IP Verse

Desktop Workspace That Adjusts Vertically

Patent No. US11134773 (titled "Desktop Workspace That Adjusts Vertically") was filed by Office Kick Inc on Feb 9, 2020.

What is this patent about?

’773 is related to the field of adjustable height desks, specifically a desktop platform that can be placed on an existing desk to allow a user to easily switch between sitting and standing positions. The background acknowledges the health benefits of alternating between sitting and standing, and notes that while full adjustable desks exist, they can be an unreasonable expense for those who already own a desk. This invention aims to provide a more affordable and convenient solution.

The underlying idea behind ’773 is to create a compact and easily adjustable desktop platform that utilizes a scissor mechanism to raise and lower the work surface. This mechanism allows for a straight vertical motion, preventing the platform from protruding outwards as it is raised. The design incorporates a locking mechanism for securing the platform at various heights and can be easily placed on an existing desk.

The claims of ’773 focus on a desktop workspace with a work surface platform, a keyboard platform, a base, and a height adjustment mechanism. The height adjustment mechanism includes pivot arms connected at a scissoring pivot point, a base pivot point, a platform pivot point, a sliding mechanism, and a gas spring attached to one of the pivot arms to assist in raising the work surface platform. Claim 11 removes the base and connects directly to an existing platform. Claim 16 replaces the gas spring with a pair of springs.

In practice, the scissor mechanism consists of two arms connected at a central pivot point. One end of each arm is connected to either the base or the work surface platform via a pivot, while the other end slides along a track or channel. As the arms pivot, the work surface platform moves vertically. The gas spring provides assistance in lifting the platform, reducing the effort required by the user. A separate keyboard platform is included that protrudes outward and downward, providing an ergonomic typing position.

This design differentiates itself from prior solutions by providing a compact and stable adjustable platform. The scissor mechanism ensures a straight vertical motion, unlike some designs where the platform moves forward as it rises. The use of a gas spring provides smooth and controlled height adjustment. The addition of a keyboard platform further enhances the ergonomic benefits of the design. The compact design allows the device to be lowered to a minimal height when not in use.

How does this patent fit in bigger picture?

Technical landscape at the time

In the mid-2010s when ’773 was filed, at a time when work surfaces were typically stationary, hardware or software constraints made adjustable height platforms non-trivial. At a time when X was typically implemented using Y, systems commonly relied on Z rather than A.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The claims were rejected in a non-final office action. The rejections were based on anticipation and obviousness-type double patenting. The applicant amended the claims, but the examiner issued a final rejection. The prosecution record does NOT describe the technical reasoning or specific claim changes that led to allowance.

Claims

This patent contains 23 claims, of which claims 1, 11, and 16 are independent. The independent claims are directed to a desktop workspace that adjusts vertically, focusing on the structural components and height adjustment mechanisms, including pivot arms, sliding mechanisms, and gas springs. The dependent claims generally elaborate on and add detail to the features described in the independent claims.

Key Claim Terms New

Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.

Term (Source)Support for SpecificationInterpretation
Gas spring
(Claim 1, Claim 11, Claim 16)		“An element or mechanism such as a spring or motor is configured to provide a force to assist in the elevation of the work surface platform. The height adjustment mechanism(s) may include items such as springs, gas springs, shock absorbers, an electric motor(s), or a linear actuator(s).”A spring that uses compressed gas to provide a force to assist in the elevation of the work surface platform.
Keyboard platform
(Claim 1, Claim 11, Claim 16)		“The examples show that platform 10 is a work surface platform that supports desk items; for example, monitors, tablets, Computers, notebooks, and other objects. The height adjustment example 14 includes at least one set of two arms 16 & 18.”A platform positioned to protrude out, down, and parallel to the work surface platform.
Scissoring pivot point
(Claim 1, Claim 11, Claim 16)		“Arms 16 & 18 are connected at some point along their shafts at pivot point 28. These pivoting arms connect at pivot points 24 and 26 on one end and slide along a sliding mechanism 20 or 22 at pivot and sliding point 30 or 32. The arms pivot at 28, arm 16 slides along 20 and arm 18 slides along 22, creating a scissor motion to allow the work surface platform 10 to move up and down.”The point at which the set of pivot arms connect, creating a scissoring motion when raising and lowering the work surface platform.
Set of pivot arms
(Claim 1, Claim 11, Claim 16)		“The Desktop Workspace That Adjusts Vertically includes at least one set of two arms that connect along their lengths at a pivot point, allowing a scissoring motion, which is part of the method for raising and lowering the work surface platform. FIGS. 1, 1B, 1C, 2, 2B, 2C, 6, 7, 7B, 9, and 10C show examples of The Desktop Workspace That Adjusts Vertically an assembled state. As shown, the desktop workspace includes a work surface platform 10, a base 12, and a height adjustment mechanism 14 residing between the work surface platform 10 and base 12.”Two or more arms connected at a scissoring pivot point, enabling a scissoring motion to raise and lower the work surface platform.
Work surface platform
(Claim 1, Claim 11, Claim 16)		“The Desktop Workspace That Adjusts Vertically, also referred to as the “desktop workspace” in this document, includes a device and a method to raise and lower a platform that is part of the device. An exemplary use of the device is a work surface such as a desk, which can be moved to a desired vertical position. For example, the platform could hold objects such as a laptop, monitor, tablet, keyboard, mouse, and other desk items such as a stapler.”A platform that acts as a work surface, capable of supporting items such as a laptop, monitor, tablet, keyboard, mouse, and other desk items.

Litigation Cases New

US Latest litigation cases involving this patent.

Case NumberFiling DateTitle
1:25-cv-07157Jun 26, 2025Bestergo Inc. v. CKnapp Sales, Inc.
2:25-cv-01568Feb 24, 2025EP Family Corp. v. Office Kick, Inc.
4:21-cv-00368Dec 31, 2021Factory Direct Wholesale, LLC v. Office Kick, Inc. et al

Patent Family

Patent Family

File Wrapper

The dossier documents provide a comprehensive record of the patent's prosecution history - including filings, correspondence, and decisions made by patent offices - and are crucial for understanding the patent's legal journey and any challenges it may have faced during examination.

  • Date

    Description

  • Get instant alerts for new documents

US11134773

OFFICE KICK INC
Application Number
US16785647
Filing Date
Feb 9, 2020
Status
Granted
Expiry Date
Jan 23, 2036
External Links
Slate, USPTO, Google Patents