US20030075080A1

US20030075080A1 - Motorized adjustable workstation

Info

Publication number: US20030075080A1
Application number: US10/272,730
Authority: US
Inventors: Norman Allen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-10-19
Filing date: 2002-10-15
Publication date: 2003-04-24

Abstract

The present invention is a new and improved Motorized Adjustable Workstation. The invention base has substantially parallel feet and legs that rise at an angle to support the main drive tube. Attached to the main drive tube is a linear actuator that raises the main work surface. The preferred embodiment of the invention incorporates an adjustable monitor lift that raises' a monitor with, and above the main work surface and is particularly suited for computer workstations.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0001] US Department of Education SBIR grant #ED-99-PO-4679, “Development of an ergonomic computer workstation environment” funded research in local schools on the need for adjustable ergonomic computer workstation environments. We found over 90% of students in any given age group or grade did not fit the computer workstations available in their school. It was demonstrated that the MOTORIZED ADJUSTABLE WORKSTATION invention, with a motor driven work surface and a motor driven monitor lift, had enough range of movement to ergonomically adjust to accommodate 6-year-old first graders to 6′3″ high school students.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

U.S. Pat. No. 1,218,923 Mar. 13, 1917 Bogdanski 108/5

U.S. Pat. No. 3,285,207 Nov. 19, 1966 Vom Hagen

U.S. Pat. No. 4,546,708 Oct. 15, 1985 Wilburth 108/13

U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,835 Feb. 4, 1986 Reese et al. 108/102

U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,320 Dec. 21, 1993 Reneau 108/147

U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,025 Jun. 21, 1994 Sherman et al. 108/147

U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,017 Aug. 22, 1995 Wacker et al. 108/3

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of adjustable workstations. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a computer workstation. The use of adjustable workstations may reduce Repetitive Stress Injuries of users. User types include but are not limited to: workers, students, families and individuals. The advantage of adjustable height work surface(s) is the ergonomic positioning of work materials and various equipment in the field of labor, education and especially computer use, etc. More specifically, this invention relates to a new, sturdy, affordable, adjustable, powered, ergonomic workstation solution that can be used to substantially improve user access to ergonomically adjustable workstations.

Health professionals, OSHA and other federal and state agencies recognize the value of adjustable workstations and the benefits of adjustable work surface heights are well established. Dr. Alan Hedges of Cornell University and others have recognized that these same problems and solutions apply to K-12 grade school children; ergonomically, adjustable workstation solutions appropriately sized for students would improve postures at computer terminals in schools.

The disadvantage of prior inventions are: the majority of “adjustable” workstations are “maintenance adjustable” requiring a mechanical takedown of the workstation to change heights, the next class of “adjustable” workstations are hand-cranked, gear driven workstations that can require up to 13 turns or more per inch of vertical travel, an obvious disadvantage for those with, or prone to, wrist, hand, arm or upper body Repetitive Stress Injuries; these types of “adjustable” workstations are not likely to be utilized. Few workstations are available with powered monitor “lifts” they usually have a second pedestal driven surface. I have no knowledge of any prior “monitor lift” that raises the monitor with and above the main work surface that does not occupy a considerable portion of the main work surface.

Adjustable height electrical pedestal style tables have large pedestals raising centrally from a cross member at or near floor level, the pedestal is large enough to contain the electric drive, provide a wide bearing surface that controls lateral table movement and big enough to sustain the bending moment occurring at the bottom mount. The crosspiece and large pedestal are in the way of the users feet. Dual pedestal units take up even more room.

Most adjustable workstations have two side legs, they are more expensive due to extra mechanisms and materials and require extra bracing and if they have dual adjustable surfaces the complexity, limitations and stability problems increase.

Problems with prior art: non-adjustable, maintenance adjustable, manual and power adjustable workstations are either not capable of readily adjusting the work surface(s) or they do not have enough range of movement or appropriate movements that can conform to a majority of the population, children and shorter and taller people simply do not fit at inappropriate workstations.

The easiest and most ergonomic way to adjust a workstation's height is with an electric drive(s) requiring only a switch(s) to operate. To utilize the full potential of electric drives, a workstation needs to be sturdy, stable and have enough range of adjustment to ergonomically accommodate the highest percentile of users. A computer workstation requires two movements with sufficient range: a main work surface and a monitor lift capable of raising the monitor to the ergonomically correct top of screen, eye level position.

The inventions 45+/−degree angle of attachment(s) from the horizontal to the vertical element(s) presents the simplest, most torque resistant structural joining of workstation feet, legs and base. For use in business, home and schools, the inventions unique design was derived from the complex issues of cost and function in making a wheelchair accessible, computer workstation for schools (prior to receiving the USDE SBIR grant). The cost of changing workplace, school and other user stations to readily adjustable, motorized ergonomic workstations will be enormous so the invention utilizes the full potential of electric linear actuators in a new affordable adjustable workstation that will of benefit to the market.

It is especially noted that workstations are not available that can ergonomically adjust to fit children or shorter persons and also have the capability to adjust upwards to fit persons over 6 feet tall.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The adjustable workstation system of the present invention increases the users ability to achieve an ergonomically correct posture with a range of adjustments that are more inclusive of the general population and not age, height, ability or gender biased. Multiple users in the workplace, schools, families and individuals will benefit from the invention, which is also ADA compliant.

The invention accomplishes this by using new unique structural elements and innovations that provide a vectored, torsion resistant, sturdy, stable base with a cantilevered electrically adjustable main work surface and an electrically adjustable monitor lift that travels with and raises above the main work surface for a greater combined range of adjustment; together they provide enough range of movement to accommodate most 6 year old children to adults over 6 feet tall. This is achieved without adding articulating keyboard trays, footrests, monitor arms, and etc.

I have no knowledge of any adjustable workstation utilizing a design that significantly raises' the bending moment of a single drive unit above its base.

The invention is modular and can be configured for other uses. Horizontal bracing may be used in bases and especially in wider stance bases. Multi adjustable leg bases can be used for corner and long workstations and other embodiments. The adjustable embodiments of the invention can be utilized in other embodiments. The monitor lift can be made separable and utilized on other surfaces and embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 Perspective view of the Motorized Adjustable Workstation, linear actuators not shown [0022]
FIG. 2 Frontal view of the Motorized Adjustable Workstation [0023]
FIG. 3 Top view of the Motorized Adjustable Workstation [0024]
FIG. 4 Side view of the Monitor Lift [0025]
FIG. 5 Side view of the Separable Monitor Lift [0026]
FIG. 6 Top end view of the drive shaft tube and drive shaft [0027]
FIG. 7 Bottom end view of the drive shaft tube and drive shaft [0028]
FIG. 8 Side view of the tilt-able, swiveling Flat Panel Monitor Arm [0029]
FIG. 9 Top view of the tilt-able, swiveling Flat Panel Monitor Arm[0030]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and improved Motorized Adjustable Workstation. The invention can be utilized in any environment where people would benefit from an adjustable work surface and/or adjustable monitor lift. It is particularly suited for computer workstation solutions. [0031]
The preferred embodiment of the workstation as shown in FIGS. [0032] 1-3, consists of a base made of tubing that generally includes two feet 2 and two legs 1 forming a stable bipod that intersects and supports the main drive tube 4 with a means of adjoinment, that approximate 45+−degree angles to form a stable, sturdy structure that raises the bending moment of the main drive tube a significant distance above the floor. The main linear actuator 12 raises the main drive shaft 14 which supports the bow back 6 with its attached arms 3 and support the main work surface 11, and the monitor lift attachment tube 17 that supports the monitor drive tube 5 that has a linear actuator motor mount 7A. The monitor drive shaft 8 has a monitor mounting arm 9 to support the monitor platform 10. The main drive tube 4 and drive shaft 14 can utilize an electrically driven linear actuator 12 mounted to the base of the drive tube 4 with a motor mount 7B and at the bow with another motor mount 7B. A switch 15 controls the linear actuator(s).
FIG. 2 shows horizontal tubes [0033] 16 that increase the attachment area of the legs 1 to the main drive tube 4 reinforcing the bending moment and enhancing stability in wider bases.
FIG. 4 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment of the monitor lift, where the [0034] monitor lift tube 5 is attached to the bow back 6 by the attachment tube 17. The monitor lift is driven by the linear actuator 13 which attaches to the bottom of the monitor tube 5 with the motor mount 7A and to the underside of the monitor support arm 9, on the upper end of the monitor drive tube 8, it also supports the monitor base plate 10. The top end of the linear actuator may be positioned anywhere on the monitor drive shaft 8.
FIG. 5 shows a side view of a separable monitor lift for attachment in different areas of a workstation or by itself in other embodiments. The [0035] monitor lift tube 5 is attached to the upper mounting plate 18 and with a bottom mounting plate 19 the unit is attached to a work surface. FIG. 5 also shows bearing adjustment screws 20. The monitor drive shaft tube 8 supports the monitor base arm 9. The monitor lift linear actuator 13 is attached to the monitor lift tube 5 at or near its base with motor mount 7A and at the monitor arm 9 or variably on a motor mount on the monitor drive shaft 8.
FIG. 6 shows the [0036] main drive tube 4 at its upper end, encasing the main drive shaft 14 where the main drive shaft is aligned and stabilized with one or more bearing material 21 that are adjusted by one or more adjustment screws 20.
FIG. 7 shows the [0037] main drive tube 4 at its lower end, and the main drive shaft tube 14 end where alignment and stability is achieved with one or more bearing material 21 that are adjusted by one or more internal adjustment screws 20. FIG. 7 also shows an alternate means of raising the main and monitor drive shafts with the turning of an internal acme thread rod drive 22 (past a nut encased in the drive shafts) by an external drive.
FIG. 8 shows a side view of a swiveling, tilting flat panel monitor adaptation to the monitor lift. The [0038] monitor drive shaft 8 alternately has attached a flat panel mounting arm 23 that supports a series of swivel- able arms 24, 29, and 25 with bearing plates 32 between, adjustable on the axis of the means of attachment 28. The flat panel monitor 30 attaches to the swiveling arm 25 by various means of attachment depending on the manufacturers means of attachment. In the preferred embodiment the mounts 26 attach to the back of the monitor 30 in a manner that allows tilting on the axis of the attaching means 27 to the monitor arm 25.
FIG. 9 shows a top view of a swiveling, tilting flat panel monitor adaptation to the monitor lift. The flat [0039] panel mounting arm 23 supports a series of arms 24, 29, and 25 with bearing plates 32 between, is adjustable on the axis of the means of attachment 28. The flat panel monitor 30 attaches to the swiveling arm 25 by various means of attachment depending on the manufacturers means of attachment. In the preferred embodiment the mounts 26 attach to the back of the monitor 30 in a manner that allows tilting on the axis of the attaching means 27 to the monitor arm 25. The primary swiveling monitor arm 24 has a slotted hole 31 for cable management in the preferred embodiment, which may be modified for other cable management applications.

Claims

1. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a computer workstation with single or plural linear actuators for the raising and lowering of single or plural horizontal planar surfaces. The invention has a multitude of height positions that include a range and interaction of one or more surfaces that allow a lower starting height for children and shorter people as well as accommodate people over six feet tall without the addition of costly articulated keyboard trays, monitor arm/risers or other “ergonomic accessories”.

2. The workstation of claim 1 wherein a platform for a monitor or other equipment is on a vertically adjustable lift that travels with and rises above the main planar work surface, which can raise a monitor into the ergonomically recommended eye level position. It can hold a multiplicity of types and or plurality of monitors including but not limited to Cathode Ray Tube monitor(s) with or without adjustable swings.

3. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the monitor lift can start from the lowest possible height position and rising up from there, frees up the single main work surface.

4. The workstation of claim 1 wherein single or multiple horizontal planar surfaces and/or tilting surfaces for use in other applications beyond the preferred embodiment, including but not limited to work supports, CAD, wall and post mounts, other supports and incorporation into furniture.

5. The workstation of claim 1 wherein has a high ratio of strength, stability, range, type and number of adjustments to material costs.

6. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the 45+−degree legs adjoin and maximize the attachment area of the legs to the main tube increasing the stability of the main base and planar surface(s). As the base stance increases, horizontal tubes enhance stability with more attachment area.

7. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the 45+−degree legs and means of adjoinment raises' the bending moment of the workstation higher than pedestal base systems attached at the base.

8. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the 45+−degree legs spread the forces outwardly for a stable wide stance, and leaves more room for the users feet under the workstation.

9. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the invention's adjustments can also be utilized in a manual, maintenance adjustable manner with hand screws, pins, hydraulic and other means of adjustment can be utilized.

10. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the monitor lift can be attached anywhere on the work surface/frame or can be a separate unit. It utilizes a safety or load switch or in the preferred embodiment uses a linear actuator that has a means of decoupling the drives downward motion for safety purposes.

11. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the inventions monitor lift shaft and drive occupies very little of the valuable space of the main work surface, and frees up most of the space under the monitor for other purposes, this is a better solution than a split work surface.

12. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the total combined range of movement of the work surface and monitor lift is suitable for sit/stand operations for many persons.

13. The workstation of claim 1 wherein in other embodiments breakdown legs can be utilized for transportation and/or storage purposes.

14. The workstation of claim 1 wherein two or more legs of the raised bending moment type including adjustment means are used in multiples for larger workstations.

15. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the invention is wheelchair and ADA compliant.

16. The workstation of claim 1 wherein the invention can be used with casters for mobility.

17. An adjustable motorized monitor lift that can be attached to other surfaces and positions.

18. The workstation of claim 17 wherein a monitor lift can start from the lowest possible height position and rising up from there, frees up the single main work surface.

19. The workstation of claim 17 wherein the monitor can be swung around 180° for viewers to the side or in back of the workstation.

20. A thin, flat panel monitor arm that attaches to a monitor lift, swivels, tilts, rotates and can lay flat, a new position that is beneficial for teaching and interpersonal situations where the monitor laying down does not impede the view of the teacher, student, etc. The flat panel monitor can be placed forward for low vision, ADA applications and back for farsighted applications. The flat panel arm can be configured to hold a plurality of monitors or other items or equipment.

21. The workstation of claim 19 wherein the monitor lift starts from the lowest possible height position and rises up from there, freeing up the single main work surface.

22. The workstation of claim 19 wherein the monitor can be swung around 180° for viewers to the side or in back of the workstation.

It is understood that modifications and improvements can be made to the invention without straying from the intent of the disclosed concept.