[0001] This invention relates generally to a workstation for providing an operator work
space incorporating a work surface and one or more computer monitors and/or display
screens mounted for viewing by an operative.
[0002] It is conventional practice, in many different environments, to provide individual
workstations for operatives. Such workstations are usually required to provide the
operative with a work surface or desk space behind which they can sit or stand, and
at least one computer monitor or display screen mounted for viewing by the operative.
[0003] However, such workstations tend to have a structure that is fixed, or has limited
adaptability, such that there is little or no opportunity for an individual user to
configure or reconfigure their own work space to meet their specific needs and requirements.
Conventional workstations offer little flexibility as to the number and size of screens/monitors
that can be accommodated, or indeed their position/orientation relative to the user
when positioned behind their work surface. Furthermore, little or no provision is
made, in conventional workstations, for differences in body space dimensions of potential
workstation users, nor do they facilitate the selective configuration of the workstation
to ensure that the user can access all required interfaces as and how they desire.
[0004] It would, therefore, be desirable to provide a workstation that provides the flexibility
to change the configuration of screens and their position/orientation, as well the
height of the various elements, including the desk space and the screens. It would
also be desirable to provide a versatile, adaptable workstation that is easily and
conveniently portable. Still further, it would be desirable to provide an adaptable
workstation configured to carry touch screen monitors, wherein the rigidity of the
mounting arrangement is such that it does not flex and, therefore, the monitor does
not move when interacted with.
[0005] It is an object of aspects of the present invention to address at least some of these
issues and, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a workstation comprising a chassis having a base frame and a monitor frame assembly,
said base frame defining a work area at its proximal end for accommodating a user
therein, in use, wherein a desk unit is mounted laterally across said work area and
provides a work surface for use by a user accommodated in said work area, in use,
said monitor frame assembly comprising an outer frame, extending laterally across
said base frame and upwardly from its distal end, and an inner frame mounted within
said outer frame and configured to receive thereon a plurality of monitor brackets,
wherein said desk unit is longitudinally adjustable relative to said base frame so
as to selectively adjust its distance from the monitor frame assembly, and said inner
frame is vertically adjustable within, and relative to, said outer frame so as to
selectively adjust its height relative to said base frame; and further wherein respective
locking means are provided to releasably lock said desk unit and said inner frame
in a selected position.
[0006] The base frame may, optionally, comprise a pair of elongate, parallel, spaced-apart
side bars defining its side edges with a rear bar connected therebetween at their
distal ends, an a support bar spanning said side bars at a location intermediate their
distal and proximal ends, the proximal ends of said side bars defining an opening
therebetween; said work area being defined between said opening and said support bar.
[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the desk unit may comprise a planar desk member having
opposing upper and lower planar surfaces, and wherein connectors are coupled to said
lower surface, said connectors being slidably mounted in or on respective mounting
members provided on said base frame for selective adjustment of the height of said
desk member relative to said base frame. Optionally, each connector may comprise a
post and each mounting member comprises an upright, generally tubular bar coupled
to a respective side edge of the base frame and extending generally vertically upwardly
therefrom, each tubular bar being open at its upper end and defining a longitudinal
channel therethrough for receiving a respective post for slidable engagement therein.
The mounting members may, for example, be formed of extruded aluminium having profiled
inner and outer surfaces. It will be known to a person skilled in the art that extruded
aluminium bars are formed with longitudinal tracks on their outer surfaces and corresponding
longitudinal ridges on their inner surfaces. If the posts are also formed of extruded
aluminium, the desired slidable engagement may be achieved by inserting the posts
into the channels defined in the mounting members such that the ridges inside the
channel engage with corresponding tracks on the outer surface of a respective post,
and the post can slide up and down along the track as required.
[0008] Each mounting member may be slidably coupled to a respective side edge of the base
frame for longitudinal adjustment of its respective position thereon, the desk member
being mounted on said base frame by said connectors provided on its lower surface
coupled to respective mounting members such that, in use, said desk is longitudinally
adjustable relative to said base frame by sliding said mounting members to a desired
position along the length of the side edge of said base frame adjacent said work area.
Once again, if the side edges of the base frame are defined by extruded aluminium
bars for example, then longitudinal tracks will be provided in their outer surface.
Each mounting member may comprise a protrusion or ridge that enables it to be coupled
to a respective bar by insertion thereof into a track such that the mounting member
can slide back and forth along the bar as required.
[0009] The desk unit may comprise a planar desk member pivotally mounted laterally across,
and vertically spaced apart from, said base frame to allow selective adjustment of
the angular orientation about a lateral axis thereof, and a locking member is provided
to releasably lock said desk member at a desired angular orientation.
[0010] The workstation may further comprise a footrest mounted laterally between side edges
of said base frame within said work area, said footrest being longitudinally adjustable
relative to said base frame so as to selectively adjust its relative location within
said work area. The footrest may, optionally, comprise a planar footplate having a
longitudinal axis that laterally spans said base frame, said footrest being pivotally
mounted for selective adjustment of the angular orientation about said longitudinal
axis thereof, and a locking member is provided to releasably lock said footplate at
a desired angular orientation.
[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner frame may be slidably mounted at opposing side
edges thereof between a pair of parallel, vertical, spaced-apart side arms forming
said outer frame, for slidable adjustment of the height of said inner frame relative
to said base frame.
[0012] The outer frame may comprise a pair of parallel, vertical, spaced apart side arms,
each side arm defining a longitudinal track in a surface thereof, and each side edge
of said inner frame comprises a longitudinal ridge configured to be slidably received
in a respective track. Once again, if the inner and outer frames are formed of extruded
aluminium, then the required tracks and ridges are naturally formed for the desired
operation.
[0013] The inner frame may comprise a generally square or rectangular frame member having
a generally central, cross-shaped intersecting member therein to define four, generally
square or rectangular openings. Optionally, the inner side edges of said intersecting
member may be configured to have coupled thereto one or more monitor brackets. The
intersecting member may comprise, along its inner side edges, a longitudinal track
configured to receive a locking member configured to be coupled to an angle bracket
of a monitor bracket. Thus, as before, if the intersecting member is formed of extruded
aluminium, the tracks formed during the extrusion process can be used for this purpose.
[0014] Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the base frame, the outer frame and the inner frame
are formed of extruded aluminium bars coupled by interlocking connectors.
[0015] The workstation may be provided with a wheel or castor adjacent each corner of the
base frame to enable said workstation to be manually conveyed thereon. Thus, each
individual workstation can be made fully portable.
[0016] These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following
specific description, in which embodiments of the present invention will be described,
by way of examples only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portable workstation according to a
first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a portable workstation according to a
second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a schematic partial view of a height adjustment mechanism incorporated
in the portable workstation of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a schematic partial view of a monitor bracket incorporated in the portable
workstation of Figure 2; and
Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a portable workstation according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when in use.
[0017] Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a portable workstation according to a first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a chassis formed of a base
frame 10 and a monitor frame assembly 11. The base frame 10 comprises a pair of parallel,
spaced-apart, extruded aluminium side bars 14, coupled by interlocking connectors
at their distal ends by a rear bar 16 therebetween. The proximal ends of the side
bars 14 define a space 19 therebetween, wide enough to accommodate an operative's
chair. A support bar 18 extends, substantially parallel to the rear bar 16, between
the side bars 14 at a location intermediate their distal and proximal ends, such that
an operative work area 20 is defined between the space 19 and the support bar 18.
[0018] An extruded aluminium upright mount 22 is provided on each side bar 14, each upright
mount 22 extending upwardly, at substantially 90 degrees, from its respective side
bar 14 at a location near the distal end of the work area 20 (i.e. nearest the support
bar 18). Each mount 22 comprises a generally rectangular, extruded aluminium bar defining
a longitudinal (vertical) channel through at least a portion of its length and being
open at its upper end. A desk assembly 24, comprising a generally rectangular, planar
work surface 24a having opposing upper and lower surfaces, is provided, the lower
surface of the work surface 24a having a pair of longitudinally opposed posts 26 extending
downwardly therefrom, at substantially 90 degrees thereto. The work surface 24a is
mounted on the workstation by means of the posts 26 (Figure 2), each of which is slidably
received within the channel defined by a respective upright mount 22, such that the
relative height of the work surface 24a can be selectively adjusted by sliding the
posts upward and downward within the channels. Means are provided for fixing the posts
within the channels at a selected desk height. Each post 26 is coupled to the lower
surface of work surface 24a by means of an adjustable link bracket (not shown), which
enables the relative angle of the work surface 24a to be adjusted, as required, by
pivoting the planar work surface 24a about its horizontal axis. Once again, means
(not shown) are provided to lock the work surface 24a in a desired angular orientation.
[0019] The monitor frame assembly 11 comprises an outer frame defined by first and second
elongate side arms 28, each side arm 28 extending upwardly, at substantially 90 degrees,
from a respective side bar 14 of the base frame 10, at a location intermediate its
distal end and the support bar 18. A top bar 30 extends between the upper ends of
the side arms 28, connecting them by means of interlocking connection means (not shown).
The monitor frame assembly 11 further comprises an inner frame 32, mounted within
the outer frame, between the two side arms 28. A bracing strut 34 (Figure 2) extends
at an angle between each side bar 14 and a respective side arm 28 of the outer frame,
to strengthen the overall structure.
[0020] The inner frame 32 comprises a generally square frame, with a first, vertical bar
33 extending generally centrally between its upper and lower edges, and a pair of
second, horizontal bars 35 extending generally centrally between the vertical bar
33 and a respective side edge of the frame, so as to form a generally central cross-shaped
structure within the square frame, defining four equally-sized square openings 38
therein. At least the inner side edges of each of the openings 38 is provided with
a longitudinal track 38a configured to receive a clamping member therein such that
it can be slidably adjusted along, and selectively locked within, the track 38a. A
monitor mounting bracket 40 comprises a connector plate 42 coupled to a support member
44, the connector plate 42 being configured to fixedly receive a monitor or screen,
and the support member 44 being coupled to the above-mentioned clamping member via
an angle bracket 45 or the like, such that the angular orientation of the monitor
carried on the connector plate 42 can be selectively adjusted, and its height can
be adjusted (via the clamping member).
[0021] The inner frame 32 is mounted, via its side edges, within tracks 47 in the inner
side edges of the side arms 28 of the outer frame, such that the inner frame 32 is
slidable along their length for selective adjustment of its relative height. In the
exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings, a generally central,
vertical rear support bar 49 is mounted at the distal end of the base frame 10 and
the inner frame is slidably coupled thereto at its rear so as to provide further structural
support for the inner frame 32, in use.
[0022] Lockable castors 46 are provided at the distal and proximal ends of the two side
bars 14 defining the base frame 10, to enable the assembly to be conveniently transported
to a desired location.
[0023] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings, a generally
U-shaped rail 48 extends generally horizontally across the workstation, with its free
ends being coupled to the upper end of respective side arms 28, and the curved end
terminating at a location approximately in line with the space 19. The rail 48 may
be configured to carry a curtain or screen member to provide the user, in use, with
privacy and/or noise reduction.
[0024] Referring now to Figure 2 of the drawings, a workstation according to a second exemplary
embodiment of the present invention is similar in many respects to the workstation
described above, and like components and elements are denoted by the same reference
numerals.
[0025] Thus, the illustrated workstation comprises a base frame 10 and a monitor frame assembly
11 of a configuration substantially as hereinbefore described. The upper surface of
each side bar 14 of the base frame 10 is profiled to define at least one longitudinal
track 50 or (as in this case) a pair of parallel longitudinal tracks. Each upright
mount 22 is mounted for slidable movement within a track 50 in a respective side bar
14 such that the distance of the desk assembly 24 from the space 19 can be selectively
adjusted, and a clamping member (not shown) may be provided to lock the desk assembly
24 in a desired position.
[0026] As shown more clearly in Figure 3 of the drawings, each post 26 extending from the
rear of the work surface 24a defines a pair of longitudinal tracks 26a and is slidably
coupled within a channel defined in a respective upright mount 22 by means of cooperative
parallel ridges 22a provided on the inner side wall of the channel, which are received
within respective tracks 26a in the post to allow slidable vertical movement of the
posts 26 within the upright mount channels. The height of the work surface 24a can
thereby be selectively adjusted and a clamping knob 52 is provided to lock the work
surface 24a at a desired height (relative to the ground). As before, the posts 26
are coupled to the lower surface of the work surface 24a by means of adjustable link
brackets (not shown) to enable the angular orientation (relative to a horizontal plane)
to be adjusted as required by the user, and locked in a desired angular orientation
by a clamping knob 53.
[0027] Thus, the work surface 24a can be selectively adjusted in three different ways or
axes according to a user's preference and body space dimensions: 1) distance of the
work surface from the monitor(s) mounted on the monitor frame assembly 11; 2) height
of the work surface (from the floor); and 3) angular orientation of the work surface
24a (relative to a horizontal plane). This level of adjustability and versatility
is considered to be highly advantageous in comparison to individual workstations currently
known in the art.
[0028] Referring back to Figure 2 of the drawings, the inner side surface of each of the
side arms 28 is provided with a pair of parallel, longitudinal tracks 28 that run
along its length, as before. The inner frame 32 is provided with a corresponding pair
of parallel longitudinal ridges which are received within respective tracks 28a so
as to slidably mount the inner frame between the side arms 28. Thus the relative height
of the inner frame 32 can be slidably adjusted, and a clamping member (not shown)
is provided to lock the inner frame 32 at a desired height.
[0029] Referring additionally to Figure 4 of the drawings, each monitor mounting bracket
40 comprises a connector plate 42 coupled to an elongate support member 44. The connector
plate 42 is configured to fixedly receive a monitor or screen (not shown). The support
member 44 is removably coupled to an inner side edge of any of the bars forming the
inner frame 32 via an angle bracket 52 coupled to a clamping knob 54 recessed in a
respective track, and slidably therealong when the clamping knob 54 is released. The
angle bracket 52 enables the angular orientation of the connector plate 42 (and, therefore,
the screen/monitor held thereon) to be selectively adjusted and the clamping knob
54, when tightened, locks the monitor/screen in the desired angular orientation and
location along a respective track. Thus, the location on the monitor frame assembly,
the height and the angular orientation of the screen/monitor (or multiple screens/monitors)
can be selected and adjusted as required.
[0030] A footrest 70 is mounted, by means of adjustable link brackets (not shown) between
the side bars 14 of the base frame 10 at a location intermediate their proximal ends
and the support bar 18. The angular orientation and/ or its position within the work
area 20 may be selectively adjusted by a user, according to their requirements, and
then locked in the desired configuration by clamping means (not shown).
[0031] A back panel (not shown) may be provided over the rear plane of the outer frame in
some embodiments, to hide cabling etc.
[0032] It will be appreciated, therefore, that a workstation according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention provides unprecedented versatility in terms of height/relative
position of the work surface and the location, height and angular orientation of multiple
monitors. Indeed, further versatility is provided in terms of the number of screens/monitors,
and their relative configuration, that can be supported. Thus, referring to Figure
5 of the drawings, for example, an arrangement of five monitors 60 can be seen, with
a central monitor being surrounded, on each of its sides, by a respective further
monitor. In the example shown, the central monitor, which is substantially at eye
level with the user when positioned as shown in the work area 20, is substantially
vertical, whereas each of the peripheral monitors is angled outward from the inner
frame to optimise the user's viewing angle in respect thereof. More generally, the
exemplary workstations illustrated can support up to six 24" (e.g. touch screen) monitors
in various mounting positions, and up to two 32" (e.g. touch screen) monitors in various
configurations.
[0033] Thus, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a workstation that is
designed to be a flexible and adaptable workspace which can be quickly and easily
reconfigured depending on the required scenario. It can utilise off-the-shelf aluminium
profile to provide a large range od adjustability. Heavy duty locking castors may
be utilised to enable ease of movement over various terrains (e.g. from laboratory
floors to bumpy car parks). The workstation user has the ability to adjust the desk
height and angle, the foot rest distance and angle, along with the height and depth
of the monitors or screens. The screen mounts may, for example, be designs to allow
fitment of up to 6 24" touch screen monitors in various mounting positions, as well
as up to two 32" touch screen monitors, again in various configurations. The desk
top or work surface may be designed to be large enough to hold one keyboard, one mouse
and the user's notepad. Holders for the user's headset and drinks cup may also be
provided on the outer frame, for example. The rigidity of the workstation is considered
to be a significant improvement over prior art solutions, which compromise the use
of touchscreens by allowing monitors to move under the pressure of being touched.
The vast adjustability of all components within a workstation according to the above-described
embodiments is not available in prior art arrangements.
[0034] The above-described workstation utilises extruded aluminium profiles and interlocking
connectors to form the chassis, to which locking castor wheels and monitor mounts
are attached. By using the extruded profile, a large range of adjustment is available
to the user by loosening the locking members and sliding the element to be adjusted
along its profile track, although other means to achieve the same result may also
be utilised and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in
this regard.
[0035] In one exemplary embodiment, it is thought that the desk height might be adjustable
between 660mm and 770mm (upper surface) (BS7179), and desk depth may be a minimum
of 400mm (assuming that the desk needs to accommodate a keyboard and other elements).
Sufficient seat adjustment could be provided to allow a 5
th percentile of female (sitting eye height 685mm) and a 95
th percentile male (sitting eye height 845mm) to view the screen(s) from the same eye
position. Thus, the adjustment range may be 160mm. Ideally, a main display will have
a preferred viewing angle of 15 degrees from horizontal line of sight at a viewing
distance of at least 500mm. Touch panels may have a 45 degree viewing angle. An upper
display should, ideally, be located as close to the one below it as possible and is
likely to have the same viewing angle but reversed. Touch panels and other controls
can all be located within a convenient reach zone, with frequently operated controls
placed within a zone of convenient reach and infrequently used controls placed in
a normal work area, relative to a user.
[0036] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, from the foregoing description,
that modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiments without
departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
For example, it is considered that the principal advantages of the workstation provided
by aspects of the invention are associated with the large number of degrees of freedom
that the general structure provides in terms of adjustability of the various elements
and the configurability of the monitors or screens carried thereon. This versatility
is advantageously provided in the described embodiments by utilising extruded aluminium
bars and interlocking connectors to form the workstation chassis, such that the extruded
profile can be utilised to provide the desired slidable movement of the upright mounts,
the footrest, and the inner frame, as well as the monitor brackets, when mounted on
the inner frame. However, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that
other coupling means may be utilised similarly effectively to achieve a similar result.
Furthermore, whilst specific locking members in the form of clamping knobs have been
utilised in the described embodiments, it will be appreciated by a person skilled
in the art that other releasable locking mechanisms could alternatively be utilised.
1. A workstation comprising a chassis having a base frame and a monitor frame assembly,
said base frame defining a work area at its proximal end for accommodating a user
therein, in use, wherein a desk unit is mounted laterally across said work area and
provides a work surface for use by a user accommodated in said work area, in use,
said monitor frame assembly comprising an outer frame, extending laterally across
said base frame and upwardly from its distal end, and an inner frame mounted within
said outer frame and configured to receive thereon a plurality of monitor brackets,
wherein said desk unit is longitudinally adjustable relative to said base frame so
as to selectively adjust its distance from the monitor frame assembly, and said inner
frame is vertically adjustable within, and relative to, said outer frame so as to
selectively adjust its height relative to said base frame; and further wherein respective
locking means are provided to releasably lock said desk unit and said inner frame
in a selected position.
2. A workstation according to claim 1, wherein said base frame comprises a pair of elongate,
parallel, spaced-apart side bars defining its side edges with a rear bar connected
therebetween at their distal ends, an a support bar spanning said side bars at a location
intermediate their distal and proximal ends, the proximal ends of said side bars defining
an opening therebetween; said work area being defined between said opening and said
support bar.
3. A workstation according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said desk unit comprises a
planar desk member having opposing upper and lower planar surfaces, and wherein connectors
are coupled to said lower surface, said connectors being slidably mounted in or on
respective mounting members provided on said base frame for selective adjustment of
the height of said desk member relative to said base frame.
4. A workstation according to claim 3, wherein each connector comprises a post and each
mounting member comprises an upright, generally tubular bar coupled to a respective
side edge of the base frame and extending generally vertically upwardly therefrom,
each tubular bar being open at its upper end and defining a longitudinal channel therethrough
for receiving a respective post for slidable engagement therein.
5. A workstation according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein each mounting member is slidably
coupled to a respective side edge of the base frame for longitudinal adjustment of
its respective position thereon, the desk member being mounted on said base frame
by said connectors provided on its lower surface coupled to respective mounting members
such that, in use, said desk is longitudinally adjustable relative to said base frame
by sliding said mounting members to a desired position along the length of the side
edge of said base frame adjacent said work area.
6. A workstation according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said desk unit comprises
a planar desk member pivotally mounted laterally across, and vertically spaced apart
from, said base frame to allow selective adjustment of the angular orientation about
a lateral axis thereof, and a locking member is provided to releasably lock said desk
member at a desired angular orientation.
7. A workstation according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a footrest
mounted laterally between side edges of said base frame within said work area, said
footrest being longitudinally adjustable relative to said base frame so as to selectively
adjust its relative location within said work area.
8. A workstation according to claim 7, wherein said footrest comprises a planar footplate
having a longitudinal axis that laterally spans said base frame, said footrest being
pivotally mounted for selective adjustment of the angular orientation about said longitudinal
axis thereof, and a locking member is provided to releasably lock said footplate at
a desired angular orientation.
9. A workstation according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said inner frame is
slidably mounted at opposing side edges thereof between a pair of parallel, spaced-apart
side arms forming said outer frame, for slidable adjustment of the height of said
inner frame relative to said base frame.
10. A workstation according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said outer frame comprises
a pair of parallel, spaced apart side arms, each side arm defining a longitudinal
track in a surface thereof, and each side edge of said inner frame comprises a longitudinal
ridge configured to be slidably received in a respective track.
11. A workstation according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said inner frame comprises
a generally square or rectangular frame member having a generally central, cross-shaped
intersecting member therein to define four, generally square or rectangular openings.
12. A workstation according to claim 11, wherein the inner side edges of said intersecting
member are configured to have coupled thereto one or more monitor brackets.
13. A workstation according to claim 12, wherein said intersecting member comprises, along
its inner side edges, a longitudinal track configured to receive a locking member
configured to be coupled to an angle bracket of a monitor bracket.
14. A workstation according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said base frame, said
outer frame and said inner frame are formed of extruded aluminium bars coupled by
interlocking connectors.
15. A workstation according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a wheel or castor
adjacent each corner of said base frame to enable said workstation to be manually
conveyed thereon.