NL2020445B1 - Height adjustable desk - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a height adjustable desk, comprising a frame that is adapted to rest on a ground plane, and a desk element that is connected to the frame. The desk element is movable with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position. The desk element is mounted to the frame and rotatable abouta desk rotation axis that is substantially horizontal when the frame rests on the ground plane. The desk element comprises a first desk leaf with a first working surface and a second desk leaf with a second working surface, wherein, when the frame of the rests on the ground plane, in the first position of the desk element, the first working surface is aligned substantially parallel to the ground plane and set at a first height from the ground plane, and, in the second position of the desk element, the second working surface is aligned substantially parallel to the ground plane and set at a second height from the ground plane. The second height is thereby larger than the first height.

Description

Patent center

2020445

(2?) Application number: 2020445 (22) Application submitted: 15 February 2018

Int. CL:

A47B 9/06 (2018.01)

0 Application registered: 0 Patent holder (s): August 22, 2019 Flex Concepts B.V. in DELFT. 0 Request published: - 0 Inventor (s): Jeroen Klaasjan Verbrugge 0 Patent granted: in HOEK VAN HOLLAND. August 22, 2019 John William Spaven in DELFT. Agustin Bernaudo in ROTTERDAM. 0 Patent issued: August 22, 2019 0 Authorized representative: ir. J.C. Volmer et al. In Rijswijk.

© Height adjustable desk © The present invention provides a height adjustable desk, including a frame that is adapted to rest on a ground plane, and a desk element that is connected to the frame. The desk element is movable with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position. The desk element is mounted to the frame and rotatable about a desk rotation axis that is substantially horizontal when the frame rests on the ground plane. The desk element comprises a first desk leaf with a first working surface and a second desk leaf with a second working surface, when the frame of the rests on the ground plane, in the first position of the desk element, the first working surface is aligned substantially parallel to the ground plane and set at a first height from the ground plane, and, in the second position of the desk element, the second working surface is aligned substantially parallel to the ground plane and set at a second height from the ground plane. The second height is greater than the first height.

NL B1 2020445

This patent has been granted regardless of the attached result of the research into the state of the art and written opinion. The patent corresponds to the documents originally submitted.

P33490NL00 / TRE

Title: Height adjustable desk

The present invention relates to height adjustable desk.

Height adjustable desks, often also referred to as height adjustable tables, have been known for time. They provide a working surface or which the height from the ground can be adjusted. The height of the desks may, for example, be adjusted between a lower position, in which the desk may be used by a sitting person, and an upper position, in which the desk may be used by a standing person.

From DE 33 08 345 A1 and FR 2 590 460 A1, height adjustable tables are known. The known table comprises a frame adapted to rest on the ground. The frames of the known tables have a rectangular cross section with a long side and a short side. The table element is adapted to rest on the frame and is connected to the frame by means of a linkage element. When the frame rests on the long side of the rectangle, the table element is arranged in a first position, at a height that corresponds to the length of the short side, and when the frame rests on the short side of the rectangle, the table element is arranged in a second position, at a height that corresponds to the length of the long side.

The known tables, however, have the disadvantage that the frame needs to be rotated when the height of the table element is adjusted. This requires that not only the table element has to be lifted, to bring it at a different height, but also requires that the frame is lifted. Such frames are generally heavy, in order to form a solid support for the table element, which means that the lifting of the frame requires a great effort.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a height adjustable desk that lacks the disadvantages of the known height adjustable desks and tables.

The present invention provides a height adjustable desk, including a frame that is adapted to rest on a ground plane, and a desk element that is connected to the frame, the desk element is movable with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position, characterized in that, the desk element is mounted to the frame rotatable about a desk rotation axis that is substantially horizontal when the frame rests on the ground plane, the desk element comprises a first desk leaf with a first working surface and a second desk leaf with a second working surface, when, the frame of the rests on the ground plane:

in the first position of the desk element, the first working surface is aligned substantially parallel to the ground plane and set at a first height from the ground plane, and

-2in the second position of the desk element, the second working surface is aligned substantially parallel to the ground plane and set at a second height from the ground plane, the second height is larger than the first height.

The desk element of the height adjustable desk according to the present invention can be rotated with respect to its frame, between a lowered first position of the desk element and a raised second position of the desk element. In the first position, the first working surface is aligned substantially parallel to the ground plane, in order to worked on by a person and in the second position, the second working surface is aligned substantially parallel to the ground plane. With substantially parallel, it is mean that a small misalignment may be present between the first working surface or the second working surface and the ground plane, for example a misalignment below 20 °, preferably below 10 ° and most preferable below 5 °.

In the first position, the first working surface is at a first height from the ground plane. Preferably, this first height corresponds to a suitable working height for a person who sits behind the desk, for example on a chair. In the second position, the second working surface is at a second height from the ground plane. The second height is larger than the first height and may, preferably, correspond to a suitable working height for a person that is standing behind the desk.

The height adjustable desk provides, with respect to the height adjustable tables that are known from DE 33 08 345 A1 and FR 2 590 460 A1, the advantage that the frame of the desk may remain stationary on the ground plane when the desk element of the table is moved between the first position and the second position. As such, the frame does not need to be lifted or moved, which reduces the effort that is required to move the desk element between the first position and the second position.

The height adjustable desk according to the present invention is particularly suitable for use as a height adjustable school desk. The simple and robust design of the desk provides a relatively low cost price and sufficient durability. The reduced effort for rotating the desk element between the lowered and raised position furthermore allows children to be capable of rotating the desk element between these positions and to either sit behind their desk or to stand behind it.

In an embodiment, the first desk leaf is arranged to the second desk leaf at a non-zero degree and non-180 degree angle. The plane of the first working surface is at an angle with respect to the plane of the second working surface, this angle may be any angle in between, but not including 0 ° and 180 °. For example, the angle between the first working surface and the second working surface is in between 45 ° and 90 °, in particular about 65 °.

-3The first desk leaf is fixedly connected to the second desk leaf, so as to form a rigid desk element, which does not allow for relative movements in between both working surfaces.

In an embodiment, the frame comprises a base, which is adapted to rest on the ground plane, and at least one stand, which projects away from the base in a direction that has at least a component that is perpendicular to the ground plane. The stand preferably projects away from the base under an angle. The angle between the base and the stand is preferably substantially the same as the angle in between the first working surface and the second working surface. Seen from the side, the desk element and the fame may have a 7shape when the desk element is in the second position.

In an embodiment, the first desk leaf or the desk element is rotatably connected to an upper portion or the least one stand of the frame. The upper portion of the stand is the portion that is set away from the base of the frame. As such, it is achieved that the desk rotation axis is arranged adjacent the upper portion of the stand. By rotatably connecting the first desk lead to the frame, the desk may lack a frame construction in the desk element, because the desk leafs themselves serve the purpose of a frame construction.

Preferably, the angle between the first working surface and the second working surface, the dimensions of the desk leafs and / or the position of the desk rotation axis are chosen such, that a horizontal projection of the first working surface in the first position at least partially overlaps with a horizontal projection of the second working surface in the second position. Preferably, the projections overlap by at least 80%, or most preferable by at least 90%, so that staggering between desk elements or adjacent desks, being either arranged in the first position or the second position, is minimized.

In a further embodiment, the first position is a first extreme position, in which the second desk leaf is configured to rest against a lower portion or the least one position, and the second position is a second extreme position, in which the first desk leaf is configured to rest against the upper portion or the least one stand. Further rotation of the desk element, beyond the first position and the second position, is otherwise prevented by the second desk leaf and the first desk leaf, which come to rest against the least one stand.

Preferably, the desk comprises cushions or pads on the stand, which are arranged such, that the desk leafs rest against them when the desk element is in the first extreme position or in the second extreme position. The desk may, for example, include a pad at the lower portions of each of the stands, against which the second desk leaf rests in the first position of the desk element. Furthermore, the desk may, for example, include a pad at the upper portions of each of the stands, against which the first desk leaf rests in the second position of the desk element.

-4In an embodiment, the desk comprises a damping mechanism between the frame and the desk element. The damping mechanism is adapted to vapors relative movements between the frame and the desk element, in order to prevent the desk element from gaining a large, uncontrolled rotational velocity with respect to the frame and to prevent possible bumping of the desk element into either one of the first position or the second position. Preferably, a friction hinge is provided between the frame and the desk element for the dampening of the movement of the desk element.

In an embodiment, the desk element comprises a center of gravity. The first desk leaf and the second desk leaf or the desk element are dimensioned such, that, with respect to the desk rotation axis, the desk has an equilibrium position in the first position and the second positon of the desk element.

In an embodiment, the desk comprises a locking element that is configured to secure a position or the desk element with respect to the frame. The locking element allows the position of the desk element to be secured, with respect to the frame, in any position in between, and including, the first position and the second position. Alternatively or additionally, the locking element is configured to secure discrete positions or the desk element with respect to the frame, for example in the first position, the second position and / or in one or more defined intermediate positions.

The locking element may be configured to secure the desk element with respect to the frame in an intermediate position, in between the first position and the second position. For example, when it is not desired to have any of the working surfaces parallel to the ground plane, for example when the ground plane is not horizontal, the desk element may be secured in the intermediate position, such a respective one of the working surfaces is at the desired angle with respect to the ground plane.

For example, the locking element may be the desk element in the intermediate position, such that the first working surface is set at an angle with respect to the ground plane, preferably at an angle of between 5 ° and 15 °.

In an embodiment, the second desk leaf comprises a handle, which is adapted to be gripped to rotate the desk element with respect to the frame. In case, for example, the handle of the second desk leaf is pulled upwards, the second w desk leaf may be lifted in order bring the desk element from the first position into the second position.

In an embodiment, the desk comprises a storage compartment, which is arranged underneath the second desk leaf and which comprises an opening that is accessible from the first working surface. This storage compartment is accessible from the first working surface, and in particular when the desk element is in its first, lowered position. The storage compartment may, in particular when the height adjustable desk is provided as a height adjustable school bench, be sufficiently large to allow storage or pens and pen holders.

-5 In an embodiment, the base of the desk comprises a U-shaped tube. The U-shaped tube is preferably adapted to rest on the ground plane, such that the person behind the desk may sit in between the legs or the U-shaped tube.

Further characteristics of the height adjustable desk according to the invention will be explained below, with reference to apart, which are displayed in the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1A schematically depicts an isometric view on an embodiment of the height adjustable desk according to the present invention, in which the desk element is in the first position,

Figure 1B schematically depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 1 A, in which the desk element is in the second position,

Figure 2A schematically depicts a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1 A,

Figure 2B schematically depicts a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1B, and

Figure 2C schematically depicts a side view of the embodiment of the desk, in which the desk element is in the intermediate position.

Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to corresponding components or to components, which have a corresponding function.

Figure 1 schematically depicts an isometric view of an height adjustable desk, to which is referred with reference numeral 1. The desk 1 comprises a frame 10 that is adapted to rest on a ground plane (A) and a desk element 20 that is rotatably connected to the frame 10.

The frame 10 comprises a base 11 and two stands 12. The base 11 is manufactured from a hollow tube, preferably a metal hollow tube, which is so as to form a U-shape. During use of the desk 1, a person may sit or stand in between the legs of the U-shaped base 11. The base 11 is adapted to rest on the ground plane (A) and the stands 12 project away from the base 11, in a direction that has at least a component parallel to a vertical direction, perpendicular to the ground plane (A). In the present embodiment, the position 12 is set at an angle (a) or about 65 ° with respect to the ground plane (A).

The desk element 20 comprises a first desk leaf 21 with a first working surface 21 'and a second desk lead 22 with a second working surface 22'. The first desk leaf 21 is, with an edge, fixedly connected to the second desk leaf 22. The first working surface 2T is set at an angle (Θ) with respect to the second working surface 22 ". In the present

-6embodiment, the first working surface 21 'is set at an angle (Θ) or about 65 ° with respect to the second working surface 22'.

The first desk leaf 21 is connected to an upper portion 12 "or the stand 12 and is rotatable with respect to the frame 10 around a desk rotation axis (R) that lies adjacent the upper portion 12" or the stand 12.

In figures 1A and 2A, the desk element 20 is displayed in its first position. The first working surface 21 "is aligned aligned parallel to the ground plane (A), preferably parallel to the horizontal plane. In the first position, the first working surface 21 'is set at a first height (IT) from the ground plane (A), which allows the desk 1 to be used by a person sitting behind the desk 1.

In figures 1B and 2B, the desk element 20 is displayed in its second position. The second working surface 22 "is aligned aligned parallel to the ground plane (A), preferably parallel to the horizontal plane. In the second position, the second working surface 22 "is set at a second height (h") from the ground plane (A). The second height (h ”) is larger than the first height (IT) and allows the desk 1 to be used by a person standing behind the desk 1.

It is shown in figure 1A that the desk element 20 comprises a storage compartment 23, which is arranged adjacent to the second desk leaf 22 and which is accessible through an opening in the first desk leaf 21. In the first position of the desk element 20, the compartment is arranged as a bin, to receive its contents from above. In the second position, however, as shown in figure 1B, the compartment is arranged as a slot, to receive its contents from the side.

The second desk leaf 22 comprises a handle 24, ordered by a person to move the desk element 20 between the first position and the second position. The handle 24 is provided as a slit in the second desk leaf 22, being arranged in an upper portion or the second desk leaf 22 when the desk element 20 is in its first position, as is shown in figure 1 A. The handle 24 is adapted to be gripped in order to lift the second desk leaf 22 when the desk element 20 is rotated from the first position into the second position and to lower the second desk leaf 22 when the desk element 20 is rotated from the second position into the first position.

In figures 2A - 2C, the desk 1 is displayed from a side. In figure 2A, the desk element 20 is arranged in its first position. The first position is a first extreme position, in which the second desk leaf 22 rests against a lower portion 12 "or the position 12. As a result, further clockwise movements or the desk element 20 are prevented.

In figure 2B, the desk element 20 is arranged in its second position. The second position is a second extreme position, in which the first desk Ieaf21 rests against the upper portion 12 ”or the position 12. Any counter clockwise movements of the desk element 20,

-7 further than the second extreme position, are prevented by the first desk leaf 21 that rests against the upper portion 12 ”or the position 12.

It is shown in figure 2B that the angle between the angle (a) between the base 11 and the position 12 or the frame 10 is the same as the angle (Θ) between the first working surface 21 'and the second working surface 22' , eg being about 65 ° in the present edition. As such, it is achieved that the desk has 1 Z-shape, seen from the side.

The desk element 20 has a virtual center of gravity (CG), which is arranged in between the first desk leaf 21 and the second desk leaf 22. In the first position of the desk element 20, as shown in figure 2A, the center of gravity (CG) is arranged on the right of the desk rotation axis (R). The center of gravity applies a clockwise moment on the desk element 20, forcing the second desk leaf 22 against the lower portion 12 'or the stand 12. In the second position of the desk element 20, as shown in figure 2B, the center of gravity (CG) is arranged on the left or the desk rotation axis (R). The center of gravity applies a counter clockwise moment on the desk element 20, forcing the first desk leaf 21 against the upper portion 12 ”or the stand 12.

In figure 2C, the desk 1 is further provided with a locking element 30. The locking element 30 is arranged between the frame 10 and the desk element 20 and is adapted to secure the desk element 20 with respect to the frame 10 in an intermediate position .

In the configuration in figure 2C, the desk element 20 is arranged in an intermediate position with respect to the frame 10, in between the first position and the second position. In the intermediate position, the first working surface 21 "may, as in the present configuration, arranged at an angle or 5 ° with respect to the ground plane (A).

Claims (12)

CONCLUSIONS 1. Height-adjustable desk, comprising: a frame adapted to rest on a ground surface; and a desk element connected to the frame, the desk element being movable between a first position and a second position relative to the frame, characterized in that the desk element is attached to the frame and is rotatable around a desk rotation axis that runs substantially horizontally when the frame rests on the ground surface, the desk element comprising a first desktop with a first work surface and a second desktop with a second work surface, wherein, when the frame rests on the ground surface: in the first position of the desk element, the first work surface is oriented substantially parallel to the base surface and is located at a first height from the base surface, and in the second position of the desk element, the second work surface is substantially parallel directed to the ground plane and located at a second height from the ground plane, the second height being greater than the first height. The height-adjustable desk according to claim 1, wherein the first work surface is disposed with respect to the second work surface at an angle that is not 0 degrees and not 180 degrees. A height-adjustable desk as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame comprises a base adapted to rest on the ground surface and comprises at least one upright that is remote from the base in a direction at least partially perpendicular to the base. base plane. The height-adjustable desk of claim 3, wherein the first desktop is rotatably connected to an upper portion of the at least one upright of the frame. The height-adjustable desk according to claim 4, wherein: the first position is a first extreme position, wherein the second desktop is adapted to rest against a lower part of the at least one upright, and The second position is a second extreme position, in which the first desktop is adapted to rest against an upper part of the at least one upright. A height-adjustable desk according to any of claims 2-5, wherein the post is placed at an angle with respect to the base and wherein the angle between the post and the base corresponds to the angle between the first work surface and the second work surface . A height-adjustable desk according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the desk comprises a blocking element which is arranged to secure a position of the desk element relative to the frame. The height-adjustable desk according to claim 7, wherein the blocking element is adapted to secure the desk element in an intermediate position, between the first position and the second position. The height-adjustable desk according to claim 8, wherein, in the intermediate position, the first work surface is placed at an angle with respect to the base, preferably an angle between 5 ° and 15 °. The height-adjustable desk according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second work surface comprises a handle adapted to be engaged to rotate the desk element relative to the frame. A height-adjustable desk as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a storage compartment disposed below the second work surface and comprising an opening accessible from the first work surface. 12. Height-adjustable desk according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises a U-shaped tube. 1/5 FIG. 1A Ιο 3/5 FIG. 2A 4/5 FIG. 2B