|
(11) | EP 2 842 458 B1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
|
|
| (54) |
Adjustable desk platform Einstellbare Schreibtischplattform Plate-forme de travail réglable |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). |
Technical Field:
[0001] This application relates generally to ergonomic workplace environments, and more particularly, to an adjustable desk platform or desk.
Background:
[0002] Sitting for long periods of time during the work day is generally not good for one's health and wellness. Medical studies show that sitting increases the rate of all-cause mortality, especially from cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, for example. People who sit for most of the day are 50 percent more likely to die of heart attacks. Even if you exercise, the longer you sit the greater the chances you will die. Sitting shuts down the circulation of the fat-absorbing enzyme lipase, while standing up engages muscles and promotes the distribution of lipase, which prompts the body to process fat and cholesterol, independent of the amount of time spent exercising.
[0003] There are desks available to be used while standing, and even desks adapted for use while a user is on a treadmill. However, standing for very long periods of time to work is more tiring, dramatically increases the risks of carotid atherosclerosis because of the additional load on the circulatory system, and increases the risks of varicose veins.
[0004] Taking regular breaks from sitting for prolonged periods of time can have several positive outcomes. For example, standing can provide more energy during the work day. In addition, because standing burns more calories than sitting, standing can also result in weight loss without changes in diet or exercise. It is also harder to become more tired or lose focus when standing.
[0005] Because regular breaks from sitting are beneficial, and because many people during the work day want to remain productive while taking breaks from sitting, and because everyone will sit and stand for different lengths of time at different times during the day, there exists a need to create a work environment that is ergonomic for someone standing as well as sitting, and allows the transition to be easy, quick, and simple.
[0006] US 2013/0139736 A1 discloses an adjustable desktop workspace is disclosed having a base having a lower platform, an upper platform, and two pivoting arms mounted between the two. Each pivoting arm has a front and rear bracket. A locking lever on each arm fixedly engages the platform in an upright position at a variety of levels above the lower platform. There are also two stabilizing bars to limit side-to-side relative movement, and a biasing spring between the front and rear brackets to aide moving the upper platform.
SUMMARY:
[0007] According to the invention, there is provided, an adjustable desk platform comprising: an upper platform defining a substantially planar work surface; a lower platform defining a second substantially planar work surface; at least one set of pivot arms connecting the lower platform and the upper platform, each set of pivot arms comprising a first arm and a second arm, wherein each set of pivot arms is adapted to move the upper platform substantially in parallel with the lower platform between a fully raised position and a fully lowered position; a locking mechanism associated with the set of pivot arms, the locking mechanism comprising: a plurality of perforations located in the first arm or the second arm, a locking set fixed with respect to the upper platform, the locking set including at least one anchor adapted to selectively engage at least one of the plurality of perforations, and a handle
coupled to the anchor by a linkage, the handle adapted to selectively move the anchor into engagement with respect to at least one of the plurality of perforations; characterised in that the locking mechanism further
comprises a first spring fixed in position with respect to the lower platform, wherein movement of the upper platform toward the fully lowered position extends the first spring; a boss located on the first arm or the second arm, the boss adapted to move through an arcuate path as the upper platform moves between the fully raised position and the fully lowered position; and a second spring fixed in position with
respect to the lower platform, wherein movement of the upper platform toward the fully lowered position causes the boss to bend the second spring and, optionally, wherein the second spring is a cantilever spring.
[0008] Disclosed, but not claimed, is an adjustable desk platform comprising: an upper platform defining a substantially planar work surface, wherein an edge of the upper platform defines a generally U-shaped recess having first and second lateral sides; a base having a bottom surface that is adapted to sit on an existing desk; at least one set of arms connecting the base and the upper platform, the set of arms comprising a first arm and a second arm, wherein the set of arms is adapted to move the upper platform substantially in parallel with the base between a fully raised position and a fully lowered position; a locking mechanism associated with the set of arms, the locking mechanism adapted to releasably lock the
upper platform in the fully raised position; wherein the adjustable desk platform further comprises a keyboard tray suspended below the upper platform, the keyboard tray adapted to support a keyboard, wherein the keyboard tray defines first and second lateral edges; a first support bracket extending between the first lateral side of the generally U-shaped recess and the first lateral edge of the keyboard tray; and a second support bracket extending between the second lateral side of the generally U-shaped recess and the second lateral edge of the keyboard tray.
[0009] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, embodiments of the invention are disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[0010] The features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable desk platform.
Figure 2 is another perspective view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a side view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is front view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is perspective view of parts of an embodiment of a locking mechanism of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 1.
Figure 6 is an exploded view of the locking mechanism of Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a biasing mechanism of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 1.
Figure 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the locking mechanism of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 1, showing the handle in the locked position.
Figure 9 is a side view of the locking mechanism of Figure 8 showing the handle in the un-locked position.
Figure 10 is a side view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 1 showing an example of directional movement of the upper platform relative to the lower platform and the pivot arms.
Figure 11 is a side view of an embodiment of the biasing mechanism.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the adjustable desk platform, showing the tray.
Figure 13 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the adjustable desk platform showing the tray and counter weights.
Figure 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the adjustable desk platform including a keyboard tray.
Figure 15 is an enlarged, perspective view of the pivot arms of an embodiment of the adjustable desk platform.
Figure 16 is perspective view of an embodiment not according to the invention of an adjustable desk platform including legs.
Figure 17 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the adjustable desk platform with legs of Figure 16.
Figure 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the adjustable desk platform, shown in a fully lowered position.
Figure 19 is a perspective view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 18, shown in a fully raised position.
Figure 20 is a side view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 18, shown in the fully lowered position.
Figure 21 is a side view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 18, shown in the fully raised position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
[0011] Embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below. In describing embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected. While specific embodiments are discussed, It should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations can be used, within the scope of the appended claims.
[0012] Embodiments of the adjustable desk platform described herein can transition between a lower operating position and an upper operating position quickly, easily, and simply. This may be useful, for example, to provide height adjustability to conventional, fixed desktop workspaces.
[0013] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the adjustable desk platform generally includes an upper platform 10, a lower platform 20, and left and right pivot arm sets 30, which connect the upper platform 10 and lower platform 20. According to the invention, the upper platform 10 and the lower platform 20 include a substantially planar top surface that can serve as a working surface for the user, for example, to support reading materials, papers, computers, other electronic devices, and the like. The adjustable desk platform includes one or more locking mechanisms 40, for example, one associated with each of the left and right pivot arm sets 30. The adjustable desk platform also includes one or more biasing mechanisms 50 (see Figure 3), for example, each associated with the left and right pivot arm sets 30. The adjustable desk platform can also include a reinforcement member 60, visible in Figures 2 and 4.
[0014] Referring to Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 6, lower mounting brackets 11 can be located on upper platform 10, for example, secured thereto, or formed integrally therewith. As shown in the figures, two lower mounting brackets 11 can be secured to the underside of the upper platform 10 at opposite sides of the upper platform 10. As shown in Figures 2 to Figure 4, lower platform 20 is located below the upper platform 10, and the pivot arm sets selectively adjust the height of the upper platform 10 with respect the lower platform 20, for example, with the upper platform 10 and the lower platform 20 remaining substantially parallel to one another during movement.
[0015] Lower platform 20 can include two upper mounting brackets 21, for example, one located near each side of the lower platform 20. The upper mounting brackets can be formed integrally with the lower platform 20, or alternatively, secured thereto using fasteners or other means known in the art. Lower platform 20 can also include one or more counter weights 22, and a housing 23 near each upper mounting bracket 21.
[0016] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the upper mounting brackets 21 can be located on the top surface of the lower platform 20, for example, at opposite sides thereof, and the lower mounting brackets 11 can be located on the bottom surface of the upper platform 10, for example, in registry with the upper mounting brackets 21. Each upper mounting bracket 21 can include an arc slot 211, shown in Figures 1 and 3. One of the housings 23 can be located adjacent the outer side of each of the upper mounting brackets 21. As shown in Figure 2, one or more counter weight(s) 22 can be located on the bottom surface of lower platform 20.
[0017] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, each pivot arm set 30 is connected to the respective lower mounting bracket 11 on the upper platform 10 and to the respective upper mounting bracket 21 on the lower platform 20. As shown, each pivot arm set 30 includes a main pivot arm 31 and secondary pivot arm 32. The pivot arms 31, 32 can be pivotably connected to the lower mounting bracket 11 at one end, and to upper mounting bracket 21 at the other end using, for example, rivets, fasteners, or other structures known in the art. The main pivot arm 31 and secondary pivot arm 32 can be connected to the lower mounting bracket 11 and upper mounting bracket 21 at different locations, as shown in the figures. The pivot arm sets 30 can be connected to the upper mounting bracket 21 at the opposite side of the respective housing 23. For example, the pivot arm sets 30 can connect to the interior side of the upper mounting brackets 21, while the housings 23 can connect to the exterior sides of the upper mounting brackets 21.
[0018] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the upper end of each primary pivot arm 31 includes a locking part 311 including a plurality of perforations 3111. The plurality of perforations 3111 can include at least one perforation that is selectively movable into alignment with a hole 111 in the respective lower mounting bracket 11. Referring to Figures 3 and 7, each secondary pivot arm 32 can include a boss 321 that slides within the arc slot 211 of the respective upper mounting bracket 21.
[0019] Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 8, one or more locking sets 40 can be located on the bottom of the upper platform 10. For example, each locking set 40 can be fixed on the respective lower mounting bracket 11, however other locations are possible. Referring to Figure 6, each locking set 40 can include anchors 41. Each anchor 41 can selectively engage one of the perforations 3111 of locking part 311, and can also engage through the hole 111 of lower mounting bracket 11, thereby fixing the main pivot arm 31 in position with respect to the respective lower mounting bracket 11. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 8, each locking set 40 includes a handle 42 and a linkage mechanism 43. Referring to Figures 5, 6, and 8, each linkage set 43 can include a first linkage 431, a second linkage 432, and a third linkage 433, which, according to an embodiment, are pivotably connected to one another in sequence. Each first linkage 431 can be located underneath the bottom of the upper platform 10, and can have a pivot joint with handle 42. Each third linkage 433 can be connected with the respective anchor 41, for example, by rivets, pins, or other structures extending through the third linkage 433 and anchor(s) 41 as shown in Figures 9 and 10. Each locking set 40 can contain a spring 44, adapting piece 45, and housing 46. Each adapting piece 45 of locking set 40 can be secured on the bottom of upper platform 10, and can include a pivot joint with second linkage 432. One end of spring 44 can be connected with adapting piece 45 and the other end of spring 44 can be connected with second linkage 432 in proximity to the first linkage 431. Each locking set 40 can include a housing 46 that can cover at least the second linkage 432, third linkage 433, spring 44, adapting piece 45, and anchor 41. The housing 46 can be connected to the underside of the upper platform 10.
[0020] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, each biasing mechanism 50 can be located on lower platform 20, and can be connected with pivot arm sets 30 to assist the upper platform 10 in raising/lowering with respect to the lower platform 20. Each biasing mechanism 50 includes a spring 51, a support 52, a booster spring 53, and a pivot point 54. One side of spring 51 can be connected with the support 52 and the other side can form a pivot joint with the secondary arm 32, for example, by attaching to the boss 321. Each support 52 and booster spring 53 of biasing mechanism 50 is connected with lower platform 20. Arc slot 211 can be selectively connected with the respective secondary pivot arm 32 on the other side of the respective upper mounting bracket 21. Pivot point 54 can be located against the bottom side of booster spring 53, Each biasing mechanism 50 can be located between the respective upper mounting bracket 21 and housing 23, thereby concealing the biasing mechanism 50.
[0021] As shown in Figure 4, reinforcement member 60 may extend between the left and right pivot arm sets 30. According to an embodiment, reinforcement member may include a supporting rod 61 and a separate reinforcement 62, however, other single-member and multi-member embodiments are possible. According to an embodiment, supporting rod 61 can be connected with the primary pivot arm 31 of each pivot arm set 30, and reinforcement 62 can be connected with the secondary pivot arm 32 of each pivot arm set 30. According to embodiments, the reinforcement member can fix the side-to-side distance between the pivot arms and add stability, avoiding side-to-side movement when lifting or lowering upper platform 10 from lower platform 20, and can make the adjustable platform operate smoothly.
[0022] When in use, the user can place the adjustable desk platform on to a desktop, and may place items on the upper platform 10 as desired, such as, without limitation, a computer, documents, desk lamps, instruments, and supplies. The user can adjust the height between the upper platform 10 and the lower platform 20 according to their working posture and/or other needs.
[0023] Figure 3 depicts the adjustable desk platform in a fully raised position. Referring to Figures 3, 8-10, and 12, in order to lower the adjustable desk platform, the user can pull handle 42, which in turn displaces the first linkage 431, second linkage 432, and third linkage 433. This can, in turn, retract the anchor 41 and cause the anchor to withdrawal from the perforation(s) 3111 of the primary pivot arm 31. As a result, the pivot arm 31 is released from a substantially fixed position, allowing primary pivot arm 31 and secondary pivot arm 32 to move, consequently allowing the upper platform 10 to move with respect to the lower platform 20. Accordingly, the distance between upper platform 10 and lower platform 20 can be reduced, for example, to the fully lowered position shown in Figure 11, or to some position between the fully raised position and the fully lowered position. This allows the distance between the upper platform 10 and lower platform 20 to be easily set and adjusted.
[0024] As shown In Figures 3 and 8-11, when the user moves the upper platform 10 and lower platform 20 to a desired height relative to each other, the user can release the handle(s) of locking set(s) 40. As a result, the retraction force of springs 44 of each locking set 40 can move the second linkage 432, causing first linkage 431 and third linkage 433 to move sequentially, thereby causing anchors 41 to lock through the hole 111 of the lower mounting bracket and the corresponding perforations 3111 on primary pivot arm 31. This, in turn, locks the position of the upper platform 20 relative to the lower platform 10.
[0025] As shown in Figures 3, 10, and 11, as the primary and secondary pivot arms 31, 32 pivot with respect to the respective upper mounting bracket 21, the boss 321 slides within arc slot 211 of the upper mounting bracket 21, and accordingly, stretches or relaxes the compression spring 51 of the corresponding biasing mechanism 50. Referring to Figure 11, since pivot point 54 leans against the bottom side of booster spring 53, when upper platform 10 and lower platform 20 are moved toward the fully lowered position, boss 321 can press laterally against the booster springs 53, thereby causing booster spring 53 to bend. Thus, according to the invention, the booster springs 53 can
provide additional upward bias when the upper platform 10 is in or near the fully lowered position.
[0026] As shown in Figures 3, 8, 9, when the user desires to increase the distance between the lower platform 20 and the upper platform 10, the user can pull the handle(s) of the locking set(s) 40 to impact locking set 40, springs 44, and anchors 41, causing anchors 41 to retract from the perforation 3111 and hole 111, releasing the primary and secondary pivot arms 31, 32 so the spacing between the upper platform 10 and the lower platform 20 can be increased.
[0027] As shown in Figures 3, 10, and 11, lowering the upper platform 10 causes the pivot arm sets 30 to pivot with respect to the upper mounting brackets 21. The resultant rotation of the secondary pivot arms 32 causes the respective bosses 321 to slide within the respective arc slots 211, thereby stretching the respective compression springs 51 of the biasing mechanisms 50, providing a measure of resistance against lowering of the upper platform 10. When the distance between the upper platform 10 and the lower platform 20 is gradually increased from the fully lowered position, bosses 321 slowly pull away from the respective booster springs 53, and allows the booster springs 53 to retract to their natural, unbent state.
[0028] Increasing the weight on upper platform 10 (e.g., by placing an item on the upper platform 10) can increase the difficulty of raising the upper platform 10 from the lower platform 20. Due to the configuration of the biasing mechanism 50, booster spring 53, and pivot point 54, when upper platform 10 is raised from the lower platform 20, the elastic force of booster spring 53 and spring 51 can influence the boss 321 of each secondary pivot arm 32, causing secondary pivot arm 32 to generate an upward lifting force, reducing the amount of effort required from the user to raise the upper platform 10.
[0029] When lifting upper platform 10, the overall center of gravity of the adjustable desk platform can shift between lower platform 20 and upper platform 10, especially when various items are placed on top of upper platform 10. Because items located on the upper platform create additional weight, the overall center of gravity of the adjustable desk platform will quickly shift to the upper platform 10, and potentially make the adjustable desk platform unstable. Accordingly, the counterweight(s) 22 can increase the weight of lower platform 20, thereby helping to counterbalance the weight of the upper platform 10 when in the raised position and/or when weighted with items.
[0030] According to embodiments, the housings 23 of upper platform 10 and the housings 46 of locking set 40 can help protect the user's fingers or other foreign matter from being caught in the locking sets 40, the pivot arm sets 30, and/or inside of the biasing mechanisms 50. Housings 23 and housings 46 can also add to the aesthetic appearance of the adjustable desk platform.
[0031] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the adjustable desk platform can include a keyboard tray 70. The keyboard tray 70 can be detachably connected with lower platform 20. Keyboard tray 70 includes a tray portion 71 and one or more releasable joint component(s) 72. According to an embodiment, two joint components 72 can be connected on opposed sides of tray portion 71. The joint components 72 can be slidably mounted on the lower platform 20. Additionally or alternatively, the joint components 72 can be drilled in the housing 23 of lower platform 20. The joint components are not limited to the embodiments show, and other connectors known in the art can be used as alternatives.
When desired, the keyboard tray 70 can be attached to lower platform 20, and items can be placed on it, such as a keyboard. According to embodiments, tray 70 can be located at an adjustable distance from the lower platform 20.
Referring to an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 14, the keyboard tray 70A can be attached to the bottom side of the upper platform 10. For example, a joint component 72A can connect the tray portion 71A to the underside of the lower platform 10. When in use, keyboard tray 70A may move up and down with upper platform 10, thereby making it more convenient to access items placed on keyboard tray 70, such as a keyboard.
Referring to Figure 15, the main pivot arm 31 and/or secondary pivot arm 32 can be cladded with a protector 80. According to an embodiment, the protector 80 is made with EVA foam (ethylene - vinyl acetate copolymer), however other materials are possible. Protector 80 can help prevent jammed fingers due to an operator reaching between pivot arm sets 30 and upper mounting brackets 21.
Referring to Figures 16 and 17, embodiments of the adjustable desk platform not according to the invention can include legs that support the adjustable desk platform above the ground. For example, the adjustable desk platform can include four legs 90 extending from its comers, as shown, however, more or less than four legs are possible. The legs 90 can be fixed in length, or alternatively, can be adjustable in length using structures known in the art. The legs 90 can allow the adjustable desk platform to be self-supported above the ground. Except for the provision of legs and the related structures, embodiments of the adjustable desk platform shown in Figures 16 and 17 can be substantially the same as described in connection with Figures 1-15.
[0032] Referring to Figure 17, the adjustable desk platform can include a frame member 91 that attaches, for example, to the upper mounting brackets 21, lower platform (not shown), or other part of the adjustable desk platform. For example, fasteners such as bolts or rivets, welding, bonding, or other attachment techniques can be used. The legs 90 can in turn be attached to the frame member 91, for example, using fasteners such as bolts or rivets, welding, bonding, or other attachment techniques. As shown in Figure 17, an embodiment can include end caps 92 that extend into open ends of the frame member 91, however, other configurations are possible. Referring back to Figure 16, embodiments can include a cover portion 93 that extends over and conceals all or a portion of the frame member 91, thereby improving the safety and/or appearance of the adjustable desk platform. Although not shown, lateral supports can extend between one more pairs of the legs 90.
[0033] Referring to Figures 18-21, another embodiment of the adjustable desk platform is shown. The embodiment of Figures 18-21 is substantially the same as shown and described in connection with Figures 1-15. For example, the adjustable desk platform of Figures 18-21 can include the same or similar pivot arm sets 30, locking set(s) 40, biasing mechanism(s) 50, reinforcement member(s) 60, counterweight, legs, and/or other features of previously-described embodiments. Accordingly, only additions or differences from previous embodiments are described below.
Generally similar to the embodiment of Figure 14, the adjustable desk platform of Figures 18-21 can include a keyboard tray 70A suspended below the upper platform 10. The keyboard tray 70A can be adapted to support a computer keyboard, mouse, tablet computer, or other device. For example, the keyboard tray 70A can be substantially planar, and can have a size equal to, or greater than, a conventional computer keyboard. According to an embodiment, the surface area of the keyboard tray 70A is between about one half and about one quarter of the surface area of the upper platform. According to an embodiment, the surface area of the keyboard tray 70A is about one third of the surface area of the upper platform 10. In order to provide sufficient space for the keyboard tray 70A, according to embodiments, the pivot arm sets 30 can be lengthened as compared to embodiments without the keyboard tray, for example, to increase distance between the upper platform 10 and lower platform 20. For example, the pivot arms sets 30 may be increased lengthwise by between about 2" (5.08 cm) and about 5" (12.7 cm) as compared to embodiments without the tray, more specifically, by about 3" (7.62 cm) to about 4" (10.16 cm). As best seen in Figures 18 and 19, the keyboard tray 70A can be generally "T"-shaped, in that it can define a relatively narrow portion 100 joined to a relatively wide portion 102 to define a "T" shape. The narrow portion 100 and wide portion 102 are shown separated by an imaginary dashed line in Figure 18 for illustration purposes only. The edge of the upper platform 10 adjacent the keyboard tray 70A can also define a recess 104, such as a generally "U" shaped recess. The width of the recess 104 can be the same or similar to the width of the narrow portion 100 of the keyboard tray 70A. As
a result, the narrow portion 100 of the keyboard tray 70A can be positioned generally in registry with the recess 104, for example, for ergonomic reasons.
[0034] Referring to Figures 18 and 21, first and second support members 106, 108 can connect the keyboard tray 70A to the upper platform 10. According to embodiments, the first and second support members 106, 108 can be located adjacent opposite sides of the generally U-shaped recess 104. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second support members 106, 108 can be located adjacent opposite ends of the narrow portion 100 of the T-shaped keyboard tray 70A. According to this embodiment, the narrow portion 100 of the keyboard tray 70A can fit the keyboard, and the wide portion 102 of the keyboard tray 70A can provide additional support for the user's hands or wrists, however, other uses are possible. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand based on this disclosure that the upper platform 10 and keyboard tray 70A are not limited to the specific shapes and appearances shown in Figures 18-21.
[0035] Still referring to Figures 18 and 21, the support members 106, 108 can comprise metal brackets, such as stamped metal brackets, that are connected to the keyboard tray 70A and to the upper platform 10 on opposite ends, for example, using fasteners such as screws, nails, rivets, or bonding or other techniques known in the art. Alternatively, all or a part of the support members 106, 108 can be integral (e.g., monolithic) with the upper platform 10 and/or keyboard tray 70A. According to the embodiment shown, the support members 106, 108 can have cutouts, e.g., forming an X-shape, in order to decrease weight and material, however, other configurations are possible.
The embodiments illustrated and discussed in this specification are intended only to teach those skilled in the art the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. For example, the arrangement of features with respect to the upper platform and the lower platform, such as, e.g., the locking mechanism, can be reversed. All examples presented are representative and non-limiting. The above-described embodiments of the invention may be modified or varied, without departing from the invention as defined by the appended claims, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
an upper platform (10) defining a substantially planar work surface;
a lower platform (20) defining a second substantially planar work surface; at least one set of pivot arms (30) connecting the lower platform (20) and the upper platform (10), each set of pivot arms (30) comprising a first arm (31) and a second arm (32), wherein each set of pivot arms (30) is adapted to move the upper platform (10) substantially in parallel with the lower platform (20) between a fully raised position and a fully lowered position;
a locking mechanism (40) associated with the set of pivot arms (30), the locking mechanism (40) comprising:
a plurality of perforations (3111) located in the first arm (31) or the second arm (32), a locking set (40) fixed with respect to the upper platform (10), the locking set (40) including at least one anchor (41) adapted to selectively engage at least one of the plurality of perforations (3111), and
a handle (42) coupled to the anchor (41) by a linkage (43), the handle (42) adapted to selectively move the anchor (41) into engagement with respect to at least one of the plurality of perforations (3111);
characterised in that the locking mechanism (40) further comprises a first spring (51) fixed in position with respect to the lower platform (20), wherein movement of the upper platform (10) toward the fully lowered position extends the first spring (51);
a boss (321) located on the first arm (31) or the second arm (32), the boss (321) adapted to move through an arcuate path as the upper platform (10) moves between the fully raised position and the fully lowered position; and
a second spring (53) fixed in position with respect to the lower platform (20), wherein movement of the upper platform (10) toward the fully lowered position causes the boss (321) to bend the second spring (53) and, optionally, wherein the second spring (53) is a cantilever spring.
a lower mounting bracket (11) located on the upper platform (10); and
an upper mounting bracket (21) located on the lower platform (20), wherein the first and second arms (31, 32) interconnect the upper mounting bracket (21) and the lower mounting bracket (11).
the first spring (51) extends between the boss (321) and the upper mounting bracket (21) ; and
the second spring (53) is secured to the upper mounting bracket (21) and, optionally,
further comprising a pivot point (54) located adjacent to the second spring (53), wherein the boss (321) is adapted to bend the second spring (53) about the pivot point (54).
eine obere Plattform (10), die eine im Wesentlichen ebene Arbeitsfläche definiert;
eine untere Plattform (20), die eine zweite, im Wesentlichen ebene Arbeitsfläche definiert;
mindestens einen Satz von Schwenkarmen (30), die die untere Plattform (20) und die obere Plattform (10) verbinden, wobei jeder Satz von Schwenkarmen (30) einen ersten Arm (31) und einen zweiten Arm (32) umfasst, wobei jeder Satz von Schwenkarmen (30) dazu angepasst ist, die obere Plattform (10) im Wesentlichen parallel zu der unteren Plattform (20) zwischen einer vollständig angehobenen und einer vollständig abgesenkten Stellung zu bewegen;
einen mit dem Satz von Schwenkarmen (30) assoziierten Verriegelungsmechanismus (40), wobei der Verriegelungsmechanismus (40) Folgendes umfasst:
eine Vielzahl von Lochungen (3111), die sich in dem ersten Arm (31) oder dem zweiten Arm (32) befinden,
einen Verriegelungssatz (40), der in Bezug auf die obere Plattform (10) fixiert ist, wobei der Verriegelungssatz (40) mindestens einen Anker (41) umfasst, der dazu angepasst ist, selektiv in mindestens eine der Vielzahl von Lochungen (3111) einzugreifen, und
einen Griff (42), der durch eine Verbindungsstange (43) an den Anker (41) gekoppelt ist, wobei der Griff (42) dazu angepasst ist, den Anker (41) selektiv in Bezug auf mindestens eines der Vielzahl von Lochungen (3111) in Eingriff zu bringen;
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Verriegelungsmechanismus (40) weiter eine erste Feder (51) umfasst, deren Lage in Bezug auf die untere Plattform (20) fixiert ist, wobei die Bewegung der oberen Plattform (10) in Richtung der vollständig abgesenkten Stellung die erste Feder (51) verlängert;
einen runden Vorsprung (321), der sich an dem ersten Arm (31) oder dem zweiten Arm (32) befindet, wobei der runde Vorsprung (321) dazu angepasst ist, sich entlang einer bogenförmigen Bahn zu bewegen, wenn sich die obere Plattform (10) zwischen der vollständig angehobenen Stellung und der vollständig abgesenkten Stellung bewegt; und
eine zweite Feder (53), deren Lage in Bezug auf die untere Plattform (20) fixiert ist, wobei die Bewegung der oberen Plattform (10) in Richtung der vollständig abgesenkten Stellung bewirkt, dass der runde Vorsprung (321) die zweite Feder (53) biegt, und wobei es sich optional bei der zweiten Feder (53) um eine Auslegerfeder handelt.
eine untere Befestigungsplatte (11), die sich an der oberen Plattform (10) befindet; und
eine obere Befestigungsplatte (21), die sich an der unteren Plattform (20) befindet, wobei der erste und der zweite Arm (31, 32) die obere Befestigungsplatte (21) und die untere Befestigungsplatte (11) miteinander verbinden.
sich die erste Feder (51) zwischen dem runden Vorsprung (321) und der oberen Befestigungsplatte (21) erstreckt; und
die zweite Feder (53) an der oberen Befestigungsplatte (21) befestigt ist, und optional
weiter umfassend einen Drehpunkt (54), der sich der zweiten Feder (53) benachbart befindet, wobei der runde Vorsprung (321) dazu angepasst ist, die zweite Feder (53) um den Drehpunkt (54) zu biegen.
une plateforme supérieure (10) définissant une surface de travail substantiellement plane ;
une plateforme inférieure (20) définissant une deuxième surface de travail substantiellement plane ;
au moins un ensemble de bras pivotants (30) connectant la plateforme inférieure (20) et la plateforme supérieure (10), chaque ensemble de bras pivotants (30) comprenant un premier bras (31) et un deuxième bras (32), dans laquelle chaque ensemble de bras pivotants (30) est conçu pour déplacer la plateforme supérieure (10) substantiellement parallèlement à la plateforme inférieure (20) entre une position entièrement relevée et une position entièrement abaissée ;
un mécanisme de verrouillage (40) associé au jeu de bras pivotants (30), le mécanisme de verrouillage (40) comprenant :
une pluralité de perforations (3111) situées dans le premier bras (31) ou le deuxième bras (32),
un ensemble de verrouillage (40) fixé par rapport à la plateforme supérieure (10),
l'ensemble de verrouillage (40) incluant au moins un ancrage (41) conçu pour entrer en prise sélectivement avec au moins une perforation de la pluralité de perforations (3111), et
une poignée (42) couplée à l'ancrage (41) par une liaison (43), la poignée (42) conçue pour déplacer sélectivement l'ancrage (41) en prise par rapport à au moins une perforation de la pluralité de perforations (3111) ;
caractérisée en ce que le mécanisme de verrouillage (40) comprend en outre un premier ressort (51) fixé en position par rapport à la plateforme inférieure (20), dans laquelle le mouvement de la plateforme supérieure (10) vers la position entièrement abaissée étend le premier ressort (51) ;
une protubérance (321) située sur le premier bras (31) ou le deuxième bras (32), la protubérance (321) conçue pour se déplacer selon une trajectoire arquée quand la plateforme supérieure (10) se déplace entre la position entièrement relevée et la position totalement abaissée ; et
un deuxième ressort (53) fixé en position par rapport à la plateforme inférieure (20), dans laquelle le mouvement de la plateforme supérieure (10) vers la position entièrement abaissée amène la protubérance (321) à plier le deuxième ressort (53) et, facultativement,
dans laquelle le deuxième ressort (53) est un ressort en porte-à-faux.
un support de montage inférieur (11) situé sur la plateforme supérieure (10) ; et
un support de montage supérieur (21) situé sur la plateforme inférieure (20),
dans laquelle les premier et deuxième bras (31, 32) relient le support de montage supérieur (21) et le support de montage inférieur (11).
le premier ressort (51) s'étend entre la protubérance (321) et le support de montage supérieur (21) ; et
le deuxième ressort (53) est fixé au support de montage supérieur (21) et, facultativement,
comprenant en outre un point de pivot (54) situé adjacent au deuxième ressort (53), dans laquelle la protubérance (321) est conçue pour plier le deuxième ressort (53) autour du point de pivot (54).
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description