Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02590416 2007-05-29
Title
Workstation Module for a Reclinable Office Chair
Cross-reference to other Applications
This patent application claims priority from Canadian Patent Application
2550385 "Workstation Module for a Reclinable Office Chair" filed in the
Canadian Patent Office on June 5 2006.
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to desks and chairs and more particularly to a
workstation module for a reclinable office chair.
Background of the Invention
Office workers often suffer fatigue and lost productivity due to long
hours spent seated at a desk. Over the years, office furniture
manufacturers have responded with a variety of ergonomic office chairs
and desks designed to alleviate this problem. One early solution was the
advent of swiveling, and castered office chairs that permitted a worker to
more easily multitask between different workstations (for example: to
scoot between a typewriter and a nearby filing cabinet). The advent of
computers resulted in even more sedentary workers so recent
improvements have focused more on optimizing the ergonomics of their
seating posture. Castered, swiveling and now ergonomically adjustable
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office chairs have therefore become ubiquitous in the office environment.
Typically these ergonomic chairs possess a variety of mechanical controls
for adjusting the chair's seat-height with respect to the floor, its angle
between the seat cushion and seatback cushion, its overall tilt angle, its
armrest height, its lumbar support etc.
Various efforts have also been made to optimally position an ergonomic
office chair with respect to the keyboard and display of a computer.
Cooper (US 5,056,864) provides the user with an optimal, recumbent
posture by integrating the user's chair with a computer. May (US
6,102,476) also provides an integrated chair/computer however it
appears somewhat less ergonomic. Maddox (US 6,056,363) provides yet
another reclining "computer/chair". While these types of integrated
solution may provide an ergonomic posture, they are massive,
complicated and expensive. Furthermore, they cannot make use of
existing ergonomic office chairs that a user may already have in their
possession.
Trimnell (US 5,893,607) and Sher (US 6,773,060) propose much simpler
and inexpensive solutions that attach directly to an existing office chair.
Such devices are relatively inexpensive however they provide no support
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to the user for a reclining work posture and are therefore ergonomically
sub-optimal. Furthermore, their cantilevered geometry cannot support
heavy work tools such as a CRT computer monitor. Furthermore, being
attached to the chair, these devices encumber the user when attempting
to stand up or sit down.
Brown (US 6,298,794) and Lin (6,425,631) propose compromise solutions
having either a totally separate computer workstation module (Brown) or
one that is quite easily moved to permit the user to sit down or get up
(Lin). Neither device however facilitates a reclined working posture when
used in conjunction with an existing ergonomic office chair.
Therefore there continues to be a need for a computer workstation that is
ergonomic, easy to assemble or disassemble and inexpensive to
manufacture.
Obiectives and Advantages of the Invention
It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a reclining
workstation module for use with existing reclinable office chairs and
existing office desks.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a compact and
geometrically strong workstation module that supports the user's legs in
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a reclined posture when the office chair is reclined while simultaneously
supporting a laptop computer at an ergonomically correct position.
It is still a further objective of the present invention to provide a
workstation module that has a minimum number of moving parts while
still being adaptable to different sized users.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a workstation
module optimized for use with laptop computer but that can optionally
be augmented for use with desktop computers.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a workstation
module that exploits the adjustments available in the existing office chair
with which it is used, thereby minimizing the number of moving parts.
A further objective of the present invention is to provide a workstation
module that can provide supplemental adjustability to fit the needs of
particularly large or small users.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a workstation
module that can either stand alone for use with a laptop computer or else
be used in conjunction with an existing office desk for tasks involving a
desktop computer.
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Another objective of the present invention is to provide a workstation
module that enables users to quickly and easily change their work
posture.
Summarv of the Invention
In order to satisfy the requirements identified above, my invention is a
workstation module for a reclinable office chair. The chair comprises a
mobile base supporting a seat having a top surface and a bottom surface.
The seat includes an adjustable backrest, a left armrest having an upper
surface and a right armrest having an upper surface. The base comprises
a central telescoping column supporting the seat and a plurality of
radially extending supporting members each having an inside end fixed
to the bottom of the column and an outside end adapted to carry swivel
castors for mobility.
The workstation comprises a supporting base comprising a first base
member being a cross-member having a first end and a second end, a
bottom surface and a top surface, a second base member fixed near its
mid point to the first base member first end and oriented perpendicular
thereto and a third base member fixed near its mid point to the first base
member second end and oriented perpendicular thereto thereby forming
an H-shaped supporting base. The support base may also have a "T"
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configuration, an "0" configuration or a squared "C" configuration. The
second and third base members each have first and second ends that are
adapted to carry feet or castors to support the base off of the floor. The
workstation further includes a vertical column having a first and second
end. The first end is fixed to the centre of the first base member top
surface and the second end is fixed to an angled support member
adapted to support a tilting worktable having a top edge, a bottom edge,
a left edge, a right edge, an upper working surface and a lower surface
having a centre point. There are also provided a left leg support platform
and a right leg support platform fixed to the vertical column.
In one embodiment of the workstation a four-legged table may be used
in conjunction with the workstation or the four-legged table may be
incorporated into the tilting worktable.
In one embodiment of the invention there is a workstation module
comprising a base portion, a working platform having an adjustable tilt
angle and having a top surface and a bottom surface and disposed above
the base portion at a first height adjustable by first adjustable means and
ergonomically optimized for comfort of a user, vertical support means
disposed between the base portion and the working platform and user
leg support means attached to the vertical support means at a second
height adjustable by second adjustable means.
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The base portion comprises a first member comprising a cross member
having a first end, a second end, a middle and a first plurality of
apertures there-through, a second member having a first end, a second
end and a middle wherein the second member middle is fixed to the
cross member first end and a third member having a first end, a second
end and a middle wherein the third member middle is fixed to the cross
member second end thereby forming an "H"-shaped base portion.
The vertical support means comprises a vertical member having second
plurality of apertures there-through, a first end and a second end,
wherein the first end includes an attachment channel having a third
plurality of apertures therein, wherein the attachment channel is adapted
to fit over the cross member, and wherein the third plurality of apertures
is adapted to coincide with the first plurality of apertures so that the
attachment channel may be fixed by fixing means to the cross-member
thereby permitting adjustable placement of the vertical member along the
cross member.
The vertical support means further comprises a telescoping tilting
member comprising a first inclined member having a first end and a
second end, wherein the first inclined member first end is adjustably
pinned in a pivoting relationship to the vertical member second end so
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that the angle of the telescoping tilting member may be adjusted with
respect to a horizontal plane and the first inclined member second end
telescopes within a first end of a second adjacent and co-axial inclined
member.
The second adjacent and co-axial inclined member second end is
adjustably pinned to the working platform bottom surface permitting the
adjustable tilt angle.
The telescoping tilting member has an adjustable length by releasably
clamping the first end of the second adjacent and co-axial inclined
member with respect to the second end inclined first member.
The user leg support means comprise a first leg support attached at the
adjustable second height to one side of the vertical member and a second
leg support attached to the opposite side of the vertical member at the
adjustable second height.
The first leg support and the second leg support are tiltable by tilting
means to an angle selectable by the user so that the first and second leg
supports hold the calves of the user in a comfortable manner and permit
the user full leg extension underneath the working surface.
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The first and second leg supports are cushioned for user comfort.
In another embodiment of the invention there is a workstation module
comprising a base portion, a working platform disposed above the base
portion at an adjustable first height, vertical support means having a first
end and a second end disposed between the base portion and the
working platform and user leg support means, wherein the working
platform is attached to the vertical support means second end at a fixed
second height, and wherein the user leg support means are attached to
the vertical support means between the vertical support means second
end and the vertical support means first end.
This embodiment of the workstation module has a base portion that
comprises a first member comprising a cross dowel-member having a
first end, a second end and a middle, a second member having a first end
and a second end, wherein the second member first end is fixed to the
cross dowel-member first end and a third member having a first end and
a second end wherein the third member first end is fixed to the cross
dowel-member second end thereby forming an square "C"-shaped base
portion.
The workstation module working platform is a rectangular member
having a suitable top surface area for a work object and a bottom surface.
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The workstation module working platform bottom surface is removeably
attached to the vertical support means second end by first pivot means.
The workstation module platform includes a bottom end having a
restraining member fixed thereto to prevent the work object from fall off
the bottom end of the working platform.
The workstation module restraining member has a rounded profile to
comfortably support the wrists of the user during keyboarding
operations.
The workstation module vertical support means comprises an inclined
member having an angle of inclination from a horizontal surface
adjustable between zero degrees and ninety degrees, a first end and a
second end, wherein the inclined member first end is attached to the
cross dowel-member middle by first adjustable pivoting means, and the
inclined support member second end is attached to the working platform
bottom surface by the second pivoting means.
The workstation module first pivoting means comprises a first aperture in
the inclined member first end adapted to frictionally fit around the cross
dowel-member middle so that the user is able to increase or decrease the
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angle of inclination by raising or lowering the working platform thereby
determining the first adjustable height.
The angle of inclination may be fixed by fixing means located adjacent to
the first aperture.
The fixing means comprises a first aperture in the first end of the
inclined member and a plurality of second apertures in the cross dowel-
member, the plurality of second apertures serially arranged around the
circumference of the cross dowel-member, wherein each second aperture
of the plurality of second apertures represents a predetermined angle of
inclination, and further wherein the angle of inclination is fixed by
aligning the first aperture and one of the plurality of second apertures
and inserting a pin therein.
The fixing means may also comprise a compression clamp adjacent to
the inclined member first end aperture, wherein the compression clamp
is adapted for compression of the inclined member first end aperture
around the cross dowel-member thereby retaining the angle of
inclination.
The fixing means may also comprise a splined portion located at the
middle portion of the cross dowel-member and an aperture in the first
end of the inclined member, the aperture having serrations adapted to
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mesh with the spline portion thereby maintaining a predetermined angle
of inclination when the serrations are meshed with the spline portion.
The second pivoting means comprises a second aperture in the inclined
member second end and an apertured bracket adapted to receive the
second aperture to that a pin may be inserted through the apertured
bracket and the second aperture thereby attaching the inclined member
second end to the working platform bottom surface and permitting
adjustment of the working platform tilt angle.
The user leg support means comprises an attachment bracket adapted
for sliding engagement along the inclined support member, wherein the
attachment bracket is fixable anywhere along the inclined member by
releasable fixing means, and wherein a first leg support is attached to the
left side of the attachment bracket and a second leg support is attached
to the right side of the attachment bracket so that the user is able to slide
the first and the second leg supports in a parallel manner up or down the
inclined support member and fix the location of the leg support means in
a comfortable position.
The workstation has a stowage and shipping position wherein the
inclined member sits parallel to the second and third base members and
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the tilt angle of the working platform is zero so that the workstation may
be easily stowed and shipped.
The angle of inclination is adjustable by second pivot means between the
vertical support second end and the inclined member first end.
The invention may also take the form of a combination of a workstation
module with a reclinable office chair. The chair is comprised of a mobile
base comprising a central telescoping column having a top end and a
bottom end. The top end is fixed to a seat bottom and the bottom end is
fixed to a plurality of radially extending supporting members each having
an inside end fixed to the bottom of the column and an outside end
adapted to carry a swivel castor for mobility. The workstation module
comprises a supporting base comprising a first base member having a
first end, a second end and a middle and a second base member having a
first end and a second end. The the first end of the second base member
is fixed to the middle of the first base member thereby forming a "T"-
shaped base. There is a vertical supporting member having a length, a
first end fixed to the middle of the first base member and a second end
fixed to a working platform. The vertical supporting member comprises
a plurality of apertures along its length, and leg supporting means
adapted for attachment to the vertical member at one of the plurality of
apertures.
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In yet another embodiment of the invention there is an office module kit
comprising a leg rest and a keyboard rest used in combination with a
computer tower, an office chair and horizontal working surface An office
module kit comprising a leg rest and a keyboard rest used in combination
with a computer tower, an office chair and horizontal working surface
wherein the leg rest is adapted to fit over the top of the computer tower
and is angled at a first predetermined angle to provide an ergonomic
comfort position for an operator; and wherein, the keyboard rest is
included at a second predetermined angle for maximum comfort and
stress free operation of the keyboard. The leg rest is adapted to fit over
the top of the computer tower and is angled at a first predetermined
angle to provide an ergonomic comfort position for an operator. The
keyboard rest is includes at a second predetermined angle for maximum
comfort and stress free operation of the keyboard.
These and other objectives and embodiments will become more apparent
from consideration of the following figures and their detailed description.
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Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective front view of one embodiment of the
present invention with a user seated with back erect and legs
outstretched working with a laptop computer.
Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the same embodiment shown in Figure
1 with its user seated in a semi-reclined posture.
Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the same embodiment shown in Figure
1 with the user seated in an erect position with both feet on the ground.
Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the same embodiment shown in Figure
1 which uses a modified office chair to safely permit a fully reclined user
posture.
Figure 5 illustrates a close-up, detailed view of the tilting worktable
shown in Figure 4.
Figure 6 illustrates a close-up, detailed view of the calf supports shown
in Figure 1. Five instances of the support labeled A to E are shown
mounted to the central support column to illustrate a preferred
adjustment mechanism.
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Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the same embodiment of the
invention as shown in Figure 1 and illustrating the use of the invention
with a conventional desk and desktop computer.
Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention having a bolt-on table fixture augmenting the functionality of
the invention as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 9 illustrates a monolithic embodiment of the invention having no
moving parts or adjustments.
Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of the invention which has
greater adjustability than the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
Figure 11 illustrates another embodiment of the invention which is easily
collapsible for storage.
Figure 12 illustrates the same embodiment of the invention as shown in
Figure 1 1 in a collapsed configuration for storage.
Figure 13 illustrates one embodiment of the invention that supports the
soles of the user's feet rather than the calves of their legs for semi-
recumbent seating.
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Figure 14 illustrates another embodiment of the invention which attaches
to the base of an office chair.
Figure 15 illustrates another embodiment of the invention.
Figure 16 illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention using
tubular members.
Figure 17 illustrates another example of the invention in Figure 16 in a
folded configuration.
Figure 18 depicts an alternate, kit embodiment of the invention that
exploits additional office structures (other than the typical office chair),
to
provide the desired support structure for the user's calves and their
computer equipment, thereby enabling the same recumbent working
posture as the invention's non-kit embodiments.
Detailed Description
Referring first to Figure 1 there is illustrated a front perspective view of
my invention: a workstation module for a reclinable office chair. User 2 is
seated on a typical office chair 4, which in turn is positioned adjacent to
my workstation 6. Office chair 4 is ergonomically designed for user
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comfort and efficiency and comprises a base 8 supporting seat 10,
seatback 12 and typically also includes left and right armrests 14 and 16
respectively. Base 8 is typically comprised of 5 radial support members
denoted 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26, each radial being supported at its
outboard end by swivel-caster 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 (these numbers not
all shown on figure) and centrally joined to chair support column 38).
Support column 38 telescopes to provide seat height adjustability and
typically employs a pneumatic piston mechanism.
User 2 sits on seat 10, leans against seatback 12 and utilizes control
levers 11 to adjust the chair's moveable parts until comfortable
ergonomics are achieved. For example: lever 40 might adjust the length
of telescopic support column 38, lever 42 might adjust the angle of
seatback 12 with respect to seat 10 and lever 44 might adjust the overall
backwards tilt angle of the seat and seatback. More sophisticated
controls (not illustrated) may be included to provide additional degrees of
adjustment such as: armrest height, fore and aft seat position, lumbar
support firmness, headrest position etc. In order to insure safety and
stability, modern standards regulate the number and dimensions of base
radials 18 to 24 with respect to the maximum tilt angle of seatback 12.
The office chair 4 shown in Figures 1 though 15 illustrate typical
dimensions and proportions with respect to the illustrated, average-sized
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male human 2. My invention 6 is also shown with typical dimensions,
proportions and mechanical configurations however further variability
may be reasonably inferred to accommodate atypical user physiques or
work habits.
My invention 6 is comprised of a base portion 50, which centrally
supports a substantially vertical column 52 and to which inclined support
arm 54 is mounted. Working platform 56 is tiltable and mounted to the
upper end of inclined support arm 54 and two leg support platforms 58
and 60 are adjustably mounted to opposite sides of vertical column 52.
To use my invention, user 2 stretches out upon reclined office chair 4
placed adjacent to base portion 50 and straddles column 52 such that
calves 62 and 64 rest on leg support platforms 58 and 60. Working
platform 56 is positioned for use by adjusting the reclinable chair's
posture controls 40, 42 and 44 to locate and orient the user such that
working platform 56 provides ergonomic support for office work object
66 (such as the illustrated laptop computer). Other suitable work objects
for support by table 56 might be: a keyboard, reading material, or writing
material.
Working platform 56 is typically affixed to inclined support arm 52 by
means of hinge clamp 68, thereby enabling adjustment of the table's tilt
angle for greater comfort. When not being used as a workstation, the
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user may rotate table 56 to the horizontal to enable it to serve as a
conventional table. See Figure 5 for more detail of the hinge clamp 68.
Restraining member 70 forms a ridge along the lower edge of the tilted
working platform 56 thereby preventing work object 66 from sliding off.
The upper rear edge 72 of member 70 is typically rounded to provide a
comfortable support for the user's wrist while keyboarding. The lower
rear edge 74 of member 70 may also be rounded to prevent marring of
armrests 14 and 16 in the event that chair 4 is positioned such that the
working platform's lower edge contacts the armrests.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the base portion 50 is comprised
of an "H" shaped configuration of three members. Base members 76, 78
and 80 are typically formed of rectangular cross-section steel and welded
into the desired form however other member cross-sections, materials or
joinery methods may be used (e.g.: bolted aluminum or glued wood).
Cross-member 80 joins left and right foot-members 76 and 78 to form
an "H-shaped" base having open ends into which the casters of chair 4
may be advanced as required in order to adjust the horizontal position of
the user 2 with respect to worktable 56.
The cross-member 80 has a first end and a second end and is shown
joined near the midpoints of members 76 and 78 however those "H"
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proportions may be varied to increase the depth 77 of the open end 79
presented towards the user 2. Moving the cross-member 80 forward
ultimately transforms the "H-shaped" base in a "C-shaped" base (see
Figures 10 and 11). An "E-shaped" base is also possible. This
configuration (not illustrated) might also be employed in which the tip of
its center prong is used to support the vertical column 52. Other
configurations for base portion 50 may also be used to minimize
construction costs or to immobilize vertical member 52. For example:
when provided for use by students in a university study hall, base portion
50 might be comprised of a plate bolted to the floor or vertical member
52 may even be simply embedded into a concrete floor.
Other freestanding base portion shapes such as circular or radial designs
(similar to base 8 of chair 4) are also within the scope of the invention.
Level adjuster feet 75 are typically provided at the corners of base 50 as
illustrated (lockable casters may also be used for increased mobility).
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown in Figure 2 the same
embodiment of my invention 6 as illustrated in Figure 1 however the user
2 is in a semi-reclined position. The back 12 of the seat 4 is adjusted by
use of one of the controls 40, 42 or 44 depending on the design of the
chair. The height of the chair seat on column 38 is also adjustable by the
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user. The user's calves 62 and 64 are resting on the leg rests 58 and 50
adjustably fixed to vertical member 52.
Vertical member 52 is affixed at its first end 53 to cross-member 80 near
its mid-point 81. Fixation is typically by welding however appropriate
bolted, clamped or hinged fixations may also be used. The second end
55 of vertical member 52 is affixed to first end 57 of inclined support
member 54. Again, monolithically welded construction is typical however
a pivoting joint may also be provided at joint 59 in order to adjust angle
61 between the vertical member 52 and angled member 54 for improved
comfort and ease of storage and dismantling (see FIG 10 for example).
The second end 63 of inclined support member 54 is fixed to work table
56 via fixation means 68. Fixation means 68 may be rigid or articulated
for more ergonomic adjustability.
Left and right leg support platforms 58 and 60 are affixed to vertical
member 52 such that the reclined user's calves 62 and 64 rest
comfortably on them. The means used to affix platforms 60 and 62 to
vertical may be a welded joint however its preferred embodiment is
comprised of a mechanism 90 allowing both positional and angular
adjustments of the platforms as further explained below.
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The length and orientation of support member 54 result in both
horizontal and vertical offsets of worktable 56 with respect to vertical
member 52. The support member's length and orientation are chosen
such that horizontal offset 92 is approximately equal to 94 (the
horizontal distance between the user's hands 96, 98 and calves 62, 64
when seat 4 back 12 is reclined). To provide comfortable ergonomics,
distances 92, and 94 are also approximately equal to distance 100 (the
pullback distance resulting from reclining seatback 12).
Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 3 there is shown the same embodiment
of my invention 6 but in this Figure 3 the user 2 is sitting in an upright
posture with both feet on a floor surface. Distance 94 and 100 are both
reduced when the user elects to work in the conventional upright office
posture however, since the leg rests 58 and 60 are no longer utilized the
approximate equality of distance 92 to distances 94 and 100 is no longer
required.
Referring now to Figure 4 there is shown the same embodiment of my
invention 6 as in Figures 1 to 3 however in the this Figure 4 the user 2 is
in a fully reclined position and the seat back 12 is almost horizontal, that
i s , angle 1 10 approaches 180 degrees. In this configuration, the user is
able to adopt a comfortable resting position while at the workstation 6
and rest legs 1 1 2 and 1 14 on leg rests 58 and 60. To provide greater
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support and stability to the reclined user, at least one 1 16 of the plurality
of radial chair supports is extendable to a length 53 underneath the
reclined chair back 12. This prevents tipping of the chair backwards.
Alternatively, the fully reclining chair can be stabilized against tipping by
integrating it into this embodiment (see Figure 13).
Referring now to Figure 5 there is shown the lower surface 120 of the
worktable 56. Also shown is vertical member 52 joining the inclined
support member 54 at joint 59. The second end 63 of inclined support
member 54 is pivotally attached to the lower surface 120 of the work
table 56 by means of an apertured hinge 122 over an aligned aperture
(not shown) in the second end 63 of the inclined support member. The
hinge is adjustably fixed by way of locking clamp 124. The hinge 122 is
fixed to a plate 126 comprising screw holes 128 at each of its corners
130. The lower surface 120 of the work table has a plurality of holes 134
in linear trains that are adapted to coincide with the screw holes on the
plate 126. The work table can be therefore adjusted to suit the user and
then fixed into place by screws.
Referring now to Figure 6 there is shown one embodiment of my
invention in which the left and right leg rest platforms140 and 142 are
adjustably fixed to vertical column 144. To clarify how fore/aft
adjustment of the leg rest platforms 140 and 142 can be done using a
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simple U-bolt clamping mechanism 146 the leg rest platforms are shown
in a variety of positions A to E on the vertical column. In positions A and
B, between the left and right leg rest platform is a leg rest axle 150. A
first 152 and second 154 U-bolts are used to fix the axle 150 against the
outside surface 156 of the vertical column 144. The threaded ends 158
of the U-bolts are joined by a pressure plate 160 between them. The
pressure plate includes a threaded aperture 162 at its centre which
receives a threaded shaft 164 with a knob 166. As the knob is turned,
the threaded shaft threads into the aperture and against the inside
surface 170 of the vertical column 144 thereby tightening the U-bolts
against the axle and the outside surface of the vertical column. By
loosening the U-bolts the leg rest platforms can be moved up and down
the vertical column and angles to suit the user. In positions C and D the
leg rest platforms can be reversed. In position E the leg rest platforms
can be lowered to the bottom of the vertical column to act as foot rests.
As Figure 6 illustrates, on the top surface 190 and 192 of each of the leg
rest supports 140 and 142 there is a cushion 194 and 196 configured to
provide a comfortable support for each of the user's calves. To provide
optimal comfort, each platform's upper surface may be somewhat
concave to roughly conform to the user's calf and may also include a
cushioned covering that further relives pressure points.
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Still referring to Figure 6 the leg rest platforms may be adjustable in a
fore and aft motion by an eccentric fore/aft fixation of axle 150 onto the
leg-rest platforms 140 and 142 to effect the desired movement. Note in
position A that the distance from axle 150 to the front end of the
platform is somewhat greater than the distance from the axle to their
back ends. In position B the axle is more centered on the platform and
so these distances change. In position C and D the platforms have been
mounted so that the axle 150 is against the front surface 170 of column
144 and in the opposite direction, thereby reversing the eccentricity and
moving the platforms further back thereby providing two more horizontal
adjustment options for the two leg-rest platforms.
In order to accommodate the most complete range of user physiques and
work desirable postures, my invention may be equipped with reversible
platforms that can support either the user's calves or the user's feet. In
position E the leg rest platforms are installed cushion side down to
present a flat durable surface 198 suitable for a footrest when the user
desires only a lightly reclined posture.
Referring now to Figure 7 there is illustrated another embodiment of my
invention 200 being used in conjunction with a full-sized desktop
computer comprised of: CRT monitor 202, CPU unit 204 and keyboard
206. The monitor 202 is too heavy and bulky to be supported by
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worktable 208 and so an existing, standard office desk 210 may be
positioned in front of and somewhat above my invention 200 such that
the reclined user 212 can achieve a usage configuration similar to that
shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. The computer system's keyboard 206
resides on worktable 208 together with a computer mouse (not shown).
The system's CPU unit 204 may be placed either on the floor as shown or
on table 210.
Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of my invention 220 that integrates
the same functionality as the configuration shown in Figure 7. Instead of
resting adjacent to an existing office desk, a purpose-built desk 220 is
dimensioned such that its legs 224 to 230 affix onto base members 232
and 234 using fixation bolts 222. Figure 8 also shows the location of
knob 166 used to adjust the location and angle of the leg supports.
Now referring to Figure 9 there is shown yet another embodiment of my
invention 250 which integrates a horizontal, monitor-supporting table
252 with the tilted, keyboard-supporting table 254. Table 252 and tilted
supporting table are joined at a fixed or adjustable hinged joint 256. The
horizontal table and the tilt table are supported by a vertical column 258
fixed to the mid-point of cross-member 260. If angular adjustment is
provided, it may be used either to improve the ergonometric angle of
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keyboard 262 or to make the horizontal table 252 coplanar with tilt table
254 when the invention is not being used as a work station.
Referring now to Figure 10 to facilitate compact retail packaging, the
frame members used to form base 60 may be bolted together for
assembly by the end-user. Figure 10 illustrates a bolted embodiment
that facilitates such disassembly for compact storage. The embodiment
shown in Figure 1 also lends itself to compact storage: if the upper and
lower ends of vertical member 52 have removable fixations to base 50
and table 56 then those upper and lower planar members can be boxed
closely together for efficient shipping or compact storage. Even easier
collapsibility can be incorporated into this general concept by utilizing
lockable hinge joints (not illustrated) at the two ends of vertical member
52 thereby enabling base 50 and table 56 to be quickly folded into a
flattened structure suitable for compact storage.
Still referring to Figure 10 vertical support member 302 comprises a
vertical support column 304 and a flange 306. Both the vertical support
column and flange comprise a plurality of apertures vertically 308 and
horizontally 310. The horizontal cross-member 312 is also comprises a
plurality of apertures 314. In this embodiment, the top end 316 of the
vertical support column 304 is pivotally fixed by hinge 340 to the first
horizontal component 320 first end 322. The first horizontal component
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320 second end 324 has a telescoping relationship with second
horizontal component 326 first end 328 so that the length of the
combined horizontal support 330 can be adjusted towards or away from
the user 332 so that different user physiques can be accommodated. The
first horizontal component 320 is fixed positional with respect to the
second horizontal component 326 by way of a locking camp 334. The
second end 336 of second horizontal component 326 is pivotally fixed to
the underside 338 of work table 340 so that the tilt angle of the work
table can be adjusted to suit the user. The second end of the second
horizontal component is fixed to the underside of the table using the
same means as illustrated in Figure 5 and described previously. Cross-
member 312 and apertured flange 306 can be moved towards or away
from the user thereby adjusting the distance of the leg supports and
table from the user. Similarly, the height of the support 330 can be
adjusted by adjusting the aperture point at which the first end 322 of the
first horizontal member 320 is fixed to the vertical column 304.
Therefore it is easy for the user 332 to establish ideal ergonomics.
Referring now to Figure 11, there is shown yet another embodiment of
my invention 350. The base 352 comprises first and second parallel
members 354 and 356 having respective first ends 358 and 360 and
second ends 362 and 364. The first ends 358 and 360 of each of the
first and second parallel members are joined by cross-member 366
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thereby forming a channel-shaped or "C"-shaped support. The angled
support member 368 is a single piece column that has a first end 370
and a second end 372. The angled support member first end 370 is
pivotally fixed to the cross-member 366 at a pivot located at its mid-
point so that the entire angled support member is able to pivot from zero
degrees to 180 degrees around mid-point of cross-member 366. The
pivot may be fixed at a desired angle using a clamp or cotter pin. In
another embodiment a ratchet mechanism would permit the user to raise
and lock the table height. Releasing the ratchet might be accomplished
using a lever located at the pivot point or by remote cable actuation from
the user's seated position.
This embodiment also incorporates leg supports 380 and 382 adjustably
fixed to the angled support member by means previously described in
respect of Figure 6. The second end 372 of the angled support arm is
pivotally connected to the underside 382 of the tilt table 384 so that the
angle of the tilt table can be adjusted and fixed by a clamp. In this
embodiment the base 352 of the invention includes feet 386 at each of
the first and second ends of the first and second parallel members 354
and 356. Casters may also be used.
Referring to Figure 1 1 a there is shown a similar embodiment to that
shown in Figure 11 except that the table top has a horizontal surface 371
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and an inclined surface 373. The operator can use a keyboard 375 on
the inclined table top while the screen 377 rests on the horizontal
portion. The operator retains the same inclined posture as shown in
Figure 11.
Referring to Figure 12 there is shown the same embodiment as Figure 11
of the invention 350. In Figure 12 the angled support member is shown
at an angle of zero degrees with respect to the horizontal floor the base
352. The first 354 and second 356 base members are shown parallel to
the angled support member. The tilt table 384 is shown at an angle of
zero with respect to the angled support member. In these
configurations the invention is easily folded and stored under a bed or in
a closet.
Referring now to Figure 13 there is shown another embodiment of my
invention 400 in which the "T"- shaped base 402 of the invention is
directly attached to a support leg 404 of the chair 406. Adjustment of
the base with respect to the support leg 404 is accomplished by way of a
clamp 410. In Figure 13 the leg support platforms 412 and 414 are used
as foot platforms.
Referring to Figure 14 which is the same embodiment as Figure 13, the
operator is sitting upright with both feet on the floor.
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Referring to Figure 15, there is shown one embodiment of the invention
that is similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 14, but for the working
surface comprises a tilted portion 23 upon which the keyboard 44 is
placed and a horizontal portion 41 upon which the computer flat screen
61 is placed.
Referring to Figure 16, there is shown yet another embodiment of the
invention 100 wherein the supporting members [102, 104, 106, 108,
110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 1201 comprise tubular members or pipes and
the pipes are fixed together by pipe connectors [122, 124, 126, 128,
130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140]. The working surface 142 is similar to
that shown in Figure 15 in that it comprises a horizontal surface 145 and
a tilted surface 147 which is adjustable by way of T-connection 148. All
of the pipe connectors are held to the pipes by way of setscrews 151
which can be easily loosened and tightened for disassembly and
adjustment. Similar pipe connectors that employ threaded fixation or
clamping fixation may also be used (not illustrated). For example, the
setscrews on T-connection 148 can be loosened for angle adjustment of
the tiltable surface 146. Leg rests 158 and 158 are fixed to the ends of
pipes 160 and 162 by way of elbow couplings 128 and 132. Collar
coupling 130 fixes the leg rest assembly to the vertical member 110.
Again setscrews within each of the couplings permit easy adjustment of
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the height and angle of the leg rest assembly. The base of the unit
comprises two parallel members 102 and 104 separated by members 106
and 106. Depending on the location of the workstation, the base
members can be adjusted by setscrews 150 in couplings 122 and 124 to
form either a "C" - shaped configuration to the base or an "H" - shaped
configuration. The working surfaces 144 and 146 and the leg rests 150
and 156 are fixed to their respective pipe members and elbow joints by
way of flange members 160. The bottom 162 of each of the working
surfaces and leg rests are perforated 164 with lines of holes so that the
location of the working surfaces and leg rests can be adjusted with
respect to their pipe supporting members. Pads 166 may be located at
the end of each supporting base member 102 and 104 for floor contact.
Figure 17 is the same workstation of Figure 16 showing it in a folded
configuration. The setscrews in the necessary couplings have been
loosened so that the workstation can be easily folded for storage.
Figure 18 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention that
further adapts and exploits typical office structures (other than the
typical office chair and table utilized in the embodiments described
above). To provide the necessary support structure for the user's calves
and their computer equipment, a leg rest 120 and a keyboard rest 122
are provided. The leg rest is adapted to affix to the top of a typical
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desktop computer tower 124 and is angled at an angle 126 to provide an
ergonomic comfort position for the operator 128. Angle 126 is about 20
degrees. The leg rest may also have a cushioned surface for added
comfort. The keyboard rest 122 is also included at an angle 130 for
maximum comfort and stress free operation of the keyboard. Angle 130
is about 30 degrees. The leg rest and the keyboard rest would be sold as
a kit.
This description contains much specificity that should not be construed
as limiting the scope of the invention but merely provides illustrations of
some of its embodiments. Thus the scope of the invention should be
determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather
than by the examples given.
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