Patent Grant
11571065
This invention relates to a modular workstation assembly and method of assemblage, and more particularly relates to a workstation assembly that comprises multiple modules constructed from a relatively small number of components and arranged in several basic geometries; whereby the modules detachably couple in a sequential pattern to form multiple styles of workstations operable to enable a user to work from a sitting or standing position, stow items on multiple shelves, and selectively conceal sections of the workstation with hinged articulation by a pair of lateral modules; whereby the modules are further configured for facilitated disassembly and stowage, one-man portability, and minimal tool and skillset requirements for assemblage.
Often, it is desirable to create a personal workstation in a work area that provides a place to work on office-type, or school-type jobs. It is desirable that such a workstation avoids uniformity and monotony. At the same time, the workstation must be flexible in order to assure maximum freedom in organizing a work area. In short, the workstation must be designed to adapt the workplace to the individual working therein.
Generally, office desks accommodate writing surfaces and allow for the addition of computer equipment. However, computer monitors and keyboards have been placed on traditional desks, where they occupy an inordinate amount of space. It is also desirable to provide a workstation that allows for the efficient organization of devices requiring electrical power within an office, commercial, industrial or residential environment. This has been exacerbated by the proliferation of additional devices for lighting, communications such as complex telephone stations, modems and facsimile machines, computers and computer peripherals such as video displays, printers and the like.
Other proposals have involved office/school furniture systems. The problem with these office furniture systems is that they do not reconfigure to different styles and dimensions. Also, the mobility is limited. Even though the above cited office/school furniture systems meet some of the needs of the market, a workstation assembly that comprises multiple modules constructed from a relatively small number of components and arranged in several basic geometries; whereby the modules detachably couple in a sequential pattern to form multiple styles of workstations operable to enable a user to work from a sitting or standing position, stow items on multiple shelves, and selectively conceal sections of the workstation with hinged articulation by a pair of lateral modules; whereby the modules are further configured for facilitated disassembly and stowage, one-man portability, and minimal tool and skillset requirements for assemblage, is still desired.
From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for a modular workstation assembly and method of assemblage that comprises multiple modules constructed from a relatively small number of components and arranged in several basic geometries. Beneficially, such a workstation assembly would include multiple modules that are configured to detachably couple in a sequential pattern, forming multiple styles of workstations operable. The different workstations are arranged, so as to enable a user to work from a sitting or standing position, stow items on multiple shelves, and selectively conceal sections of the workstation with hinged articulation by a pair of lateral modules. The modules are further configured for facilitated disassembly and stowage, one-man portability, and minimal tool and skillset requirements for assemblage.
The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available workstations Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a modular workstation assembly that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.
The workstation assembly is provided with a plurality of modules configured to functionally execute the necessary steps of assemblage with minimal tools and skill set. These modules in the described embodiments include a desk module modular workstation assembly.
In some embodiments, the assembly includes a desk module. The desk module comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, and a pair of side panels. The panels of the desk module have a front edge and a rear edge. The panels form a substantially rectangular shape. The desk module further has a work surface spanning the side panels and extending past the front edge of the panels. The desk module also has multiple desk dividers that span the work surface and the bottom panel.
In some embodiments, the assembly includes an upper cabinet module. The upper cabinet module comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, and a pair of side panels. The panels of the upper cabinet module having a front edge and a rear edge. The panels form a substantially cubical shape. The upper cabinet module may also comprise multiple upper cabinet shelves that span the top panel and the bottom panel of the upper cabinet module. The bottom panel of the upper cabinet module detachably joins with the top panel of the desk module. This detachably attachment enables the upper cabinet module to be easily stacked, removed, and realigned with the desk module.
In some embodiments, the assembly includes a pair of door modules that comprise a top panel, a bottom panel, and a pair of side panels. The panels of the door modules have a front edge and a rear edge. The panels join at their ends to form a substantially rectangular shape. The door modules also comprise a door panel that joins with the rear edge of the panels for the door modules. The door modules also comprise multiple door shelves that span the side panels of the door modules.
Furthermore, the side panels of the door modules hingedly join with the side panels of the desk module and the upper cabinet module. In this manner, the door modules pivotably articulate between an open position and a closed position. In the open position the door modules extend linearly from the sides of the desk module and upper cabinet module. And in the closed position, the front edges of the panels for the door modules engage the front edges of the panels for the desk module and the upper cabinet module.
The assembly, in one embodiment, further comprises a pair of lateral cabinet modules comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, and a pair of side panels, the panels of the lateral cabinet modules having a front edge and a rear edge.
The assembly is further configured, in one embodiment, such that the lateral cabinet modules further comprise at least one lateral cabinet shelf spanning the side panels of the lateral cabinet modules.
In a further embodiment, the assembly may be configured wherein the lateral cabinet modules further comprise at least one vertical divider disposed perpendicular with the top and bottom panels of the lateral cabinet modules.
In a further embodiment, the lateral cabinet modules further comprise at least one horizontal divider disposed perpendicular with the side panels of the lateral cabinet modules.
In a further embodiment, the side panels of the door modules are hingedly joined with the side panels of the lateral cabinet modules.
In a further embodiment, the assembly further comprises multiple wheels or rollers operatively joined with the bottom panels of the lateral cabinet modules.
In a further embodiment, the assembly further comprises a hinge operatively joined with the side panels of the door modules and the side panels of the desk module and the upper cabinet module. The hinge enables pivotable articulation of the door modules between the open and closed positions.
In a further embodiment, the desk module further comprises a rear panel joined with the rear edge of the panels for the desk module.
In a further embodiment, the upper cabinet module further comprises a rear panel joined with the rear edge of the panels for the upper cabinet module.
In a further embodiment, the door panel of the door modules are disposed parallel with the rear panels of the desk module and the upper cabinet module.
In a further embodiment, the front edge of the side panels for the door modules are hingedly joined with the front edge of the side panels for the desk module and the upper cabinet module.
In a further embodiment, the side panels of the door modules are detachable) from the side panels of the desk module and the upper cabinet module.
Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.
These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.
In one possible embodiment, the upper cabinet module stacks atop the desktop module. This allows a user to work in a sitting position at the desktop module, or a standing position at the upper cabinet module. The lateral cabinet modules provide out-of-the-way stowage options to the user. The door modules hingedly join to the lateral cabinet modules, so as to pivotably articulate between an open and closed position. The closed position allows the user to conceal the contents of the lateral cabinet modules, and in some cases, the upper cabinet module.
The modules are uniquely configured to detachably couple from each other in a sequential pattern, so as to allow a user to easily create multiple styles and dimensions of workstations. This reconfigurable modular design allows flexibility for different working functions and different rooms. The modules are further configured for facilitated disassembly 100 and stowage, one-man portability, and minimal tool and skillset requirements for assemblage
Looking now at
The desk module 102 further has a work surface 200 spanning the side panels 104c, 104d, and extending past the front edge 106 of the panels 104a-d. In some embodiments, the work surface 200 may be a simple rectangular or square-shaped panel, i.e., table, adapted to enable a user to write, type, or drawn upon. The work surface 200 may also support a keyboard or a computer.
The desk module 102 also has multiple desk dividers 108a, 108b that span the work surface 200 and the bottom panel 104b. Looking ahead to
As referenced in
The upper cabinet module 112 may also comprise multiple upper cabinet dividers 118a, 118b that span the top panel 114a and the bottom panel 114b of the upper cabinet module 112. The upper cabinet dividers 118a, 118b are arranged in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship that enables items to be organized in the upper cabinet module 112. The upper cabinet dividers 118a, 118b may include a simple flat panel that slidably engages rails, or snugly fits into the top and bottom panels 114a-b.
The upper cabinet module 112 is easily detachable from the desk module 102. In some embodiments, the bottom panel 114b of the upper cabinet module 112 is configured to detachably attach to the top panel of the desk module 102. For example, the upper cabinet module can be screwed, glued, magnetized, or friction-fit attached to the desk module. However, in other embodiments, weight and gravity work to retain the upper cabinet module on the desk module 102. This detachably attachment enables the upper cabinet module 112 to be easily stacked, removed, and realigned with the desk module 102. Looking again at
As
The door modules 122a-b also comprise multiple door shelves 130a, 130b, 130c, 130n that span the side panels 124c-d of the door modules 122a-b. The door shelves 130a, 130b, 130c, 130n are disposed horizontally, and sized to support items, such as papers, files, books, ornamentals, and computing devices. Suitable materials for the panels 124a-d and the door shelves 130a, 130b, 130c, 130n may include, without limitation, wood, wood pulp, polymers, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, aluminum, and metal alloys.
Furthermore, the side panels 124c, 124d of the door modules 122a-b hingedly join with the side panels 104c-d, 114c-d of the desk module 102 and the upper cabinet module 112. More specifically, the front edge 126 of the side panels 124c-d for the door modules 122a-b hingedly join with the front edges 106, 116 of the side panels 104c-d, 114c-d for both the desk module 102 and upper cabinet module 112. In this manner, the door modules 122a-b pivotably articulate between an open position 202a and a closed position 202b. For example,
In the open position 202a the door modules 122a-b extend linearly from the sides of the desk module 102 and upper cabinet module 112 (See
In another embodiment, at least one hinge 132a, 132n is utilized to create a hinged relationship between the side panels 124c-d of the door modules 122a-b, and the side panels 104c-d, 114c-d of the desk module 102 and the upper cabinet module. The hinge 132a, 132n may attach to the front edges of the respective panels, so as to enable pivotable articulation in a forward direction. The hinge 132a, 132n enables pivotable articulation of the door modules 122a-b between the open and closed positions 202a, 202b. The at least one hinge 132a, 132n may include, without limitation, a door hinge, a barrel hinge, or any mechanical bearing that connects panels to enable pivotable articulation thereof.
Consistent with the modular configuration of the assembly 100, the side panels of the door modules 122a-b are detachable from the side panels 104c-d, 114c-d of the desk module 102 and the upper cabinet module 112. This detachment may be performed by removing the hinge 132a, 132n, if a hinge 132a, 132n is used.
Turning now to
The lateral cabinet modules 134a-b allow unique compartmentalization and organization of items through segregated sections of shelves. Like the other modules, the lateral cabinet modules 134a-b are detachable and easy to reposition, which allows the user to create different styles of workstations. However, due to the modular configuration of the assembly 100, the workstation configurations may be possible with or without the lateral cabinet modules 134a-b.
In one embodiment, the lateral cabinet modules 134a-b provide at least one lateral cabinet shelf 140a, 140n that spans the side panels 136c-d of the lateral cabinet modules 134a-b. The lateral cabinet shelf 140a-n is configured to support items, including books, paperwork, files, display screens, and computing devices.
To further compartmentalize the lateral cabinet modules 134a-b, the assembly 1100 also provides at least one vertical divider 142a, 142n. The vertical divider 142a-n is disposed perpendicular with the top and bottom panels 136a-b of the lateral cabinet modules 134a-b. In yet another embodiment, the lateral cabinet modules 134a-b comprise at least one horizontal divider 144 that is disposed perpendicular with the side panels 136c-d of the lateral cabinet modules 134a-b. The vertical and horizontal dividers 142a-n, 144 can be manipulated to create differently sized storage compartments for the lateral cabinet modules 134a-b.
Also, each lateral cabinet module 134a, 134b can have different numbers and lengths of vertical and horizontal dividers 142a-n, 144. For example,
In some embodiment, the side panels 124c-d of the door modules 122a-b are hingedly joined with the side panels 136c-d of the lateral cabinet modules 134a-b. In this unique arrangement, the lateral cabinet modules 134a-b position between the desk module 102 and the door modules 122a-b. When the door modules 122a-b hingedly join in this manner, the door modules 122a-b pivotably articulate between an open position 202a and a closed position 202b (See
In the open position 202a the door modules 122a-b extend linearly from the sides of the lateral cabinet modules 134a-b. And in the closed position 202b, the front edges 126 of the panels for the door modules 122a-b engage the front edges 138 of the panels for the lateral cabinet modules 134a-b. Also, in the closed position 202b, the items on the lateral cabinet shelf 140a-n are concealed.
However, as discussed above, the lateral cabinet modules 134a-b may be removed from the workstation arrangement. When removed, the door modules 122a-b pivotably articulate about the desk module 102 and the upper cabinet module 112. For example,
The at least one hinge 132a, 132n is utilized to create a hinged relationship between the side panels 124c-d of the door modules 122a-b, and the side panels 136c-d of the lateral cabinet modules 134a-b. The hinge 132a, 132n may attach to the front edges of the respective panels, so as to enable pivotable articulation in a forward direction. The hinge 132a, 132n enables pivotable articulation of the door modules 122a-b between the open and closed positions 202a, 202b.
And since the assembly 100 is modular and configured to be arranged into multiple types of workstations, the inner side panels of the door modules are detachable from the outer side panels of the desk module 102 and the upper cabinet module 112. This may be performed by removing the hinge 132a, 132n, if a hinge is used.
As discussed above, the assembly 100 is mobile. This mobility allows the workstation to be moved from room-to-room, and arranged in a desired workstation configuration. Thus, in one possible embodiment, the assembly 100 further comprises multiple wheels or rollers 146a, 146n operatively joined with the bottom panels 136b of the lateral cabinet modules 134a-b. And in other embodiments, the desk module 102 and the door modules 122a-b may also have wheels or rollers. In alternative embodiments, other types of mobility components, beyond wheels or rollers, may be used, including rails, slides, and a slick surface.
The assemblage of the workstation assembly 100 is relatively easy, requiring minimal skill sets and tools. In operation, a desk module 102 is placed in a desired location. This positioning may set the rear edge of the panels against a wall, or the desk module may be arranged within a series of workstation assemblies, such as a cubicle arrangement in an office. The front edges of the panels are oriented towards the user, where working thereon. Next, the upper cabinet module 112 is stacked atop the desk module 102, with the bottom panel 114b of the upper cabinet module 112 engaging the top panel 104a of the desk module 102. The upper cabinet module 112 may rest on the desk module 102 with only weight and gravity holding the upper cabinet module in place. However, fasteners may also be used.
A pair of lateral cabinet modules are joined with the side panels of the desk module and the upper cabinet modules. The lateral cabinet modules can be useful for placing items, such as paperwork, files, computers, ornaments, and the like. A pair of door modules are then hingedly joined with the side panels of the lateral cabinet modules. When the door modules 122a-b hingedly join in this manner, the door modules 122a-b pivotably articulate between an open position 202a and a closed position 202b (See
In conclusion, a modular workstation assembly 100 comprises multiple modules constructed from a relatively small number of components and arranged in several basic geometries. The workstation assembly includes a desk module, an upper cabinet module, a pair of lateral cabinet modules, and a pair of door modules that hingedly join with the other modules. The door modules hingedly join to the lateral cabinet modules to pivotably articulate between an open and closed position. The modules detachably couple in a sequential pattern, forming multiple styles of workstations operable. The different workstations are arranged, so as to enable a user to work from a sitting or standing position, stow items on multiple shelves, and selectively conceal sections of the workstation with hinged articulation by a pair of lateral modules. The modules are further configured for facilitated disassembly and stowage, one-man portability, and minimal tool and skillset requirements for assemblage.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 155604 | Wooton | Oct 1874 | A |
| 20110037360 | Jakins | Feb 2011 | A1 |
| 20160166057 | Hubert | Jun 2016 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| WO-2016164683 | Oct 2016 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220273098 A1 | Sep 2022 | US |
