The present invention relates to storage systems, and more specifically to an extendable and retractable worksurface storage assembly that is capable of selectively enclosing and exposing items, such as computer peripheral devices, from below a worksurface.
Tables, desks and work stations have been modified in their construction in order to more readily accommodate computing devices such as desktop and laptop computers. While advancements in computer technology have resulted in a reduction in the size of computers and their associated displays, such devices still occupy significant space on a desk or tabletop when not being used. Oftentimes it is necessary to remove a computer and/or display from the desk or tabletop in order to enable an individual to effectively utilize the area of the desk or tabletop.
To avoid this problem, a number of known desks, tables and workstations have been developed in which the various devices associated with a computer can be selectively elevated above or lowered beneath the worksurface. These known assemblies include desks and tables in which one or multiple parts of the desk or table can be moved, generally vertically relative to the remainder of the working surface, in order to selectively expose a compartment containing a component of the computer, e.g., a monitor. When the compartment is exposed, the computer can be utilized in a conventional fashion. Further, when the compartment is in the retracted or stored position, the entire working surface area of the desk or table can be utilized for any desired purpose since the compartment and the computer component contained therein are entirely positioned beneath the surface of the desk or table.
However, these known tables or desks involve a relatively complex construction in order to accommodate the particular elevating mechanism and/or object retaining structure. Therefore, the costs and time required for the production of such desks or tables is quite high. Also, due to the significant number of components required, the maintenance and repair costs for such desks and tables are also significantly higher than the costs associated with conventional desks and tables that are used for supporting computers and associated peripheral devices.
Other prior art table and desk systems include structures configured to secure several of the components associated with a personal computer system to or on the worksurface, such as a keyboard holder and a monitor support. The monitor support is often located toward a rear of the worksurface whereas the keyboard support is commonly located adjacent a front area of the worksurface. Such storage systems further complicate the construction of the furniture system in requiring separate movable storage assemblies and also complicate the integration of the computer system within the furniture assembly. Providing multiple movable and/or pivotable assemblies for storing computer-related devices requires that the user route the associated connecting cables of the computer system in areas of the furniture assembly where the respective cables are not exposed or otherwise subjected to the potential for damage by the multiple movable parts associated with the storage assemblies. Providing multiple storage systems complicates the user's integration of a computer system with the furniture assembly and increases the potential for damage to the components of the computer system.
Another failing of some known worksurface assemblies with integrated storage systems is a lack of security for the electronic devices contained therein. Frequently, the end user must supply additional cables or the like to secure the stored components to the furniture assembly. This increases the user's expense and presents the potential that the security cable or the like may interfere with the operation of the storage.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide a worksurface furniture assembly that is capable of concealing a computer-related device within a desk or table structure, and which does not require that the desk or table be constructed in a manner significantly different than conventional furniture items of this type. Further, it is desirable to provide such a storage system that is constructed to allow the simple integration of computer-related devices therewith and to provide a simple and efficient means to secure such a device in the storage system.
The present invention is directed to a storage system that solves the aforementioned problems. A worksurface storage system includes a frame, a support such as a tray, an actuator, and a cover. The tray and actuator are connected to the frame such that operation of the actuator translates the actuator and the tray relative to the frame. The cover is pivotably connected to the frame such that translation of the tray rotates the cover between an open and a closed position relative to a worksurface. The storage system is constructed to engage a worksurface such that devices supported by the tray are selectively extended and retracted relative to the worksurface. An opening formed in the worksurface accommodates passage of the devices and the cover, and the cover is rotationally attached to the frame. The cover is operable to cover the opening in the worksurface when the device supported on the tray is not in use. Accordingly, the storage system provides for multi-functional use of the worksurface.
Therefore, according to one aspect of the invention, a powered storage system is disclosed that includes a frame constructed to be connected to a worksurface and a cover pivotably connected to the frame. The cover is constructed to be generally aligned with the worksurface when the frame is connected to the worksurface, and is movable between a first position and a second position. A tray is movably connected to the frame and has a first support and a second support connected to the tray. The first support is for supporting a display and the second support is for supporting a keyboard in an orientation generally aligned with an output surface of the display. An indexing mechanism is fixedly connected to the frame, and an actuator is connected to the tray and engaged with the indexing mechanism to move the tray and the cover during operation of the actuator.
Another aspect of the invention contemplates a worksurface assembly having a support structure connected to a worksurface for elevating the worksurface above a floor. A storage system is suspended from the worksurface below a cover. A platform is connected to the storage system and is movable between a stored position and an in-use position. A powered actuator is connected to the storage system and is constructed to move the platform between the stored position and the in-use position. The powered actuator is constructed to move with the platform as the platform moves between the stored position and the in-use position.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a method of forming a multi-purpose workstation is disclosed. The method includes providing a cover, pivotably connecting the cover to a frame, and connecting a tray to the frame. The tray is connected to the frame such that the tray can translate relative to the frame. The method includes operating an actuator such that the actuator translates with the tray during operation of the actuator. The cover is connected to the tray with a connector, such that translation of the tray rotates the cover. The cover is locked in an open position by the connector when the actuator is translated to an open end of travel position.
Numerous other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the drawing figures.
The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention. In the drawings:
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A cover linkage 70 pivotably connects cover 26 to storage system 10, such that cover 26 does not interfere with the passage of devices 35 through opening 28. A pair of rollers 72, 74 are connected to cover linkage 70 and are constructed to guide and control the operation of cover linkage 70 relative to tray 64. As shown in
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Representatively, guide bracket 112 may be rotated to a position one degree past a vertical orientation, and maintained in position by engagement of roller 74 with roller retainer 78. Display support 66 is pivotably connected to tray 64 by a pivot connection 130, to allow movement of display 36 to a desired angular orientation in order to accommodate the height of the user and to reduce screen glare. Representatively, pivot connection 30 may provide a screen adjustment range of approximately fifteen degrees. When it is desired to store devices 35 in storage system 10, display support 66 is oriented in a generally vertical orientation. A projection 132 extends from display support 66 and includes a ramped lower surface that engages cover 26 to automatically return the pivoting monitor support bracket 66 to a vertical position when display support 66 is lowered. The projection 132 also has a ramped upper surface, which pivots display support 66 to a vertical position when display support 66 is being raised, to prevent interference with cover 26.
When cover 26 is in the fully open position, engagement of roller 74 with roller retainer 78 maintains cover 26 in the open position. In this manner, the user is able to operate actuator 94 to raise and lower tray 64, in order to raise and lower display 36 to a desired position according to user requirements, without moving cover 26 away from the open position.
When storage system 10 is being moved from the open position to the closed position, motor actuator 94 is operated so as to lower tray 64, which retracts display support brackets 66 and display 36, as well as keyboard retention brackets 46 containing keyboard 38 and mouse tray 41 supporting mouse 39. When tray 64 attains a predetermined position as it is being lowered, the bottom of tray 64 comes into contact with roller 72 which, by operation of the pivot bracket 114, functions to move roller 74 out of engagement with roller retention bracket 78. Continued downward movement of tray 64 functions to move cover 26 toward and past a vertical orientation by operation of cover bracket 110 and guide bracket 112. When cover 26 is moved past the vertical orientation, cover 26 pivots about pivot pin 118, and is lowered by the force of gravity until roller 74 comes into contact with the upper surface of tray 64. As tray 64 continues its downward movement to retract the devices 35 interconnected with tray 64, roller 74 rides on the upper surface of tray 64 and cover 26 continues to be lowered under its own weight. This continues until tray 64 is fully lowered, so that cover 26 is moved to the closed position simply by the force of gravity. In this manner, in the event, 26 encounters an obstruction as it is being lowered, cover 26 is not being moved downwardly by the action of motor actuator 94, which could cause cover 26 to pinch the obstruction. Instead, the obstruction is simply subjected to the relatively minimal weight of cover 26. When the obstruction is removed, and after motor actuator 94 has been operated to fully lower tray 64, cover 26 moves in downwardly to the closed position under the force of gravity.
In the event cover 26 is prevented from opening when it is desired to raise storage system 10, such as by the presence of a load on cover 26, the control 147 is configured to stop operation of motor actuator 94 when storage system 10 encounters a predetermined force that resists movement of cover 26 away from the closed position. This prevents motor actuator 94 from being burned out in the event an operator attempts to raise storage system 10 when cover 26 cannot be opened.
Therefore, one embodiment of the invention involves a powered storage system that includes a frame constructed to be connected to a worksurface and a cover pivotably connected to the frame. The cover is constructed to be generally aligned or flush with the worksurface when the frame is connected to the worksurface and is movable between a first position and a second position. A tray is movably connected to the frame, and a first support and a second support are connected to the tray. The first support is configured to support a display and the second support is configured to support a keyboard in an orientation generally aligned with an output surface of the display. The second support may also be configured to support an additional user-operated computer peripheral device, such as a computer mouse. An indexing mechanism is fixedly connected to the frame and an actuator is connected to the tray and engaged with the indexing mechanism to move the tray and the cover during operation of the actuator.
The invention also involves a worksurface assembly having a support structure connected to a worksurface for elevating the worksurface above a floor. A storage system is suspended from the worksurface proximate a cover forming a part of the worksurface. A platform is connected to the storage system and is moveable between a stored position and an in-use position. A powered actuator is connected to the storage system and is constructed to move the platform between the stored position and the in-use position. The powered actuator is constructed to move with the platform as the platform moves between the stored position and the in-use position.
The invention further involves a method of forming a multi-purpose workstation. The method includes providing a cover, pivotably connecting the cover to a frame, and connecting a tray to the frame. The tray is connected to the frame such that the tray can translate relative to the frame. The method also includes connecting an actuator to the tray such that the actuator translates with the tray during operation of the actuator. The cover is connected to the tray with a connector such that translation of the tray rotates the cover. The cover is locked in an open position by the connector when the actuator is translated to an open end of travel position.
Various alternatives are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.