Ergonomic support device

• US 5,931,102 A
• Filed: 05/28/1998
• Issued: 08/03/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Grahl Industries Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Grahl Industries Incorporated
• Inventors: Grahl, deceased, Fredrich W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuomo, Peter M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): TRAN, HANH VAN
• Application Number:
  US09/086,215
• Time in Patent Office: 432 Days
• Field of Search: 108/42, 108/49, 108/140, 108/141, 108/142, 108/143, 108/147.21, 248/276.1, 248/278.1, 248/287.1
• US Class Current: 108/42
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 17/033 with parts added to the original furniture to enlarge its surface
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2037/005 Tables specially adapted for laboratories
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0085 Supplementary support fixed on the edge of a desk or table
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0086 Supplementary support fixed to the extension of a table leg
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/10 around a horizontal axis F16M11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2014 around a vertical axis F16M11/2035 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2092 comprising means allowing depth adjustment, i.e. forward-backward translation of the head relatively to the undercarriage
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/24 changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each otherF16M11/42 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/00 Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles heads thereof F16M11/02 ; undercarriages thereof F16M11/20 ; adapted to be stuck in the ground A45F3/44 ; sockets or holders for poles or posts E04H12/22; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles supports for measuring instruments G01D11/30; supports for casings of remote control switching devices H01H9/025
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/022 repositionable
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/027 by friction
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/068 being part of the undercarriage

Abstract

An ergonomic support device having a platform supported by a telescoping support arm which is in turn adjustably supported on a vertical post. The vertical post may be clamped to a desk, table, or the like so that the platform is elevated relative to a desk top, for example. The connection of the platform to the support arm provides for a wide range of adjustment of the platform, including tilting, pivoting, and back and forth translation. The device also provides for vertical and pivotal adjustment of the support arm relative to the vertical post, which further increases the range of adjustability of the platform. The adjustable platform supports reading materials and the like so that a user can stand while reading, writing, or performing other routine desk work, thus enhancing dynamic movement of a user who would otherwise be sitting in a sedentary position for lengthy periods.

Claims

1. An ergonomic support device, comprising:

a substantially vertical post having a lower end provided with means for supporting said device on a substantially horizontal surface;

a substantially horizontal, elongated support arm having a first end portion connected to said vertical post;

a substantially flat platform supported by a second end portion of said support arm,

first adjustment means for adjusting the vertical position of said support arm relative to said support post, said first means being connected between said first end portion of said support arm and said vertical post;

second adjustment means for adjusting the length of extension of said support arm from said vertical post, said second means comprising portions of said support arm;

third adjustment means for connecting said first end portion of said support arm to said vertical post such that said support arm is pivotable relative to said vertical post;

fourth adjustment means for selectively tilting said platform relative to said support arm about a substantially horizontal axis spaced above said support arm, said fourth means being connected between a lower side of said platform and said support arm;

fifth adjustment means for translating said platform relative to said support arm in a back and forth direction of said platform, said fifth means being connected between said lower side of said platform and said support arm;

a pair of track members secured to said lower side of said platform in spaced apart, substantially parallel relation, and extending in the back and forth direction of said platform;

a support plate having opposite side edge portions thereof slidably received within said track members;

said fifth adjustment means comprising;

a lever comprising a handle portion extending below one end of said platform, and a pair of fulcrum portions extending from respective ends of said handle portion;

said fulcrum portions of said lever being pivotably connected with portions of said track members, respectively;

at least one of said fulcrum portions of said lever being provided with an extension which is normally biased into locking engagement with a portion of said support plate; and

said handle portion being movable so as to in turn release said fulcrum extension from locking engagement with said support plate, to permit back and forth adjustment of said platform;

sixth adjustment means for connecting said platform to said support arm such that said platform is pivotable relative to said support arm;

said second end portion of said support arm being provided with a substantially vertical bore; and

said sixth adjustment means comprising a substantially vertical support shaft having an upper end secured to said support plate and a lower end pivotably received in said bore of said support arm, and means for selectively securing said support shaft at a desired position within said bore.

2. An ergonomic support device according to claim 1, wherein:

said first adjustment means comprises;

a sleeve mounted on said vertical post, said sleeve being provided with a fastening portion; and

said vertical post being provided with a plurality of fastening portions arranged in vertically spaced apart relation and adapted to selectively mate with said fastening portion of said sleeve; and

said third adjustment means comprises;

a cuff rigidly connected to said first end portion of said support arm, said cuff being slidably received over a portion of said sleeve so as to be pivotable relative thereto.

3. An ergonomic support device according to claim 1, wherein:

said second adjustment means comprises a telescoping portion of said support arm, said telescoping portion comprising said second end portion of said support arm; and

said second adjustment means further comprises means for securing said telescoping portion of said support arm at a desired length of extension.

4. An ergonomic support device according to claim 1, wherein:

said upper end of said vertical support shaft is rigidly connected to a substantially horizontal shaft;

said support plate has a sleeve secured to the lower side thereof, said sleeve extending substantially perpendicular to and between said track members;

said sleeve is provided with a circumferential slot;

said horizontal shaft is pivotably disposed in said sleeve, with said vertical support shaft extending downwardly through said circumferential slot of said sleeve; and

said fourth adjustment means comprises;

at least one plate member extending downwardly from said support plate, said plate member having an arcuate slot formed therein;

a locking member extending through said arcuate slot and a through aperture formed in said vertical support shaft which is aligned with said arcuate slot; and

said locking member being adjustable between an unlocked position in which a portion of said locking member slides within said arcuate slot to permit selective tilting of said platform, and a locked position in which said portion of said locking member is secured in position within said arcuate slot so as to prevent tilting movement of said platform.

5. An ergonomic support device according to claim 1, wherein:

said means for supporting said device comprises a clamp member connected to said lower end of said vertical post, said clamp member being adapted to engage with a side edge of a horizontal support.

6. An ergonomic support device according to claim 1, wherein:

said means for supporting said device comprises a floor engaging end portion of said vertical post; and

a lower portion of said vertical post, below said support arm, comprises a leg of a table.

7. An ergonomic support device comprising:

a substantially vertical post having a lower end provided with means for supporting said device on a substantially horizontal surface;

a substantially horizontal, elongated support arm having a first end portion connected to said vertical post;

a substantially flat platform supported by a second end portion of said support arm;

means for connecting said platform to said second end of said support arm to permit said platform to be selectively tilted about a horizontal axis spaced above said support arm, selectively translated relative to said support arm in a back and forth direction of said platform, and selectively pivoted relative to said support arm;

said connecting means comprising;

a support plate slidably connected to a lower side of said platform; and

a substantially vertical support shaft having an upper end pivotably connected to said support plate and a lower end pivotably secured to said second end portion of said support arm;

a pair of track members being secured to said lower side of said platform in spaced apart, substantially parallel relation, and extending in the back and forth direction of said platform;

said support plate having opposite side edge portions thereof slidably received within said track members;

said upper end of said vertical support shaft being rigidly connected to a substantially horizontal shaft;

said support plate having a sleeve secured to the lower side thereof, said sleeve extending substantially perpendicular to and between said track members;

said sleeve being provided with a circumferential slot;

said horizontal shaft being pivotably disposed in said sleeve, with said vertical support shaft extending downwardly through said circumferential slot of said sleeve;

at least one plate member extending downwardly from said support plate, said plate member having an arcuate slot formed therein;

a locking member extending through said arcuate slot and a through aperture formed in said vertical support shaft which is aligned with said arcuate slot; and

said locking member being adjustable between an unlocked position in which a portion of said locking member slides within said arcuate slot to permit selective tilting of said platform, and a locked position in which said portion of said locking member is secured in position within said arcuate slot so as to prevent tilting movement of said platform.

8. An ergonomic support device according to claim 7, wherein:

a lever comprising a handle portion extends below one end of said platform, and a pair of fulcrum portions extend from respective ends of said handle portion;

said fulcrum portions of said lever are pivotably connected with portions of said track members, respectively;

at least one of said fulcrum portions of said lever is provided with an extension which is normally biased into locking engagement with a portion of said support plate; and

said handle portion is movable so as to in turn release said fulcrum extension from locking engagement with said support plate, to permit back and forth adjustment of said platform.

9. An ergonomic support device according to claim 7, further comprising:

first adjustment means for adjusting the vertical position of said support arm relative to said support post, said first means being connected between said first end portion of said support arm and said vertical post;

second adjustment means for adjusting the length of extension of said support arm from said vertical post, said second means comprising portions of said support arm; and

third adjustment means for connecting said first end portion of said support arm to said vertical post such that said support arm is pivotable relative to said vertical post.

10. An ergonomic support device according to claim 9, wherein:

said first adjustment means comprises;

a sleeve mounted on said vertical post, said sleeve being provided with a fastening portion; and

said vertical post being provided with a plurality of fastening portions arranged in vertically spaced apart relation and adapted to selectively mate with said fastening portion of said sleeve; and

said third adjustment means comprises;

a cuff rigidly connected to said first end portion of said support arm, said cuff being slidably received over a portion of said sleeve so as to be pivotable relative thereto.

11. An ergonomic support device according to claim 10, wherein:

said second adjustment means comprises a telescoping portion of said support arm, said telescoping portion comprising said second end portion of said support arm; and

said second adjustment means further comprises means for securing said telescoping portion of said support arm at a desired length of extension.