COMPUTER WORKSTATION

The present disclosure concerns a computer workstation supporting one or more computer monitors in front of a sitting user, comprising: a frame, comprising: a lower frame section supporting a user chair; a support arm having a proximal end connected to the lower frame section and a distal end projecting forward of the user chair; and a monitor stand assembly positionally adjustable relative to the lower frame section, comprising: an armrest extension projecting from the frame; a monitor mount affixed unto the armrest extension and configured to support the one or more computer monitors; and a brace having a first extremity mounted to the distal end of the support arm and a second extremity mounted to the armrest extension directly under the monitor mount. At least one of the extremities of the brace is pivotally mounted. At least one of the brace and the support arm is telescopic.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates to computer workstations, and more particularly to computer workstations having a positionally adjustable monitor mount.

BACKGROUND

When it comes to workspaces comprising computer monitors, there are a variety of tools available to increase the ergonomics of a user. For example, workstations that combine a chair or a chair mount and a monitor mount are known in the art. Typically, the monitor mount and the monitors are supported in an elevated fashion in front of a sitting user. Such devices, however, may have some drawbacks. On the one hand, monitor mount configurations providing strong support for the weight of one or more monitors are usually limited in their positional adjustability. On the other hand, workstations that do offer positional adjustability are, in turn, limited in the weight and quantity of monitors that may be supported.

In view of the above, there is a need for a computer workstation which would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the above-discussed prior art concerns.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to address the above-mentioned issues.

According to a general aspect, there is provided a computer workstation for supporting one or more computer monitors in front of a sitting user, comprising: a frame, comprising: a lower frame section configured to support a user chair; and a support arm having a proximal end connected to the lower frame section and a distal end projecting forward of the user chair; and a monitor stand assembly positionally adjustable relative to the lower frame section, comprising: an armrest extension projecting from the frame; a monitor mount affixed onto the armrest extension and configured to support the one or more computer monitors; and a brace having a first extremity mounted to the distal end of the support arm and a second extremity mounted to the armrest extension directly under the monitor mount, wherein at least one of the brace and the support arm is telescopic.

According to another general aspect, there is provided a computer workstation for supporting one or more computer monitors in front of a sitting user, comprising: a user chair; a frame, comprising: a lower frame section supporting the user chair; a support arm having a proximal end connected to the lower frame section and a distal end projecting forward of the user chair; and an upper frame section mounted to the lower frame section; an armrest mounted to the upper frame section; and a monitor stand assembly positionally adjustable relative to the lower frame section, comprising: an armrest extension projecting from at least one of the armrest and the lower frame section; a monitor mount affixed onto the armrest extension and configured to support the one or more computer monitors; and a brace having a first extremity mounted to the distal end of the support arm and a second extremity mounted to the armrest extension directly under the monitor mount, wherein at least one of the first extremity and the second extremity of the brace is pivotally mounted to the distal end of the support arm or to the armrest extension respectively.

According to another general aspect, the monitor stand assembly is positionally adjustable relative to the lower frame section in at least one of: upwardly, downwardly, laterally, and rotatably.

According to another general aspect, the lower frame section is supported by a ground surface and the upper frame section is pivotally mounted to the lower frame section.

According to another general aspect, the lower frame section further comprises a base subsection resting on the ground surface and a dynamic subsection supporting the user chair and pivotable about the base subsection. The support arm can project from the dynamic subsection.

According to another general aspect, the support arm comprises a first segment projecting substantially horizontally forward of the lower frame section and a second segment projecting substantially vertically and upwardly from the first segment.

According to another general aspect, the support arm projects centrally widthwise of the user chair.

According to another general aspect, the proximal end of the support arm is pivotally connected to the lower frame section.

According to another general aspect, the armrest extension comprises a first armrest extension member projecting forwardly from a proximal end and a second armrest extension member projecting from a distal end of the first armrest extension member towards a center widthwise of the user chair. At least one of the first armrest extension member and the second armrest extension member can be telescopic.

According to another general aspect, the workstation further comprises a table mounted to the armrest extension and projecting in front of the user sitting on the user chair.

According to another general aspect, the monitor mount comprises a stand projecting upwardly from the armrest extension and a monitor support connected to the stand and configured to support the one or more computer monitors. At least one of the stand can be pivotable about the armrest extension and the monitor support can be pivotable about the stand. The stand can be configurable into a locked position, and wherein at least one of the monitor mount and the stand further comprises a locking mechanism to configure the stand in the locked position. The locking mechanism can comprise one of: a hook connected to the armrest extension and an aperture defined in the stand, the hook being configured to engage with the aperture defined in the stand to configure the stand in the locked position, a handle operable by the user and configured to actuate pins engageable into corresponding apertures defined in the stand to configure the stand in the locked position, and an electric actuator configured to configure the stand in the locked position when actuated by the user.

According to another general aspect, the brace is telescopic.

According to another general aspect, the workstation further comprises a footrest connected to at least one of the support arm and the lower frame section.

According to another general aspect, the monitor mount and the brace are substantially vertically aligned.

According to another general aspect, a weight of the monitor mount and of the supported one or more monitors is fully supported by a combination of the armrest extension and the brace.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional and are given for exemplification purposes only.

Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, “forward”, “rearward” “left”, “right” and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures only and should not be considered limiting. For example, in the specification, the term “upward” refers to an element being over a certain element whereas the term “downward” refers to an element being under the certain element. As a further example, in the specification, an element being “in front” or “forward” of a user sitting in the computer workstation may be positioned facing the user's face and an element being “behind” or “rearward” of the user may be positioned located behind the user's back.

To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions given herein may be qualified with the term “about”. It is understood that whether the term “about” is used explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to refer to an actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value. In the following description, the term “about” means within an acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. It is commonly accepted that a 10% precision measure is acceptable and encompasses the term “about”.

It will be appreciated that the term “transversal”, “transversally” and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of an axis or direction crossing through another axis or direction. For example, a transversal axis to a longitudinal axis would imply that the transversal axis crosses through the longitudinal axis. The crossing angle may be any angle between 1 and 179 degrees, the interval being an open interval. Specific embodiments may refer to “lateral” axis, which may be taken in the context of the axis being at 90 degrees from the axis to which it is compared to; these embodiments must however be taken only in the context of said embodiments and are not limitative for the rest of the possible embodiments. The term “laterally” may however be taken in the context of “next to” or “on the side of”, especially if it refers to the position of an element relative to another element. On the other hand, the term “laterally” may be taken in the context of “in the direction of the lateral axis” if it refers to the direction of a movement.

In the present description, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the computer workstation described herein. The various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the computer workstation may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, it may also be implemented in a single embodiment. Reference in the specification to “some embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “one embodiment” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments.

It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only. The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures and examples. It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the invention.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above. It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not to be construed that there is only one of that element. It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only. Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. It will be appreciated that the methods described herein may be performed in the described order, or in any suitable order.

In accordance with one aspect, the present description concerns a computer workstation. The computer workstation may be used in any type of application requiring mounting computer monitors in front of a sitting user. Even though the present description focuses on the use of the disclosed computer workstation with computer monitors, it is understood that the computer workstation could also be used to mount other types of monitors, monitors that are operated or not by any type of computerized device, and the like. Accordingly, to alleviate the present description, the term “computer workstation” may be referred to as “workstation”.

Referring now toFIGS.1to8, an embodiment of a workstation2is shown. The workstation2is configured to support one or more computer monitors3, as shown inFIGS.9and10, in front of a sitting user (not shown). In typical embodiments, the workstation2allows the user to perform computer tasks from a computer while in a comfortable sitting position and visualize the outcome of these computer tasks on the one or more supported computer monitors. It will be readily understood that the use of the workstation2is not limited to performing computer tasks for professional purposes but may also be used for educational or school-related work or recreational purposes.

Referring more particularly toFIG.1, the computer workstation2includes a user chair4, on which the user may sit. The chair4may be any chair known in the art and may be mounted to the workstation2with any means known in the art. The chair4may be temporarily mounted or permanently mounted to other components of the workstation2. In some implementations, the chair4includes a seat5and may further include a backrest6. In the embodiment shown, the chair4is an ergonomic chair having a seat5and a backrest6pivotable about the seat5.

The workstation2also includes a frame8. The frame8may be embodied by an assembly of components rigidly affixed together and may include articulated or otherwise movable members. It will be readily understood by one skilled in the art that the frame8may have any structure suitable to support the chair4, the user sitting on the chair, the one or more monitors and any other object the user may reasonably wish to have supported by the workstation2. The embodied frame8includes: a lower frame section12, a support arm22, and an upper frame section14. Understandably, other embodiments may include more frame sections.

The lower frame section12is configured to stand on a ground surface (or a floor) and support the user chair4. The lower frame section12may only support the seat5of the chair4, or may alternatively support the seat5and the backrest6of the chair4. The lower frame section12may include a pivotable section to allow the chair4to pivot over the ground which may coincidentally and similarly lead to pivoting the user sitting on the chair4. In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the lower frame section12includes a first subsection10, also referred to as base subsection, resting on the ground and a second subsection13, also referred to as dynamic subsection, also referred to as dynamic subsection, pivotally mounted to and pivotable about the first subsection10. In an alternative embodiment to allow the chair4to be pivotable over the floor, the lower frame section12may have a single subsection, such as the dynamic subsection13, having a curved bottom surface configured to roll on the ground.

Referring toFIGS.1to6and8, the base subsection10includes two vertically arranged feet16,16′ separated from one another by a spacing width which may correspond to the width of the dynamic subsection13. The feet16,16′ may be secured to one another with a beam18, bar, rod, or the like. The base subsection10rests on the ground and may thus support directly or indirectly the weight of every other component of the workstation2. In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the embodied feet16,16′ each substantially have the shape of a triangle; however, they may be of any other shape known in the art in other embodiments. The dynamic subsection13, best shown inFIGS.1to4,6and8, is embodied in the form of a trapezoidal prism; however, it may have any other shape known in the art. The dynamic subsection13is pivotally connected to the base subsection10through a pivot shaft20spanning the width of the workstation2and going through upper extremities of each of the foot16,16′.

As best seen onFIGS.3and4, the frame8further includes a support arm22. In the illustrated embodiment, the support arm22projects from the lower frame section12, for example from the dynamic subsection13, towards the front of the workstation2, from the perspective of a user sitting on the chair. The support arm22may have the form of an “L-shaped” beam and may thus include a first segment24projecting substantially horizontally in front of the lower frame section12and a second segment26projecting substantially vertically and upwardly from a distal end27of the first segment24. The support arm22may be connected to the lower frame section12at a proximal end25of the support arm22, either to a bottom surface28of the dynamic subsection13, a front surface30of the dynamic subsection13, or a combination thereof. The distal end27of the support arm22may project forwardly of the chair4. In other embodiments, not shown, the support arm22may include more segments and may have any other suitable shape known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the support arm22projects substantially centrally to the width of the workstation2, although in other embodiments it may be offset on either side of the same. The embodied support arm22is fixedly connected to the lower frame section12, although in other embodiments, not shown, the support arm22may be pivotally connected to the lower frame section12. In such embodiments wherein the support arm22is pivotally connected to the lower frame section12, pivoting may be restricted or unrestricted upon actuation of a switch, a lock, a clamp, or any other actuation mechanism known in the art. It will be appreciated that pivot of the dynamic subsection13relative to the base subsection10may coincidentally and similarly pivot the support arm22.

Referring now toFIGS.2to4and6, the frame8includes an upper frame section14pivotable about the lower frame section12, for example about the dynamic subsection13. Accordingly, the upper frame section14may be pivotally connected at a pivotable beam33defining a pivot axis. The pivotable beam33may span the width of the workstation2and pass through a lower extremity32of the upper frame section14and through an upper rear extremity34of the dynamic subsection13. The backrest6of the chair4may be temporarily or permanently mounted to the upper frame section14. Hence, the pivot of the upper frame section14about the lower frame section12may coincidentally and similarly pivot the backrest6of the chair4. In an alternative embodiment, the backrest6of the chair4may be unmounted from the upper frame section14and each of the two may pivot independently from the other.

The frame8further includes an armrest36mounted to the upper frame section14. The embodied workstation2ofFIG.1includes two armrests36,36′ projecting respectively from a left or right side of the upper frame section14and deviating forwardly with regards to the sitting user. It will however be understood that in some variants the computer workstation may include a single armrest36configured to support the one or more computer monitor, as explained below. The armrests36,36′ may be positioned at a height allowing a user sitting on the chair4to rest his or her arms. The embodied armrests36,36′ are fixedly connected to the upper frame section14such that pivot of the same will result in coincidental and similar pivot of the armrests36,36′. In other embodiments, the armrests36may be pivotally connected to the upper frame section14. In some implementations, the armrests36,36′ may include articulated components allowing the user to customize the configuration of the armrests36,36′ to his or her anatomy and/or preferences. The armrests36may further include pads38,38′ configured to cushion the resting of the users' arms. It will be appreciated that in embodiments with two armrests36,36′, the armrests36,36′ may have the same or a different length and/or shape. In yet other embodiments, one or both of the armrests36may be connected to the chair4.

Still referring toFIG.1, the workstation2further includes a monitor stand assembly40configured to support one or more computer monitors in front of a user sitting on the chair4. The monitor stand assembly40is positionally adjustable relative to the lower frame section12and therefore with regards to the user sitting on the chair4. The monitor stand assembly40may therefore be displaced upwardly, downwardly, laterally and/or pivotably with regards to the lower frame section12, the armrests36,36′, and/or the user sitting on the chair4. The monitor stand assembly40includes an armrest extension42, a monitor mount52and a brace60. It will be appreciated that the armrest extension42and the brace60are configured to support the weight of the monitor mount52, and mounted monitors thereof, while simultaneously allowing adjustment of the position of the monitor mount52in front of the user.

Referring now toFIGS.1and7, the armrest extension42projects forwardly from one of the armrests36. The armrest extension42may include two or more members. In the embodiment shown, a first armrest extension member44projects forwardly from a proximal end45of the armrest36, and a second armrest extension member48projects from a distal end46of the first armrest extension member44, towards the center of the workstation2and widthwise of the workstation2. The armrest extension42may hence have an “L-shape” allowing for an extremity49of the armrest extension42to be positioned in front and centrally, widthwise, of a user sitting on the chair4. In some embodiments, the armrest extension42may be pivotally connected to the armrest36and/or the armrest extension members44,48may be pivotally connected to one another. In some embodiments, the armrest extension42and/or its two or more members44,48may be telescopic. In some embodiments, the armrest extension may include a single armrest extension member42angled or curved towards the front and center, widthwise, of the workstation2. It may be understood that pivot of the upper frame section14may coincidentally and similarly pivot the armrest extension42. In other implementations, the armrest extension42may project from the frame8, and more specifically from the lower frame section12. For instance, the armrest extension42can be mounted to the lower frame section12via a rotatable connection and therefore can pivot about the lower frame section12.

In some implementations, the armrest extension42may further include a table50. The table50may be affixed over the armrest extension42, such as onto the first armrest extension subsection44projecting from the armrest36, and may project in front of the user sitting on the chair4, partially or fully along the width of the workstation2. In some variants, the table may be supported on both sides of the chair4by the two armrests36,36′. In some embodiments, the table50may be pivotable in any direction to free up space in front of the chair4to allow passage of the user to and from the seat5of the workstation2. The table50may be configured to support a keyboard connected to a computer. Understandably, the table50may have any other shape known in the art.

Referring now toFIGS.1and5, the workstation2includes a monitor mount52affixed onto the armrest extension42and configured to support the one or more computer monitors. In the implementation shown, the monitor mount52is placed on the armrest extension42in front and centrally, widthwise, of a user sitting on the chair4. The monitor mount52includes a stand54projecting upwardly from the armrest extension42and, more particularly, from a top surface43of the armrest extension42. The monitor mount further includes a monitor support56connected to the stand54. The monitor support56may directly receive and secure one monitor3, as shown inFIG.9, or it may receive and secure external monitor mounts70for mounting one or a plurality of the monitors3, as shown inFIG.10. The monitor support56may therefore include a hole57for receiving and engaging with a fastener of the monitor3or of the external monitor mount70. The stand54may be pivotable relative to the armrest extension42. The monitor support56may be pivotable relative to the stand54. In embodiments wherein the stand54is pivotable relative to the armrest extension42, such as in the implementation ofFIGS.1and5, the monitor mount52may further include a hook58connected to the armrest extension42. Upon pivot of the stand54with regard to the armrest extension42, the hook58may be received in an aperture55of the stand54to temporarily lock the stand54in a locked position. The hook58may be placed anywhere on the extension arm42that allows locking with the aperture55of the pivoting stand54. Understandably, any other locking mechanism may be used to temporarily lock the pivoting stand54at a predetermined position. Furthermore, displacing and/or locking the stand54may be realized with other adjustment mechanisms, such as manual adjustment mechanisms or electro-mechanical adjustment mechanisms. For example, in an implementation, a handle operable by the user may be used to actuate a locking mechanism, such as pins received by corresponding apertures, to lock or unlock the stand54in a given position. In another implementation, an electric actuator may lock or unlock the stand54in a given position; the electric actuator being actuated by the press of a button or the flip of a switch, for example. It will be understood that other types of mechanisms known in the art may be used to displace, lock and unlock the stand54in a given position.

Referring now toFIGS.3and4, the monitor stand assembly40further includes the brace60having a first extremity62pivotally mounted to the distal end27of the support arm22and a second extremity64pivotally mounted to the armrest extension42. The brace60may be mounted to the armrest extension42directly, or at least substantially directly, under the monitor mount52, such that the weight of the monitor mount52may be directly supported by the brace60. In an embodiment, the monitor mount52and the brace60are substantially vertically aligned. The brace60may therefore support the weight of the monitor mount52in compression with the shear, torsion and/or bending stresses applied to the same being substantially limited. The weight of the monitor mount52and the one or more monitors may thus be supported by a combination of the brace60and of the armrest extension42. The embodied brace60has the shape of a beam, however in other embodiments, it may have any other shape known in the art. Although the brace60illustrated herein is a monolithic component, in other embodiments the brace may have a plurality of components assembled together, in a rigid or articulated manner. In some embodiments, the brace60may be telescopic with any means known in the art. For example, the brace60may include a male subsection slideable into a female subsection, not shown. The subsections of the brace60may be telescopic due to manually actuated displacement, hydraulic actuated displacement, electro-mechanical actuated displacement, or any other actuation displacement mechanism known in the art.

Referring back toFIG.1, the workstation2may further include a footrest66configured to support feet of a user sitting on the chair4. The footrest66may be connected to the support arm22or may project from the lower frame section12. In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the embodied footrest66includes two substantially horizontal panels68,68′; each of the two panels68,68′ being configured to support a foot of the user. The footrest66may be pivotally connected to the support arm22to allow the user to customize support of its feet. In some embodiments, the two panels68,68′ may be independently pivotable relative to one another. The footrest66may be temporarily or permanently connected to the workstation2. It may be understood that the footrest66may have any other shape known in the art.

Upon reading of the above description, it will be readily understood and appreciated that the monitor mount52, and the monitors that are mounted thereon, may be positionally adjusted relative to a user sitting on the workstation's chair4without disrupting the support offered by the armrest extension42and the brace60. For example, upward or downward pivot of the upper frame section14of the workstation2may result in upward or downward pivot of the armrest extension42and thereof of the monitor mount52with regards to the user sitting on the chair4. The brace60may pivot with regards to the support arm22and/or to the armrest extension42to allow pivot of the monitors relative to the sitting user. In some variants the brace60may extend or compress, in embodiments where it is telescopic, to further allow adjustment of the monitor mount52with regards to the seat5of the user. The armrest extension42may also be telescopic to further allow positional adjustment of the monitor mount52with regards to the sitting user. Although the monitor mount52is presented being in front and in the center, widthwise, of the user sitting on the chair4, it may be displaced in various positions in front of the sitting user. Understandably, positional adjustment of the monitor mount52may be realized with constant direct support from the brace60under said monitor mount52and with constant support from the armrest extension42.