US20080061526A1 - Mobile workstation - Google Patents
Mobile workstation Download PDFInfo
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- US20080061526A1 US20080061526A1 US11/776,523 US77652307A US2008061526A1 US 20080061526 A1 US20080061526 A1 US 20080061526A1 US 77652307 A US77652307 A US 77652307A US 2008061526 A1 US2008061526 A1 US 2008061526A1
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- Prior art keywords
- base
- mobile workstation
- wheels
- downwardly facing
- work table
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B21/00—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B2200/00—General construction of tables or desks
- A47B2200/008—Tables or desks having means for applying electronic or electric devices
- A47B2200/0081—Auxiliary apparatus with electrical connections for office furniture
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to workstations for use in an office, classroom or other facility. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a portable workstation that allows for ease of configuring a workspace.
- workstations are designed to provide a user with a place to conduct business or perform work and can be used in combination with a computer system and other devices to increase productivity.
- Workstations are, generally, fixed structures in the form of cubicles or desks having a horizontal work surface. Workstations are often heavy and cumbersome structures that cannot be easily moved from one place to another without the aid of multiple people and the need for partial or full disassembly.
- a mobile workstation comprises a generally horizontal work surface and a plurality of support structures coupled to the work station to support the work surface above a floor.
- the work surface and support structures are arranged to permit use of the work surface by a user sitting in a chair.
- the mobile workstation is designed to permit the workstation to be transported from one work area to another and permit a classroom, office, or conference center to be rearranged to meet specific needs. Transportation of the workstation is accomplished by “tilting” and “rolling” the work station to a desired location.
- the mobile workstation includes a horizontal work surface supported by a “tripod style” support structure having two front legs and a centrally located posterior column.
- the column includes a wedge-shaped bottom surface that tapers toward the front of the column to form a leading edge.
- the column also includes wheels that are attached to the base of the column rearward of the leading edge and arranged so that when the workstation is level, the wheels are elevated off of the floor.
- the front legs and the leading edge of the column are engaged with the floor to limit movement of the workstation.
- the workstation can be moved by raising the front end of the workstation, which re-elevates the front legs and the leading edge of the column off of the floor causing the wheels to engage the floor and permit movement of the workstation about the wheels.
- the column of the mobile workstation comprises various power, universal serial bus (USB), and computer networking ports to provide hub functionality for USB computer peripherals or to provide pass-through connectivity to facility power outlets and computer networking.
- the column of the mobile workstation also includes a shelf for supporting and elevating a computer tower off of the floor.
- the column also includes an electrical accessory port adapted to receive lighting or a computer monitor.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile workstation, in accordance with the present disclosure, having a planar work surface supported by a “tripod-style” support structure having two front legs and a truck located at the rear of the work surface, wherein the truck includes a wedge-shaped bottom surface defining a wheel lifter and wheels attached to the base of the truck and arranged so that when the work station is level, the front legs and the leading edge of the wheel lifter engage the floor to limit movement, as shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG.
- the workstation can be moved by lifting the front end of the workstation, which elevates the front legs and the leading edge of the wheel lifter off of the floor to permit movement of the workstation about the wheels, as shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the workstation of FIG. 1 , showing the positioning of the legs and truck with respect to the work surface;
- FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the workstation of FIG. 1 showing the orientation of the legs and truck with respect to the work surface;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the workstation, similar to FIG. 1 showing the orientation of the truck along the posterior side of the workstation;
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the workstation of FIG. 1 showing the workstation in a level use position with the front legs and the leading edge of the wheel lifter in contact with the floor and the wheels elevated off of the floor;
- FIG. 5 a is an enlarged side elevation view of the wheel lifter of FIG. 5 with portions broken away;
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the workstation showing the workstation in a transport position with the front portion of the workstation being raised to elevate the front legs and the leading edge of the wheel lifter off of the floor to permit movement of the workstation about the wheels;
- FIG. 6 a is an enlarged side elevation view of the wheel lifter of FIG. 6 with portions broken away;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the truck showing various power, USB, and computer networking ports that provide hub functionality for USB computer peripherals or pass through connectivity to facility power outlets and computer networking;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 7 showing a lighting accessory coupled to the truck of the workstation;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 7 and 8 showing a computer monitor coupled to the truck of the workstation;
- FIG. 10 is a side view of the mobile workstation showing a support shelf for supporting a computer tower and further showing a telescoping monitor secured to the rear side of the truck;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the workstation truck illustrating the support shelf supporting a computer tower.
- a mobile workstation 10 is designed to permit a user to raise the front of the workstation off of an underlying surface 11 to move workstation 10 to a desired location about wheels 48 , as shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6 .
- Workstation 10 includes a work table 12 , a truck 16 , and a lifting wedge 17 .
- Work table 12 is supported, in part, by legs 14 , as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 .
- the remainder of work table 12 is supported by truck 16 .
- Work table 12 can be manufactured from a variety of materials, including plastics, wood, and wood products that may be covered with a laminate or other material to create a smooth work surface.
- Work table 12 includes apertures 18 to permit the passage of cables and power cords from computer equipment or lighting.
- Work table 12 includes a front edge 20 and a spaced-apart rear edge 22 .
- Work table 12 also includes a top surface 24 and a spaced-apart bottom surface 26 .
- truck 16 is positioned adjacent rear edge 22 of work table 12
- legs 14 are positioned adjacent front edge 20 .
- Work table 12 is a rigid structure that can support a computer and/or monitor and is set at an elevation to permit a standard chair and the legs of the user to fit beneath work table 12 .
- truck 16 includes a series of conductivity ports to permit the connection of computer equipment and other tools or accessories to workstation 10 as shown, for example, in FIG. 7 .
- Legs 14 of workstation 10 support work table 12 and include a first end 34 and a spaced apart second end 36 as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 .
- Legs 14 extend downwardly from bottom surface 26 of work table 12 in direction 32 , adjacent front edge 20 . While legs 14 are preferably manufactured from steel, it is contemplated that other materials can be used to manufacture legs 14 while still allowing them to perform their intended function, including aluminum, wood, and composite materials.
- Legs 14 can also be solid or hollow.
- Legs 14 include first end 34 , positioned to lie adjacent work table 12 and spaced apart from second end 36 positioned to lie adjacent underlying surface 11 . First end 34 of leg 14 is coupled to horizontal support member 30 .
- Second end 36 of legs 14 includes anti-skid caps 40 that have a high coefficient of friction to resist movement when leg 14 is in contact with underlying surface 11 .
- Legs 14 are slightly arched in order to position second end 36 of leg 14 outward from front edge 20 of work table 12 .
- Truck 16 is positioned to lie adjacent rear edge 22 of work table 12 and essentially provides a third leg to support work table 12 .
- Truck 16 includes a base 21 , wheels 48 , and an axle 49 .
- Base 21 includes a first end 54 , and a spaced apart second end 56 .
- Base 21 further includes a bottom surface 29 having a generally horizontal portion 31 and a downwardly facing angled portion 33 .
- Angled support members 46 and work table 12 are positioned to lie adjacent first end 54 of base 21 .
- base 21 also includes a relatively planar first side 58 and a substantially curved second side 60 .
- First and second sides 58 , 60 meet along edges 62 , 64 respectively.
- Base 21 is preferably manufactured from a plastics material. While a plastics material is preferred, it is contemplated that other materials may be used to manufacture base 21 .
- Base 21 also includes a top surface 70 that is sloped downward from edge 72 to edge 74 . Top surface 70 of base 21 may include necessary ports as described in more detail below.
- Lifting wedge 17 is coupled to and depends from base 21 .
- Lifting wedge 17 provides means for lifting wheels 48 away from underlying surface 11 to inhibit movement of work table 12 and truck 16 relative to underlying surface 11 in response to a tipping movement 51 of work table 12 and truck 16 relative to underlying surface 11 as shown in FIGS. 1-5 .
- Lifting wedge 17 includes a top surface 23 , a downwardly facing angled surface 25 , and a vertical surface 27 as shown best in FIGS. 5 a and 6 a.
- Top surface 23 is coupled to generally horizontal portion 31 of base 21 such that downwardly facing angled surface 25 and downwardly facing angled portion 33 form a co-planar surface 35 .
- Vertical surface 27 and downwardly facing angled surface 25 cooperate to define a leading edge 68 .
- co-planar surface 35 and underlying surface 11 cooperate to define a first acute included angle 37 therebetween as shown in FIG. 5 a.
- co-planar surface 35 and underlying surface 11 cooperate to define a second acute included angle 39 therebetween which is smaller than first acute included angle 37 as shown in FIG. 6 a.
- an axle 49 is coupled to base 21 and configured to support wheels 48 for rotation about an axis of rotation 53 as suggested in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- Wheels 48 permit workstation 10 to be moved around when truck 16 is tilted to the transport position.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a “tilt and roll” feature of workstation 10 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates workstation 10 in the static use position with legs 14 and leading edge 68 of lifting wedge 17 positioned on underlying surface 11 .
- wheels 48 are moved away from underlying surface 11 to create a gap 76 between a lowest point 41 of wheels 48 and underlying surface 11 .
- work table 12 is oriented parallel to underlying surface 11 to provide a substantially horizontal work surface.
- the user can position their legs and chair under the work table 12 .
- front edge 20 of work table 12 is raised by the user causing legs 14 to move away from underlying surface 11 as suggested in FIG. 6 .
- Raising work table 12 also causes leading edge 68 of lifting wedge 17 to move away from underlying surface 11 causing wheels 48 to engage underlying surface 11 to permit movement of work station 10 about wheels 48 in fore and aft directions.
- lowest point 41 of wheels 48 engages underlying surface 11 and leading edge 68 disengages and moves away from underlying surface 11 in response to the tipping movement 51 to create a gap 78 therebetween.
- the user lowers front edge 20 of work table 12 so that legs 14 and leading edge 68 of lifting wedge 17 once again engage underlying surface 11 to return workstation 10 to the use position.
- wheels 48 are once again moved away from underlying surface 11 .
- Horizontal support members 30 each include a first end 42 and a spaced apart second end 44 . While horizontal member 30 is preferably tubular, as shown, for example, in FIG. 3 , it is contemplated that horizontal support member 30 can be solid as well. First end 42 of each horizontal support member 30 is coupled to first end 34 of legs 14 . Legs 14 and horizontal support member 30 may be formed as one piece or can be formed as separate components that are coupled together. Second end 44 of each horizontal support member 30 is coupled to an angled support member 46 . Horizontal support member 30 can be formed with angled support member 46 or can be formed of separate components that are coupled together.
- Horizontal support member 30 is positioned adjacent bottom surface 26 of work table 12 and is secured by use of screws, bolts, rivets, adhesive or by other securing means known to those skilled in the art. Horizontal support structures 30 transfer a portion of the load placed on the work table 12 to legs 14 . The remainder of the load placed on work table 12 is transferred to truck 16 through angled support members 46 .
- Angled support members 46 are coupled to horizontal support members 30 at a first end 50 and extend from horizontal support members 30 to truck 16 as shown, for example, in FIG. 3 .
- Angled support members 46 are secured to bottom surface 26 of work table 12 by fasteners, adhesive or other means known to those skilled in the art and are adapted to transfer loads placed on work table 12 to truck 16 or legs 14 through horizontal support members 30 .
- Angled support members 46 can be coupled to horizontal support members 30 by a tube-in-tube connection or can be formed as one piece with horizontal support members 30 .
- Angled support members 46 are coupled to truck 16 at a second end 52 by use of fasteners, bolts, rivets, welding adhesive or by other means known to those skilled in the art.
- FIGS. 7 through 9 illustrate the various connections that are associated with base 21 to provide computer networking.
- Base 21 may include electrical outlets 80 , USB ports 82 , network cable ports 84 , indicator lights 86 , switches 88 and accessory port 90 .
- Accessory port 90 can be adapted to accept lighting 92 as shown in FIG. 8 or a computer monitor 94 as shown in FIG. 9 . Connections are routed through base 21 to second side 60 of base 21 near second end 56 .
- Workstation 10 also includes a shelf 96 that is coupled to base 21 along first side 58 and is adapted to support a computer tower 98 .
- Shelf 96 includes first and second side walls 100 , 102 that are coupled to first side 58 of base 21 .
- Shelf 96 also includes bottom wall 104 that is coupled to side walls 100 , 102 and is adapted to support computer tower 98 .
- Shelf 96 also includes front wall 106 that retains computer tower 98 on shelf 96 .
- Base 21 may also include a telescoping arm 108 , as shown, for example in FIG. 10 that is adapted to support a computer monitor 110 .
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Abstract
A mobile workstation comprises a generally horizontal work surface and a plurality of support structures coupled to the work station to support the work surface above a floor. The mobile workstation is configured to permit the workstation to be moved from one work area to another.
Description
- This application claims priority under U.S.C. §119(c) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/807,132, filed Jul. 12, 2006, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
- The present disclosure relates to workstations for use in an office, classroom or other facility. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a portable workstation that allows for ease of configuring a workspace.
- Generally, workstations are designed to provide a user with a place to conduct business or perform work and can be used in combination with a computer system and other devices to increase productivity. Workstations are, generally, fixed structures in the form of cubicles or desks having a horizontal work surface. Workstations are often heavy and cumbersome structures that cannot be easily moved from one place to another without the aid of multiple people and the need for partial or full disassembly.
- According to the present disclosure, a mobile workstation comprises a generally horizontal work surface and a plurality of support structures coupled to the work station to support the work surface above a floor. The work surface and support structures are arranged to permit use of the work surface by a user sitting in a chair. The mobile workstation is designed to permit the workstation to be transported from one work area to another and permit a classroom, office, or conference center to be rearranged to meet specific needs. Transportation of the workstation is accomplished by “tilting” and “rolling” the work station to a desired location.
- In illustrative embodiments, the mobile workstation includes a horizontal work surface supported by a “tripod style” support structure having two front legs and a centrally located posterior column. The column includes a wedge-shaped bottom surface that tapers toward the front of the column to form a leading edge. The column also includes wheels that are attached to the base of the column rearward of the leading edge and arranged so that when the workstation is level, the wheels are elevated off of the floor. When the workstation is being used, the front legs and the leading edge of the column are engaged with the floor to limit movement of the workstation. The workstation can be moved by raising the front end of the workstation, which re-elevates the front legs and the leading edge of the column off of the floor causing the wheels to engage the floor and permit movement of the workstation about the wheels.
- The column of the mobile workstation, comprises various power, universal serial bus (USB), and computer networking ports to provide hub functionality for USB computer peripherals or to provide pass-through connectivity to facility power outlets and computer networking. The column of the mobile workstation also includes a shelf for supporting and elevating a computer tower off of the floor. The column also includes an electrical accessory port adapted to receive lighting or a computer monitor.
- Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived.
- The detailed description particularly refers to the accompany figures in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile workstation, in accordance with the present disclosure, having a planar work surface supported by a “tripod-style” support structure having two front legs and a truck located at the rear of the work surface, wherein the truck includes a wedge-shaped bottom surface defining a wheel lifter and wheels attached to the base of the truck and arranged so that when the work station is level, the front legs and the leading edge of the wheel lifter engage the floor to limit movement, as shown in the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 5 ; the workstation can be moved by lifting the front end of the workstation, which elevates the front legs and the leading edge of the wheel lifter off of the floor to permit movement of the workstation about the wheels, as shown in the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the workstation ofFIG. 1 , showing the positioning of the legs and truck with respect to the work surface; -
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the workstation ofFIG. 1 showing the orientation of the legs and truck with respect to the work surface; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the workstation, similar toFIG. 1 showing the orientation of the truck along the posterior side of the workstation; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the workstation ofFIG. 1 showing the workstation in a level use position with the front legs and the leading edge of the wheel lifter in contact with the floor and the wheels elevated off of the floor; -
FIG. 5 a is an enlarged side elevation view of the wheel lifter ofFIG. 5 with portions broken away; -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the workstation showing the workstation in a transport position with the front portion of the workstation being raised to elevate the front legs and the leading edge of the wheel lifter off of the floor to permit movement of the workstation about the wheels; -
FIG. 6 a is an enlarged side elevation view of the wheel lifter ofFIG. 6 with portions broken away; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the truck showing various power, USB, and computer networking ports that provide hub functionality for USB computer peripherals or pass through connectivity to facility power outlets and computer networking; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view similar toFIG. 7 showing a lighting accessory coupled to the truck of the workstation; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view similar toFIGS. 7 and 8 showing a computer monitor coupled to the truck of the workstation; -
FIG. 10 is a side view of the mobile workstation showing a support shelf for supporting a computer tower and further showing a telescoping monitor secured to the rear side of the truck; and -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the workstation truck illustrating the support shelf supporting a computer tower. - A
mobile workstation 10 is designed to permit a user to raise the front of the workstation off of anunderlying surface 11 to moveworkstation 10 to a desired location aboutwheels 48, as shown in the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 6 .Workstation 10 includes a work table 12, atruck 16, and alifting wedge 17. - Work table 12 is supported, in part, by
legs 14, as shown, for example, inFIG. 1 . The remainder of work table 12 is supported bytruck 16. Work table 12 can be manufactured from a variety of materials, including plastics, wood, and wood products that may be covered with a laminate or other material to create a smooth work surface. Work table 12 includesapertures 18 to permit the passage of cables and power cords from computer equipment or lighting. - Work table 12 includes a
front edge 20 and a spaced-apartrear edge 22. Work table 12 also includes atop surface 24 and a spaced-apart bottom surface 26. In illustrative embodiments,truck 16 is positioned adjacentrear edge 22 of work table 12, andlegs 14 are positioned adjacentfront edge 20. Work table 12 is a rigid structure that can support a computer and/or monitor and is set at an elevation to permit a standard chair and the legs of the user to fit beneath work table 12. - When
workstation 10 is moved to a desired location, the front ofworkstation 10 is lowered to returnworkstation 10 to a use position, as shown, for example, inFIG. 5 . In the use position,legs 14 andlifting wedge 17 are in contact withunderlying surface 11, whilewheels 48 are elevated off ofunderlying surface 11. In a transport position,legs 14 andlifting wedge 17 are moved away fromunderlying surface 11 whilewheels 48 engage underlyingsurface 11 to permit movement ofwork station 10. In illustrative embodiments,truck 16 includes a series of conductivity ports to permit the connection of computer equipment and other tools or accessories toworkstation 10 as shown, for example, inFIG. 7 . - Legs 14 of
workstation 10 support work table 12 and include afirst end 34 and a spaced apartsecond end 36 as shown, for example, inFIG. 1 .Legs 14 extend downwardly frombottom surface 26 of work table 12 indirection 32, adjacentfront edge 20. Whilelegs 14 are preferably manufactured from steel, it is contemplated that other materials can be used to manufacturelegs 14 while still allowing them to perform their intended function, including aluminum, wood, and composite materials.Legs 14 can also be solid or hollow.Legs 14 includefirst end 34, positioned to lie adjacent work table 12 and spaced apart fromsecond end 36 positioned to lie adjacentunderlying surface 11.First end 34 ofleg 14 is coupled tohorizontal support member 30.Second end 36 oflegs 14 includesanti-skid caps 40 that have a high coefficient of friction to resist movement whenleg 14 is in contact withunderlying surface 11.Legs 14 are slightly arched in order to positionsecond end 36 ofleg 14 outward fromfront edge 20 of work table 12. -
Truck 16 is positioned to lie adjacentrear edge 22 of work table 12 and essentially provides a third leg to support work table 12.Truck 16 includes abase 21,wheels 48, and anaxle 49.Base 21 includes afirst end 54, and a spaced apartsecond end 56.Base 21 further includes a bottom surface 29 having a generallyhorizontal portion 31 and a downwardly facingangled portion 33.Angled support members 46 and work table 12 are positioned to lie adjacentfirst end 54 ofbase 21. - In illustrative embodiments,
base 21 also includes a relatively planarfirst side 58 and a substantially curvedsecond side 60. First andsecond sides edges Base 21 is preferably manufactured from a plastics material. While a plastics material is preferred, it is contemplated that other materials may be used to manufacturebase 21.Base 21 also includes atop surface 70 that is sloped downward fromedge 72 to edge 74.Top surface 70 ofbase 21 may include necessary ports as described in more detail below. - Lifting
wedge 17 is coupled to and depends frombase 21. Liftingwedge 17 provides means for liftingwheels 48 away from underlyingsurface 11 to inhibit movement of work table 12 andtruck 16 relative tounderlying surface 11 in response to a tipping movement 51 of work table 12 andtruck 16 relative tounderlying surface 11 as shown inFIGS. 1-5 . Liftingwedge 17 includes atop surface 23, a downwardly facingangled surface 25, and avertical surface 27 as shown best inFIGS. 5 a and 6 a.Top surface 23 is coupled to generallyhorizontal portion 31 ofbase 21 such that downwardly facingangled surface 25 and downwardly facingangled portion 33 form a co-planar surface 35.Vertical surface 27 and downwardly facingangled surface 25 cooperate to define aleading edge 68. - In the use position, co-planar surface 35 and
underlying surface 11 cooperate to define a first acute includedangle 37 therebetween as shown inFIG. 5 a. In the transport position, co-planar surface 35 andunderlying surface 11 cooperate to define a second acute includedangle 39 therebetween which is smaller than first acute includedangle 37 as shown inFIG. 6 a. - In illustrative embodiments, an
axle 49 is coupled tobase 21 and configured to supportwheels 48 for rotation about an axis ofrotation 53 as suggested inFIGS. 2 and 3 .Wheels 48permit workstation 10 to be moved around whentruck 16 is tilted to the transport position. - In illustrative embodiments,
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a “tilt and roll” feature ofworkstation 10.FIG. 5 illustratesworkstation 10 in the static use position withlegs 14 and leadingedge 68 of liftingwedge 17 positioned on underlyingsurface 11. When leadingedge 68 andlegs 14 are positioned to engageunderlying surface 11,wheels 48 are moved away from underlyingsurface 11 to create agap 76 between alowest point 41 ofwheels 48 andunderlying surface 11. In the use position, work table 12 is oriented parallel tounderlying surface 11 to provide a substantially horizontal work surface. Whenworkstation 10 is in the use position, the user can position their legs and chair under the work table 12. - When it is desirable to move
workstation 10 to a different location,front edge 20 of work table 12 is raised by theuser causing legs 14 to move away from underlyingsurface 11 as suggested inFIG. 6 . Raising work table 12 also causes leadingedge 68 of liftingwedge 17 to move away from underlyingsurface 11 causingwheels 48 to engageunderlying surface 11 to permit movement ofwork station 10 aboutwheels 48 in fore and aft directions. In the transport position suggested inFIG. 6 and 6 a,lowest point 41 ofwheels 48 engages underlyingsurface 11 and leadingedge 68 disengages and moves away from underlyingsurface 11 in response to the tipping movement 51 to create agap 78 therebetween. - Once a desired location is selected, the user lowers
front edge 20 of work table 12 so thatlegs 14 and leadingedge 68 of liftingwedge 17 once again engage underlyingsurface 11 to returnworkstation 10 to the use position. In the use position,wheels 48 are once again moved away from underlyingsurface 11. -
Horizontal support members 30 each include afirst end 42 and a spaced apart second end 44. Whilehorizontal member 30 is preferably tubular, as shown, for example, inFIG. 3 , it is contemplated thathorizontal support member 30 can be solid as well. First end 42 of eachhorizontal support member 30 is coupled tofirst end 34 oflegs 14.Legs 14 andhorizontal support member 30 may be formed as one piece or can be formed as separate components that are coupled together. Second end 44 of eachhorizontal support member 30 is coupled to anangled support member 46.Horizontal support member 30 can be formed withangled support member 46 or can be formed of separate components that are coupled together.Horizontal support member 30 is positioned adjacentbottom surface 26 of work table 12 and is secured by use of screws, bolts, rivets, adhesive or by other securing means known to those skilled in the art.Horizontal support structures 30 transfer a portion of the load placed on the work table 12 tolegs 14. The remainder of the load placed on work table 12 is transferred totruck 16 throughangled support members 46. -
Angled support members 46 are coupled tohorizontal support members 30 at afirst end 50 and extend fromhorizontal support members 30 to truck 16 as shown, for example, inFIG. 3 .Angled support members 46 are secured tobottom surface 26 of work table 12 by fasteners, adhesive or other means known to those skilled in the art and are adapted to transfer loads placed on work table 12 to truck 16 orlegs 14 throughhorizontal support members 30.Angled support members 46 can be coupled tohorizontal support members 30 by a tube-in-tube connection or can be formed as one piece withhorizontal support members 30.Angled support members 46 are coupled totruck 16 at asecond end 52 by use of fasteners, bolts, rivets, welding adhesive or by other means known to those skilled in the art. -
FIGS. 7 through 9 illustrate the various connections that are associated withbase 21 to provide computer networking.Base 21 may includeelectrical outlets 80,USB ports 82,network cable ports 84, indicator lights 86, switches 88 andaccessory port 90.Accessory port 90 can be adapted to acceptlighting 92 as shown inFIG. 8 or acomputer monitor 94 as shown inFIG. 9 . Connections are routed throughbase 21 tosecond side 60 ofbase 21 nearsecond end 56. -
Workstation 10 also includes ashelf 96 that is coupled tobase 21 alongfirst side 58 and is adapted to support acomputer tower 98.Shelf 96 includes first andsecond side walls 100, 102 that are coupled tofirst side 58 ofbase 21.Shelf 96 also includesbottom wall 104 that is coupled toside walls 100, 102 and is adapted to supportcomputer tower 98.Shelf 96 also includesfront wall 106 that retainscomputer tower 98 onshelf 96.Base 21 may also include atelescoping arm 108, as shown, for example inFIG. 10 that is adapted to support acomputer monitor 110.
Claims (24)
1. A mobile workstation comprising
a work table including a top surface, a bottom surface, and legs extending downwardly from the bottom surface and adapted to rest on an underlying surface,
a truck including a base coupled to the work table, wheels coupled to the base, and an axle extending between the wheels, and
lift means for lifting the wheels away from the underlying surface to inhibit movement of the work table and truck relative to the underlying surface in response to tipping movement of the work table and truck relative to the underlying surface.
2. The mobile workstation of claim 1 , wherein the lift means includes a lifting wedge coupled to the base.
3. The mobile workstation of claim 2 , wherein the lifting wedge includes a top surface, a downwardly facing angled surface arranged to intersect the top surface to form an acute included angle therebetween, and a vertical surface arranged to intersect the downwardly-facing angled surface to define a leading edge and further arranged to extend upwardly to intersect the top surface, wherein the top surface, downwardly facing angled surface, and vertical surface cooperate to form a right triangle.
4. The mobile workstation of claim 3 , wherein the base includes a downwardly facing angled portion arranged to form a co-planar surface with the downwardly facing angled surface of the lifting wedge.
5. The mobile workstation of claim 3 , wherein a lowest point of each wheel cooperates with the leading edge to define a gap therebetween when the base is substantially perpendicular to the underlying surface.
6. The mobile workstation of claim 3 , wherein the leading edge is positioned to lie between the work table and the lowest point of each wheel when the truck is pivoted to cause the legs to move away from and the wheels to engage the underlying surface.
7. The mobile workstation of claim 3 , wherein the lifting wedge and the base cooperate to define a table support and the table support is monolithic.
8. The mobile workstation of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a bottom surface having a generally horizontal portion and a downwardly facing angled portion forming an obtuse included angle therebetween.
9. A mobile workstation comprising
a work table including a top surface, a bottom surface, and legs extending downwardly from the bottom surface and adapted to rest on an underlying surface,
a truck including a base coupled to the work table, wheels coupled to the base, and an axle coupled to the base and configured to support the wheels for rotation about an axis of rotation, and
a lifting wedge coupled to the base and configured to include a horizontal top surface, a vertical side surface, a downwardly facing angled surface adjacent the vertical side surface, and a leading edge formed by the intersection of the vertical side surface and the downwardly facing angled surface.
10. The mobile workstation of claim 9 , wherein the downwardly facing angled surface is arranged to intersect the top surface to define an acute included angle therebetween.
11. The mobile workstation of claim 10 , wherein a lowest point of each wheel cooperates with the leading edge to define a gap therebetween when the base is substantially perpendicular to the underlying surface.
12. The mobile workstation of claim 10 , wherein the leading edge is positioned to lie between the work table and the lowest point of each wheel when the truck is pivoted to cause the legs to move away from and the wheels to engage the underlying surface.
13. The mobile workstation of claim 12 , wherein the base includes a bottom surface having a generally horizontal portion and a downwardly facing angled portion arranged to define an obtuse included angle.
14. The mobile workstation of claim 9 , wherein the lifting wedge and the base cooperate to define a table support and the table support is monolithic.
15. The mobile workstation of claim 9 , wherein the base includes a downwardly facing angled portion arranged to form a co-planar surface with the downwardly facing angled surface of the lifting wedge.
16. The mobile workstation of claim 15 , wherein the co-planar surface cooperates with the underlying surface to define a first acute included angle when a longitudinal axis of the base is in a substantially perpendicular relationship relative to the underlying surface.
17. The mobile workstation of claim 16 , wherein a second acute included angle smaller than the first acute included angle is defined by the co-planar surface and the underlying surface when the base is pivoted such that the wheels engage the underlying surface.
18. A mobile workstation comprising
a work table including a top surface, a bottom surface, and legs extending downwardly from the bottom surface and adapted to rest on an underlying surface,
a truck including a base coupled to the work table, wheels coupled to the base, and an axle extending between the wheels, and
a lifting wedge depending from the base and being formed to include a leading edge configured to engage an underlying surface when the truck is in a substantially perpendicular relationship to the underlying surface to move the wheels away from the underlying surface.
19. The mobile workstation of claim 18 , wherein the lifting wedge includes a top surface coupled to the base, a downwardly facing angled surface arranged to intersect the top surface to define an acute included angle, and a vertical surface arranged to extend between the top surface and the downwardly facing angled surface.
20. The mobile workstation of claim 19 , wherein the downwardly facing angled portion is arranged to form a co-planar surface with the downwardly facing angled surface of the lifting wedge.
21. The mobile workstation of claim 19 , wherein a lowest point of each wheel cooperates with the leading edge to define a gap therebetween when the base is substantially perpendicular to the underlying surface.
22. The mobile workstation of claim 19 , wherein the leading edge is positioned to lie between the work table and the lowest point of each wheel when the truck is pivoted to cause the legs to move away from and the wheels to engage the underlying surface.
23. The mobile workstation of claim 18 , wherein the base includes a bottom surface having a generally horizontal portion and a downwardly facing angled portion defining an obtuse included angle therebetween.
24. The mobile workstation of claim 18 , wherein the lifting wedge and the base cooperate to define a table support and the table support is monolithic.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/776,523 US20080061526A1 (en) | 2006-07-12 | 2007-07-11 | Mobile workstation |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US80713206P | 2006-07-12 | 2006-07-12 | |
US11/776,523 US20080061526A1 (en) | 2006-07-12 | 2007-07-11 | Mobile workstation |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080061526A1 true US20080061526A1 (en) | 2008-03-13 |
Family
ID=39168781
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/776,523 Abandoned US20080061526A1 (en) | 2006-07-12 | 2007-07-11 | Mobile workstation |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080061526A1 (en) |
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---|---|---|---|---|
CN102772011A (en) * | 2011-04-25 | 2012-11-14 | 来福太制品有限公司 | Table top |
US20210282551A1 (en) * | 2018-09-04 | 2021-09-16 | Steelcase Inc. | Workspace system and components and method for the use thereof |
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US3883202A (en) * | 1973-11-01 | 1975-05-13 | Voko Franz & Co | Desk having electrical supply lines which are laid in the table |
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CN102772011A (en) * | 2011-04-25 | 2012-11-14 | 来福太制品有限公司 | Table top |
US20210282551A1 (en) * | 2018-09-04 | 2021-09-16 | Steelcase Inc. | Workspace system and components and method for the use thereof |
US11633040B2 (en) * | 2018-09-04 | 2023-04-25 | Steelcase Inc. | Workspace system and components and method for the use thereof |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: COSCO MANAGEMENT, INC., DELAWARE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DE OLIVEIRA, SERGIO S.;REEL/FRAME:019983/0884 Effective date: 20071005 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: EXPRESSLY ABANDONED -- DURING EXAMINATION |