HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE DESKTOP APPARATUS

Abstract

A height adjustable desktop apparatus including a work surface that may be adjusted between a raised and a lowered position, as well as any desired intermediate position, is provided. The work surface moves upwardly and downwardly in a vertical direction, and is supported by a pair of hinged support members. The hinged support members are pivotally attached, on a top portion, to the underside of the work surface, and one or both may be attached on a bottom portion to a sliding base member, which slides in a horizontal, lateral direction. The apparatus includes a fixed hutch, preferably having a fixed base member and a pair of fixed, raised shelves, wherein each shelf is supported by a pair of fixed vertical support members. The sliding base member is slidably attached to the fixed base member of the hutch, and moves in a lateral, sideways direction during adjustment.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to furniture having means for adjusting the height thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to a desktop apparatus that is used to adjust the working surface between a lower, seated position and a raised, standing position.

For many people, it is desirable to have a desktop or work surface that is positioned at a high enough level so that the person may work while standing. Particularly for people who have chronic back pain, working in a standing position is preferable to working in a seated position, in order to alleviate the pain associated with remaining seated for long periods of time. However, even for these people who prefer to work while standing, there are times when it is simply easier to work in a seated position, as well. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a desktop or tabletop work surface that may be raised so that a person may work in a standing position, and alternatively, may be lowered so that the person may work in a seated position. Various devices have been developed and commercialized over the years for this purpose.

For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,450 is directed to a table lift apparatus including a folding frame assembly and a pair of support members which are connected to the folding frame assembly by a linkage. This apparatus is mounted on a coffee table base, and is capable of an open position in which the table top of the coffee table is lifted to a height appropriate for a dining table.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,038,982 includes a table having a tabletop that is divided into three parts, of which one is fixedly connected to the frame of the table, the second is articulated on the first by a joint and the third is in turn articulated on the second by joint and is adjustable as to height.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,514 discloses an adjustable height table support mechanism, used for tables, counters, or the like, in which the top lifts and pivots upward and outward on pairs of links attached to the top and to link housings attached to the table or counter base.

One problem associated with each of these designs is that when the adjustable height surface is raised to an upper position, it must also be moved laterally or outwardly away from the supporting frame. This arrangement requires additional space around the supporting frame, thus precluding the possibility of positioning these tables in tight quarters, or against a wall. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a desktop mechanism where the work surface may be raised straight up in a vertical manner, without the necessity of moving the work surface in an outward or lateral direction away from the supporting frame.

Certain adjustable height desks do move only in a vertical plain, however they focus on replacing the entire desk, which also necessitates the further expense of adding separate drawers and file cabinets beneath the moveable top. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a mechanism that would sit on top of existing desks to avoid the need and expense of removing and replacing the entire desk structure and transferring contents and files as well as purchasing new storage drawers and filing cabinets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a height-adjustable desktop apparatus is provided. A flat work surface is hingedly attached to a pair of support members disposed in parallel relation to one another. The support members each include a hinge on a top portion thereof, which is connected to the underside of the flat work surface, and further include a hinge on a bottom portion thereof, that is attached to a sliding base member. In the raised, upper position, the flat work surface, the supports and the sliding base member form a rectangular shape, so that the support members are generally in a vertical position, and the work surface and sliding base member are disposed horizontally. During adjustment, the support members both pivot in the same direction, so that the work surface and sliding base member are still in a horizontal position, and with the support members disposed angularly in the same direction so that they are in a parallel configuration. When the flat work surface is in the lowered position, each component (the work surface, the support members, and the sliding base member) are disposed in a horizontal position, with the work surface on top, the support members positioned beneath the work surface (adjacent one another in the same plane), and the sliding base member on bottom in a type of sandwich configuration.

On one or both sides of the adjustable apparatus is a stationary vertical component (hereafter referred to as a hutch, but which could take many forms), which includes a fixed base member and may include one or more raised shelves, with each shelf having a fixed vertical support on either side thereof. The work surface may include one or more guides extending outwardly therefrom, and which may take the form of a simple guide pin or a more secure connection such as roller wheel connected to the hutch within a channel or by a vertical sliding mechanism. The guides contact or connect to a vertical surface of the hutch and are used to maintain the lateral position of the work surface. This arrangement allows the work surface to move only in a vertical direction, and prevents the work surface from moving in a lateral or sideways direction. The sliding base member is attached to the fixed base member of the hutch by a sliding mechanism, which is commonly used as the sliding mechanism for cabinet drawers. In this way, when the work surface is moved from an upper position to a lower position, the base member slides in a lateral direction to one side, while the support members pivot in parallel fashion, and the work surface moves downwardly in a horizontal direction. The sliding base member, is disposed beneath the work surface in an offset manner when in the lower position, and is disposed in a more central configuration below the work surface when the work surface is in the raised position.

In addition to functioning as a stationary attach point for the sliding base member(s) and for the guides vertically, the hutch also may provide a vertical attach point and support for a vertical lifting mechanism which creates upward force on the flat work surface to facilitate the vertical movement of the work surface with a minimum amount of force. In one embodiment, a pivoting lever may be attached to a side of the fixed support of the hutch. The front portion of the lever may be attached to the underside of the flat work surface, and the back portion of the lever may be attached to a gas piston or spring. The bottom of the gas piston may be attached to the back portion of the lever, and the top portion of the gas piston may be attached to the corresponding side of the fixed support of the hutch. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of these gas piston/lever mechanisms may be used for optimal support.

Additionally, a gas piston may be employed in order to regulate the speed with which the apparatus is adjusted, so that the adjustment motion is smooth and slow enough to prevent damage or injury to the apparatus or operator. In one embodiment, a gas piston may be attached between a hinged support member and the sliding base member. In another embodiment, a gas piston may be attached between a hinged support member and the underside of the flat work surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an A-frame type of height adjustment apparatus is provided. In this embodiment, the flat work surface is similarly disposed adjacent a fixed hutch, and a pair of sliding base members is provided, one on the left side of the workstation, and one on the right side. The sliding base members are disposed beneath the flat work surface, and each sliding base member includes a pair of hinged, parallel support members attached thereto. In the raised position, the support members of the each sliding base member are angled slightly toward the center of the work surface, thus forming the A-frame. When the work surface is adjusted toward the lower position, each sliding base member slides laterally away from one another beneath the flat work surface, and the work surface, similarly to the embodiment set forth above, moves only in a vertical direction. Again, the guide moves vertically along a side surface of a fixed support of the hutch, thus preventing any lateral movement of the flat work surface. Each sliding base member is affixed to the fixed base member of the hutch using a sliding mechanism, so that the base members may slide laterally with respect to the fixed base member toward an outward position. In the lowered position, the sliding base members are positioned beneath the flat work surface, and preferably do not extend beyond the sides of the flat work surface, in order to form a compact unit. Additionally, the various configurations of gas pistons or springs previously described may be used in order to effectuate and facilitate a vertical lifting action and a smooth, slow adjustment action.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an A-frame type of height adjustment apparatus is provided with single support members on each side. In this embodiment, the flat work surface is similarly disposed adjacent to a fixed hutch, and two sliding support members are provided, one on the left side of the workstation, and one on the right side. The support members are disposed beneath the flat work surface. In the raised position, the support members are angled slightly toward the center of the work surface, thus forming the A-frame. When the work surface is adjusted toward the lower position, each sliding support member slides laterally away from one another beneath the flat work surface, and the work surface, similarly to the embodiment set forth above, moves only in a vertical direction. Again, the guide moves vertically along a side surface of a fixed support of the hutch, thus preventing any lateral movement of the flat work surface. The bottom corner of each sliding support member is affixed to the fixed base member of the hutch using a sliding mechanism, so that the support members may slide laterally with respect to the fixed base member toward an outward position. In the lowered position, the sliding support members are positioned beneath the flat work surface, and preferably do not extend beyond the sides of the flat work surface, in order to form a compact unit. In the A frame embodiments, the two support members are connected by means for synchronizing the movements of the support members. For instance, a dual rack and pinion assembly or ball and screw mechanixm may be attached between the support members in order to maintain even movement of each support member during adjustment thereof. Additionally, the various configurations of gas pistons or springs previously described may be used in order to effectuate and facilitate a vertical lifting action and a smooth, slow adjustment action

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a height adjustable desktop apparatus, including a fixed hutch member, a flat work surface that may be adjusted between a lowered position and a raised position, and a pair of parallel, hinged, pivoting supports attached to a laterally sliding base member, wherein the work surface is disposed in a raised position;

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, further including a pivoting start lever mechanism for assisting a user in adjusting the flat work surface from a raised position to a lowered position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a height adjustable desktop apparatus, including a fixed hutch member, a flat work surface that may be adjusted between a lowered position and a raised position, and a pair of parallel, hinged, pivoting supports attached to a laterally sliding base member, wherein the work surface is disposed in an intermediate position, between the raised and lowered positions;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, including the pivoting start lever mechanism, wherein the work surface is disposed in an intermediate position between the raised and lowered position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a height adjustable desktop apparatus, including a fixed hutch member, a flat work surface that may be adjusted between a lowered position and a raised position, and a pair of parallel, hinged, pivoting supports attached to a laterally sliding base member, wherein the work surface is disposed in a lowered position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a height adjustable desktop apparatus, including a fixed hutch member, a flat work surface that may be adjusted between a lowered position and a raised position, and an adjustable A-frame support system comprising two laterally sliding base members, each hingedly affixed to a pair of parallel, pivoting support members, wherein the flat work surface is disposed in a raised position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a height adjustable desktop apparatus, including a fixed hutch member, a flat work surface that may be adjusted between a lowered position and a raised position, and an adjustable A-frame support system comprising two laterally sliding base members, each hingedly affixed to a pair of parallel, pivoting support members, wherein the flat work surface is disposed in an intermediate position between the raised and lowered position;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, further including a notched board that may be removably engaged with a lip on each sliding base member, so that the height of the work surface may be incrementally adjusted as desired;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, wherein the notched board is engaged with a lip on each sliding base member, wherein the flat work surface is secured in an intermediate position between the raised and lowered position;

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, further including a cushion or inflatable pad that is removably strapped to the flat work surface to provide further height adjustment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a height adjustable desktop apparatus, including a fixed hutch member, a flat work surface that may be adjusted between a lowered position and a raised position, and an adjustable A-frame support system comprising two laterally sliding base members, each hingedly affixed to a pair of parallel, pivoting support members, wherein the flat work surface is disposed in a lowered position.

FIG. 7 is a cutaway side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, further including a pivoting lever and gas piston assembly that includes a pivoting lever and a curved extension member, wherein the curved extension member includes a roller at a distal end thereof which is engaged in a horizontal track on an underside of the flat work surface; and further including a vertical roller and track guide means to maintain the motion of the flat work surface in a vertical direction, wherein the flat work surface is disposed in a raised position;

FIG. 7A is a cutaway side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, wherein the flat work surface is disposed in an intermediate position between the raised and lowered positions.

FIG. 7B is a cutaway side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, wherein the flat work surface is disposed in a lowered position;

FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of another embodiment of a height adjustable desktop apparatus having an A-frame support system, and wherein the hutch includes a series of adjustable shelves;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a height adjustable desktop apparatus, including a fixed hutch member, a flat work surface that may be adjusted between a lowered position and a raised position, and an adjustable A-frame support system comprising two laterally sliding support members, each hingedly affixed to the flat work surface and slidably connected to the base member of the hutch on an opposed end thereof, wherein the flat work surface is disposed in a raised position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a height adjustable desktop apparatus, including a fixed hutch member, a flat work surface that may be adjusted between a lowered position and a raised position, and an adjustable A-frame support system comprising two laterally sliding support members, each hingedly affixed to the flat work surface and connected by a dual rack and pinion gear, wherein the flat work surface is disposed in a raised position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, wherein the flat work surface is disposed in an intermediate position between the raised and lowered position;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a variant of the present invention in a raised position;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of FIG. 12 with the work surface in a lowered position;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view seen from the bottom of the work surface of the invention shown in FIG. 12; and

FIG. 15 is an inverted perspective view of the variance of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes, in a first embodiment, a height adjustable desktop apparatus including a flat work surface 10 that may be adjusted between a raised and a lowered position, as well as any desired intermediate position, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The flat work surface 10 moves upwardly and downwardly in a vertical direction, and is supported by a pair of hinged support members 12. The hinged support members 12 are pivotally attached, on a top portion, to the underside of the flat work surface 10, and on a bottom portion to a sliding base member 14. The apparatus includes a fixed hutch 16, preferably having a fixed base member 18, and two or more fixed or movable, raised shelves 20, wherein each shelf 20 is supported by fixed support members 22. The sliding base member 14 is slidably attached to the fixed base member 18 of the hutch, and moves in a lateral, sideways direction during adjustment. When the flat work surface 10 is in a raised configuration, the sliding base member 14 is positioned in a generally central position beneath the flat work surface 10, and the hinged support members 12 are disposed in a generally vertical orientation, so that the apparatus forms a stable and generally rectangular (or possibly square) shape.

As the flat work surface 10 is lowered, the sliding base member 14 moves laterally in a sideways direction beneath the flat work surface 10, and the hinged support members 12 pivot, in parallel fashion, in the same direction as the sliding base member 14. Thus, in an intermediate position between the raised and lowered position, the work surface 10, the sliding base member 14 and the hinged supports 12 work in concert so that the work surface 10 and the sliding base member 14 are in a horizontal orientation, and the hinged support members 12 are in a parallel, angled configuration.

When the flat work surface 10 is in a lowered position, the sliding base member 14 is in a horizontal position that is offset from the center of the flat work surface 10, and the hinged support members 12 are in a horizontal orientation, in the same plane as one another, between the horizontally disposed flat work surface 10 and the sliding base member 14, to form a compact unit in a type of sandwich configuration. This arrangement allows the flat work surface 10 to move in a vertical direction only, while the sliding base member 14 moves in a lateral, horizontal direction only. A pair of guide members 24 may extend outwardly from a backside of the flat work surface to engage a fixed support 22 of the hutch 16, so that they move along a vertical surface of the fixed supports 22 of the hutch 16, in order to further prevent any lateral or sideways movement of the flat work surface 10. The guide means may alternately or supplementally consist of a slide or roller wheel/channel connection to provide for a more uniform distance between the hutch 16 and the flat work surface 10.

The sliding base member 14 may be attached to the fixed base member 18 of the hutch 16 by using a sliding mechanism 26 commonly found in cabinet drawers. A gas piston 28 may be attached between the sliding base member 14 and the hinged support members 12, or the flat work surface 10 as shown, in order to effectuate a smooth, slow, controlled adjustment action. Such gas pistons are commonly used in association with screen doors or storm doors on buildings, for similar purposes.

An additional gas piston 28 or spring may be used in conjunction with a pivoting lever 30 attached to a side of the fixed support 22 of the hutch 16. The front portion of the lever 30 is disposed beneath the flat work surface 10, and the back portion of the lever 30 is attached to the gas piston 28 or spring (not shown). The bottom of the gas piston 28 may be attached to the back portion of the lever 30, and the top portion of the gas piston 28 may be attached to the corresponding side of the fixed support 22 of the hutch 16. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the pivoting lever 30 includes a curved extension 60. At a distal end of the curved extension 60 is a roller 62 that engages a horizontal track 64 mounted on an underside of the flat work surface 10. FIG. 7 shows the position of the pivoting lever assembly when the flat work surface 10 is in the raised position, and FIG. 7A shows the position of the pivoting lever assembly when the flat work surface 10 is in the intermediate position between the raised and lowered position, and 7B shows the position of the pivoting lever assembly when the flat work surface 10 is in the lowered position. This component provides additional lift to the flat work surface 10 to facilitate movement up and down with a minimum amount of required force. It should be understood that other means may be used for providing additional lift to the flat work surface, including a ball and screw mechanism, or a scissors mechanism. Additionally, the hutch may include another type of guide means comprising a fixed vertical track 66, which is engaged by a roller 63 attached to the rear side of the flat work surface 10.

In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A, an optional pivoting start lever 32 may be employed in order to facilitate lateral movement of the sliding base member 14. The start lever 32 is pivotally mounted on the sliding base member 14, and extends from the sliding base member 14 to a point above the fixed base member 18 of the hutch 16. The front end of the start lever 32 serves as a handle 34, and the opposed end (adjacent the fixed base 18 of the hutch 16) includes a hook member 36. When the flat work surface 10 is in the raised position, the start lever 32 is disposed angularly with respect to the longitudinal direction of the sliding base member 14, and the hook member 36 engages a fixed pin 38 that is attached to the fixed base 18 of the hutch 16. A housing (not shown) may be positioned over the start lever mechanism, if desired.

In order to use the start lever 32, a user simply grabs the handle end 34 of the start lever 32 when the work surface 10 is in the raised position and applies force in the direction that the sliding base member 14 must move in order to lower the work surface 10. The start lever 32 pivots to a position that is perpendicular with the longitudinal direction of the sliding base member 14 while the hook member 36 is engaged with the fixed pin 38, and this motion causes the sliding base member 14 to slide laterally. Then, the user continues to apply force in the same direction, the hook 36 disengages from the fixed pin 38, and the sliding base member 14 continues to slide in the lateral direction until the work surface 10 is either in the collapsed position, or in a desired intermediate position. In order to move the work surface 10 to a raised position, the user simply applies upward pressure to the bottom of the work surface, whereby the force of the pistons assists in lifting the work surface.

A second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 4-6, wherein an A-frame assembly is used as the mechanism for adjusting the height of the flat work surface 10. In this embodiment, the flat work surface 10 is attached to two sliding base members 14, wherein each sliding base member 14 includes a pair of pivoting, hinged support members 12. When the flat work surface 10 is in the raised position, the hinged support members 12 are angled toward a central portion of the flat work surface 10, as illustrated in FIG. 4. As the flat work surface 10 is lowered, each sliding base member 14 slides laterally away from one another, as shown in FIG. 5, until the unit collapses into a sandwich configuration, as shown in FIG. 6. In the lowered, collapsed position, the sliding base members 14 are preferably disposed beneath the flat work surface 10, without extending further beyond the sides of the work surface 10, in order to provide a compact unit. In a preferred embodiment, the outer hinged supports include a cutout section, so that when the assembly is in the collapsed position, the inside hinged support members nest within the cutout of the outer hinged support members, to provide a flat, low profile assembly.

Similarly to the first embodiment set forth herein, the sliding base members 14 may be slidably attached to a fixed hutch 16, the guide members 24 may be similarly utilized, and gas pistons 28 and pivoting levers 30 may be used in a similar manner to effectuate a smooth, controlled adjustment action and as a lifting device to facilitate movement up and down with a minimum amount of required force. It should be understood that the gas pistons 28 may be attached to the adjustment mechanism in a variety of ways, and it is preferred that the gas pistons 28 be attached in a manner that accomplishes the purpose of providing smooth adjustment action without interfering with the nesting capability of the apparatus in the collapsed configuration.

In the A-frame embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-6, a stop mechanism may be provided to secure the flat work surface in the raised position or in any desired intermediate position. The stop mechanism may be, for example, a locking pin or a notched board 40 that engages a lip 50 of each sliding base member 14, which prevents the sliding base members 14 from lateral movement in a direction away from one another to allow the height of the flat work surface 10 to be incrementally or infinitely adjustable at any desired position between the raised position and the lowered position, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

It should be understood and recognized by those skilled in the art that any number of other mechanisms or devices may be used to secure the flat work surface in a raised position, or in any desired intermediate position. It should also be understood that although the A-frame apparatus is described as having a pair of hinged support members 12 attached to each sliding base member 14, it is possible to use a single hinged support member 12 in connection with each sliding base member 14. Alternatively, the A-frame embodiment may include two hinged support members 12 without a sliding base member 14, wherein a lower portion of the hinged support members 12 may be slidably attached to the hutch 16, as shown in FIGS. 9-11. In this embodiment, the movement of the hinged support members 12 may be synchronized by connecting them via a ball and screw mechanism or a dual rack and pinion gear assembly as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In this embodiment, an upper rack 70 is attached to one hinged support, and a bottom rack 72 is attached to the other hinged support. Each track includes a series of spaced teeth facing one another, and a fixed, rotating gear 74 is disposed therebetween to synchronize the motion of the two hinged support members.

Further, although the hutch 16 has been described as having a base member 18 and raised shelves 20, the hutch 16 may be formed in many configurations, so long as it provides a point of attachment on a fixed base 18 for the sliding mechanism 26 that allows the sliding base members 14 to move in a lateral direction, and preferably provides some vertical means for the guides 24 or vertical slides or similar vertical guide mechanisms, as well as an attachment point for an optional vertical lift system incorporating springs or gas pistons 28, or a ball and screw mechanism (manual or electrically driven), as described herein. One particular feature of the hutch 16 that may be incorporated therein is an additional shelf 20 that may be disposed between the side shelves to provide a smooth, planar surface of the hutch 16 on a top level thereof. Such a third shelf may also include height adjustment means to allow height adjustment for various size computer screens.

FIGS. 12 through 14 show a variance of the present invention in which a work surface 80 is supported by a fixed base member 81. First and second hinged support frames 84, 86, are connected between the underside 80a of the work surface and the fixed base member. A lower sliding base member 82 slides relative to fixed base member 81 and is pivotally attached to first hinged support frame 84 at one end at 84a. The first hinged support frame is pivotally attached to underside 80a of work surface 80 and an opposite end 84b.

Spaced upper block members 88 are affixed underneath work surface 80 and to an upper slide mechanism 116 which is connected to an end 86a of second hinged support frame 86, as will be discussed more fully below. The opposing end of the second hinged support frame is pivotally attached to fixed base frame member 81. In this manner, the work surface may be moved in a vertical direction while the lower sliding base 82, and upper end 86a of the second hinged support member may be moved in a lateral, horizontal direction. In a raised position 92, the first and second hinged support frames form an X-frame configuration 90. It will be seen that the lower sliding base member 82 and end 86a are positioned so they both slide in the same direction when the work surface is raised or lowered.

A hutch framework 94 includes at least two spaced vertical supports 96, 98 affixed to fixed base member 81, and may also include a third spaced vertical support 97. An optional adjustable hutch shelf 99 may be connected between vertical supports 96, 97, or between supports 96 and 98. In the event the shelf is carried between vertical supports 96 and 97, a smaller shelf 99 may be carried between vertical members 97 and 98. One or more cross-brace 101 may extend between outermost vertical supports. First and second hinged support frames 84, 86 each include a pair of frame legs 84c, 84d, and 86c, 86d, respectively. Legs 84c, 84d of first hinged support member 84 cross legs 86c, 86d of the second hinged member, and said crossing legs are connected by a pivot bolt 100 to form an X-frame 90 when the work surface is raised.

An upper block 102 is affixed to underside 80a of work surface 80 and the first hinged support frame is hinged at 84b to the upper block. A lower block 104 is affixed to fixed base member 81 and second hinged support frame 86 is hinged to the lower block at end 86b. First hinged support frame 84 includes first transverse braces 106a, 106b connected between legs 84c and 84d at ends 84a, 84b, respectively. Second hinged support frame 86 includes second transverse braces 108a, 108b connected between legs 86c, 86d at opposing ends.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a lower guide mechanism 110 guides sliding base member 82 in reciprocal motion and includes a first guide part 112 affixed to sliding base member 82, and a second guide part 114 affixed to fixed base member 81 as, for example, two tracks sliding relative to each other. An upper slide mechanism 116 guides upper end 86a of second hinged support member 86 in sliding and pivotal (hinged) motions. The slide mechanism includes a first slide part 118 by opposing sides (legs) of second hinged support frame 86 at upper end 86a. Further, a second slide part 120 is carried by underside 80a of work surface by means of blocks 88, 88a fixed to the second slide part and by the work surface. The first and second guide parts associated with block 88a are not shown. The first slide part 118 may be a block or wheel which is received in the first slide part. The first slide part may be a C or U-channel to provide reciprocation and pivoting of the block or wheel affixed to the end 86a second support frame member 86. The axle of the sliding block or rolling wheel provides pivotal movement of second hinged support frame 86.

One or more gas pistons 122 or spring mechanisms may be attached between one of the hinged support frames and a fixed member such as the work surface or fixed base member for reducing the amount of force necessary to lift the work surface to a raised position. Reducing means may be selected from the group consisting of a lever and gas piston assembly, springs, a scissor mechanism, or a ball and screw mechanism.

Ideally, the scissors-like, cross-fame support configuration facilitates use of means to adjust and lock the work surface at other heights between the raised position of FIG. 12 and the lower position of FIG. 13. Such means and methods include stop mechanisms to secure the flat work surface at a desired intermediate position between the raised and lower positions as previously described with the A-frame embodiments on page 15 wherein a locking pin or notched board 40 engages a lip 50 (See FIGS. 5A and 5B). Such stop mechanisms could also include gas pistons that block or lock in place at various piston movement points. One additional gas piston location could be the positioned between the sliding base member 82 and the fixed base member 81 or the vertical support member 96. Another stop mechanism could include spring loaded bolt assemblies or barrel bolt lock assemblies attached to the moveable surfaces 80 or 82 such that the bolt portion would slide into holes or attached tracks with holes in the vertical support members 96 or the fixed base member 81.

Preferably, end faces of vertical support members 96, 98 include vertical slots 130 which receive a pivotal arm mechanism 134 to soften the raising and lowering of the work surface while stabilizing the ends of the work surface. The arm mechanism includes a gas spring 136 and piston bracket 138 connected to guide arm 140 (right side not shown). Such a mechanism is described more fully in reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. In addition, arm mechanism can be a stop lock mechanism which also locks the work surface in a desired height position, as referred to earlier.

Each of the configurations disclosed and described herein has the advantage of allowing the work surface 10,80 to move solely in a vertical direction and the sliding base members 14,82 to move in a solely lateral or sideways motion, with the hinged support members 12,84,86 facilitating such movement. This arrangement provides a compact, low profile mechanism that may be used in tight quarters or against walls, because raising the work surface does not require additional lateral space surrounding the apparatus. Additionally, the unit may be incorporated into a desk or table during the manufacturing process thereof, or may simply be placed on top of an existing flat surface, such as a table or desk, as an aftermarket item. Additionally, a cushion or self-inflating pad 44 may be attached to the work surface 10, 80 to provide additional height adjustment means as shown in FIG. 5C, if desired. The pad may be removably attached to the work surface 10,80 by straps 46, Velcro (hook and loop fasteners), or any other suitable means.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claims

1. A height adjustable desktop apparatus comprising:

a work surface;

a fixed base member carried below said work surface;

a sliding base member carried by said fixed base member;

a first hinged support frame pivotally attached to an underside of said work surface and pivotally attached to said sliding base member, a second hinged support frame pivotally attached to said fixed base member and slidably and pivotally attached to an underside of said work surface so that said work surface may be moved in a vertical direction and said sliding base member may be moved in a lateral, horizontal direction during adjustment.

2. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, further comprising one of a gas piston and spring mechanism attached between one of said hinged support frames and an underside surface of said work surface for reducing the amount of force necessary to lift said work surface to a raised position.

3. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 further comprising a hutch framework having two fixed vertical members which may support an optional hutch shelf.

4. The apparatus set forth in claim 3, including a moveable arm mechanism extending from at least one of said fixed vertical members to assist raising said work surface.

5. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said sliding base member does not extend laterally beyond a plane defined by any side of said work surface when said work surface is in a lowered position.

6. A height adjustable desktop apparatus comprising:

a work surface;

a fixed base member;

first and second hinged support frames connected between said work surface and fixed base member;

a lower sliding base member which slides relative to said fixed base member being pivotally attached to the first hinged support frame at one end, while the first hinged support frame is pivotally attached to an underside of said flat work surface at an opposite end;

an upper sliding mechanism carried underneath the work surface being slidably and pivotally attached to the second hinged support frame at an upper end, while the second hinged support frame is pivotally attached to said fixed base member at a lower end whereby the work surface may be moved in a vertical direction and said lower sliding base member and said upper end of said second hinged support frame may be simultaneously moved in a lateral, horizontal direction; and

said first and second hinged support frames forming an X-frame configuration when said work surface is in a raised position.

7. The apparatus set forth in claim 6, wherein said lower sliding base member and said upper end of said second hinged support frame are positioned so that they slide in the same direction when said work surface is raised or lowered, wherein said lower sliding base member does not extend laterally beyond a plane defined by any side of said work surface when said work surface is in a lowered position.

8. The apparatus set forth in claim 6, further comprising a hutch framework having two upstanding fixed vertical supports affixed to the fixed base member wherein said sliding base member is slidably carried by said fixed base member.

9. The apparatus set forth in claim 6, wherein said first and second hinged support frames each include a pair of frame legs, said legs of said first hinged support member crossing said legs of said second hinged member, said crossing legs being connected by a pivot member whereby said legs form a X-frame when said work surface is raised, and whereby said first and second hinged support frames fold within each other in a lowered position.

10. The apparatus set forth in claim 9, including an upper block affixed to the underside of said work surface, and said first hinged support frame being hinged to said upper block.

11. The apparatus set forth in claim 10, including a lower block affixed to said fixed base member, and said second hinged support frame being hinged to said lower block.

12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein said first hinged support frame includes first transverse braces connected between opposing ends of the of said first hinged support frame, and said second hinged frame includes second transverse braces connected between opposing ends of the legs of said second hinged support frame.

13. The apparatus set forth in claim 6, including a lower guide mechanism for laterally guiding said sliding base member including a first guide part affixed to said sliding base member and a second guide part affixed to said fixed base member.

14. The apparatus set forth in claim 13, wherein said upper slide mechanism includes a first slide part carried by said second hinged support frame and a second slide part carried by said work surface underside, said second slide part engaging said first slide part to provide lateral sliding of the second support frame member.

15. The apparatus set forth in claim 14, including an axle about which said first slide part rotates to provide a pivot attachment between said first and second slide parts while the parts slide relative to each other.

16. The apparatus set forth in claim 14, including a moveable arm mechanism extending from at least one of said fixed vertical members to assist raising said work surface.

17. The apparatus set forth in claim 6, further comprising means for reducing the amount of force necessary to lift said work surface to a raised position is selected from the group consisting of a lever and gas piston assembly, springs, a scissor mechanism or a ball and screw mechanism.

18. The apparatus set forth in claim 19, further including means for locking the position of said work surface in one or more height positions between said raised and lowered positions.