GB2610293A

GB2610293A - A workstation device

Info

Publication number: GB2610293A
Application number: GB2210161.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mcging Patrick
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-07-14
Filing date: 2022-07-11
Publication date: 2023-03-01
Anticipated expiration: 2042-07-11
Also published as: GB202110138D0; GB202210161D0; GB2610293B

Abstract

A workstation comprises a chair 201 and a table 202. The chair has a seat, a backrest, legs and at least one arm. The table is adapted to connect to and extend from an arm of the chair. The table includes one or more supports 209 which support an end of the table distal from the arm. The table is arranged to move from a first position, proximate the seat to a second position, displaced from the seat. At least one of the arms may be pivotably attached to the chair at a first end and releasably engaged with the chair at a second end, so that it can be rotated for ease of access and egress by the user (206, fig.4). A platform for e.g. a computer mouse may be located on a second arm (214, fig.2A). The chair is foldable.

Description

A WORKSTATION DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a workstation device, in particular a device for use of computing equipment at a chair; more particular but not exclusively a compact workstation device.

Background

Increasing numbers of people are envisaged both now and in the future, in many societies, to spend a greater portion of their working lives working from home.

In many circumstances this work will involve laptops, screens, keyboards, mice and 15 similar workstations.

However in many homes there is no available space for a chair and desk or table arrangement that allows for comfortable and/or ergonomically efficient use of the screen, mouse and keyboard arrangement, particularly in a confined and adapted 20 space.

In particular such a workstation will need to be improvised, and/or potentially taking up an excessive quantity of space in a home. Alternatively or additionally a user will be consigned to using a particular area of the home, and/or have less flexibility in where 25 to work effectively.

Prior Art

CN 204 292 588 (LIN et al) discloses a novel integrated rotatable table and chair comprises a support composed of a base and a support rod vertically fixed on the centre of the base, the top of the support rod is fixedly connected with a first table top, a second table top is inserted in the middle portion of the first table top, the bottom of the support rod is sleeved with the head end of a first link mechanism, the tail end of the first link mechanism is connected with legs of a folding chair in a bolt mode, and a chair seat of a folding chair is connected with a chair back through a rotary locating mechanism.

KR 2008 0 008 433 (NAM) discloses a chair for lecture includes a seat portion, legs, a backplate, a support, a connection rod, a vertical pillar, a horizontal shaft portion, a desk plate fixing tool, a desk plate, and an armrest. The rear end portion of the 5 connection rod is connected to the support and the connection rod extends in a front direction. The vertical pillar is connected to the front end of the connection rod and extends in an upper direction. The horizontal shaft portion is connected to the upper end portion of the vertical pillar and extends in a rear direction. The desk plate fixing tool is coupled to the horizontal shaft portion to be capable of rotation in 180 degrees. 10 US 2 488 222 (MORGAN) discloses a device comprising an upright pedestal and a pair of supporting legs secured to the lower end of the pedestal, one of said legs extending in a lateral direction and the other leg extending in a rearward direction, a desk top mounted at its front on the upper end of the pedestal, an arm having one end thereof pivotally connected to the rearward end of the rearwardly extending leg and the other end thereof provided with a roller whereby said arm is swingable forwardly and 70 top, and a lock adapted to engage said hasp for rearwardly relative to the desk top, and a seat mounted on said arm.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a workstation comprising a chair and a table, the chair has a seat, a backrest, legs and at least one arm and the table is adapted to connect to the chair and arranged to extend from an arm of the chair, the table includes one or more supports which support an end of the table distal from the arm, and wherein the table is arranged to move from a first position, proximate the seat to a second position, displaced from the seat.

In some embodiments the table is arranged to move between positions using a pivot.

In some embodiments the chair is arranged to move from a usage position to a storage 35 position, wherein the storage position is substantially volumetrically reduced.

In some embodiments movement to the storage position is provided by a hinge. In this way it may be envisaged that the device may fold or collapse around such hinge. The hinge may be provided by a cloth. Preferably, the device comprises a first hinge located at or adjacent a first side of the device and extending between the seat and backrest, and a second hinge located at or adjacent a second opposed side of the device and extending between the seat and backrest. In one embodiment, the hinge is provided by at least one bracket. The or each bracket is configured to receive a portion of the backrest (for example framework forming the chair) and a portion the seat (for example framework forming the seat). The or each bracket defines a guide track located between opposing wall portions thereof. The wall portions, and guide track, being configured to enable at least a portion of the backrest and/or seat to move therethrough (i.e. by pivoting about the hinge) along a predefined path.

In some embodiments the chair may comprise tubular framework. The seat and 15 backrest may be envisaged to comprise fabric slings between such framework.

In some embodiments the seat and backrest may comprise a single fabric sling. The single fabric sling may comprise cloth tabs extending therebetween to define one or more hinge.

In some embodiments the chair may include two arms, namely a table arm and a second arm. In some such embodiments the second arm may be envisaged to be capable of movement from a usage position proximate the seat.

In this way the second arm may be capable of displacement so as to allow entrance of a user to the seat, in particular where the table is proximate the seat.

In this way the device is enabled to provide larger users with space to enter the seat, and/or enable all users to enter the seat without disturbing the table, and any contents 30 thereof.

In some embodiments the second arm may include a side table. Such side table may be envisaged to provide a lipped surface for example so as to accommodate small objects.

In some embodiments the second arm, may comprise a mouse mat or pad, for example a smooth planar section, that may be envisaged to be suited to an optical or other mouse format. The pad may allow for a more ergonomic positioning and use of a computer mouse. In some embodiments the pad may comprise a hand rest, which may include padding.

In some embodiments the side table is displaceable from the second arm, for example being hinged or clipped thereto, so as to be partially or wholly displaceable or removable according to user preference.

In some embodiments the table may include two supports.

In some embodiments the support or supports for the table are arranged to be displaceable and/or collapsible. For example in some embodiments the support or supports may be coaxially telescopic, so as to telescope upwards towards the lower face of the table, and/or the support or supports may be hinged to the table, so as to hinge upwards against the table, side or lower face. The device may comprise one or more hinges located on a lower surface of the table, the or each hinge connecting the or each support to the lower surface of the table. The hinge preferably comprises a bracket comprising a pair of spaced apart wing portion defining a guide track extending therebetween. The wing portions are positioned in order to define a guide track for pivotal movement of at least a portion of the support (for example an end of the support) about the hinge between the usage position and storage position along a predefined track.

In some embodiments the support or supports may comprise a wheel.

In some embodiments the table may comprise an extendable keyboard section. For example in some embodiments a separate for example lower level may be extended 30 out from the table to provide a keyboard section.

In some embodiments the table may comprise a screen section. In some embodiments said screen section may elevate the screen and/or elevate and/or tilt a section of the table.

For example it may be envisage that the table may be arranged to tilt in part or whole, such that a screen and/or laptop computer may be tiltable to facilitate use from the seat.

In some embodiments the table top may comprise a lip. For example such lip may be envisaged to provide a lip against which the laptop may sit when tilted for example.

In this way the device of the present invention may be envisaged to provide a combined computer desk and chair taking inspiration from a conventional deck chair, allowing for 10 a space efficient design and where arm rests and table can swivel out of the way allowing for easy access to the chair, and the device helps with the user's posture.

In this way the device of the present invention may provide a space efficient workstation for those that struggle to fit a full desk and chair.

The table may be dimensioned to accommodate larger (such as 17") laptops whilst still offering enough space around the laptop for paper and pens to be used.

The chair may be envisaged to be based on deck chair proportions where the lower 20 armrests of a deck chair help with a user's posture.

In some embodiments the table may be hinged in the middle to reduce volumetrically even more when collapsed down to allow it to sit flush to the side of the chair.

In some embodiments a fabric or mesh back is fitted to the tubular frame which may contour to a user's back, aiding in supporting them and providing comfort.

In some embodiments the frame comprises extruded and welded metal profiles wherein tubular metal creates the frame of the chair for a lightweight, but strong frame. 30 The tubular frames may be composed of steel or aluminium.

In some embodiments the table may be made from laminated MDF (medium density fibreboard) ensuring it is strong and low cost to manufacture.

The support or supports provide more stability and support when using the table.

In one embodiment, the support is provided as a U-shaped member. The U-shaped member comprises two spaced part elongate members extending from the table, preferably extending substantially parallel to each other. The two spaced elongate members are preferably adjoined by an intermediate portion to form the U-shaped member. The intermediate portion is configured to contact a ground surface. By providing the support as a U-shaped member, the device has increased stability.

The second arm and/or mouse pad may also be made from laminated MDF and may include feature padding.

In some embodiments the device may be adaptable to both left and right handed users. For example the table and sidetable may be envisaged to clip or connect to the armrests of the chair, so as to allow displacement and reversal, so as to provide a device that is ambidextrous.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1A and 1B are schematic illustrations of a front view and a side view respectively of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2A, 2B and 2C are schematic illustrations of perspective side views from above and below of the device of Figures 1A and 1B; Figures 3A and 3B are schematic illustrations of exploded views of the device of Figures 1A and 1B; Figure 4 illustrates the steps of the method of moving the device of Figures 1A and 1B from the usage position to the storage position; Figure 5 shows an isometric view of a further embodiment of the device according to 30 the present invention; Figure 6 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 5 Figure 7 shows a detail side isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 5; Figure 8 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 5 Figure 9 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 5; Figure 10 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 5, with tables removed; Figure 11 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 10; Figure 12 shows an isometric detail view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 5; and Figures 13 shows isometric views of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 5, in a collapsed position.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to Figures 1A to 4, the workstation device 200 comprises a chair 201 15 and a table 202. The table 202 is configured to be moveable, in particular pivotally moveable, relative to the chair. The table 202 is configured to be moveable in order to adjust the separation between the table 202 and the chair 201.

The chair 201 comprises a seat 203 and a backrest 204 configured to support a user thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat 203 and backrest 204 are provided by a continuous fabric material. It is however to be understood that the seat 203 and the backrest 204 may be provided as separate, distinct portions. The seat 203 and backrest 204 each comprise a tubular frame portion composed of metal, preferably steel which support the fabric material.

The chair 201 further comprises a pair of spaced apart brackets 210a, 210b. Each bracket 210a, 210b is located adjacent a side portion of the seat 203 and backrest 204 and extending therebetween.

The spaced apart brackets 210a, 210b provide a pivot about which the tubular frame portion, the seat and/or backrest may be rotated relative to each other. The brackets 210a, 210b each provide a guide track along which the tubular frame portion(s) may move during the rotation.

The chair 201 further comprises legs 205 extending outwardly from a lower surface of the seat 203. The legs 205 comprise two tubular framed portions 205a, 205b which are pivotally connected, substantially centrally, to each other to form two diagonally crossed frame parts which are moveable relative to each other (and the seat and backrest) to provide, in the usage position (or extended position) of the device, an X-shaped frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular framed portions 205a, 205b are substantially square shaped. It is however to be understood that the tubular framed portions may be substantially square shaped. The legs 205 comprise a first end configured to engage a lower surface of the seat 203 and a second opposed end configured to be supported on a contact surface (i.e. ground).

The rear of the seat 203 includes a lateral hinge with the legs 205. The front edge of the seat 203 includes a lateral catch means 211 to releasably engage one of the legs 205. VVhen the lateral catch means 211 is engaged to the legs 205, the legs 205 are maintained in the usage (or extended) position, and the lateral catch means 211 prevents any unintentional movement of the legs 205 away from this position. Wien the means 211 is disengaged, the legs 205 are moveable about the pivot from the extended position (X-shaped) to the collapsed position in which the legs extend substantially parallel to each other (i.e. fold substantially flat).

The chair 201 further comprises two arms 206, 207 located at or adjacent opposing 20 side portions of the seat 203 and backrest 204. The arms 206, 207 are configured to support arms of a user thereon. The two arms 206, 207 are configured in use (in the usage position of the device) to extend substantially parallel to each other.

The device 200 further comprises a table 202 which is configured in use On the usage position of the device) to have a first end in communication with a first arm 206 of the chair 201 and to extend in a direction towards, for example laterally, the second arm 207. In the illustrated embodiment, the table 202 is substantially L-shaped. It is however to be understood that the table 202 may be any suitable shape, such as for example elongate or arch shaped. The first end of the table 202 is configured in use to be releasably engaged with (in the illustrated embodiment clipped onto by clips 208) the first arm 206.

The table 202 further comprises a support 209 located at or adjacent the second end of the table 202 and configured in use (in the usage position of the device) to extend 35 from a lower surface thereof to be supported on a contact surface (i.e. ground).

The support 209 comprises a U shaped member. The U-shaped member comprises two spaced part elongate members 209a, 209b extending from the table 202, and extending substantially parallel to each other. The two spaced elongate members are adjoined by an intermediate portion 209c to form the U-shaped member. The intermediate portion 209c is configured in use On the usage position) to contact a ground surface.

Each free end of the elongate members 209a, 209b of the support 209 is hingeably connected to the lower surface of the table 202. The free ends of the elongate members 209a, 209b are each received within a bracket 212a, 212b defining a guidetrack 213. The guide track 213 defines a pathway along which the free end(s) of the elongate member 209a, 209b may move during rotation.

The elongate members 209a, 209b may each be telescopically adjustable. If the 15 elongate members 209a, 209b are telescopic this enables the user to effectively adjust the height of the free end of the table 202 to accommodate variations in ground level.

The device 200 further comprises a side table 214 configured in use to be releasably engageable with (in the illustrated embodiment clipped onto by clips 215 which extend over the tubular frame of) the second arm 207. It is to be understood that the location of the table 202 and side table 214 are interchangeable to accommodate a right handed or left handed user accordingly.

The side table 214 provides an elongate arm rest extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the second arm 207. The side table 214 further comprises a portion On the illustrated embodiment a circular portion) is sized to accommodate a mouse, and movement of the mouse by a user. In the usage position, a gap is provided between the side table 214 and table 202. It is however to be understood that in some embodiments, in the usage position the side table 214 and table 202 abut to form a substantially continuous surface extending therebetween.

Each arm 206, 207 is a tubular frame member configured for snapfit engagement to the frame of the chair 202. In the illustrated embodiment, a first end of the arm 206, 207 provides for snap fit engagement to the frame of the seat 203, and a second end 35 of the arm 206, 207 provides for snap fit engagement to the backrest 204. It is however to be understood that in some embodiments, the first and second ends of the arm 206, 207 may each provide for snap fit engagement to the seat 203 or backrest 204.

Each of the arms 206, 207 comprise front parts 11, which are arranged to rotate on swivels 216, so as to allow the front part of the arms 206, 207 to disengage from the seat 203 and swing out to enable easier access to the chair and/or effective disassembly of the chair. The front parts of the arms 206, 207 are arranged to clip over and onto the seat 203 at clips 217 located on the distal ends.

In use, the chair 201 is provided in the storage position (as shown in Figure 4) in which the legs 205 are positioned adjacent to and extend substantially parallel to the plane defined by the seat 203 and backrest 204 in the collapsed position.

The user disengages the legs 205 from the lateral catch means 211 so that the two 15 tubular framed portions 205a, 205b may be pivoted to the extended position (X-shaped) to provide a diagonally crossed frame supporting the seat 203 and backrest thereon.

The user moves the backrest 204 pivotally away from the seat 203.

The tubular arms 206, 207 are subsequently rotated into position and engaged, via clips 217, with the frame of the seat 203. The table 202 and side table 214 are engaged with the respective arms.

The support 209 is pivoted away from the lower surface of the table 202 along the guidetrack defined by brackets 212a, 212b (so as to extend substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the table 202) and telescopically adjusted in some embodiments, if necessary, to engage the contact surface (floor).

The table 202 and/or arms 206, 207 may be rotated by the user as and when required to aid movement of the user into and out of the chair whilst in the usage position without hinderance due to the position of the table and/or arms. Furthermore, the table 202 is configured to be moveable towards and away from the seat 203 about a pivot.

The user may then collapse the device. This may be effected (as shown in Figure 4) by pivoting and/or retracting the legs 205 relative to the table 202 so that the legs 205 extend substantially parallel to, and adjacent, the lower surface of the table 202 The user then pivots table 202 about the first arm 206. The table 202 and side table 214 are then disengaged (i.e. unclipped) from the arms 206, 207.

The arms 206, 207 are then disengaged from the seat 203 by rotation.

The lateral catch means 211 is subsequently released and the legs collapsed, via a scissor mechanism, to extend parallel to the plane defined by the seat 203. The backrest 204 is then folded towards the seat 203 to extend substantially parallel thereto.

With reference to the figures 5 to 13 there is shown an embodiment of the device according to the present invention generally showing a workstation device 100 comprising a chair 101 and a table 102, wherein the chair 101 comprises a seat 103 and backrest 104, legs 105 and two arms 106, 107. The table 102 is arranged to extend laterally from an arm 106 of the chair 101. The table 102 includes two supports109 arranged to support an end of the table 102 distal from the arm 106. The table 102 is arranged to move from a first position proximate the seat 103 to a second position substantially displaced from the seat.

In particular reference to the pictured embodiment the embodiment comprises a tubular frame comprised of a backrest frame part 121 and seat frame part 119, which are hinged together at two pivots 120, wherein the seat and backrest are provided by a fabric sling hung on this frame, in a manner known in the art of deckchairs.

The rear of the seat frame part includes a lateral hinge with the legs 105, which are provided by two diagonally crossed frame parts, with a pivot 122 on either side of the chair. The front edge of the seat frame part includes a lateral catch means 111 to engage the legs 105. When disengaged with the catch means the legs fold substantially flat.

The embodiment includes two arms 106, 107, wherein in the pictured embodiment the table 102 is clipped onto a first, lefthand arm 10 in use, and a sidetable 114 is clipped onto the righthand arm 106. The placement of tables may be swapped depending on user preference. The sidetable provides an elongate armrest and a front circular mouse pad 123 which may be displaced therefrom. The table 102 has an armrest part 124, to which is pivoted a crescent shaped tabletop, which can swing out on the pivot into the second position to allow easier access to the chair.

The tables comprise two resilient plastic clips 108 which clip over and onto the tubular arms 106, 107. The arms comprise front parts 125, which are arranged to rotate on swivels 116, so as to allow the front part of the arms to swing out and enable easier access to the chair. The front parts of the arms 125 are arranged to clip over and onto the seat frame part 119, at clips 117 located on the distal ends.

The tables may be manufactured from a veneered pine, plywood or MDF (medium density fibreboard) which is lightweight, sustainable and strong and painting or applying a veneer would protect the wood from damage and warping due to spilled liquids.

The chair seat and backrest is a flexible plastic mesh that will contour to a user's body allowing for better support and since it's mesh, allow for better breath-ability.

The supports 105 of the table 102 are bolted to the lower face of the table, and are hinged on hinges 110 so they can fold down for easy storage as well as being 25 telescopically height adjustable.

The frame of the chair is made from bent and welded metal tubing, for example steel tube. This has a high strength to weight ratio allowing for a strong, yet light product.

Both armrests and tables snap-fit to the tubular arms of the chair frame. Pins help locate these parts and prevent unwanted movement of the armrests whilst in use.

The tables can be wholly unclipped and moved out of the way as shown in Figure 6 and stored separately when not in use.

The pivot allows the table to be moved out of a sitting user's way to allow easy access in and out of the chair.

The chair collapses using a scissor mechanism for the legs below the seat, wherein 5 the scissor mechanism snap fits into plastic brackets that are internally ribbed for added strength and bolted in position to prevent them moving when under load.

The legs of the chair may be unclipped from the seat frame part and once unclipped, the scissor mechanism could then be folded together.

The tubular armrests of the chair may subsequently be unclipped, and the remainder of the frame folded down allowing for a compact storage solution, as shown in Figures 13.

Plastic covers screw over the rear hinges to prevent the rear of the seat from collapsing and can be unscrewed and moved out the way, revealing a double hinge that would let the backrest frame part collapse forward onto the seat frame part.

In use: The user would unfold the chair.

The user would sit in the chair and rotate the table and arms into position.

The user could rotate the armrest and table out to allow easy exiting of the chair.

Both the tables include internal spring pins to prevent rotation once in place or additionally or alternatively, recesses in the tubing could prevent unwanted rotation.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing 30 from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1 A workstation comprising a chair and a table, the chair has a seat, a backrest, legs and at least one arm and the table is adapted to connect to the chair and arranged to extend from an arm of the chair, the table includes one or more supports which support an end of the table distal from the arm, and wherein the table is arranged to move from a first position, proximate the seat to a second position, displaced from the seat.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the table is removable from the arm.
3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the table is arranged to connect to the arm
4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein at least part of the arm is displaceable with respect to the seat.
5. A device as claimed in claim 4, in which a first end of the arm is pivotally connected to the chair, and a second opposed end of the arm is releasably engageable with the chair.
6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the chair comprises a seat frame part and a backrest frame part.
7. A device according to claim 5 wherein the frame part includes one or more pivots or hinges which enable the frame parts to fold for storage.
8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein legs include a scissor mechanism.
9. A device according to any preceding claim comprises a side table arranged to clip onto an arm.
10. A device according to any preceding claim, in which the table comprises a first end connectable to an arm, and a second free end, and in which the device further comprises a support configured to extend from a lower surface at or adjacent the second free end of the table to engage a contact surface.
11 A device according to claim 10 wherein the support is substantially U-shaped.
12. A device as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, in which the support is telescopically adjustable.
13. A device as claimed in any of claims 10,11 and 12, in which the support is pivotally connected to the lower surface of the table.
14. A device as claimed in claim 13, in which the lower surface comprises at least one bracket, each bracket defining a guide track, and in which a free end of the support is received within the guide track and pivotally connected to the bracket.