Abstract:
An ergonomic workstation with a reduced or minimal footprint comprises a modified treadmill component and a workstation component. In one embodiment, a substantial portion of the workstation&#39;s support structure fits under the treadmill component so that the overall footprint of the treadmill workstation is minimized. Additional lateral stability of the workstation component is ensured by its proximal location under the heavy treadmill component. A vertical support extends from the base of the workstation component and supports a vertically oriented desk and monitor. In another embodiment, a single vertical workstation support enables adjustability at more than one point. Because both the screen and the desk are connected to the single vertical support, a user may quickly adjust both the desk surface and the viewing monitor to appropriate, individually tailored heights with minimum effort. Once these adjustments are accomplished, the user may simultaneously type on a keyboard at a customized desk height, view a screen at customized eye level, and walk on the treadmill and reduce stress to the user&#39;s body.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/366,968, filed Jul. 23, 2010. The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/366,968, filed Jul. 23, 2010, is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure generally relates to office furniture, and more specifically, to office furniture with ergonomic adjustability that also functions as exercise equipment and a workstation. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0003]    A traditional office environment, which is one where the employee spends a large portion of a typical workday seated working behind a desk, has produced a largely sedentary workforce. This suggests that the office environment may be harmful and that a lack of exercise could actually cause chronic, costly, and debilitating diseases. 
         [0004]    Moderate exercise each day could improve and increase employee productivity, while reducing the risk of chronic and debilitating diseases. To burn calories and stay fit is a tough challenge for the modern office worker. Most people whose work does not entail considerable physical exertion are fully aware that they would enjoy better health if they exercised more. But with the five-day work week, oftentimes only the weekends provide the free time for this. 
         [0005]    Office cardio exercise can be a solution for many employers who desire to cut costs and improve workplace productivity and employees interested in improving their overall health and work related performance and effectiveness. Furthermore, employee exercise could boost endorphin levels, relieving stress and providing a boost to their self-confidence, which could benefit job performance. As a result, office employees may benefit greatly from an in-office exercise program. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0006]    Briefly described herein are a plurality of embodiments of an ergonomic workstation (i.e. an article of furniture) for incorporating performance of work related activities while at the same allowing the user to exercise. The workstation may be considered a single structure that may interface with an exercise element or the ergonomic workstation may be considered the combination of the single structure workstation in combination with the exercise element (i.e. an exercise platform). The exercise element may be a treadmill, a stationary cycle, an elliptical stepping machine, or any substantially similar stationary exercise device. The workstation, or article of furniture, further comprises a substantially flat base having a first portion sized and configured to engage with a lower surface of the exercise platform, wherein the base further comprises a receiving area for a central processing unit. The article of furniture also comprises a support structure extending from a second portion of the base and arranged toward a first end of an exercise element, the support structure having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is attached to the base and the support structure is able to telescope in a vertical direction. A work platform is attached to the support structure and a viewing monitor is attached to the support structure. The viewing monitor is generally located at about the proximal end but the monitor may be adjustable between the proximal end and the work platform. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment. a workstation comprises a support base in operative communication with an exercise device, the support base comprising an elongate tongue to engage with a base of the exercise element, wherein the elongate tongue may have an adjustable length and width to secure the base to the exercise element. A generally vertical hollow telescoping support structure extends from the base upward and has a first end attached to the base and a second end opposite the first end. A work platform, which is adjustable or movable is attached to the support structure and a viewing monitor, which is adjustable or movable is attached to the support structure at about the second end, wherein the monitor is vertically adjustable between the second end and the work platform. A plurality of electrical connections extending from at least the viewing monitor through the hollow support structure to a central processing unit supported on the base. 
         [0008]    Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description that follows. These additional features and advantages will in part be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description, or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description and aspects of the disclosure that follows, as well as the appended drawings. 
         [0009]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are merely exemplary of preferred embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the exemplary embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0010]    The components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Reference characters designating corresponding components are repeated as necessary throughout the figures for the sake of consistency and clarity. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an ergonomic workstation according to a first embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2A  is another isometric view of the ergonomic workstation of  FIG. 1  illustrating an interface between a workstation and an exercise element. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2B  is another isometric view of the ergonomic workstation of  FIG. 1  illustrating an arrangement between the workstation, the exercise element and a central processing unit. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of an ergonomic workstation according to a second embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a side view of an ergonomic workstation according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a side view of an ergonomic workstation according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of an ergonomic workstation according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of an ergonomic workstation according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of an ergonomic workstation according to a seventh embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of an ergonomic workstation according to an eighth embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of an ergonomic workstation according to a ninth embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of a plurality of ergonomic workstations according to any embodiment as disclosed herein. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is an isometric view of an ergonomic workstation according to a tenth embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of an ergonomic workstation according to a eleventh embodiment of the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     General Discussion of an Ergonomic Workstation 
       [0025]    An ergonomic workstation design is disclosed having a treadmill component or exercise element in combination with a working area where the two cooperatively interface but with have no significant physical connection between the exercise element and the working area. As is disclosed, it will be understood by the skilled artisan that the term “treadmill component” may also mean stationary bicycle, stationary rowing machine, stationary elliptical stepping machine or any stationary exercise component wherein the user may exercise and accomplish a non-exercise related activity (i.e. tasks related to employment or work) concurrently. The term “working area” used throughout this disclosure is understood to mean a location where one performs work, such as a desk or workspace. The low profile of the workstation optimizes the use of space by minimizing the workstation&#39;s footprint and by eliminating any unnecessary supports surrounding the treadmill component. The term “low profile” used throughout this disclosure is understood to mean that the profile of the workstation (i.e. the workstation size, workstation aspect ratio, workstation weight and workstation footprint) have been reduced. The workstation design further conceals and secures components and wires or connections, and the workstation provides multiple daily users with quick and efficient means of adjusting both the height of the work area relative to the treadmill component and the height of a viewing screen relative to at least the height of the work area. Thus allowing each user to work and exercise at their respective optimum mobile-working posture. The ergonomic workstation allows a user to exercise while performing non-exercise related tasks. 
         [0026]    Depending on the type of work the user is performing, the user is often required to adjust their head, shoulder, and arm positions while working at the workstation. The present ergonomic workstation affords the user the flexibility to ergonomically adjust the workstation&#39;s viewing monitor to his standing eye level, as well as the work area to his appropriate and comfortable typing level, may eliminate straining the back or neck. Further, by using the present ergonomically adjustable workstation design, the user may experience better posture, health, and enjoy the benefits of daily exercise while at work. 
         [0027]    Employers providing ergonomically adjustable workstations and employees using with ergonomically adjustable treadmill workstations will reap rewards in decreased healthcare cost and realize improvement in morale and health. A single, easily and quickly adjustable workstation is cost effective because it can rapidly adjusted to accommodate a wide variety of unique users in a given day as well as a wide variety of body types in a given day. Common computer networks, wifi networks and wireless technologies may allow many users to access their respective workloads from the same computer throughout the day. As an example, an employer may only need to provide one adjustable workstation for every five employees. This is in stark contrast to prior workstation designs, which are bulky and take up excessive space. The present design presents a minimized footprint without loosing functionality. This workstation may be unobtrusively featured in the common areas of offices, in gyms, or in a variety of other facilities where space must be conserved. 
         [0028]    The benefits of working at an ergonomic treadmill workstation are superior to the traditional sedentary work-style that most employees struggle with today. Record numbers of chronic back pain sufferers, a dramatic rise in the prevalence of obesity among office workers, and the rising cost of corporate healthcare, all suggest that the sedentary method of office work is harmful. The human body is designed to spend the majority of its time upright and in motion. 
         [0029]    The present workstation disclosed herein allows quick and efficient adjustment of the viewing monitor to standing eye level, and adjustment of the work area to an optimum level for typing while walking. The workstation is space saving and more stable than previous designs. The present invention allows a user to maintain a healthier mobile posture than any previous workstation design. 
         [0030]    Designs for both treadmill workstations and space saving standalone vertically oriented computer stations are now common in the field of office furniture. The desire to save space brought about many designs for vertically oriented computer workstations. For example, as discussed in U.S. Pat. 6,298,794 to Brown, a vertically adjustable computer workstation with a single telescoping support is disclosed. However, single support workstations have failed to be significantly implemented into the real world because of a significant drawback, i.e. all single support computer workstation designs suffer from a high center of gravity and fail to provide a workstation that is safe and laterally stable enough for day to day use in the workplace. 
         [0031]    The common single support workstation that can accommodate standing users typically supports the work area and viewing monitor with a base that occupies an excessive amount of space. The large base, which is required to sufficiently stabilize a single support workstation, poses a tripping hazard to users and can substantially negate the space saving benefits of the workstation itself. 
         [0032]    In the present disclosure, a treadmill workstation design that integrates a treadmill with a single support computer workstation solves both problems associated with standard vertically oriented workstations. In this design, the large space that was previously required for stabilization of the workstation is substantially transformed into a useful exercise component. In addition, sufficient stability of the single support workstation is ensured by its integration with a heavy, stable treadmill. 
         [0033]    Many of the prior art workstations are not practical for use in a public or semi public place such as a workout facility or a common area in an office complex. Previous designs fail to present an effective way for a user to adjust both the screen height of his monitor and the height of his desk to his preferences in a quick manner that will not take excessive time from his workout. Rapid adjustability of the viewing monitor and work area is a desired feature in a situation where several people use the same workstation throughout the day. Also, neither present an ability to conceal component connections (i.e. electrical wires) or secure the computer and monitor portion of the workstation. Thus, components of previous designs are significantly susceptible to tampering or theft. 
         [0034]    Additionally, previous designs are unsuited for public, or semi-public spaces because of their excessive footprint. Excessive clutter proximate the sides of the treadmill from the support structure presents additional danger to the user of the workstation. For example, a user may need to dismount a moving treadmill workstation quickly to avoid injury. As another example, a user may impact or contact unnecessary lateral supports (i.e. during dismount) and suffer serious injury. Thus, a traditional desk with sides or a desk with any type of support that occupy a footprint on either side of the treadmill, poses additional and undesirable risk. 
         [0035]    Some prior art workstations feature a treadmill workstation design wherein the treadmill component and the workstation component are significantly structurally connected. Practically speaking, a significant connection between the two components causes an undesirable transfer of motion from the feet of a user, into the treadmill, and then into the workstation component. This transfer can cause undesirable shaking or vibration of a monitor screen or a keyboard that is supported by the workstation. The transfer of motion throughout a traditional treadmill workstation significantly impairs a user&#39;s ability to concentrate on their work. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    The present disclosure is directed to a workstation for use in an office environment or exercise facility environment. Another aspect of the present disclosure is the use of a workspace in a private or semi-private environment. Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to office furniture that incorporates aspects of exercise equipment. Although disclosed primarily within the context of a workstation for use in an office environment, the skilled artisan will recognize that the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to a workstation for use in an office environment, but extend to a workstation used in combination with a stationary exercise element, such as a treadmill, a stationary bicycle or elliptical stepping machine, wherein the user may perform specified non-exercise related tasks while exercising, in a variety of environments. 
         [0037]    The workstation is an ergonomic workstation and is therefore concerned with the “fit” between people and their technological tools and environments. The workstation takes account of the user&#39;s capabilities and limitations in seeking to ensure that tasks, equipment, information and the environment suit each user by offering components that are easily and quickly adjustable to best match the user&#39;s particular preferences. Further, the workstation functions to be used in concert with a stationary exercise element so a user (i.e. an employee) may be able to continue performing non-exercise related activities while at the same time exercising. It is anticipated that the workstation will be sufficiently “universal” in connectivity with the exercise element such that the workstation will be compatible and usable with a wide variety of exercise elements manufactured by a wide variety of manufacturers. 
         [0038]    It is understood that the ergonomic workstation as disclosed in this document may mean a stand alone structure (see  FIG. 1 , workstation  2 ) or the stand alone structure in combination with an exercise element (see  FIG. 1 , exercise element  12 ). For example, the ergonomic workstation is considered to be the combination of the workstation  2  with the exercise element  12  when the user is exercising while performing non-exercise related activities. 
         [0039]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a workstation  2  having a flat base  4 , a support structure  18 , a workspace  24  and a viewing monitor  26 . The flat base  4  comprises a flat base first portion  6  and a flat base receiving portion  8 . The flat base first portion  6  may further comprise at least one support feature  10 . As illustrated, the support feature  10  is a pair of support features  10  that engage with, cooperate with and/or interface with an exercise element first end  14  of an exercise element  12 . As illustrated, the exercise element  12  is a treadmill exercise element  12 . In some embodiments, the support features  10  engage with an exercise element base  16  and secure (i.e. maintain contact between or secure in a substantially fixed position) the workstation  2  and exercise element  12  together. The flat base receiving portion  8  is arranged toward one end of the flat base  4  and may provide a support location for a computer central processing unit (CPU)  28 . 
         [0040]    The support structure  18  has a first end  20  and a second end  22 . And as illustrated, may be a generally vertical support structure  18 , although it is not required that the support structure  18  be generally vertical. The support structure  18  may be generally cylindrical in cross section; however, other cross sectional shapes may be suitable and may depend on the particular application. The first end  22  is arranged proximate the flat base  4  and is attached to the flat base  4 . The manner of attachment of the first end  20  to the flat base  4  may be by any means that provides a secure and robust connection between the two elements. For example, the attachment means may be a mechanical attachment means such as a welded joint, a brazed joint, or a bolted joint. In some embodiments, the attachment means may be by interference fit between the first end  20  and the flat base  4 . In other embodiments, the attachment means may be an attachment means that permits relative motion, such as, for example, rotation or pivoting, between the first end  20  and the flat base  4 . In yet other embodiments, the support structure  18  and the flat base  4  may be fabricated or cast as a single element. 
         [0041]    Disposed along the support structure  18 , between the first and  20  and the second end  22  are a work platform  24  and a viewing monitor  26 . The work platform  24  may be a substantially flat work platform  24  that has a substantially horizontal work surface  27 . The work surface  27  is the location where a user may perform non-exercise related activities, such as, for example, work activities associated with the user&#39;s employment. The viewing monitor  26  is arranged to be substantially vertical and may be arranged closer to the second end  22  than the work platform  24 . The work platform  24  and the viewing monitor  26  may be attached to the support structure  18  by any appropriate means, including rigid and non-rigid, or flexible means of attachment. Also, the work platform  24  and the viewing monitor  26  may be attached to the support structure  18  by any suitable adjustable means such as adjustable clips, adjustable flanges, quick release and locking devices, or any attachment mechanism that satisfies requirements of the environment. Ideally, the viewing monitor will be adjustable to a height that is convenient for the user to view and the work platform may also be adjustable to a height that is convenient for the user to perform non-exercise related work or activities. 
         [0042]    In use, the workstation  2  and exercise element  12  are brought together by moving the workstation  2  toward the exercise element  12  in a direction  32  until the support structure  18  of the workstation is proximate the first end  14  of the exercise element  12 . The workstation  2  may attach or connect to the exercise element  12  to secure the components  2 ,  12  together. The support features  10  of the workstation  2  may engage with the exercise element  12  by, for example, bolting to the exercise element  12 ; or the weight of the exercise element  12  may secure the workstation  2  in a proper position, which is understood to be a position having sufficient clearance in direction  32  between the workstation  2  and exercise element  12  and sufficient support for the workstation  2  to remain stationary and not susceptible to excessive interaction, such as, for example, vibration, impulse, or shock with the exercise element  12  during use. A damping material  30  may be placed between an upper surface of the support features  10  and the exercise element base  16 . It is anticipated that vibration, oscillatory loads, and/or impulsive loads may be transferred from the exercise element  12  to the workstation and the damping material may reduce or minimize some of the load. A damping system may be used in addition to or instead of a damping material. The damping system may include shock absorbing elements to dissipate the load applied to the workstation  2  by the exercise element  12 . 
         [0043]    After properly adjusting the workstation (i.e. adjusting the viewing monitor height and the work platform height) the user may engage with the exercise element  12  and begin exercising. While exercising, the user may begin performing non-exercise related work on the work platform  24 . The workstation  2  is designed to provide the user with the ability to work comfortable as well as simultaneously exercise. 
         [0044]      FIG. 2A  is an isometric view of the workstation  2  of  FIG. 1  illustrating an interface between the workstation  2  and an exercise element  12 . The exercise element  12  may have a plurality of support pads  34  that support the exercise element  12  above a floor. The support pads  34  are spaced apart and the support features  10  of the flat base  2  may be sized to fit between the support pads  34 , within the base acceptance zone. The base acceptance zone may be defined by other features, including, for example, elongated support pads  34 ′ attached to the underside of the exercise element  12  or a recess  34 ″ found directly in the underside of the exercise element  12 . The receiving portion  8  of the flat base  4  has a receiving portion width  44  and the flat base  4  has a engaged length  36  that engages with the exercise element  12  to maintain the position of the workstation  2  relative the exercise element  12 . The support features  10  may have a support feature width  42  and support feature length  38 . A width  40  between the support features  10  is such that that workstation  2  is stable. In fact the engaged length  36 , the support feature width  42 , the width  40  between support features  10  and the receiving portion width  44  are determined so each component of the flat base  4  (i.e. the support features  10 , the receiving portion  8  and the flat base first portion  6 ) function together to adequately support the work platform  24  and the viewing monitor  26  of the workstation  2  so the user may safely, effectively and efficiently perform non-exercise related tasks while using the workstation  2 . The flat base  4  further comprises rounds  46  or chamfers  46  arranged near an end of the receiving portion  8  of the flat base  4 . In addition to being an aesthetic feature, the rounds  46  may at least function to reduce the footprint of the workstation  2 . The rounds  46  may be sized to accommodate a support location for the CPU  28  (see  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  9 ). A exercise element clearance  48  is a distance between the receiving portion width  44  and an overall width of the exercise element  12 . 
         [0045]    The first end  20  of the support structure  18  is seen in the flat base  4 . The first end  20  may or may not extend completely through the receiving portion  8  of the flat base  4  and the extent to which the first end  20  does extend through the flat base may depend upon the type of attachment means used to affix the first end  20  to the flat base  4 . 
         [0046]    As illustrated, the exercise element supports  34  will raise the exercise element base  16  off a surface the workstation  2  and workstation are resting upon. In some embodiments, a support height  35  may be almost the same as a flat base height  5 , with the flat base height being sufficiently greater than the support height  35 , thereby assuring that the weight of the exercise element  12  may partially secure the workstation  2  in the proper position. Additional connections or attachments may be used to workstation  2  to the exercise element  12 . A partial list of connections or connection elements may at least include clamps, bolts, pins, welded connections, screws, chemical bonds or adhesives, and combinations thereof. It will be understood by the skilled artisan that the connection should be sufficient to secure the workstation  2  and exercise element  12  in place relative to each other, but should be not such a rigid connection that any motion or load generated while using the exercise element  12  is transferred to the workstation  2 . Furthermore, the weight of the exercise element  12  alone may be sufficient to secure the workstation  2  and exercise element  12  in place relative to each other. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2B  is an isometric view of the ergonomic workstation of  FIG. 1 . A back of the workstation  2  is illustrated and shows more clearly the relation between the support structure  18  and the first end  14  of the exercise element  12 . The work platform  24  is attached to the support structure  18  through a passage in the work platform  24 . The passage may be arranged anywhere on the work platform  24  as necessary. The viewing monitor  26  is also attached to the support structure  18 . As illustrated, an upper portion of the support structure  18  that the viewing monitor  26  is attached to is smaller in diameter that a lower portion of the support structure  18 . In some embodiments, the support structure may be telescopic to allow for easy and rapid adjustment (see  FIG. 8 ). The CPU  28  is shown adjacent the receiving portion  8  of the flat base  4 . In some embodiments, the receiving portion  8  will extend to support the CPU  28  (see  FIG. 4 ). It is anticipated that the work platform  24  and the viewing monitor  26  will be able to swivel  37  about the support structure  18 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  an isometric view of an ergonomic workstation according to a second embodiment of the disclosure. The workstation  2  comprises a substantially flay base  4  having a receiving portion  8  and support features  10 ′. The receiving portion  8  is intended to support a CPU (not shown) and provide some of the stability for the workstation  2 . The support features  10 ′ extend at least partly along an outer perimeter of an exercise element  12  and also provide stability for the workstation  2 . A generally vertical support structure  18  extends from the substantially flat base  4  to a specified height, which may depend on the particular application. The generally vertical support structure  18  may be cylindrical in cross section, though it is not required to be cylindrical in cross section. For this particular embodiment, and for any embodiment disclosed herein, the support structure  18  may be hollow. Electrical connections  50  may extend through the support structure  18  from a viewing monitor  26  or peripheral equipment (i.e. a keyboard, an electrical power surge protector, USB connections, and the like) supported by a work platform  24 . Furthermore, the support structure  18  may have at least one power plug arranged on an exterior surface for the user to plug their own equipment in to charge or use). A plurality of USB connections that connect with the CPU may also be located on the exterior surface of the support structure  18 . This may facilitate connecting other types of peripheral equipment to the workstation for use, for example, such as personal digital assistants (PDA), MP3 players and cellular phones The electrical connections  50  may exit the support structure  18  toward the flat base  4  for easy connection or accessibility to a CPU or external power supply, such as a standard electrical outlet. It is convenient and desired to enclose the electrical connections  50  within the support structure  18  for safety (i.e. un-cluttering the workstation environment) and may reduce the likelihood of theft. 
         [0049]    The viewing monitor  26  has a viewing monitor upper surface  52  and a viewing monitor lower surface  54 , the distance between the two establishing a viewing monitor height  56 . The viewing monitor  26  is sufficiently adjustable so a center of the viewing monitor height  56  is properly positioned to allow the user to work comfortable and efficiently, i.e. ergonomically. The viewing monitor may be adjusted using any means that provides the required range of motion and ease of use. For example, the viewing monitor may be adjusted using a rack and pinion gear system, a locking telescopic mechanism, a swage lock mechanism, a clamping mechanism, a quick release mechanism, an adjustable locking sleeve, and the like. 
         [0050]      FIG. 4  is a side view of an ergonomic workstation according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. The workstation  2  has a substantially flat base  4  that comprises a receiving portion  8  and a support feature  10 ″. A support pad  34  of an exercise element  12  is arranged on top of the support feature  10  and secures the position of the workstation  2  relative the exercise element  12 . The workstation  2  further comprises a support structure  18  having a first end  20  and a second end  22 . The first end  20  extends from the flat base  4  and is affixed to the flat base  4 . A work platform  24  is disposed along the support structure  18  and comprises at least one support strut  58 . The support strut functions to provide additional support and stability to the work platform  24 . A viewing monitor  26  is also disposed along the support structure  18  and is arranged toward the second end  22  of the support structure  18 . The support structure  18  may be hollow and provide a conduit for a plurality of electrical connections  50  extending from one end of the support structure  18  to the other. A CPU  28  may be placed on the receiving portion  8  of the flat base  4 . This offers the advantage of proper placement of the CPU  28  relative to the workstation  2  and exercise element  12 . An exterior surface of the support structure  18  is arranged proximate a first end  14  of the exercise element  12  and spaced sufficiently from the first end  14  of the exercise element  12  so the exterior surface and the first end  14  do not contact each other during use. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the exterior surface of the support structure  18  to be in direct contact with the first end  14  of the exercise element  12  to provide necessary structural support and stability. 
         [0051]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a workstation according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure. The workstation  2  has a substantially flat base  4  that comprises a receiving portion  8  and a support feature  10 . At least one of the receiving portion  8 , or the support features  10 , may engage with an exercise element base  16  to provide connection between the workstation  2  and the exercise element  12 . A support pad  34  of the exercise element  12  is arranged adjacent the support feature  10 . The workstation  2  further comprises a support structure  18  having a first end  20  and a second end  22 . The first end  20  extends from the flat base  4  and is affixed to the flat base  4 . A work platform  24  is disposed along the support structure  18  and comprises at least one support strut  58 . The support strut functions to provide additional support and stability to the work platform  24 . A viewing monitor  26  is also disposed along the support structure  18  and is arranged toward the second end  22  of the support structure  18 . The support structure  18  may be hollow and provide a conduit for a plurality of electrical connections  50  extending from one end of the support structure  18  to the other. A CPU  28  may be placed on the receiving portion  8  of the flat base  4  a specified distance  68  from an exterior surface of the support structure  18 . 
         [0052]    The work platform  24  has a horizontal reference line  60  and the viewing monitor has a horizontal reference line  61 . The work platform may be angularly adjusted in plane to a work platform angle  64  and the viewing monitor may be adjusted in plane to a viewing monitor angle  62 . The work platform angle  64  and the viewing monitor angle  62  may be adjusted to a convenient position by the user to achieve a comfortable working position and a comfortable exercise position. These positions will vary depending on the user&#39;s own body dimensions. The distance between the viewing monitor horizontal line  61  and the work platform horizontal line  60  establishes a vertical spacing  66  between the 2 elements. The viewing monitor  26  may be moved independently of the work platform  24 , or they may be moved together by a fixed ratio, or they may be moved together by a variable ratio. In some embodiments, the vertical spacing  66  may be optimized to a single setting, thereby accommodating a wide variety of users. Some exemplary fixed ratios may be 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 2.5:1, 3.5:1, 4.5:1, where the first or second number of the ratio may be either the work platform  24  or the viewing monitor  26 . 
         [0053]    Furthermore, the viewing monitor  26  and the work platform may be rotated out of plane about an axis parallel with the support structure  18 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of an ergonomic workstation according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosure. The workstation  2  comprises a pair of support features  10 ′″ and a pair of support legs  70 , each support leg extending from the support feature  10 ′″. An exercise element  12  having an exercise element support  34  may rest on the support feature  10  to at least stabilize and secure the workstation  2  to a floor and preserve a spatial relationship between the workstation and the exercise element  12 . The weight of the exercise element  12  will at least secure the workstation  2  to the floor and may prevent unwanted vibration or shaking of the workstation  2  while in use. A work platform  24  is attached to an end of each support leg  70  and provides a substantially horizontal work space. A support structure  18  extends vertically from the work platform  24  and a viewing monitor  26  is disposed toward a distal end of the support structure  18 . Support struts  58  provide further support between the work platform  24  and the support legs  70 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of an ergonomic workstation according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosure. The workstation  2  comprises a pair of support features  10 ′″ and a pair of support legs  70 , each support leg  70  extending from the support feature  10 ″. The support features  10 ′″ as illustrated are arranged adjacent an end of an exercise element  12  and the support features  10 ′″ are sized and configured to adequately support the workstation  2 . 
         [0056]    A horizontal member  72  extends between support legs  70  and a substantially vertical support structure  18  extends from the horizontal member. The support structure  18  is arranged proximate a center of the horizontal member  72 , and the support structure  18  is generally cylindrical in cross section. The support structure  18  may be a telescoping support structure  18  having a telescoping member  19  that is in a telescoping relation with the support structure  18 . The structural support  18  and the telescoping member  19  function to allow a variety of different height adjustments in a vertical direction. The support structure  18  and telescoping member  19  may be hollow and function as a conduit to contain and direct a plurality of electrical connections  50  extending through telescoping element  19   
         [0057]    A work platform  24  may be disposed along the structural support  18  and may be secured or attached to either the structural support  18  or the telescoping member  19  using any of the means discussed herein. A viewing monitor may be disposed along the telescoping member  19  and may be secured or attached to the telescoping member  19  using any of the means discussed herein. The telescoping operability of the support structure  18  and telescoping member  19  may provide quick and easy vertical adjustment of the work platform  24  and the viewing element  26 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a workstation according to a seventh embodiment of the disclosure. The workstation  2  comprises a generally vertical telescoping support structure  18  having telescoping members  19  and  19 ′. The support structure  18  extends from a first end  14  of an exercise element  12  and the support structure  18  and telescoping members  19 ,  19 ′ may be hollow and circular in cross section. A circular cross section may allow relative rotation of the support structure  18  and telescoping members  19 ,  19 ′. The support structure  18  may be attached or in communication with the exercise element  12  via any suitable method discussed herein, such as, for example, an interference fit, a welded joint, a bolted or pinned joint, or a chemical bond or adhesive. A work platform  24  may be disposed along the structural support  18  and may be secured or attached to either the structural support  18  or the telescoping members  19 ,  19 ′ using any of the means discussed herein. A viewing monitor may be disposed along the telescoping member  19 ,  19 ′ and may be secured or attached to the telescoping member  19 ,  19 ′ using any of the means discussed herein. The telescoping operability of the support structure  18  and telescoping member  19 ,  19 ′ may provide quick and easy vertical adjustment of the work platform  24  and the viewing element  26 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of an ergonomic workstation according to an eighth embodiment of the disclosure. The workstation  2  comprises a generally flat base  4 , a support structure  18  extending from the flat base  4 , a work platform  24  disposed along the support structure and a viewing monitor  26  attached toward a distal end of the support structure  18 . The flat base  4  may be generally rectangular and is sized and configured to interface or engage with an exercise element  12  such that the workstation  2  will remain securely positioned relative the exercise element  12 . The flat base  4  may engage with or be connected to the exercise element by any of the methods disclosed herein. 
         [0060]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of an ergonomic workstation according to an ninth embodiment of the disclosure. The workstation  2  comprises a support structure  18  extending from a first end  14  of an exercise element  12 . A work platform  24  and a second work platform  25  are disposed along the support structure  18 . A separate viewing monitor  26  may be supported by either the work platform  24  or the second work platform  25 . The support structure  18  may be hollow and generally circular in cross section. Both of the work platforms  24 ,  25  may be attached or connected with the structural support  18  via any means disclosed herein. 
         [0061]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of a plurality of ergonomic workstations according to any embodiment as disclosed herein. The ergonomic workstations (the combination of the workstations  2  with the exercise elements  12 ) may be located at a work facility, an exercise facility, or any location where the user desires to perform non-exercise related functions while simultaneously exercising. Each workstation  2  is arranged proximate its respective exercise element  12  so the user may work and exercise simultaneously. 
         [0062]      FIG. 12  is an isometric view of an ergonomic workstation (i.e. a combined workstation  2  and exercise element  12 ) according to a tenth embodiment of the disclosure. The workstation  2  comprises a support structure  18  affixed to, cooperating with and/or interfacing with and extending from an exercise element  12 . A work platform  24  and viewing monitor  26  are disposed along the support structure  18 . The workstation  2  as illustrated may be a workstation of many of the embodiments disclosed herein. A first ramp  74  is arranged adjacent the exercise element  12  and a second ramp  76  is arranged adjacent the first ramp  74 . The first ramp  74  and second ramp  76  may be used by user to easily roll a chair  78  onto or off of the exercise element  12 . For example, the user may be performing non-exercise related work at the work platform  24  while seated on the exercise element  12 . If the user desires to continue performing non-exercise related work while exercising on the exercise element  12 , the user may roll the chair  78  down the first ramp  74  and the second ramp  76 , make the necessary height adjustments to the work platform  24  and viewing monitor  26  and begin exercising. When the user has completed exercising, the user may return the work platform  24  and viewing monitor  26  of the workstation  2  to a preferential height setting for performing non-exercise related work, return the chair to the exercise element  12  via the first and second ramps  74 ,  76 , and continue with the non-exercise related work. Alternatively, a removable hard surface cover may be placed over the exercise element  12  to facilitate use of the chair  78 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of an ergonomic workstation (i.e. a combined workstation  2  and exercise element  12 ) according to a eleventh embodiment of the disclosure. The workstation  2  comprises a support structure  12  affixed to and extending from an exercise element  12 . A work platform  24  and viewing monitor  26  are disposed along the support structure  18 . The workstation  2  as illustrated may be a workstation of many of the embodiments disclosed herein. First ramp elements  80 , second ramp elements  82  and third ramp elements  84  are arranged adjacent the exercise element  12  and may completely surround the exercise element  12 . The ramp elements  80 ,  82 ,  84  may be used by user to easily roll a chair  78  onto or off of the exercise element  12 . For example, the user may be performing non-exercise related work at the work platform  24  while seated on the exercise element  12 . If the user desires to continue performing non-exercise related work while exercising on the exercise element  12 , the user may roll the chair  78  down the ramp elements  80 ,  82 ,  84  and off the exercise element  12 , make the necessary height adjustments to the work platform  24  and viewing monitor  26  and begin exercising. When the user has completed exercising, the user may return the work platform  24  and viewing monitor  26  of the workstation  2  to a preferential height setting for performing non-exercise related work, return the chair to the exercise element  12  via the ramp elements  80 ,  82 ,  84 , and continue with the non-exercise related work. Alternatively, a removable hard surface cover may be placed over the exercise element  12  to facilitate use of the chair  78 . 
         [0064]    In many of the aforementioned embodiments, the work platform  24  and the viewing monitor  26  may be rotatably disposed on the support structure  18  so a user no longer wanting to exercise while performing non-exercise related activities may rotate both the work platform  24  and the viewing monitor  26  an angular amount ranging from about 30 degrees to about 180 degrees. 
         [0065]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.