COMPUTER TABLES

The present invention relates to improvements in and relating to computer tables. In particular, computer tables capable of automatically adjusting to accommodate the requirements of an individual user are provided. Preferred embodiments include: automatic alteration of the height of a computer table support surface relative to a ground surface; automatic alteration of the height of a computer monitor support bracket relative to the computer table support surface; and indication to the user the required height adjustment of an associated chair so as to accord to a user's preferred height settings when the user enters identifier information into an associated programmable logic unit.

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Description

This application is a Continuation-in-Part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/224,911 filed on Nov. 17, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements in and relating to computer tables. In particular, computer tables capable of automatically adjusting to accommodate the requirements of an individual user.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent times there is an overall trend towards people spending longer sedentary hours in front of a computer for either recreational use and/or business use. Incorrect posture when sitting at a computer table for extended periods, such as in a workplace when working at a computer or other equipment, can lead to problems in a persons comfort, productivity and health.

Health problems can include repetitive strain injuries (RSI) or poor posture injuries. Such health problems can increase the amount of sick days taken by a worker, which can indirectly affect an employer's costs through decreased productivity.

Many employees in today's workplaces work flexible hours with can result in more than one person working at a particular workstation. An example of a workplace with multi-user computer tables is at call centres.

Improvements in office ergonomics have been made over recent years in terms of improved design for ease of use of tables, chairs, computers, computer monitors, computer keyboard and associated computer pointing devices (such as a mouse) in the work place.

In terms of computer desks presently available two basic office table designs exist.

The static computer table design is basically a table of standard height and which is not adjustable. From this fixed position, the operator is forced to work with little or no flexibility and which does not accommodate a person's individual posture needs.

The adjustable computer table design requires manual adjustment by a user. However, this can lead to inconsistent and variable height fluctuation, as time constraints on the user can often prevent correct table adjustment, and further still a user may not over time exactly remember what height is ideal. Thus these fluctuations from the ideal height over time can have a detrimental effect on the health of the individual user.

There is therefore a need for an adjustable computer table which is capable of automatically adjusting to the height specified for a user to ensure correct posture and/or to provide a comfortable sitting position each time the user uses the table.

There is also a need for an adjustable computer table that provides an automatic adjustment of the height of a computer monitor or screen relative to the table surface to accommodate different user preference and/or requirements. As having the computer monitor or screen at or near the correct eye height can encourage the user to sit up straight preserving the normal lordotic curvature of the neck while reducing excessive neck and upper shoulder muscular strain and ligament sprains.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning—i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term ‘comprised’ or ‘comprising’ is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer table capable of automatically adjusting its height and that of an associated computer monitor or portable computer support bracket via actuators operated by a programmable logic unit upon receiving information as to the user of the table or at least to provide the public with a useful alternative.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer table having a support surface, the computer table having

at least one first actuator capable of altering the height of the support surface relative to a ground surface on which the table rests;

a second actuator capable of altering the height of a computer monitor support bracket relative to the support surface,

wherein the table is configured to enable:

the at least one first actuator to alter the height of the support surface relative to a ground surface; and

the second actuator to alter the height of the computer monitor support bracket relative to the support surface;

and wherein the at least one first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be operated by a programmable logic unit which is configured to:

(a) store a user's preferred height for the support surface, computer monitor support bracket and an associated chair;

(b) receive identifier information from a data input device as to the user of the table and compare to the previous height settings of the support surface and computer monitor support bracket, and,

(c) operate the actuators to adjust the height of:

the support surface relative to a ground surface; and

computer monitor support bracket relative to the support surface;

to the preferred height of the user, and

(d) indicate to the user the required height of the chair to the preferred height of the user.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer table disposed on a ground surface, the computer table having

a support surface;

at least one first actuator operably connected to the support surface and capable of altering the height of the support surface relative to a ground surface on which the table rests;

a computer monitor bracket operably connected to the support surface;

a second actuator capable of altering the height of a computer monitor support bracket relative to the support surface,

wherein the table is configured to enable:

the at least one first actuator to alter the height of the support surface relative to a ground surface; and

the second actuator to alter the height of the computer monitor support bracket relative to the support surface;

and wherein the at least one first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be operated by a programmable logic unit which is configured to:

(a) store a user's preferred height for the support surface, computer monitor support bracket and an associated chair;

(b) receive identifier information from a data input device as to the user of the table and compare to the previous height settings of the support surface and computer monitor support bracket;

(c) operate the actuators to adjust the height of: the support surface relative to a ground surface; and the height of the computer monitor support bracket relative to the support surface to the preferred height of the user; and

(d) indicate to the user the required height of the chair to the preferred height of the user.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer table disposed on a ground surface, the computer table having

a support surface;

at least one first actuator operably connected to the support surface and capable of altering a distance between the support surface and the ground surface on which the table rests;

a computer monitor bracket operably connected to the support surface;

a second actuator capable of altering a distance between the computer monitor support bracket and the support surface,

wherein the table is configured to enable:

the at least one first actuator to alter the distance between the support surface and the ground surface; and

the second actuator to alter the distance between the computer monitor support bracket and the support surface;

and wherein the at least one first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be operated by a programmable logic unit which is configured to:

(a) store a user's preferred height for the support surface, computer monitor support bracket and an associated chair;

(b) receive identifier information from a data input device as to the user of the table and compare to the previous height settings of the support surface and computer monitor support bracket;

(c) operate the actuators to adjust the distance between the the support surface and the ground surface; and the computer monitor support bracket and the support surface to the preferred height of the user; and

(d) indicate to the user the required height of the chair to the preferred height of the user.

The computer table may have an actuator that may also alter the height of the computer monitor support bracket and the support surface.

The computer table has a computer monitor support bracket that is operably connected to the support surface by a linkage.

For the purposes of the specification the term “support surface” or grammatical variations thereof may refer to computer table top on which a user may work, or similar.

For the purposes of the specification the term “ground surface” or grammatical variations thereof may refer a floor or such like, on which a computer table rests.

For the purposes of the specification the term “computer monitor support bracket” or grammatical variations thereof may refer to a platform bracket or such like capable of supporting a computer monitor, television monitor, laptop, tablet computer such as an iPad or similar.

For the purposes of the specification, the term “data input device” refers to a device that can be used to insert data into a computer or other computational device.

Preferably, the first actuators are rotary actuators that are capable of being electrically driven with an associated electric motor.

Preferably, the at least one first actuator is two first actuators driven from a single associated electric motor.

Preferably, each first actuator moves a first leg of a pair of legs which are pivotally connected to a second leg of each pair of legs in a scissor arrangement to raise or lower the height of the pairs of legs.

Preferably, the first leg of each pair of legs each include a wheel, or slide thereon to facilitate movement of the first leg relative to the ground surface and each second leg of each pair of legs is fixed to the ground surface and pivotally connected to the underside of the support surface to enable the height of the support surface to be altered with movement of the first leg of each pair of legs.

Preferably, the second actuator is attached to the end of a movable arm to which the computer monitor support bracket is attached.

Preferably, the second actuator is a telescopic pillar that is capable of being electrically driven with an associated electric motor.

Preferably, the computer monitor support bracket is movably connected to the second actuator via an arm, so that the second actuator can alter the position of the computer monitor support bracket and associated arm to adjust the height of the computer monitor support bracket relative to the support surface.

Preferably, the identifier information is in the form of a login name and password. Preferably, the data input device is in the form of a keyboard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1: shows a top elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a computer table;

FIG. 2: shows a bottom elevation view of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3: shows a side view of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and

FIG. 4: shows a cross sectional side view of the leg drive mechanism of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the gearbox assembly of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic rear view of a monitor stand of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a front elevation view of the monitor stand shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 shows a back elevation view of the monitor stand shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a front elevation view of the monitor stand shown in FIG. 1 with a laptop attached to the computer support bracket;

FIG. 10 shows a back elevation view of the monitor stand shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows a front elevation view of the monitor stand shown in FIG. 1 with two computer monitors attached to the computer support bracket;

FIG. 12 shows a back elevation view of the monitor stand shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a front elevation view of the monitor stand shown in FIG. 1 with one computer monitor and a laptop attached to the computer support bracket;

FIG. 14 shows a back elevation view of the monitor stand shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 shows a schematic view of a network of computer tables according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 shows a diagram illustrating the process of operation of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in relation to an associated chair.

 BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, in a preferred form of the invention a computer table is shown generally indicated by arrow 1. The computer table 1 has a support surface 2 in the form of a table top which is supported on a ground surface 3 by two pairs of symmetrical legs 4. Each leg 4 is connected to its pair member at a rigid bush and flange pivot 4A. Attached to the support surface 2 is a support arm 11 which is supported on the support surface 2 at a pedestal 6. The support arm 11 supports at least one computer monitor 24.

The computer table 1 has two first actuators 8 in the form of a pair of flexible rotating drive cables driven by a single motor 9 via a gearbox 10. The first actuators 8 are each moveably connected to the top end of a first table leg 4B of each leg pair 4 via a lead screw 11 and a rubber sealed ball bearing 12 (best seen in FIG. 4) which are housed in a plastic injection moulded carrier 13. The top of the table legs 4B is attached to the lead screw 11 so that rotation of the actuator 8 results in movement of the lead screw 11 and table legs 4B relative to the carrier 13.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 the table leg 4B of each leg pair 4 contacts the ground surface 6 by means of a movable wheel 9. The second leg 4C of each leg pair 4 is pivotally attached to the underside of the support surface 2 and is in contact with the ground surface 3 at a foot 15 (as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3) having an indented grip surface (not shown).

A table leg drive mechanism comprising the motor 9, gearbox 11, first actuators 8, lead screw 11 and bearing 12 is capable of altering the height of a support surface 2 relative to a ground surface 3. Alternatively stated, the table leg drive mechanism is capable of altering the distance between support surface 2 and ground surface 3. The use of one motor 9 driving movement of two first actuators 8 each attached to a leg pair 4 eliminates synchronisation errors between the two leg pairs 4 and therefore results in a stable support surface 2 as its height is altered.

Referring to FIG. 5, the first actuators 8 in the form of flexi-drive shaft cables are connected to plastic injection moulded carriers 16 which are in contact with a 12 volt DC motor 10 which causes rotation of the first actuators. The carriers 16 are in turn connected to a gearbox 10 comprising a gear set 17 and bearing (not shown) which is drivingly connected plastic moulded worm gears which are in turn drivingly connected to a 10 turn wire potentiometer 19 to provide feedback on the position of the actuators 8. The gearbox 10 is housed in a plastic cover 20.

Referring to FIG. 6, the computer table 1 has a vertical support member in the form of a telescopic pillar 21, the extension or retraction of which is driven by a second actuator 22 in the form of a linear thread type actuator (which is housed within an arm 23) and is configured to alter the height of a computer monitor 24 (such as a 21 inch 16:9 format screen) or laptop computer 24A (as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 13 and 14) attached to a support bracket 25 or 25A respectively. The support bracket 15 is pivotally attached to the arm 23 via a hinge 26. The arm 23 is attached to the telescopic pillar 21 at a hinge 27.

In response to an electrical signal the second actuator 22 can be activated to alter the position of the support bracket 24 via the telescopic pillar 21 to adjust the height of the support bracket 24 relative to the support surface 2. Alternatively stated, second actuator 22 can be activated to alter distance between support bracket 24 and the support surface 2 via the telescopic pillar 21. In use, the activation of both the first actuators 8 and the second actuator 22 may change the height of both the support surface 2 and computer support bracket 24 simultaneously because support surface 2 and computer support bracket 24 are connected via telescopic pillar 21. For example, distance between computer support bracket 24 and the ground surface 3 may be fixed and the height of support surface 2 may be changed depending upon the electrical signals received by actuators 8 and 22.

It is envisaged the first 8 and second 22 actuators may come in a variety of different forms (such as pneumatic linear actuators) without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the table may be configured in a variety of different ways to enable the first actuators 8 to alter the height of the computer table support surface 2.

The telescopic pillar 21 and second actuator 22 is seated on the support surface 2 at a pedestal 28 and connected to the support surface 2 via a clamp 29. The clamp 29 includes a ‘C’ shaped clamp arm which fixes over the edge of the support surface 2 and attaches to the telescopic pillar 21 outer housing via a threaded stud (not shown) which passes up through an aperture in the pedestal 28 and fixes to a overhang extending from the telescopic pillar 21 outer housing. A cam insert and cam handle is also incorporated in the clamp 29 to facilitate releasable attachment of the telescopic arm 21 to the support surface 2.

The pedestal 28 incorporates data connection ports, in the form of universal serial bus (USB) 2.00 ports 30 (as shown in FIGS. 7, 9, 11 and 13) for digital connection to a computer 30 (shown in FIG. 11). The pedestal 28 also comprises up/down control buttons to facilitate a user to manually control the height of the computer monitor 24 via the second actuator 22.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 14 the telescopic pillar 21 may support a single computer monitor 24 on a support bracket 25 (as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) or a single laptop computer 24A (as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10), or another display device such as a tablet computer, on a support bracket 25A via a stem 31 which attaches to an indexing head 32 of the telescopic pillar 21. Alternatively, a second monitor 24B or laptop (not shown) is attached to the support bracket 25 and 25A respectively via an arm 23 which connects the stem 31 to the indexing head 32 at hinges 26 and 27 respectively to facilitate fine adjustment of the position of the monitor 24/24B and/or laptop 24A.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the central line of the first monitor 24 may be adjusted to the central lines 33 of the laptop 24A via adjustment holes 34 in the laptop bracket 25A to accommodate different sized screens.

Referring to FIG. 15 the computer table 1 comprises a local computer 30 located along with an associated data input device, in the form of a keyboard 36 on the computer table support surface 2. The computer may optionally be housed in a body (not shown) attached to the support surface 2. Other forms of data input device may be used such as a swipe card reader, bar code reader, finger print scanner, retinal scanner, or similar, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The local computer 30 is in connection with a remote central server 100 in conjunction with website manager software 200 through the internet 300. A plurality of like computer tables 1 similarly connected to the central server 100 forms a network.

Once a user logs onto the local computer 30 via the keyboard 36, the remote server 100 on receiving the user identifier information compares the previously stored coordinates for the user preferred height settings of the support surface 2 and support bracket 25 with their current positions and (if necessary) activates the first 8 and second 22 actuators to raise or lower the height of the support surface 2 and/or support bracket 25/25A simultaneously and therefore provide for movement of the first leg 4B of each leg pair 4 telescopic pillar 21 respectively to the preferred height settings.

Referring to FIG. 16 the computer table 1 also comprises an associated chair 37 comprising a base 38 and seat 39 (incorporating a pressure sensor 40). In addition, the chair 37 comprises an optical sensor module 41, optical sensor beam 42 and optical reflection plate 43 which cooperate to provide a radio frequency signal 44 of chair height which is received by a chair mounted transducer 45 (with an associated energy harvesting module 46 to charge a battery (not shown). A second transducer 46 situated on the computer table 1 receives the chair height signal via a radio frequency link 47 and then transmits a signal 48 to a computer (not shown) positioned locally to the computer table 1 or a central computer server (not shown).

The chair height signal is processed via a processor (not shown) and visually displayed to a user via a display screen 24 on logging onto the computer, together with directions to manually adjust (via lowering or raising) the height of the chair from its present position to the users preferred height. In this way, the seating position of a user in relation to the computer table 1 is optimised.

A user's preferred height for the support surface 2 and monitor support bracket 25 and an associated chair 37 may be determined by measurement of the height parameters which result in reduced stress on the lordotic curvature of the spine when sitting behind the computer table 1.

More specifically, the measurements taken for the user preferred height parameters may be determined for each user as follows:

The ideal preferred height of the support surface 2 relative to the ground surface 3 may be determined from analysis of a stress free sitting position achieved when the back of a user has a zero degree forward flex and the user's chin is parallel to the ground surface 3. Typically, the height of the support bracket 2 should be around or just below the elbow height of the user in this stress free position in the chair 37 to be used with the computer table 1.

The ideal preferred height of the support bracket 25 relative to the support surface 2 may then be determined by ascertaining the distance between the support bracket 25 and support surface 2 when the support bracket 25 is positioned approximately 2.5 cm above the eye level of the user when sitting in the stress free position.

A stress free position of zero degree forward flex may be generally achieved when the user is seated and an imaginary plumb line from the centre of the ear falls through the centre of the shoulder and hip.

Digital pictures of the seated user in such a zero stress position on the chair 37 to be used with the computer table 1 of the present invention may be taken and downloaded into a computer for analysis by a suitable software program. The height measurements for a user can then be ascertained by the software may include:

    • The height of the support surface 2 relative to the ground surface 3, and,
    • The height of the bottom of the support bracket 25 relative to the support surface 2.

Alternatively, the preferred height measurements may be manually obtained, recorded and entered into the computer controlling the actuators.

These measurements can then be used to adjust the first 8 and second 22 actuators to the correct computer table height and support bracket height when a computer table user enters identifier information.

The support surface 3 may include a keyboard surface (not shown) which is positioned below the top of the support surface 3 so that the top of the keyboard 36 and mouse (not shown) are approximately level with the top of the support surface 3. Such a design enables the keyboard to sit flush with the support surface to prevent the possibility of having the wrist in a hyperflexed or hyperextended position which could over time create an injury.

The computer table may be sold in kitset form with accessories such as a computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse or similar.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a number of advantages over the prior art which can include:

    • ease of use for a user to achieve an ergonomic working position via automatic alteration of the height of a computer table support surface relative to a ground surface; and/or the height of a support bracket relative to the computer table support surface; and/or an indication of the preferred height of an associated chair;
    • relative low cost of manufacture; and
    • robust construction.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components their equivalents are incorporated herein.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A computer table disposed on a ground surface, the computer table comprising:

a support surface;
at least one first actuator operably connected to the support surface and capable of altering the height of the support surface relative to a ground surface on which the computer table rests;
a computer monitor bracket operably connected to the support surface;
a second actuator capable of altering the height of a computer monitor support bracket relative to the support surface,
wherein the table is configured to enable:
the at least one first actuator to alter the height of the support surface relative to a ground surface; and
the second actuator to alter the height of the computer monitor support bracket relative to the support surface;
and wherein the at least one first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be operated by a programmable logic unit which is configured to:
(a) store a user's preferred height for the support surface, computer monitor support bracket and an associated chair;
(b) receive identifier information from a data input device as to the user of the table and compare to the previous height settings of the support surface and computer monitor support bracket;
(c) operate the actuators to adjust the height of: the support surface relative to a ground surface; and the height of the computer monitor support bracket relative to the support surface to the preferred height of the user; and
(d) indicate to the user the required height of the chair to the preferred height of the user.

2. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first actuators are rotary actuators that are capable of being electrically driven with an associated electric motor.

3. A computer table as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one first actuator is two first actuators driven from a single associated electric motor.

4. A computer table as claimed in claim 3, wherein each first actuator moves a first leg of a pair of legs which are pivotally connected to a second leg of each pair of legs in a scissor arrangement to raise or lower the height of the pairs of legs.

5. A computer table as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first leg of each pair of legs each include a wheel, or slide thereon to facilitate movement of the first leg relative to the ground surface and each second leg of each pair of legs is fixed to the ground surface and pivotally connected to the underside of the support surface to enable the height of the support surface to be altered with movement of the first leg of each pair of legs.

6. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second actuator is attached to the end of a movable arm to which the computer monitor support bracket is attached.

7. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second actuator is a telescopic pillar that is capable of being electrically driven with an associated electric motor.

8. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer monitor support bracket is movably connected to the second actuator via an arm, so that the second actuator can alter the position of the computer monitor support bracket and associated arm to adjust the height of the computer monitor support bracket relative to the support surface.

9. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the identifier information is in the form of a login name and password.

10. A computer table as claimed in claim 1 wherein the data input device is in the form of a keyboard.

11. A computer table as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first actuator is able to alter the height of the computer monitor support bracket and the support surface.

12. A computer table as claimed in claim 1 wherein the computer monitor support bracket is operably connected to the support surface by a linkage.

13. A computer table as claimed in claim 12 wherein the linkage is a telescopic arm.

Patent History
Publication number: 20120085267
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 11, 2011
Publication Date: Apr 12, 2012
Inventor: Dean Kenny (Devonport)
Application Number: 13/270,909
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Power Driven (108/20); With Diverse Support For Articles (108/28)
International Classification: A47B 21/02 (20060101); A47B 9/00 (20060101); A47B 21/04 (20060101);