FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an ergonomic multi-positionable workstation having independently positionable and adjustable seating and work area components. The seating components can further comprise back, leg support, and head support components, and the work area components can further comprise a work surface or desk area and areas for accommodating a computer keyboard and monitor. The independently positionable and adjustable feature of the workstation is achieved via separate support rings for the seating and the work area, such that the support rings are each independently rotatable with respect to each other and with respect to a support frame for the rings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the home, office, and elsewhere, chairs and tables are used for many purposes, and there has been a dramatic rise in their use as computing technology has transformed an expanding portion of the worldwide economy into an information economy. This trend has accelerated as consumers have increasingly attended to the Internet in all its forms for sundry activities (e.g., search, news, entertainment, education, at-work activities, remote work activities, video streaming, audio streaming, social media, gaming). Indeed, all use metrics consistently underscore that, worldwide, people are attending increasingly to computer “screen” technology in all its forms, whether it be on desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers (e.g., iPads), smartphones, electronic reading devices (e.g., Kindles) or other devices - in addition to conventional and intelligent televisions that incorporate computing and internet services within them.

As a result of this accelerating worldwide demand for, and consumption of, such screen devices and services, especially as these devices and services relate to the Internet, the need for ergonomic chairs and tables - for both health and comfort - has never been greater. Numerous studies consistently show that, worldwide, people are spending ever-greater amounts of time sitting and interacting with all these computers, smartphones, and intelligent televisions and other devices. Public health officials have regarded this worldwide trend with alarm, frequently noting the many health risks associated with these lengthy sedentary activities, including back pain, neck pain, repetitive stress injuries, eyestrain and other vision problems, as well as long-term increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cancer.

Unfortunately, despite the great and growing demand for the most ergonomic chairs, tables, and, when combined, workstations to accommodate this worldwide trend and alleviate health problems and increase comfort, advances in workstation ergonomics have been limited. First, chairs and tables are often, and even usually, sold separately, inviting ergonomic mismatch when combined. Second, chairs themselves are largely limited in their range of motion to upright sitting and reclining positions, and tables often have their heights fixed. Third, even conventional workstations, which advantageously integrate a chair with a table, have been limited in their range of motion and other ergonomic positioning, as well as their accommodation to individual human preferences and anthropometries. Fourth and moreover, even advanced and very expensive workstations remain limited in range of motion, ergonomic positioning, adjustability, and ready accommodation to the plethora of computing, smartphone, and intelligent television devices in use.

It has been found that the ergonomic workstation of the present invention accommodates and benefits an exceptionally broad range of human positioning, human activities, and new and old technologies due to (1 ) its two independently operational rotating rings for positioning the chair and work area components, (2) the many manual adjustments available in the various embodiments for ergonomic comfort and anthropometric fit, (3) configurations with electrical panels with standard ports and outlets that enable ready use with a plethora of devices, and (4) simple user control panels for ease of operation and use.

In terms of breadth of human positioning, the present invention enables at least eight distinct positions and features, including sitting, leaning back, supine, astronaut, inversion, perched, standing, and rocking, as well as a continuum of variations for each of these positions. In terms of breadth of human activities, the present invention readily accommodates and benefits (1 ) work, (2) entertainment (e.g., video gaming, movie binging), (3) rest and relaxation (e.g., short naps, long periods of rest), and even (4) health and healing (e.g., using inversion to alleviate back compression and pain). In terms of breadth of new and old technologies, the present invention accommodates and benefits not only the latest computing and video technologies but also “old school” activities, such as reading books (with or without bookstands affixed to the invention), drawing and painting on paper or canvasses (with or without easels attached to the invention), writing checks, and knitting and other arts and crafts. The present invention enables full inversion (hanging upside down in a fully vertical position perpendicular to the floor) and an automated rocking chair motion. With respect to these positions and features, the present invention provides for the independent positioning and adjustment of the seating and work areas with respect to each other, to provide for a wide range of positions for the user. As a consequence, the present invention transcends other dedicated, sole-use inversion tables and rocking chairs sold commercially today, thereby providing benefits for a healthy work environment and comfort as well.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an ergonomic multi-positionable workstation that is capable of being adjusted to accommodate a wide range of positions. A feature of the workstation is that it has independently positionable and adjustable seating and work area components. The seating components can further comprise back, leg support, and head support components, and the work area components can further comprise a work surface or desk area and areas for accommodating a computer keyboard and monitor. The independently positionable and adjustable feature of the workstation is achieved via separate support rings for the seating and the work area, such that the support rings are each independently rotatable with respect to each other and with respect to a support frame for the rings.

The present invention provides an ergonomic multi-positionable workstation, comprising: a) a base; b) a stationary frame; c) a first rotatable support ring; d) a second rotatable support ring; e) a seat comprising a backrest, for example where the seat and backrest are adjustable and adjustable with respect to each other; and f) a support for a work surface, a keyboard, or both, for example where the support for the work surface is adjustable; wherein the stationary frame b) is attached to the base a); wherein the seat e) is attached to the first rotatable support ring c); wherein the support for the work surface, keyboard, or both f) is attached to the second rotatable support ring d); and wherein the first rotatable support ring c) and the second rotatable support ring d) are each supported by and rotatable with respect to the frame, and are each independently rotatable with respect to each other.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation further comprising: g) a support for a monitor, where the support for the monitor is adjustable; wherein the support for the monitor g) is attached to the second rotatable support ring d); and wherein the support for the work surface, keyboard, or both f) and the support for the monitor g) are each independently adjustable with respect to each other.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation wherein the first rotatable support ring c) and the second rotatable support ring d) are each rotatable 360 degrees in either direction about an axis perpendicular to planes defined by the circumferences of each of the rotatable support rings.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation further comprising one or more drive mechanisms h) for rotating the first rotatable support ring c) and the second rotatable support ring d).

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation wherein the drive mechanism is selected from electrical drive mechanisms, mechanical drive mechanisms, and combinations thereof. In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation wherein the electrical drive mechanism comprises one or more chains, sprockets, and electric gearbox motors.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation wherein the electrical drive mechanism further comprises one or more belts, rollers, and electric gearbox motors.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation wherein the electrical drive mechanism further comprises one or more racks, pinions, and electric gearbox motors.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation wherein the electrical drive mechanism further comprises a plurality of teeth located on the first rotatable support ring c) and the second rotatable support ring d), one or more gears for engaging the teeth and moving the rotatable support rings, and electric gearbox motors.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation wherein the mechanical drive mechanism comprises one or more manual cranks and shafts.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation wherein the drive mechanism further comprises a braking means.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation according further comprising one or more rollers, bearings, or v-grooved wheels or rings i) on which the first rotatable support ring c) and the second rotatable support ring d) are supported.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation wherein the first rotatable support ring c) and the second rotatable support ring d) are each contained within or partially contained within the support frame.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation wherein the one or more rollers, bearings, or v-grooved wheels or rings i) are contained within the support frame. The rollers, bearings, or v-grooved wheels or rings provide support for the support rings to allow for and facilitate the desired motion of the support rings. Each support ring is independently rotatable because each support ring rests on rollers, bearings, or v-grooved wheels or rings, and is rotated by its own chain and sprocket connected to its own electric motor (therefore there are 2 electric motors), which the user can control independently using the armrest controls (RIGHT armrest controls move RIGHT ring forward and backward, while LEFT armrest controls move LEFT ring backward and forward).

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation further comprising a means j) for preventing collision of the seat a), the support for a work surface, a keyboard or both f), and the support for a monitor g), with each other and/or with a user of the workstation and/or with the floor or surface on which the workstation is positioned

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation wherein said means j) for preventing collisions comprises one or more sensors.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation wherein the seat e) further comprises armrests.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation wherein the seat e) further comprises leg rests, footrests, or a combination thereof.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation according further comprising a means for gripping or restraining the ankles or lower extremities of a user k), particularly when the workstation is positioned such that the user is suspended or reclined within the workstation.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation further comprising one or more control panels I).

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation wherein the one or more control panels I) are located on the armrests.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation further comprising a computerized control system m). In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation wherein the base a) further comprises one or more wheels or rollers n) to facilitate moving of the workstation.

In another aspect the present invention provides a workstation further comprising an illumination source o) to illuminate the work area.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the disclosure herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ergonomic multi-positionable workstation of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is the same perspective view as FIG. 1 showing a human user, in phantom, seated within the workstation.

FIGs. 3A and 3B are photographs showing perspective views of a 1 :12 scale model (one inch to one foot) of the workstation both without (FIG. 3A) and with (FIG. 3B) a mannequin seated within the workstation.

FIG. 4 is a photograph showing a side view of a 1 :12 scale model (one inch to one foot) of the workstation oriented in the regular/conventional, i.e. baseline position where the seat and work surface are essentially horizontal in the regular sitting position (Position 1 ), shown with a mannequin positioned within the workstation.

FIG. 5 is a photograph showing a side view of a 1 :12 scale model (one inch to one foot) of the workstation oriented in the relaxed/reclined position (Position 2), shown with a mannequin positioned within the workstation.

FIG. 6 is a photograph showing a side view of a 1 :12 scale model (one inch to one foot) of the workstation oriented in the astronaut position (Position 3), shown with a mannequin positioned within the workstation. FIG. 7 is a photograph showing a side view of a 1 :12 scale model (one inch to one foot) of the workstation oriented in the inverted position (Position 4), shown with a mannequin positioned within the workstation.

FIG. 8 is a photograph showing a side view of a 1 :12 scale model (one inch to one foot) of the workstation oriented in the supine/lying down position (Position 5), shown with a mannequin positioned within the workstation.

FIG. 9 is a photograph showing a side view of a 1 :12 scale model (one inch to one foot) of the workstation oriented in the perched/leaning position (Position 6), shown with a mannequin positioned within the workstation.

FIG. 10 is a photograph showing a side view of a 1 :12 scale model (one inch to one foot) of the workstation oriented in the regular/conventional, i.e. baseline position where the seat and work surface are essentially horizontal, and where the work surface is swiveled outward to permit access by a user standing outside the workstation. This is referred to as the standing position (Position 7). Also, shown is a mannequin standing and positioned outside the workstation accessing the work surface.

FIGs. 11A, 11 B, and 11 C are photographs showing side views of a 1 :12 scale model (one inch to one foot) of the workstation being used in the rocking chair mode with a mannequin positioned within the workstation. This mode is referred to as the rocking position (Position 8). In the rocking chair mode the workstation is rocked in a continuous and period motion through the regular/conventional, i.e. baseline position (FIG. 11 B) to the reclined/relaxed position (FIG. 11 C) and to the perched/leaning position (FIG. 11A).

FIGs. 12A1 , 12A2, 12B1 , and 12B2 are side views showing various components of the workstation. FIG. 12A1 is a left side view drawing (the left side of the workstation is defined as the side of the workstation corresponding to the left of a user that would be positioned within). FIG. 12A2 is a photograph showing a planar view of a 1 :12 scale model (one inch to one foot) of the workstation in the same orientation as in FIG. 12A1. FIG. 12B1 is a right side view drawing (the right side of the workstation is defined as the side of the workstation corresponding to the right of a user positioned within). FIG. 12B2 is a photograph showing a planar view of a 1 :12 scale model (one inch to one foot) of the workstation in the same orientation as in FIG. 12B1.

FIGs. 13A1 , 13A2, 13B1 , and 13B2 are front and back views showing various components of the workstation. FIG. 13A1 is a front view drawing (the front of the workstation is defined as the side of the workstation corresponding to the direction of the front of a user positioned within). FIG. 13A2 is a photograph showing a front view of a 1 :12 scale model (one inch to one foot) of the workstation in the same orientation as in FIG. 13A1. FIG. 13B1 is a back (rear) view drawing [the back (rear) of the workstation is defined as the side of the workstation corresponding to the back of a user positioned within], FIG. 13B2 is a photograph showing a back (rear) view of a 1 :12 scale model (one inch to one foot) of the workstation in the same orientation as in FIG. 13B1.

FIGs. 14A1 , 14A2, 14B1 , and 14B2 are top and bottom views showing various components of the workstation. FIG. 14A1 is a top view drawing (the top view is defined from the perspective of a viewer looking down upon the workstation). FIG. 14A2 is a photograph showing a top view of a 1 :12 scale model (one inch to one foot) of the workstation in the same orientation as in FIG. 14A1. FIG. 14B1 is a bottom view drawing (the bottom view is defined from the perspective of a viewer looking up into the workstation if positioned below the workstation. FIG. 14B2 is a photograph showing a bottom view of a 1 :12 scale model (one inch to one foot) of the workstation in the same orientation as in FIG. 14B1.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing the components of the workstation.

FIG. 16 is a close-up photograph of a partial planar view of a 1 :12 scale model (one inch to one foot) of the workstation indicating various manual adjustment mechanism details.

FIGs. 17A and 17B are perspective drawings showing manual adjustment mechanism details for the arm rest and leg rest. In FIG. 17A the arm rest and leg rest are in the regular/conventional, i.e. baseline position. FIG. 17B illustrates the movement of the arm rest and the leg rest. FIGs. 18A and 18B are perspective drawings showing the manual adjustment scissor mechanism details (not shown in prior figures) for the leg rest. In FIG. 18A the scissor mechanism for the leg rest is shown in a retracted mode. In FIG. 18B the scissor mechanism is shown in an expanded mode.

FIGs. 19A and 19B are perspective drawings showing the ankle gripper (retainer) feature. FIG. 19A illustrates the ankle gripper as it is moved vertically upward. FIG. 19B shows the ankle gripper as it is moved away from the lower portion of the seat.

FIGs. 20A and 20B are side view drawings showing the work surface. In FIG. 20A the worksurface is shown in its horizontal baseline position. In FIG. 20B the work surface is shown titled upward.

FIGs. 21 A and 21 B are side view drawings of the front portion of the right side (the right side is defined as the side corresponding to the right side of a user positioned in the workstation) of the workstation. The drawings show a manual crank mechanism for raising and lowering the workstation with respect to its base. FIG. 21 A shows the front of the workstation in its lowered position upon its base. FIG. 21 B shows the front of the workstation raised with respect to its base.

FIGs. 22A and 22B are side view drawings showing the movement of the seat and back. In FIG. 22A the seat is slid fully back and the backrest for the seat is essentially in a vertical position. In FIG. 22B the seat is slid partly forward and the backrest for the seat is in a reclining position.

FIGs. 23A and 23B are side view drawings showing the detail of the manual adjustment scissors mechanism for horizontally moving the work surface. FIG. 23A shows the mechanism in a retracted mode when the work surface is drawn away from the user. FIG. 23B shows the mechanism in an expanded mode when the work surface is drawn toward the user.

FIGs. 24A and 24B are side view drawings showing the detail of the manual adjustment mechanism for vertically moving the work surface. FIG. 24A shows the work surface in a position lowered towards the user. FIG. 24B shows the work surface raised from the user. FIGs. 25A, 25B, and 25C are top view drawings of the work surface showing its horizontal rotational features. FIG. 25A shows the work surface in its baseline position. FIG. 25B shows the work surface rotated to the left with respect to a user. FIG. 25C shows the work surface rotated to the right with respect to a user.

FIG. 26 is a drawing of an embodiment of a user control panel that can be located on the arm rests for independently controlling the chair and work area. The drawing illustrates the features shown in the perspective photo of the control panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

As used herein, the following terms and abbreviations have the indicated meanings unless expressly stated to the contrary.

The term “ergonomic” is used herein to have its common meaning indicating relating to or designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment.

The terms “multi-positionable” and “multi-positional” as used herein mean that the workstation can be oriented and used in different positions, and that the components such as the chair and work areas can be oriented and positioned by a user as desired, and preferably where the chair and work areas can be independently positioned with respect to each other.

The term “subject” means a human user or consumer of the workstation of the present invention.

Ergonomic Multi-Positionable Workstation

The present invention provides an ergonomic multi-positionable (also multi- positional) workstation having independently positionable and adjustable seating and work area components. The seating components can further comprise back, leg support, and head support components, and the work area components can further comprise a work surface or desk area and areas for accommodating a computer keyboard and monitor. The workstation can provide at least eight distinct positions and a continuum of positions in between. As described above, many available workstations are limited in the range of adjustments and positions that can be achieved.

To address these limitations, the present invention teaches an ergonomic multi-positional workstation that enables not only (1 ) sitting position, (2) leaning back position, and (3) reclining (to full supine) position, but also (4) “perched” (leaning forward) position (5) “astronaut” position (wherein legs are elevated and back rests solidly parallel to floor, as with astronauts in launch position), (6) “inverted” (upside down) position (including both partial and full inversion, whereby the person hangs in a fully vertical upside down position, perpendicular to the floor), (7) “standing workstation” position, and (8) automated rocking chair motion or functionality. As well, the invention enables a continuum of variation to each of these positions. In addition, numerous manual adjustment mechanisms are provided to enable the largest population of users to achieve optimal fit and comfort in positioning their legs, feet, buttocks, torso, arms, hands, and head.

This large range of adjustability is achieved by means of two independently operational rotating rings for the chair and work areas. In other words, one ring is attached to and provides positioning for the chair and other ring is attached to and provides positioning for the work area and computer monitor. The work area is designed to accommodate a desk or writing surface and area for a keyboard.

Each of the support rings are continuously rotatable over their entire 360 degree rotation range in either direction, provided that the chair and work area and/or monitor do not physically interfere. In some embodiments, one or more fixed or adjustable position sensors or stops may be employed to halt motor motion before such interference occurs or, alternatively or additionally, one or both motors may be encoded to provide position readout to one or more computer controllers in order to prevent interference. The rotation of each ring may be defined by an axis perpendicular the planes defined by the circumference of each ring. The axis is an imaginary axis and is not a physical part of the workstation, but instead a mental construct that further defines the shape, function, and movement of the support rings. In some embodiments, the multi-positionable aspect of the present invention is achieved using a chain and sprocket mechanism connected to two independently operational gearbox electric motors having brakes and fans and computer controllers, the user achieves independent rotational movement forward and backwards of chair and table. The user controls the two independent rings to which chair and work surface (i.e. also known as the table) are attached by means of two control panels located on the right and left armrests of the chair (see FIG. 26). These two control panels also enable on/off control and speed and range of motion (degree of arc) of the automated rocking motion of the chair and table. On the control panel too, a memory key is provided to enable the user to save chair and work surface positions for future use (hold key for 2 seconds to save positions, tap key for less than 2 seconds to return chair and work surface to saved positions). A workstation on/off power button is provided on the same control panel, and, as a convenience and safety measure, whenever the power is turned off, either by the user pressing the on/off button or due to a power outage or other cause, the invention automatically returns to the starting (i.e., regular seated) position, so that the user can easily and safely exit or, upon exiting, re-enter (be seated in) the device. Moreover, the invention, having (1) mounting brackets (e.g., for multiple monitors, keyboards, mouse pads, joysticks), (2) electrical panels with standard computer ports (e.g., USB, HDMI) and power outlets, (3) conduit for concealing unsightly wiring, and (4) rear-mounted retractable supporting platform for carrying a desktop workstation, provides for ready and attractive use with a plethora of computing, smartphone, and television devices and peripherals, as well as even non-computing devices (e.g., bookstands, easels, cup holders) mounted to the table. An overhead lamp provides illumination for the user. Finally, the invention’s form factor and wheels enable it to be effortlessly transported across and between residential and office rooms, through standard doorways and hallways, and on elevators or lifts.

The following Table 1 is a compilation of the components of the ergonomic, multipositionable workstation of the present invention with the assigned reference numbers. The table includes the following information: the reference number assigned to the component, a description of the component, and the figure number, or sub number where applicable, where the component is depicted. It should be noted that some of the components are shown in more than one figure, and that the reference number is not used to call out each occurrence of the component in every figure.

Drive Mechanism. Drive mechanism alternatives to the embodiment described above (electric gearbox motor with brake and chain and sprocket) include drum and belt or rack and pinion instead of chain and sprocket. Instead of an electric motor, a mechanical drive mechanism can be used, for example, a crank for hand or foot. The drive mechanism can be battery-operated rather than powered by standard electric power outlet in a preferred embodiment.

Adjustment Mechanisms. Note that in preferred embodiments of the workstation, all of the adjustment mechanisms - except for those mechanisms controlling the first and second rotatable support rings - are manually controlled, i.e. those adjustment mechanisms do not require an independently powered drive mechanism. However, in other embodiments, any or all of the manual adjustment mechanisms can instead be driven by an electric motor in the form of linear actuators, motorized ball screws, motorized chains and sprockets, motorized racks and pinions, or by hydraulic mechanisms, and any other such independently powered mechanisms. The tracks on which the seat moves forward and backward and the work surface moves toward and away from the user may also use mechanisms other than what is shown in the figures, i.e., conventional heavy-duty linear bearing slide rails; that could for example utilize heavy-duty drawer slides instead of linear bearing guides. User Control Panel. A multitude of variation is possible for the user control panels. Different buttons, switches, and control mechanisms, different layout of those buttons, switches, and controls, and different placement of the control panels (other than on the two arm rests) are all equivalently covered.

Seat and Work Surface. A multitude of variation in type of seat and work surface is equivalently possible. The seat and work surface can be differing in size, shape, cushioning, materials, thickness, and other attributes, but equivalent in function and fit.

Frame and Base Elements. A multitude of frame (in a preferred embodiment having left and right sides that are joined together to enclose and secure the two internal rings and drive mechanism, among other elements) and base elements (in an embodiment are attached to front and back to keep the workstation stable and upright) are equivalently possible. For example, the frame can be constructed of top and bottom, rather than left and right, halves or pieces and then joined together. And the base elements can be of different shapes (e.g., semicircular rather than triangular in back), sizes, thicknesses, and materials, and may even be constructed of one united piece, constituting one solid base, rather than separate front and back pieces in the preferred embodiment.

Incorporation by Reference

The entire disclosure of each of the patent documents, including certificates of correction, patent application documents, scientific articles, governmental reports, websites, and other references referred to herein is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. In case of a conflict in terminology, the present specification controls.

Equivalents

The invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting on the invention described herein. In the various embodiments of the present invention, where the term comprises is used with respect to the recited components or methods, it is also contemplated that the invention consists essentially of, or consists of, the recited components or methods. Furthermore, it should be understood that the order of steps or order for performing certain actions is immaterial so long as the invention remains operable. Moreover, two or more steps or actions can be conducted simultaneously.

In the specification, the singular forms also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In the case of conflict, the present specification will control.

Furthermore, it should be recognized that in certain instances an article of manufacture can be described as being composed of the components prior to assembly or incorporation into the article of manufacture.

All percentages and ratios used herein, unless otherwise indicated, are by weight. It is recognized the mass of an object is often referred to as its weight in everyday usage and for most common scientific purposes, but that mass technically refers to the amount of matter of an object, whereas weight refers to the force experienced by an object due to gravity. Also, in common usage the “weight” (mass) of an object is what one determines when one “weighs” (masses) an object on a scale or balance.