Electric-elevating desktop
An executive/clerical type office desk embodying a fully contained electromechanical system for elevating and lowering the desktop, between a user's seating position and a full standing position. Three telescoping stanchions support and control the desktop height from a standard-desk height to an upper height of about 44 inches. The desktop rest directly on three poles sliding inside the telescoping support stanchions. The sliding poles are lifted and lowered by cables looped-under pulleys mounted in bottom of said poles, and are drawn up and released by an electric-motor-driven cable winch. Anti-friction treatments are in place between the inner sliding members and the supporting stanchions. By said cables looping under pulleys, installed in the bottom of each inner telescoping member, and anchoring atop the telescoping stanchions a lifting mechanical advantage of two is obtained. The user operates a three position electrical switch to raise and lower the desktop. An onboard rechargeable-electrical battery powers the electric motor.
According to Mayo Clinic: “Prolonged sitting can put one at risk for a potentially fatal condition in which a blood clot forms in the legs, breaking loose, and blocking an arteries in the lung.” Long periods of rudimentary work, while seated at a desk, also tend to reduce one's productivity. Repeated relief breaks are costly, whereas rising to a standing position can greatly enhance one's productivity and avoid interruptions. The user can elevate or lower the desk surface without losing train of thought. The proposed assembly helps enhance user performance and guard against cardiac impairment.
PRIOR ARTThis section explains how and why none of the referenced patents offer equivalent capabilities of: construction, functionality, user friendliness, esthetics, and prestige—claimed by this proposed Electric-Elevating Desk application.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,370,556 and 3,543,282 are not applicable to office deskwork, are depended on counter balancing forces, and are not adaptable to electrical control.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,619,208 does use electrical control, but is wall mounted, uses house power and is not a stand along work surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,652 alleges the same attributes and functional desirability as the proposed application, but depends on the force of a “gas spring” requiring the user to supply compensating force to achieve the desired desktop elevation. Electrical control is not feasible.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,438,939, 5,682,825 and 5,797,331 are drafting table configurations and not adaptable for office desk functions.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,049, necessitates dual traction ropes and dual rope drums for each support leg; lacks integral power source if and when electrical drive were included, reducing portability, necessitating external power requirements; and necessitates a spring loaded counter force, a complex multiple configured rope drum for two, three or four support legs. Whereas my application is compliant to a self-contained unobtrusive electrical power motive units, and uses a high gear ratio drive unit that negates the need for counter force ropes, a multiple configured drive drum, and locking mechanism. Weight of the desktop supplies adequate downward force as the drive wench is reversed. Frictionless plastic linings prevent binding during desktop lowering. And my tri-legged support configuration provides self leveling, negating the need for leveling legs.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,427 a device for adjusting the height of a piece of furniture, is based on a two legged support structure. This limitation is due to the method of employing the drive elements. Its two supporting legs do not provide the stability and lateral strength provided by a three-legged support. The dual drive elements and dual cable to each supporting leg increase the complexity and reduce the inherent reliability. My invention has only single cables to each support leg and is collected on one motorize winch—maximizing reliability and maintainability. The need for dual cabling to each of support legs is negated by dependency on: the weight of the desk/work top; plastic lined outer telescoping tube; and by balance support of the inner tube—insuring consistent centering of the tube though its vertical excursions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTIONThis application, on the other hand, provides a fully configured universal office-desk design, acceptable and adaptable for virtually any office decor and operational needs—from clerical and engineer work stations to executive decor. The three-point support structure provides: self-leveling, attractive furniture decor, abundant legroom for the seated user, and self-contained electrical power affording portability and positioning orientating. The forward facing edge lends to conferencing—for up to six conferees. Toggle switch control gives the user ready access for rising and lowering the desktop. The electrical power is derived from a rechargeable battery that may need recharging about every one to four months.
The said telescoping stanchions, each enclose poles 2 that rise and lower upon activation of the electromechanical system. The extending poles 2 are affixed to the desktop 3 via pillow blocks or pipe flange, and have cable pulleys installed in their lower ends to accommodate the control cables. The control cables 4 are routed via pulleys to the electromechanical control unit 5. The desk support system 1 is made mobile via lockable wheels 6 affixed to each of the vertical stanchions.
Claims
1. An Electric-Elevating Desktop comprising of:
- a) a desktop composed of rigid, self-supporting materials, that spans an area about that of a convention desktop working areas.
- b) a desktop-elevating mechanism embodying a cable-winch drawn by a high-ratio gear assembly driven by an electric motor.
- c) a fabricated metal, plastic, or wood structure for supporting the desktop, elevating mechanism, and electrical system(s).
- d) an electrical system, located under said desktop, for powering said elevating mechanism, and consisting of: electrical motor, re-chargeable battery, and a user's three-position control switch.
- c) an optional DC to AC inverter located under said desktop for powering such as: computers, clock radios, electrical razors, etc.
2. Said desk improves user's job efficiency and provides relief from: mental and physical fatigue, physical impairment, and lethargy, by rising users from a seated position to full standing—without interrupting ongoing business responsibilities. Spacious under-clearance of said desktop facilitates a variety of drawers, and enables conferencing of up to six attendees.
3. An optional onboard DC to AC inverter supplies power for electrical devices, such as: computers, clock radios, electrical razors, etc.
4. Said desk's three-point suspension and method of desktop attachment enables a variety of desktop compositions and colors. Its weight, from being self-supporting, along with the weight of the elevating mechanism, and the stanchion's anti-friction treatment, insures reliable gravity force lowering of the desktop when the cable winch is operated in the reverse direction. The gear assemble driving the cable winch, being of high-ratio, eliminates the need for electrical or mechanical braking. And a motor-to-gear-box clutch negates the need for circuits to stop motor drive at upper and lower ends.
5. Support structure of said desk, being artistically designed and finished in appealing colors, makes its presence and decore respectable in most offices and executive suites.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 8, 2009
Publication Date: Oct 14, 2010
Inventor: Fred W. Coble (North Hills, CA)
Application Number: 12/384,679
International Classification: A47B 9/00 (20060101); A47B 21/00 (20060101);