STAND UP DESK HAVING ADJUSTABLE HEIGHTS
An adjustable stand up desk includes an upper desk surface and a second desk surface connected to the upper desk surface. The desk further includes a base with at least two channels and a pair of positioning legs configured to sit on an existing desk. A folding leg assembly connects the base to the first desk surface. The folding leg assembly includes a first pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base, and a second pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base. Each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is configured to move within the at least two channels of the base, such that the adjustable stand up desk can be adjusted from at least a closed position to a fully raised position.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/348,540, entitled Stand Up Desk Having Adjustable Heights, filed Jun. 10, 2016.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONOur invention relates generally to a stand up desk that is adjustable to variable heights. More specifically, our invention relates to an adjustable stand up desk that provides a user with an ergonomic work environment and thereby improves health of a user.
RELATED ARTSitting for long periods of time can negatively impact a person's health. In fact, medical studies suggest that the more a person sits each day, the greater is their risk for chronic health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Thus, office jobs that require long periods of sitting may be hazardous to a person's health due to inactivity and low levels of energy expenditure.
Allowing office workers or other “desk-bound” persons to stand for periods of time during the workday is one way to address these concerns. Standing at a desk, however, imposes costs and concerns, such as the need for a separate standing desk or replacing a sitting desk with a standing desk. As used herein, the term “standing desk” relates to a desk that a user would stand up to use, while the term “sitting desk” refers to a desk that a user would use while sitting down. One possible solution to these problems is to provide a variable height desk or surface that may be placed on an existing sitting desk. Current variable height desks, however, are bulky and heavy because of their elaborate height adjustment mechanisms. As used herein, the term “variable height desk” refers to a desk that is capable of being adjusted to various heights. In addition, the height adjustment mechanisms of these variable height desks often cause the desk to swing forward (towards the user and into the user's workspace) when being adjusted vertically in height, as opposed to moving directly upward in a vertical plane. This forward movement of the variable height desk causes the desk to intrude on the person's workspace. In the case of a cubicle worker, the amount of workspace is already quite limited. Thus, these current variable height desks are generally not feasible for many workers or workspace environments, while also lacking portability and ease in storage when not in use. Current variable height desks can also be difficult to adjust in height. Moreover, current variable height desks may not collapse into a flat or a low-profile configuration or a position that allows for a person to also use the desk in a seated position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one aspect, our invention provides an adjustable stand up desk that includes a first desk surface and a second desk surface connected to the first desk surface. The desk further includes a base with at least two channels and a pair of positioning legs that is configured to sit on an existing desk. A folding leg assembly connects the base to at least the first desk surface. The folding leg assembly includes a first pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base, and a second pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base. Each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is configured to slide within the at least two channels of the base, such that the adjustable stand up desk can be adjusted from at least a closed position to a fully extended position. In one embodiment, the adjustable stand up desk can also be adjusted to a partially extended position.
According to another aspect, our invention provides an adjustable stand up desk that includes a first desk surface and a second desk surface connected to the first desk surface. The desk further includes a base with at least two channels and a pair of positioning legs that is configured to sit on an existing desk. A folding leg assembly connects the base to at least the first desk surface. The folding leg assembly includes a first pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base, and a second pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base. Each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is configured to slide within the at least two channels of the base, such that the adjustable stand up desk can be adjusted from at least a closed position to a fully extended position. The desk further includes a gas spring assembly that is configured to provide a controlled adjustment of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position, and an operable handle and a handle assembly that are configured to engage with the gas spring assembly to assist in the adjusting of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position. In one embodiment, the adjustable stand up desk can also be adjusted to a partially extended position.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description.
Our invention relates to a stand up desk that is adjustable to variable heights. In particular, our invention relates to an adjustable stand up desk that can be placed on an existing sitting desk, table, or other flat surface. The adjustable stand up desk may be adjusted from a flat or a low-profile configuration to varying heights to accommodate workers and workspaces of various sizes. Moreover, our invention relates to an adjustable stand up desk that offers ease in height adjustment, portability, and storage, while also providing a user with an ergonomic work environment in order to improve health of a user.
Turning now to the drawings,
As also shown in
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One embodiment of the folding leg assembly 15 will now be described with reference to
As also shown in
The folding leg assembly 15 of the embodiment shown in
The folding leg assembly 15 adjusts the stand up desk 100 from the fully extended position to the closed position by shifting the legs 50A, 50B, 51A, 51B of the folding leg assembly 15 from a fully extended position (see, e.g.,
As discussed above, the folding leg assembly 15 adjusts the stand up desk 100 from a fully extended position to a closed position by shifting the legs 50A, 50B, 51A, 51B of the folding leg assembly 15 from a fully extended position to a collapsed and folded position. The movement and configuration of the folding leg assembly 15 allows for the adjustable stand up desk 100 to be adjusted from the closed position to the fully extended position in a directly vertical manner, such that the first desk surface 10 and/or the second desk surface 20 do not swing toward and/or away from the user during the adjusting of the stand-up desk 100. This configuration of the adjustable stand up desk 100 allows for minimal space to be needed to adjust the desk 100 from the closed position to the fully extended position. Moreover, the adjustable stand up desk 100 does not intrude into the workspace of the user during and after the adjusting of the height of the stand-up desk 100. Accordingly, this direct vertical adjustment of the stand-up desk 100 allows for the desk 100 to be effectively used in many types of work environments, including, for example, cubicle work units.
In one embodiment, as shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, the gas spring assembly 200 is connected to the handle assembly 85, which in turn is connected to the operable handle 80. Accordingly, operation of the handle 80 and handle assembly 85, which will be described in further detail below, can actuate or control position of the valve within cylinder 220, such that the release of the handle 80 can stop the movement of the adjustable stand up desk 100 and set the desk 100 at a desired height. For example, in the embodiment of
Illustrative materials that can be used to form the various components of the adjustable stand up desk 100 discussed above include, for example, wood, particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), thermofoil, metal (such as, for example, steel or aluminum), non-metallic materials, plastics, rubber, and combinations thereof In one embodiment, various components of the adjustable stand up desk 100 comprise aluminum, which is a lighter weight metal, and, thus, reduces the weight of the desk 100. In another embodiment, various components of the adjustable stand up desk 100 comprise steel, which is generally lower in cost and provides a higher strength than aluminum. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of other materials may also be used to form the various components of the adjustable stand up desk 100. Moreover, the thickness of the various components of the adjustable stand up desk 100 discussed above including, for example, the first and second desk surfaces 10, 20 will depend on the material used and the amount of stiffness desired, among other factors. In addition, in one embodiment, at least one of the first desk surface 10 and the second desk surface 20 may include a protective cover (not shown) that minimizes damage to a top surface of the first and/or second desk surface 10, 20. In one embodiment, the protective cover uses powder coating technology whereby a free flowing, dry powder is applied electrostatically and then is cured under heat to allow powder to flow and form the protective cover. The powder may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer. Alternatively, other materials may be used as the protective cover.
The various components of the adjustable stand up desk 100 discussed above, including, for example, the various frame members, brackets, rods, wheels, and connecting members can be attached to other components of the desk 100 via welding, brazing, or other affixing methods, including, for example, nails, screws, bolts, pins, glues, and/or other epoxies.
Although the embodiments of the adjustable stand up desk 100 discussed above include first and second desk surfaces 10, 20 that are rectangular in shape, the first and second desk surfaces 10, 20 may be fabricated in other shapes, including, for example, round, square, or oval. In addition, it should be noted that, although the adjustable stand up desk 100 described herein includes first and second desk surfaces 10, 20, other embodiments of the adjustable stand up desk 100 can include only a single desk surface or three or more desk surfaces of various shapes and/or sizes. Furthermore, it is contemplated that parts and features of any one of the specific embodiments of the adjustable stand up desk 100 discussed above, can be interchanged with parts and features of any other embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Although this invention has been described with respect to certain specific exemplary embodiments, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. It is, therefore, to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the exemplary embodiments of the invention should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention to be determined by any claims supportable by this application, and the equivalents thereof, rather than by the foregoing description.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITYThe adjustable stand up desk described herein provides a variable height desk that can be placed on an existing sitting desk. The adjustable stand up desk can provide a user with an ergonomic work environment and thereby improve health of a user.
Claims
1. An adjustable stand up desk comprising:
- (a) a first desk surface;
- (b) a second desk surface connected to the first desk surface;
- (c) a base, configured to sit on an existing desk, comprising at least two channels and a pair of positioning legs; and
- (d) a folding leg assembly connecting the base to at least the first desk surface, the folding leg assembly including: (i) a first pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base; and (ii) a second pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base,
- wherein each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is configured to slide within the at least two channels of the base, such that the adjustable stand up desk can be selectively adjusted between at least a closed position to a fully raised position.
2. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable stand up desk can be adjusted to a partially raised position.
3. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 2, wherein the first desk surface extends (i) a distance H1 from the base when the desk is in the fully extended position, (ii) a distance H2 from the base when the desk is in the partially extended position, and (iii) a distance H3 from the base when the desk is in the closed position, wherein the distance H1 is greater than each of the distances H2 and H3.
4. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 1, wherein each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is attached to at least one leg bar, each leg bar including a pair of wheels that is configured to move within the at least two channels of the base.
5. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 1, further comprising a frame system attached to the first desk surface, the frame system comprising at least two channels, wherein each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is configured to move within the at least two channels of the frame system.
6. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 5, wherein each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is attached to at least one leg bar, each leg bar including a pair of wheels that is configured to move within one of (i) the at least two channels of the base and (ii) the at least two channels of the frame system.
7. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 1, further comprising a gas spring assembly and an operable handle and a handle assembly configured to provide a controlled adjustment of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position.
8. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 8, wherein the gas spring assembly comprises a spring mechanism, a gas cylinder, and a push rod that connects to both the spring mechanism and the gas cylinder.
9. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 7, wherein the handle assembly comprises:
- (a) a rotatable rod connected to the operable handle;
- (b) a hinging member connected to the rotatable rod; and
- (c) a biasing member that engages with the hinging member, such that rotation of the rotatable rod during operation of the operable handle results in (i) the hinging member engaging with the biasing member, and (ii) the biasing member interacting with the gas spring assembly to control adjustment of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position.
10. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism for locking the desk into the closed position.
11. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking member and a bracket with an opening, wherein the locking member engages with the opening of the bracket and said base to lock the desk into the closed position.
12. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 1, wherein the second desk surface includes a pair of handles that assists a user in the adjusting of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position.
13. An adjustable stand up desk comprising:
- (a) a first desk surface;
- (b) a second desk surface connected to the first desk surface;
- (c) a base, configured to sit on an existing desk, comprising at least two channels and a pair of positioning legs;
- (d) a folding leg assembly connecting the base to at least the first desk surface, the folding leg assembly including: (i) a first pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base; and (ii) a second pair of legs that extends between the first desk surface and the base, wherein each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is configured to move within the at least two channels of the base, such that the adjustable stand up desk can be adjusted from at least a closed position to a fully extended position;
- (e) a gas spring assembly that is configured to provide a controlled adjustment of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position; and
- (f) an operable handle and a handle assembly that are configured to engage with the gas spring assembly to assist in the adjusting of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position.
14. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 13, wherein the gas spring assembly comprises a spring mechanism, a gas cylinder, and a push rod that connects to both the spring mechanism and the gas cylinder.
15. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 13, wherein the handle assembly comprises:
- (a) a rotatable rod connected to the operable handle;
- (b) a hinging member connected to the rotatable rod; and
- (c) a biasing member that engages with the hinging member, such that rotation of the rotatable rod during operation of the operable handle results in (i) the hinging member engaging with the biasing member, and (ii) the biasing member interacting with the gas spring assembly to control adjustment of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position.
16. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 15, further comprising a locking mechanism for locking the desk into the closed position.
17. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 16, wherein the locking mechanism comprising a locking member and a bracket with an opening, wherein the locking member engages with the opening of the bracket to lock the desk into the closed position.
18. The adjustable stand up desk according to claim 15, wherein the adjustable stand up desk can be adjusted to a partially extended position.
19. An adjustable stand up desk comprising:
- (a) a upper desk platform;
- (b) a second desk platform connected to the first desk platform;
- (c) a base, configured to sit on an existing surface, comprising at least two opposing channels;
- (d) a frame assembly secured to the lower surface of said upper desk platform, comprising at least two opposing channels;
- (d) a folding leg assembly connecting the base to said frame assembly, the folding leg assembly including: (i) a first pair of legs that extends between the frame assembly and the base; and (ii) a second pair of legs that extends between the frame assembly and the base, wherein each leg of the first and second pairs of legs is configured to move within the at least two channels of the base and the at least two opposing channels of said frame assembly, such that the adjustable stand up desk can be adjusted from at least a closed position to a fully extended position;
- (e) a lockable gas spring assembly connected between said first and second pair of legs to provide a controlled adjustment of the desk from at least the closed position to the fully extended position;
- (f) an operable handle and a handle assembly engaged with the gas spring assembly to selectively control separation between said first and second pair of legs to control the position of said upper platform relative to said base; and,
- (g) a plurality of stabilizing struts pivotally connected to said frame assembly or said base and at least one of said first and second pair of legs.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 9, 2017
Publication Date: Dec 14, 2017
Inventors: Dayna Martin (Vienna, VA), Ellen O'Hearn (Vienna, VA), Frank Scholley (Annapolis, MD), Maximo Mejia (Fairfax, VA)
Application Number: 15/618,644