US20220031064A1 - Ergonomic desk - Google Patents
Ergonomic desk Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220031064A1 US20220031064A1 US17/443,529 US202117443529A US2022031064A1 US 20220031064 A1 US20220031064 A1 US 20220031064A1 US 202117443529 A US202117443529 A US 202117443529A US 2022031064 A1 US2022031064 A1 US 2022031064A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- desktop
- desk
- desktop panel
- frame member
- axis
- 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
- A47B13/00—Details of tables or desks
- A47B13/08—Table tops; Rims therefor
- A47B13/081—Movable, extending, sliding table 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
- A47B13/00—Details of tables or desks
- A47B13/08—Table tops; Rims therefor
- A47B13/14—Detachable serving plates
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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
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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
- A47B2200/00—General construction of tables or desks
- A47B2200/0035—Tables or desks with features relating to adjustability or folding
- A47B2200/004—Top adjustment
- A47B2200/0042—Height and inclination adjustable desktop, either separately or simultaneously
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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
- A47B2200/00—General construction of tables or desks
- A47B2200/0035—Tables or desks with features relating to adjustability or folding
- A47B2200/004—Top adjustment
- A47B2200/0043—Inclination adjustable work top
-
- 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
- A47B2200/005—Leg adjustment
- A47B2200/0056—Leg adjustment with a motor, e.g. an electric motor
-
- 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
- A47B2200/0084—Accessories for tables or desks
Definitions
- Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a desk and, more specifically, to a desk having ergonomic features.
- desks are commonly used in home and office environments. Such desks may offer ergonomic features that benefit the user. For example, some desks allow the desktop to be vertically raised and lowered to accommodate sitting and standing user positions using a motorized pedestal or leg.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an ergonomic desk and a desk system.
- One embodiment of the desk includes a base, a pedestal, a desktop panel, a desktop actuator, and a controller.
- the pedestal extends along a vertical axis and has a bottom end that is attached to the base.
- the desktop panel is supported by a top end of the pedestal, and extends transversely to the vertical axis.
- the desktop actuator is attached to the desktop panel and includes a motorized tilt mechanism and a motorized lateral feed mechanism.
- the motorized tilt mechanism is configured to pivot the desktop panel about a horizontal axis, which is transverse to the vertical axis, and adjust an angle of the desktop panel relative to the vertical axis.
- the motorized lateral feed mechanism is configured to move the desktop panel along a feed axis that is fixed relative to the desktop panel, and extends transversely to the vertical axis and the horizontal axis.
- the controller is configured to control the motorized tilt mechanism and the motorized lateral feed mechanism.
- the desk includes, a base, a pedestal, a housing, and a desktop panel.
- the pedestal extends along a vertical axis and has a bottom end that is attached to the base.
- the housing includes a housing base and an adaptor.
- the housing base is connected to the top end of the pedestal and includes a plurality of base magnets.
- the adaptor is attached to the housing base and includes opposing top and bottom sides and a plurality of adaptor magnets.
- the desktop panel is attached to the adapter. Magnetic attraction between each of the adaptor magnets and one of the base magnets detachably connects the adaptor and the desktop panel to the housing base.
- the desktop system includes a desktop panel and an accessory component.
- the desktop panel has opposing top and bottom sides, a top surface on the top side, a plurality of pockets formed in the bottom side, and a plurality of desktop magnets on the bottom side. Each desktop magnet is received within one of the pockets.
- the accessory component includes at least one accessory magnet. The accessory component is configured for attachment to the top surface through magnetic attraction between the at least one accessory magnet and one or more of the at least one desktop magnets.
- FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating a desk, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 are front isometric views
- FIGS. 4-6 are side views of an example of a desk, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 7 is a back view of an upper portion of the desk of FIG. 3 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an upper portion of the desk of FIG. 2 with a desktop panel removed, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 9-11 are exploded isometric views illustrating components of a motorized tilt mechanism and a motorized lateral feed mechanism, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 12A and 12B are simplified diagrams illustrating a motorized cam of a tilt mechanism, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 13 is an exploded isometric view of a housing and a desktop panel, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 14A and 14B respectively are top and bottom views of an example of an adaptor, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 15 is a bottom isometric view of an example of a desktop panel, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a desktop system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 17A and 17B are top and bottom isometric views of an example of a cup holder accessory component, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 18A and 18B are top and bottom isometric views of an example of a ledge accessory component, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating a desk 100 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 are front isometric views, and
- FIGS. 4-6 are side views of an example of the desk 100 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- the desk 100 generally includes a desktop 102 , a pedestal 104 and a base 106 .
- the pedestal 104 includes a bottom end 108 that is attached to the base 106 , and extends along a vertical axis 110 that is generally perpendicular to a floor surface 112 .
- the desktop 102 is supported at a top end 114 of the pedestal 104 , and includes a top surface 116 that may be used as a working surface by a user. While the pedestal 104 is shown as including a single leg structure, it is understood that the pedestal 104 may be formed using multiple leg structures, such as three or four leg structures.
- the base may include wheels 119 that simplify movement of the desk 100 along the floor surface 112 .
- the desk 100 includes a motorized pedestal mechanism 118 that extends telescoping members 120 of the pedestal 104 along the vertical axis 110 to adjust the height of the top surface 116 of the desktop 100 relative to the base 106 and the floor surface 112 .
- the telescoping members include members 120 A, 120 B and 120 C that may be extended relative to each other using an electric motor (not shown). This allows the pedestal 104 to have a retracted position, such as shown in FIG. 4 , multiple intermediary positions, such as the intermediary position shown in FIG. 5 , and a fully extended position, such as shown in FIG. 6 . Accordingly, a user may adjust the height of the desktop panel 102 to accommodate various sitting or standing positions.
- the desk 100 includes a desktop actuator 122 that operates to adjust the position and/or orientation of the desktop panel 102 .
- the desktop actuator 122 includes a motorized tilt mechanism 124 , which is generally configured to pivot the desktop panel 102 about a horizontal axis 126 , which is transverse to the vertical axis 110 . This allows for the adjustment of an angle 128 of the desktop panel 102 relative to the vertical axis 110 and the floor surface 112 , as generally shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
- the tilt mechanism 124 allows the user to adjust the angle 128 from a non-tilted position ( FIGS.
- top surface 116 is substantially parallel to the floor surface 112 and oriented at approximately 90 degrees to the vertical axis 110 , as shown in FIG. 5 , to a tilted position ( FIGS. 3 and 6 ), in which the top surface 116 is transverse to the floor surface 112 and at an acute angle 128 (e.g., approximately 30-89 degrees) relative to the vertical axis 110 , as shown in FIG. 6 .
- an acute angle 128 e.g., approximately 30-89 degrees
- the desktop actuator 122 includes a motorized lateral feed mechanism 130 , which is generally configured to move the desktop panel 102 along a feed axis 132 that is fixed relative to the desktop panel 102 , generally parallel to the top surface 116 , and extends transversely to the vertical axis 110 and the horizontal axis, as indicated in FIG. 1 .
- This allows the desktop panel 102 to be extended either toward or away from a user relative to the pedestal 104 .
- the desktop panel 102 has a retracted position, in which a leading edge 134 of the desktop panel 102 is located a distance 136 from a reference, as shown in FIG.
- the desktop panel 102 may also be positioned along the feed axis 132 between the retracted and extended positions shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- the desk 100 includes a controller 140 , memory 142 , and/or a power source 144 , as indicated in FIG. 1 .
- the controller 140 may represent one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit) that control components of the desk 100 to perform one or more functions described herein in response to the execution of instructions that may be stored in the memory 142 .
- the memory 142 represents local and/or remote memory or computer-readable media. Such memory 142 comprises any suitable patent subject matter eligible conventional computer readable media that do not include transitory waves or signals such as, for example, hard disks, CD-ROMS, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, etc.
- the controller 140 controls electric motors of the pedestal mechanism 118 , the tilt mechanism 124 , and/or the lateral feed mechanism 130 to respectively adjust the height of the desktop panel 102 , the angle 128 of the desktop panel 102 , and the distance 136 the desktop panel is extended from the pedestal 104 , such as in response to an input received from an input device 146 and the execution of instructions contained in the memory 142 .
- the controller 140 may also be used to control other functions described herein.
- the input device 146 may take on any suitable form.
- the input device 146 may represent a control panel attached to the desk 100 , a remote-control device, an application running on a mobile computing device (e.g., smartphone), or another suitable input device that may communicate commands to the controller 140 to control one or more of the functions of the desk 100 .
- a mobile computing device e.g., smartphone
- the desk 100 may also include one or more sensors, such as sensors for detecting an occupancy, an acceleration, a height of the desktop panel 102 , the angle 128 of the desktop panel 102 , the distance 136 the desktop panel is extended along the feed axis 132 , etc.
- the controller 140 may use the sensors to allow for local or remote control of the desk functions, to monitor the desk 100 , to produce analytics, to provide cognitive feedback to users, and/or provide other features.
- the power source 144 may include any suitable power source for powering the electronic components of the desk 100 , such as the controller 140 , the motorized pedestal mechanism 118 , the motorized tilt mechanism 124 , the motorized lateral feed mechanism 130 , and other electrical components of the desk 100 described herein.
- suitable power sources 144 include a rechargeable battery and corresponding circuitry, such as circuitry used to recharge the battery.
- the power source 144 may also represent circuitry for receiving line level power, such as from an AC outlet.
- the power source 144 includes one or more solar panels 148 attached to the top surface 116 of the desktop panel 102 , as indicated in FIG.
- the power source 144 may supply DC and AC power to auxiliary components and accessories, such as a monitor, without the need to be connected to line level power through a wall socket, for example.
- FIG. 7 is a back view of an upper portion of the desk 100 of FIG. 3
- FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an upper portion of the desk 100 with the desktop panel 102 removed
- FIGS. 9-11 are exploded isometric views illustrating components of the motorized tilt mechanism 124 and the motorized lateral feed mechanism 130 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- the desk 100 includes a fixed frame member 150 ( FIG. 9 ) that is connected to the top end 114 of the pedestal 104 , and has a fixed position and orientation relative to the top end 114 of the pedestal 104 .
- the desktop actuator 122 or the tilt mechanism 124 includes a pivotable frame member 152 that is supported by the fixed frame member 150 , and is configured to rotate about the horizontal axis 126 relative to the fixed frame member 150 , as generally illustrated in FIG. 10 .
- the pivotable frame member 152 is attached to the fixed frame member 150 through a suitable pivotable connection 154 ( FIG. 10 ), such as a hinge, or another suitable pivotable connection.
- the desktop panel 102 is connected to the pivotable frame member 152 and pivots about the horizontal axis 126 relative to the fixed frame member 150 in response to rotation of the pivotable frame member 152 about the axis 126 .
- the motorized tilt mechanism 124 is configured to drive rotation of the pivotable frame member 152 and the desktop panel 102 about the horizontal axis 126 relative to the fixed frame member 150 using a linear actuator 156 having an end 158 attached to the fixed frame member 150 , and an end 160 connected to the pivotable frame member 152 , as generally indicated in FIG. 9 .
- the end 158 may be attached to the fixed frame member 150 through a hinge 162 or another suitable pivotable connection
- the end 160 may be attached to the pivotable frame member 152 through a hinge 163 or another suitable pivotable connection.
- the end 160 is connected to a feed rail 164 that is attached to the pivotable frame member 152 and has a fixed position and orientation relative to the pivotable frame member 152 .
- the linear actuator 156 is configured to drive relative movement between the ends 158 and 160 including extending the end 160 away from the end 158 , or retracting the end 160 toward the end 158 .
- This relative movement of the ends 158 and 160 of the actuator 156 pivot the pivotable frame member 152 and desktop panel 102 about the horizontal axis 126 relative to the fixed frame member 150 , the pedestal 104 and the vertical axis 110 , to adjust the angle 128 ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of the desktop panel 102 .
- the linear actuator 156 comprises a screw drive, or another suitable actuator that may be driven using an electric motor 166 ( FIG. 9 ).
- the tilt mechanism 124 may be employed by the tilt mechanism 124 to drive rotation of the feed rail 164 , the pivotable frame member 152 and the desktop panel 102 about the horizontal axis 126 .
- One alternative is the use of a motorized cam 170 , such as that illustrated in the simplified diagrams of FIGS. 12A and 12B .
- the motorized cam 170 generally includes a cam member 172 having an axis of rotation 174 that is fixed relative to either the fixed frame member 150 or the pivotable frame member 152 , and is generally aligned parallel to the horizontal axis 126 .
- the cam member 172 When the cam member 172 is supported by the fixed frame member 150 , such that the axis of rotation 174 has a fixed position relative to the fixed frame member 150 , the cam member 172 includes an exterior surface 176 that engages the feed rail 164 or another component having a fixed position relative to the pivotable frame member 152 .
- the cam member 172 When the cam member 172 is supported by the feed rail 164 or another component having a fixed position relative to the pivotable frame member 152 , such that the axis of rotation 174 of the cam member 172 has a fixed position relative to the pivotable frame member 152 , the exterior surface 176 of the cam member 172 engages the fixed frame member 150 or another component having a fixed position relative to the fixed frame member 150 .
- Rotation of the cam member 172 about the axis 174 by a motor 178 drives the pivotable frame member 152 and the desktop panel 102 to rotate about the horizontal axis 126 relative to the fixed frame member 150 , to thereby adjust the tilt angle 128 of the desktop panel 102 , such as from a relatively flat position ( FIG. 12A ) to a tilted position ( FIG. 12B ).
- the desk includes an actuator housing 180 that is attached to, and has a fixed position relative to, the fixed frame member 150 .
- the actuator housing 180 includes an interior cavity 182 that receives the linear actuator 156 , as indicated in FIG. 9 .
- the end 158 of the linear actuator 156 may be attached to a base 184 of the housing through the pivotable connection 162 , and the end 160 of the linear actuator 156 may extend through an opening of a cover 186 of the housing 180 , as shown in FIG. 9 .
- the feed rail 164 is aligned substantially parallel to the feed axis 132 , and forms a component of the lateral feed mechanism 130 that guides movement of the desktop panel 102 along the feed axis 132 .
- the lateral feed mechanism 130 also includes a gantry 190 ( FIG. 8 ) that is configured to move along the feed rail 164 and the feed axis 132 relative to the pivotable frame member 152 .
- the feed rail 164 includes one or more channels 192 , such as opposing channels, as shown in FIG. 8 .
- the gantry 190 may include a panel 194 and a plurality of guide wheels 196 that are attached to the panel 194 , as shown in FIG. 11 .
- the guide wheels 196 are received within the channels 192 of the feed rail 164 .
- the guide wheels 196 generally have an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the feed axis 132 , however, alternative arrangements may be used.
- the guide wheels 196 secure the panel 194 to the feed rail 164 and rotate with movement of the panel 194 along the feed axis 132 to provide low-resistance movement of the panel 194 along the feed rail 164 and the feed axis 132 .
- the desktop panel 102 is connected to the panel 194 of the gantry 190 , and travels along the feed axis 132 relative to the pivotable frame member 152 with movement of the gantry 190 .
- the gantry 190 may be substituted with another suitable gantry or similar mechanism.
- the lateral feed mechanism 130 includes a linear actuator 200 and a motor 202 , as shown in FIG. 8 .
- An end 204 of the linear actuator 200 has a fixed position relative to the pivotable frame member 152 , and an opposing end 206 is connected to the gantry 190 , either directly, or through an intermediary component.
- the linear actuator 200 is configured to drive movement of the end 206 relative to the end 204 , and thus, movement of the gantry 190 and the desktop panel 102 along the feed axis 132 relative to the pivotable frame member 152 (e.g., the reference discussed above), as indicated in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- the desk 100 includes a housing 210 that is supported by the top end 114 of the pedestal 104 and is connected to the desktop panel 102 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 .
- FIG. 13 is an exploded isometric view of the housing 210 and the desktop panel 102 .
- the housing 210 includes an interior cavity 212 that contains one or more components of the desk 100 , such as the controller 140 , the memory 142 , the power source 144 , components of the tilt mechanism 124 , components of the lateral feed mechanism 130 , and/or other components of the desk 100 , as indicated in FIG. 1 .
- Advantages to this configuration include the simplification of the management of cables used in connection with the power source 144 , the controller 140 and the electric motors, the ability to conceal components of the desk 100 , and other advantages.
- the housing 210 includes a housing base 214 that is connected to the gantry 190 and the end 206 of the linear actuator 200 , such as through a hinge connector 208 , as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the housing base 214 is configured to move along the feed axis 132 relative to the pivotable frame member 152 with movement of the gantry 190 , and pivot about the horizontal axis 126 with rotation of the pivotable frame member 152 .
- the housing 210 includes an adaptor 216 , which generally covers the interior cavity 212 defined by the housing base 214 .
- FIGS. 14A and 14B respectively are top and bottom views of an example of the adaptor, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- the desktop panel 102 may be fixed to a top 218 of the adaptor 216 using any suitable means, such as screws, adhesive, or other suitable fasteners, as indicated in FIG. 13 .
- the adaptor 216 may be integrated in a bottom side 220 ( FIG. 7 ) of the desktop panel 102 , as discussed below.
- the adaptor 216 is attached to the housing base 214 in a manner that allows its easy removal by hand, and without the use of tools.
- the housing base 214 includes a plurality of base magnets 222
- the adaptor 216 includes a plurality of adaptor magnets 224 that are used to magnetically attached the adaptor 216 to the housing base 214 .
- the base magnets 222 may be contained within pockets 226 of the housing base 214 that operate to position the base magnets 222 in predefined locations, as shown in FIG. 13 .
- the adaptor magnets 224 may be contained within pockets 228 of a bottom side 230 of the adaptor 216 that operate to position the adaptor magnets 224 in predefined locations, such as illustrated in FIG. 14B .
- magnetic attraction between the base magnets 222 and the adaptor magnets 224 secures the adaptor 216 and the attached desktop panel 102 to the housing base 214 in a manner that allows the removal of the adaptor 216 and the desktop panel 102 from the housing base 214 by a user without the use of tools.
- FIG. 15 is a bottom isometric view of an example of a desktop panel 102 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- the desktop panel 102 may be 3D printed, or formed of glass, wood, plastic, or another suitable material.
- the desktop panel 102 may also be double-sided, such as by combining different surface finishes or colors on each side of the panel 102 .
- the desktop panel 102 may include adaptor magnets 224 , which may be contained within pockets 228 , to facilitate the detachable connection between the desktop panel 102 and the housing base 214 .
- the desktop panel 102 may include a perimeter wall 234 that forms a socket 236 that receives and substantially conforms to the top end of the housing base 214 .
- the socket 236 may be used to simplify the alignment of the desktop panel 102 relative to the housing base 214 during attachment, and may also assist in maintaining the connection between the desktop panel 102 and the housing base 214 during use.
- the base magnets 222 and the adaptor magnets 224 are arranged in a manner that predefines an orientation of the adaptor 216 relative to the housing base 214 that is required to secure the adaptor 216 to the housing base 214 . This may be accomplished by the selective positioning of the base and adaptor magnets 222 and 224 or the pockets 226 and 228 containing the magnets 222 and 224 , the selective orientation of the base and adaptor magnets 222 and 224 (north and south poles of the magnets are oriented for attraction or repulsion), and/or through physical guides that restrict the attachment of the adaptor 216 to the housing base 214 to a single orientation of the adaptor 216 relative to the housing base 214 .
- the adaptor magnets 224 may be repulsed by the base magnets 222 , and when the adaptor 216 is properly oriented with the housing base 214 , the base magnets 222 may attract the adaptor magnets 226 to secure the adaptor 216 to the housing base 214 .
- guide channels and guide rails are used to guide or stabilize the movement of the desktop panel 102 along the feed axis 132 when driven by the lateral feed mechanism 130 .
- guide rails 240 attached to a bottom side 242 of the housing base 214 may be received within corresponding guide channels 244 that are connected to the pivotable frame member 152 , as indicated in FIG. 11 .
- This arrangement may obviously be reversed, such that the one or more guide channels are attached to, or formed in, the housing base, and one or more guide rails are attached to, or formed in, the pivotable frame member.
- the one or more guide rails 240 slide within the corresponding one or more guide channels 244 to stabilize the housing base 214 and desktop panel 102 .
- One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a desktop system 250 comprising one or more embodiments of the desktop panel 102 described above, and one or more accessory components, generally referred to as 252 , such as shown in the isometric view of FIG. 16 .
- the desktop panel 102 is configured to facilitate magnetic attachment of the accessory components 252 to the top surface 116 .
- the accessory components 252 include, a cup holder 252 A and a ledge 252 B, as shown in FIG. 16 .
- other similar accessory components 252 may also be used.
- the magnetic attachment of the accessory components 252 to the top surface 116 of the desktop panel 102 allows the top surface 116 to be free from fasteners, sockets, and other features that may disrupt the top surface 116 , while allowing for the secure attachment of the accessory components 252 to the top surface 116 .
- the bottom side 232 of the desktop panel 102 includes a plurality of pockets 254 .
- the desktop panel 102 may also include a plurality of desktop magnets 256 , such as magnets 256 A-E, each of which may be received within one of the pockets 254 .
- the accessory components 252 of the desktop system 250 each include at least one accessory magnet 258 that operates to attach the accessory component 252 to the top surface 116 through magnetic attraction between the at least one accessory magnet 258 and at least one of the desktop magnets 256 .
- the accessor components 252 may be selectively positioned on the desktop panel 102 through the attraction of the desktop and accessor magnets 256 and 258 .
- Top and bottom isometric views of an example of the cup holder 252 A are shown in FIGS.
- the cup holder 252 A includes a bottom 260 and a side wall 262 extending from the perimeter of the bottom 260 to define an interior cavity 264 that is configured to receive a drink container, pencils, pens, and/or other items.
- the cup holder 252 A includes at least one accessory magnet 258 that is supported by the bottom 260 , such as in a pocket 266 .
- the cup holder 252 A may be positioned, for example, on the top surface 116 of the desktop panel 102 such that the accessory magnet 258 of the cup holder 252 A is aligned and magnetically attracted to one of the desktop magnets 256 , such as desktop magnet 256 A ( FIG. 15 ), to magnetically secure the cup holder 252 A to the top surface 116 , as shown in FIG. 16 .
- the ledge 252 B generally includes an elongated member 270 and one or more accessory magnets 258 .
- the accessory magnets are each contained in one of a plurality of pockets 272 that may be formed in a bottom side 274 .
- Each of the pockets 272 in the elongated member 270 may include an accessory magnet 258 that secures the ledge 252 B to the top surface 116 of the desktop panel 102 ( FIG. 16 ) when the one or more accessory magnets 258 are aligned with the corresponding one or more desktop magnets 256 , such as desktop magnets 256 B-E ( FIG. 15 ).
Landscapes
- Tables And Desks Characterized By Structural Shape (AREA)
Abstract
A desk includes a base, a pedestal, a desktop panel, a desktop actuator, and a controller. The pedestal extends along a vertical axis and has a bottom end that is attached to the base. The desktop panel is supported by a top end of the pedestal, and extends transversely to the vertical axis. The desktop actuator is attached to the desktop panel and includes a motorized tilt mechanism, which is configured to pivot the desktop panel about a horizontal axis, which is transverse to the vertical axis, and adjust an angle of the desktop panel relative to the vertical axis, and a motorized lateral feed mechanism, which is configured to move the desktop panel along a feed axis that is fixed relative to the desktop panel, and extends transversely to the vertical axis and the horizontal axis. The controller controls the motorized tilt mechanism and the motorized lateral feed mechanism.
Description
- The present application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/057,420, filed Jul. 28, 2020, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a desk and, more specifically, to a desk having ergonomic features.
- Tables and desks (hereinafter “desks”) are commonly used in home and office environments. Such desks may offer ergonomic features that benefit the user. For example, some desks allow the desktop to be vertically raised and lowered to accommodate sitting and standing user positions using a motorized pedestal or leg.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an ergonomic desk and a desk system. One embodiment of the desk includes a base, a pedestal, a desktop panel, a desktop actuator, and a controller. The pedestal extends along a vertical axis and has a bottom end that is attached to the base. The desktop panel is supported by a top end of the pedestal, and extends transversely to the vertical axis. The desktop actuator is attached to the desktop panel and includes a motorized tilt mechanism and a motorized lateral feed mechanism. The motorized tilt mechanism is configured to pivot the desktop panel about a horizontal axis, which is transverse to the vertical axis, and adjust an angle of the desktop panel relative to the vertical axis. The motorized lateral feed mechanism is configured to move the desktop panel along a feed axis that is fixed relative to the desktop panel, and extends transversely to the vertical axis and the horizontal axis. The controller is configured to control the motorized tilt mechanism and the motorized lateral feed mechanism.
- Another embodiment of the desk includes, a base, a pedestal, a housing, and a desktop panel. The pedestal extends along a vertical axis and has a bottom end that is attached to the base. The housing includes a housing base and an adaptor. The housing base is connected to the top end of the pedestal and includes a plurality of base magnets. The adaptor is attached to the housing base and includes opposing top and bottom sides and a plurality of adaptor magnets. The desktop panel is attached to the adapter. Magnetic attraction between each of the adaptor magnets and one of the base magnets detachably connects the adaptor and the desktop panel to the housing base.
- One embodiment of the desktop system includes a desktop panel and an accessory component. The desktop panel has opposing top and bottom sides, a top surface on the top side, a plurality of pockets formed in the bottom side, and a plurality of desktop magnets on the bottom side. Each desktop magnet is received within one of the pockets. The accessory component includes at least one accessory magnet. The accessory component is configured for attachment to the top surface through magnetic attraction between the at least one accessory magnet and one or more of the at least one desktop magnets.
- This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the Background.
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FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating a desk, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 2 and 3 are front isometric views, andFIGS. 4-6 are side views of an example of a desk, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 7 is a back view of an upper portion of the desk ofFIG. 3 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an upper portion of the desk ofFIG. 2 with a desktop panel removed, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 9-11 are exploded isometric views illustrating components of a motorized tilt mechanism and a motorized lateral feed mechanism, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 12A and 12B are simplified diagrams illustrating a motorized cam of a tilt mechanism, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 13 is an exploded isometric view of a housing and a desktop panel, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 14A and 14B respectively are top and bottom views of an example of an adaptor, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 15 is a bottom isometric view of an example of a desktop panel, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure -
FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a desktop system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 17A and 17B are top and bottom isometric views of an example of a cup holder accessory component, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 18A and 18B are top and bottom isometric views of an example of a ledge accessory component, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. - Embodiments of the present disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Elements that are identified using the same or similar reference characters refer to the same or similar elements. The various embodiments of the present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.
- Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, frames, supports, connectors, motors, processors, and other components may not be shown, or may be shown in block diagram form in order to not obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail.
- It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “attached” to another element, it can be directly connected, coupled, or attached to the other element, or it can be indirectly connected, coupled, or attached to the other element where intervening or intermediate elements may be present. In contrast, if an element is referred to as being “directly connected,” “directly coupled” or “directly attached” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Drawings illustrating direct connections, couplings or attachments between elements also include embodiments, in which the elements are indirectly connected, coupled, or attached to each other.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a desk having one or more ergonomic features.
FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating adesk 100, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.FIGS. 2 and 3 are front isometric views, andFIGS. 4-6 are side views of an example of thedesk 100, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. - The
desk 100 generally includes adesktop 102, apedestal 104 and abase 106. Thepedestal 104 includes abottom end 108 that is attached to thebase 106, and extends along avertical axis 110 that is generally perpendicular to afloor surface 112. Thedesktop 102 is supported at atop end 114 of thepedestal 104, and includes atop surface 116 that may be used as a working surface by a user. While thepedestal 104 is shown as including a single leg structure, it is understood that thepedestal 104 may be formed using multiple leg structures, such as three or four leg structures. The base may includewheels 119 that simplify movement of thedesk 100 along thefloor surface 112. - In some embodiments, the
desk 100 includes amotorized pedestal mechanism 118 that extends telescoping members 120 of thepedestal 104 along thevertical axis 110 to adjust the height of thetop surface 116 of thedesktop 100 relative to thebase 106 and thefloor surface 112. In one example, the telescoping members includemembers pedestal 104 to have a retracted position, such as shown inFIG. 4 , multiple intermediary positions, such as the intermediary position shown inFIG. 5 , and a fully extended position, such as shown inFIG. 6 . Accordingly, a user may adjust the height of thedesktop panel 102 to accommodate various sitting or standing positions. - In some embodiments, the
desk 100 includes adesktop actuator 122 that operates to adjust the position and/or orientation of thedesktop panel 102. In one embodiment, thedesktop actuator 122 includes amotorized tilt mechanism 124, which is generally configured to pivot thedesktop panel 102 about ahorizontal axis 126, which is transverse to thevertical axis 110. This allows for the adjustment of anangle 128 of thedesktop panel 102 relative to thevertical axis 110 and thefloor surface 112, as generally shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 . In one example, thetilt mechanism 124 allows the user to adjust theangle 128 from a non-tilted position (FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 ), in which thetop surface 116 is substantially parallel to thefloor surface 112 and oriented at approximately 90 degrees to thevertical axis 110, as shown inFIG. 5 , to a tilted position (FIGS. 3 and 6 ), in which thetop surface 116 is transverse to thefloor surface 112 and at an acute angle 128 (e.g., approximately 30-89 degrees) relative to thevertical axis 110, as shown inFIG. 6 . - In some embodiments, the
desktop actuator 122 includes a motorizedlateral feed mechanism 130, which is generally configured to move thedesktop panel 102 along afeed axis 132 that is fixed relative to thedesktop panel 102, generally parallel to thetop surface 116, and extends transversely to thevertical axis 110 and the horizontal axis, as indicated inFIG. 1 . This allows thedesktop panel 102 to be extended either toward or away from a user relative to thepedestal 104. Thus, thedesktop panel 102 has a retracted position, in which aleading edge 134 of thedesktop panel 102 is located adistance 136 from a reference, as shown inFIG. 4 , and an extended position, in which theleading edge 134 is extended agreater distance 136′ from the reference, as shown inFIG. 5 . Thedesktop panel 102 may also be positioned along thefeed axis 132 between the retracted and extended positions shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 . - In some embodiments, the
desk 100 includes acontroller 140,memory 142, and/or apower source 144, as indicated inFIG. 1 . Thecontroller 140 may represent one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit) that control components of thedesk 100 to perform one or more functions described herein in response to the execution of instructions that may be stored in thememory 142. Thememory 142 represents local and/or remote memory or computer-readable media.Such memory 142 comprises any suitable patent subject matter eligible conventional computer readable media that do not include transitory waves or signals such as, for example, hard disks, CD-ROMS, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, etc. - In one embodiment, the
controller 140 controls electric motors of thepedestal mechanism 118, thetilt mechanism 124, and/or thelateral feed mechanism 130 to respectively adjust the height of thedesktop panel 102, theangle 128 of thedesktop panel 102, and thedistance 136 the desktop panel is extended from thepedestal 104, such as in response to an input received from aninput device 146 and the execution of instructions contained in thememory 142. Thecontroller 140 may also be used to control other functions described herein. - The
input device 146 may take on any suitable form. For example, theinput device 146 may represent a control panel attached to thedesk 100, a remote-control device, an application running on a mobile computing device (e.g., smartphone), or another suitable input device that may communicate commands to thecontroller 140 to control one or more of the functions of thedesk 100. - The
desk 100 may also include one or more sensors, such as sensors for detecting an occupancy, an acceleration, a height of thedesktop panel 102, theangle 128 of thedesktop panel 102, thedistance 136 the desktop panel is extended along thefeed axis 132, etc. Thecontroller 140 may use the sensors to allow for local or remote control of the desk functions, to monitor thedesk 100, to produce analytics, to provide cognitive feedback to users, and/or provide other features. - The
power source 144 may include any suitable power source for powering the electronic components of thedesk 100, such as thecontroller 140, themotorized pedestal mechanism 118, themotorized tilt mechanism 124, the motorizedlateral feed mechanism 130, and other electrical components of thedesk 100 described herein. Examples ofsuitable power sources 144 include a rechargeable battery and corresponding circuitry, such as circuitry used to recharge the battery. Thepower source 144 may also represent circuitry for receiving line level power, such as from an AC outlet. In one embodiment, thepower source 144 includes one or moresolar panels 148 attached to thetop surface 116 of thedesktop panel 102, as indicated inFIG. 1 , and the corresponding circuitry for processing and distributing the power generated by thesolar panels 148, such as circuitry for using the power generated by thesolar panels 148 to charge a battery, for example. Other suitable power sources may also be used. Additionally, thepower source 144 may supply DC and AC power to auxiliary components and accessories, such as a monitor, without the need to be connected to line level power through a wall socket, for example. - A detailed discussion of examples of the
tilt mechanism 124 and thelateral feed mechanism 130 will be provided with reference toFIGS. 7-11 .FIG. 7 is a back view of an upper portion of thedesk 100 ofFIG. 3 ,FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an upper portion of thedesk 100 with thedesktop panel 102 removed, andFIGS. 9-11 are exploded isometric views illustrating components of themotorized tilt mechanism 124 and the motorizedlateral feed mechanism 130, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. - In some embodiments, the
desk 100 includes a fixed frame member 150 (FIG. 9 ) that is connected to thetop end 114 of thepedestal 104, and has a fixed position and orientation relative to thetop end 114 of thepedestal 104. In some embodiments, thedesktop actuator 122 or thetilt mechanism 124 includes apivotable frame member 152 that is supported by the fixedframe member 150, and is configured to rotate about thehorizontal axis 126 relative to the fixedframe member 150, as generally illustrated inFIG. 10 . Thus, thepivotable frame member 152 is attached to the fixedframe member 150 through a suitable pivotable connection 154 (FIG. 10 ), such as a hinge, or another suitable pivotable connection. In one embodiment, thedesktop panel 102 is connected to thepivotable frame member 152 and pivots about thehorizontal axis 126 relative to the fixedframe member 150 in response to rotation of thepivotable frame member 152 about theaxis 126. - In some embodiments, the
motorized tilt mechanism 124 is configured to drive rotation of thepivotable frame member 152 and thedesktop panel 102 about thehorizontal axis 126 relative to the fixedframe member 150 using alinear actuator 156 having anend 158 attached to the fixedframe member 150, and anend 160 connected to thepivotable frame member 152, as generally indicated inFIG. 9 . Theend 158 may be attached to the fixedframe member 150 through ahinge 162 or another suitable pivotable connection, and theend 160 may be attached to thepivotable frame member 152 through ahinge 163 or another suitable pivotable connection. In one embodiment, theend 160 is connected to afeed rail 164 that is attached to thepivotable frame member 152 and has a fixed position and orientation relative to thepivotable frame member 152. - The
linear actuator 156 is configured to drive relative movement between theends end 160 away from theend 158, or retracting theend 160 toward theend 158. This relative movement of theends actuator 156 pivot thepivotable frame member 152 anddesktop panel 102 about thehorizontal axis 126 relative to the fixedframe member 150, thepedestal 104 and thevertical axis 110, to adjust the angle 128 (FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of thedesktop panel 102. In some embodiments, thelinear actuator 156 comprises a screw drive, or another suitable actuator that may be driven using an electric motor 166 (FIG. 9 ). - It is understood that other actuators may be employed by the
tilt mechanism 124 to drive rotation of thefeed rail 164, thepivotable frame member 152 and thedesktop panel 102 about thehorizontal axis 126. One alternative is the use of amotorized cam 170, such as that illustrated in the simplified diagrams ofFIGS. 12A and 12B . Themotorized cam 170 generally includes acam member 172 having an axis ofrotation 174 that is fixed relative to either the fixedframe member 150 or thepivotable frame member 152, and is generally aligned parallel to thehorizontal axis 126. When thecam member 172 is supported by the fixedframe member 150, such that the axis ofrotation 174 has a fixed position relative to the fixedframe member 150, thecam member 172 includes anexterior surface 176 that engages thefeed rail 164 or another component having a fixed position relative to thepivotable frame member 152. When thecam member 172 is supported by thefeed rail 164 or another component having a fixed position relative to thepivotable frame member 152, such that the axis ofrotation 174 of thecam member 172 has a fixed position relative to thepivotable frame member 152, theexterior surface 176 of thecam member 172 engages the fixedframe member 150 or another component having a fixed position relative to the fixedframe member 150. Rotation of thecam member 172 about theaxis 174 by amotor 178, such as in response to the commands received from thecontroller 140, drives thepivotable frame member 152 and thedesktop panel 102 to rotate about thehorizontal axis 126 relative to the fixedframe member 150, to thereby adjust thetilt angle 128 of thedesktop panel 102, such as from a relatively flat position (FIG. 12A ) to a tilted position (FIG. 12B ). - In some embodiments, the desk includes an
actuator housing 180 that is attached to, and has a fixed position relative to, the fixedframe member 150. Theactuator housing 180 includes aninterior cavity 182 that receives thelinear actuator 156, as indicated inFIG. 9 . Theend 158 of thelinear actuator 156 may be attached to abase 184 of the housing through thepivotable connection 162, and theend 160 of thelinear actuator 156 may extend through an opening of acover 186 of thehousing 180, as shown inFIG. 9 . - In one embodiment, the
feed rail 164 is aligned substantially parallel to thefeed axis 132, and forms a component of thelateral feed mechanism 130 that guides movement of thedesktop panel 102 along thefeed axis 132. In one embodiment, thelateral feed mechanism 130 also includes a gantry 190 (FIG. 8 ) that is configured to move along thefeed rail 164 and thefeed axis 132 relative to thepivotable frame member 152. In one example, thefeed rail 164 includes one ormore channels 192, such as opposing channels, as shown inFIG. 8 . Thegantry 190 may include apanel 194 and a plurality ofguide wheels 196 that are attached to thepanel 194, as shown inFIG. 11 . Theguide wheels 196 are received within thechannels 192 of thefeed rail 164. In the illustrated example, theguide wheels 196 generally have an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to thefeed axis 132, however, alternative arrangements may be used. Theguide wheels 196 secure thepanel 194 to thefeed rail 164 and rotate with movement of thepanel 194 along thefeed axis 132 to provide low-resistance movement of thepanel 194 along thefeed rail 164 and thefeed axis 132. Thedesktop panel 102 is connected to thepanel 194 of thegantry 190, and travels along thefeed axis 132 relative to thepivotable frame member 152 with movement of thegantry 190. Thegantry 190 may be substituted with another suitable gantry or similar mechanism. - In one embodiment, the
lateral feed mechanism 130 includes alinear actuator 200 and amotor 202, as shown inFIG. 8 . Anend 204 of thelinear actuator 200 has a fixed position relative to thepivotable frame member 152, and anopposing end 206 is connected to thegantry 190, either directly, or through an intermediary component. Thelinear actuator 200 is configured to drive movement of theend 206 relative to theend 204, and thus, movement of thegantry 190 and thedesktop panel 102 along thefeed axis 132 relative to the pivotable frame member 152 (e.g., the reference discussed above), as indicated inFIGS. 4 and 5 . - In some embodiments, the
desk 100 includes ahousing 210 that is supported by thetop end 114 of thepedestal 104 and is connected to thedesktop panel 102, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 7 .FIG. 13 is an exploded isometric view of thehousing 210 and thedesktop panel 102. In some embodiments, thehousing 210 includes aninterior cavity 212 that contains one or more components of thedesk 100, such as thecontroller 140, thememory 142, thepower source 144, components of thetilt mechanism 124, components of thelateral feed mechanism 130, and/or other components of thedesk 100, as indicated inFIG. 1 . Advantages to this configuration include the simplification of the management of cables used in connection with thepower source 144, thecontroller 140 and the electric motors, the ability to conceal components of thedesk 100, and other advantages. - In one embodiment, the
housing 210 includes ahousing base 214 that is connected to thegantry 190 and theend 206 of thelinear actuator 200, such as through ahinge connector 208, as shown inFIG. 7 . Thus, thehousing base 214 is configured to move along thefeed axis 132 relative to thepivotable frame member 152 with movement of thegantry 190, and pivot about thehorizontal axis 126 with rotation of thepivotable frame member 152. - In some embodiments, the
housing 210 includes anadaptor 216, which generally covers theinterior cavity 212 defined by thehousing base 214.FIGS. 14A and 14B respectively are top and bottom views of an example of the adaptor, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Thedesktop panel 102 may be fixed to a top 218 of theadaptor 216 using any suitable means, such as screws, adhesive, or other suitable fasteners, as indicated inFIG. 13 . Alternatively, theadaptor 216 may be integrated in a bottom side 220 (FIG. 7 ) of thedesktop panel 102, as discussed below. - In one embodiment, the
adaptor 216 is attached to thehousing base 214 in a manner that allows its easy removal by hand, and without the use of tools. In one embodiment, thehousing base 214 includes a plurality ofbase magnets 222, and theadaptor 216 includes a plurality ofadaptor magnets 224 that are used to magnetically attached theadaptor 216 to thehousing base 214. In one embodiment, thebase magnets 222 may be contained withinpockets 226 of thehousing base 214 that operate to position thebase magnets 222 in predefined locations, as shown inFIG. 13 . Similarly, theadaptor magnets 224 may be contained withinpockets 228 of abottom side 230 of theadaptor 216 that operate to position theadaptor magnets 224 in predefined locations, such as illustrated inFIG. 14B . When theadaptor 216 is positioned on thehousing base 214, magnetic attraction between thebase magnets 222 and theadaptor magnets 224 secures theadaptor 216 and the attacheddesktop panel 102 to thehousing base 214 in a manner that allows the removal of theadaptor 216 and thedesktop panel 102 from thehousing base 214 by a user without the use of tools. -
FIG. 15 is a bottom isometric view of an example of adesktop panel 102, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Thedesktop panel 102 may be 3D printed, or formed of glass, wood, plastic, or another suitable material. Thedesktop panel 102 may also be double-sided, such as by combining different surface finishes or colors on each side of thepanel 102. - In one embodiment, features of the
adaptor 216 are integrated into abottom side 232 of thedesktop panel 102. Thus, thedesktop panel 102 may includeadaptor magnets 224, which may be contained withinpockets 228, to facilitate the detachable connection between thedesktop panel 102 and thehousing base 214. Additionally, thedesktop panel 102 may include aperimeter wall 234 that forms asocket 236 that receives and substantially conforms to the top end of thehousing base 214. Thesocket 236 may be used to simplify the alignment of thedesktop panel 102 relative to thehousing base 214 during attachment, and may also assist in maintaining the connection between thedesktop panel 102 and thehousing base 214 during use. - In one embodiment, the
base magnets 222 and theadaptor magnets 224 are arranged in a manner that predefines an orientation of theadaptor 216 relative to thehousing base 214 that is required to secure theadaptor 216 to thehousing base 214. This may be accomplished by the selective positioning of the base andadaptor magnets pockets magnets adaptor magnets 222 and 224 (north and south poles of the magnets are oriented for attraction or repulsion), and/or through physical guides that restrict the attachment of theadaptor 216 to thehousing base 214 to a single orientation of theadaptor 216 relative to thehousing base 214. For example, when theadaptor 216 is not properly oriented with thehousing base 214, theadaptor magnets 224 may be repulsed by thebase magnets 222, and when theadaptor 216 is properly oriented with thehousing base 214, thebase magnets 222 may attract theadaptor magnets 226 to secure theadaptor 216 to thehousing base 214. - In some embodiments, guide channels and guide rails are used to guide or stabilize the movement of the
desktop panel 102 along thefeed axis 132 when driven by thelateral feed mechanism 130. For example,guide rails 240 attached to abottom side 242 of thehousing base 214 may be received withincorresponding guide channels 244 that are connected to thepivotable frame member 152, as indicated inFIG. 11 . This arrangement may obviously be reversed, such that the one or more guide channels are attached to, or formed in, the housing base, and one or more guide rails are attached to, or formed in, the pivotable frame member. During movement of thehousing base 214 and the attacheddesktop panel 102 along thefeed axis 132, the one ormore guide rails 240 slide within the corresponding one ormore guide channels 244 to stabilize thehousing base 214 anddesktop panel 102. - One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a
desktop system 250 comprising one or more embodiments of thedesktop panel 102 described above, and one or more accessory components, generally referred to as 252, such as shown in the isometric view ofFIG. 16 . Here, thedesktop panel 102 is configured to facilitate magnetic attachment of the accessory components 252 to thetop surface 116. Examples of the accessory components 252 include, acup holder 252A and aledge 252B, as shown inFIG. 16 . However, other similar accessory components 252 may also be used. The magnetic attachment of the accessory components 252 to thetop surface 116 of thedesktop panel 102 allows thetop surface 116 to be free from fasteners, sockets, and other features that may disrupt thetop surface 116, while allowing for the secure attachment of the accessory components 252 to thetop surface 116. - In one embodiment, the
bottom side 232 of thedesktop panel 102 includes a plurality ofpockets 254. Thedesktop panel 102 may also include a plurality of desktop magnets 256, such asmagnets 256A-E, each of which may be received within one of thepockets 254. The accessory components 252 of thedesktop system 250 each include at least oneaccessory magnet 258 that operates to attach the accessory component 252 to thetop surface 116 through magnetic attraction between the at least oneaccessory magnet 258 and at least one of the desktop magnets 256. Thus, the accessor components 252 may be selectively positioned on thedesktop panel 102 through the attraction of the desktop andaccessor magnets 256 and 258. Top and bottom isometric views of an example of thecup holder 252A are shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B . In one embodiment, thecup holder 252A includes a bottom 260 and aside wall 262 extending from the perimeter of the bottom 260 to define aninterior cavity 264 that is configured to receive a drink container, pencils, pens, and/or other items. Thecup holder 252A includes at least oneaccessory magnet 258 that is supported by the bottom 260, such as in apocket 266. Thecup holder 252A may be positioned, for example, on thetop surface 116 of thedesktop panel 102 such that theaccessory magnet 258 of thecup holder 252A is aligned and magnetically attracted to one of the desktop magnets 256, such asdesktop magnet 256A (FIG. 15 ), to magnetically secure thecup holder 252A to thetop surface 116, as shown inFIG. 16 . - Top and bottom isometric views of one example of the
ledge 252B are provided inFIGS. 18A and 18B , respectively. Theledge 252B generally includes anelongated member 270 and one or moreaccessory magnets 258. In one embodiment, the accessory magnets are each contained in one of a plurality ofpockets 272 that may be formed in abottom side 274. Each of thepockets 272 in theelongated member 270 may include anaccessory magnet 258 that secures theledge 252B to thetop surface 116 of the desktop panel 102 (FIG. 16 ) when the one or moreaccessory magnets 258 are aligned with the corresponding one or more desktop magnets 256, such asdesktop magnets 256B-E (FIG. 15 ). - Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
Claims (20)
1. A desk comprising:
a base;
a pedestal extending along a vertical axis and having a bottom end attached to the base;
a desktop panel supported by a top end of the pedestal, and extending transversely to the vertical axis;
a desktop actuator attached to the desktop panel and comprising:
a motorized tilt mechanism configured to pivot the desktop panel about a horizontal axis, which is transverse to the vertical axis, and adjust an angle of the desktop panel relative to the vertical axis; and
a motorized lateral feed mechanism configured to move the desktop panel along a feed axis that is fixed relative to the desktop panel and extends transversely to the vertical axis and the horizontal axis; and
a controller configured to control the motorized tilt mechanism and the motorized lateral feed mechanism.
2. The desk of claim 1 , wherein:
the desk includes a fixed frame member attached to a top end of the pedestal;
the desktop actuator includes a pivotable frame member supported by the fixed frame member and configured to rotate about the horizontal axis relative to the fixed frame member; and
the desktop panel is connected to the pivotable frame member and moves relative to the fixed frame member with movement of the pivotable frame member.
3. The desk of claim 2 , wherein the motorized lateral feed mechanism comprises:
a feed rail attached to the pivotable frame member and aligned substantially parallel to the feed axis;
a gantry configured to move along the feed rail relative to the pivotable frame member; and
the desktop panel is connected to the gantry and is configured to move along the feed axis with movement of the gantry.
4. The desk of claim 3 , wherein the motorized lateral feed mechanism comprises a first linear actuator including a first end having a fixed position relative to the pivotable frame member, and a second end connected to the gantry, the first linear actuator configured to drive movement of the second end relative to the first end, and movement of the desktop panel along the feed axis.
5. The desk of claim 4 , wherein:
the feed rail comprises opposing channels extending along the feed axis; and
the gantry comprises a panel and a plurality of guide wheels attached to the panel, each guide wheel being received within one of the channels and having an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the feed axis.
6. The desk of claim 4 , further comprising a housing including:
a housing base connected to the gantry and the second end of the first linear actuator, wherein the housing base is configured to move along the feed axis with movement of the gantry; and
an adaptor connected to the desktop panel and the housing base.
7. The desk of claim 6 , wherein:
the pivotable frame member includes one or more guide channels, and the housing base includes one or more guide rails each received within one of the one or more guide channels; or
the housing base includes one or more guide channels, and the pivotable frame member includes one or more guide rails each received within one of the one or more guide channels,
wherein during movement of the housing base along the feed axis the one or more guide rails slide within the one or more guide channels.
8. The desk of claim 6 , wherein:
the housing includes an interior cavity formed between the housing base and the adaptor; and
the controller is contained within the interior cavity.
9. The desk of claim 6 , wherein:
the housing base includes a plurality of base magnets;
the adaptor includes a plurality of adaptor magnets; and
magnetic attraction between each of the adaptor magnets and one of the base magnets detachably connects the adaptor to the housing base.
10. The desk of claim 6 , wherein the gantry and the second end of the first linear actuator are directly connected to the housing base.
11. The desk of claim 3 , wherein the motorized tilt mechanism is configured to drive rotation of the pivotable frame member about the horizontal axis relative to the fixed frame member.
12. The desk of claim 11 , wherein the motorized tilt mechanism comprises:
a second linear actuator having a first end attached to the fixed frame member, and a second end connected to the pivotable frame member, the second linear actuator configured to drive relative movement between its first and second ends, and pivot the desktop panel about the horizontal axis; or
a cam member having an axis of rotation that is fixed relative to the fixed frame member or the pivotable frame member, wherein rotation of the cam member about the axis of rotation pivots the desktop panel about the horizontal axis.
13. The desk of claim 12 , wherein:
the desk comprises a pivotable connection joining the first and pivotable frame members and forming the horizontal axis;
the feed rail includes opposing first and second ends, the first end of the feed rail connected to the pivotable frame member; and
the desk includes a pivotable connection at the second end of the feed rail joining the second end of the feed rail to the second end of the second linear actuator.
14. The desk of claim 3 , further comprising a motorized pedestal mechanism configured to drive movement of the top end of the pedestal relative along the vertical axis relative to the bottom end, wherein the controller is configured to control the motorized pedestal mechanism to move the desktop panel along the vertical axis relative to the base.
15. A desk comprising:
a base;
a pedestal extending along a vertical axis and having a bottom end attached to the base;
a housing comprising a housing base connected to the top end of the pedestal and including a plurality of base magnets, and an adaptor attached to the housing base, the adapter including opposing top and bottom sides and a plurality of adaptor magnets; and
a desktop panel attached to the adapter,
wherein:
magnetic attraction between each of the adaptor magnets and the base magnets detachably connects the adaptor and the desktop panel to the housing base when the desktop panel is in a first orientation relative to the adaptor; and
magnetic repulsion between each of the adaptor magnets and the base magnets prevents magnetic attachment of the desktop panel to the adaptor when the desktop panel is in a second orientation relative to the adaptor.
16. The desk of claim 15 , wherein the desktop panel includes opposing top and bottom sides, a top surface on the top side, and a plurality of desktop magnets on the bottom side.
17. The desk of claim 16 , further comprising:
a desktop actuator attached to the housing and comprising:
a motorized tilt mechanism configured to pivot the housing and the desktop panel about a horizontal axis, which is transverse to the vertical axis, and adjust an angle of the desktop panel relative to the vertical axis; and
a motorized lateral feed mechanism configured to move the housing and the desktop panel along a feed axis that is fixed relative to the desktop panel and extends transversely to the vertical axis and the horizontal axis; and
a controller configured to control the motorized tilt mechanism and the motorized lateral feed mechanism.
18. A desktop system comprising:
a desktop panel having opposing top and bottom sides, a top surface on the top side, a plurality of pockets formed in the bottom side, and a plurality of desktop magnets on the bottom side, each desktop magnet received within one of the pockets; and
an accessory component comprising at least one accessory magnet, the accessory component configured for attachment to the top surface through magnetic attraction between the at least one accessory magnet and one or more of the at least one desktop magnets.
19. The desktop system of claim 18 , wherein the accessory component comprises a cup holder having a bottom comprising the at least one accessory magnet, and a sidewall extending from a perimeter of the bottom.
20. The desktop system of claim 18 , wherein the accessory component comprises an elongated member including a plurality of pockets formed in a bottom side of the elongated member, wherein each of the at least one accessory magnet is each received within one of the pockets of the elongated member.
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US5873486A (en) * | 1997-07-17 | 1999-02-23 | Morgan; Charles | Selectively mountable cup holder |
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