PORTABLE WORKSTATION WITH INTEGRATED POWER SOURCE AND TILT-TOP CHASSIS

Abstract

A portable workstation includes a base that includes a plurality of wheels for moving the portable workstation within an environment. A panel is adjustably mounted at the base and is adjustable relative to the base between (i) a use position, where the panel is in a generally horizontal orientation, and (ii) a non-use position, where the panel is in a generally vertical orientation. A battery pack is accommodated at the portable workstation. The battery pack is configured to electrically power an electronic device at the portable workstation.

Claims

1. A portable workstation, the portable workstation comprising: a base, wherein the base includes a plurality of wheels for moving the portable workstation within an environment; a panel adjustably mounted at the base, wherein the panel is adjustable relative to the base between (i) a use position, where the panel is in a generally horizontal orientation, and (ii) a non-use position, where the panel is in a generally vertical orientation; a battery pack disposed at the base, wherein the battery pack is configured to electrically power an electronic device at the portable workstation; and wherein, with the panel in the use position, the battery pack at least partially extends through an aperture in the panel, and wherein, when the panel is adjusted between the use position and the non-use position, the panel moves relative to the base and relative to the battery pack.

2. The portable workstation of claim 1, wherein the battery pack is removable from the portable workstation.

3. The portable workstation of claim 1, wherein the battery pack is removably mounted at the base.

4. The portable workstation of claim 1, wherein the battery pack is electrically connected to an electrical outlet at the panel for electrically connecting to the electronic device at the portable workstation.

5. The portable workstation of claim 1, wherein, as the panel is adjusted between the use position and the non-use position, the battery pack is received through the aperture.

6. The portable workstation of claim 1, wherein the battery pack is electrically connected to an electrical wire extending from the panel for electrically connecting to the electronic device at the portable workstation.

7. The portable workstation of claim 6, wherein the electrical wire comprises a USB cable.

8. The portable workstation of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises an electronic component of the portable workstation.

9. The portable workstation of claim 8, wherein the electronic component comprises one selected from the group consisting of (i) a display screen at the panel, (ii) a motor for adjusting a height of the panel relative to the base and (iii) a light source of the portable workstation.

10. The portable workstation of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises a portable electronic device.

11. The portable workstation of claim 1, wherein the panel is adjustable relative to the base to one or more intermediate positions between the use position and the non-use position.

12. The portable workstation of claim 1, wherein a plurality of battery packs are accommodated at the portable workstation, and wherein individual battery packs of the plurality of battery packs are spaced from one another at the portable workstation.

13. A portable workstation, the portable workstation comprising: a base, wherein the base includes a plurality of wheels for moving the portable workstation within an environment; a panel adjustably mounted at the base, wherein the panel is adjustable relative to the base between (i) a use position, where the panel is in a generally horizontal orientation, and (ii) a non-use position, where the panel is in a generally vertical orientation; a battery pack disposed at the base, wherein the battery pack is configured to electrically power an electronic device at the portable workstation, and wherein the battery pack is removable from the portable workstation; wherein the battery pack is electrically connected to an electrical outlet at the panel for electrically connecting to the electronic device at the portable workstation; and wherein, with the panel in the use position, the battery pack at least partially extends through an aperture in the panel, and wherein, when the panel is adjusted between the use position and the non-use position, the panel moves relative to the base and relative to the battery pack.

14. The portable workstation of claim 13, wherein, as the panel is adjusted between the use position and the non-use position, the battery pack is received through the aperture.

15. The portable workstation of claim 13, wherein the electronic device comprises a portable electronic device.

16. The portable workstation of claim 13, wherein the panel is adjustable relative to the base to one or more intermediate positions between the use position and the non-use position.

17. A portable workstation, the portable workstation comprising: a base, wherein the base includes a plurality of wheels for moving the portable workstation within an environment; a panel adjustably mounted at the base, wherein the panel is adjustable relative to the base between (i) a use position, where the panel is in a generally horizontal orientation, and (ii) a non-use position, where the panel is in a generally vertical orientation; a plurality of battery packs disposed at the base, wherein individual battery packs of the plurality of battery packs are spaced from one another at the portable workstation, and wherein the individual battery packs of the plurality of battery packs are configured to electrically power one or more electronic devices at the portable workstation; wherein the individual battery packs of the plurality of battery packs are removable from the portable workstation; and wherein, with the panel in the use position, the individual battery packs of the plurality of battery packs at least partially extend through respective apertures in the panel, and wherein, when the panel is adjusted between the use position and the non-use position, the panel moves relative to the base and relative to the plurality of battery packs.

18. The portable workstation of claim 17, wherein the individual battery packs of the plurality of battery packs are removably mounted at the base.

19. The portable workstation of claim 17, wherein, as the panel is adjusted between the use position and the non-use position, the individual battery packs of the plurality of battery packs are received through the respective apertures.

20. The portable workstation of claim 17, wherein the one or more electronic devices comprise one or more portable electronic devices.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable workstation with integrated power source and tilt-top chassis;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the portable workstation;

[0008] FIG. 3 shows the portable workstation adjusted between the use position and the non-use position;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a plurality of portable workstations in an environment;

[0010] FIG. 5 shows the portable workstation with a single seating position and configured as a sit-stand desk;

[0011] FIG. 6 shows the portable workstation with integrated touchscreen display; and

[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a charging cart with docking stations configured to charge a plurality of battery packs associated with portable workstations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Laptop computers and other portable electronic devices dominate learning and the workplace. However, laptops and other portable electronic devices typically lack enough battery capacity for an entire day's use, presenting challenges and disruptions from power loss. While laptops may be recharged and/or powered via wired connection to a wall outlet, extension cords and other charging connectors extending between the wall outlet and a work station at which the laptop is being used can create a tripping hazard or other disruption to the environment. Thus, laptops and other portable electronic devices are typically recharged at the end of the school or work day, such as at home or at a storage and charging cart. That is, portable electronic devices (e.g., that are battery powered) are frequently utilized in classroom, work spaces, and other environments where access to an external power source (e.g., a wall outlet) may be limited.

[0014] Referring now to the drawings and the illustrated embodiments depicted therein, a workstation 10 includes a work surface 12, such as a panel or tabletop, mounted at a base or chassis structure 14 and an integrated power system 16 configured to supply power to one or more electronic devices disposed at the work surface 12 (FIGS. 1 and 2). For example, the power system 16 includes one or more battery packs or energy storage devices 18 operable to provide electric power to the one or more electronic devices at the work station 10, such as via one or more outlets or ports (e.g., one or more electrical sockets and/or one or more USB ports) at the battery pack 18. Because users are able to electrically power and charge their electronic devices directly from the battery pack 18 at the workstation 10, users are able to maintain use of their electronic devices throughout work sessions (e.g., all day) without risk of disruption from power loss.

[0015] The work surface 12 may have any suitable shape, dimension and configuration. In the illustrated example, the work surface 12 comprises an arcuate shape so that users seated at respective seat positions along one side of the work surface 12 may be directed toward a common focal point (e.g., the front of a room). Optionally, the work surface 12 may have any suitable curved or circular or polygonal shape, such as a rectangle or oval. Further, the work surface 12 may be configured to accommodate any suitable number of seating positions along one or more sides of the work surface 12, such as one or more seat positions, two or more seat positions, four or more seat positions (FIGS. 1 and 2), and the like.

[0016] One or more battery packs 18 may mount at the workstation 10 to be directly accessible by users at the workstation 10. That is, portable electronic devices may electrically connect directly to the battery pack 18 via outlets or sockets at the battery pack 18. For example, the battery pack 18 may be received at a docking station disposed at or at least partially recessed into the upper surface of the work surface 12. The battery pack 18 may be disposed at a central region of the work surface 12 or between respective seat positions of the workstation 10 to provide access to charge ports at the battery pack 18 for each of the users at the workstation 10. In some examples, the workstation 10 may be equipped with a plurality of battery packs 18, such as one for each seating position, one for each pair of seating positions, and the like.

[0017] Optionally, the one or more battery packs 18 may mount below the work surface 12, such as at a lower surface of the work surface 12 or at a mounting portion of the base 14. Integrated wiring or connections may electrically connect the battery pack 18 to one or more electrical outlets or sockets accessible at the work surface 12. For example, electrical sockets may be disposed at the work surface 12 for receiving charging cords from portable electronic devices. Further, one or more charging cords 20, such as self-coiling USB-C cables or other common charging cord types, may be disposed at the work surface 12 for supplying power from the battery pack 18 to portable electronic devices. Optionally, the charging cords 20 may be accommodated within housings recessed into the work surface 12 to keep the work surface 12 clear when the charging cords 20 are not being used. The charging cords 20 may be automatically retractable into the housings. Covers or lids may be disposed across the top of the housings to retain the charging cords therein. In the illustrated example, the workstation 10 is equipped with one charging cord 20 per seating position (i.e., four charging cords for four seating positions), and the workstation 10 may be equipped with any suitable number of charging cords 20.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the work surface 12 is tiltable or pivotable relative to the base 14 between a use position, where the work surface 12 is in a generally horizontal orientation so that a user may rest belongings (e.g., portable electronic devices) on the work surface 12, and a non-use position, where the work surface 12 is in a generally vertical orientation. The work surface 12 may be movable to the non-use position to assist in storage of the workstation 10 (e.g., the workstation may have a smaller width dimension in the non-use position as compared to the use position) and/or for easier movement of the workstation 10 during reconfiguration of the layout of a work environment.

[0019] For example, the base 14 may include a frame or structure 22 for supporting the work surface 12, with casters or wheels 24 at lower ends of legs of the frame 22 to enable movement of the workstation 10 within the environment. Mounting portions or brackets 26 may be disposed at an upper portion of the frame 22 and configured to attach to the lower surface of the work surface 12. The mounting brackets 26 may be pivotable relative to the frame 22 to enable pivoting of the work surface 12 between the use and non-use positions. Further, the work surface 12 may be tiltable to any position between the use position and the non-use position (e.g., any angle between horizontal and vertical, or 360 degrees of rotation), and lockable in the intermediate position.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the battery pack 18 mounts to the frame 22, such as at a docking station disposed at the frame 22, and is accessible through an aperture 28 formed through the work surface 12. Thus, when the work surface 12 is pivoted, the battery pack 18 remains stationary at the frame 22 and the work surface 12 moves relative to the battery pack 18, such that the battery pack 18 extends through an aperture in the work surface 12 when in the use position. Optionally, the battery pack 18 may be disposed at the frame 22 beneath the work surface 12.

[0021] The battery pack 18 is removable from the workstation and replaceable or rechargeable. Because the battery pack 18 remains stationary during tilting of the work surface 12, the battery pack 18 may not need to be locked or secured in place at the frame 22, resulting in easier removal and replacement of the battery pack 18. For example, a charging cart 30 (FIG. 7) may include docking stations configured to receive and charge a plurality of battery packs 18. The charging cart 30 may accommodate up to 24 battery packs 18 or more. Thus, battery packs 18 may be removed from each workstation 10 in an environment and charged overnight at a charging cart 30 to be replaced the next day.

[0022] For example, and as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of workstations 10 may be positioned within an environment (e.g., a classroom or an office space) in a variety of configurations. That is, workstations having different configurations (e.g., different sizes and therefore number of seating positions and/or different numbers or positions of battery packs) may be positioned within the environment and the workstations may be grouped or oriented in any suitable manner relative to one another and relative to other aspects of the environment. Pivoting the work surface 12 to the non-use position may improve the maneuverability of the workstation 10 during reconfigurations of the workstations 10 in the environment.

[0023] Further, the workstation 10 may be equipped with one or more integrated electronic components, such as a display screen (e.g., a touchscreen display screen) (FIG. 6), one or more electrically operable motors for raising the work surface 12 relative to the base 14 (i.e., for sit-stand functionality), a light source, and the like. The one or more integrated electronic components may be electrically powered by the battery packs 18 disposed at the work station 10, such as via electrical connection between the docking station and the electronic component. As shown in FIG. 6, a touchscreen display 32 may be embedded with or integrally formed with or replace the work surface 12 such that the touchscreen display 32 is pivotable relative to the base 14. That is, the touchscreen display 32 is pivotable relative to the base 14 between the horizontal position and the vertical position (and any adjustable intermediate position between the horizontal position and the vertical position) such that the user may use the touchscreen display in sitting or standing positions, or in a display mode. The work surface 12 may be locked or secured at a position between the horizontal and vertical position (e.g., FIG. 6) so that a user may more easily view and/or interact with the touchscreen display 32.

[0024] Thus, the work station 10 includes a tabletop or work surface 12 pivotably mounted to the chassis structure 22 to provide tilt-top functionality. Pivoting the work surface 12 to the non-use position aids in storage and portability (i.e., for reconfiguring layouts of work environments). Battery packs 18 are disposed at the work stations 10 for electrically powering one or more portable electronic devices and/or integrated electronic devices at the work station 10. The battery packs 18 may remain stationary and/or secured relative to the base 14 as the work surface 12 is pivoted relative to the base 14 and battery pack 18, with the battery pack 18 optionally extending through an aperture in the work surface 12 with the work surface in the use position. Moreover, the battery packs 18 are removable from the work station 10 for replacement and recharging. Further, the work stations 10 may be configured in any suitable manner, such as an instructors desk sized for one seating position and with a battery pack 18 and sit-stand functionality. Self-coiling USB-C cables may provide electrical connection between the battery pack 18 and the portable electronic device at the work station 10. The battery packs 18 may provide up to 200 Wh of power or more each and are swappable without tools.

[0025] The workstation and integrated power system may include characteristics of the portable workstations, battery packs and power systems described in U.S. Publication Nos. US-2024-0402759; US-2024-0313560 and/or US-2022-0251832, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0026] Various embodiments and optional designs and accessories are disclosed and shown herein. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the various embodiments and optional designs and accessories. The dimensions and tolerances shown and discussed herein are intended to be exemplary of one or more particular designs of the assembly and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the particular embodiments disclosed herein.

[0027] Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the principles of the invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.