Adjustable desk platform

• US 9,924,793 B2
• Filed: 12/14/2016
• Issued: 03/27/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 05/24/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Varidesk LLC
• Original Assignee: Varidesk LLC
• Inventors: Flaherty, Daniel G., Patton, David, Wang, Sheng C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chen, Jose V
• Application Number:
  US15/378,736
• Publication Number:
  US 20170095072A1
• Time in Patent Office: 468 Days
• Field of Search: 108 17, 108 96, 108 95, 108138, 108 65, 108 69, 108 43, 108 5001, 108 5002, 108 92, 108 48
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2021/0335 mounted under the worksurface
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/00 Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/02 with vertical adjustable parts
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/03 with substantially horizontally extensible or adjustable parts other than drawers, e.g. leaves
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/0314 Platforms for supporting office equipment
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/04 characterised by means for holding or fastening typewriters or computer equipment
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0041 Height adjustable table top with parallel link arms
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 9/00 Tables with tops of variable height lecterns with variable height A47B19/06; school forms or desks with variable height A47B39/02, A47B41/02; seats with variable height A47C3/20
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 9/16 with means for, or adapted for, inclining the legs of the table for varying the height of the top, e.g. with adjustable cross legs
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 9/18 with additional top or additional legs for varying the height of the top

Abstract

An adjustable desk platform can include: an upper platform defining a substantially planar work surface; a base located beneath the upper platform, the base defining a bottom surface without legs that is adapted to sit on an existing desk; first and second sets of arms coupling the upper platform to the base, wherein the first and second sets of arms are adapted for movement of the upper platform substantially in parallel with the base between a fully raised position and a fully lowered position; and a user-operable locking mechanism associated with the upper platform, the locking mechanism adapted to releasably lock the upper platform in the fully raised position, and in at least one intermediate position between the fully raised position and the fully lowered position. Other features and embodiments are discussed.

Claims

1. An adjustable desk platform comprising:

an upper platform defining a substantially planar work surface;

a base located beneath the upper platform, the base defining a bottom that is adapted to sit on an existing desk;

first and second sets of arms coupling the upper platform to the base, wherein the first and second sets of arms are adapted for movement of the upper platform substantially in parallel with the base between a raised position and a lowered position;

a reinforcement member extending between the first set of arms and the second set of arms;

a keyboard tray suspended below the upper platform, wherein the keyboard tray defines first and second lateral edges;

a first support bracket extending between the upper platform and the first lateral edge of the keyboard tray;

a second support bracket extending between the upper platform and the second lateral edge of the keyboard tray, wherein the surface area of the keyboard tray is less than the surface area of the upper platform; and

a locking mechanism adapted to releasably lock the upper platform in the raised position, and in at least one intermediate position between the raised position and the lowered position, the locking mechanism comprising;

a first member biased into a locked position to immobilize the first set of arms;

a first handle extending under the upper platform, the first handle user-operable to move the first member into an unlocked position to permit movement of the first set of arms; and

a first linkage extending between the first handle and the first member.

2. The adjustable desk platform of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises:

a second member biased into a locked position to immobilize the second set of arms;

a second handle extending under the upper platform, the second handle user-operable to move the second member into an unlocked position to permit movement of the second set of arms; and

a second linkage extending between the second handle and the second member.

3. The adjustable desk platform of claim 2, wherein the first member comprises a first anchor, and the second member comprises a second anchor.

4. The adjustable desk platform of claim 1, further comprising:

a first mounting bracket extending under the upper platform, wherein the first set of arms is connected to the first mounting bracket; and

a second mounting bracket extending under the upper platform, wherein the second set of arms is connected to the second mounting bracket.

5. The adjustable desk platform of claim 1, further comprising:

a first elastic member connected to the first set of arms, the first elastic member adapted to bias the upper platform toward the raised position.

6. The adjustable desk platform of claim 5, further comprising:

a second elastic member connected to the second set of arms, the second elastic member adapted to bias the upper platform toward the raised position.

7. The adjustable desk platform of claim 1, wherein the keyboard tray is generally T-shaped.

8. The adjustable desk platform of claim 1, wherein the first member comprises a first anchor.

9. The adjustable desk platform of claim 1, wherein:

the upper platform defines a bottom surface;

the first handle is located underneath the upper platform and includes a first end pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the upper platform, and a second end opposite the first end; and

the second end of the first handle is pivotable by a user about the first end of the first handle toward the bottom surface of the upper platform to move the first member into the unlocked position and to permit movement of the first set of arms.

10. The adjustable desk platform of claim 9, the locking mechanism further comprising:

a second member biased into a locked position to immobilize the second set of arms; and

a second handle extending under the upper platform, the second handle user-operable to move the second member into an unlocked position to permit movement of the second set of arms;

wherein the second handle is located underneath the upper platform and includes a first end pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the upper platform, and a second end opposite the first end, and the second end of the second handle is pivotable by a user about the first end of the second handle toward the bottom surface of the upper platform to move the second member into the unlocked position and to permit movement of the second set of arms.

11. The adjustable desk platform of claim 10, wherein:

the upper platform includes first and second lateral ends;

the first handle is located between the first set of arms and the first lateral end of the upper platform; and

the second handle is located between the second set of arms and the second lateral end of the upper platform.

12. An adjustable desk platform comprising:

an upper platform defining a work surface;

a base located beneath the upper platform, the base defining a bottom that is adapted to sit on an existing desk;

first and second sets of arms coupling the upper platform to the base, wherein the first and second sets of arms are adapted for movement of the upper platform substantially in parallel with the base between a raised position and a lowered position; and

a locking mechanism adapted to retain the upper platform in the raised position and in at least one intermediate position between the raised position and the lowered position, the locking mechanism including a first handle extending under the upper platform, and a second handle extending under the upper platform, the first handle and the second handle user-operable to unlock the first and second locking mechanisms, respectively.

13. The adjustable desk platform of claim 12, further comprising:

a first mounting bracket extending under the upper platform, wherein the first set of arms is connected to the first mounting bracket; and

a second mounting bracket extending under the upper platform, wherein the second set of arms is connected to the second mounting bracket.

14. The adjustable desk platform of claim 12, further comprising a reinforcement member extending between the first set of arms and the second set of arms.

15. The adjustable desk platform of claim 12, further comprising a keyboard tray suspended below the upper platform.

16. The adjustable desk platform of claim 15, wherein the keyboard tray is generally T-shaped.

17. The adjustable desk platform of claim 12, further comprising a keyboard tray suspended below the upper platform, wherein the keyboard tray is detachably connected with the upper platform.

18. The adjustable desk platform of claim 12, wherein:

the upper platform defines a bottom surface;

the first handle is located underneath the upper platform and includes a first end pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the upper platform, and a second end opposite the first end;

the second end of the first handle is pivotable by a user about the first end of the first handle toward the bottom surface of the upper platform to move the first member into the unlocked position and to permit movement of the first set of arms;

the second handle is located underneath the upper platform and includes a first end pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the upper platform, and a second end opposite the first end; and

the second end of the second handle is pivotable by a user about the first end of the second handle toward the bottom surface of the upper platform to move the second member into the unlocked position and to permit movement of the second set of arms.

19. The adjustable desk platform of claim 18, wherein:

the upper platform includes first and second lateral ends;

the first handle is located between the first set of arms and the first lateral end of the upper platform; and

the second handle is located between the second set of arms and the second lateral end of the upper platform.

20. An adjustable desk platform comprising:

an upper platform defining a work surface;

a base located beneath the upper platform, the base defining a bottom that is adapted to sit on an existing desk;

first and second sets of arms coupling the upper platform to the base, wherein the first and second sets of arms are adapted for movement of the upper platform substantially in parallel with the base between a raised position and a lowered position; and

a locking mechanism adapted to retain the upper platform in the raised position and in at least one intermediate position between the raised position and the lowered position, the locking mechanism including a first handle extending under the upper platform, the first handle user-operable to permit movement of the upper platform with respect to the base; and

a keyboard tray suspended below the upper platform, wherein;

the upper platform defines a recess having first and second lateral sides, and a third side substantially transverse to the first and second lateral sides; and

the keyboard tray defines first and second lateral edges, the adjustable desk platform further comprising;

a first support bracket extending between the upper platform and the first lateral edge of the keyboard tray; and

a second support bracket extending between the upper platform and the second lateral edge of the keyboard tray.

21. The adjustable desk platform of claim 20, wherein the keyboard tray is generally T-shaped.

22. An adjustable desk platform comprising:

an upper platform defining a substantially planar work surface, and a lower surface opposite the work surface;

first and second mounting brackets extending below the upper platform, the first and second mounting brackets laterally spaced apart from one another;

a base located beneath the upper platform, the base defining a bottom that is adapted to sit on an existing desk;

first and second sets of arms connecting the base to the first and second mounting brackets, the first and second arms adapted to move the upper platform substantially in parallel with the base between a raised position and a lowered position; and

a first member adapted to releasably lock the first set of arms in position with respect to the first mounting bracket, a first handle connected to the lower surface of the upper platform, the first handle user-operable to unlock the first set of arms to permit movement of the upper platform between the raised and the lowered positions, and a first linkage extending between the first handle and the first member.

23. The adjustable desk platform of claim 22, wherein the first member comprises an anchor resiliently biased toward a position that locks the first set of arms into position with respect to the first mounting bracket.

24. The adjustable desk platform of claim 22, further comprising a keyboard tray attached to the upper platform.

25. The adjustable desk platform of claim 22, further comprising:

a first spring, wherein movement of the upper platform toward the fully lowered position extends the first spring.

26. The adjustable desk platform of claim 25, further comprising:

a second spring, wherein movement of the upper platform toward the fully lowered position extends the second spring.

27. The adjustable desk platform of claim 22, further comprising:

a keyboard tray suspended below the upper platform; and

a first bracket extending between the keyboard tray and the upper platform.

28. The adjustable desk platform of claim 22, further comprising:

a second member adapted to releasably lock the second set of arms in position with respect to the second mounting bracket.

29. The adjustable desk platform of claim 22, wherein:

the first handle is located underneath the upper platform and includes a first end pivotally connected to the lower surface of the upper platform, and a second end opposite the first end; and

the second end of the first handle is pivotable by a user about the first end of the first handle toward the lower surface of the upper platform to move the first member into the unlocked position and to permit movement of the first set of arms.

30. The adjustable desk platform of claim 29, further comprising:

a second member adapted to releasably lock the second set of arms in position with respect to the second mounting bracket, and a second handle connected to the lower surface of the upper platform, the second handle user-operable to unlock the second set of arms to permit movement of the upper platform between the raised and the lowered positions;

wherein the second handle is located underneath the upper platform and includes a first end pivotally connected to the lower surface of the upper platform, and a second end opposite the first end; and

the second end of the second handle is pivotable by a user about the first end of the second handle toward the lower surface of the upper platform to move the second member into the unlocked position and to permit movement of the second set of arms.

31. The adjustable desk platform of claim 30, wherein:

the upper platform includes first and second lateral ends;

the first handle is located between the first set of arms and the first lateral end of the upper platform; and

the second handle is located between the second set of arms and the second lateral end of the upper platform.

32. An adjustable desk platform comprising:

an upper platform defining a substantially planar work surface, and a lower surface opposite the work surface;

first and second mounting brackets extending below the lower surface of the upper platform, the first and second mounting brackets laterally spaced apart from one another;

a base located beneath the upper platform, the base having a bottom that is adapted to sit on an existing desk;

first and second sets of arms connecting the base to the first and second mounting brackets, respectively, the first and second sets of arms adapted to move the upper platform substantially in parallel with the base between a raised position and a lowered position; and

a first locking mechanism associated with the first set of arms and adapted to releasably lock the first set of arms in position with respect to the first mounting bracket, the first locking mechanism comprising a first member biased into a position that locks the first set of arms into position, and a first handle mounted to the lower surface of the upper platform, the first handle user-operable to unlock the first set of arms.

33. The adjustable desk platform of claim 32, further comprising a second locking mechanism associated with the second set of arms and adapted to releasably lock the first set of arms in position with respect to the second mounting bracket.

34. The adjustable desk platform of claim 32, wherein the first member comprises a first anchor resiliently biased toward a position that locks the first set of arms into position with respect to the first mounting bracket.

35. The adjustable desk platform of claim 34, further comprising:

a first linkage extending between the first handle and the first member.

36. The adjustable desk platform of claim 32, wherein the first locking mechanism comprises:

a plurality of perforations located in the first set of arms;

a locking set fixed with respect to the upper platform, the locking set including the first member comprising a first anchor that is adapted to selectively engage at least one of the plurality of perforations; and

a linkage connecting the first anchor and the first handle, wherein the first handle is adapted to selectively move the first anchor out of engagement with the at least one of the plurality of perforations.

37. The adjustable desk platform of claim 32, wherein the first handle is located underneath the upper platform and includes a first end pivotally connected to the lower surface of the upper platform, and a second end opposite the first end;

and

wherein the second end of the first handle is pivotable by a user about the first end of the first handle toward the lower surface of the upper platform to move the first member into the unlocked position.

38. The adjustable desk platform of claim 37, further comprising a second locking mechanism adapted to releasably lock the second set of arms in position with respect to the second mounting bracket, the second locking mechanism comprising a second handle mounted to the lower surface of the upper platform, the second handle user-operable to unlock the second set of arms;

wherein the second handle is located underneath the upper platform and includes a first end pivotally connected to the lower surface of the upper platform, and a second end opposite the first end, and the second end of the second handle is pivotable by a user about the first end of the second handle toward the lower surface of the upper platform to move the second member into the unlocked position.

39. The adjustable desk platform of claim 38, wherein:

the upper platform includes first and second lateral ends;

the first handle is located between the first set of arms and the first lateral end of the upper platform; and

the second handle is located between the second set of arms and the second lateral end of the upper platform.

40. An adjustable desk platform comprising:

an upper platform defining a work surface and a lower surface opposite the work surface;

a base located beneath the upper platform, the base defining a bottom that is adapted to sit on an existing desk;

first and second sets of arms coupling the upper platform to the base, wherein the first and second sets of arms are adapted for movement of the upper platform substantially in parallel with the base between a raised position and a lowered position; and

a first locking mechanism adapted to releasably lock the first set of arms in position with respect to the upper platform, the first locking mechanism including a first handle located underneath the upper platform and a first member biased into a locked position to immobilize the first set of arms, the first handle including a first end pivotally connected to the lower surface of the upper platform, and a second end opposite the first end;

wherein the second end of the first handle is pivotable by a user about the first end of the first handle toward the lower surface of the upper platform to move the first member into an unlocked position to permit movement of the first set of arms with respect to the upper platform.

41. The adjustable desk platform of claim 40, wherein:

the upper platform includes first and second lateral ends; and

the first handle is located between the first set of arms and the first lateral end of the upper platform.

42. The adjustable desk platform of claim 40, further comprising:

a second locking mechanism adapted to releasably lock the second set of arms in position with respect to the upper platform, the second locking mechanism including a second handle located underneath the upper platform and a second member biased into a locked position to immobilize the second set of arms, the second handle including a first end pivotally connected to the lower surface of the upper platform, and a second end opposite the first end;

wherein the second end of the second handle is pivotable by a user about the first end of the second handle toward the lower surface of the upper platform to move the second member into an unlocked position to permit movement of the second set of arms with respect to the upper platform.

43. The adjustable desk platform of claim 42, wherein:

the upper platform includes first and second lateral ends;

the first handle is located between the first set of arms and the first lateral end of the upper platform; and

the second handle is located between the second set of arms and the second lateral end of the upper platform.

44. The adjustable desk platform of claim 40, further comprising a keyboard tray suspended below the upper platform.

45. An adjustable desk platform comprising:

an upper platform defining a work surface and a lower surface opposite the work surface;

a base located beneath the upper platform, the base defining a bottom that is adapted to sit on an existing desk;

first and second sets of arms coupling the upper platform to the base, wherein the first and second sets of arms are adapted for movement of the upper platform substantially in parallel with the base between a raised position and a lowered position;

a first handle located below the upper platform and user-operable to move between a locked position to immobilize the first set of arms relative to the upper platform and an unlocked position to permit movement of the first set of arms relative to the upper platform,

wherein the first handle is located between the first set of arms and a first edge of the upper platform and is pivotally connected to the lower surface of the upper platform, wherein the first handle is pivotable toward the lower surface of the upper platform by a user having a thumb from a first hand located on the work surface and one or more fingers from the first hand located on the first handle.

46. The adjustable desk platform of claim 45, further comprising:

a second handle located below the upper platform and user-operable to move between a locked position to immobilize the second set of arms relative to the upper platform and an unlocked position to permit movement of the second set of arms relative to the upper platform,

wherein the second handle is located between the second set of arms and a second edge of the upper platform and is pivotally connected to the lower surface of the upper platform, wherein the second handle is pivotable toward the lower surface of the upper platform by a user having a thumb from a second hand located on the work surface and one or more fingers from the second hand located on the second handle.

47. The adjustable desk platform of claim 46, wherein the first and second edges are located at opposite sides of the upper platform.

48. The adjustable desk platform of claim 46, wherein the first and second handles pivot away from each other.

49. The adjustable desk platform of claim 46, wherein the first and second handles are spaced laterally from each other.

50. The adjustable desk platform of claim 45, further comprising a keyboard tray suspended below the upper platform, wherein at least a portion of the keyboard tray is located laterally between side portions of the base when the upper platform is in the lowered position.