42 patents in this list

Updated:

Modern office spaces face significant constraints, with average workspace footprints shrinking from 225 square feet per employee in 2010 to 151 square feet in 2022. Standing desks, while beneficial for worker health, traditionally require fixed floor space and often lack the adaptability needed for dynamic environments where space utilization must be optimized hourly or daily.

The fundamental challenge lies in creating desk structures that can transform between compact and functional states while maintaining stability and user ergonomics across all configurations.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including synchronized height adjustment mechanisms, tool-free assembly systems, interlocking modular components, and sliding rail configurations for peripheral attachments. These and other approaches focus on maximizing space efficiency while preserving the core functionality and ergonomic benefits of standing desks.

1. Workstation with Vertically Adjustable Tabletop and Modular Above-Surface Storage System

InterMetro Industries Corporation, 2024

A configurable workstation with an adjustable tabletop height and modular above-surface storage options. The workstation has a vertically adjustable tabletop supported by a flexible support structure with interchangeable posts. This allows customizing the table height for seated, standing, or mixed tasks. Above the tabletop, the storage modules can be swapped in and out to accommodate different accessories and items. The interchangeable posts and modular storage enable configuring the workstation for various work environments and tasks without needing multiple customized workstations.

US2024245211A1-patent-drawing

2. Foldable Computer Desk with Crossbeam and Storage Boards Integrating Slot-Folding Base Frames

重庆福瑞兰达科技有限公司, CHONGQING FREELAND TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023

Compact foldable computer desk that can be easily stored and transported when not in use. The desk has two base frames connected by a crossbeam and storage boards. The base frames have fixed plates with slots that allow them to fold inward. Baffles between the plates prevent the frames from collapsing completely. The crossbeam and storage boards can also be folded and stored inside the frames. The desk can be unfolded for use by separating the folded crossbeam and sliding out the boards.

CN108937124B-patent-drawing

3. Folding Student Desk with Pivoting Surface, Ratchet-Based Height Adjustment, and Integrated Storage Components

深圳联龙教育科技有限公司, 2023

A student desk with folding function that has enough storage space and is easy to adjust in height. The desk has a folding mechanism that allows the desk surface to pivot upwards and tuck into the frame. This creates a compact desk when not in use. The desk also has a height adjustment mechanism using ratchets and springs. The desk has a place frame between the folding mechanism tops with a removable tray. It also has a sliding discharge box, a telescopic support section, and a stabilizing component. The desk can fold, adjust height, and have ample storage.

CN113349560B-patent-drawing

4. Collapsible Desk with Adjustable Legs and Integrated Storage Compartments

上海华森葳教育用品有限公司, SHANGHAI HUASENWEI EDUCATION PRODUCTS CO LTD, 2023

A collapsible desk design that can be compactly stored when not in use, provides more functionality, and addresses issues with traditional desks. The desk has a top section, a middle collapsible support section, and a bottom section. The collapsible middle section has adjustable legs that can extend and retract. This allows the desk to be folded up into a compact configuration for storage. It also provides flexibility in adjusting the desk height. The bottom section can contain storage compartments. The collapsible design saves space when not in use and allows the desk to be customized to different heights.

CN106360997B-patent-drawing

5. Desk System with Tool-Free Assembly and Integrated Top-Access Storage Compartment

Poppin, Inc., 2022

A desk system designed for easy assembly, reducing time and eliminating the need for special tools while providing customization options without increasing manufacturing costs. The desk features an internal storage compartment accessible from the top surface, suitable for holding items like phones and cables. This design allows assembly without external hardware or tools. Additionally, the desk can expand to accommodate multiple users in open workspace environments.

US20220338618A1-patent-drawing

6. Collapsible Standing Desk with Tool-Free Securing Mechanism and Perpendicular Packing Configuration

LOPEZ JOSE MARIA MINAN, LOPEZ JOSÉ MARIA MINAN, WOLLNY RAFAEL S, 2022

A collapsible standing desk that allows easy transportation and setup without tools. The desk has a stand, work surface, and securing elements that can be configured in different orientations for packing and transportation. In the assembled position, the stand is set up on a base surface and the work surface is secured to it at a distance. In the collapsed position, the work surface and stand are arranged perpendicularly for packing. Securing elements lock the parts together in both positions. This allows the desk to be compactly stored and transported, then quickly set up at a new location without tools.

DE102021109611A1-patent-drawing

7. Desk System with L-Shaped Surface, Adjustable Keyboard Tray, and U-Shaped Configuration with Unobstructed Movement

Abhishek Parekh, 2022

An ergonomic and efficient desk system designed to support both paper and paperless workflows while promoting good physical health. The desk features an L-shaped work surface with a cutout in the corner. A keyboard tray slides into the cutout and can be moved forward and backward, allowing the user to position the keyboard comfortably relative to the main work surface, thereby reducing strain and fatigue compared to a fixed keyboard. The desk also has a U-shaped configuration with a corner piece, side pieces, and a separate middle piece, enabling easy movement between the sides without obstructions. The desk frame includes horizontal supports that connect the vertical legs without impeding side-to-side movement.

8. Expandable Workstation with Vertically Movable Carriage and Pivoting Front Panel

WERXCO PTY LTD, 2022

A stowable workstation that can be compactly stored in a small footprint and then expanded to provide a full-sized workspace. The workstation has panels and side pillars that form a rectangular enclosure when stowed. In this configuration, the carriage with workstation equipment is at a lower position. To expand, the top panel lifts, the carriage moves vertically, and the front panel pivots outwardly. This exposes an opening for the equipment to pass through and extends the front panel to form a desk surface. The panels and upper portions of the side pillars define an open cabinet above the desk.

9. Modular Workstation Assembly with Detachable and Configurable Modules for Adjustable Height and Storage

Garth Hubert, 2022

Modular workstation assembly that can be configured in multiple styles with detachable modules for flexible workspaces. The assembly includes a desk module, upper cabinet module, lateral cabinet modules, and door modules that hinge between open and closed positions. The modules can be coupled sequentially to form workstations with features like sitting/standing height, shelving, hidden storage, and portable mobility. The modular design allows customization, disassembly, and assembly with minimal tools.

US20220273098A1-patent-drawing

10. Modular Desk and Table Assembly with Adjustable Sliding Channel and Support System

Steelcase Inc., 2022

Desk and table assembly system that allows easy configuration and reconfiguration into different workstation arrangements using a small number of components. The system has adjustable channel members that can slide between fixed locations on the legs. This allows wires to pass through the leg openings when the channels are aligned. The channel members also provide wire management. The adjustable channels allow flexibility in workstation layouts. The system also has adjustable support surfaces that can slide between fixed locations on the legs. This allows wire-passing alignment. The adjustable channels and supports allow easy reconfiguration into different workstation arrangements using a small number of components.

US11317716B2-patent-drawing

11. Modular Desk System with Central Attachment Frame and Interchangeable Components Using Threaded Holes and Magnetic Connections

Jacob Atherton, Dennis Shaw, 2022

Modular desk system with interchangeable components that allows users to easily customize and reconfigure their desks as their needs change. The system uses a central attachment frame that can be modified by adding/removing components like legs, storage compartments, and desktop surfaces. The frame has threaded holes and magnets to attach the components in various orientations. This allows users to mix and match components to create customized desks without needing new furniture.

12. Foldable Desk with Offset Leg Configuration and Integrated Storage Features

TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, UNIV TSINGHUA, 2022

Foldable desk that allows easy stacking, storage, and transportation compared to traditional desks. The foldable desk has a frame with front legs further apart than the rear legs. This allows multiple desks to stack vertically without interference. The rear legs are also located within the desk surface coverage. This enables stacking without misalignment. The desk also has hanging baskets on the frame and grooves on the desk surface to hold them. This adds storage space. The desk frame has connectors inside for attaching the board, which allows easy disassembly for transport.

13. Foldable Desk with Asymmetric Leg Configuration for Compact Stacking and Seamless Splicing

TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, UNIV TSINGHUA, 2022

Foldable desk design that allows for compact storage while maintaining seamless desk-to-desk splicing when multiple desks are stacked. The foldable desk has a frame with front legs farther apart than the rear legs, allowing the desk to fold by collapsing the front legs. This allows the desk to be stacked vertically with other folded desks without gaps between them. The rear legs remain spaced closer together for stability. The table board is fixed to the frame.

14. Interlocking Furniture System with Tool-less Assembly Using Rotatable Bracket Mechanism

Knoll, Inc., 2021

Adjustable furniture system with interlocking components that allow easy installation and configuration of workstations without tools or fasteners. The furniture system has a main beam with interlocking side panels and attachment brackets. The side panels have projections that interlock with teeth on the brackets. The brackets slide into the beam groove and rotate to lock. This allows tool-less attachment and disassembly of the furniture components. The interlocking joints enable adjustable configuration of the furniture without needing screws or bolts.

US20210396258A1-patent-drawing

15. Stowable Workstation with Pivoting Panels and Vertical Carriage for Equipment Access

WERXCO PTY LTD, 2021

Stowable workstation that can be compactly stored against a wall when not in use, then quickly deployed into a functional workstation configuration. The workstation has panels and side pillars forming a rectangular enclosure in the stowed position. When deployed, the panels pivot and the carriage moves vertically to expose an opening. This allows equipment to be hoisted through the opening and the front panel extends outward to form a desk surface.

16. Foldable Office Workstation with Hinged Panels and Tubular Frame System

MUTHESIUS KUNSTHOCHSCHULE, 2021

Foldable, portable office workstation that can be easily assembled, disassembled, transported and stored. The workstation has a foldable design with two panels connected by a hinge. Each panel attaches to a tubular frame system. This allows the workstation to be quickly configured, packed up, moved and set up again. The foldable design enables compact storage and transportation compared to fixed desks. It provides basic functionalities like lighting and power supply in a flexible and service-friendly manner.

17. Stowable Workstation with Vertically Extending Side Pillars and Pivoting Front Panel

WERXCO PTY LTD, 2021

Stowable workstation that can be compactly stored and then deployed to a larger size when needed. The workstation has panels and side pillars that form a closed enclosure when stowed. To deploy, the panels open, the carriage moves vertically, and the front panel pivots outward. This creates a larger work area with the carriage hoisting equipment through an opening. The side pillars have upper portions that move vertically relative to fixed lower portions during deployment. This allows the upper portions to extend to a higher position and the front panel to extend horizontally to create a larger desk surface. The upper and lower portions of the side pillars also define an open cabinet above the desk.

AU2021104938A4-patent-drawing

18. Integrated Desk with Telescopic Support, Movable Tabletop, and Foldable Frame

HUISEN FURNITURE CO LTD, HUISEN FURNITURE LONGNAN CO LTD, 2021

A multi-functional and multi-style integrated desk that allows adjustable height, movable tabletop, foldable frame, and compact storage. The desk has a telescopic support column, movable tabletop, and foldable frame. The column allows height adjustment with locking pins. The tabletop slides forward/backward with the column. The frame folds/extends using sliding rails and hinges. This provides customizable desk size, height, and storage compactness.

19. Folding Desk with Rotating Hinged Extension and Integrated Item Grooves

FENG ZHULIN, 2021

A multifunctional folding desk with a foldable extension that expands the workspace when needed. The desk has a fixed main desk and a folding extension attached on one side. The extension is connected to the main desk by rotating hinges. The extension has a pair of support frames that connect to the main desk frame via rotating hinges. This allows the extension to fold up against the main desk when not in use. The top of the extension has grooves to hold items in place. The folding mechanism provides extra workspace without taking up floor space when not needed.

CN213030196U-patent-drawing

20. Desk with Extendable and Retractable Modular Desktop Configuration

ANHUI SUN CREATE ELECTRONIC CO LTD, 2021

A movable desk with an extendable desktop that can be easily adapted to different workspace needs. The desk has a fixed base and a movable top section that can extend out. The movable top has an extendable section that can be activated to increase the desk size. This allows the user to expand the workspace without needing a separate larger desk. The movable top can be retracted when not in use to conserve space. The desk's modular design enables flexible configuration options for different work scenarios.

21. Foldable Desk with Rotating Table Boards, Sliding Storage Boxes, and Folding Legs Incorporating Spring-Loaded and Rotating Connections

22. Desk with Slide Rail System for Movable Furniture Attachment

23. Mobile Standing Desk with Rotating Support Frame and Sliding Height Adjustment Mechanism

24. Modular Workspace System with Tool-Free Reconfigurable Base Components and Interchangeable Accessory Interfaces

25. Foldable Height-Adjustable Desk with Synchronous Link Mechanism for One-Handed Operation

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The innovative designs for foldable and modular standing desks are demonstrated in these patents. There are several inventions that ease assembly, such as mechanisms that don't require tools. Others take care of ergonomic requirements; these include integrated wire management or movable keyboard trays.