US20160302571A1

US20160302571A1 - Adjustable workstation

Info

Publication number: US20160302571A1
Application number: US14/690,329
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert McBride; Tyler Rogers; Peter Ploss; Newton Lin
Original assignee: Stamina Products Inc
Current assignee: Stamina Products Inc
Priority date: 2015-04-17
Filing date: 2015-04-17
Publication date: 2016-10-20

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an adjustable workstation system movable between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration. The workstation system comprises a body, a desktop, a tilt mechanism, and a seat. The desktop has a first surface configured to facilitate desktop activity by a user and a second surface that is coupled to the tilt mechanism. The tilt mechanism couples the desktop to the body and facilitates adjustment by a user of an angle formed between the desktop and the floor. The seat is coupled to the body and configured to facilitate sitting at the workstation system. The seat is movable between the sitting configuration, wherein the seat and the body support weight of the user when the user sits in the seat, and the standing configuration, wherein the seat is positioned in proximity to an axis of the workstation system to facilitate standing at the workstation system.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to an adjustable workstation system movable between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration.
2. Description of Related Art
Standing and seated worktables are known. Some of these worktables include both a desktop surface and a seat. Typically, the height of the worktable's work surface relative to the floor or a desk where it is installed is adjustable to accommodate users of different heights. The height of the seat relative to the floor or relative to the work surface may also be adjustable. However, these worktables do not include tiltable work surfaces and/or foldable seats that facilitate conversion of the worktable from a worktable used while seated to a worktable used while standing.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an adjustable workstation system movable between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration. The workstation system is positionable on a floor surface. The workstation system comprises a body, a desktop, a tilt mechanism, a seat, and/or other components.
The body has a first end and a second end. The body includes a base located toward the second end. The base is configured to engage the floor surface. In some embodiments, the body comprises a support member coupled to the tilt mechanism, the seat, the base, and/or other components of the workstation system. The support member is configured to support the desktop, the tilt mechanism, and the seat, and be supported by the base. The support member extends from the tilt mechanism to the base. In some embodiments, the support member comprises at least two telescoping support poles configured to adjust the distance between the floor surface and the desktop. In some embodiments, the base comprises at least two legs (e.g., four legs) configured to support the desktop, the tilt mechanism, and the seat on the floor surface. In some embodiments, at least two of the at least two legs (e.g., two of the four legs) are coupled with rolling devices (e.g., wheels) configured to facilitate movement of the workstation system on the floor surface. In some embodiments, the body forms an angle of between about 45° and about 90° with the floor surface. For example, the body may form an angle of about 80° with the floor surface.
The desktop has a first surface, a second surface, and/or other surfaces. The desktop is located toward the first end of the body. The first surface of the desktop is configured to facilitate desktop activity by a user. The second surface is located opposite the first surface. The second surface may be, for example, an underside of the desktop. In some embodiments, the desktop is configured to support up to about 50 lbs. of weight.
The tilt mechanism couples the desktop to the body. The tilt mechanism is configured to facilitate adjustment by a user of an angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface. In some embodiments, the support member and the tilt mechanism are configured such that a distance between the floor surface and the desktop is adjustable. In some embodiments, the tilt mechanism comprises a guide rail coupled to the body and the second surface of the desktop, and a linkage member coupled to the guide rail and the second surface of the desktop. The guide rail has a first end located toward the seat and a second end opposite the first end. The guide rail is pivotally coupled to the second surface of the desktop toward the first end of the guide rail. The guide rail forms engagement slots configured to facilitate adjustment of the angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface. In some embodiments, the linkage member has a first end pivotally coupled to the second surface of the desktop and a second end movably coupled to the guide rail. The second end of the linkage member forms engagement features configured to engage the slots in the guide rail to facilitate the adjustment of the angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface. In some embodiments, the guide rail is configured such that the engagement slots are formed to facilitate adjustment of the angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface between a substantially horizontal position relative to the floor surface, a 15° position, a 30° position, and a 45° position. By way of a non-limiting example, the guide rail may be configured such that the engagement slots include first engagement slots that correspond to a first angle between the desktop and the floor surface, and second engagement slots that correspond to a second angle between the desktop and the floor surface. The linkage member may be configured such that disengaging the engagement features from the first engagement slots and engaging the engagement features with the second engagement slots changes the angle between the desktop and the floor surface from the first angle to the second angle.
The seat is coupled to the body and configured to facilitate sitting at the workstation system. The seat is movable between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration. In the sitting configuration, the seat and the body support weight of the user when the user sits in the seat. In the standing configuration, the seat is positioned in closer proximity to the body to facilitate standing at the workstation system. In some implementations, the seat comprises a collar configured to couple the seat with the support member such that a position of the collar on the support member is adjustable by the user to change a distance between the seat and the floor surface and/or a distance between the seat and the desktop. In some embodiments, the collar comprises a moveable pin configured to facilitate movement of the seat between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration; and positioning of the seat at one or more angles relative to the floor surface while the seat is in the sitting configuration. In some embodiments, the seat, the body, the tilt mechanism, the desktop and/or components of the system are configured such that a distance along an axis of the workstation that is substantially parallel to the floor surface between the seat and the desktop is adjustable. In some embodiments, the seat is configured to support up to about 275 lbs. of weight.
In some embodiments, the system further comprises a secondary table configured to facilitate secondary desktop activity of the user. Secondary desktop activity may include operating a mouse, writing, drawing, typing, supporting a notebook and or other objects, and/or other secondary desktop activity, for example. The secondary table may have a smaller surface area than the desktop. The secondary table is slidably coupled to the body. The secondary table is configured to extend along an axis of the workstation that is substantially parallel to the floor surface. For example, the secondary table may be configured such that a user seated in the seat may pull the secondary table toward himself and/or a user may slide the secondary table out from under the desktop toward the right or left of the user (as described herein, these directions are just examples and are not intended to be limiting.)
These and other aspects of various embodiments of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. In one embodiment of the invention, the structural components illustrated herein are drawn to scale. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In addition, it should be appreciated that structural features shown or described in any one embodiment herein can be used in other embodiments as well. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
All closed-ended (e.g., between A and B) and open-ended (greater than C) ranges of values disclosed herein explicitly include all ranges that fall within or nest within such ranges. For example, a disclosed range of 1-10 is understood as also disclosing, among other ranged, 2-10, 1-9, 3-9, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of embodiments of the present invention as well as other objects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 illustrates an adjustable workstation system movable between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration.

FIG. 2 illustrates the workstation system in a sitting configuration.

FIG. 3 illustrates the workstation system in a standing configuration.

FIG. 4 illustrates legs and a baseplate of a base of a body of the workstation system.

FIG. 5 illustrates a second surface of a desktop of the workstation system.

FIG. 6 illustrates a tilt mechanism of the workstation system.

FIG. 7 illustrates different angles formed between the desktop and a floor surface.

FIG. 8A illustrates two views of a linkage member engaging different engagement slots of a tilt mechanism so that the desktop forms different angles with the floor surface.

FIG. 8B illustrates two more views of the linkage member engaging different engagement slots of a tilt mechanism so that the desktop forms different angles with the floor surface.

FIG. 9 illustrates a seat movable between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration.

FIG. 10 illustrates a secondary table coupled to the body near a second surface of the desktop and the tilt mechanism of the workstation system.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method for adjusting the workstation system between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an adjustable workstation system 100 movable between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration. Sitting configuration 102 is illustrated in FIG. 2. Standing configuration 104 is illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, seat 500 of system 100 may be folded to facilitate standing at the workstation and a desktop 400 may be tilted to accommodate a user's needs while working (e.g., sitting and/or standing) at the workstation. System 100 is configured to provide a convenient, comfortable, and easily adjustable place for a user to conduct desktop activities such as writing, typing, drawing, working on a desktop, laptop, and/or tablet computer, and/or other activities in a standing or sitting position. Returning to FIG. 1, system 100 comprises a body 200, a tilt mechanism 300, desktop 400, seat 500, and/or other components.
Body 200 has a first end 202 and a second end 204 with a first axis 206 running between first end 202 and second end 204. Body 200 includes a base 208 located toward second end 204 configured to engage a floor surface (not shown in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, body 200 comprises a support member 210 formed along first axis 206 coupled to tilt mechanism 300, seat 500, base 208, and/or other components of workstation system 100. In some embodiments, body 200 is configured such that support member 210 along first axis 206 forms an angle 230 of between about 45° and about 90° with a floor surface. For example, body 200 may be configured such that support member 210/first axis 206 forms an angle 230 of about 80° and/or other angles with a floor surface.
Support member 210 is configured to support desktop 400, tilt mechanism 300, and seat 500, and be supported by base 208. Support member 210 extends from tilt mechanism 300 to base 208 along first axis 206. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in some embodiments, support member 210 comprises at least two telescoping support poles 214, 216 configured to extend along first axis 206 to adjust a distance 212 between the floor surface and desktop 400. In some embodiments, telescoping control mechanism 218 may be used to control an amount that support pole 214 telescopes and/or extends from support pole 216 to adjust distance 212 between the floor surface and desktop 400. In some embodiments, support pole 214 may telescope and/or extend from support pole 216 up to about 12 inches. In some embodiments, support pole 214 may telescope and/or extend from support pole 216 up to between about 3 inches and about 12 inches. In some embodiments, support pole 214 may telescope and/or extend from support pole 216 up to about 5.5 inches. In some embodiments, this may allow a user to adjust distance 212 from about 36 inches to about 48 inches. In some embodiments, this may allow a user to adjust distance 212 from about 36¼ inches to about 41½ inches. In some embodiments, telescoping control mechanism 218 may be and/or include one or more of a clamp, a latch, a pin with corresponding orifices in support poles 214, 216, a collar, a buckle, a lever, and/or other telescoping control mechanisms. In some embodiments, support member 210 (e.g., telescoping support poles 214, 216) may have a square, rectangular, oval and other cross-sectional shapes. However, these example shapes are not intended to be limiting. Support member 210 may have any cross-sectional shape that allows system 100 to function as described herein.
FIG. 4 illustrates legs 220 and baseplate 225 of base 208. In some embodiments, base 208 comprises at least two legs 220 configured to support desktop 400 (not shown in FIG. 4), tilt mechanism 300, seat 500, and/or other components of system 100 on a floor surface. By way of a non-limiting example, system 100 is illustrated with four legs 220 in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, at least two of legs 220 (e.g., two of the four legs 220) are coupled with rolling devices 222 (e.g., wheels and/or other rolling devices) configured to facilitate movement of workstation system 100 on a floor surface. Rolling devices 222 may be coupled with legs 220 by coupling components 221 such as pins, rods, screws, bolts, and/or other coupling mechanisms. By way of a non-limiting example, a user may tip system 100 up onto rolling devices 222 and then roll system 100 across the floor surface using rolling devices 222. In some embodiments, one or more legs 220 may include surface pads 260. Surface pads 260 may be configured to provide slip resistance for legs 220 on a floor surface, prevent scratching of the floor surface, and/or be used for other purposes. In some embodiments, surface pads 260 may be formed from a polymer material and/or other materials that provide slip resistance and prevent scratching. In some embodiments, surface pads 260 include a threaded portion configured to thread onto/into corresponding threaded portions of legs 220.
Baseplate 225 may be coupled to legs 220, support member 210, and/or other components of system 100. Baseplate 225 may be coupled with legs 220 and/or support member 210 toward second side 204 of body 200. Baseplate 225 may be coupled to legs 220 and/or support member 210 by way of screws 237, nuts (not shown in FIG. 4), bolts (not shown in FIG. 4), an orifice 239 in baseplate 225, glue, nails, clamps, buckles, other fasteners, and/or other coupling devices. As shown in FIG. 4, an end 240 of support member 210 may be coupled to baseplate 225 at orifice 239. Baseplate 225 may be configured to support the feet of a user when the user sits at system 100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2), leans, and/or stands at system 100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3). Baseplate 225 may be a substantially flat surface that has any shape that allows system 100 to function as described herein (e.g., facilitates, sitting, standing, leaning, etc. at system 100). In some embodiments, baseplate 225 may have a length 250 of up to about 25 inches. In some embodiments, baseplate 225 may have a length 250 of between about 15 inches and about 25 inches. For example, baseplate 225 may have a length 250 of about 20 and ¼ inches. As another example, baseplate 225 may have a length 250 of about 18 and ½ inches. In some embodiments, baseplate 225 may have a width 252 of up to about 16 inches. In some embodiments, baseplate 225 may have a width 252 of between about 13 inches and about 16 inches. For example baseplate 225 may have a width 252 of about 14 and 9/16 inches. In some embodiments, baseplate 225 may have a thickness 254 of up to about 1 inch. In some embodiments, baseplate 225 may have a thickness of between about ¼ of an inch and about 1 inch. For example, baseplate 225 may have a thickness 254 of about ½ inch.
Returning to FIG. 1, desktop 400 has a first surface 402, a second surface 404, and/or other surfaces. Desktop 400 is located toward first end 202 of body 200. First surface 402 of desktop 400 is configured to facilitate desktop activity by a user. Desktop activity may include activities such as writing, typing, drawing, working on a desktop computer, working on a laptop computer, working on a tablet computer, and/or other activities. In some embodiments, first surface 402 of desktop 400 may include a hand rest 460. Hand rest 460 may be located toward a first side 280 of system 100 on first surface 402. Hand rest 460 may increase the comfort of a user's hands, arms, and/or wrists (for example) while the user works at desktop 400. In some embodiments, desktop 400 may be formed from wood, plastic, metal, and/or other materials that facilitate desktop activity by a user. In some embodiments, hand rest 460 may be foam and/or other polymers, and/or other comfort enhancing materials. In some embodiments, facilitating desktop activity includes supporting the weight of various objects (e.g., a laptop computer). For example, desktop 400 may be configured to support up to about 50 lbs. of weight.
In some embodiments, desktop 400 may have a length 450 running from at or near a third side 290 of system 100 toward a fourth side 295 of system 100 of up to about 30 inches. In some embodiments, desktop 400 may have a length 450 of between about 20 inches and about 30 inches. For example, desktop 400 may have a length 450 of about 27 and ½ inches. In some embodiments, desktop 400 may have a width 452 running from at or near first side 280 of system 100 toward second side 285 of up to about 25 inches. In some embodiments, desktop 400 may have a width 452 of between about 15 inches and about 25 inches. For example desktop 400 may have a width 452 of about 20 and ¼ inches. In some embodiments, desktop 400 may have a thickness 454 of up to about 1 inch. In some embodiments, desktop 400 may have a thickness 454 of between about ¼ of an inch and about 1 inch. For example, desktop 400 may have a thickness 454 of about 11/16 inches.
In some embodiments, hand rest 460 may be up to about 20 inches long. In some embodiments, hand rest 460 may be between about 15 and about 20 inches long. For example, hand rest 460 may be about 18½ inches long. In some embodiments, hand rest 460 may include an implement cut-out 462 configured to hold writing and/or other implements used while a user is at desktop 400. Implement cut-out 462 may be about 10 inches long, for example. However, this is not intended to be limiting. Hand rest 460 and/or implement cut-out 462 may have any size and/or shape that allow system 100 to function as described herein.
Second surface 404 is located opposite first surface 402 toward second end 204. FIG. 5 illustrates second surface 404 of desktop 400. As shown in FIG. 5, second surface 404 may be, for example, an underside of desktop 400. In some embodiments, one or more tilt coupling devices 470 may be coupled to desktop 400 on second surface 404. Tilt coupling devices 470 may be configured to facilitate coupling desktop 400 to tilt mechanism 300. Tilt coupling devices 470 may include brackets, clamps, buckles, screws, nuts, bolts, nails, glue, and/or other coupling mechanisms. For example, in FIG. 5, tilt coupling devices 470 include brackets 472 that have been attached to second surface 404 of desktop 400 with screws 476. Brackets 472 include holes 474 configured to interface with corresponding portions of tilt mechanism 300. It should be noted that the description of possible tilt coupling devices provided above is not intended to be limiting. Tilt coupling devices 470 may include any tilt coupling devices that allow system 100 to function as described herein.
Tilt mechanism 300 is illustrated in FIG. 6. Tilt mechanism 300 couples desktop 400 (not shown in FIG. 6) to body 200 between first end 202 and second end 204 of body 200 along first axis 206. Tilt mechanism 300 is configured to facilitate adjustment by a user of an angle formed between desktop 400 and the floor surface. In some embodiments, support member 210 and/or tilt mechanism 300 are configured such that distance 212 (shown in FIG. 3) between the floor surface and desktop 400 is adjustable.
In some embodiments, tilt mechanism 300 comprises a guide rail 306 coupled to body 200 and second surface 404 (shown in FIG. 5) of desktop 400, and a linkage member 309 coupled to guide rail 306 and second surface 404 of desktop 400. Guide rail 306 has a first end 308 located toward seat 500 (e.g., toward first side 280 of system 100) and a second end 310 opposite first end 308 (e.g., toward second side 285 of system 100). Guide rail 306 is pivotally coupled via a first pivot 312 to second surface 404 of desktop 400 toward first end 308 of guide rail 306. Guide rail 306 forms engagement slots 314 configured to facilitate adjustment of the angle formed between desktop 400 and the floor surface. In some embodiments, engagement slots 314 are formed in pairs along guide rail 306 with one engagement slot 314 of a pair formed toward third side 290 of system 100 and the other engagement slot 314 of the pair formed toward fourth side 295 such that linkage member 309 engages both engagements slots in a pair at substantially the same time. In some embodiments, linkage member 309 has a first end 316 pivotally coupled to second surface 404 of desktop 400 via a second pivot 318 and a second end 320 movably coupled to guide rail 306. Second end 320 of linkage member 309 forms engagement features 322 configured to engage slots 314 in guide rail 306 to facilitate the adjustment of the angle formed between desktop 400 and the floor surface.
In some embodiments, guide rail 306 is configured such that engagement slots 314 are formed to facilitate adjustment of the angle formed between desktop 400 and the floor surface between a substantially horizontal position relative to the floor surface, a 15° position, a 30° position, a 45° position, and/or other positions. By way of a non-limiting example, guide rail 306 may be configured such that engagement slots 314 include first engagement slots 330 that correspond to a first angle between desktop 400 and the floor surface, and second engagement slots 340 that correspond to a second angle between desktop 400 and the floor surface. Linkage member 309 may be configured such that disengaging engagement features 322 from first engagement slots 330 and engaging the engagement features with second engagement slots 340 changes the angle between desktop 400 and the floor surface from the first angle to the second angle. This is illustrated in FIG. 7, FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8B.
FIG. 7 illustrates four different non-limiting example positions 700, 702, 704, 706 of desktop 400 in system 100. Positions 700, 702, 704, and 706 illustrate four different angles formed between desktop 400 and a floor surface. Position 700 illustrates a substantially horizontal (0° degree) angle between desktop 400 and the floor surface. Position 702 illustrates a 15° degree angle formed between desktop 400 and the floor surface. Position 704 illustrates a 30° degree angle formed between desktop 400 and the floor surface. Position 706 illustrates a 45° degree angle formed between desktop 400 and the floor surface. These illustrations are not intended to be limiting. System 100 may be configured such that desktop 400 forms any angle with the floor surface.
FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B illustrate four views 800, 802, 804, 806 of linkage member 309 engaging different engagement slots 330, 334, 338, 340, so that desktop 400 forms different angles with the floor surface. View 800 illustrates engagement features 322 engaging slots 340 to form a substantially horizontal angle between desktop 400 and the floor surface. View 802 illustrates engagement features 322 engaging slots 330 to form a 15° angle between desktop 400 and the floor surface. View 804 illustrates engagement features 322 engaging slots 338 to form a 30° angle between desktop 400 and the floor surface. View 806 illustrates engagement features 322 engaging slots 334 to form a 45° angle between desktop 400 and the floor surface.
Returning to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, in some embodiments, tilt mechanism 300 comprises a track 303 configured to facilitate adjustment of desktop 400 toward or away from a user using system 100 (e.g., such that a distance along a second axis of system 100 that is substantially parallel to the floor surface between seat 500 and desktop 400 is adjustable). This position of desktop 400 (toward or away from a user) may be adjusted by loosening handle 350 (shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8B), pulling desktop 400 toward the user and/or pushing desktop 400 away from the user so that guide rail 306 moves along track 303, and then retightening handle 350 so that guide rail 306 no longer moves along track 303.
Returning to FIG. 1, seat 500 is coupled to body 200 and configured to facilitate sitting at workstation system 100. Seat 500 is movable between sitting configuration 102 shown in FIG. 2 and standing configuration 104 shown in FIG. 3. In sitting configuration 102, seat 500, body 200, and/or other components of system 100 support weight of the user when the user sits in seat 500. In some embodiments, seat 500 is configured to support up to about 275 lbs. of weight. In standing configuration 104, seat 500 is positioned in proximity to first axis 206, tilt mechanism 300, desktop 400, and/or other components of system 100 to facilitate standing at workstation system 100.
In some implementations, seat 500 comprises a sitting portion 502, a seat support member 504, a collar 505, and/or other components. Sitting portion 502 is configured to facilitate sitting by the user. Sitting portion 502 may be and/or include a padded surface. In some embodiments, sitting portion 502 may have substantially rectangular, oval, pear-shaped, and/or other cross sectional shapes. Seat support member 504 is configured to link sitting portion 502 to collar 505. Collar 505 is configured to couple sitting portion 502 and seat support member 504 with support member 210 such that seat support member 504 and sitting portion 502 extend away from support member 210 toward first side 280 of system 100. Collar 505 is configured to couple sitting portion 502 and seat support member 504 with support member 210 such that a position of collar 505 on support member 210 is adjustable by the user to change a distance between seat 500 and the floor surface, and/or a distance between seat 500 and desktop 400. In some embodiments, collar 505 comprises an adjustment handle 508 configured to facilitate the adjustment of the position of seat 500 on support member 210. For example, a user may loosen adjustment handle 508, move seat 500 to a desired position on support member 210, and then re-tighten adjustment handle 508. In some embodiments, collar 505 is adjustable such that the distance between the floor surface and seat 500 is up to about 36 inches. In some embodiments, collar 505 is adjustable such that the distance between the floor surface and seat 500 is between about 20 inches and about 36 inches. In some embodiments, collar 505 comprises a moveable pin 506 configured to facilitate movement of seat 500 between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration.
In some embodiments, moveable pin 506 facilitates positioning of seat 500 at one or more angles (e.g., substantially horizontal, 30°, etc.) relative to the floor surface while seat 500 is in the sitting configuration. This is illustrated in FIG. 9. In some embodiments, positioning seat 500 at one or more angles relative to the floor surface may facilitate sitting on seat 500, straddling seat 500, and/or other user positions relative to system 100. Straddling seat 500 may include at least partially sitting on seat 500 while a user continues to support himself with his feet and legs which may be placed on the floor surface, on baseplate 225, and/or on other portions of system 100, for example. Straddling seat 500 may reduce pressure on the user's back and/or other body parts, for example.
FIG. 9 illustrates seat 500 movable between a sitting configuration 510 (which includes positioning of seat 500 at one or more angles 515 relative to the floor surface while seat 500 is in the sitting configuration) and a standing configuration 520. As shown in FIG. 9, in sitting configuration 510, seat 500 extends away from support member 210 toward first side 280 of system 100. In sitting configuration 510, seat 500, body 200, and/or other components of system 100 support weight of the user when the user sits in seat 500. In standing configuration 520, seat 500 is positioned in proximity to first axis 206, desktop 400, support member 210, and/or other components of system 100 to facilitate standing at workstation system 100.
Returning to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, system 100 comprises a secondary table 600 configured to facilitate secondary desktop activity of the user. Secondary desktop activity may include operating a mouse, writing, drawing, typing, supporting a notebook, books, drinks, food, and or other objects, and/or other secondary desktop activity, for example. Secondary table 600 may have a smaller surface area than desktop 400. Secondary table 600 is configured to extend along a second axis 602 and/or a third axis 604 of system 100 that are substantially parallel to the floor surface. For example, secondary table 600 may be configured such that a user seated in seat 500 may pull/push secondary table 600 toward/away from himself (e.g., toward and/or away from first side 280/second side 285), and/or a user may slide secondary table 600 out from under desktop 400 toward the right (e.g., toward third side 290) and/or left (e.g., toward fourth side 295 of system 100) of the user. It should be noted that these directions are just examples and are not intended to be limiting.
Secondary table 600 is slidably coupled to body 200 toward first end 202 of body 200 near second surface 404 of desktop 400, tilt mechanism 300, and/or other components of system 100. FIG. 10 illustrates secondary table 600 coupled to body 200 near second surface 404 of desktop 400 and tilt mechanism 300. Secondary table 600 is slidably coupled to body 200 via secondary table support members 607, 608, and 609 (shown in FIG. 4), and/or other components. In some embodiments, secondary table support member 609 may be fixed (e.g., via screws, nuts, bolts, nails, clamps, glue, other fasteners, etc.) to track 303 and member 607 may be fixed (e.g., via screws, nuts, bolts, nails, clamps, glue, other fasteners, etc.) to member 609. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 10, secondary table 600 is configured to slide out from under desktop 400 toward third side of system 100 along third axis 604. It should be noted that this is not intended to be limiting. Secondary support members 607, 608, 609, and/or other components of system 100 may be configured such that secondary table 600 is configured to slide out from under desktop 400 toward any side of system 100 along any axis. Secondary table support member 608 is configured to slide within a sleeve formed by table support member 607 so that secondary table 600 may move along axis 604 (in this example) out from under desktop 400. In some embodiments, secondary table support member 608 may include a first portion 620 configured to slide within member 607, a second portion 622 configured to support secondary table 600, and/or other portions. Secondary portion 622 may be coupled to secondary table 600 by way of screws, nuts, bolts, nails, clamps, glue, other fasteners, etc. The position of secondary table 600 may be adjusted by loosening a handle 650, pulling and/or pushing secondary table 600 so that secondary table support member 608 slides within the sleeve formed by member 607 along axis 602 and/or axis 604, and then retightening handle 650 so that secondary table support member 608 no longer slides within member 607.
FIG. 11 illustrates method 1000 for adjusting a workstation system between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration. The workstation system includes a body, a desktop, a tilt mechanism, a seat, and/or other components. The body has a first end and a second end with a first axis running between the first end and the second end. The body includes a base located toward the second end configured to engage a floor surface. The operations of method 1000 presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method 1000 may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method 1000 are illustrated in FIG. 11 and described below is not intended to be limiting.
At an operation 1002, the desktop is coupled to the body with the tilt mechanism. The desktop has a first surface, a second surface, and/or other surfaces. The tilt mechanism couples the desktop to the body between the first end and the second end of the body along the first axis. The desktop is located toward the first end of the body. The first surface of the desktop is configured to facilitate desktop activity by a user. The second surface is located opposite the first surface. The second surface may be, for example, an underside of the desktop. In some embodiments, the desktop is configured to support up to about 50 lbs. of weight.
In some embodiments, the body comprises a support member coupled to the tilt mechanism, the seat, the base, and/or other components of the workstation system. The support member is configured to support the desktop, the tilt mechanism, and the seat, and be supported by the base. The support member extends from the tilt mechanism to the base along the first axis. In some embodiments, the base comprises at least two legs (e.g., four legs) configured to support the desktop, the tilt mechanism, and the seat on the floor surface. In some embodiments, at least two of the at least two legs (e.g., two of the four legs) are coupled with rolling devices (e.g., wheels) configured to facilitate movement of the workstation system on the floor surface. In some embodiments, the body is configured such that the first axis forms an angle of between about 45° and about 90° with the floor surface. For example, the body may be configured such that the first axis forms an angle of about 80° with the floor surface. Operation 1002 may be performed by a tilt mechanism that is the same as or similar to tilt mechanism 300 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).
At an operation 1004, adjustment of an angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface is facilitated by the tilt mechanism. In some embodiments, the tilt mechanism comprises a guide rail coupled to the body and the second surface of the desktop, and a linkage member coupled to the guide rail and the second surface of the desktop. The guide rail has a first end located toward the seat and a second end opposite the first end. The guide rail is pivotally coupled to the second surface of the desktop toward the first end of the guide rail. The guide rail forms engagement slots configured to facilitate adjustment of the angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface. In some embodiments, the linkage member has a first end pivotally coupled to the second surface of the desktop and a second end movably coupled to the guide rail. The second end of the linkage member forms engagement features configured to engage the slots in the guide rail to facilitate the adjustment of the angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface. In some embodiments, the guide rail is configured such that the engagement slots are formed to facilitate adjustment of the angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface between a substantially horizontal position relative to the floor surface, a 15° position, a 30° position, and a 45° position. Operation 1004 may be performed by a tilt mechanism that is the same as or similar to tilt mechanism 300 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).
At an operation 1006, adjustment of a distance between the desktop and the floor surface is facilitated. Adjustment of the distance between the desktop and the floor surface may be facilitated by the body, the tilt mechanism, and/or other components of the workstation system. In some embodiments, the support member (of the body) comprises at least two telescoping support poles configured to extend along the first axis to adjust the distance between the floor surface and the desktop. Operation 1006 may be performed by a body that is the same as or similar to body 200 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).
At an operation 1008, the seat is coupled to the body. The seat is coupled to the body and configured to facilitate sitting at the workstation system. In some implementations, the seat comprises a collar configured to couple the seat with the support member such that a position of the collar on the support member is adjustable by the user to change a distance between the seat and the floor surface and/or a distance between the seat and the desktop. In some embodiments, the seat, the body, the tilt mechanism, the desktop and/or components of the system are configured such that a distance along a second axis of the workstation that is substantially parallel to the floor surface between the seat and the desktop is adjustable. In some embodiments, the seat is configured to support up to about 275 lbs. of weight. Operation 1008 may be performed by a collar that is the same as or similar to collar 505 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).
At an operation 1010, movement of the seat between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration is facilitated. In the sitting configuration, the seat and the body support weight of the user when the user sits in the seat. In the standing configuration, the seat is positioned in proximity to the first axis to facilitate standing at the workstation system. In some embodiments, the collar comprises a moveable pin configured to facilitate movement of the seat between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration. In some embodiments, the moveable pin facilitates positioning the seat at one or more angles relative to the floor surface while the seat is in the sitting configuration. Operation 1010 may be performed by a collar that is the same as or similar to collar 505 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).
Although the disclosure has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. An adjustable workstation system movable between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration, the workstation system positionable on a floor surface, the workstation system comprising:

a body having a first end and a second end, the body including a base located toward the second end, the base configured to engage the floor surface;

a desktop having a first surface and a second surface, the desktop being located toward the first end of the body, the first surface being configured to facilitate desktop activity by a user and the second surface being located opposite the first surface;

a tilt mechanism that couples the desktop to the body, the tilt mechanism configured to facilitate adjustment by a user of an angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface, the tilt mechanism comprising a track configured to facilitate adjustment of a distance between the user and the desktop; and

a seat coupled to the body configured to facilitate sitting at the workstation system, the seat being movable between:

the sitting configuration, wherein the seat and the body support weight of the user when the user sits in the seat, and

the standing configuration, wherein the seat is positioned in closer proximity to the body to facilitate standing at the workstation system.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a support member coupled to the tilt mechanism, the seat, and the base, the support member configured to support the desktop, the tilt mechanism, and the seat, and be supported by the base, the support member extending from the tilt mechanism to the base.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the seat comprises a collar configured to couple the seat with the support member such that a position of the collar on the support member is adjustable by the user to change a distance between the seat and the floor surface and/or a distance between the seat and the desktop.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the collar comprises a moveable pin configured to facilitate:

movement of the seat between the sitting configuration and the standing configuration; and

positioning of the seat at one or more angles relative to the floor surface while the seat is in the sitting configuration.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the support member and the tilt mechanism are configured such that a distance between the floor surface and the desktop is adjustable.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the support member comprises at least two telescoping support poles configured to adjust the distance between the floor surface and the desktop.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the tilt mechanism comprises a guide rail slidably coupled to the body via the track, and coupled to the second surface of the desktop, and a linkage member coupled to the guide rail and the second surface of the desktop,

the guide rail having a first end located toward the seat and a second end opposite the first end, the guide rail pivotally coupled to the second surface of the desktop toward the first end of the guide rail, the guide rail forming engagement slots configured to facilitate adjustment of the angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface,

the linkage member having a first end pivotally coupled to the second surface of the desktop and a second end movably coupled to the guide rail, the second end of the linkage member forming engagement features configured to engage the slots in the guide rail to facilitate the adjustment of the angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the guide rail is configured such that the engagement slots are formed to facilitate adjustment of the angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface between a substantially horizontal position relative to the floor surface, a 15° position, a 30° position, and a 45° position.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the guide rail is configured such that the engagement slots include first engagement slots that correspond to a first angle between the desktop and the floor surface, and second engagement slots that correspond to a second angle between the desktop and the floor surface, and wherein the linkage member is configured such that disengaging the engagement features from the first engagement slots and engaging the engagement features with the second engagement slots changes the angle between the desktop and the floor surface from the first angle to the second angle.

10. (canceled)

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a secondary table configured to facilitate secondary desktop activity of the user, the secondary table having a smaller surface area than the desktop, the secondary table slidably coupled to the body, the secondary table configured to extend along an axis of the workstation that is substantially parallel to the floor surface.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises at least two legs configured to support the desktop, the tilt mechanism, and the seat on the floor surface.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein at least two of the at least two legs are coupled with rolling devices configured to facilitate movement of the workstation system on the floor surface.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the desktop is configured to support up to about 50 lbs. of weight and the seat is configured to support up to about 275 lbs. of weight.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the body forms an angle of between about 45° and about 90° with the floor surface.

16. A method for adjusting a workstation system between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration, the workstation system positionable on a floor surface, the workstation system comprising a body, a desktop, a tilt mechanism, and a seat, the body having a first end and a second end, the body including a base located toward the second end, the base configured to engage the floor surface, the method comprising:

coupling, with the tilt mechanism, the desktop to the body, the desktop being located toward the first end of the body, the desktop having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being configured to facilitate desktop activity by a user and the second surface being located opposite the first surface;

facilitating, with the tilt mechanism, adjustment by a user of an angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface;

facilitating, with a track of the tilt mechanism, adjustment of a distance between the user and the desktop;

coupling the seat to the body, the seat configured to facilitate sitting at the workstation system; and

facilitating, with the seat and the body, movement of the seat between:

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the body comprises a support member coupled to the tilt mechanism, the seat, and the base;

the method further comprising supporting, with the support member, the desktop, the tilt mechanism, and the seat; and

supporting, with the base, the support member;

the support member extending from the tilt mechanism to the base.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the seat comprises a collar, the method further comprising coupling the seat to the support member with the collar such that a position of the collar on the support member is adjustable by the user to change a distance between the seat and the floor surface and/or a distance between the seat and the desktop.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the collar comprises a moveable pin, the method further comprising facilitating, with the moveable pin:

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising facilitating, with the support member and the tilt mechanism, adjustment of a distance between the floor surface and the desktop.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the support member comprises at least two telescoping support poles configured to adjust the distance between the floor surface and the desktop.

22. The method of claim 16, wherein the tilt mechanism comprises a guide rail slidably coupled to the body via the track, and coupled to the second surface of the desktop, and a linkage member coupled to the guide rail and the second surface of the desktop, the method further comprising facilitating the adjustment of the angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface with the guide rail and the linkage member,

the guide rail having a first end located toward the seat and a second end opposite the first end, the guide rail pivotally coupled to the second surface of the desktop toward the first end of the guide rail, the guide rail forming engagement slots, and

the linkage member having a first end pivotally coupled to the second surface of the desktop and a second end movably coupled to the guide rail, the second end of the linkage member forming engagement features configured to engage the slots in the guide rail.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the guide rail is configured such that the engagement slots are formed to facilitate adjustment of the angle formed between the desktop and the floor surface between a substantially horizontal position relative to the floor surface, a 15° position, a 30° position, and a 45° position.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the guide rail is configured such that the engagement slots include first engagement slots that correspond to a first angle between the desktop and the floor surface, and second engagement slots that correspond to a second angle between the desktop and the floor surface, and wherein the linkage member is configured such that disengaging the engagement features from the first engagement slots and engaging the engagement features with the second engagement slots changes the angle between the desktop and the floor surface from the first angle to the second angle.

25. (canceled)

26. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a secondary table configured to facilitate secondary desktop activity of the user, the secondary table having a smaller surface area than the desktop, the secondary table slidably coupled to the body, the secondary table configured to extend along an axis of the workstation that is substantially parallel to the floor surface.

27. The method of claim 16, wherein the base comprises at least two legs configured to support the desktop, the tilt mechanism, and the seat on the floor surface.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein at least two of the at least two legs are coupled with rolling devices configured to facilitate movement of the workstation system on the floor surface.

29. The method of claim 16, further comprising supporting, with the desktop, up to about 50 lbs. of weight and supporting, with the seat, up to about 275 lbs. of weight.

30. The method of claim 16, further comprising forming, with the body, an angle of between about 45o and about 90o between the floor surface and the body.