Ratchet-based height adjustable system

Adjustable height systems that are easy to manufacture, cost effective and simple to use. The systems use a hidden ratchet mechanism to adjust their height without introducing pinch points or other safety concerns. Moreover, because the ratchet mechanisms are hidden, they do not adversely impact the esthetics of the systems.

BACKGROUND

There is a need for adjustable height systems such as e.g., adjustable height desks, tables, platform supports and stools, to name a few. Standing desks, for example, are becoming popular because studies indicate that standing while working, as opposed to sitting, is good for your health. Standing regularly engages core muscles and increases calorie burn throughout the day. Studies have also indicated that better blood and oxygen flow stimulates brain activity resulting in longer attention spans and task focus, increasing overall performance.

From a practical point of view, adjustable height systems such as adjustable height desks, tables and stools in particular, provide the convenience of using one system to accommodate users of different sizes and/or preferences. While adjustable height systems exist today, they typically require extra components (e.g., motors, chains, levers, gears, springs, complex locking mechanisms, etc.) to change their height. These extra components not only impact the visual esthetics of these systems, but also increase the costs for manufacturing them, and often require external energy. More significantly, the components and configurations of existing systems introduce “pinch points” or other safety concerns, particularly for children. Moreover, many of these systems are not that easy to use as they require the manipulation of complicated locking or other mechanisms to adjust their height.

Thus, improved adjustable height systems are desired.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein provide adjustable height systems that are easy to manufacture, cost effective and simple to use. The disclosed embodiments use a hidden ratchet mechanism to adjust the height of the systems without introducing pinch points or other safety concerns, making the systems particularly useful and safe for children. Because the ratchet mechanisms are hidden, they do not adversely impact the esthetics of the systems. In some embodiments, the systems are designed such that their height is maintained with a simple to use locking mechanism.

In one embodiment, an adjustable height system comprises a base, a support and a top. The base comprises a first portion of at least one ratchet and the support comprises a second portion of the at least one ratchet. The top is connected to a top portion of the support and the height of the system is changed by manipulating the at least one ratchet to raise or lower the support and top.

In another embodiment, an adjustable height system comprises a first base member comprising a first portion of a first ratchet mechanism; a second base member comprising a first portion of a second ratchet mechanism; a first supporting member comprising a second portion of the first ratchet mechanism; a second supporting member comprising a second portion of the second ratchet mechanism; and a top connected to a top portion of the first and second supporting members. The height of the system is changed by manipulating the first and second ratchet mechanisms to raise or lower the first and second supporting members and the top.

A locking mechanism may be provided, the mechanism being maneuverable between a locked position preventing height adjustments to the system and an unlocked position allowing height adjustments to the system.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, drawings and claims provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description, including disclosed embodiments and drawings, are merely exemplary in nature intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, its application or use. Thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure describes the various embodiments of the adjustable height systems as being a desk, standing desk, table or stool. It should be appreciated, however, that the disclosed principles can be applied to any system or device requiring an adjustable height platform or supporting mechanisms.

FIGS. 1-5illustrate an example of a system10disclosed herein, implemented as an adjustable height desk such as e.g., a standing desk. The system10comprises a base portion20and a support portion80. Connected to the support portion80are components (e.g., top126, wall124and shelf122) for implementing the example system10as a desk. As noted above, the system10could easily be used as a table, stool or some other type of system or device requiring an adjustable height platform or supporting mechanism.

The base portion20includes two base members22,42. The first base member22includes a first leg24, second leg28and a brace26forming an elongated and slanted a-frame like structure. The top portions of the first and second legs24,28are connected to each other (i.e., at the top of the a-frame like structure). The bottom portions of the first and second legs24,28are connected to each other via the brace26(i.e., at the bottom of the a-frame like structure). In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the second leg28extends past the brace26, causing the first member22to be slanted in the direction of the first leg24. It should be appreciated that the first and second legs24,28and brace26can be formed as a single piece or separate pieces that are connected together by any known mechanism to form the shape illustrated inFIGS. 1-8. It is desired, although not required, that the point at which the first leg24and the brace26meet to be rounded as shown in the illustrated embodiment. In addition, it is desired, although not required, that the end of the second leg28be rounded as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the top portion of the first leg24includes a hole37formed there-through that will be sized to allow a first end of a rod106to pass through or be held within the leg24. As discussed below in more detail, the rod106serves as a very simple, yet effective locking mechanism for the system10. In the illustrated embodiment, the top portion of the second leg28will contain a stepped shaped slot34formed there-through. As will be discussed below in more detail with reference toFIGS. 6-8, the slot34is sized to accept a dowel102(connected to the support portion80) and includes sloped/slanted portions34a-34fdefining positions within the slot34where the dowel102is maintained during use of the system10. In essence, the slot34and corresponding dowel102form a ratchet used to change the height of the system10(discussed below in more detail). It should be appreciated that more or less portions34a-34hmay be provided for the slot34and that the disclosed embodiments should not be limited to the number shown in the Figures. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom portion of the second leg28will contain an elongated slot30formed there-through. As will be discussed below in more detail with reference toFIGS. 6-8, the slot30is sized to allow a dowel104to pass there-through, which helps maintain the alignment of the second leg28with respect to the support portion80.

The second base member42is substantially identical to the first base member22. That is, the second base member22includes a first leg44, second leg48and a brace46forming an elongated and slanted a-frame like structure. The top portions of the first and second legs44,48are connected to each other (i.e., at the top of the a-frame like structure). The bottom portions of the first and second legs44,48are connected to each other via the brace46(i.e., at the bottom of the a-frame like structure). In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the second leg48extends past the brace46, causing the second member42to be slanted in the direction of the first leg44. It should be appreciated that the first and second legs44,48and brace46can be formed as a single piece or separate pieces that are connected together by any known mechanism to form the shape illustrated inFIGS. 1-8. It is desired, although not required, that the point at which the first leg44and the brace46meet to be rounded as shown in the illustrated embodiment. In addition, it is desired, although not required, that the end of the second leg48be rounded as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the top portion of the first leg44includes a hole57formed there-through that will be sized to allow a second end of the rod106to pass through the leg44. In the illustrated embodiment, the top portion of the second leg48will contain a stepped shaped slot54formed there-through. The slot is sized to accept a dowel112(connected to the support portion80) and includes sloped/slanted portions54a-54hdefining positions within the slot54where the dowel112is maintained during use of the system10. In essence, the slot54and corresponding dowel112form another ratchet used to change the height of the system10. It should be appreciated that more or less portions54a-54hmay be provided for the slot54and that the disclosed embodiments should not be limited to the number shown in the Figures. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom portion of the second leg48will contain an elongated slot50formed there-through. The slot50is sized to allow a dowel114to pass there-through, which helps maintain the alignment of the second leg48with respect to the support portion80(discussed below in more detail).

The two base members22,42are connected to each other by three cross-members60,62,64. In the illustrated embodiment, the connections between the base members22,42and the cross-members60,62,64are mortise and tenon connections, which provide strong, simple and esthetically pleasing connections that do not require screws or extra components. It should be appreciated that other known connections between the base members22,42and the cross-members60,62,64could be used and that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the illustrated mortise and tenon connections.

As shown best inFIG. 4, the first cross-member60has two tenons61a,61bformed at one end that respectively fit into corresponding mortises32a,32bformed in the first base member22. In addition, the first cross-member60has two tenons (not shown, but similar to tenons61a,61b) formed at the opposite end that respectively fit into corresponding mortises52a,52bformed in the second base member42. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cross-member62has three tenons61c,61d,61eformed at one end that respectively fit into corresponding mortises32c,32d,32eformed in the first base member22. In addition, the second cross-member62has three tenons (not shown, but similar to tenons61c,61d,61e) formed at the opposite end that respectively fit into corresponding mortises52c,52d,52eformed in the second base member42.

In the illustrated embodiment, the third cross-member64has four tenons (only tenons61h,61iare illustrated) formed at one end that respectively fit into corresponding mortises32f,32g,32h,32iformed in the first base member22. In addition, the third cross-member64has four tenons (not illustrated, but similar to tenons61h,61i) formed at the opposite end that respectively fit into corresponding mortises52f,52g,52h,52iformed in the second base member42. As can be appreciated, the actual number of tenons/mortises can vary and the disclosed embodiment is not limited to the number and location of tenons/mortises illustrated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support portion80of the system10contains two supporting members82,92. The first supporting member82includes a leg84and a support86. In a desired embodiment, the leg84is elongated and slanted in a manner similar to the way the second leg28of the first base member22is elongated and slanted. The top portion of the leg84is connected to a bottom surface of the support86. It should be appreciated that the leg84and support86can be formed as a single piece or separate pieces that are connected together by any known mechanism to form the shape illustrated inFIGS. 1-8. It is desired, although not required, that the bottom portion of the leg84is rounded as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

The second supporting member92is substantially identical to the first supporting member82. Thus, the second supporting member92includes a leg94and a support96. In a desired embodiment, the leg94is elongated and slanted in a manner similar to the way the second leg48of the second base member42is elongated and slanted. The top portion of the leg94is connected to a bottom surface of the support96. It should be appreciated that the leg94and support96can be formed as a single piece or separate pieces that are connected together by any known mechanism to form the shape illustrated inFIGS. 1-8. It is desired, although not required, that the bottom portion of the leg94is rounded as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

As best seen inFIG. 4, the leg94of the second supporting member92includes an elongated groove97formed therein. As can be seen from the perspective view ofFIG. 2, the groove97does not go completely through the leg94. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove97is sized to receive an end of the rod106. The leg94also includes a hole93sized to receive a dowel112used to slide through the stepped slot54formed through the second leg48of the second base member42. The dowel112may be glued into hole93to maintain it in place. In addition, the leg94includes a hole99sized to receive the dowel114that passes through the slot50formed through the second leg48of the second base member42. The dowel114may be glued into hole99to maintain it in place (after being passed through the second leg48). Moreover, the dowel114contains a cap portion (unnumbered) at the other end that is larger than the slot50and is used to keep the leg94and second leg48of the second base member42in alignment as discussed below in more detail with respect toFIGS. 6-8. The holes93,99do not go completely through the leg94in the illustrated embodiment.

As best seen inFIGS. 7 and 8, the leg84of the first supporting member82includes an elongated groove87formed therein. As can be seen from the perspective view ofFIG. 1, the groove87does not go completely through the leg84. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove87is sized to receive an end of the rod106. The leg84also includes a hole (not shown, but similar to hole93) sized to receive a dowel102used to slide through the stepped slot34formed through the second leg28of the first base member22. The dowel102may be glued into hole to maintain it in place (after being passed through the second leg28). In addition, the leg84also includes a hole89(shown in phantom inFIGS. 6-8) sized to receive the dowel104that passes through the slot30formed through the second leg28of the first base member22. The hole for dowel104does not go completely though the leg84. The dowel104may be glued into hole89to maintain it in place. Moreover, the dowel104contains a cap portion (unnumbered) at the other end that is larger than the slot30and is used to keep the leg84and second leg28of the first base member22in alignment as discussed below in more detail with respect toFIGS. 6-8. The hole89does not go completely through the leg84in the illustrated embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the system10includes a shelf122. As such, the bottom portion of the support96of the second supporting member92includes an elongated groove95formed therein for receiving an end portion of the shelf122. As can be seen from the perspective view ofFIG. 2, the groove95does not go completely through the leg94. Likewise, the bottom portion of the support86of the first supporting member82includes an elongated groove85(similar to groove95) formed therein for receiving an end portion of the shelf122. As can be seen from the perspective view ofFIG. 1, the groove95for receiving the shelf does not go completely through the leg84. In the illustrated embodiment, the shelf122is inserted within the grooves85,95of the supports86,96. A wall124is connected to a back end portion of the shelf122and the top126is placed over the wall124and the top portions of the supports86,96. In the illustrated configuration, an opening128(i.e., a cubby hole128) is defined by the supports86,96and the shelf122. The top126, wall124and shelf122, and their respective connections, may be maintained by an adhesive or other mechanism.

Although not required, the system10may include a simple locking mechanism to prevent unwanted horizontal, vertical and other movement of the support80portion from the base portion20. In the illustrated embodiment, the optional locking mechanism includes a rod106that is passed through holes37,57in the top portions of the first and second base members22,42. Although the illustrated embodiment has been described as having a groove87in the leg84of the first supporting member82and a groove97in the leg94of the second supporting member92, the rod106is not long enough to reside in both grooves87,97at the same time. Thus, only one groove (groove87or97) is required to practice the invention. Two grooves87,97may be desired to simplify the manufacturing process and to provide the user with different options for moving the rod106(discussed below).

The rod106will have a length so that it can be supported by the holes37,57in the top portions of the first and second base members22,42, yet remain moveable between a first position whereby the rod106engages one of the grooves87,97or a second position whereby the rod does not engage either groove87,97. When the rod106engages a groove, the system10is locked and its height cannot be adjusted. However, when the rod106is slid out of the groove and is only maintained between the holes37,57in the top portions of the first and second base members22,42, the system10is unlocked and its height may be adjusted as discussed below.

The operation of the system10is best described with reference toFIGS. 6-8. WhileFIGS. 6-8are side views showing only the first base member22and first supporting member82(portions shown in phantom), it should be appreciated that the same discussion applies to the second base member42and second supporting member92. Moreover, the illustrated example includes the optional locking mechanism discussed above. It should be appreciated that if a locking mechanism is not used, then portions of the following description related to locking and unlocking the system10would be omitted.

FIG. 6illustrates the system10with the supporting member82at its lowest possible position. That is, the dowel102attached to the first leg84of the first supporting member82is within the lowest portion34aof the slot34formed through the second leg28of the first base member22. At this point, alignment of the first leg84of the first supporting member82with respect to the second leg28of the first base member22is maintained by the dowel104sitting in hole89and passing through slot30. InFIG. 6, the rod106is within groove87formed within the leg84of the first supporting member82, which locks the system10into place.

As can be appreciated, unwanted horizontal, vertical and other motion is prevented by the rod106when it engages the groove87(i.e., the system10is in the locked position). Thus, the system10does not require a complex locking mechanism as is found in current and prior art height adjustments systems. This saves costs and makes the system10easier to use. At this point, because a locking mechanism has been used in the illustrated example, the user can only change the height of the system10by moving the rod106out of the groove87(so that the rod106is only maintained between the holes in the top portions of the first and second base members22,42), putting the system10into the unlocked position, and lifting up the support portion80at an angle following the angle of the legs28,84.

FIG. 7illustrates the system10in an intermediate position as a user is manipulating the support portion80. At this point, the rod106has been moved out of the groove87, but is not engaging the other groove97(if present).FIG. 7illustrates an “x” where the rod106was inFIG. 6. As can be seen, the leg84has moved slightly to the right of where the rod106was previously and the dowel102has been ratcheted up portion32a, but has not yet reached portion32b(or any other position in the slot34). The top portion of the leg84of the first supporting member82has moved a distance D1corresponding to the movement of the dowel102. Again, alignment of the first leg84of the first supporting member82with respect to the second leg28of the first base member22is maintained by the dowel104sitting in hole89and passing through slot30.

Ratchet-like action with slot34and dowel102continues until the user chooses the new height for the system10.FIG. 8illustrates the system10at its highest position (after the user has manipulated the support portion80). As can be seen, the dowel102has been ratcheted up and into portion32hin the slot34based on the user's actions. The top portion of the leg84of the first supporting member82has moved an overall distance D2corresponding to the movement of the dowel102from the first portion32ato the last portion32h. Alignment of the first leg84of the first supporting member82with respect to the second leg28of the first base member22is maintained by the dowel104sitting in hole89and passing through slot30. Because a locking mechanism has been used in the illustrated example,FIG. 8also illustrates that the rod106has been put back into groove87, locking the system10into place.

It should be appreciated that the system10utilizes a simple construction and less components than other adjustable height systems currently available or in the prior art. Thus, the disclosed system10is less expensive and more easy to use. The simple rod locking mechanism is but one example of a disclosed feature that is achieved in a more efficient manner, while also providing an effective and easy to manipulate user mechanism. Moreover, and perhaps most importantly, the system10uses hidden ratchet-like mechanisms that eliminate pinch points, making the system10safe and suitable for use by children. Because the ratchet mechanisms are hidden, they do not adversely impact the esthetics of the systems.

It should also be appreciated that while the illustrated embodiment contains two ratchet mechanisms (i.e., a first ratchet formed by slot34and dowel102and a second ratchet formed by slot54and dowel112), the disclosed embodiments could comprise only one of the ratchet mechanisms, if desired. Thus, the height of the corresponding system would be adjusted using only the one ratchet.

FIG. 9illustrates an example of a system210disclosed herein, implemented as an adjustable height table or desk without the shelf122illustrated inFIG. 1. For the most part, the system210is substantially the same as the system10illustrated inFIGS. 1-8. However, because the system210does not include the shelf illustrated inFIG. 1, the support portion280may comprise supporting members282,292that are slightly different than the supporting members82,92illustrated inFIGS. 1-8. For example, the legs284,294are connected to supports286,296that do not contain a groove for accommodating a shelf. It should be appreciated that the system210operates in the same manner as the system10discussed above.

It should be appreciated that either system10,210could be used as an adjustable tray (e.g., a TV dinner tray), adjustable laptop stand or platform support, to name a few, without any adjustments to the disclosed embodiments. Moreover, either system10,210could be used as a stool. If desired, the stool embodiment could include a slanted seat (as opposed to the top126and shelf122illustrated in the Figures) or a backrest.

In the illustrated embodiment, the systems10,210are made of wood (e.g., a hardwood), plywood or other forms of composite wood. One suitable hardwood for the systems10,210is birch due to its strength and appearance. It should be appreciated that the systems could comprise other types of wood, wood composites, plastics, other composites or even metal and that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to a particular type of material. It should also be appreciated that adhesives and bonding materials could be used where appropriate to strengthen connections and joints.

The foregoing examples are provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting. While reference to various embodiments is made, the words used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments are shown, there is no limitation to the particulars disclosed herein. Rather, the embodiments extend to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

Additionally, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the patent office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the present inventions in any way.