GB2181341A - Workstation - Google Patents

Abstract

A workstation comprises a worksurface 1 mounted on an upper portion of a support frame, the lower portion of the support frame being provided with ground engaging wheels 3 and stabilisers 4. The stabilisers are movable by handles 21 from a retracted position in which they are parallel to chassis members 10, 11 to a ground engaging operating position. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Workstation This invention relates to a workstation.

For handicapped or elderly persons who have restricted mobility many normal operations may only be achieved with great difficulty. One such operation which can prove particularly difficult is taking a seat at a table or desk. This situation is particularly frustrating forpersonswho have restricted use oftheir legs but retain normal use of their upper body.

It is an object ofthis invention to provide a workstation which facititates access to a worksurface for a person of restricted mobility.

According to the present invention there is provided a workstation comprising a worksurface mounted on a support member, the support member being provided with groundengagingwheel means and stabiliser means, the stabiiiser means being movable from a retracted position to an operable position.

Preferably the support member is provided with upper upright portions on which the worksurface may be mounted and lower horizontal portions on which the ground engaging wheel means may be mounted.

Preferably also the stabiliser means are provided on a lower portion of the support member. In the retracted positionthestabiliser means may besubstantially in tine with portion ofthe support member and in the operable position the stabiliser means may extend outwardlyfromthe support member. In the operable position a portion ofthe stabiliser means may engagethe ground.

Preferablyalso,thestabiliser means are provided with locking means such that the stabiliser means may be locked in position.

Preferably also, the stabiliser means are provided with handle means to facilitate the movement of the stabiliser means betweenthe retracted position on the operable position.

An embodiment ofthe present invention will now be described byway of example with referenceto the accompanying drawings, inwhich: Fig. t is aperspective view of a workstation in accordance withthe present invention; Fig. 2 is-a perspective viewofthe stabiliser mounting bracket of the workstation of Fig 1; and Figs. Sand 4 aresideviews of a shelf support ofthe stabiliserof Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings, a workstation comprises a worksurface 1 mounted on a support frame 2, the supportframe 2 being provided with four ground engaging wheels 3 and two stabilisers 4 and 5.

Theframe 2, which is formed from lengths of rectangular cross-section tubing, comprises two uprightframe members 6 and 7 connected by two cross members 8 and 9, and two horizontal chassis members 10 and 11 from which the upright members 6 and 7 extend.

Shelving members 12 and 13 are adjustably mounted on the upper portions ofthe upright frame members 8 and 7.The shelving members 12 and 13, which reformed from lengths of cylindrical crosssection metal each describe an A-shape and are connected buy a single cross member 14.

Each end portion 15 ofthe upper leg oftheA-shape is curved such that each end portion 15may be located in one ofa number of holes 16 provided on a face of the respective upright member 6 or 7. Each end portion 17 ofthe lower leg ofthe A-shape is provided with a resilient end cover 18 and this bears against the face ofthe respective upright member 6 or 7.

The method of fitment/removal of a shelving member 12 is illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4.

When mounted on the frame members 6 and 7 the shelving members 12 and 13 provide a horizontal supportonwhichtheworksurface 1 may be positioned.

Four horizontal tabs 30 are provided, two on each shelving member 12 and 13, and are coated with an adhesive such thatthe worksurface is firmly attached to the shelving members 12 and 13.

The chassis members 10 and 11 are each provided with two swivel wheels 3 which are each located on the underside ofthe end portions ofthe members 10 and11.

Each chassis member 10 or 11 is providedwith a stabliser 4 or 5. The stabilisers 4 and 5 each comprise a length of square section tubing having a resilient foot 19 fixed to the underside of one end portion and a cylindrical cross-section handle member 20 extending perpendicularly from the upper face of the other wend portion.

Each handle member 20 extends through the respective chassis member 10 or 11 The upper end portion of each handle member 20 is angled to form a horizontally extending handle portion 21 which lies parallel to the respective stabiliser 40F 5.

A pin 22 extends radiatlyfrom each handle member 20 and engages with a cut-out 23 provided in a bracket 24 on the underside of the respective chassis member ?Oorll.

Each cut-out 23 extendsdiagonallyacrossthe respective bracket 24 suchthat rotation of a handle member20causes a stabiliser4 or 5 to rise or fall.

Whenapin 22 is located atthe upper end ofacut-out 23, as shown in Fig. 2, the respective stabiliser 4 or 5 lies parallelto its respective chassis member 10 or 11 andthefoot 19 is not in contact with the ground.

However, when a handle member 20 and, therefore,its pin 22 are rotatedto the position where the pin 22 is located at the lower end of a cut-out23 the respective stabiliser4 extends outwardlyfrom the frame 2 and thefoot 19 contacts the ground.

Resilient: stoppers 25 are provided at the ends of the members oftheworkstation to reduce the possibility of scratches and injury being caused bysharp edges.

fn use,theworkstation is used to provide a convenient worksu rface for a person whose mobility is restricted. When the stabilísers4 and 5 are retracted to lie paratlelto the chassis members lOand 11 the workstation may be positioned in front of the user. If the stabilisers 4 and 5 are movedto extend outwardly from theframe 2 and contactthe ground theworksta- tion is then securely and stably located.

The shelf members 12 and 13may be adjusted to a height which suits the user and a cut-out 26 provided in the worksurface 1 allows the user to be positioned closertotheworksurfacel,which mayprovevery useful if the user is unable to bend forward over the worksurface.

Thus, the workstation of the present invention provides aworksurface for a user whose mobility is restricted that may be positioned easily and conve nientlyto suittheuser.

Modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (8)

1. P*worksfation comprising aworksurface mounted on a-support member, the support member being provided with ground engaging wheel means and stabiliser means, the stabiliser means being selectively movable from a retracted position to a ground engaging operable position.

2. Aworkstation as claimed in Claim I,wherein the support member includes a substantially upright upper portion on which the worksurface is mounted and a substantially horizontal lower portion on which the ground engaging wheel means are mounted

3. Aworkstation asclairned in Claims 1 or2, wherein the stabiliser means are provided orr a lower portion ofthe support member, in the retracted position the stabiliser means being substantially parallel to said lower portion and inthe operable position the stabiliser means extending outwardly from said lower portion

4. A workstation as claimed in Claims 1,2 or 3, wherein means are provided to lockthe stabiliser means in a desired position relative tothe support member.

5. A workstation as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the lock meanscomprisesa pin which extendsfrom a shaft on which thestabiliser means a mounted and engages an angledslotprovidedona bushing, mounted on the support member,through which the shaft passes.

6. Aworkstationas claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein handle means are provided on an upper portion ofthe stabiliser means to facilitate operation ofthe stabiliser means.

7. A workstation as claimed in anyone of the preceding Ctaims, whereinthe worksurface is mounted on height adjustable shelf members which releasably engage the support member

8. A workstation substantially as herein before describedwith reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.