US20140026788A1 - Adjustable worksurface with integrated display - Google Patents

Abstract

A workstation includes a base having at least one vertically adjustable leg adjustable to a plurality of vertical leg positions and a worksurface member including a display. The display defines at least in part a worksurface of the worksurface member. The worksurface member is pivotally coupled to the base about a fixed rotational axis and is pivotable between at least a horizontal orientation wherein the worksurface of the display is substantially horizontal, at least one draft orientation wherein the worksurface of the display forms an acute angle relative to horizontal and vertical planes and a vertical orientation wherein the worksurface of the display is substantially vertical. The worksurface member is vertically adjustable to a plurality of vertical worksurface positions corresponding to the plurality of vertical leg positions when the worksurface member is positioned in any one of the horizontal, draft or vertical configurations. A method of using the workstation is also provided.

Description

• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/586,365, filed Jan. 13, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to an adjustable worksurface, and in particular, to an adjustable worksurface having an integrated display.
BACKGROUND
• It is known to provide workstations, for example tables, that are pivotable between horizontal and draft positions. Typically, such tables do not allow for further movement to a vertical orientation. It also is know to provide tables with integrated displays fixed in a horizontal configuration. However, the displays integrated into such tables typically are too heavy and bulky to allow for alternative configurations, whether pivotally or vertically adjustable. Accordingly, the need remains for an improved workstation that provides improved reconfigurability while incorporating a display.
SUMMARY
• The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be considered to be a limitation on those claims.
• In one aspect, one embodiment of a workstation includes a base having at least one vertically adjustable leg adjustable to a plurality of vertical leg positions and a worksurface member including a display. The display defines at least in part a worksurface of the worksurface member. The worksurface member is pivotally coupled to the base and is pivotable between at least a horizontal orientation wherein the worksurface of the display is substantially horizontal, at least one draft orientation wherein the worksurface of the display forms an acute angle relative to horizontal and vertical planes and a vertical orientation wherein the worksurface of the display is substantially vertical. The worksurface member is vertically adjustable to a plurality of vertical worksurface positions corresponding to the plurality of vertical leg positions when the worksurface member is positioned in any one of the horizontal, draft or vertical configurations.
• In another aspect, a method of using a workstation includes adjusting a vertical height of a worksurface member including a display, wherein the display defines at least in part a worksurface of the worksurface member, pivoting the worksurface member between at least a horizontal orientation wherein the worksurface of the display is substantially horizontal, at least one draft orientation wherein the worksurface of the display forms an acute angle relative to horizontal and vertical planes and a vertical orientation wherein the worksurface of the display is substantially vertical, and viewing the display in any one of the horizontal, draft or vertical orientations.
• The various embodiments of the workstation, and methods of use thereof, provide significant advantages over other such structures and methods. For example and without limitation, the workstation may be easily reconfigured between various position, such as a horizontal configuration wherein the worksurface member may be used in a conventional fashion, for example to support various materials such as papers, books and the like, while also allowing for a user interface with the display. At the same time, the worksurface member may be pivoted to other configurations suitable for particular uses, such as providing a display to a larger audience while still providing a user interface via the display screen. The worksurface member may also be vertically adjusted, whether to accommodate different height users when in the horizontal or draft configurations, or to provide an elevated configuration to allow for greater visibility when in the vertical configuration. Auxiliary fixed worksurfaces provide for storage and additional workspace, while grippable handles facilitate manipulation of the primary worksurface member.
• The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The various preferred embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a workstation.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pair of workstations, including a rear view of one workstation in a vertical configuration.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pair of workstations, including a front view of one workstation in a vertical configuration.
• FIGS. 4A-C are side view of the workstation in horizontal, draft and vertical configurations respectively.
• FIG. 5 is a partial, bottom perspective vie of the coupling between a worksurface member and a base.
• FIG. 6 is a front view of the coupling shown inFIG. 5 taken along line6-6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• It should be understood that the term “plurality,” as used herein, means two or more. The term “longitudinal,” as used herein means of or relating to length or the lengthwise direction, e.g., a length of aprimary worksurface2. The term “lateral,” as used herein, means directed between or toward (or perpendicular to) thesides24 of theprimary worksurface2. The term “coupled” means connected to or engaged with, whether directly or indirectly, for example with an intervening member, and does not require the engagement to be fixed or permanent, although it may be fixed or permanent. The term “transverse” means extending across an axis or surface, including but not limited to substantially perpendicular to the axis or surface. It should be understood that the use of numerical terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., as used herein does not refer to any particular sequence or order of components (e.g., consecutive); for example “first” and “second” worksurface members may refer to any sequence of such worksurface members, and is not limited to the first and second worksurface members of a particular configuration, e.g., primary and auxiliary, unless otherwise specified.
• Referring toFIGS. 1, aworkstation30 includes abase6, theprimary worksurface member2 and a pair ofauxiliary worksurface members4 positioned alongopposite sides24 of theprimary worksurface member2. Thebase6 includes a longitudinally extending and horizontallyoriented beam18 supported at opposite ends by a pair of verticallyadjustable legs8. As shown inFIG. 5, thebeam18 may be configured as a C-channel, withbrackets96 disposed therein to accomodate thelegs8. Each leg may include afoot14, whether forming an upside down T shaped structure as shown, or alternatively an L shaped structure. Thefoot14 may include one ore moreadjustable glides16 positioned at each end thereof, whether at opposite toes or at a heel/toe position. Theleg8 includes alower portion12 and anupper portion10 received in the lower portion, although it should be understood that the opposite arrangement may be used. Theupper portion10 is vertically adjustable relative to thelower portion12 between a plurality of vertical positions. The upper andlower portions10,12 may be coupled by way of various adjustment mechanisms, including without limitation, screw devices, gas/hydraulic cylinders, cable/pulley systems, and the like. Thebeam18 is coupled to anupper end32 of theupper leg portion10.
• Theauxiliary worksurface members4 are secured to thebeam18, and move therewith to a plurality of vertical positions, viabrackets36, configured in one embodiment as a U-shaped strap that forms an angle θ relative to thebeam18. In one embodiment, theauxiliary worksurface members14 are horizontally fixed, meaning they are not rotatable about a horizontal axis. In one embodiment, the worksurface of the auxiliary worksurface members are maintained in a substantially horizontal plane. The worksurface of the auxiliary worksurface member may be substantially parallel to, and in one embodiment substantially co-planar with, the worksurface of the primary worksurface member when the primary worksurface member is in a horizontal configuration as shown inFIG. 4A.
• As best shown inFIGS. 2,5 and6, asupport structure40 is pivotally connected to the beam with a coupling80. The support structure is configured in one embodiment as a pair of straps, havingopposite end portions44 angled upwardly and outwardly from abase portion42. In one embodiment, a pair of spaced apartlugs82 extend downwardly from eachstrap base42. Areceptacle94 includes at least threewalls86 forming a pair of slots orgaps84 shaped to receive thelugs82, together withwashers88 positioned between the lugs and walls. The receptacle is received in achannel76 formed by the beam and secured to atop wall78 thereof. A pin90 or fastener extends through aligned openings in thelugs82 andwalls86. The pin may be put in tension so as to create a predetermined friction force between the lugs, walls and washers, such that the worksurface member may be held by friction in any number of different positions, and in embodiment having infinite rotational/pivot positions. Astop92 may abut side edges of thelugs82 when the worksurface member is in a horizontal position, while thelugs82 may abut thetop wall78 of the beam or thereceptacle bracket94 when the worksurface member is in vertical configuration. Aslot98 is formed in aside wall74 of thebeam18 to allow thelugs82 to rotate through theslot98 between the horizontal and vertical positions.
• A pair ofgrippable handles46, shown in one embodiment as rods or cylindrical tubes, are secured, one each, to the spacedpart end portions44 of the straps. Theprimary worksurface member2 is secured to thebase portion42 of the straps, for example with mechanical fasteners, and has front andback edges48 extending proximate thegrippable handles46, but spaced apart sufficiently therefrom to permit a user to insert their hands and grip thehandle46. In one embodiment, theprimary worksurface member2 includes adisplay20, preferably atouch screen52, which allows the user to interface with and control graphics displayed on thedisplay20. Thedisplay20 defines at least in part aworksurface50, which is capable of supporting loads up to 250 lbs. when in a horizontal configuration. Thedisplay20 may be surrounded by aperipheral housing22, which provides for an additional worksurface area. In one embodiment, thedisplay worksurface50 is at least 75% of the total worksurface area of theworksurface member2, which may also include the surface area of thehousing22.
• Referring toFIGS. 2,3 and4A-C, theprimary worksurface member2 may be pivoted to a plurality of configurations, including a horizontal configuration, one or more draft configurations, wherein thedisplay worksurface50 forms an acute angle α relative to avertical axis56 and an acute angle β relative to ahorizontal axis58, and a vertical configuration. At the same time, thebeam18 andworksurface members2,4 may be vertically adjusted to any one of a plurality of vertical worksurface positions when the worksurface member is in any one of the horizontal, draft or vertical configuration via the adjustable legs. In operation, the primary and auxiliary worksurface members may be used in a conventional desk manner when the primary worksurface member is in the horizontal configuration, for example by supporting papers, books, files and the like. The surface is sufficiently robust to withstand writing thereupon. At the same time, the user may interface with the display in the horizontal configuration, for example by manipulating graphics thereon via the touch screen. Theworksurface members2,4 may be vertically adjusted to accommodate the user in a sit or stand mode, or to accommodate users of different heights in either mode. Theprimary worksurface2 may also be used in the draft configuration as shown inFIG. 4B, with the user sitting or standing adjacent thereto. The primary worksurface may also be used in the vertical configuration as shown inFIGS. 2,3 and4C, for example to make a presentation or provide a display to a larger audience, or minimize the footprint when not in use, for example when being stored. Again, the worksurface may be vertically adjusted to a desired height to maximize visibility to the audience, whether a single user or multiple users.
• The display may be powered by conventional means such as electrical cords (not shown), or by batteries or other localized power sources coupled to the workstation.
• Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims (16)

What is claimed is:

1. A workstation comprising:

a base comprising at least one vertically adjustable leg adjustable to a plurality of vertical leg positions;

a worksurface member comprising a display, wherein said display defines at least in part a worksurface of said worksurface member, and wherein said worksurface member is pivotally coupled to said base, wherein said worksurface member is pivotable about a fixed rotational axis between at least a horizontal orientation wherein said worksurface of said display is substantially horizontal, at least one draft orientation wherein said worksurface of said display forms an acute angle relative to horizontal and vertical planes and a vertical orientation wherein said worksurface of said display is substantially vertical, and wherein said worksurface member is vertically adjustable to a plurality of vertical worksurface positions corresponding to said plurality of said vertical leg positions when said worksurface member is positioned in any one of said horizontal, draft or vertical configurations.

2. The workstation ofclaim 1 wherein said display comprises a touch screen.

3. The workstation ofclaim 1 wherein said display supports at least a load of 250 lbs when said worksurface member is in said horizontal configuration.

4. The workstation ofclaim 1 wherein said worksurface member comprises a first worksurface member and said worksurface comprises a first worksurface, and further comprising at least one second worksurface member defining a second worksurface disposed adjacent said first worksurface and coupled to said base, wherein said second worksurface is maintained in a horizontal configuration when said first worksurface member is positioned in any one said horizontal, draft or vertical configurations.

5. The workstation ofclaim 4 wherein said at least one second worksuface member comprises a pair of second worksurface members disposed on opposite sides of said first worksurface member.

6. The workstation ofclaim 1 further comprising at least one grippable handle coupled to said worksurface member.

7. The workstation ofclaim 6 comprising at least a pair of grippable handles coupled along opposite edges of said worksurface member.

8. The workstation ofclaim 1 wherein said display defines at least 75% of said worksurface.

9. A method of using a workstation comprising:

adjusting a vertical height of a worksurface member comprising a display, wherein said display defines at least in part a worksurface of said worksurface member;

pivoting said worksurface member about a fixed rotational axis between at least a horizontal orientation wherein said worksurface of said display is substantially horizontal, at least one draft orientation wherein said worksurface of said display forms an acute angle relative to horizontal and vertical planes and a vertical orientation wherein said worksurface of said display is substantially vertical; and

viewing said display in any one of said horizontal, draft or vertical orientations.

10. The method ofclaim 9 further comprising interfacing with said display, wherein said display comprises a touch screen.

11. The method ofclaim 9 further comprising supporting a load of at least 250 lbs on said display when said worksurface member is in said horizontal configuration.

12. The method ofclaim 9 wherein said worksurface member comprises a first worksurface member and said worksurface comprises a first worksurface, and further comprising at least one second worksurface member defining a second worksurface disposed adjacent said first worksurface and coupled to said base, and maintaining said second worksurface in a horizontal configuration when pivoting said first worksurface member to any one said horizontal, draft or vertical configurations.

13. The method ofclaim 12 wherein said at least one second worksurface member comprises a pair of second worksurface members disposed on opposite sides of said first worksurface member.

14. The method ofclaim 9 wherein said pivoting said worksurface member comprises gripping at least one grippable handle coupled to said worksurface member.

15. The method ofclaim 14 wherein said gripping said at least one grippable handle comprises gripping one of a pair of grippable handles coupled along opposite edges of said worksurface member.

16. The method ofclaim 9 wherein said display defines at least 75% of said worksurface.

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