Modular table system with cable management

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6202567
  • Patent Number
    6,202,567
  • Date Filed
    Friday, June 10, 1994
    30 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, March 20, 2001
    23 years ago
Abstract
A table assembly consists of a table top supported by a leg assembly, which includes a vertical tubular leg member. The leg assembly further includes a foot member mounted to the lower end of each leg via a mounting member. The length of the foot member can be varied according to the width of the table top to selectively provide different sizes of tables according to user requirements, while the mounting member is usable for all sizes of legs and foot members to mount the foot member to the leg. A power/communication housing is mounted to the underside of the table top. The housing includes first and second passages isolated from each other via a wall, with power supply cabling and communication cabling placed within the first and second passages, respectively. Power and communication receptacles are mounted to the power/communication housing, and an opening is formed in the table top for allowing power or communication cables to be passed through the table top to provide engagement with the power and communication receptacles. An access door interconnected with the power/communication housing conceals the cables fed below the table top, and also the power and communication receptacles mounted to the power/communication housing. The length of the power/communication housing and access door can be varied according to the width of the table top.
Description




BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




This invention relates to a table or desk assembly, and more particularly to a modular training table system having cable or wire management capabilities.




Educational settings, whether in a classroom, business or other institution, increasingly utilize computers or other electronic equipment. The present invention contemplates a table or desk system especially well suited for this type of setting, in which a computer or other electronic device is placed on a work surface.




It is an object of the present invention to provide a table or desk system which includes cable or wire management capabilities for accommodating power and/or communication cabling interconnected with a computer or other electronic or electrical device placed on the work surface. It is a further object of the invention to provide such a system in which a series of tables or desks can be placed in a side-by-side manner, and in which the power and/or communication cables can extend between adjacent tables. It is another object of the invention to provide a table or desk system in which the size of certain components making up each individual table or desk can be varied according to user requirements, while utilizing a common set of core components, to provide a modular system for constructing a table or desk having a selected configuration dictated by the user. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a table or desk system in which a minimum number of components are exposed in order to prevent such components from being tampered with by users.




In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a table assembly includes a table top defining an upper surface and a lower surface, and leg structure interconnected with the table top for supporting the table top above a supporting surface. A power/communication supply system is located below the table top, and includes a housing defining an internal passage for receiving one or more power supply cables, and one or more power supply receptacles mounted to the housing and interconnected with the one or more power supply cables. A passage is formed in the table top for routing one or more power cables below the table top from a computer or other device supported thereby, for enabling engagement of the power cable with one of the power supply receptacles. The power/communication system housing is preferably in the form of an elongated beam-type extrusion member which extends between the ends of the table top and which is mounted to the underside of the table top. The housing preferably also defines a second internal passage, isolated from the first internal passage and coextensive therewith, which is adapted to receive one or more communication cables. One or more communication receptacles are interconnected with the communication cables and mounted to the housing, and a communication cable from the computer or other device is connectable to the communication receptacle for providing voice or data signals to and from the device. The beam-type structure includes a transverse wall which separates the first internal passage from the second internal passage, and a closure is interconnected with the transverse wall and with the upper and lower portions of the extrusion member for closing the first and second internal passages. The power supply and communication receptacles are preferably mounted to the closure. A cover is engageable with the underside of the table top and with the extrusion member, and is located so as to enclose cables extending through the passage in the table top and engaged with the power supply and communication receptacles. The cover is movable between an open position providing access to the power and communication receptacles and to the power supply and communication cables, and a closed position preventing access thereto. The first and second ends of the housing each include an opening which enables power supply and communication cables to pass therethrough into first and second internal passages of a similarly constructed housing of an adjacent table. The housing ends are preferably flush with the side edges of the table so as to butt against the housing of an adjacent table when the tables are placed adjacent each other. The leg structure includes a tubular member which defines an upper end located adjacent the housing and a lower end disposed therebelow. The tubular member includes an internal passage extending between the upper and lower ends, and an opening is formed in the upper end of the tubular member. The closure is constructed so as to terminate inwardly of the housing ends, for establishing communication between the tubular member upper end and the first and second passages of the housing. In this manner, cables can be routed between the housing and the leg internal passage. The leg further includes an opening in its lower end which enables cables to pass to the exterior of the leg, for interconnection with a wall outlet or receptacle located adjacent the table leg.




The above-summarized structure provides a compact and efficient arrangement for supplying power and/or communication capability to a location adjacent the underside of a table top, and minimizes the presence of exposed cords or cables externally of the table system.




In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the length and width of the table top is selected according to the requirements of an end user. The extrusion member forming a part of the power/communication supply system housing is capable of being cut to length according to the length of the table top. Support structure is interconnected with the table top for supporting the table top above a supporting surface. The support structure includes a leg interconnected with and depending from the table top, an axial foot member having a length selected according to the width of the table top, and mounting structure for mounting the foot member to the leg. The axial foot member is preferably a length of tubing defining first and second open ends and at least an upper surface extending therebetween. The mounting structure is in the form of a mounting member engaged with the upper surface of the axial foot member, and the lower end of the leg is engaged with the mounting member. The mounting member is preferably engaged toward the rearward end of the foot member, and extends in a front-rear direction less than the length of the foot member. Threaded fasteners are employed to connect the mounting member to the foot, and to connect the lower end of the leg to the mounting member. End caps are engaged with each end of the axial foot member. Each end cap includes a first internal portion which extends into the open end of the foot member, and which is secured thereto via threaded fasteners or the like, and a second external portion which extends outwardly from the foot member end. A glide member is engaged with the external portion of each end cap, and an adjustment member is interposed between the end cap external portion and the glide member for use in leveling the table top. In this manner, the length of tubing forming a part of the foot member is selected according to the width of the table top in order to provide adequate support to the table top. The mounting member is capable of mounting an axial foot member of any length to the lower end of the leg, according to user requirements.




The invention further contemplates a method of constructing a table, substantially in accordance with the foregoing summary.




Preferably, the above-summarized aspects of the invention are all incorporated into a single table assembly, in combination, to provide an efficient cable management system and to maximize flexibility in design of the table. However, the separate aspects of the invention could be used independently of each other, and each provides advantages in design, assembly and/or operation of the table.




Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.




In the drawings:





FIG. 1

is an isometric view of a table or desk assembly constructed according to the invention;





FIG. 2

is a side elevation view of the table assembly of

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 3

is an enlarged partial section view showing the power and communication housing of the table assembly of

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 4

is an exploded perspective view showing details of the electrical power distribution system mounted within the power supply portion of the housing of

FIG. 3

;





FIG. 5

is a partial section view showing the power and communication housing toward the end of the table and communication between the housing and the vertical leg;





FIG. 6

is an elevation view of the vertical leg of the table of

FIGS. 1 and 5

;





FIG. 7

is a partial front elevation view, with portions broken away, showing communication between the housing and the vertical leg;





FIG. 8

is an isometric view illustrating a series of tables constructed similarly to the table of

FIG. 1

, placed in a side-by-side manner;





FIG. 9

is a partial top plan view, with a portion broken away, showing the relationship between the power/communication supply housings of adjacent tables placed at right angles to each other;





FIG. 10

is an exploded side elevation view showing the axial foot member of the table of FIG.


1


and the manner in which it is mounted to the lower end of the vertical leg; and





FIGS. 11 and 12

are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the mounting member used to mount the axial foot member to the lower end of the vertical leg.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION





FIGS. 1 and 2

illustrate a desk or table assembly


10


constructed according to the invention. Hereafter, the invention will be referred to as a table assembly, with the understanding that the invention could also be designated a desk assembly in that it performs a similar function by providing a work surface supported above a floor or other supporting surface. Generally, table assembly


10


includes a work surface or table top


12


supported above a floor


14


at one end by a leg assembly


16


including a vertical leg member


17


. Table assembly


10


further includes a power/communication housing


18


, a vertical privacy panel


20


and a modesty panel


22


. At the end of table assembly


10


opposite leg assembly


17


, a vertical leg


17


′, similar to leg member


17


, engages floor


14


to support table top


12


. An end partition panel


23


is mounted to the lower surface of table top


12


and to leg


17


′, and engages floor


14


.




Table assembly


10


is well suited for use in an educational environment, such as in a school or university setting or in a corporate or other institutional training facility. Alternatively, table assembly


10


is equally well suited as a stand-alone unit in an office or work place environment. Table top


12


defines an upper surface


24


which is well suited to support a computer or other electronic or electrical device used in an educational or training setting.




As shown in

FIGS. 1 and 3

, a grommet assembly


26


is engaged within a slot or opening formed in table top


12


, extending between its upper surface


24


and its lower surface, shown in

FIG. 3

at


28


. Grommet assembly


26


includes a side wall


30


having a shape corresponding to that of the opening formed in table top


12


, defining a passage


32


which extends between table top upper and lower surfaces


24


,


28


, respectively. Side wall


30


includes a peripheral flange


34


at its upper end which engages table top upper surface


24


to retain grommet assembly


26


in position on table top


12


. A brush assembly, including a header


38


from which a series of bristles


40


extend, is mounted to grommet assembly


26


via a series of walls formed integrally with side wall


30


and defining a passage


41


within which header


38


is received. The vertical wall facing passage


32


defines a slot through which bristles


40


extend. With this construction, bristles


40


prevent objects from falling into passage


32


from upper surface


24


, while accommodating passage of cords or cables through passage


32


from a device placed on table top upper surface


24


, as will be explained.




Referring to

FIG. 3

, power/communication housing


18


includes an extrusion member


42


, a pair of closure plates


44


,


45


, and an access door or cover


46


. Extrusion member


42


includes an upper portion defined by a horizontal top wall


48


and a vertical side wall


50


, and a lower portion defined by an arcuate bottom wall


52


. A transverse wall


54


is disposed between vertical wall


50


and bottom wall


52


, to separate the upper and lower portions of extrusion member


42


. Top wall


48


, vertical side wall


50


and transverse wall


54


cooperate to define an upper passage


56


, and bottom wall


52


and transverse wall


54


cooperate to define a lower passage


58


.




A pair of ribs


60


are formed integrally with top wall


48


.




A mounting tab


62


extends rearwardly from the intersection of vertical wall


50


and top wall


48


. Tab


62


extends along the length of extrusion member


42


, being formed integrally therewith, and includes a channel


64


and a pair of facing lips


66


,


68


. Extrusion member


42


is mounted to table top


12


such that the upper surface of top wall


48


engages table top lower surface


28


, with extrusion member


42


being positioned toward the rearward edge of table top


12


. The rearward edge of tab


62


is aligned substantially flush with the rearward edge of table top


12


, shown at


70


. Threaded fasteners, such as screws


72


, are then driven into table top


12


, with the heads of screws


72


being disposed within channel


64


and engaging the horizontal upper surface of channel


64


.




Privacy panel


20


is mounted to the rearward edge of table top


12


via a pair of brackets


74


(

FIGS. 1

,


3


). Each bracket


74


includes a pair of spaced walls


76


,


78


and a lower wall


80


which define a U-shaped channel, within which panel


20


is received. A wall


82


extends vertically from the lower end of wall


78


, and engages rearward edge


70


of table top


12


, extending past tab


62


. A lower horizontal wall


84


extends forwardly from the lower end of vertical wall


82


. Bracket


74


is mounted to tab


62


by one or more bolts


86


which extend through one or more openings formed in lower horizontal wall


84


and into engagement with plate-like nuts


88


placed within channel


64


and which engage lips


66


,


68


. Tightening of bolts


86


clamps lower wall


84


to extrusion member tab


62


to securely mount bracket


74


, and thereby privacy panel


20


, to the rearward edge of table top


12


.




As shown in

FIG. 2

, an end privacy panel


20


′ may be mounted to one or both of the ends of table top


12


. A bracket assembly


89


, constructed similarly to bracket assemblies


74


, engages one end of end privacy panel


20


′, which is secured at its rearward end via connectors


89


′ to the end of privacy panel


20


. Alternatively, if end panels


20


′ are employed without rear privacy panel


20


, a bracket assembly such as


89


is mounted to table top


12


adjacent its rearward end for mounting the rearward end of each privacy panel


20


′.




Housing upper and lower passages


56


,


58


, respectively, open forwardly toward the front edge of table top


12


. Upper passage


56


is closed by closure plate


44


, and lower passage


58


is closed by closure plate


45


. The upper end of closure plate


44


includes a downturned lip


90


, which engages an upturned lip


92


formed at the forward end of extrusion member top wall


48


. The lower end of closure plate


44


and the upper end of closure plate


45


are mounted to a downturned forward end tab, shown at


93


, provided on extrusion member bottom wall


52


, via a series of nut and bolt assemblies, shown at


94


. The lower end of closure plate


45


is received within a channel


95


located at the upper end of a rib


96


, formed integrally with extrusion member


42


. Closure plates


44


,


45


are removably secured to extrusion member


42


by first engaging upper downturned lip


90


of closure plate


44


with extrusion member lip


92


and engaging the lower end of closure plate


45


within channel


95


. The lower end of closure plate


44


and the upper end of closure plate


45


are then positioned adjacent end tab


93


, with the upper end of closure plate


45


being positioned between tab


93


and the angled lower end of closure plate


44


. Nut and bolt assemblies


94


are then employed to secure the lower end of closure plate


44


and the upper end of closure plate


45


to tab


93


via aligned openings formed therein. Closure plates


44


,


45


are removed by reversing the above steps, in order to gain access to passages


56


,


58


.




Referring to

FIGS. 3 and 4

, an electrical power distribution system


98


is located within extrusion member upper passage


56


. Power distribution system


98


includes an axially extending structural tubular member


100


to which a series of brackets


102


and plates


104


are mounted at various intervals along its length. Brackets


102


include upper and lower mounting tabs


106


,


108


which extend respectively above and below the upper and lower edges of tubular member


100


. Mounting plates


104


include upper mounting portions


110


which extend upwardly above the upper edge of tubular member


100


. A pair of connector assemblies


112


,


114


are mounted to the ends of tubular member


100


.




Tubular member


100


has a length determined according to the length of extrusion member


42


, such that connector assemblies


112


,


114


are located adjacent and inwardly of the ends of extrusion member


42


. Tubular member


100


is mounted to extrusion member ribs


60


via screws


116


(

FIG. 3

) which extend through aligned threaded openings formed in ribs


60


and in mounting portions


110


of plates


104


. With this construction, tubular member


100


and its associated components, including brackets


102


and electrical connectors


112


,


114


, are suspended in passage


56


from extrusion member upper wall


48


.




An electrical receptacle assembly


120


including an outwardly facing receptacle portion


122


is adapted for mounting to mounting tabs


108


of brackets


102


via upper and lower ears, such as


124


. Receptacle assembly


120


includes conventional male connecting structure


126


, and conventional mating female connecting structure


128


is provided on each connector assembly


114


. Mating structures


126


,


128


enclose mating power terminals for communicating electrical power to and from receptacle assemblies


120


and connector assemblies


112


,


114


.




As shown in

FIGS. 3 and 4

, receptacle portion


122


of each receptacle assembly


120


is received within an opening formed in closure plate


44


so as to extend outwardly therefrom. Optionally, one or more receptacles may also extend through openings formed in extrusion member rear vertical wall


50


, as shown in phantom in FIG.


3


.




Receptacle assemblies


120


are provided adjacent the ends of tubular member


100


, so as to be disposed adjacent the ends of extrusion member


42


. Additional receptacle assemblies


120


may be interspersed along the length of tubular member


100


at any desired location along the length of extrusion member


42


, being mounted to additional bracket assemblies


102


secured to tubular member


100


.




A power supply assembly


130


(

FIG. 4

) spans between receptacle assemblies


120


. Each power supply assembly


130


includes a pair of connectors


132


at its ends, between which a conduit


134


extends, which encloses cabling communicating electrical power between connectors


132


. Connectors


132


include mating structure


136


enclosing electrical power terminals, which is engageable with mating structure


126


on receptacle assemblies


120


and with mating structure


128


on connectors


112


,


114


. The length of conduit


134


is selected according to the distance power supply assembly


130


spans between receptacle assemblies


120


, between a receptacle


120


and one of connectors


112


or


114


, or between connectors


112


,


114


. Power supply assemblies


130


provide a continuous supply of power between connectors


112


,


114


.




A pair of jumper assemblies


138


interconnect the electrical power system of one table assembly


10


with that of an adjacent table assembly. Each jumper assembly


138


includes connectors


140


at its ends and a rigid conduit


142


extending therebetween, housing electrical cabling communicating electrical power between connectors


140


. Connectors


140


include mating structure


144


at their ends enclosing electrical power terminals and engageable with outwardly facing mating structure, shown at


146


, provided on connectors


112


,


114


. Jumper assemblies


138


thus provide a continuous supply of electrical power between adjacent table assemblies.




A pair of electrical supply assemblies


148


, each of which includes a connector


150


and a flexible conduit


152


, are interconnected with connector


114


at a location where electrical power is to be communicated to the electrical supply assemblies


98


and jumper assemblies


138


. Each connector


150


includes mating structure


154


enclosing electrical power terminals and engageable with mating structures


146


for supplying electrical power to connectors


112


,


114


. In a manner to be explained, conduit


152


is interconnected with a conventional stationary floor-mounted or wall-mounted electrical receptacle.




As shown in

FIG. 3

, one or more communication receptacles


156


are mounted to lower closure plate


45


which encloses lower passage


58


. Communication cables


158


placed within lower passage


58


are interconnected with communication receptacles


156


.




With the construction of table assembly


10


and power/communication housing


18


as shown and described, a power cable


160


from a computer or other electronic or electric device placed on table top upper surface


24


extends through grommet passage


32


, such that its plug


162


can be engaged with power receptacle


120


for providing electrical power to the computer or other device to which power cable


160


is connected. Similarly, a communication cable


164


extends through grommet passage


32


such that its plug


166


can be engaged with communication receptacle


100


, to provide voice and/or data communication to the device to which communication cable


164


is connected.




Brush bristles


40


accommodate passage of cables


160


,


164


through grommet passage


32


, and function to fill grommet passage


32


in order to prevent objects or dust from falling into and through grommet passage


32


.




As shown in

FIG. 3

, the passage formed in table top


12


within which grommet assembly


26


is engaged is located so as to be slightly forward of power/communication housing


18


. With housing


118


being located toward the rearwardmost end of table top


12


, grommet assembly


26


can likewise be located toward the rearward end of table top


12


so as to provide a clear surface forwardly thereof to provide ample room for placing computers or other devices on table top upper surface


24


.




Access door or cover


46


functions to enclose the forward facing portions of power/communication housing


18


and the portions of cables


160


,


164


which extend below lower surface


28


of table top


12


. Access door


46


includes a longitudinal bead


168


at its lower end, received within a channel


170


defined by a curved wall


172


forming a part of extrusion member


42


, to mount access door


46


to extrusion member


42


. A ribbed arcuate living hinge


174


is formed at the lower portion of access door


46


, and a panel


176


is disposed between the upper end of living hinge


174


and a handle


178


, which extends downwardly and forwardly from the upper end of panel


176


. A tab


180


having a protrusion at its end extends rearwardly from the upper end of panel


176


.




Access door


46


is a dual durometer extrusion, in which living hinge


174


is formed of a resilient, flexible PVC material and panel


176


, and handle


178


and tab


180


are formed of an inflexible, hard PVC material, in a manner as is known.




A series of spring clips, such as


182


, are connected to table top lower surface


28


via a series of screws


184


forwardly of grommet


26


. Each clip


124


includes a recessed portion adapted to receive the protrusion at the end of tab


180


, to maintain access door


46


in its closed position as shown in FIG.


2


. When a user requires access to cables


160


or


164


, the user grasps handle


178


and pulls the upper end of access door


46


forwardly, disengaging the protrusion on tab


180


from clip


182


. Living hinge


174


enables door


46


to be pivoted to an open position. Access door


46


is moved to its closed position of

FIG. 2

by reversing the above steps and utilizing handle


178


to engage the protrusion on tab


180


with the recess in spring clip


182


. The resiliency of spring clip


182


ensures engagement between spring clip


182


and the protrusion on tab


180


in order to maintain door


46


in its closed position.




As noted, door


46


provides access to power receptacles


120


and to communication receptacles


156


. In addition, access door


46


in its open position enables channels


56


and


58


to be accessed by disengaging bolts


94


from extrusion member lip


96


, in the event receptacles


120


,


156


or cables


160


,


164


require service or replacement.




As further shown in

FIG. 3

, modesty panel


22


is mounted to extrusion member


42


via one or more brackets


186


, each of which includes a vertical plate


188


and a horizontal leg


190


. Modesty panel


122


is mounted to each bracket


186


via a series of screws


192


extending through horizontal leg


190


into the upper end of modesty panel


22


. A hook


194


is formed at the upper end of vertical plate


188


, and is engageable with a hook


196


formed on extrusion member


42


. Modesty panel


22


and brackets


186


are mounted to table assembly


10


by first engaging hook


194


with hook


196


, and then rotating panel


22


toward leg assembly


16


until panel


22


engages legs


17


,


17


′. Modesty panel


22


is then secured to legs


17


and


17


′ via brackets


198


(

FIG. 2

) engaged with the lower end of modesty panel


22


. Modesty panel


22


is removed by reversing the above-noted steps.




A vertical plate


200


is formed at the lower forward end of extrusion member


42


, to fill the space between the lower end of access door


46


and the upper end of modesty panel


22


.





FIGS. 5 and 7

illustrate the end portion of power/communication housing


18


adjacent leg


17


. As shown, leg


17


is in the form of a tubular member having side walls


202


,


204


and a pair of spaced end walls extending between side walls


202


and


204


, all of which cooperate to define an internal passage


206


. The upper end of leg


17


engages table top lower surface


28


, and passage


206


extends vertically downwardly therefrom. An arm


208


is mounted to the upper end of leg


17


, extending forwardly therefrom. Arm


208


engages table top lower surface


28


for supporting table top


12


. Arm


208


is received within a U-shaped slot formed in leg wall


202


. A locking plate


209


is welded to the inner surface of leg sidewalls


202


,


204


and end walls extending therebetween to secure arm


208


to leg


17


. The inner end of arm


208


includes a pair of ears


210


, which are received within a pair of slots formed in locking plate


209


.




As noted previously, extrusion member


42


extends between the side edges of table top


12


, such that its ends are substantially flush therewith. As best seen in

FIG. 7

, upper closure plate


44


and lower closure plate


45


terminate inwardly of the end of extrusion member


42


. The ends of upper and lower closure plates


44


,


45


terminate adjacent the inner edge of leg


17


, so that upper and lower passages


56


,


58


, respectively are exposed behind leg


17


. An opening


211


(

FIG.5

) is formed in the upper end of leg member rear wall


204


, and is disposed so as to be in horizontal alignment with extrusion member passages


56


,


58


. With this construction, power cable conduit


152


and communication cables


158


can be passed from passages


56


,


58


, respectively, into leg internal passage


206


through opening


211


.




At the lower end of conduit


152


, the electrical wires housed by conduit


152


are pigtailed and connected by conventional wire connectors, such as


212


, to the wires of a power cable


214


. A bezel


216


having a brush assembly


218


is mounted within an opening formed toward the lower end of leg


17


, providing access to leg internal passage


206


. Power cable


214


and communication cables


158


can thus be passed out of leg


17


through bezel


212


and brush assembly


152


in order to provide interconnection with wall-mounted or floor-mounted power and communication receptacles or the like.




Referring to

FIG. 8

, a series of table assemblies


10


can be placed in a side-by-side manner such that the side edges of adjacent table tops engage each other. Power/communication housing


18


has a length substantially equal to that of each table top so that, when the table assemblies


10


are placed side-by-side, the power/communication housings of adjacent table assemblies face and open toward each other. This feature of the invention enables jumper assemblies


138


and communication cables


158


to extend from one power/communication housing


18


to the adjacent power/communication housing through the open ends of each housing. This construction provides an efficient and compact arrangement for passing power and communication cabling from one table assembly to another without exposed cabling. As shown in

FIG. 8

, a leg assembly


16


spans the joint between adjacent ends of adjacent table tops


12


, such that one leg assembly


16


supports the adjacent ends of two table tops in a row of table assemblies


10


.





FIG. 9

illustrates a construction in which a table assembly


10


and a table assembly


10


′ are oriented at right angles to each other. In this arrangement, an extrusion member


42


′, having a cross-section identical to that of extrusion member


42


(

FIG. 3

) is mounted to the lower surface of table top


12


of table assembly


10


, extending outwardly past the side edge of table top


12


. Extrusion member


42


′ terminates in an angled end


220


located below the lower surface of the table top, shown at


12


′, of table assembly


10


′. Table assembly


10


′ includes an extrusion member


42


″, also having a cross-section identical to that of extrusion member


42


(FIG.


3


), and terminating in a complementary angled end


222


. With this construction, complementary ends


220


,


222


of extrusion members


42


′,


42


″, respectively, cooperate to establish communication between the upper and lower passages of extrusion members


42


′,


42


″. A connector assembly


148


having a flexible conduit


152


is employed in this situation to convey power from table assembly


10


to table assembly


10


′, with conduit


152


providing sufficient flexibility to bend the 90° angle defined by extrusion members


42


′,


42


″ when ends


220


,


222


are placed together.




At the endmost table assembly


224


, a cap plate


224


(

FIG. 1

) is engaged with power/communication housing


18


to enclose passages


56


and


58


. Cap plate


224


can selectively be removed as needed in order to provide access to passages


56


,


58


to reroute cabling, or for any other reason.




The construction of leg assembly


16


is illustrated in detail in

FIGS. 1

,


2


and


10


-


12


. As noted previously, leg


17


is a tubular member defined by side walls


202


,


204


and a pair of spaced end walls extending therebetween. The length of leg


17


can be varied according to user requirements, to provide variability in the height of table top


12


above floor


14


. At the lower end of leg


17


, a plate


228


is welded to the inner surfaces of the walls of leg


17


. A pair of threaded vertical passages (not shown) are formed in plate


228


. A mounting member, shown at


232


, is positioned between the lower end of leg


17


and an axially extending horizontal foot member


234


.




Foot member


234


consists of a length of tubing defined by upper and lower walls


236


,


238


and a pair of spaced side walls extending therebetween. Mounting member


230


is a one-piece member, preferably an aluminum casting, and includes a recess


240


within which the lower end of leg


17


is received. A pair of bolts


242


extend through vertical passages


244


formed in mounting member


232


into engagement with the threaded vertical passages in plate


228


, to secure mounting member


232


to the lower end of leg


17


. Mounting member


232


further includes a pair of depending bosses


246


which are engageable within openings


248


formed in foot member upper wall


236


, for locating mounting member


232


relative to foot member


234


. A series of bolts


250


extend through aligned openings formed in foot member upper and lower walls


236


,


238


, respectively, and into vertical threaded passages


252


(

FIG. 12

) extending upwardly from the lower surface of mounting member


232


. Foot member


234


is thus mounted to leg member


17


via a sequential mounting operation in which mounting member


232


is first mounted to the lower end of leg


17


, and foot member


234


is then mounted to the lower surface of mounting member


232


.




The ends of foot member


234


are open, and a pair of end caps


254


are engaged with the ends of foot member


234


. Each end cap


254


includes an internal portion


256


which is received within an open end of foot member


234


. Bolts


258


extend through openings formed in foot member lower wall


238


and into vertical threaded passages formed in end cap internal portion


256


, to mount end caps


254


to the ends of foot member


234


. A shoulder


260


engages the end of foot member


234


. Each end cap


254


further includes an external portion


262


which extends outwardly from the end of foot member


234


. External portion


262


includes a vertical passage adapted to receive a leveling screw


264


, with the passage opening onto the upper surface of external portion


262


. A floor-engaging toe member


266


is secured to end cap external portion


262


via leveling screw


264


, and the vertical position of toe


266


relative to external portion


262


is adjustable by turning screw


264


to level table top


12


.




With this construction, the length of foot member


234


can easily be changed according to the width of table top


12


, while utilizing the same end caps


254


and mounting member


232


regardless of the length of foot member


234


.




The above-described table assembly is extremely modular, versatile and flexible. An end user can select any size of table top


12


according to specific requirements, preferably from a number of preselected sizes. Once the size of table top


12


is determined, the height of leg member


17


is selected, and the length of foot member


234


is selected in order to provide adequate stability to the table assembly. Power/communication extrusion member


42


is cut to size according to the length of the table top, as are closure plates


44


,


45


. Access door


46


, being an extruded member, can likewise be cut to any desired length according to the spacing between the legs of table assembly


10


. It can thus be appreciated that certain components making up table assembly


10


can easily be changed to accommodate user requirements, while maintaining the basic configuration and construction of such components substantially identical between different assemblies in order to minimize cost of manufacture. The power/communication capability provided to table assembly


10


via power/communication housing


18


constitutes an added benefit in the modularity of the components of table assembly


10


, by providing an efficient and easily variable arrangement for providing power and communication to devices supported by the table top.




Various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.



Claims
  • 1. A table assembly, comprising:a table top defining an upper surface and a lower surface and spaced side edges; leg structure interconnected with the table top for supporting the table top above a supporting surface; a power supply system disposed below the table top and including a housing mounted to the table top, the housing defining first and second ends, each of which is located adjacent one of the table top side edges, and wherein the housing includes wall structure extending between the first and second housing ends defining a first internal passage extending between the housing ends for receiving one or more power supply cables, and one or more power supply receptacles mounted to the housing, wherein the housing wall structure further defines a second internal passage extending between the housing ends for receiving one or more additional cables, and wherein the wall structure functions to isolate the second passage from the first passage; a passage formed in the table top for routing one or more cables below the table top from a location above the table top for engagement with the one or more power supply receptacles; wherein the housing comprises an extrusion member and wherein the wall structure defines an upper wall, a side wall, and first and second transverse walls, wherein the upper wall, side wall and first transverse wall define in part the first passage, and wherein the first transverse wall separates the first passage from the second passage.
  • 2. The table assembly of claim 1, further comprising closure wall structure having an upper portion engaged with the extrusion member upper wall; a lower portion engaged with the extrusion member second transverse wall; and an intermediate portion engaged with the extrusion member first transverse wall; wherein the closure wall structure functions to enclose the first and second passages.
  • 3. The table assembly of claim 2, wherein the one or more additional cables comprises a communication cable, and wherein at least one of the power supply receptacles are mounted to the closure wall structure enclosing the first passage, and further comprising one or more communication receptacles mounted to the closure wall structure enclosing the second passage.
  • 4. A table assembly, comprising:a table top defining an upper surface and a lower surface; leg structure interconnected with the table top for supporting the table top above a supporting surface; a power supply system disposed below the table top and including a housing mounted to the table top, the housing defining an internal passage for receiving one or more power supply cables, and one or more power supply receptacles mounted to the housing; a passage formed in the table top for routing one or more cables below the table top from a location above the table top for engagement with the one or more power supply receptacles; and a cover movably mounted to the power supply system housing and releasably engaged with the lower surface of the table top, wherein the cover is located such that the passage is disposed between the housing and the cover when the cover is engaged with the underside of the table such that the cover encloses cables extending through the passage in the table top and engaged with the one or more power supply receptacles, wherein the cover is movable between an open position providing access to cables extending through the table top passage and a closed position preventing access thereto.
  • 5. The table assembly of claim 4, wherein the cover defines a lower end mounted to the housing below the one or more power supply receptacles, and an upper end selectively engageable with engagement structure provided on the underside of the table top.
  • 6. The table assembly of claim 5, wherein the cover includes hinge structure located adjacent its lower end for providing movement of the cover between its open and closed positions.
  • 7. A table assembly, comprising:a table top defining an upper surface and a lower surface; leg structure interconnected with the table top for supporting the table top above a supporting surface; a power and communication structure located adjacent the table lower surface, including an axially extending housing defining first and second ends and wall structure defining axial power supply and communication passages isolated from each other throughout the length of the housing for receiving power supply and communication cables, respectively; and an access cover interconnected between the power and communication structure and the lower surface of the table, the access cover being movable between a closed position preventing access to the power supply and communication passages and an open position providing access thereto.
  • 8. The table assembly of claim 7, wherein the table top includes a passage for routing one or more cables from above the table top to below the table top, and wherein the table top passage is located between the housing and the access cover so that the access cover functions to enclose cables extending below the table top when the access cover is in its closed position.
  • 9. The table assembly of claim 8, wherein the access cover includes a lower end mounted to the power and communication structure, an upper end releasably engaged with engagement structure provided on the table top lower surface, and hinge structure providing movement of the access cover between its open and closed positions.
  • 10. The table assembly of claim 9, wherein the hinge structure comprises a living hinge formed integrally with the access cover.
  • 11. A modular table system, comprising:a table top having a length and width selecting according to the requirements of an end user; a power supply system including a housing defined at least in part by an extrusion member having a length determined according to the length of the table top, one or more power supply cables received within the housing, and a power supply receptacle mounted to the housing and interconnected with the one or more power supply cables; and support structure for supporting the table top above a supporting surface, including a leg interconnected with and depending from the table top and terminating in a lower end, an axial foot member having a length selected according to the width of the table top, and mounting structure for mounting the foot member to the leg, wherein the mounting structure includes a mounting member separate from the leg and separate from the foot member, wherein the mounting member has a length less than the length of the foot member and includes an upper connection arrangement for securement to the lower end of the leg and a lower connection arrangement for securement to the foot member.
  • 12. The modular table system of claim 11, wherein the table top defines first and second side edges, and wherein the extrusion member defines a pair of spaced open ends, each of which is located adjacent one of the table top side edges.
  • 13. A table assembly, comprising:a table top defining an upper surface and a lower surface; a power supply system disposed below the table top and including a housing defining an internal passage for receiving one or more power supply cables and one or more power supply receptacles mounted to the housing; leg structure interconnected with the table top for supporting the table top above a supporting surface, wherein the leg structure includes a tubular leg member defining an upper end located adjacent the power supply system housing and a lower end disposed therebelow, the tubular leg member including a passage extending between its upper and lower ends; and structure establishing communication between the power supply system housing passage and the tubular leg member passage for routing one or more power supply cables between the housing and the tubular leg member, the tubular leg member further including an opening located toward its lower end for routing the one or more power supply cables externally thereof.
  • 14. The modular table system of claim 13, further comprising a closure engageable with the extrusion member for enclosing the first and second passages, wherein the power supply receptacle is mounted to the closure, and further comprising a communication receptacle interconnected with the one or more communication cables and mounted to the closure.
  • 15. The modular table system of claim 11, wherein the lower connection structure comprises a series of threaded fasteners extending through the axial foot member into engagement with threaded passages provided in the mounting member, and wherein the upper connection structure comprises one or more threaded fasteners extending between the mounting member and one or more threaded passages provided toward the lower end of the leg.
  • 16. The modular table system of claim 11, wherein the axial foot member defines first and second ends, and further comprising an end cap member engaged with each end of the axial foot member.
  • 17. The modular table system of claim 16, wherein the axial foot member comprises a tubular member defining first and second open ends, and wherein the end cap includes a first internal portion adapted for placement within one of the open ends of the axial foot member and engaged with the axial foot member for mounting the end cap thereto, and a second external portion extending outwardly from the open end of each axial foot member and engageable with the supporting surface for supporting the table assembly thereabove.
  • 18. The modular table system of claim 17, further comprising a glide member engaged with the external portion of each end cap member engageable with the supporting surface, and an adjustment member interposed between the end cap member external portion and the glide member for leveling the table top.
  • 19. The modular table system of claim 11, wherein the leg defines an upper portion located adjacent the power supply system housing and a lower portion spaced therebelow and an internal passage extending between the upper and lower portions, and further comprising structure associated with the leg upper portion and the power supply system housing for providing communication between the leg internal passage and the power supply system housing for routing one or more power supply cables through the leg internal passage to the leg lower portion.
  • 20. The modular table system of claim 19, further comprising an opening formed in the leg lower portion for enabling one or more power cables to pass from the leg internal passage, and grommet structure mounted to the leg over the opening.
  • 21. The modular table system of claim 11, wherein the leg is located toward the rearward end of the table top, and wherein the support structure further includes an arm member mounted to the leg adjacent an upper end defined by the leg and extending forwardly therefrom for engaging the underside of the table top, and wherein the leg is engaged with the axial foot member via the mounting structure toward a rearward end defined by the axial foot member, wherein a portion of the mounting structure extends forwardly of the leg toward the forward end of the axial foot member.
  • 22. A leg assembly for supporting a table above a supporting surface, the table including a table top, comprising:a leg member defining a lower end and an upper end engageable with the table top; an axially extending foot member defining an upper surface and a lower surface facing the supporting surface; and a mounting member separate from the leg member and separate from the foot member, the mounting member being engaged with the lower end of the leg member and with the upper surface of the foot member for securing the leg member and the foot member together to form the leg assembly, wherein the mounting member has a length less than the length of the foot member and includes an upper connection arrangement for securement to the lower end of the leg member and a lower connection arrangement for securement to the foot member.
  • 23. The leg assembly of claim 22, wherein the foot member comprises an axially extending member defining first and second open ends between which the upper and lower surfaces extend, and further comprising an end cap mounted to the foot member adjacent each of its ends, wherein each end cap includes a first portion adapted for insertion within the foot member open end and a second portion extending outwardly from the open end and engageable with the supporting surface.
  • 24. The leg assembly of claim 23, wherein the first portion of each end cap is mounted to the foot member via one or more threaded fasteners extending between and interconnecting the foot member with the end cap first portion.
  • 25. The leg assembly of claim 23, further comprising an engagement member mounted to the second portion of each end cap for vertical adjustment relative thereto for use in leveling the table.
  • 26. The leg assembly of claim 22, wherein the upper connection arrangement includes one or more downwardly facing threaded passages provided in the leg member lower end, and one or more threaded fasteners extending through the mounting member and into engagement with the threaded passages.
  • 27. The leg assembly of claim 26, wherein the lower connection arrangement includes a series of downwardly facing threaded passages provided in the mounting member, and a series of threaded fasteners extending through the foot member into engagement with the threaded passages.
  • 28. A table assembly, comprising:a table top defining an upper surface, and underside, spaced front and rear edges and spaced side edges; leg structure interconnected with the table top for supporting the table top above a supporting surface; a power supply housing disposed below the table top and defining an internal passage within which one or more power supply cables are located; one or more first power supply receptacles mounted to the housing and facing in a first direction toward the front edge of the table top, wherein the first power supply receptacles are accessible from below the front edge of the table top; and one or more second power supply receptacles mounted to the housing and facing in a direction toward the rear edge of the table top, wherein the second power supply receptacles are accessible from below the rear edge of the table top.
  • 29. A table system comprising a series of side-by-side table assemblies, each table assembly comprising:a table top; leg structure interconnected with the table top for supporting the table top above a supporting surface; a power supply housing disposed below the table top and defining an internal passage; a pair of spaced electrical connectors disposed within the housing; electrical power cable means extending between and interconnected with the spaced electrical connectors for providing electrical power thereto; one or more power supply receptacles mounted to the housing, wherein each power supply receptacle is interconnected with one of the electrical connectors for supplying electrical power to the power supply receptacle; and a jumper interconnected with at least one electrical connector of a first table assembly and at least one electrical connector of an adjacent table assembly for communicating electrical power between the table assemblies.
US Referenced Citations (35)
Number Name Date Kind
RE. 31733 Haworth et al. Nov 1984
D. 352845 Hellwig et al. Nov 1994
3674230 Propst Jul 1972
3883202 Konig May 1975
3921539 Berger Nov 1975
4060294 Haworth et al. Nov 1977
4066305 Gazarek Jan 1978
4094256 Holper et al. Jun 1978
4224769 Ball et al. Sep 1980
4296981 Hildebrandt et al. Oct 1981
4323291 Ball Apr 1982
4370008 Haworth et al. Jan 1983
4372629 Propst et al. Feb 1983
4433884 Edwards et al. Feb 1984
4535703 Henriott et al. Aug 1985
4627364 Klein et al. Dec 1986
4734826 Wilson et al. Mar 1988
4762072 Boundy et al. Aug 1988
4792881 Wilson et al. Dec 1988
4828513 Morrison et al. May 1989
4852500 Ryburg et al. Aug 1989
4883330 Armstrong et al. Nov 1989
5050267 Quest Sep 1991
5094174 Grund et al. Mar 1992
5103741 Grund et al. Apr 1992
5144896 Fortsch Sep 1992
5186425 Keusch et al. Feb 1993
5220871 Grund et al. Jun 1993
5226705 Rorke et al. Jul 1993
5230552 Schipper et al. Jul 1993
5231562 Pierce et al. Jul 1993
5237935 Newhouse et al. Aug 1993
5272988 Kelley et al. Dec 1993
5277131 Fortsch Jan 1994
5337657 Diffrient Aug 1994
Foreign Referenced Citations (10)
Number Date Country
2439694 Mar 1976 DE
7825906 Aug 1978 DE
3506381 Aug 1986 DE
8712393 Dec 1987 DE
0006707 Jan 1980 EP
0145410 Jun 1985 EP
563850 Oct 1993 EP
2130877 Jun 1984 GB
2172197 Sep 1986 GB
WO 9013239 Nov 1990 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (2)
Entry
System 3000 Assembly Instructions, Krueger International, Inc., 1330 Bellevue Street, Green Bay, WI 54308-8100, 1991.
OEI, Value Added Furniture & Office Systems Serving Correctional Industries Brochure, undated.