Standing Desk Surface Extension Solutions
13 patents in this list
Updated:
Modern standing desks face significant space constraints when users need additional work surfaces. Standard desk footprints typically range from 48" x 24" to 60" x 30", leaving limited room for tasks requiring temporary expansion—such as document sorting, collaborative work, or multi-device setups. Current fixed-surface solutions often compromise desk stability or obstruct height adjustment mechanisms.
The engineering challenge centers on creating expandable work surfaces that maintain structural integrity during height transitions while allowing quick deployment and storage.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including modular attachment systems, collapsible platforms with interlocking supports, telescoping surface extensions, and portable conversion units. These and other approaches focus on practical implementations that preserve desk stability and height-adjustment functionality while providing flexible workspace expansion.
1. Modular Workstation with Independently Adjustable Telescoping Sections Forming Circular Work Surface
UNIFOR S.P.A., 2023
A modular workstation that can adapt to different user needs and requirements by allowing customization of work surface size and height. The workstation has a base with a processing unit and power plug. Four telescoping sections extend from the base to form a circular work surface. Each section has its user interface. The sections can be adjusted independently for different user heights. This allows multiple users with varying needs to use the same workstation without compromising comfort. The circular configuration saves space compared to a fixed multi-seat station.
2. Adjustable Desk with Modular Attachment System and Height-Adjustable Core Body
Mateo Goods Co., 2023
Adjustable desk with modular attachments that allow customization and flexibility in configuration. The desk has a core body with left and right support structures. The work surface is mounted on the core body. Modular attachments like monitor arms, shelves, etc. can be attached to the support structures using brackets. This allows users to add/remove accessories as needed and adjust their workspace layout. The desk can also be height-adjustable. The modular design allows for easy reconfiguration of the desk setup without needing to replace the entire desk.
3. Benching System with Main and End Brackets for Connecting Vertically Adjustable Desks
SQUARE GROVE LLC, 2023
Joining multiple vertically adjustable desks into a single configuration without modifying the individual desks. The benching system involves connecting the desks using a main bracket on the legs of each desk and end brackets on opposing legs. This allows joining the desks side-by-side or front-to-front without disassembling or replacing the adjustable leg mechanisms.
4. Cordless Height-Adjustable Table with Motorized Central Column and Rechargeable Battery System
Kelly Burrows, Brian Mangubat, James Kim, 2022
Cordless height-adjustable table with a rechargeable lithium battery pack. The table has a central column connected to an electric motor and battery housed in the base. Vertical legs at each corner support the tabletop. Extensions can be added to increase the size. The table can be raised or lowered by the motorized central column using buttons on the table surface. The lithium battery powers the motor for cordless adjustment.
5. Telescoping Collapsible Workstation with Integrated Device Cooling and Adjustable Height
James N. Asante, 2020
Collapsible, portable workstations that can be easily set up and taken down without tools, fold compactly, and can be used while standing or sitting. The workstation has a telescoping frame that collapses into a compact size for portability. It also has built-in cooling and ventilation for electronic devices. The telescoping frame allows adjustment of height for comfortable ergonomics. The workstation can be used in its collapsed state for brief periods like at the airport, or fully set up at a desk or on-the-go.
6. Adjustable Desk with Slide Rail-Mounted Movable Furniture Attachments
Pei Ying Lin, 2020
An adjustable desk that allows office furniture like keyboard holders and drawers to move along slide rails on the desk bottom. This allows the furniture to be positioned based on the user's seating location, improving desk utilization and ergonomics compared to fixed furniture. The furniture connects to sliding members in the rails.
7. Portable Collapsible Desk with Rotatable Surface and Adjustable Components
Arie Berkovitz, 2020
Portable collapsible desk for notebook computers that can be quickly deployed in multiple configurations for use in various situations. The desk has a base, column, rotatable desk surface, and armrest. The desk can be extended, rotated, and angled. It collapses into a compact size for transport. The desk also has a drawer, notebook compartment, and stabilizing pivot. This allows using the desk on sofas/chairs, collapsing for portability, and adjusting height/angle.
8. Collapsible Platform with Interlocking Jointed Support Panels for Desk Conversion
Upright Kids LLC, 2018
Collapsible platform to convert a regular desk into a standing desk with a larger work surface suitable for tasks like handwriting and sketching. The collapsible platform has a work panel with a larger work surface and a support arrangement that collapses to change between assembled and collapsed states. The support panels segment and connect with joints. In the assembled state, they interlock and slide together. In the collapsed state, they disconnect and slide apart. This allows easy assembly and disassembly. The collapsible platform can be stored under the regular desk when not in use.
9. Portable Workstation Device with Removable Table Unit and Sliding Tray Mechanism for Tabletop Attachment
Lori Getz, 2018
A workstation device that allows a computer desk to be attached to an existing tabletop. The workstation has a removable table unit that can be coupled to a flat surface like a tabletop. It also has a sliding tray unit that can move between a stored position and a deployed position relative to the table unit. This allows an object like a computer monitor to be placed on the table unit and a keyboard and mouse on the sliding tray when working at an existing table instead of having a separate computer desk. The removable table unit can be easily attached and removed from different tables, making it a portable workstation.
10. Triangular Ergonomic Desk with Curved Front and Modular Hexagonal Configuration Capability
David Mata Valdes, Carlos Riquelme Ruiz, 2016
Ergonomic adjustable desk designed for collaborative workspaces that allows multiple desks to be combined into a hexagonal configuration for easy collaboration. The desk has a unique triangular shape with a curved front edge that surrounds the user. It also has adjustable features like height, angle, and footrest position controlled by a touchscreen device. The modular design allows multiple desks to connect and form a shared workspace with users seated adjacent to each other.
11. Foldable Telescoping Computer Table with Suction Attachment and Keyboard Tray
Joseph D. Nafziger, Benjamin A. Larson, 2014
A lightweight, portable adjustable computer table that can be folded and slid under a regular desk to convert it into a standing desk. The table has telescoping legs with adjustable height, suction cups for secure desk attachment, a foldable design, and a keyboard tray. It allows ergonomic adjustment for standing work sessions while preserving desk space.
12. Modular Desk System with Connectable Components and Interchangeable Storage Nests
Paragon Furniture LP, 2011
Modular desk system with easily connectable and interchangeable components for creating customized workstations. The system allows linking and securing desk units together using magnets, latches, fasteners, etc. on side brackets. It also provides interchangeable storage nests for electronic devices like laptops, monitors, etc. The nests have removable inserts and supports to accommodate various devices. This enables flexible desk configurations and easy swapping of storage compartments.
13. Workstation Stand with Foldable Feet, Upright Supports, and Adjustable Mounting Points
SAMUEL HAN, Shannon Lundrigan, Matko Papic, 2010
A versatile workstation that can support equipment and accessories at multiple positions while also being easily transportable and storable. The workstation has a stand with foldable feet, two upright supports, a connecting lateral support with adjustable mounting points, and two foldable bases to keep the stand upright. The adjustable mounting points allow equipment to be positioned at various horizontal and vertical levels. This flexibility in configuration provides customization options for the user's needs while also being collapsible and portable due to the foldable feet and bases.
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Many ways to address the surface expansion of standing workstations are demonstrated by the patents mentioned here. Adaptable designs or detachable accessories are examples of modular solutions. Collapsible and height-adjustable models are among those that emphasize portability and user-friendliness.