US20190261771A1 - Variable height desk - Google Patents
Variable height desk Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190261771A1 US20190261771A1 US16/288,788 US201916288788A US2019261771A1 US 20190261771 A1 US20190261771 A1 US 20190261771A1 US 201916288788 A US201916288788 A US 201916288788A US 2019261771 A1 US2019261771 A1 US 2019261771A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- leg
- desk
- lever
- pin
- coupled
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B9/00—Tables with tops of variable height
- A47B9/14—Tables with tops of variable height with pins coacting with holes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B41/00—School desks or tables
- A47B41/02—Adjustable, inclinable, sliding or foldable desks tops
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B9/00—Tables with tops of variable height
- A47B9/20—Telescopic guides
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B2200/00—General construction of tables or desks
- A47B2200/0035—Tables or desks with features relating to adjustability or folding
- A47B2200/004—Top adjustment
Definitions
- the present application relates generally to a variable height desk. More specifically, the present application relates to a desk which may be manually actuated to move between a sitting configuration, a standing configuration, and various height configurations therebetween.
- a desk includes a desktop; a lever coupled to a lower surface of the desktop; a leg coupled to the lower surface and including an inner leg telescopically moveable with respect to an outer leg; and a pin extending through an aperture in the outer leg and coupled to the lever with a linkage system.
- the lever is configured to retract the pin into the inner leg or outer leg allowing the desktop to move between a first height and a second height.
- the linkage system includes a rod coupled to the lever; a cable coupled at a first end to the rod and at a second end to the pin, wherein pressing the lever rotates the rod to lift the cable and retract the pin.
- the cable is coupled at the second end to the pin via an actuating member and a cantilever bar.
- upward movement of the cable within the leg retracts the actuating member and pin into the leg, the retracting permitting movement between the first height and the second height.
- the actuating member retracts against the force of a biasing member.
- a biasing member biases the pin into the aperture.
- a biasing member within the outer leg configured to bias the desktop to an upward position.
- the lever is coupled to a second linkage system coupled to a second pin in a second inner leg and a second outer leg, and wherein pressing the lever retracts the second pin.
- a second lever coupled to a third linkage system coupled to a third pin in a third inner leg and a third outer leg, the second lever coupled to a fourth linkage system coupled to a fourth pin in a fourth inner leg and a fourth outer leg, and wherein pressing the second lever retracts the third pin and retracts the fourth pin.
- the lever and the second lever are configured to be pressed simultaneously to move the desktop between the first height and the second height.
- an elastic member located in the leg, the elastic member adapted to bias the inner leg and outer leg away from one another.
- a second lever coupled to a second linkage system, the second linkage system coupled to a second pin in a second inner leg and a second outer leg, wherein pressing the second lever retracts the second pin.
- the lever and the second lever are configured to be pressed simultaneously to move the desktop between the first height and the second height.
- FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a standing desk, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 1B is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a leg of the standing desk of FIG. 1A , according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a leg of the standing desk of FIG. 1A in a first position, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 2B is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a leg of the standing desk of FIG. 1A in a second position, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 3A is a partial cross-sectional view of a standing desk, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 3B is a perspective view of elastic members for use with the standing desk of FIGS. 1A and 3A , according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a standing desk, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a standing desk, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the standing desk of FIG. 5 in a first position, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the standing desk of FIG. 5 in the first position, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the standing desk of FIG. 5 in a second position, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a partial bottom view of the standing desk of FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 10 is a partial bottom view of the standing desk of FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a leg of the standing desk of FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of a leg and a foot of the standing desk of FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of a leg and a foot of the standing desk of FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a leg and a foot of the standing desk of FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 15A is a partial bottom view of a lower surface of the desk of FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 15B is a partial bottom view of a lower surface of the desk of FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 16A is a bottom perspective view of a handle of the desk of FIG. 5 , the handle in a first position, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 16B is a bottom perspective view of the handle of the desk of FIG. 16A , the handle in a second position, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 17 is a schematic of an actuation system for a standing desk, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the standing desk of FIG. 5 in a raised position, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the standing desk of FIG. 5 in a lowered position, according to an embodiment.
- Embodiments of the present invention relate to a desk (such as a floor-standing desk) which may be manually adjusted from a sitting position to a standing position and various positions therebetween.
- the desk may be a school desk or standing desk.
- the desk may have multiple height positions.
- the desk may be actuated by depressing a lever on one or both sides of the desk to release a latch in the legs of the desk allowing for telescoping movement of an inner leg within an outer leg.
- the lever(s) may be released to re-engage the latch when the desk is at the desired height location.
- the legs may be spring-loaded to assist with raising the desktop, and/or to provide resistance when lowering the desktop.
- the desk 10 may have a desktop 12 and four legs 14 , although more or fewer legs may be provided.
- the desk 10 may include a base 16 .
- the base 16 may include one or more elongated members, such as tubular members.
- the base 16 may be angled upward from a front surface end of the desk 10 to a rear end of the desk 10 such that a user may rest their feet on the base 16 .
- the base 16 is depicted as two cross-members intersecting two end members, the base 16 may alternatively be a single member, similar to the desktop 12 , extending at an upward angle from the front of the desk 10 to a rear of the desk 10 .
- more or fewer cross-members and/or end members and/or a flat, horizontal base or no base may be provided.
- end members between forward and rear legs may be provided with no cross-members.
- each leg 14 may comprise an inner leg 14 a and an outer leg 14 b .
- the outer leg 14 b may have a foot at the base of the leg 14 capable of leveling the desktop 12 .
- the outer leg 14 b may have one or more apertures 20 on an inwardly facing surface of the outer leg 14 b . Although six apertures are depicted, more or fewer apertures may be provided. The number and location of the apertures may be selected based on the number of desired height positions and corresponding height of those positions. Although depicted on an inwardly facing surface of the outer leg 14 b , the apertures may be provided on any surface of the leg 14 , the inner leg 14 a , and/or the outer leg 14 b .
- the inner leg 14 a may be slidingly and telescopically moveable within the outer leg 14 b .
- the inner leg 14 a may have a pin 22 ( FIG. 1B ) that selectively engages one of the one or more apertures 20 .
- the inner leg 14 a and the outer leg 14 b may be hollow, tubular members.
- the desk 10 may have one or more levers 18 , for example, located on or attached to an underside of the desktop 12 .
- the one or more levers 18 may be located along an edge of the desktop 12 , where the lever 18 can be grasped by a user's hand.
- the one or more levers 18 may be located along the edge of the desktop 12 between a forward and a rear leg, although other placements are contemplated.
- the one or more levers 18 may pivot with respect to an underside of the desktop 12 .
- the one or more levers 18 may alternatively slide with respect to the desktop 12 .
- the one or more levers 18 may be handles. Although only one lever 18 is visible in FIG. 1A , a second lever may be provided on an opposing side of the desktop 12 .
- the lever 18 may be coupled to one or more pins 22 by a linkage system, such as depicted in FIG. 1B or FIG. 17 .
- the lever 18 depicted in FIG. 1A may be coupled to a pin 22 (not shown) of each of the two legs 14 depicted in the foreground of FIG. 1A , that is a forward leg and a rear leg on one side of the desktop 12 .
- the pin 22 may be coupled to an outer surface of the inner leg 14 a .
- the pin 22 may be coupled in an interior of the inner leg 14 a .
- the lever 18 on the opposing side of the desktop 12 (not visible) may be coupled to a pin of each of the two legs 14 depicted in the background of FIG.
- the lever 18 (not visible in FIG. 1B ) may be coupled to the pin 22 via a linkage rod 24 ( FIG. 3A ) and a cable 28 .
- the lever 18 may be welded or otherwise fastened to the linkage rod 24 .
- the lever 18 may be fixedly coupled to the linkage rod 24 on an interior side of the linkage rod 24 such that when the lever 18 is pressed or pivoted upward toward a lower surface of the desktop 12 , the linkage rod 24 rotates.
- the linkage rod 24 may extend through an aperture 26 ( FIG. 1A ) in the inner leg 14 a .
- the linkage rod 24 may be an elongated member.
- the linkage rod 24 may include openings (not visible) at each of the opposing, terminal ends of the linkage rod 24 .
- the openings of the linkage rod 24 may be located such that they are within an interior of the inner leg 14 a . That is, the linkage rod 24 of the lever 18 in the foreground may extend into the aperture 26 of each of the inner legs 14 a depicted in the foreground such that an opening on the linkage rod 24 is within the interior of the inner legs 14 a .
- the linkage rod 24 of the lever on the opposing side may similarly extend into the aperture of each of the inner legs 14 a depicted in the background.
- the cable 28 may be coupled to each of the openings of the linkage rod 24 .
- a cable 28 may extend from the coupling at the openings of the linkage 24 through each leg 14 to an actuating member 34 .
- the cable 28 may be coupled to the actuating member 34 at a distal end of the cable 28 .
- the actuating member 34 may be coupled to the pin 22 .
- the actuating member 34 may be a block located within a spring 32 .
- the actuating member 34 may be coupled to a first side (e.g., a side facing the interior of the leg) of a bar 30 , such as a cantilever bar.
- the pin 22 may be coupled to a second, opposing side (e.g., a side facing the interior wall of the leg), of the bar 30 .
- the spring 32 may bias the bar 30 and thus the pin 22 into an aperture 23 of the inner leg 14 a .
- the aperture 23 of the inner leg 14 a may be aligned with an aperture 20 of the outer leg 14 b .
- the bar 30 may have an upper end 30 a fixedly coupled to the hollow interior of the inner leg 14 a .
- the bar 30 may have a lower end 30 b fixedly coupled to the pin 22 and the actuating member 34 .
- the lower end 30 b may be unattached to the inner leg 14 a . In this manner, the lower end 30 b may be retracted by actuation of the lever 18 to retract the pin 22 out of alignment with the apertures 23 and 20 to permit movement and height adjustment of the desktop 12 .
- the linkage rod 24 coupled to the lever 18 may be rotated. Rotation of the linkage rod 24 , which is fixedly coupled to the cable 28 , may cause lifting, upward motion, or vertical raising of the cable 28 as shown from FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B .
- the upward motion of the cable 28 may apply tension to the end of the actuating member 34 to which the cable 28 is coupled.
- the tension on the actuating member 34 may move the actuating member 34 inward and upward within the hollow interior of the inner leg 14 a . The inward movement may act against the biasing force of the spring 32 .
- the actuating member 34 is coupled to the lower end 30 b and to the pin 22 , the lower end 30 b and pin 22 move inwardly within the hollow interior of the inner leg 14 a against the force of the spring 32 with the movement of the actuating member 34 .
- the upper end 30 a is a fixed point allowing the lower end 30 b to move with respect to the inner leg 14 a . Inward movement of the lower end 30 b moves the pin 22 out of alignment with the apertures 20 and 23 .
- the pin 22 may be located within the interior of the inner leg 14 a and may be moved out of alignment with the aperture 20 of the outer leg 14 b , permitting the inner leg 14 a to telescope within the outer leg 14 b .
- the desktop 12 may be raised or lowered as desired.
- the cable 28 may move downward towards the initial position of FIG. 2A .
- the lowering of the cable 28 may release the tension on the actuating member 34 allowing the spring 32 to bias the pin 22 into the aperture 23 and the corresponding aperture 20 on the outer leg 14 .
- the spring 32 may normally bias the pin 22 into the apertures 20 , 23 such that height adjustment of the desk is not permitted when the lever 18 is in the resting position (e.g., a position where the lever 18 is not depressed or pivoted).
- the pin 22 may be coupled to an outer surface of the inner leg 14 a and there may be a gap between the outer surface of the inner leg 14 a and the inner surface of the outer leg 14 b such that when the pin 22 is retracted, the pin 22 is located in this gap and allowed to travel longitudinally upward and downward in the gap.
- the outer leg 14 b is shown transparent to facilitate understanding of the desk 10 .
- a biasing member 36 is depicted within the outer leg 14 b .
- the biasing member 36 may be adjacent to and/or coupled to the distal, lower surface of the inner leg 14 a .
- the biasing member 36 may bias the inner leg 14 a upward.
- the biasing member 36 may bias the inner leg 14 a upward.
- the desktop 12 may be biased toward a raised position.
- the biasing member 36 may be a coil spring, compression spring, gas spring, elastomeric bumper, or other spring type.
- the desk 10 may be placed with the pin 22 located in a first aperture 20 corresponding to a first height.
- a user may wish to move the desk 10 to a different height configuration, such as a second height.
- the user may place a hand on the desktop 12 and grasping each of the two opposing levers 18 .
- the user may put a thumb on the desktop 12 and grasp the lever 18 with one or more of the remaining fingers.
- the user may the pivot or depress the lever 18 toward the thumb and the desktop 12 .
- the user may depress both of the levers 18 simultaneously toward a lower surface of the desktop 12 .
- the user may then release the levers 18 such that the spring 32 biases the pin 22 to extend through the second aperture 20 .
- the second height configuration is to be lower than the first height configuration
- the user may push on the desktop 12 , against the force of the biasing member 36 and with the levers 18 depressed, until the desktop 12 is lowered and the pin 22 is aligned with a second, lower aperture 20 .
- the user may then release the levers 18 such that the spring 32 biases the pin 22 to extend through the second aperture 20 .
- the desk 10 may be raised or lowered at any time by the user simply by pressing the levers 18 .
- the number and position of the apertures 20 on the legs 14 may be selected to allow for any number of heights of the desktop 12 .
- the heights may range between a sitting height, where the user may sit at the desk 10 and a standing height, where the user may stand at the desk 10 .
- a desk 50 may be provided with only two legs 52 .
- each lever 54 may be coupled to only a single cable (not visible) and a single pin extending through an aperture in a an outer leg 52 b .
- the desk 50 may operate in substantially the same manner as the desk 10 , except that the levers 54 operate a pin associated with a single leg.
- the apertures are shown on the exterior surface of the outer leg 52 b , the apertures may be provided on the interior surface facing the other leg, such as described with respect to the desk 10 of FIG. 1 .
- the desk 100 may have a desktop 112 and two legs 114 , although more or fewer legs may be provided.
- the legs 114 may include one or more feet 116 .
- the feet 116 may rest on a ground surface.
- a member 117 may couple a first leg 114 to a second leg 114 .
- the member 117 may be horizontal, lateral, or angled. More or fewer members 117 may be provided. Additionally, or alternatively, a foot rest, such as shown in FIG. 1 , may be provided.
- each leg 114 may comprise an inner leg 114 a and an outer leg 114 b .
- the outer leg 114 b may be coupled to the foot 116 at the base of the leg 114 .
- the foot 116 may allow for leveling the desktop 112 .
- the outer leg 114 b may have one or more apertures 120 on an inwardly facing surface of the outer leg 114 b . Although fifteen apertures 120 are depicted on each of the outer legs 114 b , more or fewer apertures may be provided. The number and location of the apertures 120 may be selected based on the number of desired height positions and corresponding height of those positions.
- the inner leg 114 a may be slidingly and telescopically moveable within the outer leg 114 b .
- the inner leg 114 a may have a pin 122 that selectively engages one of the one or more apertures 120 .
- the inner leg 114 a and the outer leg 114 b may be hollow, tubular members. Operation of the height adjustment of the table may be the same or similar as the desks 10 and 50 , as will be described.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 show the desk 100 in a collapsed, un-assembled position.
- the legs 114 may be in a collapsed or pivoted position. In this position, the legs 114 may be substantially parallel to the desktop 12 .
- the feet 116 may be provided in a position where they are not coupled to the legs 114 .
- One or more tools 127 may be provided to assemble the desk 100 .
- One or more fasteners 133 may be provided to couple the feet 116 to the legs 114 and/or to couple other portions of the desk 100 together.
- the desk 100 may have one or more levers 118 , for example, located on an underside 119 of the desktop 112 along an edge of the desktop 112 , where the lever 118 can be grasped by a user's hand. Although two levers 118 are shown, more or fewer may be provided.
- the lever 118 may be coupled to the one or more pins 122 by the linkage system depicted in FIG. 1B or FIG. 17 .
- the lever 118 depicted in FIG. 8 may be coupled to a pin 122 of a respective leg 114 .
- the pin 122 may be coupled to an outer surface of the inner leg 114 a .
- the pin 122 may be coupled in an interior of the inner leg 114 a .
- the second lever on the opposing side of the underside 119 of the desktop 112 may be coupled to the pin 122 of the second leg 114 .
- the lever 118 may be coupled to the pin 122 on the same side of the desktop 112 as the lever 118 , or on the opposing side of the desktop 112 as the lever 118 .
- a single lever 118 may be provided and may be coupled to a pin in each of the legs 114 .
- the pin 122 in the leg 114 in the foreground will retract and when the lever 118 on the opposing side of the desktop 112 is depressed in a similar manner, the pin 122 in the leg 114 in the background will retract.
- Depressing or pivoting the levers 118 may be performed simultaneously to allow for height adjustment of the desktop 112 .
- Retracting the pins 122 allows the pins 122 to exit the respective apertures 120 , permitting adjustment of the height of the desktop 112 .
- Retracting of the pins 122 by the levers 118 may be accomplished as previously described by the linkage system in FIG. 1B or FIG. 17 .
- the underside 119 of the desktop 112 may have one or more brackets 121 .
- the brackets 121 may be affixed or secured to the underside 119 of the desktop 112 .
- the brackets 121 may be removably or permanently fixed to the underside 119 of the desktop 112 .
- the brackets 121 may couple a respective leg 114 to the underside 119 of the desktop 112 .
- the inner leg 114 a may be coupled to the bracket 121 and the outer leg 114 b may be coupled to the foot 116 . In this manner, the desktop 112 may move with the inner leg 114 a upward and downward with respect to the foot or feet 116 .
- the inner leg 114 a may be coupled to the bracket 121 in a manner which permits folding or rotating of the leg 114 with respect to the underside 119 of the desktop 112 .
- the inner leg 114 a may be coupled to the bracket 121 in a manner which permits rotation between the position of FIG. 8 and the position of FIG. 7 .
- the one or more levers 118 may be coupled to the bracket 121 .
- Each lever 118 may be coupled to a linkage rod 124 .
- the linkage rod 124 may in turn be coupled to a cable 128 ( FIG. 17 ). Rotation of the lever 118 may rotate the linkage rod 124 and lift the cable 128 .
- the linkage rod 124 and the cable 128 may be coupled together in the same or similar manner as linkage rod 24 and cable 28 , as previously described.
- FIG. 9 shows a partial view of the bracket 121 as coupled to the inner leg 114 a of the leg 114 .
- One or more fasteners 125 may couple the inner leg 114 a to the bracket 121 .
- the tool 127 e.g., a screw driver, hex key, etc.
- the legs 114 may rotate between a position parallel to the desktop 112 and/or aligned with the brackets 121 ( FIG. 6 ) and a position perpendicular to the desktop 112 ( FIG. 8 ).
- the desk 100 may be moved between a stored position and a deployed position.
- the one or more fasteners 125 may be loosened or removed to permit relative rotation or movement of the inner leg 114 a , and thus the leg 114 , with respect to the bracket 121 and the desktop 112 .
- the one or more fasteners 125 may be secured to prevent relative movement between the inner leg 114 a and the bracket 121 to maintain the desktop 112 in either the position of FIG. 6 or the position of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 11 shows a partial view of an end 114 e of the outer leg 114 b .
- the end 114 e may have one or more apertures 129 .
- the second leg 114 may also include one or more apertures.
- the one or more apertures 129 may accommodate fasteners 133 ( FIG. 13 ) to secure the foot 116 ( FIG. 12 ) to the outer leg 114 b .
- the foot 116 may include one or more apertures 131 .
- the foot 116 may be placed on the end 114 e of the leg 114 such that each of the one or more apertures 131 align with a respective one of the one or more apertures 129 . As shown in FIG.
- the one or more fasteners 133 may installed within each of the aligned one or more apertures 129 and 131 .
- a tool 127 may secure the one or more fasteners 133 within the aligned apertures.
- the foot 116 may be secured to the outer leg 114 b .
- the foot 116 may have one or more pads 137 which may provide protection to the floor and/or may allow for leveling of the desktop 112 .
- the desk 100 may be stored in the condition of FIG. 6 . That is, the desk 100 may be stored with the legs 114 in the lowermost condition such that the inner leg 114 a is substantially within the outer leg 114 b .
- the legs 114 may be rotated or pivoted such that the legs 114 are parallel with the desktop 112 and/or the brackets 121 .
- the desktop 112 may be placed on the floor with the underside 119 facing upward.
- the legs 114 may be rotated, separately or simultaneously, to the upright position ( FIG. 8 ).
- the one or more fasteners 125 may be secured such that the inner legs 114 a are secured to the bracket 121 and thus the legs 114 remain in the upright position ( FIG. 10 ).
- the feet 116 may be aligned with the ends 114 e of the legs 114 and secured thereto ( FIG. 13 ).
- the desk 100 may then be rotated such that the feet 116 are placed on the floor and the desktop 112 is facing upward.
- the desk 100 may then be operated between the raised position ( FIG. 18 ) and lowered position ( FIG. 19 ) and positions therebetween, as will be discussed in more detail.
- the desk 100 may be rotated such that the desktop 112 is placed on the floor with the underside 119 facing upward.
- the fasteners may be removed from the feet 116 and the inner leg 114 a to disconnect the feet 116 and to allow for rotation of the legs 114 back to the parallel position of FIG. 6 for storage.
- FIGS. 15A and 15B show a partial view of one of the desktop 112 with the levers 118 coupled to the bracket 121 .
- the lever 118 may include a linkage rod 124 .
- the linkage rod 124 may extend through a first aperture 121 a in a first wall 113 a and a second aperture 121 b in a second wall 113 b of the bracket 121 .
- the linkage rod 124 may be coupled to a device 115 .
- the linkage rod 124 may rotate with the lever 118 . When the lever 118 is rotated, the linkage rod 124 may rotate, thus moving the device 115 between a first position ( FIG. 16A ) and a second position ( FIG. 16B ).
- the device 115 may be coupled to an inner portion of the cable 128 . Movement of the device 115 may pull the cable 128 longitudinally along the bracket 121 and thus upward within the leg 114 . This may release the pin 122 from the aperture, as will be described with respect to FIG. 17 and/or described in FIG. 2 .
- the device 115 may secure the cable 128 to the linkage rod 124 in a manner which permits the cable 128 to move with rotation of the linkage rod 124 .
- the device 115 may be c-shaped or claw shaped.
- the inner portion of the cable 128 may include a securing point, such as an enlarged ball, which is located within the device 115 in a manner which prohibits removal therefrom. For example, FIG.
- FIG. 15B shows a ball 128 a on the end of the cable 128 that is located underneath the c-shaped portion of the device 115 , thus prohibiting removal of the cable 128 from the device 115 .
- the outer portion of the cable 128 may be secured to the bracket 121 with a nut or other securing device, to allow relative motion of the inner portion of the cable 128 with respect to the outer portion of the cable 128 , thus permitting the aforementioned height adjustment of the desk 100 .
- each lever 118 may be coupled to the pin 122 via a linkage rod 124 .
- the lever 118 may be fixedly coupled to the linkage rod 124 on a side of the linkage rod 124 such that when the lever 118 is pressed or pivoted upward toward the underside 119 ( FIG. 16B ) of the desktop 112 , the linkage rod 124 rotates.
- the linkage rod 124 may be connected to a cable 128 .
- the cable 128 may be coupled to an actuating member 134 ( FIG. 17 ) that is coupled to the pin 122 .
- the actuating member 134 may be a block located within a spring 132 .
- the actuating member 134 may be coupled to a first side of a bar 130 , such as a cantilever bar.
- the pin 122 may be coupled to a second, opposing side, of the bar 130 .
- the spring 132 may bias the bar 130 and thus the pin 122 into an aperture 123 of the inner leg 114 a .
- the aperture 123 of the inner leg 114 a may be aligned with an aperture 120 of the outer leg 114 b .
- the bar 130 may have an upper end 130 a fixedly coupled to the hollow interior of the inner leg 114 a .
- the bar 130 may have a lower end 130 b fixedly coupled to the pin 122 and the actuating member 134 .
- the linkage rod 124 may be rotated thus cause tension in the cable, lifting the cable 128 within the leg 114 .
- the upward motion of the cable 128 applies tension to the end of the actuating member 134 to which the cable 128 is coupled.
- the tension on the actuating member 134 may move the actuating member 134 inward and upward within the hollow interior of the inner leg 114 a . Since the actuating member 134 is coupled to the lower end 130 b and to the pin 122 , the lower end 130 b and pin 122 move inwardly within the hollow interior of the inner leg 114 a against the force of the spring 132 .
- the upper end 130 a is a fixed point allowing the lower end 30 b to move with respect to the inner leg 114 a.
- the pin 122 may be located within the interior of the inner leg 114 a and may be moved out of alignment with the aperture 120 of the outer leg 114 b , permitting the inner leg 114 a to telescope within the outer leg 114 b .
- the desktop 112 may be raised (e.g. to FIG. 18 ) or lowered (e.g. to FIG. 19 ) as desired.
- tension in the cable 128 may be released and the cable 128 may move downward towards the initial position.
- the lowering of the cable 128 may release the tension on the actuating member 134 allowing the spring 132 to bias the pin 122 into the aperture 123 and the corresponding aperture 120 on the outer leg 114 .
- the pin 122 may be coupled to an outer surface of the inner leg 114 a and there may be a gap between the outer surface of the inner leg 114 a and the inner surface of the outer leg 114 b such that when the pin 122 is retracted, the pin 122 is located in this gap and allowed to travel longitudinally upward and downward in the gap.
- a biasing member may be located within the outer leg 114 b .
- the biasing member may be adjacent to and/or coupled to the distal, lower surface of the inner leg 114 a .
- the biasing member may bias the inner leg 114 a upward.
- the biasing member may bias the inner leg 114 a upward.
- the biasing member may be a coil spring, compression spring, gas spring, elastomeric bumper, or other spring type.
- the desk 100 may be placed with the pin 122 located in a first aperture 120 .
- a user may wish to move the desk 100 to a different height configuration.
- the user may place a hand on each side of the desktop 112 and grasp each of the two opposing levers 118 .
- the user may depress or pivot the levers 118 toward the underside 119 of the desktop 112 . As previously described, this will move the pins 122 of the respective leg 114 inward. Once the pins 122 are moved inward, the pins 122 may be moved out of alignment with the aperture 120 of the first, original height configuration. If the second height configuration is to be taller (e.g.
- the user may guide the desktop 112 (while depressing the levers 118 ) upward until the pin 122 is aligned with a second, higher aperture 120 .
- the biasing or return force of the biasing member located within the leg 114 may alleviate the force required to lift the desktop 112 to the higher position.
- the user may then release the levers 118 such that the pin 122 extends through the second aperture 120 . If the second height configuration is to be lower (e.g. a lowered position such as FIG.
- the user may push on the desktop 112 , against the force of the biasing member located within the leg 114 and with the levers 118 depressed, until the desktop 112 is lowered and the pin 122 is aligned with a second, lower aperture 120 .
- the user may then release the levers 118 such that the pin 122 extends through the second aperture 120 .
- the levers 118 may operate each leg 114 independently of the other leg 114 . Alternatively, operation of both levers 118 may be required to operate the legs. Alternatively, the levers 118 and/or legs 114 may operate simultaneously.
- the desk 10 and/or 50 may operate in a similar or the same manner.
- the levers 18 and 118 are moved or rotated to a position toward the underside of the desktop 12 , 112 respectively to allow for unlocking or unsecuring the desktop 12 , 112 with respect to the legs 14 , 114 .
- the levers 18 are shown rotating or moving toward to the two lateral sides or edges of the desktop 12 and the levers 118 are shown rotating or moving toward the front side or edge of the desktop 112 .
- the levers 18 , 118 may be rotated in any direction, toward the front, toward one or more lateral sides, and/or toward the rear of the desktop.
- the desks 10 , 100 may be a school desk, such as an elementary, middle, or high school desk, or other table types.
- the desks 10 , 100 are depicted and described as a rectangular desk, however, it will be appreciated based on this disclosure that the table may take any shape, for example, the table may be square, elongated, oval, elliptical, circular, polygonal, or any other shape.
- the legs 14 , 114 may comprise any material capable of supporting the desktop such as wood, plastic, metal, composite, etc.
- the desktop may comprise, for example, wood, plastic, metal, composite, laminate, stone, marble, concrete, glass, or other known materials.
Landscapes
- Legs For Furniture In General (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present application claims priority benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/636,494 filed on Feb. 28, 2018 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/759,983 filed on Nov. 12, 2018, the entire content of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- The present application relates generally to a variable height desk. More specifically, the present application relates to a desk which may be manually actuated to move between a sitting configuration, a standing configuration, and various height configurations therebetween.
- Current school desks are stationary and allow only a sitting position. School activities, including group activities, lab exercises, experiments, etc. may require a student to move between the desk and a standing or higher table to perform the activity. Furthermore, students sit for a significant portion of the day during classroom lectures which may have negative health impacts. Thus, a need exists for a school desk which may be moved between various height configurations by the student as needed.
- According to an embodiment, a desk includes a desktop; a lever coupled to a lower surface of the desktop; a leg coupled to the lower surface and including an inner leg telescopically moveable with respect to an outer leg; and a pin extending through an aperture in the outer leg and coupled to the lever with a linkage system. The lever is configured to retract the pin into the inner leg or outer leg allowing the desktop to move between a first height and a second height.
- According to an embodiment, the linkage system includes a rod coupled to the lever; a cable coupled at a first end to the rod and at a second end to the pin, wherein pressing the lever rotates the rod to lift the cable and retract the pin.
- According to an embodiment, the cable is coupled at the second end to the pin via an actuating member and a cantilever bar.
- According to an embodiment, upward movement of the cable within the leg retracts the actuating member and pin into the leg, the retracting permitting movement between the first height and the second height.
- According to an embodiment, the actuating member retracts against the force of a biasing member.
- According to an embodiment, a biasing member biases the pin into the aperture.
- According to an embodiment, a biasing member within the outer leg, the biasing member configured to bias the desktop to an upward position.
- According to an embodiment, the lever is coupled to a second linkage system coupled to a second pin in a second inner leg and a second outer leg, and wherein pressing the lever retracts the second pin.
- According to an embodiment, a second lever coupled to a third linkage system coupled to a third pin in a third inner leg and a third outer leg, the second lever coupled to a fourth linkage system coupled to a fourth pin in a fourth inner leg and a fourth outer leg, and wherein pressing the second lever retracts the third pin and retracts the fourth pin.
- According to an embodiment, the lever and the second lever are configured to be pressed simultaneously to move the desktop between the first height and the second height.
- According to an embodiment, an elastic member located in the leg, the elastic member adapted to bias the inner leg and outer leg away from one another.
- According to an embodiment, a second lever coupled to a second linkage system, the second linkage system coupled to a second pin in a second inner leg and a second outer leg, wherein pressing the second lever retracts the second pin.
- According to an embodiment, the lever and the second lever are configured to be pressed simultaneously to move the desktop between the first height and the second height.
- The foregoing aspects and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following drawings, wherein like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.
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FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a standing desk, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 1B is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a leg of the standing desk ofFIG. 1A , according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a leg of the standing desk ofFIG. 1A in a first position, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 2B is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a leg of the standing desk ofFIG. 1A in a second position, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 3A is a partial cross-sectional view of a standing desk, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of elastic members for use with the standing desk ofFIGS. 1A and 3A , according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a standing desk, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a standing desk, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the standing desk ofFIG. 5 in a first position, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the standing desk ofFIG. 5 in the first position, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the standing desk ofFIG. 5 in a second position, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is a partial bottom view of the standing desk ofFIG. 5 , according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 10 is a partial bottom view of the standing desk ofFIG. 5 , according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a leg of the standing desk ofFIG. 5 , according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of a leg and a foot of the standing desk ofFIG. 5 , according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of a leg and a foot of the standing desk ofFIG. 5 , according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a leg and a foot of the standing desk ofFIG. 5 , according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 15A is a partial bottom view of a lower surface of the desk ofFIG. 5 , according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 15B is a partial bottom view of a lower surface of the desk ofFIG. 5 , according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 16A is a bottom perspective view of a handle of the desk ofFIG. 5 , the handle in a first position, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 16B is a bottom perspective view of the handle of the desk ofFIG. 16A , the handle in a second position, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 17 is a schematic of an actuation system for a standing desk, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the standing desk ofFIG. 5 in a raised position, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the standing desk ofFIG. 5 in a lowered position, according to an embodiment. - Embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below. In describing embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other equivalent parts can be employed and other methods developed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
- Embodiments of the present invention relate to a desk (such as a floor-standing desk) which may be manually adjusted from a sitting position to a standing position and various positions therebetween. The desk may be a school desk or standing desk. The desk may have multiple height positions. The desk may be actuated by depressing a lever on one or both sides of the desk to release a latch in the legs of the desk allowing for telescoping movement of an inner leg within an outer leg. The lever(s) may be released to re-engage the latch when the desk is at the desired height location. The legs may be spring-loaded to assist with raising the desktop, and/or to provide resistance when lowering the desktop.
- Referring to
FIG. 1A , adesk 10 is shown. Thedesk 10 may have adesktop 12 and fourlegs 14, although more or fewer legs may be provided. Thedesk 10 may include abase 16. The base 16 may include one or more elongated members, such as tubular members. The base 16 may be angled upward from a front surface end of thedesk 10 to a rear end of thedesk 10 such that a user may rest their feet on thebase 16. Although thebase 16 is depicted as two cross-members intersecting two end members, thebase 16 may alternatively be a single member, similar to thedesktop 12, extending at an upward angle from the front of thedesk 10 to a rear of thedesk 10. Alternatively, more or fewer cross-members and/or end members and/or a flat, horizontal base or no base may be provided. In some examples, end members between forward and rear legs may be provided with no cross-members. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1A , eachleg 14 may comprise aninner leg 14 a and anouter leg 14 b. Theouter leg 14 b may have a foot at the base of theleg 14 capable of leveling thedesktop 12. Theouter leg 14 b may have one or more apertures 20 on an inwardly facing surface of theouter leg 14 b. Although six apertures are depicted, more or fewer apertures may be provided. The number and location of the apertures may be selected based on the number of desired height positions and corresponding height of those positions. Although depicted on an inwardly facing surface of theouter leg 14 b, the apertures may be provided on any surface of theleg 14, theinner leg 14 a, and/or theouter leg 14 b. Theinner leg 14 a may be slidingly and telescopically moveable within theouter leg 14 b. Theinner leg 14 a may have a pin 22 (FIG. 1B ) that selectively engages one of the one or more apertures 20. Theinner leg 14 a and theouter leg 14 b may be hollow, tubular members. - The
desk 10 may have one ormore levers 18, for example, located on or attached to an underside of thedesktop 12. The one ormore levers 18 may be located along an edge of thedesktop 12, where thelever 18 can be grasped by a user's hand. The one ormore levers 18 may be located along the edge of thedesktop 12 between a forward and a rear leg, although other placements are contemplated. The one ormore levers 18 may pivot with respect to an underside of thedesktop 12. The one ormore levers 18 may alternatively slide with respect to thedesktop 12. The one ormore levers 18 may be handles. Although only onelever 18 is visible inFIG. 1A , a second lever may be provided on an opposing side of thedesktop 12. - The
lever 18 may be coupled to one ormore pins 22 by a linkage system, such as depicted inFIG. 1B orFIG. 17 . For example, thelever 18 depicted inFIG. 1A may be coupled to a pin 22 (not shown) of each of the twolegs 14 depicted in the foreground ofFIG. 1A , that is a forward leg and a rear leg on one side of thedesktop 12. Thepin 22 may be coupled to an outer surface of theinner leg 14 a. Alternatively, thepin 22 may be coupled in an interior of theinner leg 14 a. Thelever 18 on the opposing side of the desktop 12 (not visible) may be coupled to a pin of each of the twolegs 14 depicted in the background ofFIG. 1A , that is a forward leg and a rear leg on the other side of thedesktop 12. Accordingly, as will be explained in more detail, when thelever 18 shown inFIG. 1A is depressed toward the underside of thedesktop 12 by a user (e.g., by pivoting, with a hand, thelever 18 upward toward the desktop 12), the pins in thelegs 14 in the foreground will retract and when thelever 18 on the opposing side of thedesktop 12 is depressed in a similar manner, the pins in thelegs 14 in the background will retract. Retracting thepins 22 allows them to exit the respective apertures 20, permitting adjustment of the height of thedesktop 12. The handles or levers 18 may be operated simultaneously to retract all four pins from all four legs at the same time, thus permitting level adjustment of the height of thedesktop 12. - Referring to
FIG. 1B , the lever 18 (not visible inFIG. 1B ) may be coupled to thepin 22 via a linkage rod 24 (FIG. 3A ) and acable 28. Thelever 18 may be welded or otherwise fastened to thelinkage rod 24. Thelever 18 may be fixedly coupled to thelinkage rod 24 on an interior side of thelinkage rod 24 such that when thelever 18 is pressed or pivoted upward toward a lower surface of thedesktop 12, thelinkage rod 24 rotates. Thelinkage rod 24 may extend through an aperture 26 (FIG. 1A ) in theinner leg 14 a. Referring to briefly toFIG. 3B , thelinkage rod 24 may be an elongated member. Thelinkage rod 24 may include openings (not visible) at each of the opposing, terminal ends of thelinkage rod 24. The openings of thelinkage rod 24 may be located such that they are within an interior of theinner leg 14 a. That is, thelinkage rod 24 of thelever 18 in the foreground may extend into theaperture 26 of each of theinner legs 14 a depicted in the foreground such that an opening on thelinkage rod 24 is within the interior of theinner legs 14 a. Thelinkage rod 24 of the lever on the opposing side may similarly extend into the aperture of each of theinner legs 14 a depicted in the background. Thecable 28 may be coupled to each of the openings of thelinkage rod 24. - Referring to
FIGS. 1B, 2A, and 2B , acable 28 may extend from the coupling at the openings of thelinkage 24 through eachleg 14 to an actuatingmember 34. Thecable 28 may be coupled to the actuatingmember 34 at a distal end of thecable 28. The actuatingmember 34 may be coupled to thepin 22. The actuatingmember 34 may be a block located within aspring 32. The actuatingmember 34 may be coupled to a first side (e.g., a side facing the interior of the leg) of abar 30, such as a cantilever bar. Thepin 22 may be coupled to a second, opposing side (e.g., a side facing the interior wall of the leg), of thebar 30. Thespring 32 may bias thebar 30 and thus thepin 22 into anaperture 23 of theinner leg 14 a. Theaperture 23 of theinner leg 14 a may be aligned with an aperture 20 of theouter leg 14 b. Thebar 30 may have anupper end 30 a fixedly coupled to the hollow interior of theinner leg 14 a. Thebar 30 may have alower end 30 b fixedly coupled to thepin 22 and the actuatingmember 34. Thelower end 30 b may be unattached to theinner leg 14 a. In this manner, thelower end 30 b may be retracted by actuation of thelever 18 to retract thepin 22 out of alignment with theapertures 23 and 20 to permit movement and height adjustment of thedesktop 12. - Referring to
FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 2B , during operation, when thelever 18 is pressed or pivoted upward toward the lower surface of thedesktop 12, thelinkage rod 24 coupled to thelever 18 may be rotated. Rotation of thelinkage rod 24, which is fixedly coupled to thecable 28, may cause lifting, upward motion, or vertical raising of thecable 28 as shown fromFIG. 2A toFIG. 2B . The upward motion of thecable 28 may apply tension to the end of the actuatingmember 34 to which thecable 28 is coupled. The tension on the actuatingmember 34 may move the actuatingmember 34 inward and upward within the hollow interior of theinner leg 14 a. The inward movement may act against the biasing force of thespring 32. Since the actuatingmember 34 is coupled to thelower end 30 b and to thepin 22, thelower end 30 b and pin 22 move inwardly within the hollow interior of theinner leg 14 a against the force of thespring 32 with the movement of the actuatingmember 34. Theupper end 30 a is a fixed point allowing thelower end 30 b to move with respect to theinner leg 14 a. Inward movement of thelower end 30 b moves thepin 22 out of alignment with theapertures 20 and 23. - Referring to
FIG. 2B , at this point, thepin 22 may be located within the interior of theinner leg 14 a and may be moved out of alignment with the aperture 20 of theouter leg 14 b, permitting theinner leg 14 a to telescope within theouter leg 14 b. Thedesktop 12 may be raised or lowered as desired. When thelever 18 is released, thecable 28 may move downward towards the initial position ofFIG. 2A . The lowering of thecable 28 may release the tension on the actuatingmember 34 allowing thespring 32 to bias thepin 22 into theaperture 23 and the corresponding aperture 20 on theouter leg 14. Thus, thespring 32 may normally bias thepin 22 into theapertures 20, 23 such that height adjustment of the desk is not permitted when thelever 18 is in the resting position (e.g., a position where thelever 18 is not depressed or pivoted). Alternatively, thepin 22 may be coupled to an outer surface of theinner leg 14 a and there may be a gap between the outer surface of theinner leg 14 a and the inner surface of theouter leg 14 b such that when thepin 22 is retracted, thepin 22 is located in this gap and allowed to travel longitudinally upward and downward in the gap. - Referring now to
FIG. 3A , theouter leg 14 b is shown transparent to facilitate understanding of thedesk 10. A biasingmember 36 is depicted within theouter leg 14 b. The biasingmember 36 may be adjacent to and/or coupled to the distal, lower surface of theinner leg 14 a. The biasingmember 36 may bias theinner leg 14 a upward. When thepin 22 is out of alignment with an aperture 20, the biasingmember 36 may bias theinner leg 14 a upward. Thus, thedesktop 12 may be biased toward a raised position. When thepin 22 is in alignment with the aperture 20, it may be prevent the bias of the spring or biasingmember 36 from extending thedesktop 12 upward. Referring toFIG. 3B , the biasingmember 36 may be a coil spring, compression spring, gas spring, elastomeric bumper, or other spring type. - With the components described, and with reference to
FIGS. 1-3 , operation of thedesk 10 may be understood. Thedesk 10 may be placed with thepin 22 located in a first aperture 20 corresponding to a first height. A user may wish to move thedesk 10 to a different height configuration, such as a second height. The user may place a hand on thedesktop 12 and grasping each of the two opposinglevers 18. In one example, the user may put a thumb on thedesktop 12 and grasp thelever 18 with one or more of the remaining fingers. The user may the pivot or depress thelever 18 toward the thumb and thedesktop 12. The user may depress both of thelevers 18 simultaneously toward a lower surface of thedesktop 12. As previously described, this will cause thelinkage rod 24 to rotate, causing thecable 28 to lift, pulling or moving the actuatingmember 34 and pins 22 inward (eachlever 18 will move the twopins 22 of the adjacent two legs 14). Once thepins 22 are moved inward, they may be out of alignment with the aperture 20 corresponding to the first, original height configuration. If the second height configuration is to be taller than the first height configuration, the user may guide the desktop 12 (while depressing the levers 18) upward until thepin 22 is aligned with a second, higher aperture 20. The biasing or return force of the biasingmember 36 may alleviate the force required to lift thedesktop 12 to the higher position, thus assisting the user in raising thedesktop 12 to the taller position. The user may then release thelevers 18 such that thespring 32 biases thepin 22 to extend through the second aperture 20. If the second height configuration is to be lower than the first height configuration, the user may push on thedesktop 12, against the force of the biasingmember 36 and with thelevers 18 depressed, until thedesktop 12 is lowered and thepin 22 is aligned with a second, lower aperture 20. The user may then release thelevers 18 such that thespring 32 biases thepin 22 to extend through the second aperture 20. - The
desk 10 may be raised or lowered at any time by the user simply by pressing thelevers 18. The number and position of the apertures 20 on thelegs 14 may be selected to allow for any number of heights of thedesktop 12. The heights may range between a sitting height, where the user may sit at thedesk 10 and a standing height, where the user may stand at thedesk 10. Furthermore, with reference toFIG. 4 , adesk 50 may be provided with only twolegs 52. With only twolegs 52, eachlever 54 may be coupled to only a single cable (not visible) and a single pin extending through an aperture in a anouter leg 52 b. Thedesk 50 may operate in substantially the same manner as thedesk 10, except that thelevers 54 operate a pin associated with a single leg. Although the apertures are shown on the exterior surface of theouter leg 52 b, the apertures may be provided on the interior surface facing the other leg, such as described with respect to thedesk 10 ofFIG. 1 . - Referring to
FIG. 5 , adesk 100 is shown. Thedesk 100 may have adesktop 112 and twolegs 114, although more or fewer legs may be provided. Thelegs 114 may include one ormore feet 116. Thefeet 116 may rest on a ground surface. Amember 117 may couple afirst leg 114 to asecond leg 114. Themember 117 may be horizontal, lateral, or angled. More orfewer members 117 may be provided. Additionally, or alternatively, a foot rest, such as shown inFIG. 1 , may be provided. - With reference to
FIGS. 5-7 , eachleg 114 may comprise aninner leg 114 a and anouter leg 114 b. Theouter leg 114 b may be coupled to thefoot 116 at the base of theleg 114. Thefoot 116 may allow for leveling thedesktop 112. Theouter leg 114 b may have one ormore apertures 120 on an inwardly facing surface of theouter leg 114 b. Although fifteenapertures 120 are depicted on each of theouter legs 114 b, more or fewer apertures may be provided. The number and location of theapertures 120 may be selected based on the number of desired height positions and corresponding height of those positions. Theinner leg 114 a may be slidingly and telescopically moveable within theouter leg 114 b. Theinner leg 114 a may have apin 122 that selectively engages one of the one ormore apertures 120. Theinner leg 114 a and theouter leg 114 b may be hollow, tubular members. Operation of the height adjustment of the table may be the same or similar as thedesks -
FIGS. 6 and 7 show thedesk 100 in a collapsed, un-assembled position. Thelegs 114 may be in a collapsed or pivoted position. In this position, thelegs 114 may be substantially parallel to thedesktop 12. Thefeet 116 may be provided in a position where they are not coupled to thelegs 114. One ormore tools 127 may be provided to assemble thedesk 100. One ormore fasteners 133 may be provided to couple thefeet 116 to thelegs 114 and/or to couple other portions of thedesk 100 together. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , thedesk 100 may have one ormore levers 118, for example, located on anunderside 119 of thedesktop 112 along an edge of thedesktop 112, where thelever 118 can be grasped by a user's hand. Although twolevers 118 are shown, more or fewer may be provided. Thelever 118 may be coupled to the one ormore pins 122 by the linkage system depicted inFIG. 1B orFIG. 17 . For example, thelever 118 depicted inFIG. 8 may be coupled to apin 122 of arespective leg 114. Thepin 122 may be coupled to an outer surface of theinner leg 114 a. Alternatively, thepin 122 may be coupled in an interior of theinner leg 114 a. The second lever on the opposing side of theunderside 119 of thedesktop 112 may be coupled to thepin 122 of thesecond leg 114. Thelever 118 may be coupled to thepin 122 on the same side of thedesktop 112 as thelever 118, or on the opposing side of thedesktop 112 as thelever 118. Alternatively, asingle lever 118 may be provided and may be coupled to a pin in each of thelegs 114. - Accordingly, as will be explained in more detail, when the
lever 118 in the foreground is depressed or pivoted toward theunderside 119 of thedesktop 112 by a user, thepin 122 in theleg 114 in the foreground will retract and when thelever 118 on the opposing side of thedesktop 112 is depressed in a similar manner, thepin 122 in theleg 114 in the background will retract. Depressing or pivoting thelevers 118 may be performed simultaneously to allow for height adjustment of thedesktop 112. Retracting thepins 122 allows thepins 122 to exit therespective apertures 120, permitting adjustment of the height of thedesktop 112. Retracting of thepins 122 by thelevers 118 may be accomplished as previously described by the linkage system inFIG. 1B orFIG. 17 . - The
underside 119 of thedesktop 112 may have one ormore brackets 121. Thebrackets 121 may be affixed or secured to theunderside 119 of thedesktop 112. Thebrackets 121 may be removably or permanently fixed to theunderside 119 of thedesktop 112. Thebrackets 121 may couple arespective leg 114 to theunderside 119 of thedesktop 112. Theinner leg 114 a may be coupled to thebracket 121 and theouter leg 114 b may be coupled to thefoot 116. In this manner, thedesktop 112 may move with theinner leg 114 a upward and downward with respect to the foot orfeet 116. Theinner leg 114 a may be coupled to thebracket 121 in a manner which permits folding or rotating of theleg 114 with respect to theunderside 119 of thedesktop 112. For example, theinner leg 114 a may be coupled to thebracket 121 in a manner which permits rotation between the position ofFIG. 8 and the position ofFIG. 7 . The one ormore levers 118 may be coupled to thebracket 121. Eachlever 118 may be coupled to alinkage rod 124. Thelinkage rod 124 may in turn be coupled to a cable 128 (FIG. 17 ). Rotation of thelever 118 may rotate thelinkage rod 124 and lift thecable 128. Thelinkage rod 124 and thecable 128 may be coupled together in the same or similar manner aslinkage rod 24 andcable 28, as previously described. -
FIG. 9 shows a partial view of thebracket 121 as coupled to theinner leg 114 a of theleg 114. One ormore fasteners 125 may couple theinner leg 114 a to thebracket 121. Referring toFIG. 10 , the tool 127 (e.g., a screw driver, hex key, etc.) may be used to secure thefastener 125, thus securing thebracket 121 to theinner leg 114 a. Thelegs 114 may rotate between a position parallel to thedesktop 112 and/or aligned with the brackets 121 (FIG. 6 ) and a position perpendicular to the desktop 112 (FIG. 8 ). Thus, thedesk 100 may be moved between a stored position and a deployed position. The one ormore fasteners 125 may be loosened or removed to permit relative rotation or movement of theinner leg 114 a, and thus theleg 114, with respect to thebracket 121 and thedesktop 112. The one ormore fasteners 125 may be secured to prevent relative movement between theinner leg 114 a and thebracket 121 to maintain thedesktop 112 in either the position ofFIG. 6 or the position ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 11 shows a partial view of anend 114 e of theouter leg 114 b. Theend 114 e may have one ormore apertures 129. Although not visible inFIG. 11 , thesecond leg 114 may also include one or more apertures. The one ormore apertures 129 may accommodate fasteners 133 (FIG. 13 ) to secure the foot 116 (FIG. 12 ) to theouter leg 114 b. Referring toFIG. 12 , thefoot 116 may include one ormore apertures 131. Thefoot 116 may be placed on theend 114 e of theleg 114 such that each of the one ormore apertures 131 align with a respective one of the one ormore apertures 129. As shown inFIG. 13 , the one ormore fasteners 133 may installed within each of the aligned one ormore apertures tool 127 may secure the one ormore fasteners 133 within the aligned apertures. In this manner, thefoot 116 may be secured to theouter leg 114 b. Referring toFIG. 14 , thefoot 116 may have one ormore pads 137 which may provide protection to the floor and/or may allow for leveling of thedesktop 112. - Accordingly, the
desk 100 may be stored in the condition ofFIG. 6 . That is, thedesk 100 may be stored with thelegs 114 in the lowermost condition such that theinner leg 114 a is substantially within theouter leg 114 b. Thelegs 114 may be rotated or pivoted such that thelegs 114 are parallel with thedesktop 112 and/or thebrackets 121. To assemble the table, thedesktop 112 may be placed on the floor with theunderside 119 facing upward. Thelegs 114 may be rotated, separately or simultaneously, to the upright position (FIG. 8 ). The one ormore fasteners 125 may be secured such that theinner legs 114 a are secured to thebracket 121 and thus thelegs 114 remain in the upright position (FIG. 10 ). Thefeet 116 may be aligned with theends 114 e of thelegs 114 and secured thereto (FIG. 13 ). Thedesk 100 may then be rotated such that thefeet 116 are placed on the floor and thedesktop 112 is facing upward. Thedesk 100 may then be operated between the raised position (FIG. 18 ) and lowered position (FIG. 19 ) and positions therebetween, as will be discussed in more detail. To disassemble the desk, thedesk 100 may be rotated such that thedesktop 112 is placed on the floor with theunderside 119 facing upward. The fasteners may be removed from thefeet 116 and theinner leg 114 a to disconnect thefeet 116 and to allow for rotation of thelegs 114 back to the parallel position ofFIG. 6 for storage. -
FIGS. 15A and 15B show a partial view of one of thedesktop 112 with thelevers 118 coupled to thebracket 121. As previously described, thelever 118 may include alinkage rod 124. Thelinkage rod 124 may extend through afirst aperture 121 a in afirst wall 113 a and asecond aperture 121 b in asecond wall 113 b of thebracket 121. Thelinkage rod 124 may be coupled to adevice 115. Thelinkage rod 124 may rotate with thelever 118. When thelever 118 is rotated, thelinkage rod 124 may rotate, thus moving thedevice 115 between a first position (FIG. 16A ) and a second position (FIG. 16B ). Thedevice 115 may be coupled to an inner portion of thecable 128. Movement of thedevice 115 may pull thecable 128 longitudinally along thebracket 121 and thus upward within theleg 114. This may release thepin 122 from the aperture, as will be described with respect toFIG. 17 and/or described inFIG. 2 . Thedevice 115 may secure thecable 128 to thelinkage rod 124 in a manner which permits thecable 128 to move with rotation of thelinkage rod 124. Thedevice 115 may be c-shaped or claw shaped. The inner portion of thecable 128 may include a securing point, such as an enlarged ball, which is located within thedevice 115 in a manner which prohibits removal therefrom. For example,FIG. 15B shows aball 128 a on the end of thecable 128 that is located underneath the c-shaped portion of thedevice 115, thus prohibiting removal of thecable 128 from thedevice 115. Also shown inFIG. 15B , the outer portion of thecable 128 may be secured to thebracket 121 with a nut or other securing device, to allow relative motion of the inner portion of thecable 128 with respect to the outer portion of thecable 128, thus permitting the aforementioned height adjustment of thedesk 100. - Referring to
FIGS. 16A, 16B and 17 , eachlever 118 may be coupled to thepin 122 via alinkage rod 124. Thelever 118 may be fixedly coupled to thelinkage rod 124 on a side of thelinkage rod 124 such that when thelever 118 is pressed or pivoted upward toward the underside 119 (FIG. 16B ) of thedesktop 112, thelinkage rod 124 rotates. Thelinkage rod 124 may be connected to acable 128. At a distal end of thecable 128, thecable 128 may be coupled to an actuating member 134 (FIG. 17 ) that is coupled to thepin 122. The actuatingmember 134 may be a block located within aspring 132. The actuatingmember 134 may be coupled to a first side of abar 130, such as a cantilever bar. Thepin 122 may be coupled to a second, opposing side, of thebar 130. Thespring 132 may bias thebar 130 and thus thepin 122 into anaperture 123 of theinner leg 114 a. Theaperture 123 of theinner leg 114 a may be aligned with anaperture 120 of theouter leg 114 b. Thebar 130 may have anupper end 130 a fixedly coupled to the hollow interior of theinner leg 114 a. Thebar 130 may have alower end 130 b fixedly coupled to thepin 122 and the actuatingmember 134. Thelower end 130 b may be unattached to theinner leg 114 a. Operation of the linkage system may be the same or similar as described with respect toFIGS. 1 and 2 . - During operation, when the
lever 118 is pressed or pivoted upward toward the lower surface of the desktop 112 (FIG. 16B ), thelinkage rod 124 may be rotated thus cause tension in the cable, lifting thecable 128 within theleg 114. The upward motion of thecable 128 applies tension to the end of the actuatingmember 134 to which thecable 128 is coupled. The tension on the actuatingmember 134 may move the actuatingmember 134 inward and upward within the hollow interior of theinner leg 114 a. Since the actuatingmember 134 is coupled to thelower end 130 b and to thepin 122, thelower end 130 b and pin 122 move inwardly within the hollow interior of theinner leg 114 a against the force of thespring 132. Theupper end 130 a is a fixed point allowing thelower end 30 b to move with respect to theinner leg 114 a. - At this point, the
pin 122 may be located within the interior of theinner leg 114 a and may be moved out of alignment with theaperture 120 of theouter leg 114 b, permitting theinner leg 114 a to telescope within theouter leg 114 b. Thedesktop 112 may be raised (e.g. toFIG. 18 ) or lowered (e.g. toFIG. 19 ) as desired. When thelever 118 is released (FIG. 16A ), tension in thecable 128 may be released and thecable 128 may move downward towards the initial position. The lowering of thecable 128 may release the tension on the actuatingmember 134 allowing thespring 132 to bias thepin 122 into theaperture 123 and thecorresponding aperture 120 on theouter leg 114. Alternatively, thepin 122 may be coupled to an outer surface of theinner leg 114 a and there may be a gap between the outer surface of theinner leg 114 a and the inner surface of theouter leg 114 b such that when thepin 122 is retracted, thepin 122 is located in this gap and allowed to travel longitudinally upward and downward in the gap. - Not visible, but as described with respect to
FIGS. 3A and 3B , a biasing member may be located within theouter leg 114 b. The biasing member may be adjacent to and/or coupled to the distal, lower surface of theinner leg 114 a. The biasing member may bias theinner leg 114 a upward. When thepin 122 is out of alignment with anaperture 120, the biasing member may bias theinner leg 114 a upward. The biasing member may be a coil spring, compression spring, gas spring, elastomeric bumper, or other spring type. - With the components described, and with reference to
FIGS. 18 and 19 , operation of thedesk 100 is described. Thedesk 100 may be placed with thepin 122 located in afirst aperture 120. A user may wish to move thedesk 100 to a different height configuration. The user may place a hand on each side of thedesktop 112 and grasp each of the two opposinglevers 118. The user may depress or pivot thelevers 118 toward theunderside 119 of thedesktop 112. As previously described, this will move thepins 122 of therespective leg 114 inward. Once thepins 122 are moved inward, thepins 122 may be moved out of alignment with theaperture 120 of the first, original height configuration. If the second height configuration is to be taller (e.g. a raised position such asFIG. 18 ) than the first height configuration, the user may guide the desktop 112 (while depressing the levers 118) upward until thepin 122 is aligned with a second,higher aperture 120. The biasing or return force of the biasing member located within theleg 114 may alleviate the force required to lift thedesktop 112 to the higher position. The user may then release thelevers 118 such that thepin 122 extends through thesecond aperture 120. If the second height configuration is to be lower (e.g. a lowered position such asFIG. 19 ) than the first height configuration, the user may push on thedesktop 112, against the force of the biasing member located within theleg 114 and with thelevers 118 depressed, until thedesktop 112 is lowered and thepin 122 is aligned with a second,lower aperture 120. The user may then release thelevers 118 such that thepin 122 extends through thesecond aperture 120. Thelevers 118 may operate eachleg 114 independently of theother leg 114. Alternatively, operation of bothlevers 118 may be required to operate the legs. Alternatively, thelevers 118 and/orlegs 114 may operate simultaneously. Thedesk 10 and/or 50 may operate in a similar or the same manner. - As described the
levers desktop desktop legs levers 18 are shown rotating or moving toward to the two lateral sides or edges of thedesktop 12 and thelevers 118 are shown rotating or moving toward the front side or edge of thedesktop 112. Although, thelevers - Although described as a desk, it may be appreciated that the
desks desks legs - The embodiments illustrated and discussed in this specification are intended only to teach those skilled in the art the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. Nothing in this specification should be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention. All examples presented are representative and non-limiting. The above-described embodiments of the invention may be modified or varied, without departing from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
Claims (13)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/288,788 US20190261771A1 (en) | 2018-02-28 | 2019-02-28 | Variable height desk |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201862636494P | 2018-02-28 | 2018-02-28 | |
US201862759983P | 2018-11-12 | 2018-11-12 | |
US16/288,788 US20190261771A1 (en) | 2018-02-28 | 2019-02-28 | Variable height desk |
Publications (1)
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US20190261771A1 true US20190261771A1 (en) | 2019-08-29 |
Family
ID=67683764
Family Applications (1)
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US16/288,788 Abandoned US20190261771A1 (en) | 2018-02-28 | 2019-02-28 | Variable height desk |
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US (1) | US20190261771A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220265042A1 (en) * | 2021-02-22 | 2022-08-25 | Dustin Berastain | Support Device for Countertops |
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US5956807A (en) * | 1997-12-31 | 1999-09-28 | Chaw Khong Technology Co. Ltd. | Retractable pull-handle assembly |
US6868583B2 (en) * | 2003-03-17 | 2005-03-22 | Chaw Khong Technology Co., Ltd. | Locking pin |
US7055847B2 (en) * | 2002-08-09 | 2006-06-06 | Miller Mark E | Collapsible support structure |
US20070256611A1 (en) * | 2006-05-08 | 2007-11-08 | Tsung-Chieh Huang | Telescopic and foldable table |
US20080223261A1 (en) * | 2007-03-15 | 2008-09-18 | John Frederick | Table assembly |
US20090194007A1 (en) * | 2005-05-16 | 2009-08-06 | Gary Pearson | Portable Video Game Table |
US8286926B1 (en) * | 2011-11-30 | 2012-10-16 | Trace Eugene Van Dyne | Collapsible leg assembly |
US8794703B2 (en) * | 2006-03-27 | 2014-08-05 | Allan Bateman | Adjustable folding chair for extended periods of seating |
-
2019
- 2019-02-28 US US16/288,788 patent/US20190261771A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5956807A (en) * | 1997-12-31 | 1999-09-28 | Chaw Khong Technology Co. Ltd. | Retractable pull-handle assembly |
US7055847B2 (en) * | 2002-08-09 | 2006-06-06 | Miller Mark E | Collapsible support structure |
US6868583B2 (en) * | 2003-03-17 | 2005-03-22 | Chaw Khong Technology Co., Ltd. | Locking pin |
US20090194007A1 (en) * | 2005-05-16 | 2009-08-06 | Gary Pearson | Portable Video Game Table |
US8794703B2 (en) * | 2006-03-27 | 2014-08-05 | Allan Bateman | Adjustable folding chair for extended periods of seating |
US20070256611A1 (en) * | 2006-05-08 | 2007-11-08 | Tsung-Chieh Huang | Telescopic and foldable table |
US20080223261A1 (en) * | 2007-03-15 | 2008-09-18 | John Frederick | Table assembly |
US8286926B1 (en) * | 2011-11-30 | 2012-10-16 | Trace Eugene Van Dyne | Collapsible leg assembly |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220265042A1 (en) * | 2021-02-22 | 2022-08-25 | Dustin Berastain | Support Device for Countertops |
US11612242B2 (en) * | 2021-02-22 | 2023-03-28 | Dustin Berastain | Support device for countertops |
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