IP Verse

Desktop Workspace That Adjusts Vertically

Patent No. US11140977 (titled "Desktop Workspace That Adjusts Vertically") was filed by Office Kick Inc on Dec 11, 2020.

What is this patent about?

’977 is related to the field of adjustable furniture, specifically desktop platforms designed to convert existing stationary desks into standing desks. The background acknowledges the health benefits of alternating between sitting and standing during work, and the limitations of existing solutions like purchasing an entirely new adjustable desk. The invention aims to improve upon existing adjustable desk platforms that sit on top of existing desks.

The underlying idea behind ’977 is to provide a compact and easily adjustable desktop platform that can be placed on an existing desk to allow users to switch between sitting and standing positions. This is achieved using a scissor mechanism with pivoting arms that raise and lower the work surface in a substantially vertical motion, without requiring the user to move backward as the platform elevates. A gas spring assists in lifting the platform, and a locking mechanism secures it at the desired height.

The claims of ’977 focus on a desktop workspace with a work surface platform and a height adjustment mechanism. This mechanism uses two sets of arms connected at pivot points to create a scissoring motion. The claims specify sliding mechanisms, including wheels, on the ends of the arms, and a gas spring attached to an element connecting the arms to assist in lifting the platform. Claim 22 adds a keyboard tray mechanism that can be positioned for use or stored under the work surface.

In practice, the user places the adjustable desktop workspace on their existing desk. When they want to stand, they release the locking mechanism and the gas spring assists in raising the work surface to a comfortable height. The scissor mechanism ensures that the work surface moves vertically without protruding outwards, maintaining a consistent distance between the user and their monitor. The wheels on the sliding mechanisms allow for smooth and easy adjustment, and the keyboard tray provides an ergonomic typing position.

The invention differentiates itself from prior solutions by providing a more compact design when lowered, a straight vertical motion of the work surface, and a locking mechanism that doesn't limit the work surface to preset heights. The use of a gas spring provides smooth and assisted lifting, while the scissor mechanism with specific sliding mechanisms ensures stability and ease of adjustment. The optional keyboard tray further enhances the ergonomic benefits of the adjustable workspace.

How does this patent fit in bigger picture?

Technical landscape at the time

In the mid-2010s when ’977 was filed, work surfaces were typically stationary, and when adjustable height desks were available, they commonly relied on mechanical systems rather than motorized assistance. At a time when hardware or software constraints made achieving straight vertical motion in adjustable platforms non-trivial, designs often resulted in the work surface protruding towards the user when elevated.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The application was subject to a final rejection. Claims were rejected for obviousness over prior art and for nonstatutory double patenting over related patents. Arguments were presented by the applicant but were not persuasive to the examiner. The prosecution record does describe claim changes and technical reasoning that led to the rejection.

Claims

This patent contains 32 claims, with independent claims 1, 13, and 22. The independent claims are directed to a vertically adjustable desktop workspace comprising a work surface platform and a height adjustment mechanism with scissoring arms and a gas spring; claim 22 further includes a keyboard tray mechanism. 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 13, Claim 22)		“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 attached to the element that connects the two sets of arms to provide a force to assist in elevation of the work surface platform, wherein the gas spring extends between the work surface platform and the element that connects the two sets of arms.
Height adjustment mechanism
(Claim 1, Claim 13, Claim 22)		“A height adjustment mechanism allows the work surface platform to raise and lower to the desired height of the operator. This desktop workspace includes at least one set of arms as part of the height adjustment mechanism that utilizes a scissor motion to move the work surface platform up and down. 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.”A mechanism that allows the work surface platform to raise and lower relative to an existing platform.
Keyboard tray mechanism
(Claim 22)		“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 mechanism configured to hold a keyboard platform in a position that protrudes out, down, and parallel to the work surface platform and to allow the keyboard platform to be stored under the work surface platform.
Scissoring pivot points
(Claim 1, Claim 13, Claim 22)		“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. 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. Arms 16 & 18 are connected at some point along their shafts at pivot point 28.”The points at which two sets of arms connect, creating a scissoring motion when raising and lowering the work surface platform.
Work surface platform
(Claim 1, Claim 13, Claim 22)		“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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US11140977

OFFICE KICK INC
Application Number
US17118603
Filing Date
Dec 11, 2020
Status
Granted
Expiry Date
Jan 23, 2036
External Links
Slate, USPTO, Google Patents