Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCTlUS96/18827
MODULAR DESK AND DESK SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE tNVENT10N
The present invention relates generally to systems for
configuring and equipping workstation environments, and in particular, to a
modular desk for use in such a system.
Large open office spaces are commonly partitioned into
workstations through the use of wall panel systems. Panel systems typically
consist of free standing panels that are joined together in a spatial pattern
to
define the desired sub-area or workstation space. Each workstation space is
then supplied with individual workstation components such as desks, fiie-
cabinets and storage space. Some of these workstation components are
attached directly to and supported by the panels. To facilitate planning and
installation of the panels and componentry, and to reduce inventory costs,
panel systems are usually modular, meaning that the components, i.e.,
panels, desks, cabinets, etc., have uniform dimensions which allow for
interchangeability. In addition to providing a divided work space, panel
systems also typically provide cable management systems for power and
data transmission cables.
Although useful, ofFce panel systems lack a certain degree of
versatility and flexibility. Most importantly, they can be difficult to
disassemble, reconfigure and reassemble. Indeed, a skilled mechanic may
be needed to reconfigure certain panel workstations. In the modern office
environment, however, workstations can require frequent reconfiguration as
new work projects evolve, thereby requiring new work environments. In
addition, it is often desired to maintain an open work environment, without
the
interference of walls or panels, so as to facilitate communication between
team members using the workstation.
To counter some of these problems, some office space
environments employ free standing desk systems and storage units, which
can be organized into workstations that promote team work and open
' communication. Because each free standing furniture unit is independently
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/CTS96/18827
supported on the floor of an open office space, they typically are easy to
relocate and require minimal disassembly. However, many free standing
desk systems are not equipped for the modern office environment. With
electronic technology being a big part of most work environments, office
furniture systems must be responsive to managing such key functions as
energy distribution, cable management, outlet access, and equipment
support. Most desk systems do not accommodate these many needs. For
example, most desk systems do not have their own power distribution
systems. Thus, to provide power to various office equipment, such as
IO computers, each desk in the system must be located near an outlet.
Alternatively, some free standing systems use a separate power
trunk system which runs adjacent to the base of a desk or a system of desks,
typically by positioning the unit between abutting desks, as shown in U.S.
Patent No. 5,220,871, issued to Grund et al. However, in order to supply
IS power to abutting desks, the power system extends beyond the rear surface
of the desk, thereby interfering with the modularity of the system. Moreover,
when the power unit is positioned at the base of the desk or desk system,
power cables running to the outlets are visible and can either interfere with
the user's feet, if located under the worksurface, or pose a tripping hazard,
if
20 located behind the desk. In addition, installation of separate power trunks
can be time consuming and difficult, as the layout of the power system must
be done prior to and in anticipation of the installation of the desk. system.
Modern free standing desks also require certain cable
management capabilities. Without cable management, computer and phone
25 cables can be exposed, becoming both an eyesore as well as a potential
hazard. When managed in some sort of system, cables can be hidden as
well as organized. Moreover, desk systems often do not allow for cables to
be passed from one desk to another. Rather, the desks typically include a
sidewalk which prevents cable passage from one desk to the next. Desk
30 systems which do provide a continuous passage for cables, are generally
limited in space and carrying capacity.
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
3
Free standing desks also typically do not have overhead
storage units such as those mounted to panel systems above individual work
surfaces. Those free standing desks which do provide overhead units, such
as those shown in Grund et al., provide for those units to be attached to and
to extend from the support leg structure. However, if the worksurface
member is made height adjustable, the overhead unit does not move with the
worksurface and the distance between the worksurface and overhead unit is
not maintained as a constant. As a result, objects placed on the worksurtace
member may interfere with the overhead as the worksurface member is
moved upwardly.
Free standing desk systems are typically installed by abutting
two adjacent desks together, or by abutting a desk up against a system panel
or a rigid wall. Generally, an installer will attempt to Line up the desks to
provide an organized workstation whereby the fronts of the desks appear as a
smooth and continuous line. However, when it is desired to install an object
between two abutting desks, such as a privacy screen or overhead storage
unit, the desks may have to be separated or moved away from each other to
provide room for the installation of the additional component. Similarly, when
cables are run from a worksurface to the space behind a desk, any adjacent
desk or other surface may have to be separated from the workstation to
provide clearance for the cables. Thus, the desks can become disorganized,
and the smooth appearance of the workstation can be interrupted as the units
are shifted to accommodate the various needs of the system.
In essence, typical free-standing desk systems are not modular,
i.e., they lack a certain degree of dimensional stability when certain
componentry is added to the system. In modern office environments, where
workstations are constantly being reconfigured with new components, a non-
modular system can quickly become disorganized and aesthetically
displeasing.
Moreover, free standing desks, which have a back panel
substantially closing off the entirety of the space formed between the
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCTNS96/18827
worksurf'ace member and the floor, can also interfere with the modularity of a
system, as well as decrease the openness of the system. For example, the
back panel can interfere with objects protruding from an adjacent wall. Thus,
a user would be unable to abut a desk, having a back panel, up against a wall
that has an outlet protruding from it. Conversely, the back panel can cover up
outlets positioned in adjacent walls, thereby preventing access for plugs
extending from various electronic equipment. Finally, a back panel typically
limits the ability of a user to pass cables or other items between adjacent
desks having rear surtaces abutting each other.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the invention is directed to a modular desk
positioned on a floor. The modular desk has a worksurtace member, a pair of
legs and a module maintainer. The worksurface member has a front edge, a
back edge, a top surface and a bottom surface. Each leg is attached to the
bottom surface of the worksurface member and has a rear surtace. The
module maintainer includes a pair of support members, each having a base
section and an arm extending rearwardly and upwardly from the base section,
and a vertical wall. The vertical wall extends between the arms of the support
members and is parallel to and substantially the same length as the back
edge of the worksurface member. The wall is spaced rearwardly from the
back edge of the worksurface member to thereby allow for the passage of
cables between the vertical wall and the back edge. The wa!! has a boundary
surface maintained as the most rearward structure of the desk and a bottom
edge, which is positioned above the floor, thereby forming a substantially
open space between the bottom edge and the floor such that the wall does
not intertere with objects protruding into the substantially open space formed
below it.
In one aspect of the invention, the module maintainer includes
an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes the
generally vertical boundary wall extending between the arms of the support
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/CTS96/18827
:5
member.
The Lower portion, which can include the base section of the
support members, is mounted to and extends rearwardly from said pair of
legs. The lower portion has a bottom edge spaced above the floor to provide
a space below the module maintainer to thereby allow for the passage of
cables below the module maintainer.
The module maintainer allows the desk to maintain a constant
footprint in a system of like desks regardless of whether cables are passed
behind the rear edge of the worksurface member or under the module
maintainer.
In a preferred embodiment, the module maintainer includes a
beam member extending between the support members. The beam member
is preferably formed out of a back member and a front member and includes
a base section and the boundary wall which defines a boundary surface. A
top surface of the base section forms a ledge which can serve as a cable
management apparatus. The base section has an opening formed in a front
surface and cavity formed within it.
in another aspect of the invention, a modular power unit is
mounted to a bottom of the beam member. The modular power unit is
positioned forwardly of the boundary surface. The modular power unit
includes a power distribution system disposed in a housing. The power
distribution system includes at least one receptacle module, which provides
power to office equipment located on the worksurface member. The modular
power unit can be electrically connected to adjacent power units positioned in
adjacent desks in the system.
In another aspect of the invention, an accessory member is
removably attached to the support members. A back surface of the
accessory member is maintained substantially flush with the boundary
' surface. Because the desk is modular, the accessory can be installed or
removed without moving the desk and disturbing the footprint of the system.
i
In another aspect of the invention, an overhead member is
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
removably mounted to the worksurtace member. The back surface of the
overhead member is positioned fonrvard of the boundary surface. Preferably,
the overhead member is positioned on the top surface of the worksurface
member and is clamped to the back edge of the worksurface member. As
with the accessory members, the overhead can be installed or removed
without disturbing the footprint of the desk system, i.e., without introducing
creep into the system. In addition, because the overhead member is attached
to the worksurface member, the distance between the worksurface member
and overhead is maintained even if the height of the worksurface member is
adjusted.
In addition to overhead members, various cabinet assemblies
and toot supports can be attached to the worksurface member. As with the
overhead, the cabinet members and tool supports move with the worksurface
member and can be installed without disturbing the footprint of the desk
system.
In another aspect of the invention, the legs are height
adjustable. The height adjustment can be accomplished in a variety of ways,
including manual adjustment and automatic, or powered adjustment.
In another aspect of the invention, a plurality of modular desks
are arranged in a system, so as to provide any number of distinct
workstations. in addition, the desks can be used in combination with wall
panel systems, including the connection of the power unit to a power source
in the panel.
fn another aspect of the invention, various tables, such as D-
shaped tables or tear-drop shaped tables are incorporated into the system of
desks. These tables increase the versatility of the system and provide
additional work surface area. A significant aspect of these tables is that
they
are supported by a modular support assembly, which can be easily
reconfigured to have two, three or four support feet, thereby providing the
user with a variety of configurations. in addition, various size feet, i.e.,
long or
short, can be easily removed or exchanged. For example, a shorter foot can
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCTlUS96/18827
be installed to minimize interference with the user's feet, or a longer foot
can
be used to increase the stability of the worksurface member.
The present invention provides significant advantages over
other desk systems. Most importantly, the module maintainer maintains
modularity when several desks are used in a system, thereby eliminating the
problem of creep. Because the boundary surface is maintained as the most
rearward surface, regardless of whether an accessory member or overhead
member is also incorporated, the spacing between the units remains
constant. Moreover, because the boundary surface is spaced apart from the
floor, a desk can be abutted up against surfaces, such as walls or panels,
that
have protruding objects, such as power outlets with cords inserted.
Conversely, the desk does not block access to wall outlets when placed up
against a wall. In addition, the substantially open space facilitates access
between abutting desks. Accordingly, cables or power cords can be easily
IS passed beneath one desk to another.
Other advantages include the ledge and cavity formed in the
base section of the beam member, which provide cable management
capabilities as well as storage space for power cords. Furthermore, the
modular power unit provides an outlet for electronic components as well as
allowing for connection of adjacent power units, which in turn provides
flexibility for the system. Finally, overhead members can be mounted directly
to the work surface member, rather than relying on attachment to a system
panel or attachment to the desk's support legs. This, in turn, provides the
user with more flexibility and space. Moreover, the overhead moves with the
work surface member when the support legs are made height adjustable,
thereby avoiding any interference with the vertical adjustment of the
worksurface member.
Another aspect of the present invention regards a furniture and
panel system having a panel supported on a support surface, wherein the
panel is positioned substantially perpendicular to the support surface. The
system includes a piece of furniture having a wall that extends substantially
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/I8827
perpendicular to the support surtace. An attachment system is attached to
the panel and the wall of the piece of furniture. The attachment system has a
bracket positioned above the support surface and attached to the panel and
the wall of the piece of furniture and a plate lying on the support surface,
wherein the plate has a first receptacle for receiving a portion of the panel
and .
a second receptacle for receiving a portion of the waif of the piece of
furniture.
Another aspect of the present invention regards a screen
attachment system having a first screen with a retractable male member that
is positioned within an opening and a second screen having a female
member, wherein the male member is inserted within the female opening
Another aspect of the present invention regards a method of
attaching a first element to a second eiernent, the method including the steps
of retracting a male member of a first element into an opening formed in the
first element and extending a male member of a second element into the
opening.
The present invention, together with further objects and
advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a top view showing a system of free standing
modular desks integrated with a perimeter of panels.
FIGURE 2 is a fop plan view showing a system of free standing
modular desks.
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a modular desk with a screen
being applied thereto.
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a modular corner desk.
FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a modular extension desk.
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a modular bridge member '
with a module maintainer.
n
FIGURE 7 is a perspective view showing a system of modular
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97119617 PCT/US96/18827
desks integrated with a perimeter of panels.
FIGURE 8 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the
modular maintainer and power unit.
a
FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of a modular desk with a screen
and an overhead applied thereto.
FIGURE 10 is a front view of a modular table desk with an
overhead applied thereto.
FIGURE 11 is a cross-section view of the modular desk taken
along line 11-11 of FIGURE 10.
FIGURE 12 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment
for a module maintainer and power unit.
FIGURE 13 is a side view of two modular desks arranged in a
back-to-back configuration.
FIGURE 14 is a rear view of a bridge member and module
IS maintainer attached to an adjacent modular desk.
FIGURE 15 is a fragmentary view showing the power unit
interconnection between two modular desks arranged in a side-by-side
configuration.
FIGURE 16 is a front view of the modular desk with a crank
assembly attached thereto.
FIGURE 17 is a bottom view of the modular desk with a crank
. assembly attached thereto.
FIGURE 18 is a front view of the modular desk with an electric
motor assembly attached thereto.
FIGURE 19 is a bottom view of the modular desk with an
electric motor assembly attached thereto.
FIGURE 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the top of the
height adjustment mechanism.
~ FIGURE 21 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative
manual height adjustment mechanism.
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
tya
FIGURE 22 is a rear view of a corner modular desk with the
worksurface member omitted.
FIGURE 23 is an exploded view of a modular desk and panel
assembly.
FIGURE 24 is a connector bracket for a modular desk and panel
assembly.
FIGURE 25 is a side view of a cabinet assembly.
FIGURE 26 is an exploded view of a cabinet assembfy.
FIGURE 27 is a front perspective view of a cabinet assembly.
t0 FIGURE 28 is a front perspective view of a tool rail assembly.
FIGURE 29 is a rear perspective view of a tool rail assembly
FIGURE 30 is an exploded view of a tool rail assembly.
FIGURE 31 is an exploded view of a tear-drop shaped table
assembly.
15 FIGURE 32 is an exploded view of a D-shaped table assembly.
FIGURE 33 is a perspective view of peninsula table.
FIGURE 34 is a perspective view of a modular desk and a
power transition unit extending from a wall panel.
FIGURE 35 is a perspective view of a modular desk electrically
20 connected to a wall panel.
FIGURE 36 is a front view of a modular desk with wire
management accessories applied thereto.
FIGURE 37 is an exploded view of a height adjustable leg.
FIGURE 38 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
25 modesty screen employing a screen attachment system according to the
present invention.
FIGURE 39 is a second embodiment of a modesty screen
employing a screen attachment system according to the present invention.
FIGURE 40A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a '
30 privacy screen employing a screen attachment system according to the
present invention.
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97119617 PCT/US96/18827
FIGURE 40B is a front cross-sectional view of the privacy
screen of FIGURE 40A.
FIGURE 40C is a side view of the privacy screen of FIGURE
P
40A.
a 5 FIGURE 41A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
privacy screen employing a screen attachment system according to the
present invention.
FIGURE 41 B is a front cross-sectional view of the privacy
screen of FIGURE 41A.
FIGURE 41 C is a side cross-sectional view of the privacy
screen of FIGURE 41A.
FIGURE 41 D is a top view of the privacy screen of FIGURE
41 A.
FIGURE 42 is an exploded view of a second preferred
embodiment of the modular maintainer and power unit.
FIGURE 43A is a perspective view of a support member to be
used with the modular maintainer and power unit of FIG. 42.
FIGURE 43B is a right side view of the support member of
FIGURE 43A.
FIGURE 43C is a felt side cross-sectional view of the support
member of FIGURE 43A.
FIGURE 43D is a top view of the support member of FIGURE
43A.
FIGURE 43E is a bottom view of the support member of
FIGURE 43A.
FIGURE 43F is a front view of the support member of FIGURE
43A.
FIGURE 44A is a perspective view of a spring to be used with
the modular maintainer and power unit of FIG. 42.
FIGURE 44B is a left side view of the spring of FIGURE 44A.
FIGURE 45 is a perspective view of two screens employing a
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
~Z
screen attachment system according to the present invention.
FIGURE 46A is a side view of male member and a handle to be
used with the screen attachment system of the present invention.
FIGURE 46B is a front view of the male member and handle of
FIGURE 46A.
FIGURE 46C is a cross-sectional view of the male member and
handle of FIGURE 46A taken along lines A A.
FIGURE 46D is a cross-sectional view of the male member and
handle of FIGURE 46A taken along tines B-B.
FIGURE 47 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
screen attachment system according to the present invention.
FIGURE 48A is a perspective view of the screens of FIGURE 46
being attached.
FIGURE 48B is a perspective view showing an alternative
manner of attaching the screens of FIGURE 46.
FIGURE 49 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a
screen attachment system.
FIGURE 50 is a an exploded view of an open shelf used with a
system of modutar desks.
FIGURE 5'I is a bottom view of the open shelf of FIGURE 50.
FIGURE 52 is a perspective view of the support legs for the
open shelf of FIGURE 50.
FIGURE 53 is a perspective view showing the frame of the
support legs of FIGURE 52.
FIGURE 54 is a top cross-sectional view of the frame of
FIGURE 53.
FIGURE 55 is a perspective view of a base plate to be used
with the support legs of FIGURE 52.
FIGURE 56 is a perspective view of a clamp to be used with the
support legs of FIGURE 52.
FIGURE 57 is a perspective view showing an attachment
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/I8827
r3
system for attaching a piece of furniture to a panel.
FIGURE 58 is a perspective view of a bracket to be used with
the attachment system of FIGURE 57.
FIGURE 59 is a perspective view of the attachment system of
FIGURE 57 when used to attach a single panel.
FIGURE 60 is a perspective view of the attachment system of
FIGURE 57 when used to attach a pair of panels.
FIGURE 61 is a perspective view of a support plate to be used
with the attachment system of FIGURE 57.
FIGURE 62 is a perspective view showing the attachment of a
piece of furniture and a panel to the support plate of FIGURE 61.
FIGURE 63 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an
attachment system for attaching a piece of furniture to a pane(.
FIGURE 64 is a perspective view showing of a support plate to
be used with the attachment system of FIGURE 63.
FIGURE 65 is a perspective view showing attachment of a piece
of furniture to the support plate of FIGURE 64.
FIGURE 66 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
bracket to be used with the attachment system of FIGURE 57.
FIGURE 67 is an exploded view of the bracket of FIGURE 58.
FIGURE 68 is an exploded view of the bracket of FIGURE 66.
FIGURE 69 is an exploded view of the support plate of FIGURE
61.
FIGURE 70 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a
bracket to be used with the attachment system of FIGURE 66.
FIGURE 71 is an exploded view of the bracket used with the
attachment system of FIGURE 66.
FIGURE 72 is an exploded view of a support plate to be used
with the attachment system of FIGURE 66.
FIGURE 73A is an exploded view of a three corner table
attached to a panel.
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
FIGURE 73B shows a variety of table tops that can be used with
the three corner table of FIGURE 73A.
FIGURE 74 is an exploded view of an attachment system to be
used with the table and panel of FIGURES 73A-B.
FIGURE 75 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a
bracket to be used with the attachment system of FIGURE 74.
FIGURE 76 is an exploded view of the bracket used with the
attachment system of FIGURE 74.
FIGURE 77 is a perspective view of a dislodgment clip to be
used with the bracket of FIGURE 7'i.
FIGURE 78 is a perspective view of a dislodgment clip to be
used with the bracket of FIGURES 66 and 68.
FIGURE 79 is a perspective view of a dislodgment clip to be
used with the bracket of FIGURE 70
I5 FIGURE 80 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a
tool rail assembly according to the present invention.
FIGURE 81 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of a tool
rail assembly according to the present invention.
FIGURE 82 is a top view of a connector for a panel to be used
with the attachment system of FIGURE 74.
FIGURE 83 is a side view of the connector of FIGURE 82. '
FIGURE 84 is a top view of a connector for a slide to be used
with the attachment system of FIGURE 74.
FIGURE 85 is a side view of the connector of FIGURE 84.
FIGURE 86 is a perspective view of a two piece support plate
when attaching the three corner fable and the panel of FIGURES 73-74.
FIGURE 87 is a bottom view of the two piece support plate of
FIGURE 86.
FIGURE 88 is a bottom view of a manual height adjustment
system for the three corner table of FIGURES 73-74.
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
FIGURE 89 is a bottom view of a motorized height adjustment
system for the three corner table of FIGURES 73-74.
FIGURE 90 shows a side view of a bracket engaging a seam
according to the present invention.
FIGURE 91 shows a hook being inserted within a slot.
FIGURE 92 shows front view of a dislodgment clip engaging a
slot.
FIGURE 93 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a
bracket engaging a seam according to the present invention.
FIGURE 94A is a top perspective view of a second embodiment
of removable support for the height adjustable leg of FIGURE 37.
FIGURE 94B is a bottom perspective view of the removable
support of FIGURE 94A.
FIGURE 94C is a cross-sectional view of the removable support
of FIGURE 94A.
FIGURE 95 shows the interior of a screen.
FIGURE 96 shows a bracket to be used with the screen of
FIGURE 95.
FIGURE 97 shows a mounting bracket to be used with the
screen of FIGURE 95.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 9 - 11 show a modular desk 2,
including a worksurface member 10, a pair of legs 20 and a module
maintainer 30. Each leg 20 has a top portion 22, a bottom portion 24 and a
rear surface 26. As shown in FIG. 11, the top portion 22 of each leg 20 is
attached to a mounting bracket 28. The bottom portion 24 of each leg 20 is
attached to a support member 29. The support member 29 is adapted to
engage a support surface 3, typically a floor.
The worksurface member 10 has a top surface 12, a bottom
surface 14, a pair of side edges 15, a front edge 16, and a back edge 18.
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/I9617 PCT/LTS96/I8827
The bottom surface 14 of the worksurface member is attached to the
mounting bracket 28. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the worksurface member 10
can be configured in a variety of shapes. In particular, the contour of the
front
i
edge 16 of the worksurface member 10 can be altered to produce a variety of
worksurface shapes, including square, rectangular, concave and curvilinear
shapes.
In order to maintain the modularity of the desk, the side and
back edges 15 and 18 are preferably linear. Accordingly, it is the contour of
the front edge 16 which can be altered to provide any desired curvilinear
appearance. The width of the modular desk 2 is typically maintained a
specific and constant distance (L), as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In the desk 2
shown, the width (L) is about 48 inches, which allows for easy handling and
moving of the desk 2, white maintaining an adequate area of work space on
the worksurface member 10. When the width of the desk is maintained
constant, the desk 2 can be removed and another installed in its place without
having to move or adjust adjacent desks or panels in the system. In essence,
the modularity of the system is maintained.
Alternatively, desks of varying widths can be used in the system
to provide particular sizes of work spaces. Typically, the width can range
between 24 and 72 inches. In this regard, a system planner can use varying
width desks without disturbing the overall footprint of the system. For
example, the planner could substitute two 24 inch wide desks for one 48 inch
desk. Also, the planner can swap the position of iwo desks with different
widths in the same tine without changing the footprint.
An important feature of the desk of the present invention is that
it provides a consistent, modular footprint, particularly in the distance from
the
back of the desk to the front. This is true regardless of whether the desk is
used in a system where the back of the desk abuts a like desk, or whether it
abuts a movable panel or a wall. This is also true regardless of whether the
cables, such as power or data cables, are passed behind the work surface,
and regardless of whether privacy screens or overhead units are attached to
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 1'CT/CTS96/18827
the desks as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13.
In a system of desks with simple rectangular work surfaces such
as those shown in F1G. 9, the result is that the depth D would remain constant
across all of the desks arranged side to side, and the front edges 16 of all
of
the desks arranged side to side would line up in a straight line.
Alternatively, the desks may not have a rectangular work
surface. For example, the desks shown in FIG. 1 have curvilinear edges
where one side edge has a depth D1 and the second side edge has a depth
D2. While not maintaining a straight fine across the front of the desks of
this
embodiment, the invention does provide the advantage that adjacent side
edges are guaranteed to line up so long as they are the same length.
In the system shown in F1G. 1, the work surface member 10 has
a depth (D1) of about 21.75 inches, and a depth (D2) of about 27.75 inches.
Obviously, other depths would be acceptable, so long as they are maintained
at certain constant values. Thus, it should be understood that a plurality of
depths can be used to provide flexibility in designing a work space, so long
as
they are uniformly applied to the system of desks. It should also be
understood that a single depth can be used. In essence, the depths simply
must allow individual modular desks to be configured in a system that permits
interchangeability of different desks, while maintaining an aesthetically
pleasing appearance.
In order to maintain a smooth and unbroken appearance of the
front edges of a desk system, it is important therefore to ensure that the
depth
of the side edge of a first worksurface member installed in the system
corresponds to the depth of the adjacent side edge on a second work surface
member, whether it be a depth (D1 } or (D2). Thus, a desk having a work
surface member with a first side edge of depth (D1 ) should abut a desk
having a work surface member of corresponding depth (D1 }. Similarly, a
' second side edge of depth (D2} should abut a corresponding side edge of
depth (D2).
The module maintainer 30 is mounted to and extends
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
j
rearwardly from the pair of legs 20. In a preferred embodiment, the module
maintainer 30 includes a pair of support members 40. Each support member
40 includes a base section 42 and an arm 44 extending upwardly and
w
rearwardiy from the base section 42. A lower portion of the arm forms an
acute angle with the vertical plane, while an upper portion of the arm is
generally vertical. As shown in FIG. 11 and 12, the base section 42 is
attached to the support teg 20 with a plurality of fasteners. The upper
portion
of arm 44 includes an end portion 43 having an opening 47. Preferably, the
support member 40 is an aluminum casting.
As shown in FIG. 13, the module maintainer includes a vertical
wall 48 having a boundary surface 32 positioned rearwardly of the back edge
18 of the worksurface member 10 as shown in FIG. 13. The wall 48 extends
between the arms 44 of the two support members 40. The boundary surface
32 is also positioned rearwardly of the rear surfaces 26 of the Pegs and the
foot member 29. Preferably, the rear surface 26 of the legs are positioned
about 4 inches forward of the boundary surface 32, such that the legs 20 will
not interfere with an outlet 206, or a plug 306 inserted info the outlet, if
the
boundary surface 32 of the desk 2 is placed up against a wall having an outlet
substantially aligned with the leg 20 as shown in FIG. 11. Similarly, the rear
surface of the foot member 29 is positioned about 1.6 inches forward of the
boundary surface, such that the foot will not interfere with a floor board 302
or
other object extending from an adjacent surface, such as a base cover on a
wall panel.
The boundary surface 32 has a bottom edge 51. The bottom
edge 51 is elevated and positioned distally from the floor 3 so as to provide
a
substantially open space between the boundary surface 32 and the support
surface 3, as shown in FIG. 11. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.
11, the bottom edge 51 is positioned about 19.5 inches above the floor 3,
which is more than half the distance from the floor to the worksurface member
'
when the desk is at its lowest height. The boundary surface 32 is spaced
apart from the floor 3 so that it does not interfere with or preclude access
to
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCTJUS96/18827
outlets 206 positioned in abutting panels 200 or walls 210. Similarly,
providing space between the boundary surface and the floor ensures that the
desk 2 will not interfere with any protruding objects 300, such as
communication boxes, cords plugged into wall outlets, or cable outlets, when
2
abutted against the panel 200 or wall 280. Finally, this space provides a
generally open environment beneath the desk 2 to permit access between
adjacent and abutting desks when installed in a system as shown in FIG. 13.
Thus, cables can be passed underneath the boundary surface 32 of the desk
2 to an abutting desk 2.
The boundary surface 32 is maintained at a specific and uniform
distance (D3) from the back edge 18 of the worksurface member 10. In a
preferred embodiment, (D3) is about 2.25 inches.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the boundary surface 32 is
maintained as the most rearward surface of the entire modular desk 2.
Accordingly, the module maintainer 30 defines a specific footprint for the
modular desk 2. The footprint is defined by the width of the desk (L), and the
depth of the desk, i.e., the depth (D3) plus the depth of either (D 1 ), (D2),
or
both.
When two desks are positioned next to each other in a side-by-
side arrangement, as shown in FIG. 15, the modular maintainers 30 are
preferably secured to each other by connecting adjacent sidewalls 31 of the
support members 40 with fasteners, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. When the
desks are powered, or one or more ends of the work surface member are not
supported by a leg, adjacent module maintainers are necessarily connected
by securing the adjacent sidewails 31 to each other.
FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of
the module maintainer 30 and a modular power unit 70. The preferred
embodiment of the module maintainer 30 includes a beam member 210,
which is shown throughout the Figures and in particular in FIGS. 15, 21 and
23. As shown in F1G. 15, the beam member 210 extends between the
support members 40 and is substantially the same length as the back edge
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 1'CT/1JS96/18827
~a
18 of the worksurface member. The beam member 210 includes a base
section 282 and an upper portion which forms the generally vertical boundary
wall 48. The upper portion extends rearwardly and upwardly from the base
section 282 and includes an angled portion positioned at an acute angle to
the vertical plane and a vertical portion extending vertically from the end of
the angled portion. As described previously and as shown in FIGS. 11 and
13, the boundary wall 48 defines the boundary surface 32.
A top surface 232 of the base section forms a ledge which can
be used to support and store various cables and wiring, as shown in FIGS.
IO 10-11. A bottom portion of the base section forms a trough 224 for storing
cables. The base section also has a opening 242 formed in a front surface
and a cavity 240 formed within it. As shown in the preferred embodiment in
FIG. 13, the rear surface of the base section 282, is spaced forwardly of the
boundary wall 48 and boundary surface 32, thereby providing a generally
open space below the boundary wall 48.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the base section of the beam
member and the base section of the support member form a lower portion
283 of the module maintainer. Similarly, the vertical wall and the arms of the
support member make up the upper portion 283 of the module maintainer.
However, it should be understood that the entire module maintainer (lower
and upper portions), including the support members and the beam member
(having a base section and vertical wall), could be made out of a single
member, such as an extrusion. in such an embodiment, the ends of the
extrusion which are attached to the legs could function as the aforedescribed
support members, and could be defined as such. Similarly, a lower portion of
the extrusion extending between the legs could function as the base section
of the beam member, and could include a ledge for supporting cables, a
cavity for storing cables and a forwardly facing opening for accessing the
cavity. In addition, an upper portion of the extrusion could be formed as the
vertical wall, thereby defining the boundary surface of the module maintainer.
In a preferred embodiment of the module maintainer shown in
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96118827
FIG. 8, the beam member 210, including the base section and the vertical
wall, is preferably formed out of a back member 220 and a front member 230.
The back member 220 is configured in substantially the same shape and has
the same contour as a back surface 45 of the support member 40. The back
member 220 is fastened to the end portion 43 and a bottom surface of the
support member 40. The back member 220 also includes a bottom lip 222
which extends upwardly between the support members 40 to form the trough
224, which is ideally suited for storing cables. A vertical section 211 of the
back member 220 defines the boundary surface 32. The back member 220
also wraps around to form a top section 226 and an upper lip 228 which are
adapted to engage the end portion 43 of the arm. A bottom portion 223 of the
back member defines a bottom surface 225 of the module maintainer 30. In a
preferred embodiment, the bottom surface 225 is spaced above the floor 3 at
feast half the height of the legs 20 to provide a space below the module
maintainer 30 whereby cables can be passed below the module maintainer
30 to an adjacent desk.
The front member 230 is configured in substantially the same
shape and has the same contour as a front surface 39 of the support
member. The front member 230 extends between the support members 40
and is fastened to the front surtace 39 of the support member. A horizontal
surface of the front member defines the top of the base section and forms the
ledge 232 where excess lengths of cables can be stored. An upwardly
extending portion 234 of the front member includes a lip 236 which underlies
the overlapping upper lip 228 of the back member when the members are
attached to the support member 40. When attached to the support member,
the vertical section 211 and the upwardly extending portion 234 of the front
member form the generally vertical boundary wall 48, as shown in FIGS. 11 to
15. The back and front members also form a cavity 240 between them in the
' base section. In addition, a bottom lip 238 of the front member and the
bottom lip 228 of the back member form the elongated opening 242 between
them, which faces forwardly as shown in FIGS. 10 and 16. A user can pass
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
cables or excess lengths of power cords through the opening 242 into the
cavity 240 and lay them in the trough 224.
The ledge 232 or top surface of the base section, shown in
FIGS. 10, 11, and 13, is ideally suited for storing excess cables. For
- example, the ledge 232 provides adequate storage for approximately ten 25-
pair cables. Cables lying on the ledge 232 can also pass over the beam
member 2'!0 and be stored in the cavity 240, or be connected to a modular
power unit 70. To help organize the cables, and retain them on the (edge, a
plurality of wire management clips G00 can be attached to the lip 238 of the
front member as shown in FIG. 36. Each clip 600 has an arm 602 which
extends upwardly from the ledge 232. The arm 602 maintains the cables on
the ledge 232, thereby allowing the cables to be stacked and prevented from
falling off of the ledge and interfering the user's legs. The cables can be
passed over the edge of the ledge 232 between the arms 602 and stored in
the trough 224.
Alternatively, a vertical wire management tube 604 shown in
FIG. 36 can be secured to the front of the module maintainer 30. The tube
604 runs in a generally vertical direction from the floor 3 to the surface of
the
sedge 232. In addition, the top portion of the tube 604 has slots 607
positioned in the side walls 606 so as to allow cables or wires lying in the
trough 224 to pass through the elongated opening 242 through the slot 607
and be disposed in the tube 604. Similarly, wires or cables lying on the ledge
232 can be passed over the edge and into the tube 604. The tube 604
provides a device whereby wires or cables can be passed from the module
maintainer to the floor 3 in an organized fashion, while simultaneously
improving the aesthetics of the desk by eliminating unsightly loose wires and
also eliminating a potential interference between the wires and the user's
feet.
In an alternative embodiment of the module maintainer, shown
as an exploded view in FIG. 12, the module maintainer 30 includes a beam '
member having a base section 34 and a separate wall member 248, rather
than the two members being integrally formed as previously shown in FIG.
CA 02237691 2001-05-22
WO 97/19617 PCTlUS96/18827
11. In this alternative embodiment, the base section 34 spans at least the
distance between the legs 20. The base section 34 is mounted to the support
members 53. As shown in FIG. 12, the base section 34 is C-shaped.
Because of its C-shaped configuration, the base section 34 has an elongated
opening 36 which faces forwardly and a cavity 38 formed within it. The cavity
38 formed within the base section 34 is ideally suited for storing cables and
excess lengths of power cords.
In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the wall member 248 defines the
vertical boundary surface 32. A lower portion of the wall member forms an
acute angle with the surface of the base section 34 as it extends upwardly
and outwardly from the base section. As stated previously, the wall member
and base section are separate components, as shown in FIG. 12, rather than
being integrally formed as part of the beam member as shown in FIG. 11.
The lower portion of the wall includes a lip which wraps around to form a
trough 54. The trough 54 is suited for storing excess cables. The trough 54
Includes several openings 55 which permit cables tying in the trough 54 to
pass through the openings 55 and access available power sources positioned
below the module maintainer.
In another aspect of the invention, the modular desk 2 has a
modular power unit 70 attached to it as shown in FIGS. 8, 11 and 12. The
modular power unit 70 includes a housing 78 and a power distribution system.
The power distribution system includes a pair of power distribution servers 71
and a pair of electrical power harnesses 80. For a complete
description of the power distribution server 71 and power harnesses 80, see
U.S. Patent No. 5,112,240, issued to Nienhuis et al. on May 12, 1992,
As shown in FIG. 8, the housing 78 includes an upwardly
opening channel 82 and a top cap 84. The top cap 84 is fixedly mounted to a
bottom 37 of the beam member 34, 2~0 using a pturality of fasteners (not
shown). The channel 82 includes a front member 608, which is preferably
fixedly mounted to the rear surface 26 of the support legs 20 so that the
CA 02237691 2001-05-22
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
~ Sc.
housing is not removable, and a back member 610. fn a preferred
embodiment, the back member 610 is pivotally attached to the front member
608 along a bottom edge 61 as shown in F1G. 8. Preferably, one end of each
of the front member and back member are formed info opposing channels
S 622, 624. The channels form a hinge 626 when they are interlocked as
shown in FIG. 8. In addition, the front and back members 608, 610 include
inwardly facing and elongated flange members 614. The free edge of each
flange member 614 forms a head 616 which is received within an elongated
socket 618 extending from the top cap 84. The flange 614 and socket 618
run substantially the length of the housing 78. To interconnect the channel 82
and top cap 84, the head 616 an each flange 614 is slidably received in an
opposing socket 618. Alternatively, the head 616 of the flange on the back
member 610 is adapted to snap fit info the opposing socket in the top cap 84.
In this way, the back member 610 can be disengaged from the fop cap and
pivoted about the axis of the hinge 626 in order to provide access to the
power distribution server 71.
Aftematively, the channel 82 can be secured to the top cap 84
by a plurality of posts 628 which are disposed in the channel 82 and
interconnect a bottom of the channel 82 and the top cap 84, as shown in FIG.
12.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the rear surface 91 of the
housing 78 is positioned forwardiy of the boundary surface 32. Indeed, the
housing 78 is positioned sufficiently forward of the boundary surface 32 so as
to allow an electrical plug to be inserted into a rearwardly facing receptacle
module 73 without the plug and accompanying cord extending rearwardly of
the boundary surface 32. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the rear surface
91 of both the housing 78 and base section of the beam are positioned about
2 inches forward of the boundary surface 32. Alternatively, a plug can be
inserted into a fQrwardly facing receptacle module.
The pair of power harnesses 80 are secured to the top cap 84
and disposed in the channel 82, which is also secured to the top cap 84, as
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCTlUS96/18827
ZS
previously described. The top cap 84 and channel 82 form a tube, or housing
78. Each end of the housing 78 has an opening 79 which can be coveted
with a removable end cap 92. The power harnesses 80 are suspended in the
housing by a plurality of retainer clips 81. The clips 81 are secured to the
top
cap 84 with a plurality of fasteners.
The power harness 80 supplies power to a plurality of
receptacle modules 72, 73 which, in turn, provide power for various electronic
components placed on the worksurface member '! 0, or positioned nearby.
The power cords for the components are plugged into a socket 74 contained
in the receptacle modules 7Z, 73. The power unit 70, shown in FIG. 12,
includes four receptacle modules 72, 73, two modules 72 facing forwardly and
two modules 73 facing rearwardly. Each module 72, 73, in turn, has two
three-prong sockets 74 adapted to receive a three-prong electrical plug as
shown in FIG. 10.
The modules 73 facing rearwardly can be accessed by free
standing electrical components located adjacent to the desk 2 or by power
cables passing beneath the power unit 70 from the modular desk. The
modules 73 facing forwardly can be accessed by cables passing over the
ledge, by cables running from the trough, or by free standing electronic
components.
The power harness 80 is capable of carrying 120/240 Voit single
phase power, although other voltage configurations can be used depending
on the desired output, such as 208 Volt 3-phase power. The modules 72, 73
are secured to the harness 80 using a plurality of retaining brackets 87. As
discussed previously, the power unit 70 shown in FIGS. 8 and 12 has four
modules 72, 73 placed in a back-to-back arrangement, whereby two modules
73 face forwardfy and two modules 72 face rearwardfy. Openings 86 are
positioned in the housing channel 82 so as to be aligned with the modules 72,
73. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 12, the openings 86 are positioned midway
along the length of the channel 82.
The modular power unit 70 also includes electrical connector
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/I9617 PCT/US96/18827
6
ports 76 positioned at one end of each harness 70. The electrical connector
ports 76 provide a means for electrically connecting adjacent desks 2, such
that a first desk receives power from a second desk. In this way, desks can
be arranged in a system without having to rely on wall panels or fixed outlets
for a source of power.
The end of the power harness 80 terminates in the connector
port 76. Each electrical connector port 76 is adapted to interface with an
opposing connector port 75 attached to a corresponding harness 80
positioned in an adjacent modular desk 2. The other end of each harness 80
terminates in a receptacle port 77. The harnesses 80 are positioned such
that the receptacle ports 77 are adjacent to each other, but open toward
opposite ends of the power unit 70. The receptacle ports 77 are adapted to
engage each other. The retaining brackets 87, which receive the modules 72,
are attached to a side portion of each receptacle port 77. Contact channels
located in the receptacle port 77 engage opposing contact channels in the
modules 72, 73.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, a f rst end of the power harness is
provided with some slack so as to allow the connector port 76 attached to the
first end to extend from the end of the power unit 70 and mate with the
connector port 76 in the adjacent desk. When not being used, the end cap 92
can be ptaced in the opening 79 in the end of the housing 78 to conceal and
protect the electrical connector ports 76 and the attached electrical harness
80.
As shown, the power unit 70 is modular, meaning that it is
interchangeable and comes in a standard size corresponding to the width (L)
of the modular desk 2. Accordingly, the modular power unit 70 shown in
FIGS. 8 and 11 is approximately 48 inches long, corresponding to the length
of the modular desk 2.
As shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 13, the bottom surface 225 of the '
module maintainer 30 and the bottom surface S1 of modular power unit 70
are both substantially spaced apart from the support surface 3. As a result,
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCTlUS96/18827
power cords and plugs interfacing with the power unit 70 are also raised
above the floor. As a result, the power cords and plugs are not visible by a
person standing near the work station. Thus, the aesthetics of the work
station are greatly improved. In addition, the power cords and plugs are
positioned away from the user's feet, thereby avoiding inadvertent
disconnection and eliminating potential entanglement. Moreover, for plugs
and cords intertacing with the rearwardly facing modules 72, the raised
modular power unit 70 eliminates a potential tripping hazard for pedestrian
traffic near the rear of the desk 2. Finally, the open space formed between
the bottom surface 61 of the modular power unit 70 and the floor 3 provides
installers and users with access from one desk to an adjacent, abutting desk.
Similarly, if the modular desk 2 is not equipped with a power unit 70, the
open space formed between the bottom surface 225 of the module maintainer
30 and the floor provides access for cables to be passed beneath the module
i5 maintainer and provides clearance for outlets and other objects protruding
into the space.
In another aspect of the invention, the modular desk 2 includes
an accessory member 100, as shown in FIG. 3. The accessory member 100
is removably mounted to the support members 40 and the boundary wall 48,
248. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, the accessory member 100 is a screen.
The screen 100 can be a short screen, described as a modesty screen, or a
tall screen, described as a privacy screen. A privacy screen separates a
seated user from persons standing on the other side of the desk, thereby
providing the user with seated privacy. Although shown as a screen, it should
be understood that the accessory member could be configured in a variety of
ways, including for example, a Eight, a tackboard, or even an overhead
storage unit. As shown, the screen can be made out of a translucent
material, or simply covered with cloth. When covered with cloth, the
underlying layer can be a tackable material, such as fiberboard. The
accessory member 100 has a bottom surface 102 and two mounting
members 108, or posts, extending downwardly from the bottom surface 102.
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
Z
The openings 47 in the support member 40 are adapted to
receive the mounting members 108. When installed, the bottom surface 102
of the accessory member 100 engages the top surface 226 of the boundary
wall 48. Thus, the accessory member 100 is supported by the top of the
boundary wall 48, while the mounting members 108 provide lateral stability.
The accessory member 100 has a front surface 104 and a rear
surface 106. When installed, the back surface 106 is maintained substantially
flush with the vertical boundary surface 32 as shown in FIG. 11. In addition,
the front surtace 104 is maintained substantially flush with the upwardly
extending portion 234 of the front member, or the front surface of the
boundary wall 48. The front surface 104 of the accessory member is
positioned rearwardly of the back edge 18 of the work surface member.
Because the front surface 104 of the accessory member and back edge 18 of
the worksurface member are spaced apart, cables running from various
IS electronic components, such as computers, can pass over the back edge 18
of the worksurface member 100 through the opening between the accessory
member 100 and the back edge 18, and be positioned on the ledge 232, or
passed over the ledge through the elongated opening and Paid in the trough
224.
By attaching the accessory member 100 to the module
maintainer, the modular desk 2 eliminates the need for bulky free standing
screens. Free standing screens require movement of abutting desks for
installation and can be expensive. .Thus, the module maintainer provides a
simple but effective way to maintain system modularity, while simultaneously
providing a simple and inexpensive method for separating adjacent
workstations.
Other embodiments for the accessory member 100 of FIGS. 3
and 11 are possible. For example, as shown in FIGS. 38-49, the accessory
member 100 may include a screen attachment system for attachment to a
second accessory member 100. As shown in FiG. 38, the accessory member
100 may be a rectangular modesty screen with two mounting members or
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/LTS96/18827
zy
posts 108 that are inserted into and mounted into the openings 47 formed in
the top surface of the worksurface member also having a front edge, a back
edge and a bottom surface. Note that the posts 108 up into the screen, as
a
shown in FIG. 95. To prevent the post from rotating, a bracket 2000 {FIG. 96)
is mounted to the frame of the screen so that a hollowed end of the post 108
is inserted into a male element 2002. A mounting bracket 2004 (FIG. 97)
then engages the post 108 and the other male element 2006 via slots 2008
and 2010, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, the worksurface
member is attached to a pair of legs of a piece of furniture, such as a
modular
desk 2.
As shown in F1G. 39, the modesty screen of FIG. 38 may be
modified so that one of the ends is extended to cover a gap between two like
corner screens. To extend the screen, a screw 1021 is removed and the
corner bracket 1024 is removed. Then a flexible filler material 1023 is
inserted into the screen. The bracket can be reattached or the filler material
can be extended to another screen. Of course, the screen attachment
system may be employed with the privacy screen of FIGS. 40A-C. Like the
modesty screen of FIG. 39, the privacy screen of FIGS. 40A-C may be
extended in a manner similar to that described with the extended screen of
FIGS. 41 A-D.
In each of the screens shown in FIGS. 38-41, when the
mounting members or posts 108 are inserted into the worksurface member
they are adjacent to the support members 40 of the module maintainer 30
and the modular power unit 70 of FIGS. 8 and 42. The embodiment of F1G.
42 is similar to that described for the embodiment of FIG. 8. For example, the
structure and attachment of the back member 220, front member 230 and top
cap 84 of the embodiment of FIG. 42 is similar to that of the embodiment of
FIG. 8. Note that FIG. 42 shows how holes formed in the back member 220,
front member 230 and top cap 84 and have bolts 1002 inserted therethrough
so as to attach the members together.
As shown in FIGS. 42 and 43A-F, a pair of aluminum support
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97!19617 PCT/US96/18827
d
members 40 are provided for mounting the back member 220 and the front
member 230 to the modular desk 2. The base section 42 of the support
members 42 are attached to the support leg 20 by inserting bolts through the
legs 20 and into the holes 1002 formed in the base section 42.
A back member 220 is attached to the end portion 43 and a
bottom surface of each support member 40. As shown in FIG. 42, the back
member 220 is configured in substantially the same shape and has the same
contour as a back surface 45 of the support member 40. The back member
forms a top section 226 and an upper lip 228 which engages the end portion
43 of the support member 40 when it is inserted therein. Brackets 1004 are
used to attach the back member 220 and the support member 40 via a bolt
inserted through a hole in the bracket 1004 and holes 1006 and 1008.
Note that a steel spring 1010 is inserted between an arcuate
side surface 1012 of the support member 40. As shown in FIGS. 44A-B, the
spring 1012 has a semi-cylindrical surface 1014 that expansively engages the
surface 1012. A T-shaped appendage 1016 extends from the surface 1014
and presses against the posts 108 of the screens.
The back member 220 also includes a bottom lip 222 which
extends upwardly between the support members 40 to form the trough 224.
The bottom surface 226 of the back member 220 is spaced above the floor 3
at least half the height of the legs 20 to provide a space below the module
maintainer 30 whereby cables can be passed below the module maintainer
to an adjacent desk.
The front member 230 is configured in substantially the same
25 shape and has the same contour as a front surface 39 of the support
member. The front member 230 extends between the support members 40
and is fastened to the front surface 39 of the support member. A horizontal
surface of the front member defines the top of the base section and forms the
ledge 232 where excess lengths of cables can be stored. An upwardly
30 extending portion 234 of the front member includes a lip 236 which
underlies
the overlapping upper lip 228 of the back member when the members are
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/i8827
attached to the support member 40. When attached to the support member,
the vertical section 211 and the upwardly extending portion 234 of the front
member form the generally vertical boundary wall 48. The back and front
members also form a cavity 240 between them in the base section. In
addition, a bottom lip 238 of the front member and the bottom lip 228 of the
back member farm the elongated opening 242 between them so that a user
can pass cables or excess lengths of power cords through the opening 242
into the cavity 240 and lay them in the trough 224.
To help organize the cables, and retain them on the ledge 232,
a plurality of wire management clips 600 can be attached to the lip 238 of the
front member in a manner as shown and described with respect to FIG. 36.
The beam member 210 includes a base section 282 and an
upper portion that are configured in a manner similar to that shown and
described with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 93. Accordingly, the base
section 282 and the upper portion form the generally vertical boundary wall
48. The upper portion extends rearwardly and upwardly from the base
section 282 and includes an angled portion positioned at an acute angle to
the vertical plane and a vertical portion extending vertically from the end of
the angled portion.
, It should be understood that the entire module maintainer (tower
and upper portions), including the support members and the beam member
(having a base section and vertical wall), could be made out of a single
member, such as an extrusion. in such an embodiment, the ends of the
extrusion which are attached to the legs could function as the aforedescribed
support members, and could be defined as such. Similarly, a lower portion of
the extrusion extending between the legs could function as the base section
of the beam member, and could include a ledge for supporting cables, a
cavity for storing cables and a forwardly facing opening for accessing the
cavity. In addition, an upper portion of the extrusion could be formed as the
vertical wall, thereby defning the boundary surface of the module maintainer.
The top cap 84 of the embodiment of FiG. 42 can be attached to
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/IJS96/18827
the housing 78 and pair of power harnesses 80 shown in FIG. 8 and in a
manner described previously. As shown in FIG. 42, the top cap 84 can be
fixedly mounted to a bottom 37 of the beam member 34, 210 using a plurality ,
of fasteners (not shown). The top cap 84 is attached to a three front
members 608, which are preferably fixedly mounted to the rear surface 26 of
the support legs 20 so that the housing is not removable, and a back member
610. In a preferred embodiment, the back member 610 is pivotally attached
to the front members 608 along a bottom edge 61 in a manner similar to that
described for the embodiment of FIG. 8. The bottom interior edges of the
front and back members have ridges that are similar in shape to those shown
in the embodiment of FIG. 8. The ridges of the front and back members of
the embodiment of FIG. 42 interlock with one another in a manner similar to
that shown and described with respect to F1G. 8. Accordingly, one end of
each of the front member and back member of the embodiment of F1G. 42 are
formed into opposing channels which form a hinge. In addition, the front and
back members 608, 610 include inwardly facing and elongated flange
members 614. The free edge of each flange member 614 forms a head 616
which is received within an elongated socket 618 extending from the top cap
84. The flange 614 and socket 618 run substantially the length of the housing
78. To interconnect the channel 82 and top cap 84, the head 616 on each
flange 614 is slidably received in an opposing socket 618. Alternatively, the
head 616 of the flange on the back member 610 is adapted to snap fit into the
opposing socket in the top cap 84. In this way, the back member 610 can be
disengaged from the top cap and pivoted about the axis of the hinge 626 in
order to provide access to the power distribution server 71.
Alternatively, the channel 82 can be secured to the fop cap 84
by a plurality of posts in a manner described previously with respect to the
embodiment of FIG. 8.
With the above description of the housing 78 of FIG. 42, the rear '
surface 91 of the housing 78 is positioned forwardly of the boundary surface
32 so as to allow electrical plugs to be inserted into a rearwardly facing
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
~3
receptacle module in a manner similar to that described with respect to the
embodiment of FIG. 8.
A pair of power harnesses 80 are secured to the top cap 84 and
disposed in the housing 78. Each end of the housing 78 has an opening 79
t 5 which can be covered with a removable end cap, such as the cap of F1G. 8.
The power harnesses 80 are suspended in the housing by a plurality of
retainer clips 81. The clips 81 are secured to the top cap 84 with a plurality
of
fasteners. The power harnesses 80 have a structure and supply power in a
manner described with respect to the power harnesses of the embodiment of
FIG. 8. Note that rectangular caps 1017 can be attached to the middle front
members 608 so as to cover the openings 86 and deny access to modules 72
and 73.
Each of the screens of FIGS. 38-39 includes one (FIG. 39) or a
pair (FIG. 38) of retractable male members 1018 that are positioned within a
female receiving element such as opening 1020 formed in the top corners
1022 of the screen. The opening 1020 is cylindrical in shape having a
diameter of approximately 0.312" and a length of approximately 1.75". As
shown in FIG. 45, the opening 1020 is formed in a steel or zinc die cast
corner bracket 1024 that is mounted to the top corner of the screen. A
rectangular slot 1026 is formed in the top of the corner bracket 1024 and
extends into the opening 1020. The slot 1026 has a length of approximately
1.25". The slot 1026 has an upper recess 1027, having a width of
approximately 0.375", and a lower recess 1031 having a width of
approximately 1/8" and a depth of approximately 1/8". tt is understood that a
wide variety of shapes and sizes for the opening 1020 and the slot 1026 are
possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the
upper recess 1027 can be eliminated as shown in FIG. 47.
As shown in FIGS. 46A-D the retractable male member 1018 is
made of a resilient material, such as steel or 30% glass filled nylon, and
includes a cylindrical-like base 1028, including slots 1029, which is
integrally
attached to a handle 1030. The cylindrical base 1028 has a length of
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PC'd'1US96/18827
approximately 1.141" and a diameter of approximately 0.312" so as to snugly
fit within the opening 1020. The handle 1030 is attached at to the end of the
base 9 028 furthest from the side edge of the screen and rises substantially
perpendicular to the base 1028 so as to be positioned within the upper recess
1027 of the slot 1026. As shown in F1G. 47, the handle 1030 may be
positioned above the stot 1036 as well. Moving the handle 1030 towards a
position located at the front edge 1032 of the slot 1026 nearest the side edge
of the screen causes the cylindrical base 1028 to partially extend outside of
the opening 1020 by approximately 0.~". Movement of the handle 1030
towards a position located at the rear edge 1034 of the slot 1026 causes the
base 1028 to be totally retracted within the opening 1020 so that the end of
base 1028 furthest from the handle 1038 is approximately 0.6" from the
exterior edge of the opening 1020.
With the above description in mind, the attachment of a pair of
screens having identical retractable receiving elements is easily understood.
As shown in FIGS. 48A-B and 49, a side of a screen is placed adjacent to a
side of a second screen so that the retractable male members 1018 of each
screen are aligned with the female receiving elements or openings 1020 of
the other screen. As shown in FIGS. 45 and 48A one manner of attaching
the screens is to retract the male member 1018 of the right screen into the
opening 1020 of the right screen. The male member 1018 of the left screen is
partially extended out of the opening 1020 of the left screen and inserted
into
the opening 1020 of the right screen. An alternative method of attaching the
screens is shown in FIG. 48B where the male member 1018 of the left screen
is retracted into its corresponding opening 1020 and partially extending the
male member of the right screen and inserting it into the opening 1020 of the
left screen. One rule of thumb for attachment that is shown in FIGS. 48A-B is
that if the handles 1030 of the screens are moved in the same direction,
either left or right, then a male member 1018 will be partially extended so as
to be inserted into art opening in the other screen.
As shown in FIGS. 9-11, another aspect of the modular desk 2
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
1
is an overhead member 110. The overhead member 110 has a back surface
112. When attached to the back edge 18 of the worksurface member 10, the
back surtace 112 is positioned forwardly of the front surface 104 of the
accessory member, when the two members are used in combination. in
5 addition, the back surface 112 of the overhead member is maintained
forwardly of the boundary surface 32 of the module maintainer 30.
Accordingly, the overhead member 110 does not interfere with the modularity,
or footprint, of the desk 2.
As shown in FIG. 11, the overhead member 110 is removabiy
10 attached to the worksurface member 10. Preferably, the overhead member
110 is positioned on the top surface 12 of the worksurface member 10. For
example, the overhead member 110 is shown positioned on the top surface
12 and clamped to the back edge 18 in FIG. 11. Alternatively, a screen or
other accessory can also be mounted directly to the worksurface member as
15 shown for the overhead unit in FIG. 11. in addition, it should be
understood
that the overhead member 110 can also be attached to a side edge of the
worksurface member, or to both the back edge and side edge. As with
screens, off unit or freestanding overhead storage units are bulky and
expensive. In addition, installation of such units can disrupt the footprint
of
20 the system. In contrast, the overhead member shown in FIG. 11 conserves
space, reduces costs, and does not interfere with system modularity.
Because the overhead member 110 is not mounted to the
support legs 20 at the corners of the worksurface member as shown in FIGS.
9 and 10, it is not attached to or dependent an the legs 20 for support. Thus,
25 if the legs 20 are made height adjustable, the overhead member 110 simply
moves up or down with the worksurface member 10. Accordingly, the
distance between the overhead member 110 and work surface member 10 is
maintained as a constant. Therefore, various components, such as tack
s boards, storage trays or electronic equipment, can be positioned between the
30 overhead member and worksurface member without having to be moved or
adjusted with each adjustment of the height of the worksurface member.
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/CTS96/18827
3~
Indeed, any object can be placed between the overhead unit and the
worksurface member without it being disturbed due to height adjustments.
The overhead member 110 is preferably secured to the work surface member
using a C-shaped clamp 114 shown in FIG. 11, although other methods of
5 attachment are possible, including the use of fasteners passing through the
worksurface member.
In an exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 9-11, the
overhead member 110 includes a storage unit 116. The storage unit 116 has
parallel side walls 118, a top wall 120, a bottom wall 122 and a back wall 124
10 defining the back surface 112. The storage unit 116 is secured to top
portions 127 of a pair of support legs 126. Bottom portions 129 of the
support legs are positioned on the worksurface member 10. The storage unit
116 has an opening 128 framed by the side walls 118, top wall 120 and
bottom wall 122. As shown in FIG. 9, the opening has a door positioned in it.
The door can be a tambour door 130, as shown in FIG. 9, a flipper door, a
hinged door, or a sliding door. Alternatively, a drawer can be disposed in the
opening.
It should be understood that a wide variety of overhead
members are available. Accordingly, the overhead member is not limited to
the aforedescribed storage unit. For example, an open shelf 132, such as
those shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 50, can be installed on the worksurface
member 10. The shelf 132 has a bottom surface 134 and three sides forming
a rim 136. As with the storage unit, the shelf 132 is supported by a pair of
support legs 126. As shown in FIGS. 50-51, a mounting plate 1036 can be
attached to the top of the support legs 126 in a well known manner such as
welding. The mounting plate 1036 and the bottom surface 134 have holes
1038 into which bolts (not shown) can be inserted so as to attach the bottom
surface 134 of the shelf 132 to the support legs 126. A rear wail of the shelf
defines the back surface.
The support legs 126 can be attached or unattached to the
worksurtace member 10. Attachment can be achieved in a well known
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/I9617 PCTICTS96J18827
manner by bolting the bottom of the support legs 126 to the top surface 12 of
the worksurface member 10. The embodiment of FIGS. 50-56 shows an
alternative form of attachment. A base plate 1040 shown in FIG. 55 is
Y
attached in a well known manner, such as welding, to the bottom of the frame
1042 of the support leg 126 shown in FIGS. 53-55. The top of the base 1044
of a J-shaped clamp 1046 (see FIG. 56) is then attached to the underside of
the base plate 1040 by inserting bolts through holes 1048 and into the base
plate 1040. The above-described support legs 126 are shown in FIGS. 50
and 53 and are attached to the worksurface member 10 by sliding the back
edge 18 between the clamp 1046 and rotating the handle 1050 so that the fop
1052 of the clamp engages the bottom surface 14 of the worksurface member
10.
The above-described leg support and clamp structure of FIGS.
50-56 can be used to attach a closed cabinet to the worksurface member 10.
The support legs 126 of FIGS. 7 and 50-56 each have a rear
surface 125 positioned forwardly of the back surface 112 of the overhead
member. In such an embodiment, a tackboard, having a tackable surface,
can be attached to the rear surtace of the legs. A rear surface of the
tackboard is maintained forwardly of the rear surface of the overhead
member. As mentioned previously, the tackboard can be secured to the
overhead member, even if the worksurface member is height adjustable.
In addition to the overhead, various other storage devices can
be secured to the worksurface member. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a
cabinet assembly 500 and tool rail assembly 540 are secured to the back
edge of the worksurface member. It should be understood that these
members can be secured at an infinite number of locations along the back or
side edges of the worksurface member, and are not dependent on any
particular structure or holes for their placement.
As shown in FIGS. 25-27, the cabinet assembly 500 includes a
cabinet member 502 and a support member 504. The cabinet member 502
has two side walls 506, a back wall 508, a top wall 590, and a bottom wall
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/LTS96/18827
522. The side walls each have two vertical rows ofi holes 523 which oppose
each other. The holes 523 are adapted to receive posts. The posts can be
arranged in a variety of patterns to support shelves.
The support member 504 includes an upper section 512 having
a support surface 513 and an arm 514 extending upwardly from the back '
edge of the upper section 512. The support member also includes a lower
section 516 having a support surtace 517 which rests on and engages the top
surface 12 of the work surface member 10. A web section 519 interconnects
the upper and tower support sections. The support member 504 also
includes a C-shaped mounting member 518 which is adapted to slidably
engage the work surface member 10. The size of the opening 520 formed by
the C-shaped member is slightly greater than the thickness of the
worksurface member 10. To install the support member, a user slides the
support member 504 on to an edge of the worksurface member as shown in
FIG. 25 and installs a screw to clamp the support member 504 to the work
surface member 10. Note that the C-shaped mounting member 518 may be
integral with the support member 504 (see FIGS. 25-27) or it may be
separate. An example of a separate C-shaped mounting member 518 is
shown in FIGS. 80-82. The separate C-shaped mounting member 518 has a
top plate 521 which is placed adjacent to the bottom surface of lower section
516 and is attached thereto via a number of screws 525 inserted through
holes formed in the top plate 521 and into the bottom surtace of the lower
section 516.
The cabinet member is disposed on the support member 504,
so that the back wall 508 engages a front surface of the arm 514 and the
bottom walE 522 engages the upper support surface 513. The cabinet
member is secured to the support member 504 with a plurality of fasteners,
as shown in FIG. 26.
The tool rail assembly 540, shown in FIGS. 28-30, includes a
support member 550, a pair of rail members 560 and a tool 570. The support ,
member 550 includes a base 552, an arm 554 extending upwardly from the
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97119617 PCT/US96/18827
base 552, and a support flange 556 extending outwardly from the base 552.
The base 552 includes a lower support surface 558 which is disposed on and
engages the fop surface of the work surface member. The base also includes
a downwardly extending flange 560 which engages the back edge of the work
~ 5 surface member when the support member 550 is disposed on the
worksurface member. The flange 560 includes a boss 562 having a hole 564
disposed in it. A J-shaped clamping member 566 is disposed in the hole 564,
and a nut 568 is secured to the top of the clamping member 566. As the nut
is tightened, the support member 550 is secured to the work surface member
by the clamping member 566. Alternatively, the support member can include
a C-shaped mounting member and screw as described above for mounting
the tool rail assembly to the work surface member.
An upper and lower rail member 560 each include a back plate
572, a plurality of rails 574 configured as T-shaped members extending
outwardly from the back plate 572 in a generally horizontal orientation, and
an
upper lip 576 that curves outwardly and downwardly. The upper lip 576 of the
lower rail member operably engages a downwardly extending portion 578 of
the bottom most T-shaped member 574 of the upper plate so that the plate
members are interlocked. The plate members are disposed on the support
flange 556 and the back plate 572 engages the arm member 554. The plate
members are secured to the arm member with a plurality of fasteners (not
shown).
The tool, configured in FIGS. 28-29 as a tray, includes a bottom
wall 580, a pair of side walls 582 and a back wall 584. The forward edge 586
of the bottom surface has a cut away portion, or notch 588, so that a user can
grip various items disposed in the tray. A curved lip 590 extends rearwardfy
from the back wall 584 of the tray. Alternatively, a channel extends outwardly
from the back wall. The curved lip 584 or channel are adapted to engage an
upwardiy extending portion 592 of the T-shaped member as the back surface
of the back wall 584 rests up against the fop of the T-shaped member. Thus,
the tray can be disposed on and releasabfy engage any one of the T-shaped
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
~O
members. It should be understood that any number of trays can be disposed
on the tool rail. It should also be understood that other tool devices,
besides
a tray, can be configured to engage the T-shaped rail members. For ,
example, telephone stands and file holders can be also be used.
Alternative support members 550' are shown in FIGS. 80-81.
The support member 550' inctudes a base 552', an arm 554' extending
upwardly from the base 552', and a support flange 556' extending outwardly
from the base 552'. . A separate C-shaped mounting member 518 is
attached to the bottom of the base 552' by inserting a number of screws 525
through holes formed in the top plate 521 and into the bottom of the base
552'. Once attached, the top plate 521 lies adjacent to the bottom of the
base 552'. Next, the back edge of the work surtace is inserted into the space
formed between the bottom plate 527 and the top plate 521 and the mounting
screw 529 is tightened so that the support member is attached to the
worksurface.
An upper and lower rail member 560' (FIG. 80) or a fabric
covered tackable surface 531 (FIG. 81 ) may be attached to the support
members 550'. As shown in FIG. 80, for each member 560' a plurality of U-
shaped rails 574' are formed from a single sheet of material, such as steel or
aluminum. Consecutive U-shaped rails 574' are separated from one another
by rectangular channels 533. The upper and lower rail members 550' and the
tackable surface 531 are each attached to a rectangular mounting board 535
via fasteners 537. The rectangular mounting board 535 is then attached to
the arm 554' by inserting fasteners 539 through holes in the board 535 and
into holes 541 formed in the arm 554'.
The tool shown in FIGS. 28-29, such as a tray, may be attached
to the upper rail member 560' in a similar manner that the tool is attached to
the upper rail member 560 of FIGS. 28-30.
In a preferred embodiment, the legs 20 of the desk 2 are height '
adjustable, as shown in F1G. 11. Each leg 20 includes a tower member 25
and an upper member 23 siidably received in the lower member 25. The
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
upper member 23 can be raised or lowered within the lower member 25,
which remains stationary. In this embodiment, the modular maintainer 34 is
attached to the lower member 25. Accordingly, the module maintainer 30
remains stationary when the upper member 23, and attached worksurface
member 10, are raised or lowered.
A height adjustment mechanism 160, disposed in each leg 20,
interconnects the support member 29 and the mounting bracket 28. The
mechanism includes a drive tube 162 and a screw 164. A top end ofi the
screw 164 is rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket 28. The lower end of
the screw threadably engages a nut 166 mounted in the top portion of the
drive tube 162. A frst bevel gear 168 is mounted to the top end of the screw
164 and operably engages a second bevel gear 172 mounted to a horizontal
drive shaft 174. The screw 164 may be located in a variety of positions, such
as near the front of the leg 20.
fn operation, the mechanism 160 can be actuated either
manually or automatically. For manual operation, a miter gear box 176 is
secured to the bottom surface 74 of the worksurface member as shown in
FIG. 17. It should be understood that one skilled in the art would recognize
how to design a miter gear box 176 in order to provide a differential gearing
system. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the
shape of the miter box 176 can have a wide variety of shapes, such as
rectangular, without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly,
the details of the miter box have been omitted for simplicity. An end of the
drive shaft 174, which extends from each leg 20, is disposed in the gear box.
A tube 180 and extendible crank 170 extend forwardly from the gear box 176.
In operation, a user rotates the crank 170, which causes the gear box to
rotate the drive shafts 174. The drive shafts 174, in turn, cause the screw
164 in each leg to rotate through the intermeshing of bevel gears 168, 172.
s When rotated, the screw 164 engages the threaded nut 166 in the drive tube
162, thereby causing the mounting bracket 28 and worksurfiace member 10 to
move in a vertical direction.
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/fJS96/18827
~Z
For automatic operation, the mechanism 160 includes a motor
182 mounted to the bottom surface 14 of the worksurface member, as shown
in FIG. 19. It should be understood that one skilled in the art would
recognize ,
how to design a motor 182 in order to automatically rotate the pair of drive
shafts 174. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that
'
the shape of the motor 182 can have a wide variety of shapes, such as
rectangular, without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly,
the details of the motor 182 have been omitted for simplicity. When turned
on, the motor 182 rotates the pair of drive shafts 174, which move the
IO worksurface member in the same way as just described for manual operation.
Alternatively, a nut 190 can be secured to the bottom end of the
upper member 23 of the leg, as shown in FIG. 21. A screw 192 is provided
which threadably engages the nut 190 and is rotatably attached to the foot
member 29. The screw includes a drive head 194 that extends below the
IS bottom of the foot member 29. The screw 192 may be in several positions,
such as the rear of the leg, without departing from the spirit of the
invention.
In operation, a user turns the drive head 194 which rotates the screw 192 and
causes the upper member 23 to move in a vertical direction.
The desk is also provided with a support member 29 attached to
20 the bottom of each leg 20. In a preferred embodiment the support member
includes a leveling device, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 21. The leveling device
provides leveling for the C-shaped desk while simultaneously maintaining a
low profile at the forward end of the protruding foot member. For a complete
description and disclosure of that device and the benefits of having a C-
25 shaped leg with a low-profile foot member, see co-pending U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Serial Number 60/006,834, entitled Leveling Device For A
Support Leg, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
The leveling device is typically not used with the third leg 326, '
30 which is positioned at the corner of the corner table, as shown in F1G. 4,
or
with the two support legs, which are attached to the module maintainer 30 on
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/I9617 PCTJUS96/18827
3
the peninsula table 350, as shown in FIG. 33. Indeed, an elongated foot
member at those locations could unnecessarily interfere with the user's chair
or feet. Thus, the support member used at those locations shown in FIG. 37,
simply includes a pair of adjustable glide members 364 disposed in opposite
ends of the foot member 366. The glide members 364 can be used to adjust
the height and level of the support member. The third leg 326 typically
employs the manual height adjustment mechanism described in F1G. 21. The
third leg 326 may or may not employ the top plate for attachment to the work
surface member 354 as shown in FIG. 37. Furthermore, the removable top
support 327 may have a variety of shapes such as shown in FIGS. 37 and
94A-C.
As shown in FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of the modular
desk, called a bridge member 140, has a worksurface member 10, but not
any legs. Rather, the bridge member 140 is adapted to be positioned in the
space located between adjacent, spaced apart modular desks. Because the
desks are modular, i.e., the length of the desks is maintained as a constant,
the space between adjacent, spaced apart desks is maintained as a constant
(L). For example, the space can have a length L of approximately 6". The
total amount of space for three or more desks would be multiples of L. Thus,
three desks in series would have iwo spaces therebetween and a total space
of 12". Note that the bridge member 140 also has a width equal to the length
L of the space.
The worksurface member 10 of the bridge member 140 is
releasably attached to a pair of adjacent desks using a bridge plate 142,
shown in FIG. 14. When installed, the top surface 12 of the bridge member is
maintained substantially flush with the top surfaces 12 of the adjacent work
surtace members.
When using a bridge member 140, a separate module
maintainer 30 and power unit must also be attached to adjacent module
maintainers 30 and power units 70 positioned on either side of the module
maintainer 30 and power unit. As described previously, the sidewalk 31 of
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
the abutting modular maintainer support members are preferably
interconnected with a plurality of fasteners 40 as shown in FIG. 14.
Another variation of the modular desk is an extension member
150, shown in FIG. 5. The extension member 150 includes a worksurface
member 10, a module maintainer 30 and one leg 20 attached to the bottom
surface 14 of the worksurface member adjacent one of the side edges 15.
The extension member has a free edge 152 opposite the side edge
supported by the leg. The free edge 152 is adapted to be releasably secured
to the side edge of an adjacent desk using a bridge plate. The top surface 12
IO of the extension member worksurface member is maintained substantially
flush with the top surface of the worksurface member of the adjacent desk.
Similarly, the free edge of the module maintainer and power unit is attached
to the adjacent module maintainer and power unit as discussed previously.
Yet another variation of the modular desk is the corner desk
320, shown in FIG. 4. The corner unit can have two or three legs. The third
corner leg 326 can be made height adjustable. When a third leg is installed, a
corner module maintainer 330 is attached to the third leg 326, as shown in
FIG. 22. The module maintainers 30, positioned perpendicularly to each
other and running along the back edges of the corner desk, are then attached
to opposing sides of the corner module maintainer 330 by fastening together
interfacing sidewalls. Similarly, a comer power unit 340 can be secured to
the third leg 326 and a bottom of the corner module maintainer 330. The
power units 70 running perpendicular along the back edges of the corner
desk are electrically interconnected with the corner power unit 340.
As shown in FIG. 33, a peninsula desk 350 has an elongated
work surface member 354 extending forwardly from a pair of support legs.
The free end 355 of the work surface member 354, which preferably has an
arcuate shape, is supported by a third support leg 352. The peninsula desk
350 provides a user with additional work surface area. Typically, the '
peninsula desk 350 is installed between a pair of two-legged modular desks,
so as to provide a shared work surface area for users of the adjacent desks.
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19b17 PCT/US96/18827
A fear-drop shaped table 360 and a D-shaped table 362 are
shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 respectively. These tables can be incorporated
into various systems of modular desks, for example, in order to provide
additional work surface, as shown in FIG. 1. One aspect of these tables is
the modular support assembly 700 used to support a tear-drop shaped work
surface member 361 and a D-shaped work surface member 363.
The modular support assembly 700 includes a tube 702, a rod
704, an upper support bracket 706 and a plurality of feet members 708, 710.
Each foot member 708, 710 includes a base section 712 and a support
IO member 714, 716 extending outwardly from the base section. A caster 718 is
attached to the end of each support member 714, 716 and is adapted to
engage the floor. The base section 712 includes an inner concave surface
720 shaped to receive the rod 704, an outer convex surface 722, and an
upper and a tower comically shaped surface 724, 726. The tube 702 has four
lobes 728 or curved portions, each one shaped to receive the convex surface
722 of the base section 712.
The upper support bracket 706 has a center portion 730 and a
plurality of arms 732 extending outwardly from the center portion 730. The
support bracket for the D-shaped table includes three arms, while the support
bracket for the fear-drop shaped table has four arms. The center portion 730
of the bracket also has an opening 734 passing through it. When installed, a
one piece or a two piece washer 736 is interposed between the support
bracket 706 and a top portion of the tube 702. To provide height adjustment
of the worksurface member, additional washers can be installed, thereby
increasing the distance between the worksurface and the floor.
To assemble the modular support assembly 700, a nut 736 is
first threaded onto a lower portion of the rod. Then, a cone shaped washer
730, opening downwardly and shaped to receive the upper surface 724 of the
base section, is disposed on the rod 704. A second cone shaped washer
742, opening upwardly and shaped to receive the bottom surface 726 of the
base section, is threaded onto the rod 704, leaving a space between the two
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
washers 740, 742. Next, the feet member 708, 710 are positioned between
the two washers 740, 742 such that the inner concave surface 730 of each
foot interfaces with the rod 704. Either the bottom cone washer or the nut is
then tightened, thereby clamping the feet members between the washers
S 740, 742 as they interface with the upper and lower surfaces 724, 726 of the
base section. A bottom portion 744 of the tube is then disposed over the
base sections of the plurality of feet. An inner concave surface 746 of the
tube engages the outer convex surface 722 of the base sections.
Finally, the upper support bracket 706 is placed on top of the
two-piece washer 736 which is positioned on top of the tube member 702. An
upper end 748 of the rod passes through the opening 734 in the center
portion 730 of the bracket and a nut 750 is threaded onto the upper end 748
of the rod. When tightened, the nut 750 and rod 704 clamp together the
upper bracket 706, the tube 702, and the feet members 708, 710.
By using a two-piece washer between the tube and support
bracket, the washer can be easily removed simply by loosening the nut 750,
removing the washer (or inserting additional washers) from between the tube
and support bracket, and retightening the nut 750. Thus, the support
assembly does not have to be comptetely disassembled to exchange,
replace, or add new washers. A plurality of washers can be used to provide
the work surface member with height adjustability.
The modular support assembly has several advantages over
conventional supports. For example, if a user wishes to exchange a shorter
foot member 710, as shown in FIG. 32, for a longer foot member 708, the
user simply loosens the bottom cone washer, slides the foot member out from
between the two cone washers and from beneath the tube, and installs a new
foot member in its place. if it is desired to only have three feet members, as
shown in FIG. 32, one simply removes one of the feet and installs a spacer
760 in its place. The spacer is configured the same as the base section of
the foot member, but does not include a corresponding support member or
caster.
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
It should be understood that a user can reconfigure the support
assembly to include one, two, three or four legs. Similarly, the assembly can
contain any combination of shorter or longer legs. The user may wish to have
one or more legs shortened to minimize interference with the user's feet, or
lengthened to increase the stability of the worksurface. Thus, the modular
support assembly provides a great deal of flexibility in configuring a support
for a table, white minimizing the cost and number of parts the user needs for
that reconfiguration.
When creating a workspace environment, a plurality of modular
desks 2 can be arranged in a predetermined pattern so as to form a modular
desk system as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7. The plurality of modular desks 2
can be arranged in a side-by-side pattern, a back-to-back pattern, or a
combination of such patterns.
For example, to assemble two modular desks 2 in a side-by-side
arrangement, as shown in FIG. 15, an installer places the desks 2, having
matching depths, next to each other, such that the side edges 15 abut each
other. In addition, the desks 2 are positioned such that the boundary
surfaces 32 lie flush or lie in the same plane as each other. When so
arranged, cables laid on the ledge 232 may pass from that ledge 232 to the
next ledge 232. It should be understood that any number of modular desks
can be arranged in this manner.
When two desks 2 are arranged in a side-by-side pattern,
opposing ends of adjacent power units 70 are also aligned. Accordingly, the
electrical connector port 76 extending from a first desk can be connected to
the electrical connector port 76 positioned in the adjacent desk, such that
the
first desk supplies power to the adjacent desk as shown in FIG. 15. When a
plurality of desks are positioned together, and the desk's power units are
interconnected, the entire system can be powered from a single source.
To arrange two desks in a back-to-back arrangement, the
installer simply positions the desks such that the boundary surfaces of the
adjacent module maintainers abut each other. When so arranged, as shown
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
in FIG. 13, accessory members 100 can be installed on top of each boundary
wall 48 without having to move or adjust the abutting desks. Similarly,
overhead members 110 can be installed on the worksurface member 10
without having to move or adjust abutting desks. Furthermore, cables can be
t
passed over the back edge of the worksurface member 10 and laid on the
ledge 232 or in the trough 224 without having to move or adjust the adjacent
modular desk, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 91.
The modular desks can also be used in combination with wall
panel systems, such as the ACTION OFFICE or ETHOSPACE wall panel
systems commercially available from the Herman Miller Inc. of Zeeland,
Michigan. As shown in FIG. 7, the modular desks 2 are positioned such that
the boundary surface 32 abuts the wall panel surface 202. When positioned
in this manner, the modular desk can be mechanically fastened to the panel
with a connector bracket 800, as shown in FIG. 23, in order to provide support
for the panel and to prevent the desk from being displaced.
The connector bracket 800 includes a plate member 802 and a
plurality of hooks 804 extending rearwardly from the plate member. The
hooks 804 are shaped to operably engage slots 806 positioned in a standard
808 attached to an end of the panel 200. The plate member 802 has four
openings arranged in a generally vertical direction. Two upper holes 810 are
positioned so as to be aligned with the holes 814 located in the sidewall 31
of
the module maintainer support member. Two lower openings 813 are slotted
in the vertical direction. Two fasteners are disposed in the slots 813 and
secure a foot bracket 816 to the connector bracket 800. The foot bracket 816
includes two perpendicular flanges 818, 820 and a hook member 822
extending outwardly from one of the flanges. The hook member 822 operabfy
engages a back portion 823 of the support member 29. The two lower
openings are slotted to ease installation of the toot bracket 816.
When installed, the hook member 822 on the foot bracket 816 '
engages the back 823 of the support member, and the plate 802 is attached
to the side wall with a plurality of fasteners. In addition, the hook members
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96118827
804 are inserted into and operably engage the slots 806 in the standard 808.
In this way, the modular desk is removably secured to the panel.
Other examples of attaching the modular desk 2 to a panel or
wall such that the boundary surface 32 abuts the wall panel surface 202 is
shown by the furniture and panel systems of FIGS. 58-79. As shown in FIG.
58, a pair of panels 200 are attached to and aligned along each other along a
seam 1056 and are positioned substantially perpendicular to a support
surface 1060, such as a floor. The panels 200 include stands or glides 1058
that aid in supporting the panels 200 on the support surface 1060. A piece of
furniture, such as the modular desk 2, is positioned so that the back edge 18
of the worksurface member 10 is substantially parallel to the panels 200 and
the side walls 31 of the support members 40 are substantially perpendicular
to the panels 200. Note that the side walls 31 may include support stands or
glides 1062 where rotation of the glide causes a screw to rotate and either
raise or lower the desk. An attachment system 1064 for attaching the side
walls 31 and the panels 200 is shown in part in FIG. 58. A connector bracket
1066 is positioned above the support surface 1060 and is attached to the
panels 200 and the side walls 31 by inserting fasteners, such as bolts,
through the slots 1068 of the bracket 1066 and into the corresponding holes
1070 formed in the side walls 31. As shown in FIGS. 58, 67 and 90-93, the
rear end of the bracket 1066 has a plurality of angled hooking elements sucti
as T-shaped hooks 1072. The hooks 1072 are angled relative to the
rectangular plate 1074 by approximately 30° to match the angled slot
and are
pushed into slots or gaps 1076 formed between consecutive tabs 1078 that
are attached to and arranged vertically along the seam 1056 between the
panels 200. Once inserted through the gaps 1076, the bracket 1066 and
hooks 1072 are pushed downward (see arrow in FIG. 91 ) so as to engage the
tabs 1078. The bracket 1066 also includes a steel dislodgment clip 1080. As
shown in FIGS. 58, 67, 90 and 92-93, the dislodgment clip 1080 includes a
first pair of prongs 1082 that engage the bracket 1066 by having two L-
shaped appendages 1084 slid between spaces 1086 and engage the edges
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
SD
1088 of the bracket 1066. Vertical appendage 1090 is inserted through slot
1092. A second pair of prongs 1094 are angled so as to be parallel to hooks
1072 and to engage the panel.
As shown in FIGS. 90 and 92-93, when the hooks 1074 are slid
down to properly engage in the tabs 9078, one prong 1094 and a middle
finger 1097 of the bracket 1066 will enter (the prong 1094 will spring into
the
gap) into and fill the gap 1076 (see FIG. 92). Since the gap 1076 is filled,
the
bracket 1066 cannot move up or down relative to the seam 1056. The plate
1074 cannot be removed until the prong 1094 is puffed or pushed out of the
gap 1076. The prongs 1094 have lengths tong enough to penetrate beyond
gap 1076.
Note that the connector bracket 1066 shown in FIGS. 57, 58
and 67 is designed to attach a modular piece of furniture to the ACTION
OFFICE wall panel system commercially available from Herman Miller, lnc. of
Zeeland, Michigan. A connector bracket 1066' and dislodgment clip 1080' to
be used for attaching modular furniture to the ETHOSPACE wall panel
system commercially available from the Herman Miller Inc. of Zeeland,
Michigan are shown in FIGS. 8fi, 68 and 78. As shown in the figures,
connector brackets 1066 and 1066' and dislodgment clips 1080 and 1080'
are similar in shape, structure and function. One difference is that the
prongs
1094' are offset by approximately 0.20" and are parallel to plate 1074'.
Furthermore, the plate 1076' includes two additional slots 1095 which receive
the appendages 1084' of the dislodgment clip 1080'. The prongs 1094' are
parallel to and offset by approximately 0.11" with respect to the prongs
1082'.
The prongs 1094' have lengths long enough to penetrate beyond gap 1076'.
A second component of the attachment systems 1064 of FIGS.
58-63 and 86-69 is a support plate 1096 lying on the support surface 1060.
The support plate can be used with both the OFFICE ACTION and
ETHOSPACE panel systems mentioned previously. As shown in FIGS. 61, '
62 and 69, the support plate 1096 includes a panel receptacle 1098 for
receiving a portion of a panel 200 and a wall receptacle 1100 for receiving a
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
sj
portion of the side wall 31 of the piece of furniture. The panel receptacle
1098 is shown in FIGS. 61 and 69 and has three rectangular mounting pieces
1102 that are formed from and are substantially perpendicular to the support
plate 1096. The mounting pieces 1102 define an area A that allows a support
stand or glide 1058 of the panel 200 to be inserted therein. The mounting
pieces 1102 abut and engage the sides of the glide 1058 so as to prevent the
removal of the support plate 1096 from the panel 200 (see FIG. 61 )
The support plate 1096 is adjustable to accommodate different
sizes of pieces of furniture. As shown in FIGS. 67 , 62 and 69, the wall
receptacle 1100 has a pair of slots 1106 and 1108. A tab 1110 formed in the
panel receptacle 1098 is inserted into one of the slots 1106 and 1108,
depending on the type of modular desk being attached. For example, if tab
1110 is inserted into slot 1106, then a power crank adjustable table desk can
be attached to the wall receptacle 1100. Attachment is accomplished by
lowering the glide 1062 so that a mounting piece, such as the front tab 1112,
is inserted into a slot (not shown) formed in the bottom of the glide 1062.
Attachment of a fixed height table desk is accomplished in the same manner
as the power crank adjustable table desk, except that the tab 1110 is inserted
into slot 1108.
Once the desk 2 is attached to the panels 200, a second desk 2
can be attached adjacent thereto in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 60. in
that case, the desks 2 are attached to the panels 200 by a common
connector bracket 1066 or 1066' and a pair of nuts and washers 1114 and
bolts 1116 inserted through the aligned slots 1068, 1068' and holes 1070.
Ganging plate 1118 may be attached to both of bottom surtaces 14 of the
desks 2 to insure that that the side edges of the worksurface members are
separated by a uniform gap.
Note that if either bracket 1066 or bracket 1066' is to be
attached to an end panel 200, then a standard 808 can be attached to the
free end of the panel 200 in a manner as shown in FIGS. 23 and 60. The
standard 808 has a plurality of slots 806 in which the hooks 1072 and 1072'
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/LTS96/18827
S'Z
can be inserted. A bolt plate 1116 is inserted over the slots 1068, 1068' so
that access to the slots is prevented. The threaded posts 1118 ofi the bolt
plate 1116 are inserted into slots 1068, 1068' and into the corresponding
holes 1070 and attached to the side walls 31 by threading the nuts and
washers 1120 onto the posts 1118.
Another variation ofi attachment of a modular desk 2 to a panel
200 is to have a side wall 31 adjacent to and parallel to the panels 200. In
this case, a L-shaped connecting brackets 1122 and 1122' are used for
attachment to ACTION OFFICE and ETHOSPACE panels respectfully.
Brackets 1122 and 1122' are identical to brackets 1066 and 1066',
respectively, except that the plates 1074 and 1074' are bent by 90°
about the
fold lines 1124 and 1124', respectively, as shown in FIGS. 70 and 71. The
corresponding dislodgment clips are also bent by 90° as shown in FIGS.
71,
71, 77 and 79. A bolt plate 1116 attaches the brackets 1122 and 1122' to the
side wall 31 in the manner described previously. Likewise, the hooks 1072
and 1072' are attached to the seam 1056 between the panels 200 in the
manner described previously.
In the variation shown in FIGS. 64, 65 and 72, an adjustable
support plate 1126 is used to attach modular furniture to the previously
mentioned ACTION OFFICE and ETHOSPACE panel systems. The support
plate 1126 includes a panel receptacle 1128 for receiving a portion of a panel
200 and a wall receptacle 1130 for receiving a portion of the side wall 31 of
the piece of furniture. The panel receptacle 1128 has two rectangular
mounting pieces 1102 and a wall 1131 attached to one of the mounting
pieces 1102. The glide 1058 is placed in the area A and engaged by the
mounting pieces 1102 and wall 1130. Spacers 1104 may be attached to one
or more of the mounting pieces 1102 so as to provide better engagement with
smaller diameter glides 1058, such as those used in the ACTION OFFICE
panel system. As shown in FIGS. 64 and 72, the panel receptacle 1128 has
three pairs of slots 1106, 1108 and 1132. A pair of tabs 1110 formed in the .
wall receptacle 1130 are inserted into one of the pair of slots 1106, 1108 and
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/I9617 PCT/ITS96/18827
53
1132, depending on the type of modular desks and panels being attached to
each other. For example, if tabs 1110 are inserted into slots 1106, then a
power crank adjustable table desk can be attached to ETHOSPACE panels
1
by lowering the glide 1062 so that the front tab 1112 is inserted into a slot
(not
shown) formed in the bottom of the glide 1062. Attachment of a fixed height
table desk to OFFICE ACTION panels is accomplished in the same manner
as the power crank adjustable table desklETHOSPACE system, except that
the tabs 1110 are inserted info slots 1108. Insertion of tabs 1110 into slots
1132 allows either fixed height tables to be attached to ETHOSPACE panels
or power/crank adjustable tables attached to ACTION OFFICE panels.
Alternatively, the modular desk can be positioned such that the
side of the desk abuts the wall panel surtace as shown in FIG. 35. In this
embodiment, an alternative connector bracket 840, shown in FIG. 24, can be
used to secure the desk to the panel, as shown in FIG. 35. The connector
bracket includes a plate member 842 and a flange 844 extending
perpendicularly from the plate member. The flange includes a plurality of
hook members 846 adapted to operably engage slots in a panel standard.
The plate member 842 includes a plurality of openings as previously
described, thereby providing a means for attaching the connector bracket to
the module maintainer and to a foot bracket.
The modular desk can also be electrically connected to adjacent
panels, thereby supplying power to individual modular desks or a system of
modular desks. For example, as shown in FIG. 35, a harness 900 can
interconnect and supply power from a panel receptacle module 902 to a
socket and corresponding receptacle module in the power unit. Alternatively,
the harness can be used to interconnect and supply power from a building
source, such as the floor outlet 904 shown in FIG. 35, to the socket and
corresponding receptacle module disposed in the power unit attached to the
modular maintainer and support legs.
in yet another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 34 and 36, the
harness 900 interconnects and supplies power from the panel receptacle
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCTlUS96/18827
S
module 902 to the electrical connector ports positioned in the power unit. tn
this embodiment, the harness can be disposed in a cable/power transition unit
906 extending outwardly from and attached to the panel wall. The transition
unit includes a panel 908 and a cover 910 spaced apart from and attached to
the panel 908. The harness 900 is disposed between the cover 910 and
panel 908 so that it does not become entangled with the user's feet or
become inadvertently disconnected. Similarly, cables or wires placed on the
ledge can be passed through the open space at the end of the module
maintainer and be disposed in the transition unit. In this way the cables or
wires can be run to the base of the panel and passed into wire management
channels in the base of the panel. The transition unit 906 also serves as a
support for an off panel worksurface member.
Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 73-76 and 82-89 where
a three legged corner table 1134 is attached to a panel 200. The corner table
1134 includes two module maintainers 30 mounted to and extend rearwardly
from corresponding pair of legs 20 as shown in FIG. 73. As shown in F1G.
73B, a wide variety of worksurfaces 1134 may be attached to the top of legs
and 1137. The module maintainers 30 may have the structure of either
the embodiment of FIG. 8 or FIG. 42. The module maintainers 30 are
20 attached to each other by a corner bracket 1136 that is attached to the
middle
leg 1137 via nuts and bolts 1138. Attachment of an ETHOSPACE pane( is
accomplished by attaching plate 1140, bracket 1142', and end cap 1144 in
series to the left support member 40 via the bolt plate 1116. Note that plate
1140 is used to connect two corner tables together when electrical raceways
are used. The plate 1140 may or may not be used when attaching the corner
table to a panel 200. The exposed corner between the two module
maintainers 30 is covered by a corner mask 1146 that is attached by one or
more hook and loop connectors 1148, such as those sold under the
trademark VELCRO. A pair of U-shaped covers 1139 may be used to cover '
the flexible shafts 1169. The connectors 1148 are attached to both support
members 40 and inside the corner mask 1146. Note that a pair of drive shaft
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCT/US96/18827
.SS
assemblies 174 and a crank assembly 170 interact with a height adjustment
mechanism 160 such as that described with respect to FIGS. 16-21 so as to
allow manual adjustment of the height of the table. Height adjustment can
also be accomplished via motor 182 that is powered by a power pack 1141 in
a manner described with respect to FIGS. 16-21.
The bracket 1142' is shown in FIGS. 74 and 76 and has a
structure similar to the bracket 1066' shown in FIG. 68. One difference is
that
the bracket 1142' is L-shaped. The dislodgment clip 1080' is identical to the
dislodgment clip shown in FIGS. 68 and 78. The bracket 1142' is attached to
an ETHOSPACE panel in the same manner that the bracket 1066' is attached
to the ETHOSPACE panel system. Similarly, the L-shaped bracket 1142'
shown in FIG. 75 can be attached to the table 1134 in the same manner as
bracket 1066'. Furthermore, the L-shaped bracket 1142 of FiG. 75 has a
structure similar to that of bracket 1066 is attached to an OFFICE ACTION
panel system in the same manner as described previously for bracket 1066.
A two piece support plate 1096' is placed on the support surface
1060. The support plate can be used with both the OFFICE ACTION and
ETHOSPACE panel systems mentioned previously. As shown in FIGS. 74
and 82-85, the support plate 1096' includes a connector 1143 for the panel
200 and a connector 1145 for the glide 1062 for the corner table. Both
connectors 1143 and 1145 are interconnected with one another by inserting
threaded posts 1147 of the connector 1143 through slots 1149 and 1151
formed in the connector 1145. As shown in FIGS. 82-83, connector 1143 is
rectangular in shape have a width of approximately 2.5" and a length of
approximately 12". As shown in FIGS. 84-85, connector 1145 is rectangular
in shape have a width of approximately 2.5" and a length ranging from
approximately 7.5" to approximately 8.5" depending on the panel being
connected. For example, attachment of an ETHOSPACE panel is
~ accomplished with a connector 1145 having a length of approximately 8.5"
and an ACTION OFFICE panel would attached via a 7.5" long connector
1145. Slot 1151 subtends an angle ranging from approximately 66.5° to
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 P'CT/US96/I8827
78.2°. The slot 1151 allows the connector 1143 to pivot relative to the
connector 1145. When the connector 1143 has been pivoted to a desired
position, nuts and washers 1153 are screwed onto the posts 1147 so as to
maintain the desired position.
Support plate 1096' operates by inserting the glide 1058 in the
area A defined by the tabs 1155 and 1157 and the bent rear wall 1169 of the
connector 1145 in a manner similar to that described previously for tabs 1102.
A wall receptacle 1100' for receiving a portion of the side wall 31 of the
piece
of furniture is shown in FIGS. 74 and 84-85. The wall receptacle 1100 has
two tabs 1159 that are inserted into the glides 1062 of the leg 1137. By
pivoting the connectors 1143 and 1145, it is possible to adjust the attachment
in view of the type of panel being attached.
When installing the modular desks 2 and 1134 described
previously up against a panel or wall, the accessory member 100 and
overhead member 110 can be installed, alone or in combination, on the
modular desk 2 without the pane! 200 or desk 2 having to be moved. Thus,
the predetermined pattern, or footprint, of the system remains intact due to
the uniformity of each modular desk footprint. Similarly, cables can pass over
the back edge of the worksurface member and be laid on the ledge or in the
trough without the modular desk or panel being moved.
In addition, since the rear surface of the support member is
spaced apart from the panel, a wire access trough in the bottom of the panel
can be accessed, by removing a cover, without moving the desk.
it should be understood that a plurality of modular desks can be
arranged in a limitless number of predetermined patterns, either alone or in
combination with a plurality of panels. In all such patterns, both the
footprint
of the modular desk and the footprint of the system are maintained as a
constant by the module maintainers. Thus, any system employing the
modular desk can be easily reconfigured to include accessory members, such
as screens, and overhead members, atone or in combination, without having
to reconfigure, move or modify the preexisting pattern of modular desks
CA 02237691 1998-OS-14
WO 97/19617 PCTJUS96/18827
$l
It should be understood that a plurality of modular desks can be
arranged in a limitless number of predetermined patterns, either alone or in
combination with a plurality of panels. In all such patterns, both the
footprint
of the modular desk and the footprint of the system are maintained as a
constant by the module maintainers. Thus, any system employing the
modular desk can be easily reconfigured to include accessory members, such
as screens, and overhead members, alone or in combination, without having
to reconfigure, move or modify the preexisting pattern of modular desks
and/or panels. Similarly, cables can be passed over the back edge, stored
and organized without moving any of the modular desk units. Thus, the
module maintainer eliminates the problem of creep, and provides a unique
device for creating simple but effective work spaces.
tn addition, the modular power unit provides a unique way for
powering and electrically connecting an entire desk system without reliance
on either a panel or nearby wall outlet. By moving away from panel
dependency, work space environments may be made more open and flexible.
Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize
that
changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed
description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is
the
appended ctaims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to
define the scope of the invention.
