HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE DESK SYSTEM WITH PRIVACY DIVIDER IMPROVEMENTS

Description

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/736,645, filed Dec. 20, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein.

FIELD

The present application relates to desk systems, and particularly desk systems of adjustable height.

BACKGROUND

Desk systems used for office and home office settings and the like are well-known. Examples of known desk systems include U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2017/0000254A1, which is U.S. Pat. No. 10,114,352B2, 2019/0025781A1, which is U.S. Pat. No. 10,649,422B2, and 2019/0082823A1, which is U.S. Pat. No. 10,568,418B2, the entirety of which are incorporated herein by reference. These desk systems have height adjusters to change the vertical height of the working surface of the platform, i.e., where the user works or a keyboard, display, laptop, etc. is placed, which accommodates users of different heights and also to accommodate use by the same user in both standing and sitting positions.

Desk systems have been known to have a privacy divider attached thereto. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0304441A1 is an example of such a desk system, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, the integration of privacy dividers has been fairly crude, consisting of essentially fixing the privacy divider to the desk platform. In office spaces with modular wall, such as cubicles, sometimes the privacy divider is fixed to the wall itself.

Typically, height adjustable desk systems, also called sit-stand desks, are free-standing. That is, they have one or more legs with feet that stably engage the floor to create a base, and a height adjusting mechanism moves the platform vertically, as shown in the assignee's patents/applications cited above.

Attempts have been made to mount static (i.e., non-height adjustable) desk systems by mounting brackets attached to wall standards with vertically arranged openings for receiving insertion elements on the mounting brackets. Examples are U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,348,385 and 6,112,913, the entirety of which are incorporated herein by reference. While such systems are theoretically capable of height adjustment, it is achieved by manual disconnection and reconnection of the platform by lifting it off the wall standards, lowering/raising it, and then reconnecting it back to the wall standards. That is complicated and unlikely to be done by the typical desk worker, especially as most desk platforms have electronic equipment like a keyboard, computer display, etc. resting on it in today's modern environment.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a sit-stand desk system for mounting to a wall having at least a pair of vertical standards each with a series of vertically arranged mounting openings is provided. The desk system comprises a base; a platform having a working surface positioned to face upwardly in an installed position of the desk system; at least a pair of standard mounting brackets on the base, each standard mounting bracket comprising an insertion element for insertion into the mounting opening on an associated vertical standard on the wall to securely mount the desk system to the vertical standards in the installed position; and a height adjuster supporting the platform on the base to raise and lower the platform in a vertical direction when the desk system is in the installed position.

Implementations of the foregoing aspects may include one or more of the following features.

In an aspect, the height adjuster may include an electric motor and a drive system. The motor may be operable to drive the drive system to raise and lower the platform in a vertical direction when the desk system is in the installed position.

In another embodiment, a sit-stand desk system is provided. The sit-stand desk system comprises a base; a platform having a working surface positioned to face upwardly in an installed position of the desk system; a height adjuster supporting the platform on the base to raise and lower the platform in a vertical direction when the desk system is in the installed position; a privacy divider movable in the vertical direction between a raised position and a lowered position; and a linkage coupling the privacy divider to the platform such that the privacy divider is raised by the linkage together with the platform as the platform is raised by the height adjuster and lowered by the linkage together with the platform as the platform is lowered by the height adjuster. The linkage coupling the privacy divider to the platform has a transmission ratio such the privacy divider moves at a faster rate in the vertical direction than a rate at which the height adjuster moves the platform, whereby a distance between an upper edge of the privacy divider and the platform increases as the platform and privacy divider are raised together and the distance decreases as the platform and privacy divider are lowered together.

Implementations of the foregoing aspects may include one or more of the following features.

In an aspect, the linkage may include a cable guide on the platform and a cable trained over the guide. The cable may have a first section extending from a fixed first end to the guide and a second section extending downwardly from the guide to a second end coupled to the privacy divider. The linkage may be configured such that raising of the platform pulls the cable over the guide to shorten a vertical extent of the second section to raise the privacy divider at the faster rate than the rate at which the height adjuster moves the platform, and lowering of the platform allows the cable to extend over the guide to increase a vertical extent of the second section to lower the privacy divider at the faster rate than the rate at which the height adjuster moves the platform.

In an aspect, the height adjuster may include an electric motor and a drive system. The motor may be operable to drive the drive system to raise and lower the platform in a vertical direction when the desk system is in the installed position.

In an aspect, the sit-stand desk system for mounting to a wall having at least a pair of vertical standards each with a series of vertically arranged mounting openings, may further comprise at least a pair of standard mounting brackets on the base, each standard mounting bracket comprising an insertion element for insertion into the mounting opening on an associated vertical standard on the wall to securely mount the desk system to the vertical standards in the installed position.

In an aspect, the sit-stand desk system may further comprise one or more legs for supporting the base and platform thereon.

In an aspect, the linkage may include a selectively switchable coupler that is switchable between (a) a coupled state coupling the privacy divider to the platform such that the privacy divider is raised by the linkage together with the platform as the platform is raised by the height adjuster and lowered by the linkage together with the platform as the platform is lowered by the height adjuster, and (b) a de-coupled state in which the privacy divider is de-coupled from the platform such that the platform moves independently without moving the privacy divider.

In an aspect, the linkage may include a cable guide on the platform and a cable trained over the guide. The cable may have a first section extending from a fixed first end to the guide and a second section extending downwardly from the guide to a second end coupled to the privacy divider. The linkage may be configured such that raising of the platform pulls the cable over the guide to shorten a vertical extent of the second section to raise the privacy divider at the faster rate than the rate at which the height adjuster moves the platform, and lowering of the platform allows the cable to extend over the guide to increase a vertical extent of the second section to lower the privacy divider at the faster than the rate at which the height adjuster moves the platform.

In an aspect, the selectively switchable coupler in the coupled state may couple the privacy divider to the platform by coupling the guide to the platform such that the guide moves with the platform to raise and lower the privacy divider. The selectively switchable coupler in the de-coupled state may de-couple the privacy divider from the platform by de-coupling the guide from the platform such that the platform moves independently without moving the guide and privacy divider.

In an aspect, the privacy divider may be mounted to a wall for extending vertically to bound at least one side of a workspace such that the privacy divider is movable in the vertical direction between the raised position and the lowered position.

In an aspect, the privacy divider may be mounted to a support connected to the base such that the privacy divider is movable in the vertical direction between the raised position and the lowered position.

In an aspect, the support may be mounted to the base by being connected to the platform. The support may be movable vertically with the platform and the privacy divider being moveable vertically on the support relative to the platform by the linkage.

In yet another embodiment, a sit-stand desk system is provided. The sit-stand desk system comprises a base; a platform having a working surface positioned to face upwardly in an installed position of the desk system; a height adjuster supporting the platform on the base to raise and lower the platform in a vertical direction when the desk system is in the installed position; a privacy divider movable in the vertical direction between a raised position and a lowered position; and a linkage including a selectively switchable coupler that is switchable between (a) a coupled state coupling the privacy divider to the platform such that the privacy divider is raised by the linkage together with the platform as the platform is raised by the height adjuster and lowered by the linkage together with the platform as the platform is lowered by the height adjuster, and (b) a de-coupled state in which the privacy divider is de-coupled from the platform such that the platform moves independently without moving the privacy divider.

Implementations of the foregoing aspects may include one or more of the following features.

In an aspect, the height adjuster may include an electric motor and a drive system. The motor may be operable to drive the drive system to raise and lower the platform in a vertical direction when the desk system is in the installed position.

In an aspect, the selectively switchable coupler may include an interlock on the platform. The interlock may be manually moveable between an engaged position engaging the privacy divider to provide the coupled state for the selectively switchable coupler and a disengaged position disengaged from the privacy divider to provide the de-coupled state for the selectively switchable coupler.

In an aspect, the interlock may be mounted to the platform for movement between the engaged and disengaged positions thereof.

In an aspect, the interlock may be slidably mounted to the platform for sliding movement parallel to a rear edge of the platform between the engaged and disengaged positions thereof.

In an aspect, the linkage may comprise a projection extending forwardly from the privacy divider. The interlock may engage the projection in the engaged position thereof and may disengage from the projection in the disengaged position thereof.

In an aspect, the linkage coupling the privacy divider to the platform may have a transmission ratio such the privacy divider moves at a faster rate in the vertical direction than a rate at which the height adjuster moves the platform, whereby a distance between an upper edge of the privacy divider and the platform increases as the platform and privacy divider are raised together and the distance decreases as the platform and privacy divider are lowered together.

In an aspect, the linkage may include a cable guide on the platform and a cable trained over the guide. The cable may have a first section extending from a fixed first end to the guide and a second section extending downwardly from the guide to a second end coupled to the privacy divider. The linkage may be configured such that raising of the platform pulls the cable over the guide to shorten a vertical extent of the second section to raise the privacy divider at the faster rate than the rate at which the height adjuster moves the platform, and lowering of the platform allows the cable to extend over the guide to increase a vertical extent of the second section to lower the privacy divider at the faster rate than the rate at which the height adjuster moves the platform.

In an aspect, the selectively switchable coupler in the coupled state couples the privacy divider to the platform by coupling the guide to the platform such that the guide moves with the platform to raise and lower the privacy divider. The selectively switchable coupler in the de-coupled state may de-couple the privacy divider from the platform by de-coupling the guide from the platform such that the platform moves independently without moving the guide and privacy divider.

In an aspect, the sit-stand desk system for mounting to a wall having at least a pair of vertical standards each with a series of vertically arranged mounting openings, may further comprise at least a pair of standard mounting brackets on the base, each standard mounting bracket comprising an insertion element for insertion into the mounting opening on an associated vertical standard on the wall to securely mount the desk system to the vertical standards in the installed position.

In an aspect, the sit-stand desk system may further comprise one or more legs for supporting the base and platform thereon.

In an aspect, the privacy divider may be mounted to a wall for extending vertically to bound at least one side of a workspace such that the privacy divider is movable in the vertical direction between the raised position and the lowered position.

In an aspect, the privacy divider may be mounted to a support connected to the base such that the privacy divider is movable in the vertical direction between the raised position and the lowered position.

In yet another embodiment, a furniture system is provided. The furniture system comprises a wall system comprising: a wall for extending vertically to bound at least one side of a workspace; and a privacy divider mounted to the wall to be movable in the vertical direction between a raised position and a lowered position. The furniture system also comprises a sit-stand desk system comprising: a base; a platform having a working surface positioned to face upwardly in an installed position of the desk system; and a height adjuster supporting the platform on the base to raise and lower the platform in a vertical direction when the desk system is in the installed position. The furniture system also comprises a linkage coupling the privacy divider to the platform such that the privacy divider is raised by the linkage together with the platform as the platform is raised by the height adjuster and lowered by the linkage together with the platform as the platform is lowered by the height adjuster.

Implementations of the foregoing aspects may include one or more of the following features.

In an aspect, the wall may have a divider receiving space and an opening at the upper edge. The divider may be mounted within the wall for vertical movement through the opening at the upper edge.

In an aspect, the wall may have a forwardly facing opening and the linkage extends through the forwardly facing opening.

In an aspect, the linkage coupling the privacy divider to the platform has a transmission ratio such the privacy divider moves at a faster rate in the vertical direction than rate at which the height adjuster moves the platform, whereby a distance between an upper edge of the privacy divider and the platform increases as the platform and privacy divider are raised together and the distance decreases as the platform and privacy divider are lowered together.

In an aspect, the linkage may include a cable guide on the platform and a cable trained over the guide. The cable may have a first section extending from a fixed first end to the guide and a second section extending downwardly from the guide to a second end coupled to the privacy divider. The linkage may be configured such that raising of the platform pulls the cable over the guide to shorten a vertical extent of the second section to raise the privacy divider at the faster rate than the rate at which the height adjuster moves the platform, and lowering of the platform allows the cable to extend over the guide to increase a vertical extent of the second section to lower the privacy divider at the faster rate than the rate at which the height adjuster moves the platform.

In an aspect, the linkage may include a selectively switchable coupler that is switchable between (a) a coupled state coupling the privacy divider to the platform such that the privacy divider is raised by the linkage together with the platform as the platform is raised by the height adjuster and lowered by the linkage together with the platform as the platform is lowered by the height adjuster, and (b) a de-coupled state in which the privacy divider is de-coupled from the platform such that the platform moves independently without moving the privacy divider.

In an aspect, the selectively switchable coupler may include an interlock on the platform. The interlock may be manually moveable between an engaged position engaging the privacy divider to provide the coupled state for the selectively switchable coupler and a disengaged position disengaged from the privacy divider to provide the de-coupled state for the selectively switchable coupler.

In an aspect, the interlock may be mounted to the platform for movement between the engaged and disengaged positions thereof.

In an aspect, the interlock may be slidably mounted to the platform for sliding movement parallel to a rear edge of the platform between the engaged and disengaged positions thereof.

In an aspect, the linkage may comprise a projection extending forwardly from the privacy divider. The interlock may engage the projection in the engaged position thereof and may disengage from the projection in the disengaged position thereof.

In an aspect, the height adjuster may include an electric motor and a drive system. The motor may be operable to drive the drive system to raise and lower the platform in a vertical direction when the desk system is in the installed position.

In an aspect, the wall may have at least a pair of vertical standards each with a series of vertically arranged mounting openings. The desk system may further comprise at least a pair of standard mounting brackets on the base. Each standard mounting bracket may comprise an insertion element for insertion into the mounting opening on an associated vertical standard on the wall to securely mount the desk system to the vertical standards in the installed position.

In an aspect, the furniture system may further comprise one or more legs for supporting the base and platform thereon.

Other objects, aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a desk system in accordance with an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the desk system of FIG. 1 in a lowered position;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the desk system of FIG. 1 in a raised position;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the desk system of FIG. 1 in a stored position;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a wall standard;

FIG. 6 is a pair of side elevational views of another embodiment of a desk system of the present application, showing lowered and raised positions;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section of yet another embodiment of a desk system of the present application in a lowered position;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section showing the embodiment of FIG. 7 in a raised position;

FIG. 9 is a pair of side elevational views of yet another embodiment of a desk system of the present application, showing lowered and raised positions;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 9 with an isolation of certain features;

FIG. 11 shows a motor operated version of the desk system in accordance with an embodiment of this patent application;

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary desk system in accordance with another embodiment of this patent application;

FIGS. 13 and 14 show partial side elevational view and partial side elevational close-up view of yet another embodiment of a desk system of the present application; and

FIG. 15 shows yet another embodiment of a desk system of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-5 shows a sit-stand desk system 10 for mounting to a wall 12 having at least a pair of vertical standards 14 each with a series of vertically arranged mounting openings 16.

The term standard or wall standard 14 is a term of art in the furniture and shelving arts and describes an elongated vertical member that mounts to a wall, and which has openings 16 arranged in the vertical direction to which a structure is mounted for support. An example of a wall standard 14 is shown in FIG. 5 with its openings 16 arranged vertically. Such devices are commonly used, such as for supporting brackets for mounting shelves in which the bracket has a hook or catch at the upper end thereof for engaging in one opening of the standard. Some such devices also include multiple hooks, catches or other inserts with a downwardly extending member (e.g., one side of an L-shaped hook) for insertion in multiple openings 16 of the standard, and some include a hook, catch or finger at the lower end for receipt in a lower opening of the standard. The hook, catch or finger at the lower end supports the shelf or other structure, while the hook or catch at the upper end supports the shelf or other structure and also prevents it from being pulled out forwardly. These standards or wall standards are commonplace, and often used for enabling shelves or other structures to be mounted to a wall at different heights chosen by the user based on selection of which vertical openings 16 are engaged during installation. Typically, at least two standards are used for applications like shelving, and the standards are fastened to the wall such that their vertically arranged openings 16 are aligned with one another horizontally, i.e., so any structure attached thereto will be supported horizontally, rather than at an undesirable angle to horizontal. Thus, when the term standard is used herein, it is used as a noun referring to this known structure in the art, and is not intended to have an adjective connotation such as normal, conventional or the like. The wall standards 14 can be mounted to the wall 12 in any fashion, and the manner in which wall standards 14 are mounted are well known and need not be described. Preferably but not necessarily, the wall standard 14 is pre-assembled to the wall 12 as part of a modular unit before delivery to the installation site.

The wall 12 can be a wall in any setting. For example, the wall 12 can be a modular wall, such as those typically found in the design of cubicles for creating individual office spaces by connection of such modular walls together. Such modular wall also often have wiring and computer/network/phone cables or guides for the same pre-installed. The wall 12 can also be the wall of a building, i.e., a structural wall of a more traditional office, i.e., not built as a cubicle. The wall 12 can also be a modular wall that is installed in a more traditional office adjacent the structural wall. Thus, the particular type of wall 12 is not intended to be limiting. The illustrated wall 12 is a modular wall designed to create a cubicle or other partially isolated office space, and has an optional privacy divider 13 extending upwardly therefrom.

The desk system 10 comprises a base 18 and a platform 20 having a working surface 22 positioned to face upwardly in an installed position of the desk system 10. The term base refers to a part of the system 10 that remains stationary in the system's installed position, and in applications in which the platform 20 is height adjustable is a part relative to which the platform 20 moves vertically. In this embodiment, the base 18 is the part that mounts to the wall standards and on which the platform 20 is mounted for relative vertical movement. In other embodiments, the base may be similar or may have other structures or configurations. In FIG. 1, the base is constituted by the lower parts of a pair of legs 24, 26. Specifically, each leg 24, 26 has the lower part 28, 30 and an upper part 32, 34 that is extendible upwardly and retractable downwardly with respect to the respective lower part 28, 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower parts 28, 30, 32, 34 are telescoping, with the upper leg parts 32, 34 moving vertically within the lower leg parts 28, 30, although any other design may be used. For example, the legs may be formed of rails with parts that ride on the rails, tracks, or any other design. A single leg design may be used, and designs without legs may also be used.

The system 10 also comprises at least a pair of standard mounting brackets 36 on the base 18. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two standard mounting brackets 36 each mounted to a respective lower leg part 28, 30 of the base 18 and each designed for mounting to a wall standard 14. The disclosure is not limited to any particular number of wall standards 14, brackets 36, 38, or legs 24, 26, and the system 10 could have one set of such structures or more than two sets.

Each standard mounting bracket 36 comprises an insertion element 40 for insertion into the mounting opening 16 on an associated vertical standard 14 on the wall 12 to securely mount the desk system 10 to the vertical standards in the installed position. The insertion element 40 can be any structure that inserts into the mounting opening 16 for securing the bracket 36 to the wall standard 14. The insertion element 40 may have a hook or L-shape with a portion that extends rearwardly into the opening 16 and a portion that extends vertically downwardly therefrom within the standard 14 to secure the bracket 36 on the standard 14. The insertion element 40 can have any suitable shape or configuration, and such a catch, an expandible element that expands within the standard 14 after being inserted in the opening 16, a rotatable element that is turned to a latching position after being inserted in the opening 16, etc. Various insertion elements are known in the art for wall standards and brackets that mount thereto by insertion into the openings of the standards, and any such insertion elements may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, for additional securement each leg 24, 26 has an upper insertion element 40 and a lower insertion element 42, which are inserted into respective openings 16 that are vertically spaced apart from one another on the standard 14. Because the system 10 often has a center of gravity that pulls forwardly against the upper insertion element 40 but pushes rearwardly against the lower insertion element 42, the lower insertion element 42 may in some embodiments be a simple finger or projection received in its respective standard opening 16 for alignment purposes. However, any number of insertion elements 40, 42, etc. may be used for connection to the same associated standard 14.

The illustrated embodiment includes a height adjuster 44 supporting the platform 20 on the base 18 to raise and lower the platform in a vertical direction when the desk system 10 is in the installed position. The installed position is shown in FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 2 shows the system 10 in the installed position with the platform 20 at one selected height, while FIG. 3 shows the system 10 in the installed position with the platform 20 at a higher selected height. These selected heights may correspond to seated and standing positions of a user, respectively, which will vary based on the user's body dimensions. FIG. 4 shows the system 10 in the installed position and in an optional stored position in which the platform 20 is folded for storage, as will be discussed below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the height adjuster 44 may be constituted in part by the upper parts 32, 34 of the legs 24, 26. The upper parts 32, 34 of the legs 24, 26 may be manually extendible and retractable to raise and lower the platform 20, and each may include a lock mechanism (not shown) to hold the upper and lower leg parts in place relative to one another in the axial (vertical) direction to support the platform 20. The lock mechanism may be releasable to release the upper leg parts 32, 34 for retraction or extension relative to the lower parts 32, 34 to the desired height setting for the platform 20. The lock mechanism may be of any type, such as a threaded bolt on a lower leg turned by a knob that engages by friction or index openings on the upper leg. Another example is an over-center lever or clamp that releasably secures an upper leg part 32, 34 relative to a lower leg part 28, 30. Another example is that one part of each leg may have a spring biased pin mounted thereto, and the other may have a series of vertically spaced openings that receive the pin to affix the axial length of the leg 24, 26. Thus, the user can simply push the pins in to release its engagement, and move upper leg parts 32, 34 to alter the length of the legs 24, 26 so the pin reengages in another opening to fix the leg's length. Any suitable device may be used as a height adjuster, and these examples are not limiting. In one embodiment, a threaded collet assembly disposed at the top of the leg part 28 (e.g., top of the leg part 28 may be threaded) that tightens itself and locks onto the leg part 32 as a means to adjust the height of the column may be used.

The height adjuster 44 may also include a powered device. For example, each leg 24, 26 could have an electrically powered motor and a drive system, such as a gearbox or other transmission, housed therein or attached thereto for extending and retracting the upper leg parts 32, 34 relative to the lower leg parts 28, 30 to adjust the height of the platform 20. These motors are preferably synchronized and actuated by a common switch that activates both simultaneously. Optionally, a single electric motor and gearbox could be used also. For example, the lower leg parts 28, 30 could have a frame member extending therebetween to support a central member that engages underneath the platform 20. The motor can be attached to either the frame member or the platform and may be actuated to drive the central member to raise or lower the platform 20 in the vertical direction to the desired height when the desk system 10 is in the installed position.

In one embodiment, a motor operated or motorized version of the desk system 10 is shown in FIG. 11. Motor M may be located in footing/foot 151 of the desk system 10. Legs or leg sections may include attachments 153. The legs may include a first leg section 155, a second leg section 157, and a third leg section 159. The first leg section 155 may be attached to the wall 12 or other structure using the attachments 153. The attachments 153 may include brackets. In one embodiment, the attachments 153 may be similar or same as the insertion elements 40, 42 or 140, 142 described in other embodiments of the patent application. The first leg section 155 may be a larger section of the leg. The first leg section 155 may be similar or same as the lower legs 28, 30 (or 128, 130) described in other embodiments of the patent application. The second leg section 157 and the third leg section 159 may be configured to extend out of the first section 155. Instead of the upper leg part 32, 34 (or 132, 134) and the lower leg part 28, 30 (or 128, 130) in FIGS. 1-5 and 6, the illustrated embodiments in FIGS. 12 and 13 include three leg parts/sections and two of the leg parts/sections are telescopic.

In one embodiment, another version of the desk system 10 is shown in FIG. 12. This version allows for the larger leg section 155 of the leg with the attachments 153 to reside closer to the working surface 20. This may be accomplished by a glide track 161 residing within the wall slot 163. The attachments 153 may ride up and down the glide track 161. The desk system 10 may also include a brace 165 that is configured to connect the first leg section 155 and a portion (e.g., under surface or a frame) of the platform 20. In one embodiment, the desk system 10 may include two braces, each disposed on one side of the desk system 10.

Although FIGS. 10 and 11 show motorized desk systems, the desk system of FIG. 10 is mounted to a (stationary) mounting wall standard (that is mounted to the wall), while the desk system of FIG. 11 is mounted to a wall standard having a track. The track wall standard in FIG. 11 may be configured to allow the desk system to travel up and down. That is, portions of the legs of the desk system in FIG. 11 may be engaged with the track wall standard and the portions of the legs of the desk system in FIG. 11 may be configured to slide up and down along the track wall standard. f

In other embodiments, height adjuster 44 could have other configurations. For example, the base could be a frame part or parts that mount to the wall standards 14 in the manner discussed above, and the height adjuster could be a device positioned between that stationary frame part or parts (the base) and the platform 20. For example, the height adjuster could be a scissors linkage or a four bar linkage positioned on the stationary base and on which the platform 20 is supported. Such a linkage could be manually operated, such as by a crank handle, or powered by an electric motor to raise and lower the platform 20 relative to the stationary base. Other such devices can be used as the height adjuster, and these examples are not limiting.

Thus, regardless of how the height adjuster 44 is implemented, the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 provides a design that mounts to vertical wall standards 14 that extend vertically on a wall 12. This avoids the need for the desk system 10 to have legs that extend all the way to the floor and to have feet that provide free-standing stability. This can create additional space underneath the desk for storage, leg room, or the like, which may be advantageous in an office space with tighter space constraints. In some embodiments, desk system 10 may also be more easily moved between different locations, as it does not have the weight of complete legs and feet for ground stabilizing contact. This may provide more freedom and flexibility in altering the user's workspace configuration. The omission of the structure (e.g., legs) used to make the system free-standing may also reduce cost, weight, and or shipping size.

In addition, because the desk system 10 is mounted to vertical standards 14 that have vertically arranged openings 16, the desk system 10 can be installed at different initial heights that better match the end user. With a free-standing system, the range of motion for the system 10 is generally larger to accommodate the standing height of taller users and the seated height of shorter users. With a desk system 10 that mounts to wall standards 14, the range of motion for the height adjustment internal to the desk system 10 (i.e., the vertical travel range of the platform 12) can be made smaller; for example it may be just large enough to accommodate the largest anticipated height differential between the standing and seated positions, which is typically for the tallest anticipated user. That range is smaller than the difference between the tallest and shortest anticipated users' standing and seated positions, respectively. That is, because the initial height of the desk system 10 can be set higher or lower by installing the insertion elements 40, 42 in the desired openings 16 on the wall standards 14, the verticalrange of motion needed for the platform 20 can in some embodiments be smaller than a free-standing desk. This is an optional feature, and the range of motion need not be made smaller in some embodiments.

In one embodiment, mounting to the wall standards and/or wall, allows the leg to be pushed back towards the wall so as to be more recessed and not in the way. In one embodiment, mounting to the wall standards and/or wall may also allow to minimize the foot and or eliminate it completely. In one embodiment, the wall mounted may counter balance the cantilevered top.

As mentioned, the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 also has a stored position. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 20 has a stationary platform part 50 and a movable platform part 52. The movable part 52 may move in any manner such that the stored position of the desk system 10 has a more compacted configuration in the fore-aft direction. For example, the movable part 52 may fold over on top of the stationary part 50, or may slide linearly to a position above, beneath, or inside the stationary part 50. Here, part 50 is referred to as stationary for contrast to the storing movement of part 52; part 50 still moves vertically as part of the platform 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the movable part 52 pivots down to a vertical orientation, i.e., perpendicular to the stationary part 50, for the stored position. To secure the movable part 52 in the operational position, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 extending horizontally from the stationary part 52, a retainer 54 is provided. The retainer 54 includes an elongated member 56, such as a rod or bar, slidably mounted, e.g., by a bracket 57, underneath the movable part 52. The elongated member 56 has a handle 58 on the front end thereof accessible at the front edge of the movable part 52. A receiver 60 is mounted on the stationary part 50. In the operational position, the elongated member 56 is slid into the receiver 60, thus securing the movable part 52 in place against movement relative to the stationary part 50. To lower the movable part 52, the user can pull the handle 58 forwardly to withdraw the elongated member 56 from the receiver 60, thus enabling the movable part to be pivoted downwardly. A receiver 60 is optional, and the elongated member 60 could simply engage the underside of the stationary part 50 to support the movable part 52 against downward pivoting. Other forms of the retainer 54 may be used, and the illustrated example is not limiting. For example, any number of different latches, locks, clamps, or the like can be used. With the ability to provide this stored position, the desk system 10 can have a very small profile, as the legs and stabilizing feet included on free-standing systems are not present, and the system 10 can be compactedly stored on the wall 12.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a furniture system 100 comprising a wall system 111 and a sit-stand desk system 110. The sit-stand desk system 110 in FIG. 6 has the same design as the embodiment in FIGS. 1-5, and thus similar reference numbers in the 100 range will be used for the same components, e.g., the desk system 10 in FIGS. 1-5 is 110 in FIG. 6, the wall 12 is 112 in FIG. 6, etc. The wall system 111 is shown including the wall 112 and a privacy divider 113. In this embodiment, the privacy divider 113 is not fixed at the upper edge of the wall 112, as in FIGS. 1-5, and instead is slidably mounted for vertical movement relative to the wall 112.

The wall 112 extends vertically to bound at least one side of a workspace. For example, the wall 112 may be one wall of a cubicle. The privacy divider 113 is mounted to the wall 112 to be movable in the vertical direction between a raised position (to the right in FIG. 6) and a lowered position (to the left in FIG. 6). When the platform 120 is lowered, such as when used by a seated user, the wall 112 itself provides more of a measure of privacy, and thus the divider 113 need not be in its more raised position. This is favorable in office dynamics, as the presence of a privacy divider, while providing the benefit of privacy, can also be isolating. Thus, when the privacy divider 113 is not needed, or not needed to the same extent as the raised position, it can be lowered along with the platform 120. Likewise, when the platform 120 is raised, such as when used by a standing user, the wall 112 alone provides less of a measure of privacy, and thus the privacy divider 113 can be extended upwardly to its raised position.

The term privacy divider as used herein does not require the divider to have any particular construction or material selection. A privacy divider may be opaque, or it may be translucent to permit some passage of light. It may also be transparent with surface treatment, such as lenticulations, frosting, etching or the like, to permit a substantial amount of light to pass therethrough while providing a measure of obscurement to a clear view. In some embodiments, the divider may be completely transparent, and may give the user a sense of isolation by the presence of additional structure without impeding visual view. For example, transparent privacy dividers became common in office spaces as part of the coronavirus pandemic to provide more privacy between cubicle workspaces in terms of direct airflow. Thus, the term privacy divider is used to refer to any divider structure that increases a level of isolation of a person in at least one aspect, including visual, audible, airflow, perception of increased isolation or privacy, or the like.

The sit-stand desk system 110 comprises the same components as the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, including the base 118, the platform 120 with the working surface 122 positioned to face upwardly in an installed position of the desk system 110, and the height adjuster 144 supporting the platform 120 on the base 118 to raise and lower the platform in a vertical direction when the desk system 110 is in the installed position. The desk system 110 is mounted to at least a pair of vertical standards as in the prior embodiment, and may have standard mounting brackets 136 with insertion elements 142 as in FIGS. 1-5 for insertion into the openings of the standards for secure mounting. In other embodiments, this aspect of the disclosure with the privacy divider that moves to accommodate the change in platform height may be used with a desk of the free-standing type, such as with legs and feet that stably engage the floor, rather than mounting to wall standards on the wall 112. In an embodiment, the system may include one or more legs 124, 126 for supporting the base 118 and the platform 120 thereon, which may be legs that reach the floor or legs that are mounted to wall standards.

In any embodiment, the system 110 may have an electric motor and a drive system, where the motor is operable to drive the drive system to raise and lower the platform 120 in a vertical direction when the desk system 110 is in the installed position. Such motor and drive systems are known, and any example may be used, including the examples discussed in the patents/applications referenced in the background section, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Likewise, the height adjuster may be operated manually, as discussed above.

The embodiment in FIG. 6 also comprises a linkage 162 coupling the privacy divider 113 to the platform 120 such that the privacy divider 113 is raised by the linkage 162 together with the platform 120 as the platform 120 is raised by the height adjuster 144. Likewise, the divider 113 is also lowered by the linkage 162 together with the platform 120 as the platform 120 is lowered by the height adjuster 144. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the linkage 162 is a connector that fixedly connects the bottom edge of the divider to a rear edge of the platform 120 or a component that moves vertically with the platform 120, such as part of a frame structure or bracket on its underside.

In the design of FIG. 6, the linkage 162 remains continuously connected between the divider 113 and the platform 120, and thus the divider 113 is moved with the platform 120 as the platform 120 is raised and lowered. In other embodiments, the linkage may include a transmission ratio to change the rate at which the divider raises and lowers with respect to the platform, and/or it may include a selective coupling to allow for selective engagement or disengagement between the divider and the platform (each of which is discussed below). The term “transmission ratio” includes both constant and variable ratios (i.e., a ratio that stays the same through the range of movement or a ratio that varies through the range of movement).

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the wall 112 has a divider receiving space 164 and an opening 166 at the upper edge, and the divider 113 is mounted within the wall 112 for vertical movement through the opening 166 at the upper edge. The divider receiving space 164 may be any space that can receive the divider, and it need not necessarily receive the divider 113 in its entirety. For example, the divider 113 could be fully retracted down into the wall 112, or it could partially retract in its lowest position such that a relatively small portion thereof remains projecting upwardly through opening 166. The interior of the wall 112 may have a guide or guides, such as tracks, slots, rails, or the like for guiding the privacy divider 113 along its vertical path of travel. To affect the connection with the linkage 162, the wall 112 may have a forwardly facing (forward being the direction of the desk towards the user) opening through which the linkage 162 extends. FIG. 6 is a schematic representation with the opening not shown, but the opening is also shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 in another embodiment discussed below. The opening may be a relatively wide opening, such as one that spans the width of the divider 113, or it may be a narrow slot just wide enough for passage of the linkage 162. The vertical extent of the opening may be of any length, such as a length sufficient for the vertical travel of the linkage 162 as it moves vertically with the platform 120 and the divider 113.

In other embodiments, the divider 113 could be mounted to the exterior of the wall 112, such as the forward surface facing the desk system 110. The divider 113 could be mounted on external guides to facilitate its path of travel. Thus, it is not necessary for the divider 113 to be included inside the wall 112, although it may be advantageous, such as for aesthetics purposes.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of the present application. The furniture system 200 and sit-stand desk system 210 in FIGS. 7 and 8 has some common components with the same design in FIGS. 1-5, and thus similar reference numbers in the 200 range will be used for the same components, e.g., the desk system 10 in FIGS. 1-5 is 210 in FIGS. 7-8, the wall 212 is 212 in FIGS. 7-8, etc. The same is true for numbers common between FIG. 6 and FIGS. 7-8, e.g., the divider receiving space 164 is numbered 264 in FIGS. 7 and 8. The embodiment of FIGS. 7-8 relates to a selective coupling for connecting the privacy divider 213 for movement with the platform 220, or disconnecting it so the divider 213 does not move with the platform 220.

The desk system 210 of this embodiment includes the basic components of a desk system, including a base (not shown), a platform 220 having a working surface 222 positioned to face upwardly in an installed position of the desk system 210, and a height adjuster (not shown) for supporting the platform on the base to raise and lower the platform in a vertical direction when the desk system is in the installed position. These basic components may be the same as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 with the inclusion of standard mounting brackets for mounting the system 210 to vertical wall standards each with a series of vertically arranged openings, which need not be repeated. These basic components may also be the components of any type of desk system, such as free-standing ones as mentioned above with one or more legs for supporting the system on a floor, or any other desk system where the platform is height-adjustable. As with the other embodiments, the height adjuster may be manually operated or may include a motor and drive system. Such features are known, and the details of this embodiment relating primarily to the selective coupling feature will be described.

In the illustrated embodiment, a privacy divider 213 is included that is movable in the vertical direction between a raised position and a lowered position. As shown, the privacy divider 213 is included in a divider receiving space 264 in the wall 212 and is extendible/retractable vertically within the space 264 through an opening 266 on the upper edge of the wall 212. The wall 212 has a forwardly facing opening 268 (i.e. facing in the forward direction towards the desk system 210) through which a linkage 262 extends for connecting the platform 220 and the divider 213. As mentioned with respect to FIG. 6, the divider receiving space 264 may have guides, such as rails, tracks, slots, etc. for guiding the divider 213.

The “bar/rod” below the divided in FIGS. 7-8 may be a track detail that is configured to ensure the projection 274 does not rack as it moves up and down.

In other embodiments, the divider 213 could be mounted to the exterior of the wall 212, such as the forward surface facing the desk system 210. The divider 213 could be mounted on external guides to facilitate its path of travel. Thus, it is not necessary for the divider 213 to be included inside the wall 212, although it may be advantageous, such as for aesthetics purposes. In other embodiments, the divider 213 may not be mounted to the wall 212, and could be mounted to a support, such as a frame or guide that is connected to the desk system 210, such as a support that is fixed to the base of the system 210. Thus, the selective coupling feature described with reference to FIGS. 7-8 is not limited to embodiments where the divider 213 is mounted in or on the wall 212.

As shown in FIGS. 7-8, the linkage 262 includes a selectively switchable coupler 270 that is switchable to a coupled state coupling the privacy divider 213 to the platform 220 such that the privacy divider 213 is raised by the linkage 262 together with the platform 220 as the platform 220 is raised by the height adjuster and lowered by the linkage 262 together with the platform 220 as the platform 220 is lowered by the height adjuster. The linkage 262 is also switchable to a de-coupled state in which the privacy divider 213 is de-coupled from the platform 220 such that the platform 220 moves independently without moving the privacy divider 213. FIGS. 7-8 show the coupler 270 in the coupled state. The coupler 270 may have any construction or configuration, and the illustrated one is a sliding interlock with a slot 272 that receives a free end of a projection 274 extending forwardly from the divider 213. The interlock 270 is manually moveable between an engaged position engaging the privacy divider 213, and specifically the projection 274, to provide the coupled state and a disengaged position disengaged from the privacy divider 213 to provide the de-coupled state. In the coupled state, the interlock 270 in its engaged position engages its slot 272 with the projection 274 to couple the divider 213 and the platform 220 together for vertical movement. The coupler 270 can be slid laterally on and parallel to the rear edge of the platform 220 to its disengaged position to disengage the slot 272 and the projection 274 to affect the de-coupled state such that the platform 220 will move independently without moving the divider 213 vertically.

The coupling may be established by one such coupler, or multiple such couplers. Similarly, other coupler designs, including other interlocks, may be used, including but not limited to clasps, latches, locks, magnetic couplings, electromagnetic couplings, hooks, straps, fasteners, solenoid-driven engagement, etc. Also, the coupler 270 need not be mounted directly to the platform 220 itself, and may be connected to another structure that moves with it, like a frame providing sub-structure underneath the platform 220. Also, the arrangement of parts may be reversed, with the part that the user moves (like coupler 270) mounted on the divider 213 and the part it engages (like projection 274) connected with the platform 220.

FIGS. 9-10 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present application. The sit-stand desk system 310 in FIGS. 9-10 has some common components with the designs in the prior embodiments, and thus similar reference numbers in the 300 range will be used for the same components, e.g., the desk system 10 in FIGS. 1-5 is 310 in FIGS. 9-10, the divider is 313 in FIGS. 9-10, etc. The same is true for numbers common between FIGS. 6-8. The embodiment of FIGS. 9-10 relates to the inclusion of a linkage that enables the platform 320 and the divider 313 to move vertically together with the addition of a transmission ratio that causes the movement of the divider 313 to occur at a faster rate than the movement of the platform 320. The use of a faster rate is not done because speed per se is desired. Instead, the use of a faster rate is designed into the transmission ratio to accommodate a wider range of vertical displacement for the divider 313 versus the range of vertical displacement for the platform 320.

Specifically, the inventors have realized that when a user is standing, the vertical difference between the working surface 322 of the platform 320 and the upper edge of the divider 313 should be greater than the vertical difference between the working surface 322 and the divider 313 when the user is seated. This is because a standing user is typically in a more erect posture, and often may have their hands and forearms at a lower working position. Hence, to achieve the same amount of privacy when standing in comparison to when sitting (which not only includes restricting view of the user's work area but can also include limiting the user from seeing things over the divider that may be distracting), the divider 313 should be raised by a vertical amount more than the platform 320 is moved. For example, in a design where the platform and divider move the exact same amount of vertical distance, a divider that is aligned with the top of the user's head when seated might only reach up to the user's eye level when he/she moves the platform to a height suitable for use when standing. This difference will depend on the user, but the point is that it is advantageous to have a greater vertical difference between a divider and work surface for a standing user than the vertical difference therebetween for a seated user. Achieving the proper height for a standing user by just making the divider taller is undesirable because then the privacy divider will be higher than needed when the user is sitting, and privacy dividers that is too tall can make a user's workspace feel overly confined. Thus, by using a transmission ratio that ensures the divider raises at a faster rate than the platform, the system 310 can tailor the vertical travel of the divider 313 relative to the platform 320 to better suit the user's overall need for privacy without creating a perception of excess isolation in multiple positions. In one embodiment, the privacy/divider additionally goes from and to the modesty position when in the sitting height range (e.g., comparing left vs. right in FIG. 9).

As with the other embodiments, the system 310 includes a base 318, which in FIGS. 9-10 includes legs 324, 326 and feet 327, 329 for stabling engaging the ground for a free-standing desk system 310. The system also includes the platform 320 having the working surface 322 positioned to face upwardly in an installed position of the desk system 310. The system 310 also includes a height adjuster 344 supporting the platform 320 on the base 318 to raise and lower the platform in a vertical direction when the desk system 310 is in the installed position, as shown in its free-standing manner. In the illustrated design, the height adjuster 344 includes the upper leg parts 332, 334 that move relative to the lower leg parts 328, 330 (represented schematically). The height adjustment may be accomplished manually or under power, including using any of the techniques mentioned herein like an electric motor and driver system or a motor and drive system for each leg, or otherwise known in the art. Likewise, any of the other height adjustment mechanism discussed herein for moving a platform 320 relative to a stationary base (free-standing or otherwise) may be used, including but not limited to scissors, four-bar linkages, lifts, etc.

In FIGS. 9-10, the privacy divider 313 is mounted to a support 380 connected to the base 318 such that the privacy divider 313 is movable in the vertical direction between the raised position and the lowered position. As illustrated, the support 380 is mounted to the base 318 indirectly by being connected to the platform 320, and the support 380 is movable vertically with the platform 320 while the privacy divider 313 moveable vertically on the support 380 relative to the platform by a linkage 362.

In FIGS. 9-10, the support 380 has two slidable guides 380a and 380b fixed on the platform 320. The divider 313 has a pair of vertically oriented rails or tracks 382a and 382b slidably mounted to those guides 380a, 380b. The guides 380a, 380b and tracks 382a, 382b may have complementary dove-tail configurations as illustrated to permit vertical movement of the divider 313 relative to the platform 320. Other configurations may be used, such as tracks/rails of different cross-section, roller bearings, slider systems, magnets with low friction material or the like, and the illustrated design is not intended to be limiting.

In other embodiments, the support 380 may be attached to the base 318 of the system 310 such that it has not fixed on the platform 320, such as a pair of guides that extend upward from the base rearward of the platform. As will be mentioned below, in some embodiments the divider 313 and its related support can be mounted to the vertical wall, like the wall in FIGS. 1-5, that extends vertically to bound at least one side of the workspace.

As mentioned, the linkage 362 couples the privacy divider 313 to the platform 320 such that the privacy divider 313 is raised by the linkage 362 together with the platform 320 as the platform is raised by the height adjuster 344, and likewise is lowered by the linkage 362 together with the platform 320 as the platform is lowered by the height adjuster 344. This coupling is affected by a force or motion transmission rather than rigid or fixed direct connection, whereby the movement of the platform 320 causes movement of the divider 313 in turn. The linkage 362 coupling the privacy divider 313 to the platform 320 has a transmission ratio such the privacy divider 313 moves at a faster rate in the vertical direction than a rate at which the height adjuster 344 moves the platform 320, which as mentioned above causes a distance between an upper edge of the privacy divider 313 and the platform 320 to increase as the platform 320 and privacy divider 313 are raised together. Likewise, the distance also decreases as the platform 320 and privacy divider 313 are lowered together.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the linkage 362 optionally includes a cable guide 384 on the platform 320 and a cable 386 trained over the guide 384. The guide 384 may be any member over which the cable 386 can be trained over, and can be a rotatable pulley, a static pulley (like a grooved disk), a guide channel, bar, rod, etc. As shown, the guide 384 is attached by a bracket 388 mounted to the rear edge of the platform 320, but it may be mounted in any manner and can also be integrated into the body of the platform 320 itself or any framework included thereon. The cable 386 has a first section 386a extending from a fixed first end 386b to the guide 384 and a second section 386c extending downwardly from the guide to a second end 386d coupled to the privacy divider 313. The linkage 363 is configured such that raising of the platform 320 pulls the cable 386 over the guide 384 to shorten a vertical extent of the second section 386c (i.e., the vertical vector of the second section 386c) to raise the privacy divider 313 at the faster rate than the rate at which the height adjuster 344 moves the platform 320. Likewise, lowering of the platform 320 allows the cable 386 to extend over the guide 384 to increase a vertical extent of the second section 386c to lower the privacy divider 313 at the faster rate than the rate at which the height adjuster 344 moves the platform 320.

Specifically, in the illustrated design, the cable 386 uses a basic geometric relationship between the first and second sections 386a and 386c. As the platform 320 moves vertically upward, the guide 384 moves vertically also. Because each section 386a, 386b has its ends fixed, and the first section 386a is at an angle to both vertical and horizonal, as the guide 384 moves vertically upward, the distance between the guide 384 and the fixed end 384b of the first section 386a increases at a faster rate than the vertical travel of the guide 384 and the platform 320. That uses the Pythagorean or trigonometric relationship that can be understood by envisioning the vertical axis of travel for the guide as a perpendicular leg of a right triangle, and the first section 386a as the hypotenuse—as the vertical perpendicular leg of length b increases by a distance x, the hypotenuse will naturally increase by more than x. But because the cable 386 is of fixed length, that in turn means the length of the second section 386c between the guide 384 and its fixed end 386d will be pulled and shorten at the same faster rate, which is the end acting on the privacy divider 313. In the illustrated design, the second section 386c is vertical (i.e., with only has a vertical vector), and thus the privacy divider 313 will move vertically at that same faster rate. The converse happens as the platform 320 is lowered also, with the length of the second section 386c between the guide 384 and its fixed end 386d increasing at a greater rate than the vertical travel of the platform 20. In other embodiments, the second section 386 could also be at an angle to vertical and horizontal as well, but the relationship between the first and second sections 386a, 386c should be set so that the vertical extent of the privacy divider's 313 movement is more per unit of vertical travel for the platform 320.

Other alternatives may be used for achieving this transmission ratio to cause the vertical travel of the privacy divider 313 to be more per unit of vertical travel for the platform 320. For example, the linkage coupling the divider 313 and platform 320 could include a gear system with a ratio designed to achieve this. For example, two gears could be driven by the same power source (e.g., an electric motor or hand crank), and one gear could drive a toothed rack or racks on the divider at a higher speed ratio than the gear connected to a drive for the platform 320. Hence, the gears would serve as a linkage coupling the platform 320 and the divider 313 for ensuring movement of the platform 320 and divider 313 at the same time, with the divider 313 travelling faster than the platform 320. As another example, the power source could have two different outputs, such as drive by wire outputs (e.g. cables that rotate inside sheaths), one of which drives a driver for the platform 320 and the other that drives a driver for the divider 313. Thus, a height adjuster's use of different outputs, or one split output, could also serve the function of being the linkage for coupling the platform 320 and the divider 313 for common, but asynchronous, motion for the platform 320 and divider 313. As another example, instead of fixing end 386d directly to the divider 313, the end of the second section 386c could be wound on a pulley to drive a gear that drives a rack for raising/lowering the divider, with a ratio chosen to be faster than the vertical rate of travel for the platform 320.

The principles of the embodiment of FIGS. 9-10 with a transmission ratio between the platform and the divider may be applied to other designs besides that illustrated in FIGS. 9-10, including the designs in the previously described embodiments.

For example, the transmission ratio feature can be applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 with the inclusion of standard mounting brackets for mounting the system 210 to vertical wall standards each with a series of vertically arranged openings. In one implementation using the cable guide and a cable trained over the guide, the end 384b of the cable 384 fixed to the base could be fixed to the base of that embodiment that mounts to the wall brackets, instead of a base that is free standing on the floor as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Thus, the movement of the platform vertically will raise the guide as in FIGS. 9 and 10 to in turn raise the privacy divider at a different rate regardless of what type of base (freestanding or mounted to wall standards) is used. Alternatively, the end 384b of the cable first section 384a could be attached to any other structure, like a location on the wall, to create the same relationship. The same can be applied to the design in FIG. 6 where the divider is included in the wall.

As another example, the transmission ratio feature can be used with the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 where a selectively switchable coupler is used for establishing (a) a coupled state coupling the privacy divider to the platform such that the privacy divider is raised by the linkage together with the platform as the platform is raised by the height adjuster and lowered by the linkage together with the platform as the platform is lowered by the height adjuster, and (b) a de-coupled state in which the privacy divider is de-coupled from the platform such that the platform moves independently without moving the privacy divider. In one implementation, using the cable guide and cable trained over the guide, the selectively switchable coupler could be a coupler that connects and disconnects one of the ends 386b, 386d of the cable, thus establishing a coupled state to transmit force to move the divider with the platform or a de-coupled state in which the platform moves independently of the divider. In another implementation using the cable guide and cable trained over the guide, the selectively switchable coupler may be designed such that in the coupled state it couples the privacy divider to the platform by coupling the guide to the platform such that the guide moves with the platform to raise and lower the privacy divider, and in the de-coupled state the selectively switchable coupler de-couples the privacy divider from the platform by de-coupling the guide from the platform such that the platform moves independently without moving the guide and privacy divider. That is, by providing the coupler between the guide and the platform, when that coupling is in the coupled state the guide will move with the platform, which in turn raises and lower the divider vertically (at a faster rate than the platform). And when the coupling is in the de-coupled state, the guide can remain in the same position with the platform moving independently, whereby the platform movement is not transmitted to the divider. With a gear based system providing the transmission ratio, the selectively switchable coupler could optionally be embodied as a clutch with a coupled state for transferring motion to the divider and a de-coupled state in which motion is not transferred.

FIGS. 13-15 show how the movement ratio of the divider 313 differs from the height change of the table/desk system 310. FIG. 13 shows the pulley system and how the cable 386 on one end is attached to the non-moving member of the desk system 310 (typically the lower section and or the foot (not shown) of the desk system 310 while the other end of the cable 386 is attached to the internal structure of the desk system 310 so as to allow the movable pulley (as shown in the cutaway view of FIG. 13) as the top pulley within the clamped tower assembly. The movable pulley moves up and down the tower assembly core as the length of the cable 386 varies from the movement of the working surface as the legs extend and contract. FIG. 13 shows the cable 386 is going around two pulleys 384 and 385.

The pulley system may also act to lessen the impact of the theoretical “drag” of the desk system 310 on the motors by using the efficiency of the pulleys vs. a direct single pulley so as to only direct the cable through the desk system 310.

The rise of the table and the rise of the divider/the pulley diameters can be used to effect the travel of the divider vs. the telescoping measurement of the legs. This may create a mechanical advantage by altering the speed and distance of the rope/cable depending on the size of the pulleys involved. For example, a larger diameter (moving pulley) may result in slower movement but greater distance traveled by the cable, while a smaller pulley may result in faster movement but less distance traveled and, therefore, less mechanical/force advantage. If more movement of the divider is desired, there would then be more drag transferred to the motor and the motor would be less efficient-similar to additional weight being applied to the working surface.

Also, instead of relying only on the weight of the rising divider so as to ensure the pulley retracts to its point of origin, a spring mechanism (e.g., a constant force spring coil) can be introduced to the desk system 310 to add additional force to ensure the slack of the desk system 310 is taken up during the return (the surface of the table being lowered/the retraction of the leg height). One of the pulleys 384 or 385 may be attached to a spring mechanism. When the heavier divider is used and when the pulley cord is pulled (even with one pulley arrangement as shown in FIG. 9), the heavier divider will naturally rise. When a lighter material divider is used, the spring mechanism in which springs may coil may be used. When the lighter material divider is going up, it would uncoil the springs creating tension. Any slack in the cable created when the lighter material divider is lowered is taken up by the springs.

FIG. 14 shows a closeup of FIG. 13 showing the spindle/pulley routing of the cable through the clamped tower assembly.

FIG. 15 shows a clutch or an override mechanism that disengages the system so when the table moves up and down, the divider stays in same. When the button B is pressed, it engages the clutch mechanism that pulls the larger gear LG away from the rack gear RD mounted to the divider. That is, the clutch when engaged would allow the table to rise without moving the divider since the pulley assembly would be replaced by a gear assembly that moves from the spooling of the cable around the drive gear (the smaller gear SG with a coiling spring). When the smaller gear SG is engaged, it then rotates the larger gear LG (shown as larger for the exemplary figure), which then drives a rack RD on the divider (or a slider that then raises/lowers the divider). For this type of system, the gear ratio can be used to effect the rise and fall and forces applied to the desk system 310.

In one embodiment, the desk system may be configured to combine the selective coupling with the transmission ratio. The guide may rest on the stationary part of the desk when decoupled, and when the platform is lowered, the user can use to connect the guide so it travels with the desk (or leave it disconnected). Referring to FIG. 15, the user can push the button B (downwardly) that is configured to release (disengage) the larger gear LG from the rack RD on the divider.

The foregoing illustrated embodiments have been provided solely for illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting. To the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to encompass all modification, alterations, substitutions, and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the following claims.