even non-existent. Preferably, the depth of the groove is arranged to enable the protrusion to fit entirely in the groove when the keyboard has been placed on the element. Thus, a keyboard with a protrusion can be placed on an element directly, irrespective of the protrusion, in which case the effect of the protrusion on the position of the keyboard on the element may be eliminated and occupational ergonomics may be adapted user-specifically, irrespective of the protrusion.

[0044] It is possible to fasten the screen work accessories and the element to one another, in which case the screen work accessories may be turned together with the element when the element is turned into different positions with respect to the work surface. The fastening may be implemented using stick-on tape, for instance. The stick-on tape may be applied to a surface of the screen work accessories residing against the element, to a surface of the element residing towards the screen work accessories, or both.

[0045] In an embodiment, the groove of the element and the protrusion of the screen work accessories to be arranged therein are provided with stick-on tape. The stick-on tape may be applied in to the groove, to the protrusion, or both.

[0046] Stick-on tapes suitable for fastening the element and the screen work accessories comprise e.g. so-called textile "hook-and-loop" stick-on tapes manufactured by Velcro, for instance. Typically, such "hook-and-loop" stick-on tapes include two striplike parts to be detachably attached to one another. When the strip-like parts are pressed against one another, they become detachably attached together. Typically, the surfaces of the strip-like parts to be attached to one another comprise loops and hooks such that the hooks attach to the loops. Typically, separating the parts from one another makes a scratchy noise. The parts of the stick-on tape may be fastened fixedly e g. with glue to pieces that are to be detachably fastened to one another by means of the stick-on tape. In an embodiment, the element comprises an arm rest with a padding made out of a vegetable-oil-based foam plastic. Thus, the recyclability of the arm rest is improved.

[0047] An embodiment comprises a method of manufacturing an element for a work surface. The method comprises removing from the work surface a part from which the element is to be made. The removed part is worked up to be installed in different positions with respect to the work surface, in which positions opposite surfaces of the part are parallel to a plane determined by the work surface. To the removed part, an arm rest is also fastened. The installability of the removed part into different positions may be implemented by an axis and/or rails, for example. The axis enables the removed part to turn into different positions with respect to the work surface, in which case the arm rest enabling screen work ergonomics may be brought out when a data processing device is used on the work surface, and the arm rest can be hidden underneath the work surface when no data processing device is needed. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that as technology advances, the basic idea of the invention may be implemented in many different ways. The invention and its embodiments are thus not restricted to the above-described examples but they may vary within the scope of the claims.

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description • WQ99Q8S66A [0002] • US2003230222A1 [0003]

Claims (7)

A device comprising one or more elements (902) and a working surface (904), an element (902) comprising opposed surfaces and wherein the element (902) is arranged to be installed in a first position relative to the working surface (904). and in a second position relative to the work surface (904), in which first position and second position different opposed surfaces are out on the work surface, the element and the working surface comprising fasteners for connecting the element to the work surface and for rotating the element from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position relative to the work surface and the element comprises screen work accessories on one of the opposite surfaces, whereby in the first position of the element screen work accessories are out on the work surface (904) and in the second position of the element screenwork accessory is below the work surface (904), characterized in that the fastener is configured so that es that the opposing faces of the element are arranged on the same plane with the work surface (904) in both the first position and in the second position to form a uniform surface with the work surface, and in both the first position and in the second position surrounding the work surface (904) the element (902) in a depth direction of the work surface (904) and in a width direction of the work surface (904) and a section of the work surface (906) remain between the element and the user (950) of the work surface. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the element (1102, 1204) comprises screen work accessories (1224) comprising an armrest, such as an elbow support, a wrist support or a combined elbow and wrist support, and / or a data processing device controller, such as one or more of the group consisting of: a mouse controller and a keyboard. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the element (802) comprises a read stand (830) and one or more controllers (820) for a data processing device, wherein the read stand (830) is positionable in a closed position, where the read stand surrounds one or a plurality of controllers (820) for a data processing device, and in an opened position where the read stand enables an object to be read to be placed thereon. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element is made of a transparent material, for example glass. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screenwork accessory comprises an armrest with a padding made of a vegetable oil-based foam plastic. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (1204) comprises a groove (1222) arranged to receive one or more projections (1226) provided in a bottom of the screenwork accessory (1224), wherein the depth of the groove is arranged so that the protrusion fits perfectly into the groove when the screenwork accessory has been placed on the element (1204) and the screenwork accessory has been attached to the element by self-adhesive tape, useful in the groove. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the section (906) of the working surface (904) which remains between a user (950) and the element (902) comprises an armrest.