US20170354245A1

US20170354245A1 - Stand up desk having adjustable heights

Info

Publication number: US20170354245A1
Application number: US15/618,644
Authority: US
Inventors: Dayna Martin; Ellen O'Hearn; Frank Scholley; Maximo Mejia
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-06-10
Filing date: 2017-06-09
Publication date: 2017-12-14

Abstract

An adjustable stand up desk includes an upper desk surface and a second desk surface connected to the upper desk surface. The desk further includes a base with at least two channels and a pair of positioning legs configured to sit on an existing desk. A folding leg assembly connects the base to the first desk surface. The folding leg assembly includes a first pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base, and a second pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base. Each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is configured to move within the at least two channels of the base, such that the adjustable stand up desk can be adjusted from at least a closed position to a fully raised position.

Description

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/348,540, entitled Stand Up Desk Having Adjustable Heights, filed Jun. 10, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Our invention relates generally to a stand up desk that is adjustable to variable heights. More specifically, our invention relates to an adjustable stand up desk that provides a user with an ergonomic work environment and thereby improves health of a user.

RELATED ART

Sitting for long periods of time can negatively impact a person's health. In fact, medical studies suggest that the more a person sits each day, the greater is their risk for chronic health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Thus, office jobs that require long periods of sitting may be hazardous to a person's health due to inactivity and low levels of energy expenditure.
Allowing office workers or other “desk-bound” persons to stand for periods of time during the workday is one way to address these concerns. Standing at a desk, however, imposes costs and concerns, such as the need for a separate standing desk or replacing a sitting desk with a standing desk. As used herein, the term “standing desk” relates to a desk that a user would stand up to use, while the term “sitting desk” refers to a desk that a user would use while sitting down. One possible solution to these problems is to provide a variable height desk or surface that may be placed on an existing sitting desk. Current variable height desks, however, are bulky and heavy because of their elaborate height adjustment mechanisms. As used herein, the term “variable height desk” refers to a desk that is capable of being adjusted to various heights. In addition, the height adjustment mechanisms of these variable height desks often cause the desk to swing forward (towards the user and into the user's workspace) when being adjusted vertically in height, as opposed to moving directly upward in a vertical plane. This forward movement of the variable height desk causes the desk to intrude on the person's workspace. In the case of a cubicle worker, the amount of workspace is already quite limited. Thus, these current variable height desks are generally not feasible for many workers or workspace environments, while also lacking portability and ease in storage when not in use. Current variable height desks can also be difficult to adjust in height. Moreover, current variable height desks may not collapse into a flat or a low-profile configuration or a position that allows for a person to also use the desk in a seated position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, our invention provides an adjustable stand up desk that includes a first desk surface and a second desk surface connected to the first desk surface. The desk further includes a base with at least two channels and a pair of positioning legs that is configured to sit on an existing desk. A folding leg assembly connects the base to at least the first desk surface. The folding leg assembly includes a first pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base, and a second pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base. Each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is configured to slide within the at least two channels of the base, such that the adjustable stand up desk can be adjusted from at least a closed position to a fully extended position. In one embodiment, the adjustable stand up desk can also be adjusted to a partially extended position.
According to another aspect, our invention provides an adjustable stand up desk that includes a first desk surface and a second desk surface connected to the first desk surface. The desk further includes a base with at least two channels and a pair of positioning legs that is configured to sit on an existing desk. A folding leg assembly connects the base to at least the first desk surface. The folding leg assembly includes a first pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base, and a second pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base. Each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is configured to slide within the at least two channels of the base, such that the adjustable stand up desk can be adjusted from at least a closed position to a fully extended position. The desk further includes a gas spring assembly that is configured to provide a controlled adjustment of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position, and an operable handle and a handle assembly that are configured to engage with the gas spring assembly to assist in the adjusting of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position. In one embodiment, the adjustable stand up desk can also be adjusted to a partially extended position.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an adjustable stand up desk in a fully extended position, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of the adjustable stand up desk shown in FIG. 1A, showing the desk in use in a workspace environment according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the adjustable stand up desk shown in FIG. 1A in the fully extended position.

FIG. 3 is a back view of the adjustable stand up desk shown in FIG. 1A in the fully extended position.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the adjustable stand up desk shown in FIG. 1A in the fully extended position.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the adjustable stand up desk shown in FIG. 1A in the fully extended position.

FIG. 6 is top view of the adjustable stand up desk shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the adjustable stand up desk shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable stand up desk shown in FIG. 1A, showing the underside of the desk.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an adjustable stand up desk in a partially extended position, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the adjustable stand up desk shown in FIG. 9 in the partially extended position.

FIG. 11 is a back view of the adjustable stand up desk shown in FIG. 9 in the partially extended position.

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable stand up desk shown in FIG. 9, showing the underside of the desk.

FIG. 13 is a top side perspective view of an adjustable stand up desk in a closed position, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the adjustable stand up desk shown in FIG. 13 in the closed position.

FIG. 15 is a back view of the adjustable stand up desk shown in FIG. 13 in the closed position.

FIG. 16 is a partial, bottom perspective view of the adjustable stand up desk shown in FIG. 13, showing the underside of the desk.

FIG. 17 is a partial, bottom perspective view of a locking mechanism of the adjustable stand up desk, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a partial, bottom perspective view of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 17 in a locked position.

FIG. 19 is a partial, bottom perspective view of a handle assembly of the adjustable stand up desk, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are partial, side perspective views of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 19 in a lowered position and a raised position, respectively.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are partial, bottom perspective views of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 19 in a lowered position and a raised position, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Our invention relates to a stand up desk that is adjustable to variable heights. In particular, our invention relates to an adjustable stand up desk that can be placed on an existing sitting desk, table, or other flat surface. The adjustable stand up desk may be adjusted from a flat or a low-profile configuration to varying heights to accommodate workers and workspaces of various sizes. Moreover, our invention relates to an adjustable stand up desk that offers ease in height adjustment, portability, and storage, while also providing a user with an ergonomic work environment in order to improve health of a user.
Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of an adjustable stand up desk 100 according to the invention, in which the adjustable stand up desk 100 is in a fully extended position. As shown in FIG. 1A, the adjustable stand up desk 100 includes a first desk surface 10, a second desk surface 20, a folding leg assembly 15, and a base 30. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the base 30 comprises a plurality of frame members 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D, with a first or rear frame member 30A including a channel 32A and a second or front frame member 30B also including a channel 32B (see, e.g., FIG. 8). These channels 32A and 32B are configured for guiding one or more wheels of the folding leg assembly 15, which will be described in further detail below. The base 30 also includes a connection member 56 that connects at least the first frame member 30A to the second frame member 30B. The base 30 of the adjustable stand up desk 100 further includes one or more positioning legs 40A and 40B that are connected to one or more of the plurality of frame members 30A-30D. The positioning legs 40A and 40B are configured to position the adjustable stand up desk 100 onto a flat surface, such as a desk or tabletop. For example, in one embodiment, such as the one shown in FIG. 1B, the adjustable stand up desk 100 is positioned on top of a sitting desk 1000, with a computer display monitor 1050 placed on top of the first desk surface 10, and a keyboard 1060 and a mouse 1080 placed on top of the second desk surface 20. Thus, according to one aspect of the invention, the adjustable stand up desk 100 is configured to be easily placed on top of an existing sitting desk, with the first desk surface 10 being generally used for the placement of one or more computer display monitors and/or laptop computers, and the second desk surface 20 being generally used for the placement of one or more computer keyboards, mouse, and/or other input devices.
As also shown in FIGS. 1A, 2, 3, and 8, the first desk surface 10 includes a frame system 12 that attaches to the bottom surface of the first desk surface 10 and extends below the first desk surface 10. The frame system 12 includes a plurality of frame members 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D, with a first frame member 12A providing a channel 77A, and a second frame member 12B providing a channel 77B (see, e.g., FIG. 8). These channels 77A, 77B are configured for guiding one or more wheels of the folding leg assembly 15, which will be described in more detail below. The frame system 12 also includes a transverse connection member 76 that connects at least the first frame member 12A to the second frame member 12B. The frame system 12 also allows for connection of the first desk surface 10 to the second desk surface 20. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 4, and 5, the first desk surface 10 is connected to the second desk surface 20 by one or more vertical brackets 70A, 70B, with each of the vertical brackets 70A, 70B attaching to a frame member 12C or 12D of the frame system 12 and one side of the second desk surface 20. In one embodiment, such as the one shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the vertical brackets 70A, 70B are attached to the respective frame member 12C, 12D of the frame system 12 by one or more nails or screws 72, 74. The vertical brackets 70A, 70B, however, can be attached to the frame system 12 and the second desk surface 20 by any type of attachment element or mechanism (e.g., screws, nails, bolts, pins, glue, epoxy, etc.).
As also shown in FIGS. 1A-6, the second desk surface 20 includes a first handle 25A on one side of the second desk surface 20 and a second handle 25B on the other side of the second desk surface 20 (see, e.g., FIG. 6). The first and second handles 25A, 25B are provided for ease in adjusting the height of the adjustable stand up desk 100. As also shown in FIGS. 1A and 4, an operable handle 80 is provided below the second handle 25B of the second desk surface 20. The operable handle 80 is connected to a rod 82 with first and second ends 84, 86, and a handle assembly 85 that functions in accordance with movement of the operable handle 80. The functioning of the operable handle 80 and the handle assembly 85 will be described in more detail below, with regards to FIGS. 19-21B. Although in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 4, the operable handle 80 is provided below the second handle 25B of the second desk surface 20, the operable handle 80 can be provided below one or both of the first and second handles 25A, 25B of the second desk surface 20.
One embodiment of the folding leg assembly 15 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1A-5, 7, and 8. As shown in FIGS. 1A-5, 7, and 8, the folding leg assembly 15 includes a first pair of legs 50A, 50B and a second pair of legs 51A, 51B that each pivot about each other via a center bar 52 that connects each of the legs 50A, 50B, 51A, 51B together. The first pair of legs 50A, 50B and second pair of legs 51A, 51B are also slidably connected to the first desk surface 10 and the base 30. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 8, a first end of each leg of the first pair of legs 50A, 50B terminates in or is connected to a first leg bar 60A, while a second end of each leg of the first pair of legs 50A, 50B terminates in or is connected to a second leg bar 60B. The first leg bar 60A includes a pair of wheels 61A, 61B, with a first wheel 61A of the pair of wheels 61A, 61B configured to roll within the channel 32A provided by the first frame member 30A of the base 30, and a second wheel 61B of the pair of wheels 61A, 61B configured to roll within the channel 32B provided by the second frame member 30B of the base 30. The second leg bar 60B includes a pair of wheels 63A, 63B, with a first wheel 63A of the pair of wheels 63A, 63B configured to roll within the channel 77A provided by the first frame member 12A of the frame system 12, and a second wheel 63B of the pair of wheels 63A, 63B configured to roll within the channel 77B provided by the second frame member 12B of the frame system 12. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 8, a first end of each leg of the second pair of legs 51A, 51B terminates in or is connected to a third leg bar 62A, while a second end of each leg of the second pair of legs 51A, 51B terminates in or is connected to a fourth leg bar 62B. The third leg bar 62A includes a pair of wheels 66A, 66B, with a first wheel 66A (not shown) of the pair of wheels 66A, 66B configured to roll within the channel 32A provided by the first bracket 30A of the base 30, and a second wheel 66B of the pair of wheels 66A, 66B configured to roll within the channel 32B provided by the second bracket 30B of the base 30. The fourth leg bar 62B includes a pair of wheels 67A, 67B, with a first wheel 67A of the pair of wheels 67A, 67B configured to roll within the channel 77A provided by the first frame member 12A of the frame system 12, and a second wheel 67B of the pair of wheels 67A, 67B configured to roll within the channel 77B provided by the second frame member 12B of the frame system 12.
As also shown in FIGS. 1A-3, a plurality of stabilizing struts 55A-55D and 57A-57D is provided, with each of the stabilizing struts 55A-55B and 57A-57D connecting to at least one of the legs of the first and second pairs of legs 50A, 50B, 51A, 51B. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 2, a first stabilizing strut 55 a connects to (i) a first leg 50A of the first pair of legs 50A, 50B and (ii) the connection member 56 of the base 30, while a second stabilizing strut 57A connects to (i) a first leg 51A of the second pair of legs 51A, 51B and (ii) the connection member 56 of the base 30. The first and second stabilizing struts 55A, 57A are connected to the connection member 56 of the base 30 via a pivotal connection point 65A, while at least the second stabilizing strut 57A is connected to the first leg 51A of the second pair of legs 51A, 51B via a pivotal connection point 54A. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 3, a third stabilizing strut 55B connects to (i) a second leg 50B of the first pair of legs 50A, 50B and (ii) the connection member 56 of the base 30, while a fourth strut 57B connects to (i) a second leg 51B of the second pair of legs 51A, 51B and (ii) the connection member 56 of the base 30. The third and fourth stabilizing struts 55A, 57A are also connected to the connection member 56 of the base 30 via a pivotal connection point (not shown), while at least the fourth stabilizing strut 57B is connected to the second leg 51B of the second pair of legs 51A, 51B via a pivotal connection point 54C. As further shown in FIG. 2, a fifth stabilizing strut 55C connects to (i) the first leg 50A of the first pair of legs 50A, 50B and (ii) the connection member 76 of the frame system 12, while a sixth stabilizing strut 57C connects to (i) the first leg 51A of the second pair of legs 51A, 51B and (ii) the connection member 76 of the frame system 12. As shown in FIG. 8, the fifth and sixth stabilizing struts 55C, 57C are connected to the connection member 76 of the frame system 12 via a pivotal connection point 65B, while at least the sixth stabilizing strut 57C is connected to the first leg 51A of the second pair of legs 51A, 51B via a pivotal connection point 54B. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, a seventh stabilizing strut 55D connects to the second leg 50B of the first pair of legs 50A, 50B and the connection member 76 of the frame system 12, while an eighth stabilizing strut 57D connects to the second leg 51B of the second pair of legs 51A, 51B and the connection member 76 of the frame system 12. As shown in FIG. 8, the seventh and eighth stabilizing struts 55D, 57D are connected to the connection member 76 of the frame system 12 via a pivotal connection point 65C, while at least the eighth stabilizing strut 57D is connected to the second leg 51B of the second pair of legs 51A, 51B via a pivotal connection point 54D.
The folding leg assembly 15 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-5, 7, and 8 allows for the adjustable stand up desk 100 to be adjusted between at least a fully extended position (see, e.g., FIGS. 1A-5, 7, and 8), a partially extended position (see, e.g., FIGS. 9-12), and a closed or locked position (see, e.g., FIGS. 13-16), as well as any height in between the closed position and the fully extended position. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 2, the adjustable stand up desk 100 is in the fully extended position when the first desk surface 10 extends a distance H1 from the base 30, with the distance H1 being the maximum distance that the first desk surface 10 can extend away from the base 30. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the adjustable stand up desk 100 is in the partially extended position when the first desk surface 10 extends a distance H2 from the base 30, with the distance H2 being the less than the distance H1. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the adjustable stand up desk 100 is in the closed position when the first desk surface 10 extends a distance H3 from the base 30, with the distance H3 being the minimum distance that the first desk surface 10 can extend away from the base 30. In one embodiment, in the closed position (see, e.g., FIGS. 15 and 18), the adjustable stand up desk 100 can be locked through a locking mechanism. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the locking mechanism comprises a locking pin or screw 90 that engages with (i) an opening (not shown) provided in an outer surface of the first frame member 30A of the base 30, and (ii) an opening 59 provided within a locking bracket 58 that is attached to the second frame member 12B of the frame system 12. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, when the adjustable stand up desk 100 is shifted into the closed position, the opening 59 of the locking bracket 58 lines up with the opening of the first frame member 30A of the base 30, such that the locking pin or screw 90 can engage with the opening 59 of the locking bracket 58. This engagement of the locking pin or screw 90 with the opening 59 of the locking bracket 58 allows for the folding leg assembly 15 and the adjustable stand up desk 100 to be locked into place when the adjustable stand up desk 100 is in the closed position (see, e.g., FIG. 15).
The folding leg assembly 15 adjusts the stand up desk 100 from the fully extended position to the closed position by shifting the legs 50A, 50B, 51A, 51B of the folding leg assembly 15 from a fully extended position (see, e.g., FIGS. 1A-3 and 8) to a collapsed and folded position (see, e.g., FIGS. 13-16). For example, FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the underside of the adjustable stand up desk 100 in a fully extended position. As shown in FIG. 8, each of the legs 50A, 50B, 51A, 51B are in a fully extended position, with (i) the second leg bar 60B and pair of wheels 63A, 63B positioned within a central region of each of the channels 77A, 77B provided by the first and second frame members 12A, 12B of the frame system 12, and (ii) the fourth leg bar 62B and pair of wheels 67A, 67B positioned within a central region of each of the channels 77A, 77B provided by the first and second frame members 12A, 12B of the frame system 12. In the fully extended position of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the first leg bar 60A and pair of wheels 61A, 61B are also positioned within a central region of each of the channels 32A, 32B provided by the first and second frame members 30A, 30B of the base 30, and the third leg bar 62A and pair of wheels 66A, 66B are also positioned within a central region of each of the channels 32A, 32B provided by the first and second frame members 30A, 30B of the base 30. As the adjustable stand up desk 100 is shifted from the fully extended position of, for example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, to the partially extended position of, for example, that shown in FIGS. 9-12, and/or the closed position of, for example, that shown in FIGS. 13-16, each of the wheels 61A, 61B, 63A, 63B, 66A, 66B, 67A, 67B is guided within their respective channel and rolls away from the center of the desk 100 and towards a respective side of the desk 100 (see, e.g., arrows A of FIG. 12). In contrast, as the adjustable stand up desk 100 is shifted from the closed position of, for example, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-16, to the partially extended position of, for example, that shown in FIGS. 9-12, and/or the fully extended position of, for example, that shown in FIGS. 1A-3 and 8, each of the wheels 61A, 61B, 63A, 63B, 66A, 66B, 67A, 67B is guided within their respective channel and rolls toward the center of the desk 100 and away from a respective side of the desk 100 (see, e.g., arrows B of FIG. 12). Moreover, as the wheels 61A, 61B, 63A, 63B, 66A, 66B, 67A, 67B are guided within their respective channels, the respective leg bars 60A, 60B, 62A, 62B are also shifted in the same direction as their respective wheels 61A, 61B, 63A, 63B, 66A, 66B, 67A, 67B, which in turn shifts the respective legs 50A, 50B, 51A, 51B into (i) a folded or closed position (see, e.g., FIGS. 13-16), (ii) a partially extended position (see, e.g., FIGS. 9-12), or (ii) an open or fully extended position (see, e.g., FIGS. 1A-3 and 8).
As discussed above, the folding leg assembly 15 adjusts the stand up desk 100 from a fully extended position to a closed position by shifting the legs 50A, 50B, 51A, 51B of the folding leg assembly 15 from a fully extended position to a collapsed and folded position. The movement and configuration of the folding leg assembly 15 allows for the adjustable stand up desk 100 to be adjusted from the closed position to the fully extended position in a directly vertical manner, such that the first desk surface 10 and/or the second desk surface 20 do not swing toward and/or away from the user during the adjusting of the stand-up desk 100. This configuration of the adjustable stand up desk 100 allows for minimal space to be needed to adjust the desk 100 from the closed position to the fully extended position. Moreover, the adjustable stand up desk 100 does not intrude into the workspace of the user during and after the adjusting of the height of the stand-up desk 100. Accordingly, this direct vertical adjustment of the stand-up desk 100 allows for the desk 100 to be effectively used in many types of work environments, including, for example, cubicle work units.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the folding leg assembly 15 is connected to a commercially available gas spring assembly 200, such as a lockable gas spring, type RLE from Lesjofors Springs and Pressings, to provide a controlled adjustment of the height of the stand-up desk 100. The gas spring assembly 200 is connected to a handle assembly 85, which in turn is connected to a manually operable handle 80. Accordingly, operation of the handle 80 and handle assembly 85, which will be described in further detail below, can control the position of an internal valve between a bi-chambered cylinder 220 to allow a push rod 210 to be extended or retracted relative to the cylinder. When the valve is in the closed position, the push rod 210 is locked relative to the cylinder and when the valve is open, fluid can flow between the internal chambers and the push rod can be extended or retracted. Handle 80 and handle assembly 85 control the position of the valve to control the movement of the adjustable stand up desk 100 and set the desk 100 at a desired height. For example, in one embodiment, the gas spring assembly 200 comprises a spring mechanism 201, a push rod 210, and a gas cylinder 220. In one embodiment, the gas of the gas cylinder 220 comprises air however, the cylinder may work with other fluids. As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 12, and 16, during height adjustment of the desk 100, the gas cylinder 220 is mounted beneath the underside of the first desk surface 10. In one embodiment, the spring mechanism 201 is connected to the second leg bar 60B via a connecting member 201A, while the gas cylinder 220 is connected to the fourth leg bar 62B thus as the stand up desk 100 is adjusted from a closed position to a fully extended position, or vice versa the distance between second leg bar 60B and fourth leg bar 62B varies, such that pushrod 210 and a connected to a piston (not shown) that slides within the gas cylinder 220 must move relative to the cylinder. The movement of the piston increases or decreases pressure that is created within a chamber in the gas cylinder 220. The push rod 210 is also connected to the spring mechanism 201, such that energy created by the spring mechanism 201 can be dampened by the piston and/or gas cylinder 220. In one embodiment, the spring mechanism 201 is connected to the second leg bar 60B via a connecting member 201A, while the gas cylinder 220 is connected to the fourth leg bar 62B. Accordingly, the movement of the wheels 63A, 63B, 67A, 67B within their respective channels and the movement of the respective leg bars 60B, 62B results in either compression or extension of the spring mechanism 201 and movement of the gas cylinder 220. In one embodiment, the spring mechanism 201 is fully extended when the adjustable stand up desk 100 is in the closed position (see, e.g., FIG. 16). In this fully extended position, the spring mechanism 201 is charged because energy is being stored by the spring mechanism 201. This stored energy of the fully extended spring mechanism 201 can provide the force needed to lift the adjustable stand up desk from the closed position to the fully extended position. This force, however, is dampened by the movement of the piston within the gas cylinder 220, as the gas cylinder 220 and push rod 210 extend or retract, such that the stored energy from the fully extended spring mechanism 201 is released in a controlled and gradual manner. By allowing for this controlled release of the stored energy created by the spring mechanism 201, the height of the stand-up desk 100 can also be adjusted in a controlled manner. In this embodiment, once the adjustable stand up desk 100 is set to the partially or fully extended position, the spring mechanism 201 will be compressed, which will release some or all of the stored energy. Thus, the user will need to provide force to shift the adjustable stand up desk 100 back to the closed position, which in turn will fully extend the spring mechanism 201 and charge the spring mechanism 201 with energy again. The spring mechanism 201 can comprise a coil or helical spring, a tension or extension spring, a torsion spring, and/or a compression spring.
In the illustrated embodiment, the gas spring assembly 200 is connected to the handle assembly 85, which in turn is connected to the operable handle 80. Accordingly, operation of the handle 80 and handle assembly 85, which will be described in further detail below, can actuate or control position of the valve within cylinder 220, such that the release of the handle 80 can stop the movement of the adjustable stand up desk 100 and set the desk 100 at a desired height. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 19-21B, the operable handle 80 is connected to a rotatable rod 82 having a first end 84 and a second end 86. The first end 84 of the rod 82 is connected to either a side of the second desk surface 20 or a portion of the vertical bracket 70A, while the second end 86 of the rod 82 is connected to a portion of the vertical bracket 70A. The rod 82 is further connected to the handle assembly 85. The handle assembly 85 includes a hinging member 300, a biasing member 310, a rod member 320, and an attachment structure 330. The hinging member 300 includes a first portion 300A, a second portion 300B, and a third portion 300C that connects to the rod member 320. The first portion 300A of the hinging member 300 is connected at (i) a first end to the rotatable rod 82 and (ii) a second end to the second portion 300B via a pivot point 301. The second portion 300B of the hinging member is connected at (i) a first end to the first portion 300A via the pivot point 301 and (ii) a second end to the third portion 300C via a pivot point 302. The third portion 300C is connected to the rod member 320, which rotates within the attachment structure 330. The attachment structure 330 attaches the handle assembly 85 to the vertical bracket 70A. As the user operates the handle 80 and shifts the handle 80 from a downward position (see, e.g., FIG. 20A) to an upward position (see, e.g., FIG. 20B), the rotatable rod 82 is rotated, which in turn shifts the hinging member 300 upwardly. The movement of the hinging member 300 upwardly also shifts the first, second, and third portions 300A, 300B, 300C upwardly, such that the third portion 300C presses against the biasing member 310 and biases the biasing member 310 upwardly (see, e.g., FIG. 21B). The biasing member 310 is configured to interact with the gas spring assembly 200 such as by engaging a push pin controlling the position of the internal valve, such that movement of the biasing member 310 can cause the gas cylinder 220 to unlock the push rod 210 and allows for the controlled adjustment in height of the adjustable stand up desk 100. Accordingly, as a user presses up on the operable handle 80, the stand up desk 100 can be adjusted between the closed position and the fully extended position, or vice versa. Once the user releases the operable handle 80, the rotatable rod 82 returns the hinging member 300 to the downward position, which in turn causes the third portion 300C to stop pressing on the biasing member 310 and return the biasing member 310 to its original position (see, e.g., FIG. 21A). This return of the biasing member 310 returns the push rod 210 and cylinder 220 to their locked condition, such that the movement or adjustment in the height of the adjustable stand up desk 100 can be prevented. Accordingly, the adjustable stand up desk 100 can be set at a desired height by release of the operable handle 80. It is to be understood that releasably locking gas springs are well known and any compatible gas spring may be used.
Illustrative materials that can be used to form the various components of the adjustable stand up desk 100 discussed above include, for example, wood, particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), thermofoil, metal (such as, for example, steel or aluminum), non-metallic materials, plastics, rubber, and combinations thereof In one embodiment, various components of the adjustable stand up desk 100 comprise aluminum, which is a lighter weight metal, and, thus, reduces the weight of the desk 100. In another embodiment, various components of the adjustable stand up desk 100 comprise steel, which is generally lower in cost and provides a higher strength than aluminum. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of other materials may also be used to form the various components of the adjustable stand up desk 100. Moreover, the thickness of the various components of the adjustable stand up desk 100 discussed above including, for example, the first and second desk surfaces 10, 20 will depend on the material used and the amount of stiffness desired, among other factors. In addition, in one embodiment, at least one of the first desk surface 10 and the second desk surface 20 may include a protective cover (not shown) that minimizes damage to a top surface of the first and/or second desk surface 10, 20. In one embodiment, the protective cover uses powder coating technology whereby a free flowing, dry powder is applied electrostatically and then is cured under heat to allow powder to flow and form the protective cover. The powder may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer. Alternatively, other materials may be used as the protective cover.
The various components of the adjustable stand up desk 100 discussed above, including, for example, the various frame members, brackets, rods, wheels, and connecting members can be attached to other components of the desk 100 via welding, brazing, or other affixing methods, including, for example, nails, screws, bolts, pins, glues, and/or other epoxies.
Although the embodiments of the adjustable stand up desk 100 discussed above include first and second desk surfaces 10, 20 that are rectangular in shape, the first and second desk surfaces 10, 20 may be fabricated in other shapes, including, for example, round, square, or oval. In addition, it should be noted that, although the adjustable stand up desk 100 described herein includes first and second desk surfaces 10, 20, other embodiments of the adjustable stand up desk 100 can include only a single desk surface or three or more desk surfaces of various shapes and/or sizes. Furthermore, it is contemplated that parts and features of any one of the specific embodiments of the adjustable stand up desk 100 discussed above, can be interchanged with parts and features of any other embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Although this invention has been described with respect to certain specific exemplary embodiments, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. It is, therefore, to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the exemplary embodiments of the invention should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention to be determined by any claims supportable by this application, and the equivalents thereof, rather than by the foregoing description.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The adjustable stand up desk described herein provides a variable height desk that can be placed on an existing sitting desk. The adjustable stand up desk can provide a user with an ergonomic work environment and thereby improve health of a user.

Claims

We claim:

1. An adjustable stand up desk comprising:

(a) a first desk surface;

(b) a second desk surface connected to the first desk surface;

(c) a base, configured to sit on an existing desk, comprising at least two channels and a pair of positioning legs; and

(d) a folding leg assembly connecting the base to at least the first desk surface, the folding leg assembly including:

(i) a first pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base; and

(ii) a second pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base,

wherein each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is configured to slide within the at least two channels of the base, such that the adjustable stand up desk can be selectively adjusted between at least a closed position to a fully raised position.

2. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable stand up desk can be adjusted to a partially raised position.

3. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 2, wherein the first desk surface extends (i) a distance H1 from the base when the desk is in the fully extended position, (ii) a distance H2 from the base when the desk is in the partially extended position, and (iii) a distance H3 from the base when the desk is in the closed position, wherein the distance H1 is greater than each of the distances H2 and H3.

4. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 1, wherein each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is attached to at least one leg bar, each leg bar including a pair of wheels that is configured to move within the at least two channels of the base.

5. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 1, further comprising a frame system attached to the first desk surface, the frame system comprising at least two channels, wherein each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is configured to move within the at least two channels of the frame system.

6. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 5, wherein each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is attached to at least one leg bar, each leg bar including a pair of wheels that is configured to move within one of (i) the at least two channels of the base and (ii) the at least two channels of the frame system.

7. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 1, further comprising a gas spring assembly and an operable handle and a handle assembly configured to provide a controlled adjustment of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position.

8. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 8, wherein the gas spring assembly comprises a spring mechanism, a gas cylinder, and a push rod that connects to both the spring mechanism and the gas cylinder.

9. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 7, wherein the handle assembly comprises:

(a) a rotatable rod connected to the operable handle;

(b) a hinging member connected to the rotatable rod; and

(c) a biasing member that engages with the hinging member, such that rotation of the rotatable rod during operation of the operable handle results in (i) the hinging member engaging with the biasing member, and (ii) the biasing member interacting with the gas spring assembly to control adjustment of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position.

10. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism for locking the desk into the closed position.

11. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking member and a bracket with an opening, wherein the locking member engages with the opening of the bracket and said base to lock the desk into the closed position.

12. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 1, wherein the second desk surface includes a pair of handles that assists a user in the adjusting of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position.

13. An adjustable stand up desk comprising:

(a) a first desk surface;

(b) a second desk surface connected to the first desk surface;

(c) a base, configured to sit on an existing desk, comprising at least two channels and a pair of positioning legs;

(ii) a second pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base, wherein each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is configured to move within the at least two channels of the base, such that the adjustable stand up desk can be adjusted from at least a closed position to a fully extended position;

(e) a gas spring assembly that is configured to provide a controlled adjustment of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position; and

(f) an operable handle and a handle assembly that are configured to engage with the gas spring assembly to assist in the adjusting of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position.

14. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 13, wherein the gas spring assembly comprises a spring mechanism, a gas cylinder, and a push rod that connects to both the spring mechanism and the gas cylinder.

15. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 13, wherein the handle assembly comprises:

(a) a rotatable rod connected to the operable handle;

(b) a hinging member connected to the rotatable rod; and

16. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 15, further comprising a locking mechanism for locking the desk into the closed position.

17. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 16, wherein the locking mechanism comprising a locking member and a bracket with an opening, wherein the locking member engages with the opening of the bracket to lock the desk into the closed position.

18. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 15, wherein the adjustable stand up desk can be adjusted to a partially extended position.

19. An adjustable stand up desk comprising:

(a) a upper desk platform;

(b) a second desk platform connected to the first desk platform;

(c) a base, configured to sit on an existing surface, comprising at least two opposing channels;

(d) a frame assembly secured to the lower surface of said upper desk platform, comprising at least two opposing channels;

(d) a folding leg assembly connecting the base to said frame assembly, the folding leg assembly including:

(i) a first pair of legs that extends between the frame assembly and the base; and

(ii) a second pair of legs that extends between the frame assembly and the base, wherein each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is configured to move within the at least two channels of the base and the at least two opposing channels of said frame assembly, such that the adjustable stand up desk can be adjusted from at least a closed position to a fully extended position;

(e) a lockable gas spring assembly connected between said first and second pair of legs to provide a controlled adjustment of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position;

(f) an operable handle and a handle assembly engaged with the gas spring assembly to selectively control separation between said first and second pair of legs to control the position of said upper platform relative to said base; and,

(g) a plurality of stabilizing struts pivotally connected to said frame assembly or said base and at least one of said first and second pair of legs.