Abstract:
A height adjustable work surface is provided, which includes an L-shaped frame supporting a cantilevered platform adapted to support computer and work space items thereon. The frame includes an upstanding rail portion and a horizontal base support, whereby the rail portion slidably supports a work surface platform above the base support. The rail portion and base support are U-shaped members, whereby a first and second rail is provided to support the work space platform. Cam locks are provided to lockably secure the platform in a given position, whereby the platform will not freely slide until unlocked and will support load thereon. An internal spring mechanism biases the platform to reduce lifting load requirements during adjustment of the platform. Overall, the device provides a means to adjust the elevation of work surface for a seated or standing user.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/768,928 filed on Feb. 25, 2013, entitled “Ergonomic Adjustable Desktop.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to desks and office furniture items. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a new and novel desktop surface that can be raised and lowered from a work surface, allowing the keyboard and monitor height to be adjusted from the work surface for improved ergonomics. 
         [0004]    Many jobs in the modern economy require an individual to spend much of their day in a seated position and in front of a computer. The computer improves worker productivity, allows for rapid communication between distant parties, and facilitates the efficient creation of data or a platform for analyzing the same without requiring the user to engage in much physical exertion. With this improvement in productivity, however, comes with it the fact that the common computer user is sedentary and in a static body position for long periods of time. This positioning of the body and inactivity may not be ideal for the human body, and can lead to physical injuries over time. 
         [0005]    Work place ergonomics specialists and occupational health professionals analyze these types of work place environments and have developed many solutions for alleviating physical pain and for preventing common work place injuries related to office employees. These solutions include ergonomic furniture items such as specialized chairs and desks, as well as ergonomic computer equipment such as adjustable computer stands and shaped keyboards that prevent wrist injuries. These devices are varied in the art and relate to a means of adjusting the work environment or positioning the user such that physical injuries are prevented. These injuries most often include some form of back injury, wrist or shoulder injury, neck soreness or eyesight issues. 
         [0006]    The typical workday for many people requires that they sit at a desk, remaining seated for an extended period of time. This can decrease blood flow to extremities and cause soreness throughout the day. Over time, chronic problems, particularly in the back, can develop. In order to promote increased blood flow or stretch, many people leave their desk and take a short break. Wellness programs and workplace awareness campaigns exist for addressing these office maladies, however the most direct means of combating long term office injuries is furniture and computer peripherals that position the user in the most ergonomic and healthy body posture. 
         [0007]    The present invention describes a height adjustable computer stand that allows a user to elevate a computer monitor and peripheral items above a work surface, thereby improving the positioning thereof with respect to the user&#39;s seated or standing position. The device comprises an L-shaped frame having an upstanding rail and a base support member. Cantilevered from the upstanding rail is a horizontal platform that is adapted to support the load of a personal computer and office articles. The platform is slidably positioned along the rail and lockable thereto using a locking means. Overall, the device allows a user to elevate their work surface or position the same such that the user can maintain an optimum arm, back, and eye level, or alternatively accommodate a standing user. 
         [0008]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0009]    Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to work surfaces and adjustable furniture. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art. 
         [0010]    One such device in the prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,756 to Watson, which discloses a desk assembly having an adjustably-supported computer keyboard and monitor platform that can be adjusted to various heights with respect to the rest of the desk surface. The platforms are adjustable by way of a motor and associated motor bracket and threaded rod assemblies attached to the platform for controlling the platform height by way of electric motor action. In this way, the user can raise and lower the platforms with respect to the desk without physical input. The Watson device, while offering a means of adjusting the vertical position of a keyboard and monitor, discloses an assembly that functions in connection with a desk furniture item and is not suited for being utilized on any generic support surface, as contemplated herein. 
         [0011]    Another device is U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,148 to Hodge, which discloses a height adjustable support for desk top computer equipment, wherein a counterbalance mechanism is provided to assist with lifting and lowering the equipment. A drive shaft and a first and second energy storage device are utilized to provide a means of easily changing the height of a work surface supporting desk top equipment for the user. A frictional brake mechanism is also disclosed for controlling the work surface position during adjustment. While providing a counterbalance mechanism for a work surface lift, the Hodge device fails to contemplate the assembly of the present invention, which includes a simple, spring-biased platform for supporting work space equipment and peripherals. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,961 to Johnson discloses a height-adjustable work stand support having a pair of scissor lifts spaced apart from below the work surface for lifting or lowering its position with respect thereto. The pair of scissor lifts is synchronized and lifts a work surface above the base of the assembly by way of a threaded rod adjustment of the scissor lifts. While providing a means of lifting a surface, the Johnson device differs in functional elements and structure with respect to the present invention. 
         [0013]    Finally, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0248263 to Grotenhuis discloses a computer work desk that includes an upstanding mount having a pair of legs for support. Slidably positioned along the mount is a keyboard and mouse platform, which can further be tilted from the mount for improved ergonomics. Further disclosed are a self-leveling mechanism, an assisted adjustment system, and a braking control mechanism for controlling and repositioning the keyboard tray of the assembly. The Grotenhuis includes a complicated array of mechanical and electrical assemblies for the purposes of supporting a tray and moving it along a vertical mount. The present invention contemplates a purely mechanical device with an upstanding rail and locking mechanism for repositioning the work space platform of the assembly. 
         [0014]    The present invention discloses a new and novel office furniture article that is supported by an existing work surface and provides a means to elevate a user&#39;s computer and work area. The device is lockable and adjustable to accommodate both a seated and standing user, wherein the device is aimed at reducing work place injuries and improving office ergonomics. It is submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing adjustable work surface devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of office furniture articles now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new adjustable work surface device that can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when supporting a computer and desk articles in an elevated position for improved user ergonomics. 
         [0016]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved adjustable work surface device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0017]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable work surface device that is deployable from an existing work surface, whereby no installation or modification thereof is required prior to deployment. 
         [0018]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable work surface device that can support an office computer and its peripheral items, common work place items, and the user bearing down on the device without risk of collapsing the device during use. 
         [0019]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable work surface device that is securely lockable in a given position with respect to the underlying work area and provides an assisted means of adjustment that requires low levels of input from the user during changes in position. 
         [0020]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable work surface device that is of simple construction and offers a single degree of freedom, wherein the assembly can be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy that are commensurate with durability. 
         [0021]    Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the present invention, wherein its work surface platform is in its most elevated position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  shows view of the work surface platform from an underside perspective, wherein the preferred locking means is illustrated. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  shows a cross section of the platform tongue within the rail of the frame upper portion when in a locked position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  shows another view of the work surface platform from an underside perspective, wherein a second contemplated locking means is illustrated. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the adjustable work surface device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for elevating a work area for a seated or standing user in an office environment, wherein improved ergonomics and a reduced likelihood of injury is achieved. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of the adjustable work surface of the present invention. The device comprises an L-shaped frame having an upper frame portion  11  and a lower frame portion  21 . The upper frame portion  11  comprises a U-shaped assembly having a first and second upright member  12  connecting to an upper, horizontal member  13  that form an inverted “U”. The lower frame portion  21  comprises a substantially rectangular frame having side members  22  that are adapted to provide a widened base having sufficient weight to support the load of the frame and any anticipated working loads without tipping forward or rearward. Along the base of the upper frame portion  11 , the two frame portions are secured together to establish the overall L-shaped frame configuration that acts as a singular assembly when lifted and transported. 
         [0030]    Along the upright members  12  of the upper frame portion  11  is a first and second rail  14 . The rail  14  is an elongated slot that accepts a protruding tongue from the horizontal work space platform  31  extending therefrom. The work space platform  31  is connected to both rails  14  and is cantilevered from the upper frame portion  11 . The rails  14  preferably extend partially up the lengths of the upright members  12  in order to limit the upper extent with which the work space platform can be raise. However, it is contemplated that the rails  14  can extend fully upward along the upright members  12 . The upper surface  32  thereof provides a clean work area for supporting a personal computer and its peripherals thereon. The surface  32  may also be sufficiently large enough to accommodate a writing space and support work materials thereon for the standing or seated user. 
         [0031]    The work space platform  31  is supported below its upper surface  32  by way of a platform frame  33 . This frame  33  supports the rail tongue members that connect to the upstanding rails  14  and support the weight of the upper surface  32 , along with any articles placed thereon. The frame  33  comprises a substantially rectangular structure that is adapted to fit within the interior of the L-shaped frame lower portion  21  when the platform  31  is in its lowest position. In this way, the platform frame  33  and frame lower portion  21  share a common geometry and overlap one another to allow the platform upper surface  32  to descend as far as possible towards the underlying support surface while providing stable support therefor. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the internal spring mechanism  61  and the locking means  41  are illustrated. The internal spring mechanism  61  comprises an elongated spring that extends within and along each side member  22  of the frame upper portion  11  and connects to the work space platform  31  from within the member  22 . The spring biases the platform  31  away from the underlying work surface and the frame lower portion  21 , which facilitates lifting of the platform  31  and lifting of any contents thereon without straining. This is critical for those users with existing back injuries, wherein lifting and re-positioning of the platform  31  is facilitated with ease. 
         [0033]    The spring  61  preferably connects within the side members  22  towards the upper extent thereof to provide an upward force to assist the user when elevating the platform  31  along the rails  14 . The spring rate of the springs  61  are designed to offset the weight of the platform  31  and some anticipated load thereon; however the spring rate is not such that the platform  31  will move rapidly on its own without user input, but rather an assistive device that reduces the weight of the platform when lifting the same. This prevents injuries to the user who mishandles the platform, wherein the platform  31  is not overly biased to accelerate the platform  31  on its own. 
         [0034]    To lock the platform  31  into place along the rails  14  and to lock the spring  61  in a static position, a pair of locking means  41  are disposed under the platform  31  and adjacent to the rails  14 . The locking means  41  are preferably cam locks having a lever that clamps the platform tongue (not shown) and the base  34  of the platform against the rails  14  and against the frame upper portion  11 . The cam locks prevent the platform  31  from moving vertically along the rails  14  and allow the user to place objects thereon within fear of the platform shifting or lowering under the weight. When repositioning is desired, the locks  41  disengaged and the spring  61  assists the user lifting the platform  31 . When lowering the platform  31 , the user can place pressure on the upper surface  32  of the platform  31  to compress the spring  61 , whereafter the cam locks  41  can be re-engaged to lock the platform in a lowered position. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a view of the cam lock  41  of the present invention, which is situated below the platform surface  32  and within the platform frame  33 . The cam lock  41  includes a pull handle  42  that controls an armature within the platform frame  33 . As shown in the cross section of  FIG. 4 , the armature  18  connects to the tongue  19  of the platform, which is positioned within the rail  14  of the frame upright members  12 . The tongue  19  is drawn against the rail  14  surface by the armature  18 , which is controllably positioned by the cam lock. When in a locked position, the tongue  19  bears against the rail interior. The bearing of the tongue  19  within the frame is a frictional brake that prevents the tongue  19  from sliding within the rail  14  and sandwiches the upright member  12  between the tongue  19  and the base  34  of the platform. This prevents sliding motion (vertical motion) of the platform when the cam lock is engaged and in a locked position. When in an open position, cam lock releases the tongue  19  to slide within the interior of the rail  14 . 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown an alternate embodiment of the rail  14 . This embodiment, rather than locking the platform by way of a cam locking mechanism and frictional brake, allows the tongue to freely slide within the rail  14  and is locked into position using a spring pin  51  locking means. The spring pin  51  comprises a spring-loaded pin that engages a pin hole  52  along the rail length. A plurality of pin holes  52  are disposed therealong to allow the user to precisely locate the platform along the rail  14 , wherein the pitch of the pin holes  52  can sufficiently small to allow for many predefined lockable platform positions with respect to the lower frame portion. 
         [0037]    An alternative embodiment of the rail and tongue connection is a sliding joint attachment that includes roller bearings or rollers commonly deployed in drawered furniture items (drawer sliders). Use of roller bearings facilitates sliding motion of the platform along the frame upper portion and eliminates any binding. Overall, the connection between the work space platform and the frame upper portion is that of a translational joint, wherein the platform is free to be vertically positioned and movable in a single degree of freedom (translationally upwards or downwards). 
         [0038]    The present assembly is adapted to provide a ready means of elevating a work station above an existing work area, thereby enabling the user to position his or her computer and work surface in the most ergonomic position possible relative to his or her proportions. The device is ideal for elevating a desk that cannot otherwise articulate, for providing a means (even temporary means) of permitting standing work by the user, and further for providing a means of changing the work area on demand with minimal exertion from the user. This enables those with work place injuries, chronic pain, or those starting to have issues with an otherwise non-ergonomic work area to correct their environment for a more healthy work station. 
         [0039]    It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0040]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.