MXPA00012060A

MXPA00012060A - Height adjustable workstation

Info

Publication number: MXPA00012060A
Application number: MXPA/A/2000/012060A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Richard Holbrook; Peter Scott Turner; Andrew J Kurrasch; Kurt Eric Porter; Karel Slovacek
Original assignee: Herman Miller Inc; Richard Holbrook; Andrew J Kurrasch; Kurt Eric Porter; Karel Slovacek; Peter Scott Turner
Priority date: 1998-06-05
Filing date: 2000-12-05
Publication date: 2001-12-04

Abstract

A workstation is disclosed which includes a vertical column adapted to be supported on a floor;a height adjustment mechanism adapted to travel up and down the height of the column and to be fixed at desired heights;and a horizontal worksurface having a rear edge and a front edge, the worksurface attached to the height adjustment mechanism so that the column is adjacent a point generally midway along the rear edge of the worksurface. The workstation preferably includes a counterbalance system.

Description

ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT WORKING STATION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of office furniture and work space systems: More particularly, the invention relates to a work station of adjustable height. In general terms, a workstation provides a place where you can work. Very often, a work station includes at least one work surface, typically horizontal, such as a desk or table. The work station may also include devices for supporting work tools such as computers, monitors, telephones and the like. Adjustable height work stations are known in the art. Some work stations have a height adjustment capacity range of a few to several centimeters so that they can serve users of different sizes on the work surface. Other work surfaces have an interval greater than 6.1 to 9.1 centimeters which allows users to make more drastic changes, mainly so they can work while sitting in a chair or while standing. This last type of work surfaces is particularly advantageous since it gives the user the flexibility to be able to work in different ways.

Of course, the mechanisms for adjusting height, which can be easily used by the occupant of the work station, have more preference than those mechanisms that require • special tools and skills. In the past, such mechanisms 5 usable by the occupant have included springs, motors and / or screws to help raise the work station. Although some workstations can be moved, they are usually not considered mobile, that is, they are not considered to be easily moved by the user. An impediment for them to be • 10 moves is that most workstations can not pass through a door, usually only 76.2 centimeters wide, without having to be disassembled. As a result, opportunities for collaboration among team members may be impeded, particularly when collaboration involves the use of computers and monitors of different members of the team.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION One aspect of the present invention is a work station including a vertical column that is adapted to be supported on a floor; a mechanism for adjusting height that is adapted so that it can travel up and down the height of the column and so that it is fixed in the desired positions; and a horizontal working surface having a trailing edge and a leading edge, the work surface being attached to the mechanism for height adjustment such that the column is adjacent to a point that is usually half the distance along the back edge of the work surface. A second aspect of the present invention is a mechanism for position adjustment to move an object from a first position to a second position that includes a work surface that supports an object and a weight counterbalance system attached to the work surface and that elevates the work surface and the object. A calibrator to calibrate the position in which a weight is attached to the weight counterbalance system. A third aspect of the present invention relates to a weight support system having a bar with a hole, a weight that is placed adjacent to the bar, and a support surface. A gauge attached to the bar to move the bar and the hole to a first position relative to the weight supporting surface. A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for calibrating a weight support system having a bar with a hole and a weight placed adjacent to the bar and having a support surface. The method includes determining whether or not the hole is obstructed by the weight. If it is determined that the hole is blocked, the bar moves relative to the weight until the hole remains unobstructed A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a work station having a vertical structure attached to the base and a work surface attached to the vertical structure . A leg is attached to the base, in a pivoting manner, in which the base includes a first latching element that engages the leg in a first position and a second latching element that engages the leg in a second position. A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to a work station having a vertical structure attached to the base and a work surface that is attached to the vertical structure. A support, which can be rotated in a pivoting manner, is attached to the vertical structure and to the work surface, in which the work surface has a first hook element that engages the support in a first position and a second element of hook that hooks the support in a second position. A seventh aspect of the present invention relates to a work station having a vertical column adapted to be supported on a floor and a mechanism for adjusting height that is adapted so that it can travel up and down the height of the floor. column and so that it is fixed in desired positions. A work surface is attached to the mechanism for height adjustment and to a brake to fix the height of the work surface by releasably engaging the vertical column. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, the work station has a range of height adjustment capacity sufficient to allow a user to work sitting on the floor, sitting on a chair and standing, as well as at any intermediate point. . This workstation also includes a counterbalance system to facilitate manual adjustment of the height of the work surface, even when loading heavy equipment on it. This mode also includes a speed limiter so that the work surface does not run very fast up or down, even if the counterbalance is not adjusted properly. One or more embodiments of the invention also include a pair of legs that support the column. These legs are pivotally attached to the column so that they can pivot pivotably between a position of use, in which the legs are out of the path of the chair or feet of a user, and a folded position in the which the legs do not project to the sides beyond the width of the column. Rolling elements are attached to these legs to facilitate the transfer of the work station. The working surface can preferably also be folded so that, when in the folded position, it does not extend appreciably beyond the width of the column. This folding capability allows the workstation to be rolled between rooms and be able to pass through the doors, preferably as narrow as 76.2 centimeters. The preferred range of height adjustment capability provides the advantage of allowing a worker to work in their most comfortable position, either standing, sitting in a chair or sitting on the floor. It has been found that collaboration around a computer monitor is made easier by supporting the monitor at a height where it is easily seen while standing. In addition, the almost infinite height adjustment capability between the low and high points allows workers of different heights to have a work surface at the optimal height for their height. Moreover, the preferred height adjustment mechanism which provides easy and quick adjustments by the user, allows the user to change between working positions without any impediment. The folding capability of one or more embodiments of the invention is not only an advantage in allowing the workstation to be switched between sites within an office. It also provides advantages when work stations are sent or stored. It should be noted that, as used in the present invention, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" are not intended to be limited to strictly horizontal or vertical orientation, but rather to orientations that are at least approximately horizontal or vertical. The present invention, together with the present objects and advantages, will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a work station according to the present invention with the work surface at the height of a chair. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the preferred workstation of Figure 1 with the work surface at a standing height. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the preferred work station of Figure 1 with the work surface at floor height. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the work station of Figure 1 with the legs, side panels and deployment panels in the folded position. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the work station of Figure 1. Figure 5a shows a weight element to be used with the workstation of Figure 1. Figure 6 is a top view of the column that is shown in FIG. will be used with the work station of figure 1 in a partial cross section. Figure 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a height adjustment mechanism that will be used with the workstation of Figure 1.

Figure 7a illustrates schematically a mode of a brake mechanism. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the underlying side of the work surface that will be used with the workstation of Fig. 1. Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of a deployment panel that will be used with the work station of figure 1. Figure 10 is a schematic view of the mechanism for angle adjustment for the deployment panel of figure 9. Figure 11 is a schematic view of the preferred speed limiter. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the interior of the speed limiter of Figure 11. Figure 13A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a workstation in accordance with the present invention that is at an elevation standing. Figure 13B is a perspective view of the workstation of Figure 13A with the work surface at floor height. Figure 13C is a perspective view of the workstation of Figure 13A in a folded position. Figure 14 shows an enlarged view of a vertical column used with the workstation of Figures 13A-C.

Figure 15 shows a main view of the vertical column of Figure 14. Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the vertical column of Figure 13 along line 16-16 of Figure 15. Figure 17 shows an enlarged view of a joining system for an extrusion that is used with the vertical column of figure 14. Figure 18 shows a side view of a brake rack used with the vertical column of figure 14. Figure 19 shows an enlarged view of a cover to be used with the vertical column of figure 14. Figure 20 shows an enlarged view of the work station of figures 13A-C. Figure 21 shows in schematic form a system of weight placement. Fig. 22 is an enlarged view of the enclosed circle area of Fig. 21. Fig. 23 shows in schematic form a first embodiment of a calibration system in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 24 shows an enlarged view of a lever used in a first position in the calibration system of Fig. 23. Fig. 25 shows an enlarged view of the enclosed circle area of Fig. 23.

Figure 26 shows an enlarged view of the lever of Figure 24 used in a second position in the calibration system of Figure 23. Figure 27 shows a partially enlarged view of a second embodiment of a calibration system in accordance with the present invention. Figure 28 shows a top perspective view of a portion of the calibration system of Figure 27. Figure 29 shows a perspective side view of the portion of the calibration system of Figure 28. Figure 30 shows a top perspective view of the calibration system of Figure 27. Figure 31 shows a view side view of the calibration system of Figure 27. Figure 32 shows an enlarged view of the mechanism for height adjustment to be used with the work station of Figures 13A-C. Figure 33 shows a cross-sectional view of a rolling element to be used with the workstation of Figures 13A-C. Figure 34 shows an enlarged view of one embodiment of a brake mechanism that will be used with the workstation of Figures 13A-C.

Figure 35 shows a side view of the brake mechanism of Figure 34. Figures 36 and 37 show schematically the operation of the brake mechanism of Figures 34 and 35. Figure 38 shows a top view of a work surface which will be used with the workstation of Figures 13A-C. Figure 39 shows an enlarged view of a base support for the workstation of Figures 13A-C. Figure 40 shows an enlarged view of either a leg or a support arm that will be used with the workstation of Figures 13A-C. Figure 41 shows a bottom perspective view of a male element used with the leg or support arm of Figure 40. Figure 42 shows a top view of either the leg or support arm of Figure 40. Figure 43 shows a side view of either the leg or support arm of Figure 40. Figure 44A shows a bottom view of either the leg or support arm of Figure 40. Figure 44B shows a cross-sectional view either of the leg or support arm of Figure 40 along the lines 44B-44B of Figure 44A.

Figure 45 shows a bottom view of a base that will be used with the workstation of Figures 13A-C. Figure 46 shows a top view of an arm that will be used with the workstation of Figures 13A-C. Figure 47 shows a side view of the arm of Figure 46. Figure 48 shows a perspective view of a fastener that engages the arm of Figures 46 and 47. Figure 49 shows a perspective view of a hook member that the arm of FIGS. 46 and 47 engages. FIG. 50 shows a front view of one embodiment of a brake mechanism in accordance with the present invention. Figure 51 shows a front view of a comb spacer used with the brake mechanism of Figure 50. Figure 52 is a front view of a mounting plate that is used with the brake mechanism of Figure 50 Fig. 53 is a front view of a brake compensator that is used with the brake mechanism of Fig. 50. Fig. 54 is an enlarged view of either a leg or a support arm to be used with the brake station. work of figures 13A-C. Figure 55A is a bottom view of the support leg or arm of Figure 54.

Fig. 55B is a cross-sectional view of the support leg or arm of Fig. 54 taken along line 55B-55B of Fig. 55A. Figure 56 is a bottom view of a base to be used with the leg of Figure 54.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Referring to the drawings, figures 1-3 show a mode of a workstation 11 with a computer monitor 13 and keyboard 15 mounted on the work surface 17. A belt is used 14 to secure the monitor 13 to the platform 73 so that it can not fall when the height of the work surface 17 is changed or when the work station 11 is moved. Figure 1 shows the work surface adjusted to an appropriate height for a user sitting in a chair. Figure 2 shows the work surface adjusted to an appropriate height for a standing user. Figure 3 shows the work surface adjusted to an appropriate height for a user sitting cross-legged on the floor. Figures 2 and 3 have the front cover 35 removed to reveal the weights 127. This wide variety of height adjustments is advantageous to allow a user to work in different positions adapted to the well-being and task of the user. In addition, supporting a computer or other deployment device at an appropriate height so that it can be seen while standing is particularly advantageous to facilitate collaboration among workers. Workstation 11 includes a vertical column 19. Preferably, the column 19 is of sufficient height to allow the work surface 17 to be raised to a point as shown in Figure 2 to allow a user to work comfortably while standing. The column 19 is at least about 127 cm high and the travel of the mechanism for height adjustment is at least about 55 cm. Most preferably, the column 19 is at least about 172 cm in height and the path of the height adjustment mechanism is at least about 100 cm. As best seen in Figures 5 and 6, the vertical column 19 is made from several parts. An aluminum extrusion 27 is included on each side of the column 19. The extrusions 27 are bolted between the base 130 and the top 120. Within each extrusion 27, a rail 25 is formed. The column 19 also includes a back panel 29 and a back tube 31. Tube 31 includes an inverted U-shaped portion on its top that can serve as a handle when moving the work station. The column further includes a front panel 35 and the guide tubes 33. As will be discussed later, the guide tubes guide the weight elements 127 of the counterbalance system. The work station 11 preferably includes the legs 45, which help to keep the column 19 in an upright position. As illustrated, the legs are preferably mounted by bolts 47 which pass through the covers 46 and are supported on the base 130. This configuration allows the legs to rotate with a pivoting action between a use position and a folded position. . In the position of use, which is shown in Figures 1-3, the legs 45 are separated from one another thus preventing them from interfering with the feet or with the user's chair. In the folded position shown in Figure 4, the legs 45 are rotated with pivoting action towards each other to allow the work station to pass through a door, preferably a 76.2 cm door. Preferably, the legs 45 and the column 19 include the rolling elements 49, 50 and 52 so that the work station can be easily moved along a floor. More preferably, the rolling elements 49, 50 and 52 are small wheels that can rotate in all directions as shown in the figures. Alternatively, the rolling elements can be wheels. At least some of the rolling elements are equipped with a conventional brake. Of course, the rolling elements must be able to roll on various types of floors and small obstacles.

The work station also includes a mechanism for height adjustment. In the illustrated embodiment, this mechanism consists of a carriage 21 (see also Figures 5-7). The carriage 21 includes four rolling elements 23, two on each side. These rolling elements 23 are adapted to roll inside the rails 25 in the aluminum extrusions 27 on both sides of the column 19. The carriage 21 preferably includes a brake mechanism that releasably fixes the work surface 17 at different heights to Jo Jaisio from column 19. The brake is shown in figures 7 and 7A. A vertical zipper 37 is attached to the column 19. A coupling element 39 includes teeth meshing with the teeth of the rack 37. The element 39 is mounted to a block 41 which is deflected by the spring 43 of the zipper 37, ensuring in this way the height of the carriage 21 along the column 19. To release the brake and adjust the height of the work surface, the block 41 with the coupling element 39 pulls back from the rack 37, for example by means of a cable operated poj "lever (not shown) .Alternative braking mechanisms can also be used.

For example, a simple clamping device mounted on the carriage could be used which is fastened on a projection of the column. In addition, a series of holes or indentations may be provided on the column with which a pin or other projection is fixed on the carriage. It can also be used in the same way to the brake mechanism of figures 34-37 and which is described later. The carriage 21 also includes a speed limiter 230 to prevent the work surface from changing height abruptly. In particular, it is desired to prevent the working surface from falling when the brake is uncoupled, especially when heavy equipment is mounted on the work surface. Moreover, as will be described later in greater detail, the work station preferably includes a counterbalance system to help lift the work surface, particularly with heavy equipment mounted thereon. Therefore, it is also desired to avoid that the work surface rises too quickly, for example if the counterbalance is adjusted for more weight than it is placed on the work surface. The preferred form of the speed limiter is shown schematically in Figure 11. The limiter includes adaptations on the left side of the carriage 21 in a semicircular cutout 231. An outer gear 233 is held in place so that its teeth engage with the zipper 37. The outer gear 233 rotates on an inner wheel 235. The inner wheel 235 includes two lugs 237 which are attached to the carriage 21 in such a way that the wheel 235 is not allowed to rotate. Arranged within the outer gear 233 and rotated therewith are two pawls 241 and 243. Each pawl pivots on the central bearing 244. The pawl 241 is deflected by the spring 245 and the pawl 243 is deflected by the spring 247. in such a way that it puts the ends away from the teeth 236 of the inner wheel 235. However, as the angular velocity of the gear 233 increases, the centripetal force acts against the springs and the ends of the pawls are oscillated until which come into contact with the teeth 236, whereby the rotation of the gear 233 is stopped and the carriage 21 is stopped moving. Preferably, the brake 230 is configured to prevent the work station from moving at a higher speed than 1.21 meters per second up or down. A fastener 35 supporting the work surface 17 is attached to the carriage 21. Specifically, the fastener 35 includes a lower plate 68 and the flanges 69 which cooperate to support the section 61 of the center of the work surface. More specifically, the arrangement is designed in such a way that the central section 61 can slide on the fastener to thereby allow the user to adjust the depth of the section 61. The fastener 35 is configured to support a raised platform 73 on top of the fastener (see figure 7). The platform 73 is configured in such a way that it can be adjusted in both height and depth. As shown, this is most preferably accomplished by providing a series of front holes 76 and rear holes 74 in the platform 73. The bolts or pins are inserted through the front holes 36 on the fastener 35 and into one of the holes. front holes 76 in the platform 73. Likewise, the pins or pins are inserted through the rear holes 34 and in one of the rear holes 74 in the platform 73. In this way, the height, the depth can be adjusted , and even the angle of the platform 73 relative to the rest of the work surface 17. As shown in Figures 1-3, this platform preferably supports a computer monitor. Alternatively, the platform can be elaborated with sufficient length to hold two or more computer monitors. The belts 14 are preferably included to secure the monitors or other equipment to the platform 73. The fastener 35 also includes two hinges 71. The right side 63 and left side 65 of the work surface 17 are attached to the hinges 71. As a result, the sides 63 and 65 can be moved between a horizontal position (see FIGS. 1-3) to a folded or vertical position (see FIG. figure 4) thereby allowing the work station to pass more easily through a door. As illustrated in Fig. 4, it is preferred to fold the sides 63 and 65 downwards. Alternatively, the sides can be folded up. Even as an alternative, the sides can be made to pivot horizontally such that they pivot to a retracted position. In addition, the sides can be made to be easily detachable and reattached in such a way as to provide folding capability so that the work station can pass through the doors.

The perspective view of Figure 8 from below of the work surface 17 shows a method for supporting the sides 63 and 65. In particular, arms 81 and 83 are provided that can rotate with pivoting action to support the sides 63 and 65 respectively. The retaining clips 85 and 87 are mounted to the bottom of the sides 63 and 65 to hold the arms 81 and 83 in place. To fold down the sides 63 and 65, the arms 85 and 87 are released from the fasteners 85 and 87 and rotated with pivoting action towards each other so that they are below the center section 61. The plates support 89 and 91 are attached to the sides 63 and 65. These plates serve to support the central section 61, in particular as it slides in and out of the fastener 35. The work station also includes deployment panels 101 and 103 which are supported above the work surface 17 and are adapted to move up and down with the work surface. These panels 101 and 103 are preferably equipped with fasteners 201 or the like to hold papers or other objects for the user of the work station. The deployment panels are supported on the bent bars 105 and 107. Most preferably, the deployment panels are attached to the bars so that they can rotate with pivoting action so that they can be adjusted between a vertical position and a position. horizontal, and so that they can be adjusted between a position of use (see figures 1-3) and a folded position (see figure 4). As shown in Fig. 10, this is preferably achieved with a swivel ball adjustment pad 104 which includes a series of spinning and non-rotating washers 211, 213, 217, 219, and 221 which work with the End point 209, ball body 215 and adjusting screw 223 to provide adjustment and locking of the deployment panel in the desired orientation. The work station also includes the lights 122 and 124 mounted so that they can move up and down with the work surface 17. Preferably, these lights are mounted to the deployment panels 101 and 103. Still another equipment for the The user can also be mounted to the workstation, such as a telephone or audio speakers. Although the monitor 13 is preferably mounted on the platform 73 and the keyboard 15 is preferably supported on the central section 61 of the work surface 17, the CPU of a computer can be mounted over several locations. For example, the CPU can rest on the platform 73 and below the monitor 13. Alternatively, the CPU can be mounted on the underlying side of the work surface or on a ledge or flange attached to the side of the column 19. another way, the CPU can be supported on a separate mobile platform or platform. The workstation includes a counterbalance mechanism so that it is not difficult to raise the work surface 17 manually, even when heavy equipment is mounted, such as a 21"(53 cm) monitor on it The preferred counterbalance mechanism includes weights, a cable and pulleys Specifically, a cable 115 is attached to one end of the carriage 21 on the upper right side 111 and is attached to the other end of the carriage on the upper left side 113. This cable passes over the upper pulleys 117 and 119 and below the pulley for the weights 121. Accordingly, as the working surface is lowered, the pulley for the weight is lifted and vice versa The weight pulley 121 is attached to the bar 123 which includes a column of holes 125. A plurality of weight elements 127 and 128 are provided with a hole 126 in the middle through which the bar 123 passes (see Figure 5a) The weight members are configured to slide within the column Specifically, a semicircular slot 128 is provided on both sides of each weight element 127. Guide tubes 33 are configured to fit within these slots 128. More preferably, a bushing is included within the slot 128 to reduce friction. Each weight member 127 also includes a slot 132 for receiving the pin 129. Specifically, the pin 129 is inserted through one of the holes 125 in the bar 123 such that the number of weight elements can be selected. which will rise when the bar 123 rises. In this way, the user can easily adjust the amount of weight applied by the counterbalance. A rubber pad 128 is preferably placed on the base 130 so that the weight elements 127 contact the pad 128 when they are fully lowered. The counterbalance system includes twenty elements 127, each of which weighs approximately 3.26 kg. Some of the most preferred eight weight elements are permanently fixed to the bar 123 such that the cable is at constant tension, even when the pin 129 is removed from the bar. Alternate counterbalance systems can also be used.

For example, you can use weights filled with water that are adjusted by the amount of water used. In addition, an adjustable tension or compression spring system can be used. Although the mechanism for adjusting height is manually operated, it can also be motorized by conventional means such as a rotating impeller by screw or chain. In Figures 13-47 a second mode for a workstation is shown. As shown in Figures 13-15, the work station 300 includes a vertical structure such as the vertical column 302 which is attached to a base 304 and an upper part 306. The vertical column 302 acts as a support for a pair of vertical rails 308 and a pair of brake racks 310. As shown in Figures 14-17, each of the vertical racks 308 is formed from an aluminum extrusion 312 which is bolted to the base 304 and the upper part 306. The lower portion of each extrusion 312 is attached to the upper part of the base 304 by three screws or bolts and nuts (not shown). As shown in Fig. 17, a connecting piece having an inverted L-shape 314 is attached to the lower portion of the extrusion 312 by a plate 316 having a pair of openings 318 that are aligned with the corresponding openings of the extrusion 312 and the connecting piece 314 so that a pair of screws 319 (the screw for the extrusion 312 not shown) can be inserted into the aligned openings. Each extrusion 312 is attached to the upper portion 306 by three screws or by bolts and nuts 320. As shown in Figs. 14-16, the extrusions 312 act as a frame for attaching the rear panel 322 thereto. In particular, the rear panel 322 has a plurality of openings 324 that align with the corresponding openings in the extrusions 312 in such a way that the screws can be inserted from one side to the other thereof. Before inserting the screws, a pair of vertical racks 310 have their openings 326 aligned with the aligned openings of the extrusions 312 and the rear panel 322 so that the screws join the three elements together. To provide additional structural support for work station 300 and vertical column 302, a pair of tubes 330 a and extend between base 304 and top 306 are joined. The free upper end of each tube 330 is inserted by screwing in a threaded opening formed in a corresponding extension 336. Likewise, the free lower end of each tube 330 is inserted by screwing into a threaded opening 338 formed in the rear portion of the base 304. The foam tubes 334 are inserted on the upper portions of the tubes 330 so that the tubes 334 and the upper portions of the tubes 330 can be used as han to move the work station 300 from one place to another. Within the vertical column 302, a position adjustment mechanism is mounted to move an object, such as a work surface 336, from a first vertical position to a second vertical position. The position adjustment mechanism of preference is a weight counterbalance system 339. As shown in Figures 13-15 and 19-20, the weight counterbalance system 339 includes a pair of pulleys 340, rotating on top 306 by a pair of shafts 500 having two ends supported in a slot 502 and a center section supported by a bearing 504 located within the pulley. The pulleys are hidden by plastic covers or caps 506 having tabs 508 that couple the walls of the slot 502. The left pulley 304 supports a cable 344 having a free end adhered to a pin inserted through the opening 346 located in the left part of the posterior portion of the carriage 348 while the other free end of the cable 344 is adhered to the left pin 350 of the bar holder 352. The right pulley 342 supports a second cable 344 having a free end attached to a pin which is inserted through an opening 346 located to the right of the rear portion of the carriage 348 while the other free end is attached to the right pin 350 of the bar holder 352. Note that the free ends of the cables 344 preferably have drop-shaped washers (not shown) attached thereto so as to provide an opening for engaging the pins described above. As shown in figures 27-29, the bar fastener 352 is attached to a vertical bar 360 having one or more holes 362 that are used to support one or more weights 364. Like the weight elements 127 and 128 of FIGS. 1-12, the weights 364 are provided with a hole 365 in the middle portion through which bar 360 passes so that it is adjacent to the weight elements. The weight members 364 are configured to slide within the column. Specifically, a slot 367 is provided on both sides of each weight member 364. The free ends 329 of the racks 310 are configured to fit within these slots 367. More preferably, a plastic bushing 328 is included. inside slot 367 to reduce friction. Preferably one or more rubber pads 369 are placed on the base 304 so that the weight members 364 contact the pad or pads 369 when they are fully lowered. The counterbalance system includes a plurality of weight elements 364, each of which weighs approximately 3.3 kg. The total number of weight elements 364 is equal to the counterbalancing number of the anticipated maximum equipment weight will be placed on work surface 336. Therefore, as many as 20 weight elements 364 can be used in the counterbalance system. Some of the weight elements can be permanently fixed to the bar 360 so that the cable 344 is in constant tension, even when the pin 368 is removed from the bar 360. To understand the problems encountered by a variety of systems Overall weight counterbalance, the reader's attention is drawn to Figures 21 and 22 which schematically show how a typical weight counterbalancing system could work on work surface 336, bar 360 and weights 364 of the present invention. In such a system, the bar 360 is tilted upwards due to the front loading generated by the work surface 336 and the objects 413, 429 on it and the weights 364 are tilted down due to gravity. The opposing inclinations can create a misalignment between the holes of the bar 360 and the weights 364 and could create a cutting force on the pin 368 so that it is difficult to remove and replace it. As shown schematically in Figures 23-26, the present invention counteracts the above-described disadvantage by using a gauge, such as a cam mechanism similar to cam lever 366, to adjust the length of cable 344 to be calibrated the position of a weight so that the weight can be attached to the weight counterbalance system. The lever 366 provides the additional advantage that it acts as a safety device that reduces the possibility of the pin 368 being removed when the weights 364 are not in their lowest position and prevents unintentional removal of the pin 368 by hiding the pin. 368 when it is in the resting position. During operation, the user first determines the number n of weights 364 to be supported on the bar 360 so that he can easily move the work surface 336 and any of the objects on it. The user then lifts the lever 366 upwards so as to discover the holes 362 initially hidden by the lever 366. The user then determines whether a hole 362 associated with the nth weight as counted from above is or is not obstructed. for the nth weight. If it is determined that the associated hole is obstructed by the nth weight, then the lever with cams 366 is rotated pivotably from a vertical direction upwards causing the bar 360 to move down relative to the weights 364. The pivoting rotation of the lever 366 is stopped when the hole associated with the nth weight remains unobstructed. In this point, a pin 368 is inserted into the non-obstructed hole associated with the nth weight so that a slot 370 of the nth weight 364 rests on the pin 368. As shown schematically in Figures 23-26, one embodiment of the present invention has the cable 344 attached at a point A of the cam portion 372 of the lever 366. The cam portion 372 has an arcuate slot 374 that receives a pin 376 attached to the top of the bar 360 The rotation of the lever 366 upwards increases the distance from the point A towards the pin 376 and, in this way, lowers the bar 360 relative to the point A. The rotation of the lever 366 acts in effect as if the cable 344 would have been stretched. In Figs. 20 and 27-29 there is shown another embodiment of the present invention which allows the bar 360 to be calibrated and moved relative to the weights 364. The embodiment of Figs. 20 and 27-29 differs from that of Figs. -12 in the sense that the two cables 344 passing over the pulleys 340 and 342 are attached to the pins 350 of the right and left cable of the fastener 352. The fastener 352 is made from a pair of parallel plates 384 between the which is inserted, and attached thereto, a preloading fastener 386 that has an inverted T-shape and is joined thereto by a central pin 388. The pins 350 can pivot around the pin 388 in order to create a compensation for those cases in which one of the two cables 344 is longer than the other. The fastener 386 has a pair of lugs 389 which have openings 390 for receiving a pin 392 with its bushing 394. The pin 392 and the bushing 394 are inserted through an opening 374 in the cam lever 366 before being attached to the bushing. the ears 389. Once assembled, the lever 366 can rotate pivotally around the pin 392. Like the cam lever 366 of Figures 24 and 26, the cam lever 366 of Figures 27-31 has a portion with cam 372 with an arched slot 374. Slot 374 cooperates with a restriction pin 398 and its bushing 400 which are inserted through openings 402 formed in a pair of lugs 404 formed as one piece with rod 360. bar 360 is attached to fastener 386, in slidable form, by inserting a pair of pins 512 through corresponding oblong holes 406 formed in the upper part of bar 360 and circular holes 513 formed in fastener 386. Each of the holes 406 it has a length that allows the pins 512 to move at a distance of about 0.95 cm while they are in the holes 406. As shown in Figures 20 and 27-31, the fasteners 382, 386 and the lever 366 are housed between two preloading weights 408 and 410 which are joined to each other by a pair of bolts 412 which are inserted in the openings formed in the preloading weight 408, the openings 414 formed in the fastener 386 and the threaded openings formed in the weighs 410 rear of previous load. The operation of the calibration system of Figures 20 and 27-31 is similar to that of the system described above with respect to the calibration system of Figures 21 and 22. One difference is the use of load weights 408 and 410 previous. It is anticipated that when the work station 300 is initially unloaded from its packaging, the bar 360 will not be attached to any of the weights 364. This could cause an imbalance, if the preloading weights 408 and 410 were absent, in the sense that there could be a load on one end of the cables 344 produced by the work surface 366 and its movable assembly as long as no counterbalance load is present at the other ends of the cables 344. The preload weights 408 and 410 solve this problem by being permanently attached to the other ends of the cables 344 and having a combined weight of approximately 13.5 kg that serves as a counterbalance to the load generated by the work surface and its mobile assembly. If the total weight of the pre-load weights 408 and 410 is below the amount necessary to counterbalance the load, then one or more of the weights 364 may be permanently attached to the bar 360 so as to provide the extra weight necessary to counterbalance the load. After the work station 300 has been placed, the user determines the number n of weights 364 that will be supported on the bar 360 so that he can easily move the work surface 336 and any of the objects 413 thereon. Thereafter, the user removes the lower front cover 510 so as to discover the holes 362 and determine whether a hole 362 associated with the nth weight, as counted from above, is or is not obstructed by the nth weight. . If it is determined that the associated hole is obstructed by the nth weight, then a hand-pulling hook 514 pivotally attached to the lever 366 is held so that the cam lever 366 pivots from a vertical direction toward above. The upward pivoting rotation causes the bar 360 to move down relative to the weights 364. The bar 360 moves downward because the rotation of the slot restricts the pin to move downward. Because the pin 398 is indirectly attached to the cables 344, the downward movement of the pin 398 and the bar 360 is allowed because the lengths of the cables 344 are stretched by the upward movement of the lever 366. The pivoting rotation of lever 366 stops when the hole associated with the nth weight remains unobstructed. At this point, a pin 368 is inserted into the unobstructed hole associated with the nth weight so that a slot 370 of the nth weight 364 rests on the pin 368. Note that the lower front cover 510 is made of material of plastic and has a plurality of vertical tabs on each side which engage the slots 511 formed in the brake rack 310 (see Figure 18). The upper edge of the lower front cover 510 has an indentation for receiving a lower side of an upper front cover 513. The upper front cover 513 has vertical tabs similar to those of the lower front cover 510 which engage with the upper slots 511 of the brake rack 310. In another embodiment, the front cover can be made in one piece in which a lower slot 508 is formed which allows the lever 366 to rotate pivotally from one side to the other thereof. Once the pin 368 has been inserted into the unobstructed hole, the lever 366 is pivotally rotated towards the vertical position shown in FIGS. 20, 28 and 29 so as to keep, without disturbing, the lever 366 in FIG. the front slots 371 formed in the weights 364 and allow the lower front cover 510 to be reattached. The user then holds the work surface 366 and moves it to a desired vertical position so that the work surface 366 is lowered, the bar 360 and the attached weight elements are raised and vice versa. As with the work station of Figures 1-12, workstation 300 provides infinite vertical height adjustment capability which offers the advantage of allowing a user to work in their most comfortable position, whether standing , sitting on a chair or sitting on the floor. Preferably, the column 312 has sufficient height to allow the work surface 336 to be raised to a point similar to that shown in Figure 2 which allows a user to work comfortably while standing. Preferably, the column 302 is at least about 127 cm in height and the path of the height adjustment mechanism is at least about 55 cm. More preferably, the column 302 is at least about 172 cm in height and the path of the height adjustment mechanism is at least about 100 cm. Note that although the mechanism for height adjustment is manually operated, this can also be motorized by conventional means such as a screw that is rotated or a chain drive mechanism.

Note that alternative counterbalance systems can also be used. For example, the cable may be attached directly to the weight elements instead of being indirectly bonded as described above. In another example, weights filled with water can be used and adjusted by the amount of water used. In addition, a compression spring or adjustable tension system could be used. Work surface 336 moves vertically by means of a height adjustment mechanism that is similar to the mechanism used for the work surface of Figures 1-12. In particular, the mechanism for height adjustment of Figures 13, 20 and 32 includes a carriage 400 of die-cast aluminum having the same dimensions as the carriage 21 of the work station of Figures 1-12. Like the carriage 21, the carriage 348 includes four rolling elements 402, two on each side which are rotatably connected to the carriage 348 by the shaft 516, the ball bearing 518 and the ring 520 in a well-known manner. Each of the rolling elements 402 is adapted to move within, and along, the rails 308 of the extrusions 312. As shown in Figures 32 and 33, each of the rolling elements 402 has an opening central and a diamond-like shape so that the centering of the rolling elements 402 in the rails 308 is improved. The rolling elements are preferably made from hard plastic material.

The carriage 348 preferably includes a brake mechanism for releasably securing the work surface 336 to different heights along the column 302. The preferred form of the brake mechanism is shown in Figures 32 and 34-35. . In particular, the brake mechanism includes the pair of vertical racks 310 which have rectangular grooves 404 spaced equidistantly apart (see Figure 18). The brake mechanism also includes a pair of latch members 406 that are mounted within the depressions of the corresponding blocks 408, attached to the opposite sides of the carriage 348 by bolts (not shown) inserted through the openings 409 of the carriage 348. and the openings 411 of the block 408. Each of the hooking elements 406 includes one or more male hooking elements 417 that are inclined by means of a spring 410 towards the slots 404 so that each element 416 is inserted into a slot 404 One end of the spring 410 is attached to the edges of an opening 602 of the hook member 406 while the other end of the spring is attached to the edges of the opening 604 of the blocks 408. When the elements 417 are inserted into the slots. 404, the carriage 348 engages a certain height along the column 302. In the engaged position, a pair of lugs 606 of the hook member 406 engage the edges 608 of the lugs 606. depressions 610 formed in block 408. The ears 606 and depressions 610 may be in parallel with each other (Figure 34) or displaced from each other (Figure 35).

To release the brake mechanism and adjust the height of the work surface 336, the male latch members 416 are pulled back from the slots 404 by the wires actuated by the lever 415 which are associated with the latch members 406. A end of a cable 415 is inserted through an opening 612 in the block 408 and is joined to the edges of the opening 614 of the engaging element 406. The cables 415 are controlled in a well-known manner by the corresponding pedals (not shown). ) mounted on the bottom of the central section 418. Alternative braking mechanisms can also be used.

For example, the brake mechanisms of Figures 7 and 7a can be used to replace each of the brake mechanisms of Figures 34-37. Another possibility is to use the brake mechanism in combination with a speed limiter 230, previously described, in order to prevent the work surface from changing height suddenly. In Figures 50-53 another possibility for a brake mechanism is still shown. The brake mechanism is similar to that described above with respect to Figures 34-37 in the sense that the brake mechanism 700 has one or more latching elements 702 having one or more male elements 704 that engage in shape. selective in the rectangular slots 404 of the vertical zippers 310. As shown in Fig. 50, a latching element 702 is mounted within an area 706 bounded by a pair of comb spacers 708 (Fig. 51) joined by welding a mounting plate 710 (figure 52). The comb spacers 708, have openings 711 that are aligned with the corresponding openings 713 of the mounting plate 710. The bolts are inserted into the aligned openings 711 and 713 so as to attach the braking mechanism 700 to the carriage 348 in a similar to the joining of the brake mechanism of Figures 34-37 with the carriage 348. The engagement element 702 has a pair of lugs 712 that are inserted into the depressions 714 of the area 706. The ears 712 and the depressions 714 control the translation movement of the engaging elements 702 in a manner similar to that of the ears 606 and the depressions 610 of the brake mechanism of Figures 34-37. In addition to controlling the translation movement, the braking mechanism 700 controls the pivoting movement of the engaging member 702 by means of a depression 716 formed in the engaging member 702 and a pair of brake compensators 718 (the lower brake compensator not shown) that are mirror images of each other (figure 53). As shown in Figure 50, the brake compensators 718 are pivotally attached to the mounting plate 710 by a pin 720 and a spring 722 attached at point A of the brake compensator 718 and at point B of the plate. 710. The ears 712 have a length of approximately 0.3 cm and the depressions 714 have a length of approximately 0.16 cm and a depth of approximately 0.57 cm. The depression 716 has a length of approximately 1.29 cm and a depth of approximately 0.12 cm. The spring 722 has a natural length of approximately 2.54 cm and a spring constant of approximately 19.56 kg / cm. During operation, when the male elements 704 are inserted into the slots 404 and the front load on the work surface 336 is greater than the load of the weights 364, the carriage 348 will tend to move downwardly. The downward movement causes the latch member 702 to pivot upwardly around the upper protrusion 724 so that the male elements 704 remain unbalanced in the sense that they are no longer centered within the slots 404. The rotation pivoting of the latching element 702 causes the latch member 702 to push up against the surface 726 of the brake compensator 718 resisting the upward thrust by the spring 722. Therefore, if the difference in front load and weights 364 is not very large (less than 7,395 kg), then the spring 722 prevents the depression 716 from rising to a distance sufficient to insert the surface 728 of the upper comb-type spacer 708 into the depression 716. In such case, the male elements 704 may be removed from the slots 404 by the lever-actuated cables 415 and by the pedals even if the latch member 702 is unbalanced. In case the front load exceeds the weight of the weights 364 by more than 7,395 kg, then the nominal force on the latching element 702 overcomes the downward deflection of the spring 722 and the surface 728 enters the depression 716. In this way , the hook element 702 and the male elements 704 are prevented from being removed from the slots 404. In the case where the weights 364 exceed the weight of the front load on the work surface 336, then the engaging member 702 is pivoted downwardly around the lower protrusion 730 in such a manner that the lower brake compensator 718 acts on the engaging member 702 in the same way as the upper brake compensator operates 718, as described above. In summary, it is said that the braking mechanism is intelligent in the sense that it can automatically engage the grooves 404 releasably based on the at of weight supported by the work surface 336 and the total at of weights 364 on the system. of counterbalance. As shown in Figures 20 and 32, a fastener made of die-cast aluminum 412 is attached to the carriage 348 which supports the work surface 336 thereon by the angled fasteners 419 located on the side flanges of the fastener 412. The fastener 412 is attached to the carriage 348 by six screws (not shown) inserted with the aligned holes 522 and 524 of the fastener 412 and the carriage 448 and with three nut plates 526. Like the fastener 35 of FIGS. 1-12, the fastener 412 includes a lower plate 414 and the flanges 416 cooperating to support the central section 418 of the work surface 336. Specifically, the arrangement is designed so that the central section 418 can slide in the fastener 412 thereby the user is allowed to adjust the depth of section 418. Notice that the work surface • 336 and the central section 418 may have a variety of shapes as shown in Figure 33 and may be made from a variety of durable materials such as steel, aluminum or a mixed wood / plastic board material. agglomerate and HTPL. The work surface 1 336 can have a front edge that is made of plastic. The fastener 412 is preferably configured to support ^ 10 a raised platform 420 above the fastener 412. The platform 420 has a structure similar to that of the platform 73 of Figs. 1-12 and is preferably configured so that it can be adjusted with respect to height and depth. As shown, this is most preferably accomplished by providing a series of front holes 422 and holes rear 424 on the platform 420. The bolts or pins are inserted through the front holes 426 in the fastener 412 and one of the front holes 422 in the platform 420. In the same way, the pins or pins are inserted through the the rear holes 428 in the fastener 412 and one * of the rear holes 424 on platform 420. In this way, the The depth of the height, and even the angle of the platform 420, can be adjusted relative to the rest of the work surface 336. A work surface 600, such as that shown in figure 38 and of similar structure to that of work surface 336 may be attached to the upper part of platform 420. In the manner described above with respect to the work station of Figures 1-12, platform 420 preferably supports a computer monitor and / or a keypad 429. Alternatively, the platform 420 can be made large enough to hold two or more computer monitors. Straps such as belts 14 may be included to secure monitors or other equipment to platform 420. The foregoing description shows how the invention of Figures 13-38 provides a work station 300 that can easily adjust the position of a 336 work surface through a wide range of positions. Workstation 300 also provides the advantage of being able to be compressed and folded so that it can be easily changed from one room to another. The structure that provides the advantage is discussed later. As shown in Figures 14-15 and 20, the base 304 has four rolling elements 430 attached to the four corners of the base 304. The base 304 also has two identical, generally horizontal legs 432, 434, pivotally attached to the legs. two front corners of the base. As shown in Figure 39, the axes 436 of the front rolling elements 430 are inserted through the washers 526 and the front openings 438 of the base 304 and are inserted into the lower rear openings 440 of the legs 432, 434. In addition, the pins 441 are inserted through the openings 443 of the L-shaped elements 314 and the front openings 438 of the base 304. The legs 432 and 434 pivotally rotate about the axes 436 between a position of use and a folded position. In the position of use, similar to that shown in Figures 1-3, the legs 432 and 434 will be separated from one another thus preventing them from interfering with the feet or the user's chair. In the folded position, similar to that shown in Figure 4, the legs 432 and 434 are rotated pivotably towards each other to allow the work station 300 to pass through a door, preferably a door of 76.2 cm. The legs 432, 434 include the rolling elements 442 so that in combination with the rolling elements 430 of the base, the work station 300 can be easily moved along a floor. More preferably, the rolling elements 430 and 442 are small wheels that can rotate in all directions. Alternatively, the rolling elements can be wheels. Preferably, at least some of the rolling elements are equipped with a conventional brake. Of course, the rolling elements must be capable of rolling over various types of floors and small obstacles. The legs 432 and 434 are locked either in the use position or in the folded position by a lever 444 which is pivotally attached to a male element 446 by a lifting bar 528 and a pin 530. The lifting bar 528 is inserted through an opening 531 that extends through the leg and inserts and joins within an opening 532 of the male element 446 by a pair of fasteners 434 that are inserted into the slots 536 which are placed above and by under the male element 446. The male element 446 is deflected downward by a spring 538 which is housed in an opening 540 of the leg and centered around a projection 542 on the upper part of the male element 446. The vertical movement of the male element 446 is secured by a guide bar 544 that moves within an opening 546 of the leg. The guide bar 544 is joined within a second opening 548 of the male element 446 by the fasteners 550 and the slots 552 in a manner similar to the attachment of the fasteners 534 and the slots 536. Raising the lever 444 causes the element male 446 is raised in the leg housing and when the lever 444 is lowered, the male element 443 is brought down below the leg housing. During operation, legs 432 and 434 are placed on a first pair of latching elements associated with the position of use, such as openings 448 formed in base 302. In the position of use, levers 444 of legs 430 and 442 are lowered which causes the male elements 446 to enter the openings 448 and lock the legs in the position of use. By locking the legs in the use position, the stability of the work station 300 is improved during use. If the legs 432 and 434 are to be moved to the folded position, the levers 444 are pivoted upwardly pivotably so that the male elements 446 are lifted out of the openings 448. The legs 432 and 434 are rotated in shape pivoting inwards on the projections 450 and placed on a second pair of latching elements associated with the folded position, such as the openings 452 formed in the base 302. Once they are placed in the folded position, the levers are lowered 444 so that the male elements 446 are inserted into the openings 452 in such a way that they lock the legs in the folded position. Locking the legs in the folded position helps prevent accidental movement and wobbling of the legs during the translation movement of the work station. In Figs. 54-56 another way of locking the legs 432 and 434 is shown. As shown in Fig. 56, a pair of metal plates 800 (only one is shown) is attached to the underlying side of the base 304 by bolts inserted through the openings 802. The metal plate 800 has a pair of openings 804 and 806 that extend beyond the edge of the base 304. The openings 804 and 806 function similarly to the openings 448 and 452, respectively, in the sense that they provide openings for a male element to pass from one side to another thereof when the legs are to be placed and locked in the use and folding positions. One embodiment of a male member is the vertically moving bar 808 shown in FIG. 54. The bar 808 is attached to an arm 810 that pivots pivotably by a pin 812. The rotary arm 810 is placed within a longitudinal groove 812 formed in each leg 432, 434 so as to extend end to end along the length of the leg in which the round end 814 is positioned closer to the center of the leg than to the cam end 816. As shown in figure 54, the cam end 816 of the pivot arm 810 has an opening 818 for receiving the pin 812 so as to attach the bar 808 thereto. The cam end 816 also has a curved or cammed surface 818 that faces downward and has a length of about 1/4 inch and a depth of about 1/4 inch. The pivoting arm 810 is trapped within the groove 812 by the metal fastener 820 which is attached to the underlying side of the legs 432, 434 by four shoulder bolts 822 which are inserted through the corresponding fastener grooves 824 and the openings hooks 826 formed in the lower part of the leg. Likewise, the washers 828 and the spacers 830 [true?] Are used to also join the bolts 822. The bolts 822 and the slots 824 allow the fastener 820 to move along the bottom surface of the leg 432, 434 Once the fastener 820 is attached, a rolling element or bushing 832 of the fastener 820 comes into contact with the cammed surface 818. In addition, a spring (not shown) is inserted into a leg opening 834 so as to enter the contact with the upper edge of the pivoting arm 810 so that it deflects the arm 810 downwards and towards the lower part of the leg 432, 434. During operation, the legs 432 and 434 are placed on a first pair of engaging elements associated with the position of use, such as the openings 804 formed in the base 304. In the position of use, the fastener 820 is made to slide toward the opening 804 (on the left as shown in Figure 83) so that the bushing 832 hook the portion of the cammed surface 818 that is closer to the end 816. In this position, the spring pushes the bar 808 downwardly so that its beveled end 836 is inserted into the opening 804. If the legs 432 and 434 are to be moved to the folded position, the fastener 820 is slid away from the opening 804 so that the bushing 832 moves on the cammed surface 818 which causes the pivoting arm 810 to pivot about the end 814 so that the arm 810 and the bar 808 overcomes the spring and moves up and away from the bottom of the leg 432, 434. The legs 432 and 434 are pivoted inwardly and placed on a second pair of latching elements associated with the folded position, such as the openings 806. Once placed in the folded position, the fasteners 820 are slid into the openings 806 so that the bars 808 for each leg are inserted into the openings 806 for e lock the legs in the folded position. Another way to compact the work station 300 so that it can be moved through a door is to snag the right side 454 and the left side 456 of the work surface 336. This is achieved by joining two hinges 458 to the sides of the fastener 412. The right side 454 and the left side 456 of the work surface 336 are attached to the hinges 458. As a result, the sides 454 and 456 can be moved between a horizontal position (see FIGS. 1-3 and 13A-B as an example) to a folded or vertical position (see FIGS. 4 and 13C as an example), thereby allowing the work station 300 to be passed more easily through a door. Alternatively, as with the work station of Figures 1-12, the sides can be made to rotate, pivotally, horizontally so that they rotate with pivoting movement towards a retracted position. In addition, the sides can be made so that they can be easily separated and reattached so that the folding capacity is provided so that the work station can pass through the doors. In the position of use, the pivoting supports 460 and 462 to support the lower surfaces of the sides 454 and 456, respectively. The pivoting supports 460 and 462 have the same shape and structure as the legs 432 and 434 shown in Figures 39-44 or Figures 54-56. However, the supports 460 and 462 are turned upside down when compared to the legs 432 and 434. The bolts (not shown) are inserted through the openings 464 formed in the ears 466 of the carriage 348, through the upper rear openings 468 of the supports 460, 462 and through the bushings 524. The supports 460 and 462 pivot about the bolts between a use position and a folded position. In the position of use, the supports 460, 462 are spaced apart from one another so that their leveling guides 470 are below and support the sides 454 and 456, respectively, thereon. The leveling guides 470 are threadably engaged with an opening in the supports so that rotation of the guides causes the sides to move relative to the center section 418 until the sides 454 and 456 are flush with the center section 418 In the folded position, the supports 460, 462 are pivotally rotated towards each other to allow the work station 300 to pass through a door, preferably a 76.2 cm door. Note that before the supports 460, 462 are moved to the folded position, the sides 454 and 456 are moved to the folded or vertical position. In case of using the structure of the legs 432, 434 of Figures 39-44, the supports 460 and 462 are locked in either the use position or the folded position by the lever 444 and the male element 446. Due to that the supports 460, 462 are turned upside down relative to the legs 432 and 434, lowering the lever 444 away from the housing of the supports causes the male element 446 to be moved in the leg housing and lifting the leg 446. lever 444 towards the holder housing causes the male element 446 to be lifted out of the support housing. During operation, the supports 460 and 462 are placed below a first pair of latching elements associated with the position of use, such as the openings 464 formed in the lower surface of the fastener 412. In the position of use, the levers 444 of the supports 460 and 462 are raised towards the housing of the supports causing the male elements 446 to enter the openings 464 and lock the supports in the position of use. If the supports 460 and 462 are to be moved to the folded position, the levers 444 are rotated downwardly pivotably so as to lift the male elements 446 out of the openings 464. The supports 460 and 462 are rotated in shape pivoting inwards on the projections 466 and being placed on a second pair of latching elements associated with the position of use, such as the openings 468 formed in the lower surface of the fastener 412. Once placed in the folded position, the levers 444 they are raised towards the housings of the supports so that the male elements 446 are inserted in the openings 468. In the case of using the structure of the legs 432, 434 of the figures 54-56, the supports 460 and 462 are already locked either in the use position or in the folded position by the fastener 820 and the bar 808. Moving the fastener 820 longitudinally towards the center of the holder causes the bar 808 to be movable. a in the holder housing and moving the clip 820 away from the center of the holder causes the bar 808 to be lifted by the spring out of the holder housing. In operation, the supports 460 and 462 are placed below a first pair of latching elements associated with the position of use, such as the openings 464 formed in the lower surface of the fastener 412. In the position of use, the fasteners 820 are slid away from the center of the brackets causing the bars 808 to enter the openings 464 and lock the brackets in the position of use. If the supports 460 and 462 are to be moved to the folded position, the fasteners 820 are slid towards the center of the holder causing the spring to pivot the pivoting arm 810 and the bar 808 downward so as to remove the bars 808 outside the openings 464. The supports 460 and 462 are rotated inwardly and are placed on a second pair of latching elements associated with the position of use, such as the openings 468 formed in the lower surface of the fastener 412. Once placed in the folded position, the fasteners 820 are slid away from the center of the supports so that the bars 808 are inserted into the openings 468. The support plates 554 may be joined within the depressions 556 formed in the parts bottoms of the sides 454 and 456 and of the center section 418 in a manner similar to the attachment of the support plates of figure 8. These plates serve to support the central section, in partar as it slides in and out of the fastener 412. Workstation 300 preferably also includes the deployment panels 470 and 472 which are supported above the work surface 336 and are adapted so that move up and down with the work surface. These panels 470 and 472 are preferably equipped with fasteners 474 or the like to hold papers or other objects for the user of the work station. Preferably, the deployment panels 470 and 472 are supported on identical bent bars 476 and 478 like those shown in Figures 46 and 47. Most preferably, the deployment panels are pivotally attached to the bars so that can be adjusted between a vertical position and a horizontal position, and so that they can be adjusted between a use position (see Figures 1-3 and 13A-B as an example) and a folded position (see Figures 4 and 13C) as an example). As shown in FIGS. 20 and 49, the adjustment between the vertical and horizontal positions preferably is made with a pivotally pivotable adjusting member 480 having a pair of channels 556 that receive a pivoting bar 558 that is received in a channel formed on one side of the deployment panels 470 and 472. The adjustment element 480 has an ear 560 which engages by means of friction an o-ring attached at one end 562 of the die-cut bent bars 476 and 478. The ear 560 and the end 562 have threaded openings that are aligned with each other and receive a threaded lock handle 564 therein. The bars 476 and 478 each have an end 566 having a latching surface 482 having alternating ridges and channels arranged in an annular manner like the ridges and channels of a poker chip. The shoulders of the engaging surface 482 engage the channels of a similarly shaped engaging surface 484 of an L-shaped fastener 486 (see FIG. 48) which is mounted to the rear outer edges of the fastener 412. The end 566 and fastener 486 have threaded openings aligned with each other and centered with the ring of flanges and channels. A threaded lock handle 568 is inserted into the aligned apertures of end 566 and fastener 486. Bars 476 and 478 together with adjusting member 480 and fastener 486 provide up / down adjustment of panels 470 and 472 and be in a vertical or horizontal position. The horizontal adjustment is provided by rotating the deployment panels 470 and 472 around the pivot bar 558. The vertical adjustment is provided either by pivoting the deployment panels 470 and 472 about an axis aligned with the opening of the pivot. adjustment element 480 and tightening the locking handle 564 to the desired vertical position. The vertical adjustment can also be performed by pivotally rotating the bars 476 and 478 about an axis aligned with the opening of the fastener 486 and tightening the locking handle 568. In addition to adjusting the positions of the deployment panels 470 and 472, bars 476 and 478 and fastener 486 reduce obstruction to the rear areas of sides 454 and 456. Workstation 300 may also include lamps similar to lamps 122 and 124 of the embodiment of Figures 1-12 that they are mounted to the deployment panels 470 and 472 so that they can be moved up and down with the work surface 17. Even other equipment can be mounted to the user at the workstation, such as a telephone or speakers. Audio. The foregoing description is provided to illustrate the invention, and should not be construed as a limitation. Numerous additions, substitutions and other changes can be made to the invention without departing from its scope as set forth in the appended claims. For example, a single work surface can be used with the invention.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A work station comprising: a vertical column that is adapted to be supported on a floor; a mechanism for adjusting height that is adapted so that it can travel up and down the height of the column and so that it can be fixed in desired positions; and a horizontal working surface having a trailing edge and a leading edge, the work surface being attached to the mechanism for height adjustment such that the column is adjacent to a point that is usually half the distance along the back edge of the work surface.

2. The work station according to claim 1, further characterized in that the column has a height and the mechanism for height adjustment has a path that is sufficient to allow a user to work comfortably whether seated or that is standing.

3. The work station according to claim 2, further characterized in that the mechanism for height adjustment has a path that is sufficient to allow a user to work comfortably while sitting on the floor.

4. - The work station according to claim 1, further characterized in that it also comprises a first and a second generally horizontal legs, which support the vertical column and are configured in such a way that they do not interfere with a chair or with the feet of the user.

5. The work station according to claim 4, further characterized in that the first and second legs are pivotally mounted to the vertical support column in such a way that they pivot between a position of use and a folded position. in which the workstation fits more easily through a door.

6. The work station according to claim 1 or 5, further characterized in that the work surface comprises a central portion and the left and right side portions, and because the left and right portions are joined by a hinge with which it is allowed that the left and right side portions can be oscillated from a horizontal position of use to a folded vertical position, whereby the work station fits more easily through a door.

7. The workstation according to claims 1 or 5, further characterized in that it comprises rolling elements that allow the work station to move through a floor.

8. - The work station according to claim 1, further characterized in that the height adjustment mechanism comprises a first rail and a second rail.

9. The work station according to claim 8, further characterized in that the height adjustment mechanism includes a first wheel that rotates within the first rail, and a second wheel that rotates within the second rail.

10. The work station according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a brake to releasably fix the height of the work surface.

11. The work station according to claim 10, further characterized in that the brake includes a rack mounted on the vertical column, and a hook element that is deflected to engage with the rack.

12.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 10, further characterized in that the engaging element comprises a male engaging member which is inserted into a slot formed in the rack.

13. The work station according to claim 1, further characterized in that the height adjustment mechanism comprises a weight counterbalance system, to help raise the work surface and any equipment that is on it.

14. - The workstation in accordance with the claim 12, further characterized in that the weight counterbalance system comprises a weight, a cable and at least one pulley, the cable being attached either directly or indirectly to the weight and to the work surface, passing the cable over a pulley located towards the top of the column.

15.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 13, further characterized because the weight can be adjusted.

16. The workstation according to claim 14, further characterized in that the weight can be adjusted by selecting the number of individual weight elements that are raised or lowered by height adjustment of the work surface.

17. The work station according to claim 12, further characterized in that it also comprises a speed limiter of height change to avoid sudden changes in height.

18. The workstation according to claim 16, further characterized in that the limiter comprises a centrifugal brake.

19. The workstation according to claim 1, further characterized in that it also comprises at least one generally vertical panel for stopping a sheet of paper, the panel being adapted to go up or down with the work surface.

20. The workstation according to claim 1, further characterized in that it also comprises at least one deployment panel for stopping an object for the user, the deployment panel being adapted to rotate pivotally between the horizontal and vertical positions. vertical and adapted to go up and down with the work surface.

21. The workstation according to claim 1, further characterized in that it also comprises the first and second deployment panels for stopping sheets of paper, the panels being clamped over opposite sides of the work surface and adapted to rotate in a pivoting way between the horizontal and vertical positions and adapted to go up and down with the work surface.

22.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the column has a height of at least 127 cm and the movement of the mechanism for height adjustment is at least 55 cm.

23. The work station according to claim 1, further characterized in that the column has a height of at least 172 cm and the path of the mechanism for adjusting height is at least 100 cm.

24. The workstation according to claim 1, further characterized in that it also comprises illumination joined either directly or indirectly to the work surface in such a way that it rises and falls with the work surface.

25. - The workstation according to claim 1, further characterized in that the work surface is adapted to hold a computer monitor.

26. The workstation according to claim 21, further characterized in that the work surface comprises a platform for the computer monitor.

27. The workstation according to claim 1, further characterized in that the work surface is adapted to hold a computer keyboard.

28.- A mechanism for adjusting the position to move an object from a first position to a second position, the mechanism comprising: a work surface that supports an object; a weight counterbalance system attached to said support surface and elevating said work surface and said object; and a gauge to calibrate the position of attachment of a weight to said weight counterbalance system.

29. The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 27, further characterized in that said weight counterbalance system comprises a bar with a hole.

30. The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 27, further characterized in that said weight counterbalance system comprises a support surface resting on a pin that is attached to said weight counterbalance system.

31. - The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 28, further characterized in that said weight comprises a support surface resting on a pin that is inserted inside said hole.

32. The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 29, further characterized in that said support surface comprises a groove.

33.- The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 30, further characterized in that said support surface comprises a groove.

34.- The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 27, further characterized in that said height adjustment mechanism comprises a first rail and a second rail.

35.- The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 33, further characterized in that it comprises a first wheel that rotates within the first rail, and a second wheel that rotates within the second rail.

36.- The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 27, further characterized in that it also comprises a brake to releasably fix the height of the work surface.

37.- The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 35, further characterized in that said brake comprises a rack and a hook element that is deflected to engage with said rack.

38.- The mechanism for adjustment of position according to claim 27, further characterized in that said weight counterbalance system comprises a cable and a pulley, said cable being attached either directly or indirectly to the weight and the weight. working surface and passing said cable on said pulley.

39.- The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 37, further characterized in that said gauge changes the length of said cable in such a way that said weight can be attached to said weight counterbalance system.

40.- The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 38, further characterized in that said weight counterbalance system comprises a bar with a hole.

41. The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 39, further characterized in that said weight comprises a support surface resting on a pin that is inserted into said hole.

42.- The mechanism for adjusting position according to claim 40, further characterized in that the actuation of said gauge causes said hole to be exposed in such a way that the bolt can be inserted therein.

43. - The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 27, further characterized in that it also comprises a height change speed limiter to avoid sudden changes in the position.

44.- The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 42, further characterized in that said speed limiter comprises a centrifugal brake.

45.- The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 27, further characterized in that said caliper comprises a cam mechanism.

46.- The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 38, further characterized in that said gauge comprises a cam mechanism.

47.- A weight support system comprising: a bar having a hole; a weight placed adjacent to said bar and comprising a support surface; and a calibrator attached to said bar to move said bar and said hole towards a first position relative to said support surface of said weight.

48. The weight support system according to claim 46, further characterized in that it also comprises a bolt that is inserted in said hole when said bar and said hole move towards said first position.

49. - The weight support system according to claim 47, further characterized in that said weight comprises a support surface resting on said bolt.

50.- The weight support system according to claim 48, further characterized in that said support surface comprises a groove.

51.- The weight support system according to claim 46, further characterized in that said bar is attached to a cable and said calibrator changes the length of said cable in such a way that said bar and said hole move towards said first position

52. The weight support system according to claim 46, further characterized in that said caliper comprises a cam mechanism.

53. The weight support system according to claim 50, further characterized in that said gauge comprises a cam mechanism.

54.- A method for calibrating a weight support system having a bar with a hole and a weight placed adjacent to the bar and having a support surface, the method comprising: determining whether or not said hole is obstructed by said weight; if during said determination step it is determined that said hole is obstructed, move said bar relative to said weight until said hole remains unobstructed.

55. - The method according to claim 53, further characterized in that said said bar moves during said move step.

56. The method according to claim 53, further characterized in that it comprises inserting a pin in said unobstructed hole.

The method according to claim 55, further characterized in that it comprises supporting said weight on said pin.

58. The method according to claim 53, further characterized in that said bar is attached to a cable and said weight moves relative to said cable by changing the length of said cable.

59.- A work station that includes: a vertical structure joined to the base; a work surface attached to said vertical structure; a leg pivotally attached to said base, characterized in that said base comprises a hooking element that engages said leg in a first position and a second hooking element that engages said leg in a second position.

60.- The work station according to claim 58, further characterized in that said first hook element comprises a first opening and said second hook element comprises a second opening.

61. - The workstation in accordance with the claim 58, further characterized in that said leg comprises a male element that can be engaged either with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element.

62.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 59, further characterized in that said leg can be engaged either with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element.

63.- The work station according to claim 60, further characterized in that said male element comprises a lever that moves in a pivoting manner to said male element from a first position, in which said male element can not engage with the first element of engagement or with said second engagement element, to a second position in which said male element can be engaged either with said first engagement element or with said second engagement element.

64.- The work station according to claim 61, further characterized in that said male element comprises a lever that moves in a pivoting manner to said male element from a first position, in which said male element can not engage with the first element of engagement or with said second engagement element, to a second position in which said male element can be engaged either with said first engagement element or with said second engagement element.

65.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 60, further characterized in that it also comprises a fastener that moves with translation movement and causes said male element to move from a first position, in which said male element can not engage with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element. engaging, to a second position in which said male element can be engaged either with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element.

66.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 61, further characterized in that it also comprises a fastener that moves with translation movement and causes said male element to move from a first position, in which said male element can not engage with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element. engaging, to a second position in which said male element can be engaged either with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element.

67.- The work station according to claim 64, further characterized in that said fastener engages a pivoting arm that is attached to said male element.

68.- The workstation in accordance with claim 66, further characterized in that said pivoting arm has a cammed surface which is engaged by said fastener as said fastener moves from said first position or said second position.

69.- The work station according to claim 58, further characterized in that said leg comprises a rolling element.

70.- A work station that includes: a vertical structure joined to a base; a work surface attached to said vertical structure; a support, which can rotate in a pivoting manner, joined to said vertical structure and to said work surface, characterized in that said work surface comprises a first hooking element that engages said support in a first position and a second hooking element that engages to said support in a second position.

71.- The work station according to claim 69, further characterized in that said first hook element comprises a first opening and said second hook element comprises a second opening.

72.- The work station according to claim 69, further characterized in that said support comprises a male element that can be hooked either with said first hook element or with said second hook element.

73.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 69, further characterized in that said support comprises a male element that can be engaged either with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element.

74. - The work station according to claim 71, further characterized in that it comprises a lever that pivotably moves said male element from a first position, in which said male element can not engage with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element, up to a second position in which said male element can engage either with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element.

75.- The work station according to claim 72, further characterized in that it comprises a lever that moves in a pivoting manner to said male element from a first position, in which said male element can not engage with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element, to a second position in which said male element can be engaged with either said first engaging element or said second engaging element.

76.- The work station according to claim 71, further characterized in that it also comprises a fastener that moves with translational movement and causes said male element to move from a first position, in which said male element can not be hooked with said first latching element or with said second latching element, up to a second position in which said male element can be engaged with either said first latching element or said second latching element.

77.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 72, further characterized in that it also comprises a fastener that moves with translational movement and causes said male element to move from a first position, in which said male element can not engage with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element. engaging, to a second position in which said male element can be engaged either with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element.

78.- The work station according to claim 75, further characterized in that said fastener engages a pivoting arm that is attached to said male element.

79.- The work station according to claim 77, further characterized in that said pivoting arm has a camped surface that is engaged by said fastener as said fastener moves from said first position or said second position.

80.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 73, further characterized in that said vertical structure also comprises a mechanism for height adjustment that varies the height of said work surface.

81.- The work station according to claim 79, further characterized in that said vertical structure comprises a rail and a carriage that moves along said rail, the work surface being joined to said carriage.

82.- The work station according to claim 80, further characterized in that said carriage comprises a rolling element that moves inside said rail.

83.- The work station according to claim 76, further characterized in that said support is pivotally attached to said carriage.

84.- The work station according to claim 82, further characterized in that said first hook element comprises a first opening and said second hook element comprises a second opening.

85.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 82, further characterized in that said support comprises a male element that can be engaged either with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element.

86.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 83, further characterized in that said support comprises a male element that can engage either said first engaging element or said second engaging element.

87.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 84, further characterized in that said male element comprises a lever that pivotally moves said male element from a first position, in which said male element can not engage with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element, up to a second position in which said male element can be engaged either with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element.

88.- The work station according to claim 85, further characterized in that said male element comprises a lever that moves in a pivoting manner to said male element from a first position, in which said male element can not engage with said first element of engagement or with said second engagement element, to a second position in which said male element can be engaged either with said first engagement element or with said second engagement element.

89.- The work station according to claim 84, further characterized in that said male element comprises a slide (slide) that moves with translational movement and causes said male element to move from a first position, in which said The male element can not engage with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element, until a second position in which said male element can engage either with said first engaging element or with said second engaging element.

90. - The work station according to claim 85, further characterized in that said male element comprises a slide that moves with translational movement and causes said male element to move from a first position, in which said male element it can not engage with said first latching element or with said second latching element, until a second position in which said male element can engage either with said first latching element or with said second latching element.

91.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 88, further characterized in that said slide slides with translation movement along a ramp surface.

92.- The work station according to claim 90, further characterized in that said surface with ramp allows the slide to move towards ...

93.- A work station comprising: a vertical column that is adapted to be supported on a floor; a mechanism for adjusting the height that is adapted to travel up and down the height of the column and so that it is fixed at the desired height; a work surface attached to said mechanism for height adjustment; a brake for fixing the height of the work surface by releasably engaging said vertical column.

94. - The workstation according to claim 92, further characterized in that said brake comprises a rack mounted on the vertical column and a hooking element that is deflected to engage with the rack.

95.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 92, further characterized in that said engaging element comprises a first set of teeth that engages with a second set of teeth of said rack.

96.- The work station according to claim 92, further characterized in that said hook element comprises a male hook element that is inserted in said groove formed in said rack.

97.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 92, further characterized in that the column has a height and the mechanism for height adjustment has a path that is sufficient to allow a user to work comfortably whether seated or standing.

98.- The work station according to claim 96, characterized in that the mechanism for height adjustment has a path that is sufficient to allow a user to work comfortably while sitting on the floor.

99.- The work station according to claim 92, further characterized in that it also comprises first and second generally horizontal legs, which support the vertical column.

100.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 98, further characterized in that the first and second legs are pivotally mounted to the vertical support column in such a way that they pivot between a use position and a folded position in which the work station fits more easily through of a door.

101.- The work station according to claim 92, further characterized in that the work surface comprises a central portion and the left and right side portions, and in that the left and right side portions are joined by a hinge with which it allows the left and right side portions to be oscillated from a horizontal position of use to a folded vertical position, whereby the work station fits more easily through a door.

102.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 92, further characterized in that the mechanism for height adjustment comprises a first rail and a second rail.

103.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 101, further characterized in that the mechanism for height adjustment includes a first wheel that rotates within the first rail, and a second wheel that rotates within the second rail.

104. - The work station according to claim 92, further characterized in that the height adjustment mechanism comprises a weight counterbalance system, to help raise the work surface and any equipment that is on it.

105.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 103, further characterized in that the weight counterbalance system comprises a weight, a cable and at least one pulley, the cable being attached either directly or indirectly to the weight and to the work surface, passing the cable over a pulley located towards the top of the column.

106.- The work station according to claim 92, further characterized in that said brake comprises a hook element that is movably mounted inside a block.

107.- The work station according to claim 105, further characterized in that it comprises a spring attached to said hooking element and said block.

108.- The work station according to claim 105, further characterized in that said latch comprises an ear and said block comprises a depression for receiving said ear.

109.- A work station that includes: a column; a mechanism for adjusting height that is adapted to travel up and down the length of the column and to fix it in the desired positions; a brake mechanism for fixing the position of the mechanism for adjusting height automatically releasably attaching said vertical column based on the amount of weight supported by said mechanism for height adjustment.

110.- The work station according to claim 108, further characterized in that it comprises a work surface attached to the mechanism for height adjustment.

111. The work station according to claim 108, further characterized in that said brake comprises a latching element mounted within a limited area (bounded).

112.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 110, further characterized in that said engaging element rotates in a pivoting manner and said brake mechanism controls the pivoting movement of said engaging element.

113.- The work station according to claim 110, further characterized in that said hook element moves with translational movement and said brake mechanism controls the translational movement of said hook element.

114.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 111, further characterized in that said engaging element moves with translation movement and said braking mechanism controls the translation movement of said engaging element.

115.- The work station according to claim 111, further characterized in that it comprises a brake compensator that generates a force that counteracts the pivoting movement of said engaging element.

116.- The workstation according to claim 114, further characterized in that when said generated force exceeds said pivoting movement, said hooking element is prevented from being released from said vertical column.

117.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 114, further characterized in that when said generated force does not exceed said pivoting movement said engaging element can be released from said vertical column.

118.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 115, further characterized in that when said generated force does not exceed said pivoting movement said engaging element can be released from said vertical column.

119.- The workstation in accordance with the claim 108, further characterized in that said brake comprises a rack mounted on the vertical column and a hook element that is deflected to engage with the rack.

120.- The work station according to claim 118, further characterized in that said hook element comprises a male hook element that is inserted into a slot formed in said rack.

121. - The workstation in accordance with the claim 108, further characterized in that the mechanism for height adjustment comprises a first rail and a second rail.

122.- The work station according to claim 120, further characterized in that the height adjustment mechanism includes a first wheel that rotates within the first rail, and a second wheel that rotates within the second rail.

123.- The work station in accordance with the claim 109, further characterized in that the mechanism for adjusting height comprises a system of counterbalance of weight, to help raise the work surface and any equipment that is on it.

124. A mechanism for adjusting position to move an object from a first position to a second position, the mechanism comprising: a work surface that supports an object; a weight counterbalance system attached to said supporting surface and elevating said work surface and said object; and a permanent weight attached to said weight counterbalance system that is substantially equal to the weight of said work surface. 125.- The mechanism for adjustment of position according to claim 123, further characterized in that said mechanism for height adjustment comprises a first rail and a second rail. 126.- The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 124, further characterized in that it comprises a first wheel that rotates inside said first rail, and a second wheel that rotates inside said second rail. 127.- The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 123, further characterized in that it also comprises a brake for releasably fixing the height of the work surface. 128.- The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 123, further characterized in that said weight counterbalance system comprises a cable and a pulley, the cable being attached either directly or indirectly to said weight and to the working surface and passing said cable on said pulley. 129.- The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 123, further characterized in that it also comprises a position change speed limiter to avoid sudden changes in the position. 130.- The mechanism for position adjustment according to claim 128, further characterized in that said speed limiter comprises a centrifugal brake.