EP2946689B1

EP2946689B1 - A desk with vertically adjustable table top

Info

Publication number: EP2946689B1
Application number: EP15168055.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Janusz Mikolajczyk
Original assignee: Fabryka Mebli Biurowych Mikomax Sp Z Oo
Current assignee: Fabryka Mebli Biurowych Mikomax Sp Z Oo
Priority date: 2014-05-19
Filing date: 2015-05-19
Publication date: 2016-11-02
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-19
Also published as: DK2946689T3; PL408228A1; PL2946689T3; PL230295B1; EP2946689A1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to desks having a vertically adjustable table top, to be used at variable heights, in particular for seating, standing and intermediate positions of the user.

BACKGROUND

In order to improve operational ergonomics of desks, it is desirable to have an adjustable table top. This allows to adjust the working height of the table top to the height of the particular user. This also allows the user to conveniently work at the desk when seating or standing.
Various mechanisms are known to adjust the height of the table top. Hydraulic or gas actuators are known that allow to effortlessly lift the table top, but they require considerable force from the user to lower the desk position. There are also known electric motors which can be easily operated by buttons, but their operation is relatively slow. Another type of a known mechanism is a lift operated manually via a crank, which is also slow and inconvenient to use.
A desk with a vertically adjustable table top is known from a PCT application WO2011025561A1 . It comprises a counterbalance apparatus which includes an inner column telescopingly mounted in an outer column. A base member is positioned at one end of the outer column. A grooved member positioned between the inner column and the base member and a force mechanism between the grooved member and the inner column or the work surface.
A US patent US5598788 discloses a vertically adjustable desk, table or workstation has a work surface carried between a pair of leg assemblies. The leg assemblies have telescoping sleeves and a ratcheting latch mechanism operatively interconnecting the sleeves.
A US patent US3304892 discloses an arrangement in furniture which can be raised and lowered, comprising two transmission means each having at least one pulley mounted in a displaceable frame.
A Belgian patent application BE515132 discloses a desk comprising a vertically movable table top and a counterweight arrangement mounted in the frame of the desk.
There is a need for improving the currently known desks with adjustable table tops, in order to simplify the construction and make the operation easy and convenient for the user.

SUMMARY

The desk according to the invention is specified by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention is shown by means of example embodiments on a drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 shows the first embodiment as viewed from the top from a first side;
Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of detail A of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 shows the first embodiment as viewed from the top from a second side;
Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of detail B of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 shows the first embodiment as viewed from the bottom;
Fig. 6 shows an enlarged view of detail C of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 shows the first embodiment in a side view;
Fig. 8 shows an enlarged view of detail D of Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 shows a locker of a first embodiment;
Fig. 10 shows a second embodiment of the desk as viewed from the top;
Fig. 11 shows a second embodiment of the desk as viewed from the bottom;
Figs. 12|A - 12D show a locker of a second embodiment;
Fig. 13 shows a first embodiment of the counterweight arrangement.
Fig. 14 shows a second embodiment of the counterweight arrangement.
Fig. 15 shows a third embodiment of the counterweight arrangement.
Fig. 16 shows a fourth embodiment of the counterweight arrangement.
Fig. 17 shows a fifth embodiment of the counterweight arrangement.
Fig. 18 shows a sixth embodiment of the counterweight arrangement.
Fig. 19 shows a configuration of a plurality of desks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figs. 1-8 show the first embodiment of the desk according to the invention.
The desk has a frame 110 which comprises a pair of side members 111 and a back member 112. The side members 111 and the back member 112 may have a form of full walls and are made of a rigid material.
A pair of side guides 113 are fixed to the frame 110. As shown in the drawing, the side guides 113 are fixed at the sides of the back member 112 of the frame, but in alternative embodiments the side guides 113 may be fixed at the back sides of the side members 111 as well.
A table top 114 is supported by a pair of table top supports 115, fixed for example at the bottom of the back part of the table top 114, but other positions can be used as well. The supports 115 are slidable vertically along the side guides 113. They may be attached to wheel carts 116 sliding inside the side guides 113.
The desk may be a double-sided desk, as shown in this embodiment, having two table tops 114 located at opposite sides of the desk, each having its own back member 112. A top shelf 117 may be located on top of the back members 112. Alternatively, there can be a common back member 112 for both table tops (not shown in this embodiment in the drawing). Both table tops 114 may be adjustable, or only one of them may be adjustable. Alternatively, the desk can be single-sided desk, with only a single table top 114.
The desk comprises a counterweight arrangement configured to bias the weight of the table top 114 against gravity when the desk is in unlocked configuration. A counterweight 121, for example in a form of a flat plate, is coupled by at least one rope 122 guided via rollers 123 with the table top 114. As shown in this embodiment, two pairs of rollers 123 are fixed at the top of the back member 112, such that the rope 122 extends upwards from the counterweight 121 to the top of the back member, and then sidewards, and then downwards - for example, it can run within the side guides 113 and be connected to the carts 116. When the desk is in unlocked configuration, the counterweight 121 reduces the force necessary to lift the table top 114 upwards. Preferably, the counterweight 121 has a weight equal to the components to be balanced, i.e. the sum of the weight of the table top 114, the supports 115 and the carts 116, and optionally the predicted weight of equipment to be positioned at the table top. In such a case the user may easily move the table top in the unlocked configuration.
Once the table top vertical position is set to a desired level, a locking arrangement is used to set it into a locked position. The locking arrangement comprises a pair of side combs 131 fixed to the side members 111 of the frame 110. A pair of movable lockers 132 is mounted at the sides of the table top 114 and movable by at least one actuator 133. The lockers 132 can be set to a locked position, in which they fit between the teeth 134 of the side combs 131, such that their vertical movement is immobilized by the teeth 134, so as to lock the vertical position of the table top 114. The lockers 132 can be also set to an unlocked position, in which they are located in a space 135 beyond the teeth 134 so as to enable adjustment of the vertical position of the table top 114.
Fig. 9 shows an example of the movable locker 132. The locker 132 comprises a rod 141, on which a perpendicularly-extending pin 142 is fixed. At the back end of the rod 141 a spring 143 is mounted. When the locker 132 is mounted below the table top 114 at its side, the pin 142 extends beyond the side of the table top 114 and fits into the comb 131. When the rod 141 is pushed towards the back member 112 of the frame 110, the pin 142 moves with it and enters the space 135 beyond the comb, where it can move freely. Once the user stops pushing the rod 141, the spring 143 pushes it away from the back member 112, such that the pin 142 moves into the space between the comb teeth 134 (which point towards the back member 112) and is immobilized therein.
The rods 141 of both side lockers 132 can be connected by a common handle extending under the table top 114, such that the user may operate the locking arrangement with a single hand.
Figs. 10-11 show a second embodiment of the desk. It is similar to the first embodiment and differs from the first embodiment as follows.
The back member 212 has a form of a frame, not a solid wall as in the first embodiment. This makes the construction lighter. The frame can be covered by a thin cover to improve aesthetics. The side members 211 are shorter than that of the first embodiment and are supported on legs 201.
The table top of the second embodiment has the comb 231 positioned with its teeth 234 pointing away from the back member 212.
Figs. 12A-12D show the locking arrangement of the second embodiment in a side view in various positions. A pair of handles 241 is located at the bottom of the table top. The handles 241 are connected to a transverse rod 242 extending through the width of the table top. The transverse rod 242 is connected to longitudinal rods 243 mounted at the sides of the table top. On the longitudinal rods 243 there is fixed a perpendicularly-extending pin 244. At the back end of the longitudinal rod 243, opposite the handle 241, a spring 245 is mounted. When the locker 232 is mounted below the table top at its side, the pin 244 extends beyond the side of the table top and fits into the comb 231. When the handles 241 are pulled towards the front of the desk (Fig. 12A), the pin 244 moves correspondingly and enters to the space 235 of the comb, where it can move freely (Fig. 12B), so that the position of the table top can be adjusted vertically. Once the user stops pulling the handles 241 (Fig. 12C), the spring 245 pushes the longitudinal rod 243 and the pin 244 such that the pin 244 moves into the space between the comb teeth 234 and is immobilized therein (Fig. 12D).
Fig. 13 shows a first embodiment of the counterweight arrangement. It comprises a counterweight 351 to which first ends of a first rope 361 and a second rope 362 are connected. The first rope 361 is guided upwards via a roller 371, then sidewards via a roller 372 and then downwards, wherein its second end is connected to the table top (e.g. indirectly, via a cart movable in the side guide and connected to the table support). The second rope 362 is guided via rollers 373, 374 towards the second side member of the frame. The ropes operate synchronously. This is a simple embodiment requiring optimal number of components.
Fig. 14 shows a second embodiment of the counterweight arrangement. It comprises a counterweight 451 to which first ends of a first rope 461 and a third rope 463 are connected. The first tope 461 is guided upwards via a roller 471, then sidewards via a horizontally movable roller 472, then sidewards in opposite direction, wherein it is attached to the back member of the frame. The movable roller 472 is attached to a first end of a second rope 462, which is guided sidewards towards the side member of the frame via a roller 473, then downwards, wherein its second end is connected to the table top. The third rope 463 and the fourth rope 464 are guided via rollers 474, 475, 476 towards the second side member of the frame. This embodiment allows to reduce by half the weight of the counterweight as compared to the first embodiment of the counterweight arrangement.
Fig. 15 shows a third embodiment of the counterweight arrangement.
It comprises a counterweight 551, to which first ends of a first rope 561 and a second rope 562 are connected. The first rope 561 is guided upwards via a roller 571, then sidewards via a roller 572 and then downwards, wherein its second end is connected to the table top (e.g. indirectly, via a cart movable in the side guide and connected to the table support). The second rope 562 is guided via rollers 573, 574 towards the second side member of the frame. The third embodiment further comprises a spring 580. The spring 580 is attached with one end to the counterweight 551, at the side opposite with respect to the side with attachment point of ropes 561, 562. The second end of the spring 580 is attached to bottom part of the frame. The spring aids the counterweight in biasing the table top. The spring 580 allows to decrease the necessary mass of the counterweight, as compared to the embodiments without the spring 580.
Fig. 16 shows a fourth embodiment of the counterweight arrangement.
It comprises a counterweight 651 to which first ends of a first rope 661 and a second rope 662 are connected. The first rope 661 is guided upwards via a roller 671, then sidewards via a roller 672 and then downwards, wherein its second end is connected to the table top (e.g. indirectly, via a cart movable in the side guide and connected to the table support). The second rope 662 is guided via rollers 673, 674 towards the second side member of the frame. The fourth embodiment further comprises springs 680, 681. The springs 680, 681 are attached with first ends, by ropes 680a, 681 a, to the counterweight 651, at the side opposite with respect to the side with attachment point of ropes 661, 662. The second ends of springs 680, 681 are attached, by ropes 680b, 681 b, to a bottom part of the frame, wherein the frame attachment points of springs 680, 681 are distanced from each other along the bar (i.e. width) of the frame, so that the springs 680, 681 are symmetrically inclined with respect to the vertical path of movement of the counterweight 651. In other words, the attachment points of the springs are distanced sidewardly with respect to each other. The springs 680, 681 aid the counterweight in biasing the table top. The springs 680, 681 allow to decrease the necessary mass of the counterweight, as compared to the embodiments without springs 680, 681. Also, the symmetrical alignment of multiple springs enhances the stability of the counterweight during movement.
Fig. 17 shows a fifth embodiment of the counterweight arrangement.
It comprises a counterweight 751 to which first ends of a first rope 761 and a second rope 762 are connected. The first rope 761 is guided upwards via a roller 771, then sidewards via a roller 772 and then downwards, wherein its second end is connected to the table top (e.g. indirectly, via a cart movable in the side guide and connected to the table support). The second rope 762 is guided via rollers 773, 774 towards the second side member of the frame. The fifth embodiment further comprises a spring 780. The spring 780 is attached with the first end, through rope 780a, to the upper part of the frame, preferably to the top bar of the frame. To the second end of the spring 780 there is attached a first end of the third rope 780b. The third rope 780b is guided downwards via a roller 775, then sidewards via a roller 776, and then upwards, wherein its second end is connected to the counterweight 751, at the side opposite with respect to the side with attachment points of ropes 761, 762. The spring aids the counterweight in biasing the table top. The spring 780 allows to decrease the necessary mass of the counterweight, as compared to the embodiments without the spring 780. Also, such arrangement of the spring 780 and the third rope 780b allows to reduce the overall height of the desk while maintaining its functionality.
Fig. 18 shows a sixth embodiment of the counterweight arrangement.
It comprises a counterweight 851A to which first end of a first rope 861 is connected. The first rope 861 is guided upwards via a roller 871, then sidewards via a roller 872 and then downwards, wherein its second end is connected to the table top (e.g. indirectly, via a cart movable in the side guide and connected to the table support). The embodiment further comprises a counterweight 851 B to which first end of a second rope 862 is connected. The second rope 862 is guided upwards via a roller 873, then sidewards via a roller 874 and then downwards, wherein its second end is connected to the table top (e.g. indirectly, via a cart movable in the side guide and connected to the table support). Arrangements of ropes and rollers for both counterweights 851A, 851 B are symmetrical. Such design allows to split the counterweight arrangement into two independent units. The mass of the single counterweight element can thus be decreased, which may lead to lower costs of manufacturing, easier transportation and assembly, as well as less wear of the system.
Fig. 19 shows a configuration of a plurality of desks, wherein the neighboring double-sided desks (wherein one table top is at the low position and the opposite table top is at the top position)share the side members of the frame. Each side member may have combs attached at its both sides.
Various elements, such as the rope 122, the rollers 123, the counterweight 121, can be covered by a cover (not shown in the drawing) in order to improve the aesthetics of the desk.
The rope 122 can be made for example of plastic or steel, or it can have a form of a chain (in that case, the rollers 123 may have a form of gearwheels).
The desk can be an office desk designed to allow quick and easy adjustment of the vertical level of the table top. This may allow the user to adapt the level to the user's height or to a user's working position (sitting/standing). For example, the vertical position of the table top may be adjustable from 650 to1300 mm as measured from the floor level.

Claims

A desk comprising:
- a frame (110) comprising a pair of side members (111) and a
back member (112, 212);

- a pair of side guides (113) fixed to the frame (110, 210);

- a table top (114);

- a pair of table top supports (115) fixed to the table top (114) and slidable vertically along the side guides (113) so that the table (114) top is vertically adjustable;

- a counterweight arrangement, comprising a counterweight (121, 351, 451, 551, 651, 751, 851 a, 851b) coupled with the table top (114) and configured to bias the weight of the table top (114) against gravity; and

- a locking arrangement, comprising a pair of side combs (131, 231) fixed to the side members (111) of the frame (110, 210) and a pair of movable lockers (132, 232) mounted to the table top (114) at the sides of the table top (114) and movable by at least one actuator (133) mounted to the table top (114) between:
o a locked position in which the movable lockers (132, 232) fit between the teeth (134, 234) of the side combs (131, 231) so as to lock the vertical position of the table top (114); and

o an unlocked position in which the movable lockers (132, 232) are located in a space (135, 235) beyond the teeth (134, 234) of the side combs (131, 231) so as to enable adjustment of the vertical position of the table top (114); characterized in that: the counterweight (121) is coupled, by at least one rope (122) guided via rollers (123), with the table top (114).
The desk according to claim 1, wherein the counterweight (351) is connected to the first ends of a first rope (361) and a second rope (362), which are guided upwards via first rollers (371, 373), then sidewards via second rollers (372, 374), and then downwards, respectively, wherein the second ends of the first rope (361) and the second rope (362) are connected to the table top.
The desk according to claim 1, wherein the counterweight (451) is connected to the first ends of a first rope (461) and a third rope (463), which are guided upwards via first rollers (471, 474), then sidewards via horizontally movable rollers (472, 473),
and then sidewards in opposite direction, respectively, where they are attached to the back member of the frame by their second ends, and wherein the movable rollers (472, 475) are attached to the first ends of a second rope (462) and a fourth rope (464) respectively, the second rope (462) and the fourth rope (464) being guided sidewards towards the side members of the frame by second rollers (473, 476), and then downwards, respectively, wherein the second ends of the second rope (462) and the fourth rope (464) is connected to the table top.
The desk according to claim 1 or 2, wherein it further comprises a spring (580), the spring (580) being attached with the first end to the counterweight (551) and with the second end to the bottom part of the frame.
The desk according to claim 1 or 2, wherein it further comprises springs (680, 681), attached with first ends to the counterweight (651) and with the second ends to the bottom part of the frame, wherein the frame attachment points of springs (680, 681) are distanced from each other along the width of the frame, so that springs (680, 681) are symmetrically inclined with respect to the vertical path of movement of the counterweight (651).
The desk according to claim 2, wherein it further comprises a spring (780) attached with the first end the upper part of the frame, and with the second end to a first end of a third rope (780b), wherein the third rope (780b) is guided downwards via a roller (775), then sidewards via a roller (776), and then upwards, wherein its second end is connected to the counterweight (751).
The desk according to claim 1, wherein it comprises two counterweights (851 A, 851 B) symmetrically biasing the table top against the gravity.