Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02273631 1999-06-O1
CONSOLE SYSTEM WITH SUSPENSION OF EQUIPMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a framework for supporting pieces of work
station
equipment, and more particularly to a console stn.~cture for supporting
electronic equipment
in the nature of computers, video monitors, control panels and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Control consoles of the type described herein generally include a framework
for
receiving and supporting the necessary pieces of electronic and support
equipment including
terminals, monitors, keyboards, switchpanels, telephone turrets, lighting and
so forth, and a
planar work surface extending outwardly from the framework at a convenient
height. Some
of the equipment including video monitors and output displays is supported to
be visible
above the work surface for convenient viewing acid user access. Attractive
finishing panels
are also usually supported by the basic framework.
To date, many work station consoles have been custom manufactured which in
terms
1 S of design and construction is both expensive and time consuming. This
approach has been
necessitated by customer requirements that are often unique in terms of work
station size,
equipment placement, human engineering and cost considerations. In the result,
the
completed console structures are not only extremely expensive, but are also
difficult if not
impossible to subsequently modify for the reconfiguration of existing
equipment or to retrofit
new equipment. An alternative approach has been to assemble the consoles from
fixed size
modular sections. This approach can reduce costs, and although there may be
some loss of
flexibility with respect to subsequent modifications and reconfigurations of
equipment within
the console, there are simply many instances in which the cost savings
outweigh the
advantages of a system critically engineered to permit unlimited post-
installation
reconfiguration. Some flexibility must however remain.
A need therefore exists for a console struch~re which overcomes the problems
inherent
in either the custom design and manufacture or modular assembly of console
structures. One
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such approach has been developed by the Applicant and is described in Canadian
Patent
1,291,518 issued October 29, 1991 (equivalent to U.S. Patent 4,836,625).
The backbone of the console structure shown in the aforementioned patents are
the
horizontally spaced, vertically upright gable members 1 commonly referred to
as G-frames.
The gables are interconnected by stringers 2 to provide a rigid framework for
the console
structure. The spacing between gables is infinitely variable so that the
framework as a whole
is easily adapted to custom requirements both before and after initial on-site
assembly.
Because most of the equipment in the console: is supported by or suspended
from the
interconnecting stringers, changing the distance between gables is not in and
of itself all that
disruptive of the system as a whole and particularly the equipment mounting
hardware, and
this lends the overall structure enormous flexibility. This flexibility comes
however at a cost.
The gables are metal fabricated usually from tubular steel and are therefore
relatively
expensive to manufacture and store. The stringers are typically aluminum
extrusions and are
therefore relatively inexpensive linear stock easily stored, but a lot of
different stringers of
different shapes and configurations depending upon function are required and
an idea of the
number and types of stringers needed can be seen from Figures 3 to 9 of the
patent. This
therefore also adds to cost and the need for significant inventory control.
The need for this
number of stringers is made necessary in part because the gables, as
aforesaid, are almost
entirely structural in function and integrate no charmels, interlocks or other
mechanical means
that increase their versatility or allow them to perform multiple tasks.
The Applicant has found that although there will continue to be a strong
demand for
the flexibility and retrofit capabilities of its G-frarna consoles, and for
more modular "discreet
logic" systems that cost less, many customers now require accommodation for
increasingly
large pieces of equipment such as 26 inch monitors and increasingly tall
computer towers.
To accommodate such items, and to maximize the remaining available space for
other pieces
of equipment usually mounted below the monitors, it is increasingly desirable
to further
reduce the number of components making up the console framework. The more
vertical and
horizontal structural members eliminated, the greater the unimpeded space
available for
oversized equipment.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The Applicant has therefore developed a console system which is flexible
enough to
meet the demands of a custom environment, but wherein the number of components
in the
system is significantly reduced for cost savings. Many of the remaining
components "multi-
task", assembly is made easier and less costly, arid structural integrity is
maintained.
The backbone of the new console structure described below consists of an upper
beam
extrusion adapted as a point of direct connection or contact for many of the
present consoles's
components and from which monitor shelves or cradles can be directly
suspended.
It is an object of the present invention therefore to provide a console
structure
comprising a relatively few basic components. which can be easily assembled
into a
supporting framework for a wide variety of equipment pieces and shapes without
major
modifications to the basic components themselves.
It is a further obj ect of the present invention to provide a console
framework providing
as much unimpeded space therein as possible to maximize the adaptability of
the framework
for the mounting of different pieces of equipment at different locations, and
the ability to meet
custom requirements using the same basic components.
It is a further obj ect of the present invention to provide a console
framework in which
equipment can be suspended from an upper structural beam.
According to the present invention then, there is provided a console structure
frame
for supporting one or more pieces of equipment, comprising a plurality of
horizontally spaced
vertically upright column members; a beam member extending between said column
members; and means for suspending said pieces of equipment from said beam
member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in
greater
detail, and will be better understood when read in conjunction with the
following drawings
in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective schematical view of the console structure in
accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the console of Figure l;
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Figure 3 is a side more detailed elevational view of the console of Figure 2
with some
panels attached;
Figure 4 is a side elevational view of a reduced depth console;
Figure S is a cross-sectional view of the column extrusion;
Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper beam with some
additional
components connected thereto;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the beam shown in Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lower beam;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the monitor cradle;
Figure 10 is a side elevational view of the cradle of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a front exploded isometric view of the present console;
Figure 12 is a rear exploded isometric view of the console of Figure 12;
Figure 13 is a side elevational view of the console displaying a pivotable
monitor
cradle mount;
Figure 14 is a side elevational view of the console of Figure 13 in a pivotal
position.
Figure 15 is a side elevational view of a vertically adjustable console in a
lowered
position;
Figure 16 is a side elevational view of the console of Figure 1 S in a raised
position;
Figure 17 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the task light;
Figure 18 is a plan view of the light baffles and baffle guide of the task
light of Figure
18;
Figure 19 is a bottom plan view of the task light;
Figure 20 is a side elevational view of a double height console;
Figure 21 is a side elevational view of a door mounted processor shelf;
Figure 22 is a front elevational view of the shelf of Figure 21; and
Figure 23 is a side elevational view of the lower rear stringer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
With reference to Figure 1 there is shown a typical console frame in
accordance with
the present invention adapted to support various pieces of computer hardware,
lighting
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fixtures, other pieces of equipment and finishing panels. Not all consoles of
course are
adapted nor required to support computers or computer controlled equipment but
as this is
perhaps the most common use for such consoles, reference will be made to this
application
by way of example only.
The types of equipment to be supported by the console will vary tremendously.
The
structure must be adapted to support all these different pieces of equipment,
at locations
specified by the customer.
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the basic elements of the console structure
in
accordance with the present invention include a plurality of horizontally
spaced, vertically
upright columns 1 interconnected at their upper ends by an upper beam 4 and
optionally at
their lower ends by a lower beam 8. A box frame 7 consisting of rectangular
end gables 11
and horizontal stringers 14 make up the rest of the structural framework. As
will be described
below, upper and lower beams 4 and 8 and columns 1 each perform a variety of
functions.
The console also includes adjustable shelves or cradles 10 for supporting
monitors and
similar equipment within the console, a horizontal work surface 5 (Fig. 3) and
external
finishing panels generally indicated at 6 in Figures 3 and 4. Lower beam 8 is
adapted to
support horizontally spaced apart posts 19 that serve as points of connection
for cabinet doors
21 as shown most clearly in Figure 11.
Columns 1 serve as vertically upright, horizontally spaced apart posts. The
columns
are advantageously linearly extruded aluminum which is easily cut to length
depending upon
the required height of the console. The columns are interconnected as
aforesaid by upper and
lower beams 4 and 8 which creates a large unobstructed rectangular front
portal into the
console framework.
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, each column 1 is seen to directly support,
from top
to bottom, the end of upper beam 4, a horizontal work surface support 25
(which in turn
supports work surface 5 (Fig. 3)), front panels 21 (Fig. 3) (which can be
hinged cabinet-type
doors) and the respective end of lower beam 8. The columns can also serve as
points of
connection for finishing end panels 6 (Fig. 11 and 12). Lower beam 8 and lower
horizontal
stringer 14 can be used to support processor shelves 23 (slidable or fixed)
again seen most
clearly in Figures 1, 11 and 12.
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In a preferred embodiment constructed by the Applicant, the ability of the
column to
support a variety of other pieces is achieved by forming it with a plurality
of longitudinally
extending ports, cavities, slots and apertures for connection with various
kinds of fasteners,
PVC extrusions, bearings, rollers and other kinds of hardware as may be
appropriate or
needed for connection of other components. Reference is made to Figure 5
showing an
example of a front column extrusion 1 in horizontal cross-section. As
mentioned above, the
column is advantageously formed by the extrusion of aluminum although other
materials and
methods of fabrication are available.
As shown, column 1 includes a front slot 31 that can be used to connect the
adjustable
or fixed work surface brackets 25, a T-slot 32 that can be used to engage the
post of a leveller
35 (Fig. 4) or a threaded captive fastener, a central cavity 36 for a column
tierod 37 the
purpose of which will be described below, a port 38 for cable management clip
39 and a
cavity 33 for roller bearings 40 provided on work surface supports 25 that
allow the work
surface height to be adjusted up and down as required. The work surface is
raised and
lowered by means of a crank operated lifting mechanism such as that described
in Applicant's
Canadian patent No. 2,100,421 filed July 13, 1993.
Column 1 also includes some additional T-slots 44 adapted to receive standard
square
or hex nuts for connection to threaded fasteners to mount or attach other
components like
stringers, hinges for doors 21, clips, mounting brackets, hooks for supporting
finishing panels
or anything else specified by the customer, including support feet 15 shown
attached to
column 1 in Figures 3, 4 and 8..
Reference is now made to Figure 8 showing an example of extruded lower beam 8
in
cross-section. The lower beam includes a pair of bevelled shoulders 121 for a
snap-fit
connection to a baseboard 122, an aperture 123 for leveller 35, slots 124 for
splines (not
shown) that can be used to connect adjacent lower beams together, a cavity 126
for the lower
end of tierod 37 and some additional T-slots 128 for cable management clips
and for various
nuts and other hardware useful to connect or attach other parts shown in the
detailed views
of Figs. 3 and 4 that are more representative of the present full and reduced
depth consoles
as actually constructed. A longitudinally extending ribbed or threaded recess
117 is provided
for fasteners and the like used to connect processor shelves 23, rack mounts
and so forth.
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Reduced depth consoles as shown in Figure 4 offer space saving advantages
particularly if flat
screen monitors are used in place of full depth CRT displays. In this
embodiment, the
processor (shown in broken lines) will typically be supported on shelves 190
(Figs. 21 and
22) mounted directly onto doors 21 so that when the door is opened, the
processor's front face
including the power switch and the slots for discs and CD-ROMS will face
outwardly towards
the user.
Lower rear stringer 14 is shown in detail in the cross-sectional view of
Figure 23. The
stringer includes a pair of bevelled shoulders 181 for a snap fit connection
to a baseboard 122,
slots 184 for splines or other sheet metal connectors (neither shown) that can
be used to
connect adjacent stringers together, a T-slot 188 for various nuts or other
hardware useful to
connect or attach other parts such as structural frame components like end
gables 7 and
longitudinally extending ribbed recesses 189 (screw ports) to receive
fasteners for connecting
processor shelves 23 and other pieces of equipment.
Reference will now be made to Figures 6 and 7 showing upper beam 4 in cross-
section. This beam as well is advantageously an aluminum extrusion.
As shown, upper beam 4 includes a front notch 51 and cooperating shoulder 52
for a
leveraged connection to task light arm 70, a slot 54 with a grooved channel SS
that can be
used for the connection of splines (not shown) that in turn are used to
connect adjacent beams
4 together, some central cavities 56, one of which receives the upper end of
column tierod 37
and a circular cavity 58 for a hinge 59 that connects to pivotable back panel
6. An additional
port 61 is provided that can be used for flanged nuts, cable management clips
or other
hardware that might be needed at this spot. An additional slot 53 is provided
for a spline used
to connect adjacent beams at corner sections.
The lower surface of beam 4 includes a slot 65 including a forward portion 66
and a
rearward portion 67. There is also a notch 64 that allows for the connection
of a work surface
bracket without any fastener. Slot 65 is used to connect with a monitor cradle
hanger
extrusion 75 as will now be described in greater detail.
The Applicant has found that by literally suspending the monitor cradles from
upper
beam 4, much of the structural framework normally used to mount the monitors
can be
eliminated, particularly cross-members, horizontal stringers and fixed
shelves. This in turn
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opens up much of the console's interior and frees it of obstructions that
would otherwise
impede the installation particularly of oversized monitors and extra tall
processor towers. The
monitors themselves are directly supported on monitor cradles 10.
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are numerous ways in
which
the cradles can be hung from the upper beam and the following description
should therefore
be regarded as exemplary only.
With reference initially to Figures 9 and 10, monitor cradles 10 consist of a
shelf
portion 78, sides 79 and columns 80 slidably received into slots 77 formed
into each of sides
79. The positioning of columns 80 relative to sides 79 is adjustable by means
of a ratchet
mechanism, set screws or any other suitable mechanism so that the height of
the cradle can
be adjusted to accommodate monitors of different sizes. Spanning the upper
ends of columns
80 is the cradle hanger extrusion 75 which includes a front hook 71 and a rear
hook 72. As
best seen from Figure 6, front hook 71 engages forward portion 66 and rear
hook 72 engages
the rearward portion 67 of the slot 65 in the upper beam. This results in the
suspension of the
cradle at a predetermined angle to the vertical as shown in the drawings, the
angle being
chosen to facilitate viewing of the monitor supported on the cradle by a user
sitting or
standing in front of the console.
In the example just described, the angle a1: which the cradle is suspended is
fixed. If
desired, an adjustable pivotable mount can be provided, an example of which is
shown in
Figures 13 and 14. More specifically, cradle 10 is pivotally suspended from
upper beam 4
for pivotable movement between the positions Shawn in Figures 13 and 14 and of
course any
position in between. One means of controlling and adjusting the degree of tilt
is by means
of a gas cylinder 81 connected between frame 7 or stringer 14 and cradle 10 as
shown. A
control lever 83 extends forwardly from the gas piston to be accessible from
the front of the
console and is used to activate the piston to tilt the monitor back and forth
as required.
It is further contemplated that the vertical height of the entire console
structure can be
made adjustable such as by means of an arrangernent such as shown in Figures
15 and 16.
Generally, columns 1 are mechanically mated to pillars 95 including an
electrical, hydraulic
or pneumatic drive 96 selectively actuatable to raise or lower the columns.
The nature of the
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drive mechanism will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and a
detailed description
thereof is therefore omitted.
With reference once again to Figures 4 and 6, additional rigidity in the
console
framework can be obtained by compressive loading of columns 1 between upper
beam 4 and
lower beam 8. This can be accomplished by means of the tierod 37 extending
between the
upper and lower beams through the column with the loading being applied by
nuts 87
tightened onto the rod's opposite ends as shown. This same mechanism can be
used to
connect posts 19 to lower beam 8.
With reference once again to Figures 6 and 7, task light arm 70 essentially
cantilevers
off upper beam 4. The primary purpose of the arm is to house task light 105
which throws
illumination onto work surface S. The arm additionally includes a longitudinal
groove 106
that serves as the point of suspension for equipment front hooks 108 used to
hold the
equipment front panels 110 in place over the monitor screens as best seen from
Figure 11.
The task light arm also includes a lip 111 that cooperates with another lip
112 on the rearward
edge of the upper beam so that a finishing cap 116 can be snap fit into place,
concealing the
upper beam and part of the task light arm.
Task light 105 is shown in greater detail in Figures 17, 18 and 19. The light
includes
a longitudinally extending housing 140 that encloses a fluorescent light
socket and bulb 141,
a reflector plate 143 and a mechanical dimming mechanism 145. Housing 140 is
advantageously an aluminum extrusion that can be formed in any required length
and that is
connected to supporting arms 70 by bolts that thread into ribbed
longitudinally extending slot
147 in the housing. Reflector plate 143 is typically a piece of steel or other
metal finished in
baked white enamel that connects to the housing 140 by means of bolts that
thread into
longitudinally extending ribbed recess 148 in the housing. The length of the
reflector will
generally be the same as the length of light bulb and socket 141 with the
socket being
connected to the reflector by means of self tapping screws, threaded fasteners
or the like. The
ends of the housing are finished and closed by side supports 150 connected to
the housing by
screws or other suitable fasteners that thread into longitudinally extending
holes 153 in the
housing. A spline 157 in slot 158 can be used to connect lengths of housing
140 together and
at corner sections.
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Dimming mechanism 145 consists of a baffle guide 155, lower light baffle 156,
an
upper slidable baffle 157 and a slider knob 159 bolted or screwed to the upper
baffle. Baffle
guide 155 is typically a PVC extrusion that hingedly snap fits to housing 140
as best seen in
Figure 17. The guide includes upper longitudinally extending opposed slots 160
to slidably
S receive upper baffle 157 therein and lower longitudinally extending opposed
slots 161 to
slidably receive lower baffle 156 therein. As seen best from Figure 19, baffle
guide 155 and
upper and lower baffles 156 and 157 are each formed with a plurality of
openings 165 for the
passage of light. Slider knob 159 is connected to the upper baffle as shown
and passes
through a slot 168 in the lower baffle and a slightly elongated opening 170 in
the baffle guide
155 so that the knob can be used to move upper baffle 157 back and forth
relative to the lower
baffle to regulate the amount of light that can escape the task light housing.
This system is
generally less expensive, simpler and more reliable than conventional
electronic dimmer
controls. It also provides higher quality light at various dimming intervals.
It is sometimes required that there be two or more rows of monitors one on top
of the
other. The present console can be adapted for this purpose as shown in Figure
20.
Finishing panels 6 can be applied to the console framework in any known manner
to
complete the structure's finished appearance. The finishing panels can include
reveals 200
and fillers 201 (Figs. 11 and 12) to decoratively cover exposed surfaces of
the various
stringers, extrusions and columns making up the present framework.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in
considerable
detail for illustrative purposes, many modifications will occur to those
skilled in the art
without departing from the inventive scope of the present invention which is
limited only by
the true scope of the appended claims.
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