CA2550385A1

CA2550385A1 - Workstation module for a reclinable office chair

Info

Publication number: CA2550385A1
Application number: CA002550385A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Peter Kielland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-06-05
Filing date: 2006-06-05
Publication date: 2007-12-05
Also published as: CA2671910A1; WO2008144874A1; CA2590416A1; US20070278834A1

Abstract

A work station comprising a base, a working platform and a supporting member between the base and the working platform is disclosed and used with a typical office chair having a base comprising a plurality of radially extending arms mounting castors. The work station includes a pair of leg rests adjustably fixed to the supporting member so a user can fully extend and support legs in a comfortable manner. The height of the working platform is adjustable. In one embodiment, the workstation physically combines with the office chair to form a single mobile unit.

Description

INVENTION TITLE
Workstation Module for a Reclinable Office Chair DESCRIPTION

[Para 1] Background of the Invention [Para 2] Office workers often suffer fatigue and lost productivity due to long hours spent seated at a desk. Over the years, office furniture manufacturers have responded with a variety of ergonomic office chairs and desks designed to alleviate this problem. One early solution was the advent of swiveling, and castered office chairs that permitted a worker to more easily multitask between different workstations (for example: to scoot between a typewriter and a nearby filing cabinet). The advent of computers resulted in even more sedentary workers so recent improvements have focused more on optimizing the ergonomics of their seating posture. Castered, swiveling and now ergonomically adjustable office chairs have therefore become ubiquitous in the office environment.
Typically these ergonomic chairs possess a variety of mechanical controls for adjusting the chair's seat-height with respect to the floor, its angle between the seat cushion and seatback cushion, its overall tilt angle, its armrest height, its lumbar support etc.

[Para 3] Various efforts have also been made to optimally position an ergonomic office chair with respect to the keyboard and display of a computer. Cooper (US
5,056,864) Page 1 of 34 provides the user with an optimal, recumbent posture by integrating the user's chair with a computer. May (US 6,102,476) also provides an integrated chair/computer however it appears somewhat less ergonomic. Maddox (US 6,056,363) provides yet another reclining "computer/chair". While these types of integrated solution may provide an ergonomic posture, they are massive, complicated and expensive. Furthermore, they cannot make use of existing ergonomic office chairs that a user may already have in their possession.

[Para 4] Trimnell (US 5,893,607) and Sher (US 6,773,060) propose much simpler and inexpensive solutions that attach directly to an existing office chair. Such devices are relatively inexpensive however they provide no support to the user for a reclining work posture and are therefore ergonomically sub-optimal. Furthermore, their cantilevered geometry cannot support heavy work tools such as a CRT computer monitor.
Furthermore, being attached to the chair, these devices encumber the user when attempting to stand up or sit down.

[Para 5] Brown (US 6,298,794) and Lin (6,425,631) propose compromise solutions having either a totally separate computer workstation module (Brown) or one that is quite easily moved to permit the user to sit down or get up (Lin). Neither device however Page 2 of 34 facilitates a reclined working posture when used in conjunction with an existing ergonomic office chair.

[Para 6] Therefore there continues to be a need for a computer workstation that is ergonomic, easy to assemble or disassemble and inexpensive to manufacture.
Heading Objectives and Advantages of the Invention [Para 7] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a reclining workstation moduie for use with existing reclinable office chairs and existing office desks.
[Para 8] It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a compact and geometrically strong workstation module that supports the user's legs in a reclined posture when the office chair is reclined while simultaneously supporting a laptop computer at an ergonomically correct position.

[Para 9] It is still a further objective of the present invention to provide a workstation module that has a minimum number of moving parts while still being adaptable to different sized users.

Page3of34 [Para 10] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a workstation module optimized for use with laptop computer but that can optionally be augmented for use with desktop computers.

[Para 1 1] It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a workstation module that exploits the adjustments available in the existing office chair with which it is used, thereby minimizing the number of moving parts.

[Para 12] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a workstation module that can provide supplemental adjustability to fit the needs of particularly large or small users.

[Para 13] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a workstation module that can either stand alone for use with a laptop computer or else be used in conjunction with an existing office desk for tasks involving a desktop computer.

[Para 14] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a workstation module that enables users to quickly and easily change their work posture.

[Para 1 5] Summary of the Invention [Para 16] In order to satisfy the requirements identified above, my invention is a workstation module for a reclinable office chair. The chair comprises a mobile base supporting a seat having a top surface and a bottom surface. The seat includes an adjustable backrest, a left armrest having an upper surface and a right armrest having an Page 4 of 34 upper surface. The base comprises a central telescoping column supporting the seat and a plurality of radially extending supporting members each having an inside end fixed to the bottom of the column and an outside end adapted to carry swivel castors for mobility. The workstation comprises a supporting base comprising a first base member being a cross-member having a first end and a second end, a bottom surface and a top surface, a second base member fixed near its mid point to the first base member first end and oriented perpendicular thereto and a third base member fixed near its mid point to the first base member second end and oriented perpendicular thereto thereby forming an H-shaped supporting base. The support base may also have a "T" configuration, an "0"
configuration or a squared "C" configuration. The second and third base members each have first and second ends that are adapted to carry feet or castors to support the base off of the floor.
The workstation further includes a vertical column having a first and second end. The first end is fixed to the centre of the first base member top surface and the second end is fixed to an angled support member adapted to support a tilting worktable having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, a right edge, an upper working surface and a lower surface having a centre point. There are also provided a left leg support platform and a right leg support platform fixed to the vertical column.

Page 5 of 34 [Para 17] In one embodiment of the workstation a four-legged table may be used in conjunction with the workstation or the four-legged table may be incorporated into the tilting worktable.

[Para 18] These and other objectives and embodiments will become more apparent from consideration of the following figures and their detailed description.

[Para 19] Brief Description of the Drawings [Para 20] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective front view of one embodiment of the present invention with a user seated with back erect and legs outstretched working with a laptop computer.

[Para 211 Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the same embodiment shown in Figure 1 with its user seated in a semi-reclined posture.

[Para 22] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the same embodiment shown in Figure 1 with the user seated in an erect position with both feet on the ground.

[Para 23] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the same embodiment shown in Figure 1 which uses a modified office chair to safely permit a fully reclined user posture.

[Para 24] Figure 5 illustrates a close-up, detailed view of the tilting worktable shown in Figure 4.

Page 6 of 34 [Para 25] Figure 6 illustrates a close-up, detailed view of the calf supports shown in Figure 1. Five instances of the support labeled A to E are shown mounted to the central support column to illustrate a preferred adjustment mechanism.

[Para 26] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the same embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 1 and illustrating the use of the invention with a conventional desk and desk top computer.

[Para 27] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention having a bolt-on table fixture augmenting the functionality of the invention as shown in Figure 1.

[Para 28] Figure 9 illustrates a monolithic embodiment of the invention having no moving parts or adjustments.

[Para 29] Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of the invention which has greater adjustability than the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

[Para 30] Figure 11 illustrates another embodiment of the invention which is easily collapsible for storage.

[Para 31] Figure 1 1 a illustrates a similar collapsible embodiment to Figure 11 except that the table top has both horizontal and tilted surfaces.

[Para 32] Figure 12 illustrates the same embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 11 in a collapsed configuration for storage.

Page 7 of 34 [Para 33] Figure 13 illustrates one embodiment of the invention that supports the soles of the user's feet rather than the calves of their legs for semi-recumbent seating.

[Para 34] Figure 14 illustrates another embodiment of the invention which attaches to the base of an office chair.

[Para 35] Detailed Description.

[Para 36] Referring first to Figure 1 there is illustrated a front perspective view of my invention: a workstation module for a reclinable office chair. User 2 is seated on a typical office chair 4, which in turn is positioned adjacent to my workstation 6.
Office chair 4 is ergonomically designed for user comfort and efficiency and comprises a base 8 supporting seat 10, seatback 12 and typically also includes left and right armrests 14 and 16 respectively. Base 8 is typically comprised of 5 radial support members denoted 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26, each radial being supported at its outboard end by swivel-caster 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 (these numbers not all shown on figure) and centrally joined to chair support column 38). Support column 38 telescopes to provide seat height adjustability and typically employs a pneumatic piston mechanism.

[Para 37] User 2 sits on seat 10, leans against seatback 12 and utilizes control levers 11 to adjust the chair's moveable parts until comfortable ergonomics are achieved. For example: lever 40 might adjust the length of telescopic support column 38, lever 42 might adjust the angle of seatback 12 with respect to seat 10 and lever 44 might adjust the overall Page 8 of 34 backwards tilt angle of the seat and seatback. More sophisticated controls (not illustrated) may be included to provide additional degrees of adjustment such as: armrest height, fore and aft seat position, lumbar support firmness, headrest position etc. In order to insure safety and stability, modern standards regulate the number and dimensions of base radials 18 to 24 with respect to the maximum tilt angle of seatback 12. The office chair 4 shown in Figures 1 though 15 illustrate typical dimensions and proportions with respect to the illustrated, average-sized male human 2. My invention 6 is also shown with typical dimensions, proportions and mechanical configurations however further variability may be reasonably inferred to accommodate atypical user physiques or work habits.

[Para 381 My invention 6 is comprised of a base portion 50, which centrally supports a substantially vertical column 52 and to which inclined support arm 54 is mounted. Working platform 56 is tiltable and mounted to the upper end of inclined support arm 54 and two leg support platforms 58 and 60 are adjustably mounted to opposite sides of vertical column 52. To use my invention, user 2 stretches out upon reclined office chair 4 placed adjacent to base portion 50 and straddles column 52 such that calves 62 and 64 rest on leg support platforms 58 and 60. Working platform 56 is positioned for use by adjusting the reclinable chair's posture controls 40, 42 and 44 to locate and orient the user such that working platform 56 provides ergonomic support for office work object 66 (such as the Page 9 of 34 illustrated laptop computer). Other suitable work objects for support by table 56 might be:
a keyboard, reading material, or writing material.

[Para 39] Working platform 56 is typically affixed to inclined support arm 52 by means of hinge clamp 68, thereby enabling adjustment of the table's tilt angle for greater comfort.
When not being used as a workstation, the user may rotate table 56 to the horizontal to enable it to serve as a conventional table. See Figure 5 for more detail of the hinge clamp 68.

[Para 40] Restraining member 70 forms a ridge along the lower edge of the tilted working platform 56 thereby preventing work object 66 from sliding off. The upper rear edge 72 of member 70 is typically rounded to provide a comfortable support for the user's wrist while keyboarding. The lower rear edge 74 of member 70 may also be rounded to prevent marring of armrests 14 and 16 in the event that chair 4 is positioned such that the working platform's lower edge contacts the armrests.

[Para 411 In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the base portion 50 is comprised of an "H" shaped configuration of three members. Base members 76, 78 and 80 are typically formed of rectangular cross-section steel and welded into the desired form however other member cross-sections, materials or joinery methods may be used (e.g.: bolted aluminum or glued wood). Cross-member 80 joins left and right foot-members 76 and 78 to form an "H-shaped" base having open ends into which the casters of chair 4 may be advanced as Page 10 of 34 required in order to adjust the horizontal position of the user 2 with respect to worktable 56.

[Para 42] The cross-member 80 has a first end and a second end and is shown joined near the midpoints of members 76 and 78 however those "H" proportions may be varied to increase the depth 77 of the open end 79 presented towards the user 2. Moving the cross-member 80 forward ultimately transforms the "H-shaped" base in a "C-shaped"
base (see Figures 10 and 11). An "E-shaped" base is also possible. This configuration (not illustrated) might also be employed in which the tip of its center prong is used to support the vertical column 52. Other configurations for base portion 50 may also be used to minimize construction costs or to immobilize vertical member 52. For example:
when provided for use by students in a university study hail, base portion 50 might be comprised of a plate bolted to the floor or vertical member 52 may even be simply embedded into a concrete floor.

[Para 43] Other freestanding base portion shapes such as circular or radial designs (similar to base 8 of chair 4) are also within the scope of the invention.

[Para 44] Level adjuster feet 75 are typically provided at the corners of base 50 as illustrated (lockable casters may also be used for increased mobility).

Page 11 of 34 [Para 45] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown in Figure 2 the same embodiment of my invention 6 as illustrated in Figure 1 however the user 2 is in a semi-reclined position. The back 12 of the seat 4 is adjusted by use of one of the controls 40, 42 or 44 depending on the design of the chair. The height of the chair seat on column 38 is also adjustable by the user. The user's calves 62 and 64 are resting on the leg rests 58 and 50 adjustably fixed to vertical member 52.

[Para 46] Vertical member 52 is affixed at its first end 53 to cross-member 80 near its mid-point 81. Fixation is typically by welding however appropriate bolted or hinged fixations may also be used. The second end 55 of vertical member 52 is affixed to first end 57 of inclined support member 54. Again, monolithically welded construction is typical however a pivoting joint may also be provided at joint 59 in order to adjust angle 61 between the vertical member 52 and angled member 54 for improved comfort and ease of storage and dismantling (see FIG 10 for example). The second end 63 of inclined support member 54 is fixed to work table 56 via fixation means 68. Fixation means 68 may be rigid or articulated for more ergonomic adjustability.

[Para 47] Left and right leg support platforms 58 and 60 are affixed to vertical member 52 such that the reclined user's caives 62 and 64 rest comfortably on them.
The means used to affix platforms 60 and 62 to vertical may be a welded joint however its preferred Page 12 of 34 embodiment is comprised of a mechanism 90 allowing both positional and angular adjustments of the platforms as further explained below.

[Para 48] The length and orientation of support member 54 result in both horizontal and vertical offsets of worktable 56 with respect to vertical member 52. The support member's length and orientation are chosen such that horizontal offset 92 is approximately equal to 94 (the horizontal distance between the user's hands 96, 98 and calves 62, 64 when seat 4 back 12 is reclined). To provide comfortable ergonomics, distances 92, and 94 are also approximately equal to distance 100 (the pullback distance resulting from reclining seatback 12).

[Para 49] Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 3 there is shown the same embodiment of my invention 6 but in this Figure 3 the user 2 is sitting in an upright posture with both feet on a floor surface. Distance 94 and 100 are both reduced when the user elects to work in the conventional upright office posture however, since the leg rests 58 and 60 are no longer utilized the approximate equality of distance 92 to distances 94 and 100 is no longer required.

[Para 50] Referring now to Figure 4 there is shown the same embodiment of my invention 6 as in Figures 1 to 3 however in the this Figure 4 the user 2 is in a fully reclined position and the seat back 12 is almost horizontal, that is, angle 110 approaches 180 degrees. In this configuration, the user is able to adopt a comfortable resting position while at the Page 13 of 34 workstation 6 and rest legs 1 1 2 and 1 14 on leg rests 58 and 60. To provide greater support and stability to the reclined user, at least one 1 16 of the plurality of radial chair supports is extendable to a length 53 underneath the reclined chair back 12.
This prevents tipping of the chair backwards. Alternatively, the fully reclining chair can be stabilized against tipping by integrating it into this embodiment (see Figure 13).

[Para 511 Referring now to Figure 5 there is shown the lower surface 120 of the worktable 56. Also shown is vertical member 52 joining the inclined support member 54 at joint 59. The second end 63 of inclined support member 54 is pivotally attached to the lower surface 120 of the work table 56 by means of an apertured hinge 122 over an aligned aperture (not shown) in the second end 63 of the inclined support member. The hinge is adjustably fixed by way of locking clamp 124. The hinge 122 is fixed to a plate 126 comprising screw holes 128 at each of its corners 130. The lower surface 120 of the work table has a plurality of holes 1 34 in linear trains that are adapted to coincide with the screw holes on the plate 126. The work table can be therefore adjusted to suit the user and then fixed into place by screws.

[Para 52] Referring now to Figure 6 there is shown one embodiment of my invention in which the left and right leg rest platforms140 and 142 are adjustably fixed to vertical column 144. To clarify how fore/aft adjustment of the leg rest platforms 140 and 142 can Page 14 of 34 be done using a simple U-bolt clamping mechanism 146 the leg rest platforms are shown in a variety of positions A to E on the vertical column. In positions A and B, between the left and right leg rest platform is a leg rest axle 1 50. A first 1 52 and second 1 54 U-bolts are used to fix the axle 1 50 against the outside surface 1 56 of the vertical column 144. The threaded ends 158 of the U-bolts are joined by a pressure plate 160 between them. The pressure plate includes a threaded aperture 162 at its centre which receives a threaded shaft 164 with a knob 166. As the knob is turned, the threaded shaft threads into the aperture and against the inside surface 170 of the vertical column 144 thereby tightening the U-bolts against the axle and the outside surface of the vertical column.
By loosening the U-bolts the leg rest platforms can be moved up and down the vertical column and angles to suit the user. In positions C and D the leg rest platforms can be reversed. In position E the leg rest platforms can be lowered to the bottom of the vertical column to act as foot rests.

[Para 53] As Figure 6 illustrates, on the top surface 190 and 192 of each of the leg rest supports 140 and 142 there is a cushion 194 and 196 configured to provide a comfortable support for each of the user's calves. To provide optimal comfort, each platform's upper surface may be somewhat concave to roughly conform to the user's calf and may also include a cushioned covering that further relives pressure points.

Page 15 of 34 [Para 54] Still referring to Figure 6 the leg rest platforms may be adjustable in a fore and aft motion by an eccentric fore/aft fixation of axle 150 onto the leg-rest platforms 140 and 142 to effect the desired movement. Note in position A that the distance from axle 150 to the front end of the platform is somewhat greater than the distance from the axle to their back ends. In position B the axle is more centered on the platform and so these distances change. In position C and D the platforms have been mounted so that the axle 150 is against the front surface 170 of column 144 and in the opposite direction, thereby reversing the eccentricity and moving the platforms further back thereby providing two more horizontal adjustment options for the two leg-rest platforms.

[Para 55] In order to accommodate the most complete range of user physiques and work desirable postures, my invention may be equipped with reversible platforms that can support either the user's calves or the user's feet. In position E the leg rest platforms are installed cushion side down to present a flat durable surface 198 suitable for a footrest when the user desires only a lightly reclined posture.

[Para 56] Referring now to Figure 7 there is illustrated another embodiment of my invention 200 being used in conjunction with a full-sized desktop computer comprised of:
CRT monitor 202, CPU unit 204 and keyboard 206. The monitor 202 is too heavy and bulky to be supported by worktable 208 and so an existing, standard office desk 210 may be positioned in front of and somewhat above my invention 200 such that the reclined user Page 16 of 34 212 can achieve a usage configuration similar to that shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. The computer system's keyboard 206 resides on worktable 208 together with a computer mouse (not shown). The system's CPU unit 204 may be placed either on the floor as shown or on table 210.

[Para 57] Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of my invention 220 that integrates the same functionality as the configuration shown in Figure 7. Instead of resting adjacent to an existing office desk, a purpose-built desk 220 is dimensioned such that its legs 224 to 230 affix onto base members 232 and 234 using fixation bolts 222. Figure 8 also shows the location of knob 166 used to adjust the location and angle of the leg supports.

[Para 58] Now referring to Figure 9 there is shown yet another embodiment of my invention 250 which integrates a horizontal, monitor-supporting table 252 with the tilted, keyboard-supporting table 254. Table 252 and tilted supporting table are joined at a fixed or adjustable hinged joint 256. The horizontal table and the tilt table are supported by a vertical column 258 fixed to the mid-point of cross-member 260. If angular adjustment is provided, it may be used either to improve the ergonometric angle of keyboard 262 or to make the horizontal table 252 coplanar with tilt table 254 when the invention is not being used as a work station.

[Para 59] Referring now to Figure 10 to facilitate compact retail packaging, the frame members used to form base 60 may be bolted together for assembly by the end-user.
Page 17 of 34 Figure 10 illustrates a bolted embodiment that facilitates such disassembly for compact storage. The embodiment shown in Figure 1 also lends itself to compact storage: if the upper and lower ends of vertical member 52 have removable fixations to base 50 and table 56 then those upper and lower planar members can be boxed closely together for efficient shipping or compact storage. Even easier collapsibility can be incorporated into this general concept by utilizing lockable hinge joints (not illustrated) at the two ends of vertical member 52 thereby enabling base 50 and table 56 to be quickly folded into a flattened structure suitable for compact storage.

[Para 60] Still referring to Figure 10 vertical support member 302 comprises a vertical support column 304 and a flange 306. Both the vertical support column and flange comprise a plurality of apertures vertically 308 and horizontally 310. The horizontal cross-member 312 is also comprises a plurality of apertures 314. In this embodiment, the top end 316 of the vertical support column 304 is pivotally fixed by hinge 340 to the first horizontal component 320 first end 322. The first horizontal component 320 second end 324 has a telescoping relationship with second horizontal component 326 first end 328 so that the length of the combined horizontal support 330 can be adjusted towards or away from the user 332 so that different user physiques can be accommodated. The first horizontal component 320 is fixed positional with respect to the second horizontal component 326 by way of a locking camp 334. The second end 336 of second horizontal Page 18 of 34 component 326 is pivotally fixed to the underside 338 of work table 340 so that the tilt angle of the work table can be adjusted to suit the user. The second end of the second horizontal component is fixed to the underside of the table using the same means as illustrated in Figure 5 and described previously. Cross-member 312 and apertured flange 306 can be moved towards or away from the user thereby adjusting the distance of the leg supports and table from the user. Similarly, the height of the support 330 can be adjusted by adjusting the aperture point at which the first end 322 of the first horizontal member 320 is fixed to the vertical column 304. Therefore it is easy for the user 332 to establish ideal ergonomics.

[Para 61] Referring now to Figure 11, there is shown yet another embodiment of my invention 350. The base 352 comprises first and second parallel members 354 and 356 having respective first ends 358 and 360 and second ends 362 and 364. The first ends 358 and 360 of each of the first and second parallel members are joined by cross-member 366 thereby forming a channel-shaped or "C"-shaped support. The angled support member 368 is a single piece column that has a first end 370 and a second end 372.
The angled support member first end 370 is pivotally fixed to the cross-member 366 at a pivot located at its mid-point so that the entire angled support member is able to pivot from zero degrees to 180 degrees around mid-point of cross-member 366. The pivot may be fixed at a desired angle using a clamp or cotter pin. In another embodiment a ratchet mechanism Page 19 of 34 would permit the user to raise and lock the table height. Releasing the ratchet might be accomplished using a lever iocated at the pivot point or by remote cable actuation from the user's seated position.

[Para 62] This embodiment also incorporates leg supports 380 and 382 adjustably fixed to the angled support member by means previously described in respect of Figure 6. The second end 372 of the angled support arm is pivotally connected to the underside 382 of the tilt table 384 so that the angle of the tilt table can be adjusted and fixed by a clamp. In this embodiment the base 352 of the invention includes feet 386 at each of the first and second ends of the first and second parallel members 354 and 356. Casters may also be used.

[Para 63] Referring to Figure 11 a there is shown a similar embodiment to that shown in Figure 11 except that the table top has a horizontal surface 371 and an inclined surface 373. The operator can use a keyboard 375 on the inclined table top while the screen 377 rests on the horizontal portion. The operator retains the same inclined posture as shown in Figure 11.

[Para 64] Referring to Figure 12 there is shown the same embodiment as Figure 11 of the invention 350. In Figure 12 the angled support member is shown at an angle of zero degrees with respect to the horizontal floor the base 352. The first 354 and second 356 base members are shown parallel to the angled support member. The tilt table 384 is Page 20 of 34 shown at an angle of zero with respect to the angled support member. In these configurations the invention is easily folded and stored under a bed or in a closet.
[Para 65] Referring now to Figure 13 there is shown another embodiment of my invention 400 in which the "T"- shaped base 402 of the invention is directly attached to a support leg 404 of the chair 406. Adjustment of the base with respect to the support leg 404 is accomplished by way of a clamp 410. In Figure 13 the leg support platforms 412 and 414 are used as foot platforms.

[Para 66] Referring to Figure 14 which is the same embodiment as Figure 13, the operator is sitting upright with both feet on the floor.

[Para 67] This description contains much specificity that should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but merely provides illustrations of some of its embodiments. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.

Page 21 of 34

Claims

What is claimed is:

[Claim 1] A workstation module comprising a base portion, a working platform disposed above said base portion, vertical support means disposed between the base portion and said working platform and user leg support means attached to said vertical support means at a fixed second height.
[Claim 2] The workstation module as claimed in claim 1 wherein said working platform is disposed above the base portion at a predetermined first height ergonomically optimized for comfort of a user.
[Claim 3] The workstation module as claimed in claim 2 wherein said predetermined first height is fixed.
[Claim 4] The workstation module as claimed in claim 2 wherein the predetermined height is adjustable by said user by adjustable means.
[Claim 5] The workstation module as claimed in claim 2 wherein said base portion comprises a first member comprising a cross member having a first end, a second end and a middle, a second member having a first end, a second end and a middle wherein said second member middle is fixed to said cross member first end and a third member having a first end, a second end and a middle wherein said third member middle is fixed to said cross member second end thereby forming an "H"-shaped base portion.
[Claim 6] The workstation module as claimed in claim 5 wherein the second member and the third member first and second ends include supporting members to raise them off of a supporting surface.
[Claim 7] The workstation module as claimed in claim 6 wherein said supporting members are lockable castors.
[Claim 8] The workstation module as claimed in claim 2 wherein said base portion comprises a first member comprising a cross member having a first end, a second end and a middle, a second member having a first end and a second end wherein said second member first end is fixed to said cross member first end and a third member having a first end and a second end wherein said third member first end is fixed to said cross member second end thereby forming square "C"-shaped base portion.
[Claim 9] The workstation module as claimed in claim 2 wherein said base portion is circular.
[Claim 10] The workstation module as claimed in claim 9 wherein the base portion is fixed to the floor.
[Claim 11] The workstation module as claimed in claim 6 wherein said working platform is a rectangular member having a suitable top surface area for a work object and a bottom surface.
[Claim 12] The workstation module as claimed in claim 10, wherein said working platform bottom surface is removeably attached to said vertical support means by first pivot means.
[Claim 13] The workstation module as claimed in claim 11 wherein the working platform includes a bottom end having a restraining member fixed thereto to prevent said work object from fall off the bottom end of the working platform.
[Claim 14] The workstation module as claimed in claim 11 wherein the workstation module is integrated with a four legged table so that additional working space is provided.
[Claim 1 5] The workstation as claimed in claim 11 wherein the working platform comprises a horizontal surface pivotably fixed to a tilting surface.
[Claim 16] The workstation module as claimed in claim 12 wherein said restraining member has a rounded profile to comfortably support the wrists of the user during keyboarding operations.
[Claim 17] The workstation module as claimed in claim 16 wherein said vertical support means comprises a vertical member having a first end and a second end, wherein said vertical member first end is fixed to said cross member middle.
[Claim 18] The workstation module as claimed in claim 17 wherein said vertical support means further comprises an inclined member having an angle of inclination, a first end and a second end, wherein said inclined member first end is fixed to said vertical member second end, and wherein said inclined member second end is fixed to said first pivot means.
[Claim 19] The workstation module as claimed in claim 18 wherein said angle of inclination is adjustable by second pivot means between the vertical support second end and the inclined member first end.
[Claim 20] The workstation module as claimed in claim 19 wherein said user leg support means comprise a first leg support fixed at the second height to one side of the vertical member and a second leg support fixed to the opposite side of the vertical member at the second height.
[Claim 21] The workstation module as claimed in claim 20 wherein said first leg support and said second leg support are tiltable by tilting means to an angle selectable by the user so that the first and second leg supports hold the calves of the user in a comfortable manner and permit the user full leg extension underneath the working surface.
[Claim 22] The workstation module as claimed in claim 21 wherein the first and second leg supports are cushioned for user comfort.
[Claim 23] The workstation module as claimed in claim 22 wherein said first pivot means comprises a hinge clamp comprising a connection plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said connection plate top surface connects by connection means to the working platform bottom surface, and wherein said connection plate bottom surface connects to a lockable pivoting hinge connected to the inclined member second end, so that the working platform can be tilted at any angle desired by the user to maximize comfort, and further so that the working platform may be disconnected from the inclined member second end for storage.
[Claim 24] The workstation module as claimed in claim 23 wherein said connection means comprises at least two parallel lines of mounting holes disposed centrally in the working platform bottom surface, said at least two parallel lines of mounting holes adapted to receive fastening screws so that the connection plate can be fastened to working platform bottom surface in a variety of locations.
[Claim 25] A workstation module comprising a base portion, a working platform an adjustable tilt angle and having a top surface and a bottom surface and disposed above said base portion at a first height adjustable by first adjustable means and ergonomically optimized for comfort of a user, vertical support means disposed between the base portion and said working platform and user leg support means attached to said vertical support means at a second height adjustable by second adjustable means.
[Claim 26] The workstation module as claimed in claim 25 wherein said base portion comprises a first member comprising a cross member having a first end, a second end, a middle and a first plurality of apertures there-through, a second member having a first end, a second end and a middle wherein said second member middle is fixed to said cross member first end and a third member having a first end, a second end and a middle wherein said third member middle is fixed to said cross member second end thereby forming an "H"-shaped base portion.
[Claim 27] The workstation as claimed in claim 26 wherein said vertical support means comprises a vertical member having second plurality of apertures there-through, a first end and a second end, wherein said first end includes an attachment channel having a third plurality of apertures therein, wherein said attachment channel is adapted to fit over the cross member, and wherein said third plurality of apertures is adapted to coincide with said first plurality of apertures so that the attachment channel may be fixed by fixing means to the cross-member thereby permitting adjustable placement of the vertical member along the cross member.
[Claim 28] The workstation as claimed in claim 27 wherein the vertical support means further comprises a telescoping tilting member comprising a first inclined member having a first end and a second end, wherein said first inclined member first end is adjustably pinned in a pivoting relationship to said vertical member second end so that the angle of the telescoping tilting member may be adjusted with respect to a horizontal plane and said first inclined member second end telescopes within a first end of a second adjacent and co-axial inclined member.
[Claim 29] The workstation as claimed in claim 28 wherein said second adjacent and co-axial inclined member second end is adjustably pinned to said working platform bottom surface permitting said adjustable tilt angle.
[Claim 30] The workstation as claimed in claim 29 wherein the telescoping tilting member has an adjustable length by releasably clamping said first end of said second adjacent and co-axial inclined member with respect to the second end inclined first member.
[Claim 31] The workstation module as claimed in claim 30 wherein said user leg support means comprise a first leg support attached at said adjustable second height to one side of the vertical member and a second leg support attached to the opposite side of the vertical member at the adjustable second height.
[Claim 32] The workstation module as claimed in claim 31 wherein said first leg support and said second leg support are tiltable by tilting means to an angle selectable by the user so that the first and second leg supports hold the calves of the user in a comfortable manner and permit the user full leg extension underneath the working surface.
[Claim 33] The workstation module as claimed in claim 32 wherein the first and second leg supports are cushioned for user comfort.
[Claim 34] A workstation module comprising a base portion, a working platform disposed above said base portion at an adjustable first height, vertical support means having a first end and a second end disposed between the base portion and said working platform and user leg support means, wherein the working platform is attached to said vertical support means second end at a fixed second height, and wherein said user leg support means are attached to said vertical support means between the vertical support means second end and said vertical support means first end.
[Claim 35] The workstation module as claimed in claim 34 wherein said base portion comprises a first member comprising a cross dowel-member having a first end, a second end and a middle, a second member having a first end and a second end, wherein said second member first end is fixed to said cross dowel-member first end and a third member having a first end and a second end wherein said third member first end is fixed to said cross dowel-member second end thereby forming an square "C"-shaped base portion.
[Claim 36] The workstation module as claimed in claim 35 wherein said working platform is a rectangular member having a suitable top surface area for a work object and a bottom surface.
[Claim 37] The workstation module as claimed in claim 36, wherein said working platform bottom surface is removeably attached to said vertical support means second end by first pivot means.
[Claim 38] The workstation module as claimed in claim 37 wherein the working platform includes a bottom end having a restraining member fixed thereto to prevent said work object from fall off the bottom end of the working platform.
[Claim 39] The workstation module as claimed in claim 38 wherein said restraining member has a rounded profile to comfortably support the wrists of the user during keyboarding operations.
[Claim 40] The workstation module as claimed in claim 39 wherein said vertical support means comprises an inclined member having an angle of inclination from a horizontal surface adjustable between zero degrees and ninety degrees, a first end and a second end, wherein said inclined member first end is attached to said cross dowel-member middle by first adjustable pivoting means, and said inclined support member second end is attached to the working platform bottom surface by said second pivoting means.
[Claim 41] The workstation module as claimed in claim 40 wherein said first pivoting means comprises a first aperture in the inclined member first end adapted to frictionally fit around said cross dowel-member middle so that the user is able to increase or decrease said angle of inclination by raising or lowering the working platform thereby determining said first adjustable height.
[Claim 42] The workstation as claimed in claim 41 wherein the angle of inclination may be fixed by fixing means located adjacent to said first aperture.
[Claim 43] The workstation as claimed in claim 42 wherein said fixing means comprises a first aperture in the first end of the inclined member and a plurality of second apertures in the cross dowel-member, said plurality of second apertures serially arranged around the circumference of the cross dowel-member, wherein each second aperture of the plurality of second apertures represents a predetermined angle of inclination, and further wherein the angle of inclination is fixed by aligning said first aperture and one of the plurality of second apertures and inserting a pin therein.
[Claim 44] The workstation as claimed in claim 42 wherein said fixing means comprises a compression clamp adjacent to the inclined member first end aperture, wherein said compression clamp is adapted for compression of the inclined member first end aperture around the cross dowel-member thereby retaining the angle of inclination.
[Claim 45] The workstation as claimed in claim 42 wherein said fixing means comprises a splined portion located at the middle portion of the cross dowel-member and an aperture in the first end of the inclined member, said aperture having serrations adapted to mesh with said spline portion thereby maintaining a predetermined angle of inclination when the serrations are meshed with the spline portion.
[Claim 46] The workstation as claimed in claim 42 wherein said second pivoting means comprises a second aperture in the inclined member second end and an apertured bracket adapted to receive said second aperture to that a pin may be inserted through said apertured bracket and the second aperture thereby attaching the inclined member second end to the working platform bottom surface and permitting adjustment of the working platform tilt angle.
[Claim 47] The workstation as claimed in claim 46 wherein said user leg support means comprises an attachment bracket adapted for sliding engagement along the inclined support member, wherein said attachment bracket is fixable anywhere along the inclined member by releasable fixing means, and wherein a first leg support is attached to the left side of the attachment bracket and a second leg support is attached to the right side of the attachment bracket so that the user is able to slide the said first and said second leg supports in a parallel manner up or down the inclined support member and fix the location of the leg support means in a comfortable position.
[Claim 48] The workstation as claimed in claim 47 having a stowage and shipping position wherein the inclined member sits parallel to the second and third base members and the tilt angle of the working platform is zero so that the workstation may be easily stowed and shipped.
[Claim 49] The workstation module as claimed in claim 48 wherein said angle of inclination is adjustable by second pivot means between the vertical support second end and the inclined member first end.
[Claim 50] In combination, a workstation module with a reclinable office chair, said chair comprising of a mobile base comprising a central telescoping column having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said top end is fixed to a seat bottom and said bottom end is fixed to a plurality of radially extending supporting members each having an inside end fixed to the bottom of the column and an outside end adapted to carry a swivel castor for mobility, wherein said workstation module comprises a supporting base comprising a first base member having a first end, a second end and a middle and a second base member having a first end and a second end such that said first end of said second base member is fixed to said middle of said first base member thereby forming a "T"-shaped base, a vertical supporting member having a length, a first end fixed to the middle of said first base member and a second end fixed to a working platform wherein said vertical supporting member comprises a plurality of apertures along said length, and leg supporting means adapted for attachment to the vertical member at one of said plurality of apertures.
[Claim 51] The combination as claimed in claim 50 wherein the first base member first end and second end includes a lockable castor for mobility, and wherein the second base member second end includes clamping means.
[Claim 52] The combination as claimed in claim 51 wherein the second member is adapted to fit over one of said plurality of radially extending supporting members in a telescoping relationship and clamp to one of the plurality of radially extending supporting members using clamping means thereby joining the workstation module to the chair as a single mobile unit.