IP Verse

Desktop Workspace That Adjusts Vertically

Patent No. US11134774 (titled "Desktop Workspace That Adjusts Vertically") was filed by Office Kick Inc on Dec 10, 2020.

What is this patent about?

’774 is related to the field of adjustable height desk platforms designed to sit on top of existing desks. The background acknowledges the health benefits of alternating between sitting and standing during work, and notes that while full adjustable desks exist, they can be an unreasonable purchase for those who already own a desk. This invention aims to provide a more affordable and convenient solution by offering an adjustable platform that can be placed on an existing desk.

The underlying idea behind ’774 is to create a compact and easily adjustable desktop platform that raises and lowers vertically without protruding forward, thus maintaining a consistent distance between the user and the work surface. This is achieved using a scissor mechanism with pivoting arms, sliding mechanisms, and a gas spring to assist with lifting. The design also incorporates a keyboard platform that can be positioned for ergonomic use.

The claims of ’774 focus on a desktop workspace with a work surface platform, a base, and a height adjustment mechanism employing a set of pivot arms connected at a scissoring pivot point. The key elements include a base pivot point, a platform pivot point, and sliding mechanisms that enable the vertical movement. A gas spring directly attached to one of the pivot arms provides assistance in raising the platform. The claims also specify a keyboard platform that protrudes outward and downward, parallel to the work surface.

In practice, the platform sits on a desk and the user can adjust the height of the work surface by actuating the scissor mechanism. The gas spring offsets the weight of the items on the desk, making it easier to raise and lower. The sliding mechanisms ensure a smooth, vertical motion without the platform moving forward or backward. The keyboard platform provides an ergonomic typing position, and can be stowed away when not in use, maintaining a compact form factor.

This design differentiates itself from prior solutions by providing a straight vertical motion, a locking mechanism that allows for variable height settings (not just preset heights), and a compact design when lowered. The use of a gas spring provides a smooth and controlled lifting action. The addition of a keyboard platform that can be tucked away further enhances the ergonomic benefits and space-saving features of the adjustable desk platform.

How does this patent fit in bigger picture?

Technical landscape at the time

In the mid-2010s when ’774 was filed, work surfaces were typically stationary, and when adjustable height desks existed, they commonly relied on preset heights rather than continuous adjustment. At a time when hardware or software constraints made motorized height adjustment mechanisms non-trivial, designs often prioritized simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The application was subject to multiple office actions. Claims were rejected for anticipation and obviousness over prior art, and for non-statutory double patenting. Rejections were based on prior art including Baudermann, Huot de Longchamp, and Drabezyk. The applicant amended the claims, and the examiner indicated that the amendments overcame some prior rejections but necessitated new grounds for rejection. The prosecution record describes claim changes and technical reasoning that led to a final rejection.

Claims

This patent contains 15 claims, with claims 1, 8, and 12 being independent. The independent claims are directed to a vertically adjustable desktop workspace comprising a work surface platform, a keyboard platform, a base, and a height adjustment mechanism that includes pivot arms, sliding mechanisms, and a gas spring. The dependent claims generally add further details and limitations to the elements and configurations 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 8, Claim 12)		“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. ”A spring directly attached to one of the set of pivot arms through an arm pivot point to provide a force to assist in elevation of the work surface platform.
Height adjustment mechanism
(Claim 1, Claim 8, Claim 12)		“The Desktop Workspace That Adjusts Vertically includes a height adjustment mechanism configured to assist in raising the work surface platform parallel to the surface it sits on, without moving back and forth or left to right; keeping the individual using the device from having to move backward to use the work surface platform when it is in a raised position. 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 mechanism connecting the work surface platform and the base, including a set of pivot arms that connect at a scissoring pivot point to raise and lower the work surface platform.
Keyboard platform
(Claim 1, Claim 8, Claim 12)		“The Desktop Workspace That Adjusts Vertically may include ancillary devices such as a monitor raiser, an external keyboard holder, mouse holder, cable organizer, or other devices.”A platform positioned to protrude out, down, and parallel to the work surface platform.
Set of pivot arms
(Claim 1, Claim 8, Claim 12)		“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. 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.”Arms that connect at a scissoring pivot point creating a scissoring motion when raising and lowering the work surface platform to various heights.
Work surface platform
(Claim 1, Claim 8, Claim 12)		“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 holding objects 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.

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US11134774

OFFICE KICK INC
Application Number
US17118599
Filing Date
Dec 10, 2020
Status
Granted
Expiry Date
Jan 23, 2036
External Links
Slate, USPTO, Google Patents