Patent Description:
Modern workplace environments and work stations, as well as the demands for mobility and body positioning are vastly changed from earlier workplaces, where desks and chairs were provided to support workers in typically upright seating postures. Modern workplaces are adapting both sitting and standing worker positions allowing user mobility and range of motion to facilitate job tasks.

Providing the option to either sit or stand at a workstation can allow a user to alternate working positions, preventing injury due to being set in a specific position over an entire day. While workstations (e.g., tables or desks) with a raise and lower mechanism are available, these can be expensive and are not ideal for each environment. Convertible platforms that are placed on top of a user's standard sitting desk are also available, however these are designed for stationary use, decreasing their flexibility and flexibility in the workplace environment. <CIT> discloses means for enabling articles such as typewriters, sewing machines, or other apparatus to be stowed and presented for access.

In an example not according to the invention, a height adjustable work surface includes a platform and a height adjustment assembly moveably connected to the platform. A leg assembly is connected to the height adjustment assembly and moveably connected to the platform. The leg assembly is moveable between a raised position and a lowered position. A locking assembly is moveably connected to the platform. The locking assembly is configured to engage the height adjustment assembly to selectively secure the leg assembly in the raised position and the lowered position. The locking assembly includes a handle and a latch. At least a portion of the latch is moveable between a first position and a second position. The latch includes a gravity actuated lockout mechanism configured to prevent movement of the latch to the second position unless the platform is in a normal operating orientation.

In a further example not according to the invention, a height adjustable work surface includes a platform and a height adjustment assembly moveably connected to the platform. A leg assembly is connected to the height adjustment assembly and moveably connected to the platform. The leg assembly is moveable between a raised position and a lowered position. A handle is moveably connected to the platform. The handle is configured to engage the height adjustment assembly to selectively secure the leg assembly in the raised position and the lowered position. A latch is connected to the platform. At least a portion of the latch is moveable between a first position configured to engage the handle and a second position configured to allow the handle to pass around the latch. The latch includes a lockout mechanism configured to be automatically engaged and disengaged based on the orientation of the platform. When the lockout mechanism is engaged it prevents movement of the to the second position.

A height adjustable work surface is provided according to claim <NUM>.

The aspects and features of various exemplary embodiments will be more apparent from the description of those exemplary embodiments taken with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Various exemplary embodiments described herein are directed to a height adjustable work surface. Various structural features and alternative embodiments can be incorporated into the height adjustable work surface, for example as shown in <CIT> and <CIT>.

In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a height adjustable desktop riser work surface includes a platform <NUM>, a leg assembly <NUM>, a height adjustment assembly <NUM>, and a locking assembly <NUM>. The desktop riser is configured to be positioned on a horizontal surface, such as an existing desk or table. The platform forms a surface to support a user's work material (e.g., keyboards, computers, papers, etc.) between a raised, standing position (<FIG>), a lowered, desk level position (<FIG>), and a number of intermediate positions (e.g., <FIG>) as desired. The desktop riser can be configured so that the leg structure is always aligned with a midpoint of the platform C1 as it is raised and lowered, preventing the desktop riser from cantilevering out toward the user. For example, the midpoint or center of mass of the platform <NUM> can be aligned with a pivotal connection in the leg assembly <NUM> through which the legs are raised and lowered.

As best shown in the lowered position of <FIG>, top or working surface of the platform <NUM> slopes downwardly toward the user. Stated another way, the height of the platform <NUM> decreases toward the user. For example, the height of the platform <NUM> slopes toward the support surface from the rear to the front of the platform along a line L1. In an exemplary embodiment the height of the platform <NUM> has a <NUM> degree angle toward the user. The slope of the platform <NUM> working surface reduces the height/ thickness at the front edge of the platform to minimize the user's need to raise their arms higher than necessary and to avoid pressure points at the edge of the platform <NUM>. The platform <NUM> also can include a downward radiused front edge detail, further reducing any potential pressure points on the user's forearms. In the lowered position, the leg assembly <NUM> is tucked into a cavity in the platform <NUM> to provide a low profile in appearance and use.

As best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the platform <NUM> can include a main body <NUM>, an outer cover <NUM>, and an inner cover <NUM>. The main body <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and an outer rim <NUM> raised from and surrounding at least a portion of the base <NUM>. A central opening <NUM> is formed in the base <NUM>, exposing a recessed tray <NUM> that receives components of the height adjustment assembly <NUM> and the locking assembly <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment the opening <NUM> has a substantially cross-shaped configuration. The inner cover <NUM> fits over the central opening <NUM> and is connected to the base <NUM> through one or more fasteners. The inner cover <NUM> is positioned over the height adjustment assembly <NUM> components. The outer cover <NUM> is connected to the main body <NUM> over the inner cover <NUM> to provide a substantially planar outer surface for the platform <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, cable management clips can be connected to the rear of the main body <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, the leg assembly <NUM> can include a pair of legs connected in a scissor fashion to raise and lower the platform <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the leg assembly <NUM> includes an H-leg <NUM> rotatably and slidably connected to the front of the platform <NUM>. The H-leg <NUM> includes a first leg <NUM>, a second leg <NUM>, and a crosspiece <NUM> connecting the first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM> can extend at an angle to one another so that the distance between the first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM> is less at the upper portion than at the lower portion. The H-leg <NUM> is illustrated as being formed as a monolithic piece, but can also be formed as separate pieces.

The leg assembly also includes a split-leg rotatably and slidably connected to the rear of the platform. The split-leg includes a third leg <NUM> and a fourth leg <NUM> that are connected to the platform <NUM> and to a plate <NUM> that extends between the third and fourth legs <NUM>, <NUM>. The plate <NUM> is also connected to the height adjustment assembly <NUM>. Each of the third leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM> are positioned on the outside of the H-leg <NUM> and can include an upper portion <NUM> that angles toward the interior of the platform <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM> that angles toward the exterior of the platform <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the height adjustment assembly <NUM> includes an H-leg slider <NUM>, an H-leg biasing mechanism <NUM>, a split-leg slider <NUM>, and a split-leg biasing mechanism <NUM>. The H-leg slider <NUM> and split-leg slider <NUM> are positioned in the tray <NUM> and are configured to slide relative to one another as the platform <NUM> and leg assembly <NUM> are moved from the raised to the lowered position. The biasing mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> biasing the sliders <NUM>, <NUM> to the raised position, allowing a user to more easily raise the platform <NUM> and any load supported thereon.

The H-leg slider <NUM> includes a body <NUM> having proximate end positioned toward the front of the platform <NUM> and a distal end positioned toward the rear of the platform <NUM>. The proximate portion includes a connecting member <NUM> configured to receive pins from the H-leg assembly. The proximate portion also includes an attachment feature <NUM> that connects the H-leg biasing mechanism <NUM> to the body <NUM>. The attachment feature <NUM> can include a hook, slot, channel or other feature configured to connect to an end of the H-leg biasing mechanism <NUM>.

A plurality of teeth <NUM> are positioned along each side of the body <NUM> and are configured to engage the locking assembly <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> are angled toward the distal end of the body <NUM>. Movement of the H-leg slider <NUM> is guided by one or more slots formed in the body <NUM>. The slots receive a protrusion extending from the tray <NUM>, for example a cylindrical post or protrusion <NUM> as best shown in <FIG>. The protrusion <NUM> extends into the slot to confine the H-leg slider <NUM> to linear movement with respect to the tray <NUM>. Notches <NUM> are formed in the distal end of the H-leg slider <NUM> and assist a user in connecting the H-leg biasing mechanism <NUM> during assembly.

The H-leg biasing mechanism <NUM> includes a first end connected to the H-leg slider <NUM> and a second end connected to the main body <NUM>. A force is exerted by the H-leg biasing mechanism <NUM> to bias the H-leg slider <NUM> to the rear of the platform (i.e., the raised position). The first and second ends of the H-leg biasing mechanism <NUM> can include connecting features such as hooks or loops that allow the ends to be releasably connected. In an exemplary embodiment the H-leg biasing mechanism <NUM> includes a single coil extension spring having a hook formed in the first and second ends. Other types of biasing mechanisms, including gas springs, elastomeric springs, etc, can also be used.

The split-leg slider <NUM> includes a body <NUM> having a proximate end positioned toward the front of the platform <NUM> and a distal end positioned toward the rear of the platform <NUM>. The distal portion of the body <NUM> is connected to the plate <NUM>. The distal portion also includes a connection <NUM> for the split-leg biasing mechanism <NUM>. The connection <NUM> can include a hook, slot, channel or other feature configured to connect to an end of the split-leg biasing mechanism <NUM>. The body <NUM> also includes a plurality of teeth <NUM> along each side of the body <NUM> that are configured to engage the locking assembly <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> are angled toward the distal end of the body <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> of the split-leg body <NUM> are also configured to align with the teeth <NUM> of the H-leg body <NUM>. Movement of the split-leg slider <NUM> is guided by one or more slots formed in the body. The slots receive a protrusion <NUM>, for example a cylindrical post, extending from the tray <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> extends into the slot to promote translation of the split-leg slider <NUM> with respect to the tray <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the protrusions <NUM> extend through the slots in both the H-leg slider <NUM> and the split-leg slider <NUM>.

The split-leg biasing mechanism <NUM> includes a first end connected to the main body <NUM> and a second end connected to the split-leg slider <NUM>. A force is exerted by the split-leg biasing mechanism <NUM> to bias the split-leg slider <NUM> to the front of the platform <NUM> (i.e., the raised position). The first and second ends of the split-leg biasing mechanism <NUM> can include a connecting feature such as hooks or loops that allow the ends to be releasably connected. In an exemplary embodiment the split-leg biasing mechanism <NUM> includes a single coil extension spring having a hook formed in the first and second ends. Other types of biasing mechanisms can also be used.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the locking assembly <NUM> includes a first arm <NUM>, a first arm biasing mechanism <NUM>, a second arm <NUM>, and a second arm biasing mechanism <NUM>. The first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> are moveably connected to opposite sides of the main body <NUM> between a locked position that prevents movement of the leg assembly <NUM> and a released position that allows movement of the leg assembly <NUM>. The first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> can extend from underneath the platform <NUM> and be accessible to a user to engage and disengage the locking assembly <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking assembly <NUM> directly engages with the slider assembly <NUM> to prevent movement, although other configurations (e.g., direct engagement with the leg assembly) can also be used. The first and second arm biasing mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> bias the arms <NUM>, <NUM> into the locked position.

A first body portion <NUM> of the arm extends away from the cylindrical wall. A set of arm teeth <NUM> are formed in the first body portion <NUM>. The arm teeth <NUM> angle toward the proximate portion of the platform <NUM> and are configured to releasably mate with the teeth <NUM>, <NUM> of the slider assembly <NUM>. The size of the arm teeth <NUM> allows them to mate with both the H-leg slider teeth <NUM> and the split-leg slider teeth <NUM>. A handle <NUM> extends underneath the platform <NUM> and is configured for user engagement. For example, by pulling the handles <NUM>, the user can rotate the first arm <NUM> and/or the second arm <NUM> to disengage the arm teeth <NUM> from the slider assembly <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> are mirror images of each other and share the same structural features. As such, only a single arm is described in detail. Other exemplary embodiments can include arms with different structures. Some embodiments can utilize a single moveable arm for the locking assembly. The first and second arms are also shown as unitarily formed or monolithic members, although they can also be formed in separate parts.

Use of the two arms as shown and described requires that both arms must be intentionally moved by the user to release the height adjustment assembly <NUM> for movement in either direction. This helps prevent inadvertent movement of the platform <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the arms <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned to be at least partially along mid-line C1 of the riser. This allows the user to more easily raise or lower the platform compared with handles that are positioned closer to the user.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the locking assembly <NUM> includes a latch <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The latch <NUM> is configured to engage the handle <NUM> of one of the arms <NUM>, <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of latches <NUM> are used with one engaging each arm <NUM>, <NUM>. In other embodiments, only one latch <NUM> can be used.

As best shown in <FIG>, the latch <NUM> includes an actuator <NUM> and a latch body <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> extending towards the handle <NUM> and a second end <NUM> extending away from the handle <NUM>. The actuator is <NUM> can be pivotally connected to the body <NUM>, for example, at or near the second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> is configured to engage the handle <NUM> when in a first position as shown in <FIG>. The first end <NUM> can be depressed by a user, pivoting the actuator <NUM> to a second position as shown in <FIG>. In the second position, the user can slide the handle <NUM> over the latch <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, allowing the user to adjust the height of the platform <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> can be biased toward the first position. In this way, the user needs to depress the one or more latches <NUM> prior to releasing the handles <NUM>.

In certain configurations, the latch <NUM> can include a lockout mechanism that prevents the actuator <NUM> from moving to the second position to disengage the handle. The lockout mechanism can be automatically engaged and disengaged based on the orientation of the platform <NUM>. For example, the lockout mechanism can be configured to be disengaged only when the platform is in a normal operating orientation, that is with the front, rear, and side edges of the platform substantially level (or within a certain range of level) and the legs facing down as shown in <FIG>. In certain embodiments, the platform need not be perfectly level to be in the normal operating orientation and disengage the lock-out mechanism, instead the normal operating orientation can includes a certain range of angles, for example between an angle of <NUM> to <NUM> degrees or less (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in both the positive and negative directions, with zero being where the platform is parallel to the ground. The lockout angle can be both relative to a pitch axis A1 (front to back) and roll axis A2 (side to side) as shown in <FIG>. In this way, the lockout mechanism can prevent the handles from being actuated and the legs from being deployed from the storage position when the platform is displaced from a normal operating angle. This can be useful, for example, to ensure that the legs are not deployed by the user when the worksurface is being carried or has the legs facing up toward the user. In certain configurations, two lockout mechanisms are needed, one associated with each handle to ensure the disengagement of at least one handle through all desired lockout angles. In certain aspects, the lockout mechanism can achieve this capability by using gravity to engage and disengage the lockout mechanism.

<FIG> shows an exemplary embodiment of a gravity-actuated lockout mechanism for the latch <NUM>. The body <NUM> includes a first track <NUM> for receiving a ball <NUM>, the first track <NUM> includes an upper cup <NUM> and a lower cup <NUM>. A biassing mechanism <NUM> is connected to the body <NUM> and extends between the body <NUM> and the actuator <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing mechanism <NUM> is received in a well formed in the body <NUM>, but can be connected to the body <NUM> using other methods or structures. A pivot pin <NUM> extends from the body <NUM> to pivotally connect the actuator <NUM>. The body <NUM> also includes a side protrusion <NUM> which engages the actuator <NUM> to limit the movement of the actuator <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> includes a second track <NUM> aligned with the first track <NUM>. The second track <NUM> can have an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. In certain configurations, however, only a single track is needed. A pair of rear openings <NUM> are formed in the sides of the actuator for receiving the pivot pin <NUM>. A slot <NUM> is formed in the side of the actuator for receiving the protrusion <NUM>.

The first track <NUM> can have a variable curvature along both the length of the track and from side to side. The first track <NUM> can also extend at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the latch body <NUM>. This allows the ball <NUM> to move with gravity depending on the orientation of the platform between the upper cup <NUM> and the lower cup <NUM>.

<FIG> show the position of the ball <NUM> in the lower cup <NUM> which can correspond to when the platform <NUM> is in a normal operating orientation. In this position, the actuator <NUM> can be pivoted relative to the body <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> can be moved to the second position so that the handle <NUM> can be slid over the latch <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the position of the ball <NUM> in the upper cup <NUM> which can correspond to when the platform <NUM> is outside of the normal operating orientation. In this position, the ball <NUM> can be near or engaged with the upper portion <NUM> of the second track <NUM>. Here the ball <NUM> prevents the actuator <NUM> from being depressed, and the first end <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> will remain in an engagement position relative to the handle <NUM> and thus resisting or preventing movement of the handle <NUM>.

The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodiments has been provided for the purpose of explaining the general principles and practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the exemplary embodiments disclosed. Any of the embodiments and/or elements disclosed herein may be combined with one another to form various additional embodiments not specifically disclosed. Accordingly, additional embodiments are possible and are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the appended claims. The specification describes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.

Claim 1:
A height adjustable work surface comprising:
a platform (<NUM>);
a height adjustment assembly (<NUM>) moveably connected to the platform (<NUM>);
a leg assembly (<NUM>) connected to the height adjustment assembly (<NUM>) and moveably connected to the platform (<NUM>), wherein the leg assembly (<NUM>) is moveable between a raised position and a lowered position;
a handle (<NUM>) moveably connected to the platform (<NUM>), the handle (<NUM>) configured to engage the height adjustment assembly (<NUM>) to selectively secure the leg assembly (<NUM>) in the raised position and the lowered position;
a latch body (<NUM>) connected to the platform (<NUM>), the latch body (<NUM>) including a track (<NUM>);
a ball (<NUM>) received in the track (<NUM>) and moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and
an actuator (<NUM>) pivotally connected to the latch body (<NUM>), wherein the actuator (<NUM>) is moveable between a first position configured to engage the handle (<NUM>) and a second position configured to allow the handle (<NUM>) to pass around the actuator (<NUM>), wherein the ball (<NUM>) is configured to prevent movement of the actuator (<NUM>) to the second position when the ball (<NUM>) is in the engaged position.