Adjustable vertical desk

[0001] This invention pertains to office furniture, and more particularly, this invention pertains to a vertical desk that allows adult users the option of sitting, standing, or walking on a treadmill while at work on computer equipment.

[0002] Cumulative trauma disorders also known as repetitive motion injuries, are a group of musculoskeletal disorders experienced most by computer users due to the misuse or over-use of muscles, tendons, and nerves. Most commonly affected body members are fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, arms, shoulders, backs, and necks.

[0003] Insurance company and government statistics show that repetitive motion injuries cost employers approximately $2 billion in lost revenue and medical costs annually. While industry suffers financial loss due to cumulative trauma disorders, affected workers suffer varying degrees of disability, pain and discomfort.

[0004] Factors that lead to injuries include repetitive tasks, such as typing, maintaining an awkward position or a fixed body position for extended periods of time, insufficient recovery time, and the pace of work performed. Workers may develop inflammation of joints and muscles and suffer symptoms such as numbness, redness, tingling, burning, decrease in joint motion, weakness, clumsiness, loss of strength, pain, aching, swelling, and cracking or popping of joints. Exacerbating the problem for desk-bound workers is anthropometric mismatch, the use of office furniture that does not properly fit the stature of the user, potentially promoting contorted posture and poor body alignment.

[0005] To mitigate these problems, desks should ideally be adjustable to better fit the stature of each user, should allow flexibility in the placement of computer equipment, should permit physical movement while the worker continues to perform computer tasks, and should promote mild cardiovascular exercise.

[0006] In regard to cardiovascular exercises, attempts have been made in the past to design computer desks that allow adjustment thereof for use in combination with exercise equipment such as a treadmill. The following publications disclose examples of computer workstations that are used in combination with a treadmill.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,475 issued to J. M. Kehrbaum on Oct. 26, 2004; discloses a computer workstation that is usable in combination with a treadmill. This concept includes a cubicle device enclosing a treadmill. The cubicle has shelves therein for supporting the computer equipment above the forward end of the treadmill.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7,614,991 issued to S. Fox on Nov. 10, 2009; discloses another cubicle device enclosing a treadmill. A table is set over the forward end of the treadmill for supporting a computer and a keyboard.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,701 issued to N. Edelson on Nov. 2, 1993; discloses an adjustable rack having a table that can be adjusted to different heights. The rack can be set over a treadmill for supporting a computer over a treadmill while a user exercises on the treadmill.

[0010] While the prior art confirms the need for a desk and treadmill combination, the prior art designs have had limited success in providing adjustment options at hand and eye levels, versatility of use, and design compactness.

[0011] Thus despite efforts of others to provide an ergonomically correct computer desk, a significant need remains.

[0012] The adjustable vertical desk according to the present invention has two legs between which is located a vertical display surface with front-facing attachment slats. The attachment slats are used to support a computer screen or a computer at a desired height. A shelf may be attached between the two legs below the display surface. A desk surface is also attached to the legs below the shelf for supporting a keyboard, a computer mouse, and other hand-held items. The desk surface is mounted to the legs in a pair of channels formed in the legs. A plurality of spaced-apart channels are provided to selectively mount the desk surface at a proper height.

[0013] The adjustable vertical desk according to the present invention reflects the sciences of ergonomics and kinesiology. The desk permits physical activity and increased movement in the normal course of the work day. The desk is not fixed in position and may be moved as needed, facilitating alternate uses including as a desk only or as a desk with treadmill. The vertical desk also creates a work space in a smaller footprint than that of many conventional desks due to its utilisation of vertical space; a potential benefit in both home and corporate environments.

[0014] The desk permits the placement of office and electronic equipment in ergonomically advantageous positions to suit the stature of a range of adult users. The ability to locate equipment as per height and work habits encourages proper body alignment, comfort, and improved posture, minimizing the factors that contribute to musculoskeletal injury typically present when using a conventional, flat desk. Users of the adjustable vertical desk may stand, sit in a tall chair, or walk on a treadmill, allowing more freedom of movement and a more upright posture than is possible in a conventional, seated desk position.

[0015] In another aspect of the vertical desk according to the present invention, there is provided in combination, a treadmill and a vertical desk mounted astride the treadmill. The vertical desk has two spaced-apart legs; a display surface extending vertically across top portions of the legs; a shelf affixed to the legs below the display surface; and a desk surface affixed to the legs below the shelf. The shelf has an open central area along a forward edge thereof providing unobstructed view to control panel of the treadmill by a user of the vertical desk and treadmill. Also, the desk surface has recesses in a rear edge thereof providing unobstructed access to controls of the treadmill.

[0016] When the adjustable vertical desk is used with a standard treadmill, an adult user thereof is able to complete computer work normally while walking at a slow pace. Mild cardiovascular activity is possible while walking on the treadmill and medical studies have shown that computer activity can continue uninterrupted while walking at a slow pace. The gentle activity of walking promotes fitness and alertness as it increases blood flow through the body. Walking while using the desk aids in mitigating neck, shoulder, back, and joint strain normally associated with a static, seated desk position, and is particularly beneficial when the placement of computer equipment is tailored to the stature and work habits of each worker. The curved, cut-out areas of the shelf and desk surface facilitate access to treadmill panel and controls.

[0017] In yet another aspect of the vertical desk according to the present invention, the display surface has slots therein for passing computer wiring there through, and the shelf has a shelf extension extending behind said display surface for supporting a power bar thereon behind the display surface. The shelf also has brackets extending upward therefrom for retaining computer wiring thereto behind the display surface. The slots in the display surface, the shelf extension and the brackets cooperate together to maintain all computer wiring in a neat and tidy arrangement.

[0018] When the adjustable vertical desk is used without a treadmill, the user has the option of sitting in a more upright posture on a tall, draughtsman chair with footrest, or standing for periods of time while working, allowing the body more freedom of movement and the opportunity to stretch as often as needed without interrupting productivity. Electronic office equipment to be viewed and the desk surface for keyboard and mouse can each be separately positioned to better accommodate a range of user heights.

[0019] This brief summary has been provided so that the nature of the invention may be understood quickly. A more complete understanding of the invention can be obtained by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof in connection with the attached drawings.

[0026] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described in details herein, one specific embodiment of an adjustable vertical desk. It should be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as an example of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated and described.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the preferred adjustable vertical desk 10 includes basically two leg footings 20 with inverted T-shapes, two leg extensions 22 extending from the leg footings 20, a vertical display surface 23, a horizontal shelf 24, and a horizontal desk surface 25. On the forward side of the display surface 23 there is mounted a slat wall 26 extending from the top to the bottom edges of the vertical display surface 23. The slat wall 26 has grooves therein to which can be attached a flat computer screen for example, to different heights.

[0028] On either or both sides of the slat wall 26 there are provided vertical slots 27 for passing electrical cords and computer cables through the display surface 23.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 3 in combination with FIGS. 1 and 2, the structure and function of the shelf 24 will be explained. The shelf 24 has side portions 28 extending forward the display surface 23. These side portions 28 are convenient for supporting pens, a portable phone, eyeglasses or other personal articles. The shelf 24 has a U-like shape and raised lips 30 along its front edge to catch small objects such as pens. The shelf 24 has a U-like shape with an open front central area 32 to provide an unobstructed view of a computer screen mounted to the display surface 23 when viewed from below the shelf level by a person of a short stature, or to provide an unobstructed view of the treadmill control panel viewed from above the shelf level, by a person of a tall stature.

[0030] Referring back to FIG. 1, the leg footings 20 have sockets 40 on their top ends as can be understood at label 40. The leg extensions 22 are telescopically inserted in these sockets 40 and extend upward from the leg footings 20. The leg extensions 22 are separable from the leg footings 20 so that the adjustable vertical desk 10 can be delivered to a buyer in a compact form.

[0031] The leg extensions 22 have horizontal transverse channels 44 therein at spaced intervals. The desk surface 25 is mountable in a pair of these transverse channels 44 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The plurality of transverse channels 44 allow the placement of the desk surface 25 at a plurality of heights to satisfy the stature or posture of a user of the adjustable vertical desk 10. The transverse channels 44 preferably extend into the leg extensions 22 from the font side of the leg extensions 22, but can also extend from the rear side, as those illustrated in FIG. 2 for supporting the shelf 24.

[0032] The desk surface 25 has a raised lip 46 which runs along the rear edge thereof to catch small objects such as pens. The desk surface 25 is better illustrated in FIG. 4. The rear edge of the horizontal desk surface 25 has two identical recesses 48 to provide easy access to treadmill controls when the adjustable vertical desk 10 is used in combination with a treadmill.

[0033] The desk surface 25 also has a keyboard wedge 50 mounted on its central forward area. The keyboard wedge 50 has a triangular shape with a backward inclination for negatively tilting the keyboard relative to the user of the keyboard to encourage a more relaxed and natural curvature of the wrist while typing, to promote wrist comfort. The keyboard wedge 50 is removable from the desk surface 25 if a flat keyboard surface is preferred.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the shelf 24 has a rear portion 60 extending behind the display surface 23. The rear portion 60 includes central extension 62. The purpose of this central extension 62 is to support an electrical power bar (not shown) for supplying electrical power to a computer or a computer screen mounted to the display surface 23.

[0035] Referring again to FIG. 2, a pair of angle brackets 64 are preferably mounted to the rear portion 60 at each sides of the central portion 62. These brackets 64 are convenient for neatly retaining unsightly electrical cords that are needed with computer equipment. The provision of the slots 27 in the display surface 23, the central extension 62 and the brackets 64 provide means for neatly arranging all power cables and other computer wiring so that no wire hangs down over the control panel of the treadmill when the adjustable portable desk is used with a treadmill.

[0036] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vertical display surface 23 mounts into vertical grooves 70 formed in the leg extensions 22. The vertical grooves 70 have a T-like cross-section, a dovetail-like cross-section or a square cross-section as those illustrated.

[0037] Similarly, the transverse channels 44 can have different cross-sections. When a square or rectangular cross-section is used, the preferred thickness ‘T’ of each channel 44 as seen in FIG. 1 is a free sliding fit of the desk surface 25 or the shelf 24 therein. The preferred engagement dimensions of the shelf 24 and of the desk surface 25 into each channel 44, as illustrated by dash lines ‘L’ and ‘W’ in FIG. 4, in relation with the thickness ‘T’ of each channel 44 is about 12:1 and 4:1 respectively. Such dimensions provides an easy assembly of the shelf 23 and desk surface 24 to the leg extensions 22 and provide stability and sturdiness of the adjustable vertical desk 10 in use.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5 while referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is illustrated therein a preferred use of the adjustable vertical desk 10, in combination with a treadmill 80. The user of the preferred desk 10 is represented by the android 82. The preferred adjustable vertical desk 10 is preferably mounted astride the treadmill 80 as illustrated. As can be seen, a laptop computer 84 is mountable to the slat wall 26. As may also be understood, the open central area 32 of the shelf 24 allows unobstructed line of sight 86 to the control panel of the treadmill 80, and the recesses 48 in the desk surface 25 allow unobstructed access 88 to the treadmill controls.

[0039] Although the preferred adjustable vertical desk 10 has been illustrated in use with a treadmill 80, it will be understood that it can also be used as a stand alone desk by a person standing or it can be used by a person sitting on a draughtsman chair for example. Drawings of the preferred adjustable vertical desk 10 in use by a person standing or sitting have not been provided as these drawings are considered repetitive and unnecessary.

[0040] The above description, illustrations and examples provided should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.