Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6615747
-
Patent Number
6,615,747
-
Date Filed
Tuesday, October 9, 200122 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, September 9, 200320 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Mai; Lanna
- Anderson; Jerry A.
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 108 5001
- 108 5002
- 108 60
- 108 159
- 312 194
- 312 195
- 312 196
- 135 96
- 135 137
- 005 131
- 005 400
- 005 2821
- 005 286
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A modular workstation comprising a plurality of abutting arcuate bases. Each base is comprised of a pair of spaced, parallel inner and outer panel segments oriented generally vertically, with the inner panel segment being offset vertically in relation to the outer panel segment. A web extends between the two panel segments, and the panel segments and the web comprise a unitary body. A series of the bases are joined together, and a generally horizontal worksurface is provided, supported on the inner panel segments. A plurality of legs supports the bases at a predetermined elevation. A reference shelf and privacy canopy can be included in the workstation.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to modular workstations, and in particular to a modular workstation composed of at least one, and preferably a plurality of, end-abutting arcuate bases that are supported at a predetermined elevation by a series of legs, and having a generally horizontal worksurface mounted on the bases.
Modular office stations have become common, both due to the cost as apposed to an office with fixed walls, as well as versatility due to relative ease in reconfiguration.
Modular office stations, often called “cubicles”, suffer their own deficiencies, however. First, although they are relatively simple to reconfigure in relation to tearing down existing walls and building new walls, nevertheless reforming cubicles can be time consuming and labor intensive. Also, cubicles are generally composed of a myriad of parts, which therefore requires an inventory of parts to be available in order to facilitate reconfiguration. That, however, leads to a high cost of maintaining an inventory of parts, as well as the cost of storage space for those parts. The more sophisticated and complex the parts become, the more costly is reconfiguration, and the greater the chances that only a very few people can handle reconfiguration, due to training and knowledge required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a modular workstation, which in its simplest form is composed of an arcuate base comprising a pair of spaced, parallel inner and outer panels segments. The panel segments are oriented generally vertically and the inner panel segment is offset in relation to the outer panels segment. A web extends between the panel segments, with the panel segments and the web comprising a unitary body. A generally horizontal worksurface is supported on the inner panel segment and abuts the outer panel segment. A plurality of legs is provided, supporting the base and the worksurface at a predetermined elevation. The legs are appropriately secured to the base or the worksurface.
In the preferred form of the invention, a plurality of abutting arcuate bases is provided, with means joining each of the abutting arcuate bases. Preferably the joining means comprises a bracket bridging each pair of abutting arcuate bases, with the bracket being secured to the outer panel segments of each of the pairs of abutting arcuate bases. In accordance with the preferred form of the invention, the bracket is shaped for insertion of one of the legs.
Preferably, the number of legs is no greater than the number of arcuate bases, plus one. Thus, as the number of bases is increased, the number of legs commensurately decreases.
A utility channel is provided proximate a lower edge of each inner panel segment, for neatly retaining cables, wires and other similar items. A utility access is also provided for passage of cables, wires and the like in the worksurface, the inner panels and the web.
The modular workstation can include one or more reference shelves spaced above the worksurface. Each reference shelf is mounted on the outer panels segments. A privacy canopy can be provided, also mounted on the outer panel segments. The canopy preferably is retractable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is described in greater detail in the following description of examples embodying the best mode of the invention, taken in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of a full modular workstation according to the invention, including a retractable canopy,
FIG. 2
is a rear perspective view of the workstation of
FIG. 1
,
FIG. 3
is a top plan view of the workstation of
FIG. 1
,
FIG. 4
is a top plan view of a full modular workstation of
FIG. 1
, without the retractable canopy,
FIG. 5
is a perspective view the workstation of
FIG. 4
,
FIG. 6
is a further perspective view of the workstation of
FIG. 4
, from the opposite side,
FIG. 7
is a top plan view of a full modular workstation according to the invention, including three shelves,
FIG. 8
is a perspective view of the workstation of
FIG. 7
,
FIG. 9
is a further perspective view of the workstation of
FIG. 7
, from the side opposite to that of
FIG. 8
,
FIG. 10
is a perspective view of a modular workstation according to the invention having fewer than a maximum number of arcuate bases, and having a retractable canopy thereon,
FIG. 11
is a perspective view similar to
FIG. 10
, but from the opposite side,
FIG. 12
is a top plan view of the modular workstation of
FIGS. 10 and 11
,
FIG. 13
is a top plan view of the modular workstation shown in
FIG. 12
, but without the retractable canopy,
FIG. 14
is a rear perspective view of the modular workstation shown in
FIG. 13
,
FIG. 15
is a front perspective view of the modular workstation shown in
FIG. 13
,
FIG. 16
is a top plan view of a modular workstation similar to that shown in
FIGS. 13-15
, but including three reference shelves,
FIG. 17
is a front perspective view of the modular workstation shown in
FIG. 16
,
FIG. 18
is a rear perspective view of the modular workstation shown in
FIG. 16
,
FIG. 19
is a top plan view of a further modular workstation according to the invention,
FIG. 20
is a front perspective view of the modular workstation shown in
FIG. 19
,
FIG. 21
is a rear perspective view of the modular workstation of
FIG. 19
,
FIG. 22
is a top plan view of a modular workstation similar to
FIG. 19
, but including two reference shelves,
FIG. 23
is a rear perspective view of the modular workstation of
FIG. 22
,
FIG. 24
is a front perspective view of the modular workstation of
FIG. 22
,
FIG. 25
is a top plan view of a modular workstation according to the invention comprising a single arcuate base,
FIG. 26
is a front plan view of the modular workstation of
FIG. 25
,
FIG. 27
is a rear plan view of the modular workstation of
FIG. 25
,
FIG. 28
is a top plan view of a modular workstation similar
FIG. 25
, but having a single reference shelf,
FIG. 29
is a front perspective view of the modular workstation of
FIG. 28
,
FIG. 30
is a rear perspective view of the modular workstation of
FIG. 28
, and
FIG. 31
is an exploded perspective view of the components of the modular workstations according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES EMBODYING THE BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION
Turning first to
FIGS. 1 through 9
, a modular workstation is shown generally at
10
in the drawing figures. The modular workstation
10
is composed of a plurality of abutting arcuate bases
12
, in this case four of the arcuate bases
12
, each comprising a module of 80°. Further details of each of the arcuate bases
12
are found below in relation to the discussion of the exploded view shown in FIG.
31
.
The arcuate bases
12
are supported on a series of adjustable legs
14
mounted in a bracket
16
appropriately affixed to the modular workstation
10
, as also described below in relation to the assembly view illustrated in FIG.
31
.
The modular workstation
10
includes an opening
18
to permit access to the interior of the workstation
10
. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the opening
18
is 40°, given that each arcuate base is a module of 80°.
The modular workstation
10
includes a horizontal worksurface
20
. The worksurface
20
can be a single piece structure, or can be composed of a series of segments which are appropriately joined together to form a composite worksurface
20
. The worksurface
20
may include one or more notches forming a utility access
22
for passage of cables, wires and other elements when the workstation
10
is in use.
The workstation
10
can be open to the surrounding environment, as generally depicted in
FIGS. 5 through 9
, or can include a canopy
24
. The canopy
24
can be mounted to the arcuate base
12
in any conventional manner, and preferably is retractable. Accordingly, the canopy
24
, as illustrated, includes a series of support ribs
26
and an overlying flexible material
28
that facilitates folding of the canopy
24
in a fan-like manner.
While the considerable surface area of the horizontal worksurface
20
is often adequate for most purposes, on occasion additional working area may be advantageous. One or more reference shelves
30
can be mounted on the abutting arcuate bases
12
in any conventional manner, and may or may not include an upright book rest
32
. While each of the reference shelves
30
is shown extending to a smaller arcuate extent than each of the bases
12
, it will be evident that the extent of the reference shelves
30
can be vary as desired. For modularity, however, it is preferred that the reference shelves
30
extend in length no greater than the arcuate length of the bases
12
, and actually somewhat less, as illustrated.
The workstation
10
, being modular, can include fewer of the arcuate bases
12
. In FIGS.
10
through
18
, a modified modular workstation
10
′ is illustrated, employing three of the arcuate bases
12
rather than four as illustrated in the earlier figures. All other elements of the invention are the same, and bear the same reference numerals, except that the horizontal worksurface
20
′ is also reduced in size to be accommodated in the smaller workstation
10
′.
Similarly, an even smaller workstation
10
″ is illustrated in
FIGS. 19 through 24
. Again, all identical elements bear the same reference numerals and are as previously described, with the exception of the horizontal worksurface
20
″, which, again, is smaller to accommodate the reduced size of the workstation
10
″.
The workstations
10
,
10
′ and
10
″ are constructed of the same arcuate bases
12
, and as can be seen from the drawing figures, employ only a minimum of the legs
14
. Preferably, the maximum number of legs is no greater than the number of arcuate bases, plus one. With the legs
14
set back from the horizontal worksurfaces
20
,
20
′ and
20
″, the user of the modular workstations
10
,
10
′ and
10
″ is uninhibited by obstructions when using the workstation.
A modular workstation
10
′″, using only one of the arcuate bases
12
, is illustrated in
FIGS. 25 through 30
. In this form of the invention, a relatively smaller horizontal worksurface
20
″ is employed, and given the relatively limited extent of the single arcuate base
12
, additional legs
14
, appropriately affixed to the underside of the horizontal work surface
20
″, are employed.
FIG. 31
is an exploded assembly view of the elements of the modular workstations
10
,
10
′ and
10
″ and
10
′″, in this case actually illustrating the modular workstation
10
′. As explained previously, the only basic differences between the workstations, in addition to the number of arcuate bases
12
, is the extent of the horizontal worksurface
20
,
20
′ etc.
Each of the arcuate bases
12
comprises a pair of spaced, parallel inner and outer panel segments
34
and
36
. The panel segments
34
and
36
are oriented generally vertically, and the inner panels segment
34
is offset in relation to the outer panel segment
36
. Each of the inner panel segments
34
is notched with a utility access
38
, in the same manner that the horizontal worksurfaces
20
are notched.
The inner and outer panel segments
34
and
36
are separated by, and connected to, a web
40
. Not only does the web join the panel segment
34
and
36
to form a unitary body, but also the web
40
orients the panels
34
and
36
relative to one another so that, as illustrated in the various drawing figures, the horizontal worksurfaces
20
,
20
′,
20
″, and
20
′″ are supported on the inner panel segments
34
and abut the outer panel segments
36
. The horizontal worksurfaces can be appropriately affixed to the arcuate bases
12
in any conventional manner.
Each of the webs
40
includes one or more aperatures in the form of a utility access
42
for cables, wires and other elements, as appropriate. The number of the utility accesses
42
in each of the arcuate basis
12
can be selected as desired.
Each of the inner panel segments
34
includes a utility channel
44
proximate the lower edge of the panel segment
34
. The utility channel
44
can provide a rest and guide for cables, wires and the like, or can be used as a support for anything mounted on the inner panel segment
44
and extending therebeneath.
The arcuate bases, when assembled one to the other, are butted with the outer panel segments
36
adjacent one another. To provide a cleaner juncture between adjacent pairs of arcuate bases
12
, a removable trim clip
46
is provided to cover the junction between adjacent outer panel segments
36
.
Preferably the brackets
16
are used to join adjacent arcuate basis
12
. The brackets
16
are composed of spaced inner and outer plates
48
and
50
, with the outer plates
50
having a series of holes
52
which align with holes
54
in the outer panel segments
36
. Only some of the holes
54
in the outer panel segments
36
are illustrated in the drawing figures.
The legs
14
are inserted in the brackets
16
, being sandwiched between the inner and outer plates
48
and
50
and opposite spacers
56
and
58
. The spacing between the plate
48
and
50
and spacers
56
and
58
is such that there is a jam fit of the legs
14
when installed in the brackets
16
. Other fasteners could be used, also, in a conventional manner.
Two vertical columns of the holes
54
are located in each end of the outer panel segments
36
as illustrated. The brackets
16
bridge adjacent pairs of the arcuate bases
12
, and bolts or appropriate fasteners are inserted through the outer columns of the holes
54
and into the corresponding holes
52
in the brackets
16
. Thus, adjacent arcuate bases
12
are firmly connected one to the other. Any vacant holes can be filled with appropriate plugs.
When a bracket
16
is mounted at an open end of the modular workstation
10
, the holes
52
are aligned with the two columns of holes
54
and fasteners are inserted. The brackets
16
thus do not extend beyond the extent of the outer panel segments of the arcuate bases
12
, as illustrated in the various perspective views.
When a full extent of the modular workstation is employed, such as the workstation
10
of
FIGS. 1-9
, the structure is penannular. This form of the invention also is the most stable given its almost complete annulus.
Various changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof or scope of the following claims.
Claims
- 1. A modular workstation, comprisinga. an arcuate base comprising a pair of spaced, parallel inner and outer panel segments, the panel segments being oriented generally vertically, and the inner panel segment being offset in relation to the outer panel segment, b. a web extending between the panel segments, the panel segments and the web comprising a unitary body, c. a generally horizontal worksurface supported on said inner panel segment and abutting said outer panel segment, d. a plurality of legs supporting said base and said worksurface and, e. means securing said legs to said base and said worksurface.
- 2. The modular workstation according to claim 1, in which said securing means for said legs to said base comprises a bracket for each leg, said bracket being secured to said outer panel segment and being shaped for insertion of said leg.
- 3. The modular workstation according to claim 1, including a utility channel proximate a lower edge of said inner panel segment.
- 4. The modular workstation according to claim 1, including a reference shelf spaced above said worksurface, said reference shelf being mounted on said outer panel segment.
- 5. The modular workstation according to claim 1, including a utility access in at least one of said worksurface, said inner panel segment and said web.
- 6. A modular workstation, comprisinga. a plurality of abutting arcuate bases, each arcuate base comprising i. a pair of spaced, parallel inner and outer panel segments, the panel segments being oriented generally vertically, and the inner panel segment being offset in relation to the outer panel segment, and ii. a web extending between the panel segments, the panel segments and the web comprising a unitary body, b. a generally horizontal worksurface supported on said inner panel segments and abutting said outer panel segments, c. means joining said abutting arcuate bases, d. a plurality of legs supporting said bases and e. means securing said legs to said acute bases.
- 7. The modular workstation according to claim 6, in which the number of said legs is no greater than the number of said arcuate bases, plus one.
- 8. The modular workstation according to claim 6, in which said joining means comprises a bracket bridging butting arcuate bases, said bracket being secured to said outer panel segments of said butting arcuate bases.
- 9. The modular workstation according to claim 8, in which said bracket is shaped for insertion of a said leg, said bracket comprising said securing means.
- 10. The modular workstation according to claim 6, including a utility channel proximate a lower edge of each inner panel segment.
- 11. The modular workstation according to claim 6, including at least one reference shelf spaced above said worksurface, said reference shelf being mounted on said outer panel segments.
- 12. The modular workstation according to claim 6, including a utility access in at least one of said worksurface, said inner panels and said webs.
- 13. The modular workstation according to claim 6, including a trim clip mounted at adjoining outer panel segments of each pair of abutting arcuate bases.
- 14. The modular workstation according to claim 6, in which said plurality of abutting arcuate bases is penannular.
- 15. The modular workstation according to claim 6, including a canopy mounted on said outer panel segments.
- 16. The modular workstation according to claim 15, in which said canopy is retractable.
US Referenced Citations (11)