EP2109734A2

EP2109734A2 - Work station

Info

Publication number: EP2109734A2
Application number: EP08728298A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jr. William Jacob Kozlowski; Benjamin Shane Bustle; Jeffrey Allan Chochinov
Original assignee: Rubbermaid Inc
Current assignee: Rubbermaid Inc
Priority date: 2007-01-26
Filing date: 2008-01-25
Publication date: 2009-10-21
Also published as: WO2008092092A2; WO2008092092A3; US20080250989A1; WO2008092092A9

Abstract

The work station (1) disclosed herein comprises a lift mechanism (10) comprising a fixed column (12) and a movable part (14) that moves within a vertical range of motion along the fixed column and a work- surface (16) attached to the movable part. The work station may have a lift force adjuster (20) that adjusts an amount of lift force necessary to move the movable part within the vertical range of motion, a lift force indicator (100) for indicating the amount of lift force set by the lift force adjuster, and/or a plurality of first protrusions (300) mounted on the fixed column and a locking mechanism (278) with a plurality of second protrusions (302) rotatably attached to the movable part for mating with a portion of the first protrusions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Priority Provisional Application Nos. 60/886,738 (filed January 26, 2007) and 60/944,604 (filed June 18, 2007), all aforementioned applications including the specifications, drawings, claims and abstracts, are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a work station, such as a computer station, with a lift mechanism and, in particular, to such a work station with a lift mechanism used to adjust the height of a work surface.

[0003] Work stations equipped with lift mechanisms are known to provide users with work surfaces whose height can be adjusted for a particular application or user height. The lift mechanism can move the work surfaces along a vertical axis and then be fixed into place on the vertical axis.

[0004} U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004/0250635 discloses a mechanism that can be used as a lifting force in a video monitor lift application. The mechanism provides an adjustable balancing force which includes a wheel comprising a pulley member and a cam member. A first cable connects the cam member of the wheel to an energy source for biasing the wheel to rotate in a first direction. A second cable is connected to the pulley member of the wheel for communicating a balancing or load force to the wheel. The cam member may be shaped and positioned so that a torque applied to the wheel by the first cable is substantially constant while a force applied to the wheel by the first cable varies.

[0005] Other work stations have used gas springs to create the necessary lift but require multiple gas springs (multiple SKU' s) for various weights on the moveable portion of the work station.

SUMMARY

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention includes a work station which may comprise a lift mechanism comprising a fixed column and a movable part that moves within a vertical range of motion along the fixed column; a work surface attached to the movable part; and a locking mechanism for substantially fixing the work surface at a location within the vertical range of motion of the movable part. The lift mechanism may comprise a lift force adjuster that adjusts an amount of lift force necessary to move the movable part within the vertical range of motion.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a work station which may comprise a lift mechanism comprising a fixed column and a movable part that moves within a vertical range of motion along the fixed column; a work surface attached to the movable part; and a locking mechanism for substantially fixing the work surface at a location within the vertical range of motion of the movable part. The locking mechanism may comprise a plurality of first protrusions mounted on the fixed column and a plurality of second protrusions attached to the movable part for mating with a portion of the first protrusions.

[0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, appended claims, and the accompanying exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lift mechanism of the work station of FIG. 1 with the fixed column removed.

[0012] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are detailed perspective views of the upper pulley, the middle pulley, and the bottom pulleys of FIG. 2, respectively.

[0013] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are detailed perspective views of the upper pulley, the middle pulley, and the bottom pulleys of FIG. 2, respectively, showing the routing of the cable of the lift mechanism. [0014] FIG. 5 is schematic top view of the fixed column and the movable part of the work station of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the locations of the sets of bearings relative to the fixed column on the work station of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIGS. 7 A and 7B are side and isometric views of the movable part and the fixed column of the work station of FIG. 1, respectively.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the work surface and mounting platform of the work station of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a front view of the fixed column of the work station of FIG. 1 with the movable part removed.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a detailed bottom view of the locking mechanism of the work station of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the fixed column of the work station of FIG. 1 showing a lift force indicator.

[0021] FIG. 12A is a rear view of the lift mechanism of the work station of FIG. 1 showing the internal structure of the lift force indicator.

[0022] FIG. 12 B is a rear view of the lift mechanism showing the internal structure of the lift force indicator according to an another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIGS. 13A and 13B are rear views of the lift mechanism of the work station of FIG. 1 showing the internal structure of the lift force indicator under maximum preload and minimum preload, respectively.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a work station according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of a work station according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the lift mechanism of the work station of FIG. 15 with the fixed column removed. [0027] FIG. 17 A, 17B, and 17C are detailed perspective views of the upper pulley, the middle pulley, and the bottom pulleys of FIG. 16, respectively.

[0028] FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C are detailed perspective views of the upper pulley, the middle pulley, and the bottom pulleys of FIG. 16, respectively, showing the routing of the cable of the lift mechanism.

[0029] FIGS. 19A and 19B are schematic views of the first and second sets of protrusions of the locking mechanism of the work station of FIG. 15 in the locked and unlocked conditions, respectively.

[0030] FIGS. 2OA and 2OB are schematic views of the release and locking levers of the locking mechanism of the work station of FIG. 15 in the locked and unlocked conditions, respectively.

[0031] FIG. 21 is a detailed perspective view of the middle pulleys and bottom pulley of the lift mechanism of a work station according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a work station 1 according to the present invention. The work station 1 may comprise a lift mechanism 10, a work surface 16, and a base portion 18.

[0033] The lift mechanism 10 may comprise a fixed column 12 and a movable part or shuttle 14 that moves within a vertical range of motion Y along the fixed column 12. The work surface 16 may be attached to the movable part 14.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the lift mechanism 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention with the fixed column 12 removed. The lift mechanism 10 is a spring-loaded mechanism, which may comprise a lift force adjuster 20. The lift force adjuster 20 may adjust an amount of lift force necessary to move the movable part 14 within the vertical range of motion by adjusting an amount of spring tension used as the counter balance force in the lift mechanism. [0035] As seen in FIG. 2, the lift force adjuster 20 may comprise at least one extension spring 22, preferably two, mounted on the fixed column by an adjustable bracket 24 at a first end, as seen in FIG. 3A, and attached to a movable bracket 26 at a second end, as seen in FIG. 3B. A cable 58 is attached to the movable part 14 at one end and attached to the movable bracket 26 at the other. The cable 58 is also fed through or engaged with an upper pulley 56, a middle pulley 60, and two bottom pulleys 62. The use of multiple extension springs, a cable, and pulleys provides a 1 :3 mechanical advantage to achieve less variation in the lift force at the movable part or shuttle 14. In other words, if the extension springs 22 create 150 pounds of force, the shuttle 14 sees 1/3 or 50 pounds of the force.

[0036] The adjustable bracket 24 comprises a stationary component 28 fixed to the fixed column and a movable component 30. The movable component 30 includes a threaded aperture 34 at its center while the stationary component 28 had a clearance hole 36 that is aligned with the threaded aperture 34. A preload adjustment screw 32 is fed through hole 36 and the threaded aperture 34. When the screw 32 is rotated, the movable component 30 moves along the longitudinal axis of the screw 32. For example, when the screw is rotated clockwise, the movable component 30 may move away from the stationary component 28, and when the screw 32 is rotated counterclockwise, the movable component may move closer to the stationary component. Thus, the movable component 30 moves relative to the stationary component 28 through the use of the preload adjustment screw 32.

[0037] The stationary component 28 also includes a retainer body 54 in which an upper pulley 56 is rotatably attached to the adjustable bracket 24 as seen in FIG. 4A. The cable 58 is engaged with the upper pulley 56.

[0038] Each extension spring 22 includes a coiled region 40, an upper hooked region 42, and a lower hooked region 44. The upper hooked region 42 of each spring hooks or is attached to the main body of the movable component 30 of the adjustable bracket 24, and is held in place by the tension of the spring and a holding clamp 46 mounted on the movable component 30 by a suitable attaching mechanism such as a screw or rivet. The lower hooked region 44 of each spring hooks around the lateral body 48 of the movable bracket 26. Again, the lower hooked region 44 is held in place by the tension of the spring 22 and a holding clamp 50 mounted on the lateral body 48 of the movable bracket 26 by a suitable attaching mechanism, such as a screw or rivet.

[0039] The movable bracket 26 is suspended from the extension springs 22. In FIG. 4B, the movable bracket 26 includes the lateral body 48 for attachment with the lower hooked region 44 of the extension spring 22 and an axial body 52, wherein the middle pulley 60 is rotatably attached to the axial body 52. The cable 58 is engaged with the middle pulley 60.

[0040] The cable 58 is also fed through and/or engaged with one or more bottom pulleys 62, preferably two, as seen in FIG. 3C. The pulleys are rotatably attached to the fixed column 12 either directly or through the use of a mounting bracket. The cable 58 is attached at one end to a mounting bracket 64 attached to the movable part 14 (see FIG. 2) and at the other to the movable bracket 26 (see FIG. 4B). FIGS. 4A through 4C show how the cable 58 is fed through the various pulleys of the lift mechanism. The cable 58 is attached to the axial body 52 of the movable bracket 26 at point A in FIG. 4B. The cable extends downward to one of the bottom pulleys 62A at point B in FIG. 4C, engages with the pulley 62A at point C in FIG. 4C, and extends upward toward the middle pulley 60. The cable 58 then engages with the middle pulley 60 at point D in FIG. 4B, and extends downward toward the bottom pulleys at point E. The cable 58 is led downward to the bottom pulley 62B at point F in FIG. 4C, engages the pulley 62B, and extends upwards again at point G in FIG. 4C. At point H in FIG. 4 A, the cable 58 then engages the upper pulley 56, and is lead downward towards the mounting bracket 64 attached to the movable part 14 as best seen in FIG. 3B. The cable may be attached to the mounting bracket by a screw, a rivet, or other suitable mechanism.

[0041] When the movable part is configured to be in the moving position, as described later, the amount of lift force necessary to move the movable part 14 is a function of the tension of the extension springs 22, which acts a counter weight for the movable part 14. If the tension force of the extension springs 22 is increased, less lifting force will be necessary to move the movable part 14 along its vertical range of motion along the fixed column 12. If the tension force of the extension springs 22 is decreased, more lifting force will be necessary to move the movable part 14 along its vertical range of motion along the fixed column 12. [0042] The tension of the extension springs is a function of the length of the extension springs 22, which can be altered by moving the movable component 30 of the adjustable bracket closer or farther away from the stationary component 28 using the preload adjustment screw 32. When the movable component 30 of the adjustable bracket 24 is moved closer to the stationary component 28, the extension springs 22 lengthen, which increases the tension force on the cable 58. This increase in the tension force allows the user to use less lifting force to move the movable part 14 along the fixed column 12. When the movable component 30 of the adjustable bracket 24 is farther away from the stationary component 28, the extension springs 22 contracts, which decreases the tension force on the cable 58. This decrease in the tension force causes the user to use more lifting force to move the movable part 14 along the fixed column 12.

[0043] The amount of spring preload may be communicated to the user using a lift force indicator, which indicates the amount of lift force set by the lift force adjuster as a function of the amount of distance between the stationary and movable components. Such an indicator can allow a user to determine how much spring preload is adjusted into the lift mechanism.

[0044] FIGS. 11 and 12A show how the lift force indicator may be implemented, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lift force indicator 100 may comprise an indicator flag 102 on the movable component 30 of the adjustable bracket 24, a slot 104 on an outer wall 106 of the fixed column 12, and graduations or indicator marks 108 next to the slot 104.

[0045] The indicator flag 102 may be a protrusion on the adjustable bracket 24 that can be seen through the slot 104. The indicator flag 102 could be an integral part of the movable component 30 which can be designed to be made from formed steel or a separate piece that can be attached by any known mechanism, such as screws, rivets, clamps, or the like. The protrusion may be any suitable length, and have a colored tip 110 for easy viewing, such as black, red, or any other suitable color. According to the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 A, the protrusion may have its colored tip 110 bent at an angle, preferably at a 90 degree angle, and sized so as to fit through the slot 104. According to an alternate embodiment, the colored tip 110 does not have to be bent or protrude through the slot by merely be seen through the slot. According to a preferred embodiment, the indicator flag 102 may simply be an edge of the adjustable bracket 24 that can be viewed through the slot 104, as seen in FIG. 12B. This edge can be partially colored but it is not required.

[0046] The slot 104 may extend through the outer wall 106 of the fixed column 12 so that the indicator flag 102 can be seen and/or protrude through it. The graduations 108 running along one side of the slot 104 may be equally spaced lines to provide reference points for the position of the indicator flag 102. The graduations may be painted, silk-screened, or applied as a decal to the fixed column. Other kinds of markings may also be additionally or alternately used, such as indentations or bumps along the fixed column. In another example, the term "Max" may be placed near the top of the slot, the term "Min" may be placed near the slot's bottom, and numerals or other characters may be placed along the graduations. In yet another embodiment, the markings may be mounted on a temporary template that could be hung on, taped to, or otherwise removably connected to the fixed column 12. The amount of lift force can then be shown when it is adjusted but then the template can be removed after the adjustment is completed.

[0047] The position of the indicator flag 102 is a function of the placement of the movable component 30 relative to the stationary component because the flag is attached to the movable component. As seen in FIG. 13 A, when the movable component 30 is placed as close to the stationary component 28 as possible, the indicator flag 102 is located at the top of the slot, which indicates that the lifting mechanism is providing maximum counter balancing force (i.e., maximum preload). As seen in FIG. 13B, when the movable component 30 is placed as far from the stationary component 28 as possible, the indicator flag 102 is located at the bottom of the slot, which indicates that the lifting mechanism is providing minimum counter balancing force (i.e., minimum preload).

[0048] The movable part or shuttle 14 moves within the vertical range of motion Y along the fixed column 12. For example, the movable part 14 may translate up and down within a range of about 16 inches. Of course, any suitable distance is contemplated within the invention. The motion of the movable part 14 is fixed by bearings and rails. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, there are two sets of bearings attached to the movable part 14 that slide within square rails 66 that are incorporated into the fixed column 12. A set of fixed bearings 68 slide within one rail and a set of floating bearings 70 slide within the other rail. The floating bearings 70 have the ability to float in a floating direction 72 so as to accommodate any variance in the geometry or structure of the rails of the fixed column 12 due to the manufacturing process. There are two bearings per side for a total of four. FIG. 6 shows the locations of both sets of bearings relative to the fixed column 12 while FIGS. 7 A and 7B provides side and isometric views of the movable part 14 on the fixed column 12.

[0049] Also attached to the movable part or shuttle 14 is a work surface 16 secured to a mounting platform 74. The mounting platform is attached to the movable part 14 through any suitable attaching mechanism, such as screws or rivets. Also, the work surface 16 is secured to the mounting platform 74 though any suitable attachment mechanism, such as screws and rivets. The work surface 16 may be used to support a keyboard, a mouse, a monitor, a whole computer, or any other suitable apparatus. As seen in FIG. 1, the work surface may include handles 76, if desired.

[0050] FIGS. 8-10 shows that the mounting platform and/or work surface may support a locking mechanism 78 for substantially fixing the work surface 16 at a location within the vertical range of motion of the movable part 14. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism 78 may comprise a plurality of holes 80 in the fixed column 12 (as seen in FIG. 9), a plunger 82 slidably attached to the movable part 14 for insertion into one of the plurality of holes (as seen in FIG. 10), and a release lever 84 for releasing and inserting the plunger 82 into the one of the plurality of holes 80 via a cable 86 (as seen in FIG. 10). The plunger 82 slides within a hole 88 of the movable part 14 (and within any corresponding holes in the work surface and/or mounting platform if necessary) so that the plunger may have access to the plurality of holes 80 in the fixed column. The plunger may also be spring-loaded so that the natural position of the plunger is to protrude through the hole 88 of the movable part and into one of the plurality of holes 80 in the fixed column. Each of the holes 80 in the fixed column 12 may correspond with a vertical location in which the movable part and work surface can be locked in placed.

[0051] In this embodiment, a user presses the release lever 84, which actuates the cable 86 by pulling on it. The cable 86 is strung within the work surface and/or mounting platform so that when the release lever 84 pulls on the cable 84, the cable 84 pulls the plunger 82 out of the holes 80 against the force of the spring. The movable part 14 and its attached work surface 16 is now permitted to slide in a vertical direction along the fixed column (i.e., the moving position). Once the user has determined the most appropriate height for the intended use, the user releases the release lever, which causes the plunger to resume its naturally position of protruding through the hole 88 of the movable part so as to enter one of the holes 80 of the fixed column (i.e., the stationary position).

[0052] Referring back to FIG. 1, the work station 1 may comprise a base portion 18. The fixed column 12 may be attached to the base portion by having an end of the base portion 18 fit inside a hole 90 at a top surface of the base portion 18. Of course, other methods of attachment are contemplated. The work station may be made mobile by having the base portion 18 comprise rotatable members 92, such as wheels or casters. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, no base portion 18 need be included, such as seen in FIG. 14 in which the work station 1 can be mounted on a wall or other vertical surface.

[0053] FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of a work station 200 according to the present invention. The work station 200 may comprise a lift mechanism 210, a work surface 216, and a base portion 218. The lift mechanism may comprise a fixed column 212 and a movable part or shuttle 214 that moves within a vertical range of motion along the fixed column 212. The work surface 216 may be attached to the movable part 214.

[0054] FIG. 16 shows a detailed view of the lift mechanism 210 with the fixed column 212 removed. The lift mechanism 210 is a spring-loaded mechanism, which may comprise a lift force adjuster 220. The lift force adjuster 220 may adjust the amount of lift force necessary to move the movable part 214 within the vertical range of motion by adjusting the amount of spring tension used as the counter balancing force in the lift mechanism.

[0055] As seen in FIG. 16, the lift force adjuster 220 may comprise at least one extension spring 222, preferably two, mounted on the fixed column by an adjustable bracket 224 at a first end, as seen in FIG. 17A, and attached to a movable bracket 226 at a second end, as seen in FIG. 17B. A cable 258 is attached to the movable part 214 at one end and attached to the movable bracket 226 at the other. The cable 258 is also fed through or engaged with an upper pulley 256, a middle pulley 260, an intermediate pulley 261 and two bottom pulleys 262. The use of multiple extension springs, a cable, and pulleys provides a 1 :3 mechanical advantage to achieve less variation in the lift force at the movable part or shuttle 14. hi other words, if the extension springs 22 create 150 pounds of force, the shuttle 14 sees 1/3 or 50 pounds of the force.

[0056] The adjustable bracket 224 comprises a stationary component 228 fixed to the fixed column and a movable component 230. The movable component 230 includes a threaded aperture 234 at its center while the stationary component 228 has a clearance hole 236 that is aligned with the threaded aperture 234. A preload adjustment screw 232 is fed through the hole 236 and the threaded aperture 234. When the screw 232 is rotated, the movable component 230 moves along the longitudinal axis of the screw 232. Thus, the movable component 230 moves relative to the stationary component 228 through the use of the preload adjustment screw 232.

[0057] The stationary component 228 also includes a retainer body 254, wherein the upper pulley 256 is rotatably attached to the retainer body 254 of the adjustable bracket 224 as seen in FIG. 18A. The cable 258 is engaged with the upper pulley 56.

[0058] Each extension spring 222 includes a coiled region 240, an upper hooked region 242, and a lower hooked region 244. The upper hooked region 242 of each spring hooks or is attached to the main body of the movable component 230 of the adjustable bracket 224, and is held in place by the tension of the spring and a holding clamp 246 mounted on the movable component 230 by a suitable attaching mechanism such as a screw or rivet. The lower hooked region 244 of each spring hooks around the lateral body 248 of the movable bracket 226. Again, the lower hooked region 244 is held in place by the tension of the spring 222 and a holding clamp 250 mounted on the lateral body 248 of the movable bracket 226 by a suitable attaching mechanism, such as a screw or rivet.

[0059] The movable bracket 226 is suspended from the extension springs 222. In FIG. 17B, the movable bracket 226 includes the lateral body 248 for attachment with the lower hooked region 244 of the extension spring 222 and an axial body 252 upon which the middle pulley 260 is rotatably attached. The cable 258 is engaged with the middle pulley 260.

[0060] The cable 258 is also fed through and/or engaged with one intermediate pulley 261 and one or more bottom pulleys 262, preferably two, as seen in FIG. 17C. The intermediate and bottom pulleys are rotatably attached to the fixed column 212 either directly or through the use of mounting brackets. The cable 258 is attached at one end to the movable part 214 (see Fig. 16) and at the other end to the movable bracket 226 (see FIG. 18B). FIGS. 18A through 18C show how the cable 258 is fed through the various pulleys of the lift mechanism. The cable 258 is attached to the axial body 252 of the movable bracket 226 at point A' in FIG. 18B. The cable extends downward to the intermediate pulley 261 which guides the cable to one of the bottom pulleys 262A at point B' in FIG. 18C, engages with the pulley 262A at point C, and extends upward toward the middle pulley 260. The cable 258 then engages with the middle pulley 260 at point D' in FIG. 18B, and extends downward toward the bottom pulleys at point E'. The cable 258 is led downward to the bottom pulley 262B at point F' in FIG. 18C, engages the pulley 262B, and extends upwards again at point G'. At point H' in FIG. 18 A, the cable 258 then engages the upper pulley 256, and is lead downward towards the movable part 14 as best seen in FIG. 17B. The cable may be attached to the movable part 214 by a screw, a rivet, or other suitable mechanism.

[0061] When the movable part is configured to be in the moving position, as described later, the amount of lift force necessary to move the movable part 214 is a function of the tension of the extension springs 222, which acts a counter weight for the movable part 14. If the tension force of the extension springs 222 is increased, less lifting force will be necessary to move the movable part 214 along its vertical range of motion along the fixed column 212. If the tension force of the extension springs 222 is decreased, more lifting force will be necessary to move the movable part 214 along its vertical range of motion along the fixed column 212.

[0062] The tension of the extension springs is a function of the length of the extension springs 222, which can be altered by the moving the movable component 230 of the adjustable bracket closer or farther away from the stationary component 228 using the preload adjustment screw 232. When the movable component 230 of the adjustable bracket 224 is moved closer to the stationary component 228, the extension springs 222 lengthen, which increases the tension force on the cable 258. This increase in the tension force allows the user to use less lifting force to move the movable part 214 along the fixed column 212. When the movable component 230 of the adjustable bracket 224 is farther away from the stationary component 228, the extension springs 222 contracts, which decreases the tension force on the cable 258. This decrease in the tension force causes the user to use more lifting force to move the movable part 214 along the fixed column 212.

[0063] The amount of spring preload may be communicated to the user using a lift force indicator, such as the one shown in FIGS. 11 and 12A and 13A-13B or the one shown in FIG. 12B, which indicates the amount of lift force set by the lift force adjuster as a function of the amount of distance between the stationary and movable components.

[0064] The movable part or shuttle 214 moves within a vertical range of motion along the fixed column 212, for example, the movable part 214 may translate up and down within a range of about 16 inches. Of course, any suitable distance is contemplated within the invention. The motion of the movable part 14 is fixed by bearings and rails, as described in relation to FIGS. 5 and 7A-7B. There are sets of fixed and floating bearings attached to the movable part that slide within square rails that are incorporated into the fixed column 212.

[0065] Also attached to the movable part or shuttle 214 is a work surface 216 secured to a mounting platform 274. The mounting platform is attached to the movable part 214 through any suitable attaching mechanism, such as screws or rivets. Also, the work surface 216 is secured to the mounting platform 274 though any suitable attachment mechanism, such as screws and rivets. The work surface 216 may be used to support a keyboard, a mouse, a monitor, a whole computer, or any other suitable apparatus. As seen in FIG. 15, the work surface may include handles 276, if desired.

[0066] FIGS. 19A-19B and 20A-20B show that the mounting platform 274 and/or work surface 216 may support a locking mechanism 278 for substantially fixing the work surface 216 at a location within the vertical range of motion of the movable part 214. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism 278 comprises a plurality of first protrusions 300 mounted within a channel on the fixed column 212 and a plurality of second protrusions 302. The plurality of second protrusions is attached to the movable part 214, fits within the channel of the fixed column 212, and mates with a portion of the first protrusions 300. As seen in FIGS. 19A-19B, the plurality of first protrusions 300 and the plurality of second protrusions 302 are teeth that can mesh together. The teeth may be rectangular with rounded corners, triangular, trapezoidal, or any other suitable shape.

[0067] The locking mechanism 278 may further comprise a locking lever 304 upon whose distal end 318 the plurality of second protrusions 302 are mounted. The locking lever 304 is rotatably connected to the mounting platform 274 or the work surface 216 at a pivot connection 306. The pivot connection creates a pivot axis that permits the locking lever to swing the second protrusions at its distal end into and out of engagement with a portion of the first protrusions. In addition, the second protrusions of the locking lever 304 has access to the portion of first protrusions 300 via a hole 312 in the mounting platform and/or work surface through which portion of the locking lever 304 extends. The hole 312 is elongated so as to have a shape that permits the locking lever 304 to pivot so that the first and second protrusions can be completely engaged with each other in the stationary position and can be completely disengaged with each other in the moving position.

[0068] The locking lever 304 is made to pivot through the use of a release lever 308 and a cable 310. The cable 310 is attached to the release lever 308 at one end and to a proximate end 316 of the locking lever 304 (the end upon which the second protrusions are not mounted) at the other end. The release lever 308, in turn, feds through a hole 314 in the mounting platform 274 and/or the work surface 216. The release lever 308 is spring-loaded such that the release lever 308 is configured to be pushing inward (toward the left in FIG. 20A) so that the proximate end 316 of the locking lever is moved to the left. With the proximate end 316 moved to the left, the distal end 318 of the locking lever is swung to the right, thus causing the second protrusions to engage with a portion of the first protrusions, as seen in FIGS. 19A and 2OA. When the first and second protrusions are engaged with each other, vertical motion of the work surface in the vertical direction is prohibited, i.e., the stationary position. The locking lever, in turn, holds the mounting platform 274 and the work surface 216 as the mounting platform 274 and/or the work surface abut against the locking lever 308 due to the locking lever's protrusion through the hole 314. [0069] When adjustment of the height of the work surface 216 is desired, the release lever 308 is pulled to the right, thus overcoming the spring mechanism pushing the release lever 308 toward the left. When the release lever 308 is pulled, the cable 310 connecting the release lever and the lock lever pulls the proximate end 316 of the locking lever to the right as seen in FIG. 2OB. With the proximate end 316 pulled to the right, the distal end 318 of the locking lever is swung to the left, thus causing the second protrusions to disengage with the portion of the first protrusions, as seen in FIGS. 19B and 2OB. When the first and second protrusions are disengaged with each other, vertical motion of the work surface in the vertical direction is permitted, i.e., the moving position.

[0070] Once the work surface reaches the desired height along the fixed column, the release lever is released. The spring mechanism of the release lever 308 moves the release lever 308 to the left so that the proximate end 316 of the locking lever is moved to the left by the cable 310. With the proximate end 316 moved to the left, the distal end 318 of the locking lever swings to the right, thus causing the second protrusions to engage with the portion of the first protrusions, as seen in FIGS. 19A and 2OA. Thus, the vertical motion of the work surface in the vertical direction is prohibited, i.e., the stationary position.

[0071] Referring back to FIG. 15, the work station may comprise a base portion 218. The fixed column 212 may be attached to the base portion by having an end of the base portion 218 fit inside a hole 290 at a top surface of the base portion. Of course, other methods of attachment are contemplated. The work station may be made mobile by having the base portion 218 comprise rotatable members 292, such as wheels or casters. In an alternative embodiment of FIG. 15, no base portion 218 need be included, but the work station can be mounted on a wall or other vertical surface in a manner similar to that depicted FIG. 14.

[0072] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the work station may comprise the components substantially similar to the components for the work station of FIGS. 1-11 but includes the modification shown in FIG. 21. The changes in this embodiment from the one shown in FIGS. 1-11 include the use of two middle pulleys 460 (instead of one), the intermediate pulley 461, and the fixed lower bracket 463. The bottom pulley 462 is rotatably mounted on the lower bracket 463. The cable 458 is attached to the lower bracket 463, fed upwards to and engaged with one of the middle pulleys 462, fed downwards to and engaged with one of the bottom pulleys 462, optionally fed upwards to and engaged with the intermediate pulley 461, fed upwards to and engaged with the other of the middle pulleys 462, fed downwards to and engaged with the other of the bottom pulleys 462, fed upwards to and engaged with the intermediate pulley 461, fed upwards to and engaged with the upper pulley (as shown in FIG. 3A), and then attached to the moving part (as shown in FIG. 3B).

[0073] The use of the additional middle pulley 460 (which may be rotatably mounted on the movable bracket 426) and the rerouting of the cable 458 as shown in FIG. 21 may provide a 1 :4 mechanical advantage, instead of 1 :3.

[0074] The disclosed embodiments of the present invention relate to a lift mechanism that counterbalances the weight of the components on a work station, such as a mobile computing station. This lift mechanism allows the user to easily adjust the height of components such as the keyboard, mouse, work surface, and monitor to an appropriate height with minimal effort. There is also a locking mechanism to fix the moveable components on the movable part or shuttle when the desired height is achieved. The amount of lift force is adjustable via a preload adjustment screw. The adjustable preload avoids the use of different lift mechanisms for various weights.

[0075] In addition, the entire work station including the lift mechanism can be made with conventional manufacturing methods such as extrusions, sheet metal forming/bending, etc., as well as with standard materials, such as metal, plastic, and/or the like.

[0076] Given the disclosure of the present invention, one versed in the art would appreciate that there may be other embodiments and modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, all modifications attainable by one versed in the art from the present disclosure within the scope and spirit of the present invention are to be included as further embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is to be defined as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A work station comprising: a lift mechanism comprising a fixed column and a movable part that moves within a vertical range of motion along the fixed column; a work surface attached to the movable part; and a locking mechanism for substantially fixing the work surface at a location within the vertical range of motion of the movable part, wherein the lift mechanism comprises a lift force adjuster that adjusts an amount of lift force necessary to move the movable part within the vertical range of motion.

2. The work station of claim 1, further comprising a lift force indicator for indicating the amount of lift force set by the lift force adjuster.

3. The work station of claim 1, wherein the lift mechanism is a spring-loaded mechanism, and the lift force adjuster adjusts the amount of lift force by adjusting an amount of tension caused by the spring-loaded mechanism.

4. The work station of claim 3, wherein the lift force adjuster comprises a preload adjustment screw for adjusting the tension of the spring-leaded mechanism.

5. The work station of claim 1, wherein the lift force adjuster comprises at least one extension spring mounted on the fixed column by an adjustable bracket at a first end and attached to a movable bracket at a second end, and wherein the lift mechanism comprises a cable attached to the movable part at one end and attached to the movable bracket.

6. The work station of claim 5, wherein the lift mechanism further comprises a first pulley that is rotatably attached to the fixed column, and wherein the cable is engaged with the first pulley.

7. The work station of claim 6, wherein the lift mechanism further comprises a second pulley that is rotatably attached to the adjustable bracket, and wherein the cable is engaged with the second pulley.

8. The work station of claim 7, wherein the lift mechanism further comprises a third pulley that is rotatable attached to the movable bracket, wherein the cable is engaged with the third pulley.

9. The work station of claim 5, wherein the adjustable bracket comprises a stationary component fixed to the fixed column and a movable component, wherein the first end of the at least one extension spring is attached to the movable component of the adjustable bracket.

10. The work station of claim 9, further comprising a lift force indicator for indicating the amount of lift force set by the lift force adjuster as a function of an amount of distance between the stationary and movable components.

11. The work station of claim 9, wherein adjustable bracket comprises an adjustment screw for moving the movable component relative the stationary component.

12. The work station of claim 1, further comprising a base portion, wherein the fixed column is attached to the base portion.

13. The work station of claim 12, wherein the base portion comprising rotatable members.

14. The work station of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of holes in the fixed column and a plunger slidably attached to the movable part for insertion into one of the plurality of holes.

15. The work station of claim 14, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a release lever for releasing and inserting the plunger into the one of the plurality of holes via a cable.

16. The work station of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of first protrusions mounted on the fixed column and a plurality of second protrusions rotatably attached to the movable part for mating with a portion of the first protrusions.

17. The work station of claim 16, wherein the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions are teeth that can mesh together.

18. The work station of claim 1, wherein the lift force adjuster comprises at least one extension spring mounted on the fixed column by an adjustable bracket at a first end and attached to a movable bracket at a second end, and wherein the lift mechanism comprises a cable attached to the movable part at one end and attached to fixed bracket at the other.

19. A work station comprising: a lift mechanism comprising a fixed column and a movable part that moves within a vertical range of motion along the fixed column; a work surface attached to the movable part; and a locking mechanism for substantially fixing the work surface at a location within the vertical range of motion of the movable part, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of first protrusions mounted on the fixed column and a plurality of second protrusions rotatably attached to the movable part for mating with a portion of the first protrusions.

20. The work station of claim 19, wherein the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions are teeth that can mesh together.

21. The work station of claim 19, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a locking lever upon which the plurality of second protrusions are mounted.

22. The work station of claim 21, wherein the locking lever pivots such that the plurality of second protrusions may engage or disengage from the portion of the first protrusions.

23. The work station of claim 22, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a release lever for pivoting the locking lever.

24. The work station of claim 23, wherein the release lever pivots the locking lever using a cable.

25. The work station of claim 19, further comprising a base portion, wherein the fixed column is attached to the base portion.

26. The work station of claim 25, wherein the base portion comprising rotatable members.

27. The work station of claim 19, wherein the lift mechanism comprises a lift force adjuster that adjusts an amount of lift force necessary to move the movable part within the vertical range of motion, and a lift force indicator for indicating the amount of lift force set by the lift force adjuster.