Rehearsal resource center

Abstract

A working surface panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a back panel are removably attached to define a conductor resource center having an inner space. The inner space can include spatially adjustable shelves, drawers, document distribution systems, storage spaces, and the like. Electronic equipment and components are easily positioned and stored, and access is made around and through the resource center for channeling and distributing cables, cords and wires. In addition, embodiments of the present invention will include security panels to facilitate limited access to the contents stored and positioned within the resource center. A plurality of roller assemblies, and a plurality of interconnect assemblies enhance the portability and modular configuration options available with the present invention.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to portable furniture, and more particularly, to a portable conductor's station providing centralized storage and access for materials, equipment, controls, and tools for use, e.g., in a music teaching and/or directing environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is common for music teachers and/or music conductors to position themselves in a location central to the visual line of sight for students or band/orchestra members. This line of sight goal is mandated by the role of the conductor as an individual in charge of controlling and mentoring participant students. As technology and teaching tools and techniques have advanced, present day conductors have found it beneficial to implement these various technologies and techniques to further improve the level of teaching and directing efficacy. As a result, it is now optimal for conductors to have relatively convenient access and control over the equipment, materials, and tools of the trade while still maintaining their central location.

[0004] Many conductors practicing conventional techniques of teaching and directing have utilized well known music stands. These music stands, while varying greatly in design, serve merely to provide a central location of limited functional value, such as to place sheet music, batons, and the like. As a result, integration of audio and visual equipment, mass document storage, and other benefits are not readily available. Conductors using these music stands are required to walk away from their central locations to operate audio playback systems, to communicate with students at far distances, and to perform other necessary tasks. By being forced to leave their locations to attend to these tasks, the rhythm and effectiveness of the teaching session is negatively affected.

[0005] Over the years, various attempts have been made to introduce innovations into the field of conducting. However, these attempted innovations have been directed to modifying and enhancing existing devices such as lecturer/instructor podiums. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,735,469, 5,152,542, and 6,129,366, each hereby incorporated by reference, demonstrate such attempts. For instance, the '469 patent is directed to a portable audio-visual equipment station having a plurality of shelves, a working podium space, and other storage compartments. However, this and other similar designs, where modifications and enhancements are made to relatively standard podium structures, fail to provide the control, integration, and storage needed for present day conductors. By limiting innovation to conventional podiums, it is not possible to create a truly usable work space for conductors to employ preferred teaching advancements and techniques.

[0006] As a result, there is a need for a conductor resource center wherein the limitations and innate drawbacks of the prior art are solved. It is necessary to substantially deviate from the current reliance on age old podium designs, wherein the work space is designed around the present needs and tools associated with the trade, and not vice versa.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention substantially solves the problems previously inherent with conventional conducting and teaching stations. The conductor resource center of the present invention includes convenient placement for, and access to, audio and visual equipment, locations for primary tools such as metronomes and electronics tuners, strategically located and sized storage and distribution regions for sheet music and assignments, and centrally located counter work space for documents, computer equipment, and the like. As such, a resource center is advanced that will enhance productivity and efficiency in performing essential musical performance and rehearsal functions.

[0008] With the present invention, a working surface panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a back panel are removably attached to define a conductor resource center having an inner space. The inner space can include spatially adjustable shelves, drawers, document distribution systems, storage spaces, and the like. Electronic equipment and components are easily positioned and stored and access is made around and through the resource center for channeling and distributing cables, cords, wires, documents and the like. Embodiments of the present invention may also include security panels to facilitate limited access to the contents stored and positioned within the resource center. A plurality of roller assemblies, and a plurality of interconnect assemblies enhance the portability and modular configuration options available with the present invention.

[0009] These and other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the description that follows, when considered in view of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conductor resource center;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conductor resource center;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a wireframe perspective view of a conductor resource center;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modular configured conductor resource center;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a front view of a conductor resource center;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modular configured conductor resource center;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a document distribution folio box for use in a conductor resource center;

[0017] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an upper lock door assembly for use in a conductor resource center;

[0018] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a lower lock door assembly for use in a conductor resource center;

[0019] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a lower lock door assembly for use in a conductor resource center;

[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a roller assembly for use in a conductor resource center;

[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a roller assembly and roller leg extension for use in a conductor resource center;

[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an interconnect assembly in use in a conductor resource center;

[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a toggle bolt device for use in a conductor resource center; and

[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a mounting channel for use in a conductor resource center.

[0025] It is understood that the above-described figures are only illustrative of the present invention and are not contemplated to limit the scope thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Any references to such relative terms as front and back, right and left, top and bottom, or the like, are intended for convenience of description and may not necessarily limit the present invention or its components to any one positional or spatial orientation. Dimensions of the components in the attached figures may vary with a potential design and the intended use of an embodiment of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that individual components are interchangeable to some extent and may be added, deleted, or interchanged without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

[0027] The instant invention is a modular workstation comprising a plurality of attachable workstation modules. The instant workstation may include easy access to electronic equipment (e.g., stereo equipment for recording and playback), convenient locations for instructional devices (e.g., metronomes and electronic tuners), efficient and secure mechanisms for distributing handouts or other printed matter (e.g., sheet music and assignments), and counter space for other equipment used during instruction or otherwise (e.g., computer monitor and/or electronic music keyboard).

[0028] Features and advantages of various embodiments of the instant modular workstation include one or more of the following: 1) rack-mount spacing and shelves (e.g., for stereo components); 2) one or more power strips (e.g., 6-outlet with cord), 3) a modular width dimension so as to be portable within buildings (e.g., through standard doorway openings); 4) easily accessible functions; 5) variable modular configurations to maximize efficient use of available space; 6) lockable doors to secure equipment, materials and supplies; 7) drawers to store materials such as pencils, and pens; 8) storage compartment(s) for items such as CDs and cassette tapes; 9) floor runner(s) to protect speaker wires, cables, power cords, and the like; 10) “pass through” insert for distributing items such as printed materials (e.g., music sheets and assignments); and 11) heights for one-step or two-step podia. While described for use in music instruction and rehearsal, the instant invention may be used for instruction of other subjects or for presentations to any group of persons. While the instant invention is described in the context of music instruction, it can also be advantageously utilized to enable and enhance any instruction protocol, and to store and use other equipment (e.g., overhead projectors) to present information to groups (e.g., natural phenomena in science instruction and political rallies).

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1-15, a conductor resource center 10 in accordance with the present invention generally includes a working surface panel 12, a bottom panel 14, a first side panel 15, a second side panel 16, a back panel 18, and a plurality of roller assemblies 20. Each of the panels can be constructed of industrial grade particle board having a polymer laminate. Other materials are also envisioned, such as those understood to provide durability while still permitting relative ease of portability. As will be discussed further herein, a plurality of (e.g., two) conductor resource centers 10 can be selectively configured for modular attachment to each other.

[0030] The outer dimensions and shape of the conductor resource center 10 is defined by the working surface panel 12, the bottom panel 14, and the side panels 15, 16. The working surface panel 12 and the bottom panel 14 are spaced a distance from each other along parallel horizontal planes. The first and second side panels 15, 16 are spaced some distance from each other for removable attachment to the ends of the horizontally spaced panels 12, 14. Further, the back panel 18 is removably attached to an edge of the working surface and bottom panels 12, 14. In one embodiment, this removable attachment is facilitated by using a mounting channel 21, as shown in FIG. 15. The mounting channel 21 is preferably flexible in its design and material to allow for highly adjustable alignment and securement to the resource center 10 and its corresponding contours and panels. The mounting channel 21 provides attachment while still promoting aesthetic appeal since fasteners are not externally visible. The channel 21 is preferably in the shape of an elongated bracket with an L-shaped cross-section, and generally includes a plurality of tabs 23 and apertures that provide fastening regions for connecting the back panel 18 to panels 12, 14. In one embodiment, the channel 21 is aligned and attached within an inner space 24 (more fully described below) such that a surface of the L-shaped bracket fastens to the back panel 18 while the other surface fastens to either panel 12 or 14. With such an embodiment, the channel 21 and each of the fasteners are hidden within the inner cavity 24, thus leaving the relevant externally visible surfaces of the resource center 10 substantially smooth.

[0031] As is detailed further herein, the side panels 15, 16, while both vertically oriented, are not substantially parallel to each other due to the non-rectangular shape of the working surface panel 12 and bottom panel 14. The attached panels 12, 14, 15, 16, and 18 define the inner space 24. The working surface panel 12, the bottom panel 14, and the back panel 18 are removably attached to the side panels 15.

[0032] The working surface panel 12 and the bottom panel 14 preferably have respective arcuate end portions 26, 28 and right angled portions 30, 32. The arcuate end portions 26, 28 define an edge with an angular measurement θ, wherein θ defines an angle different than the right angled portions 30, 32. Preferably, the second side panel 16 is transversely attached to the arcuate end portions 26, 28 and the first side panel 15 is transversely attached to the right angled portions 30, 32, with the edge defined by the arcuate end portions 26, 28 substantially aligning along angle θ with respect to the right angled portions 30, 32. In addition, the back panel 18 includes an arcuate back portion 34 (not shown) to substantially align perpendicularly with the arcuate portions 26, 28. In one embodiment, angle θ will be approximately 45 degrees. However, other values for angle θ may be more suitable for other embodiments and are thus contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention as well.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, the back panel 18 further includes at least one back door 36 to provide selective access from the back of the resource center 10 into the inner space 24. In one embodiment, the back door 36 can be hinged to the back panel 18 such that selective opening of the door 36 provides access to shelves, documents, and the like within the inner space 24. Preferably, the back door 36 will be integrated with the back panel 18 proximate the working surface panel 12 such that the access point defined by the back door 36 is aligned with a document distribution center 38, as further described herein. In addition, the back panel 18 can include a service door panel 40 providing selective access into the inner space 24 proximate the bottom panel 14. This service door panel 40 can be hinged to the back panel 18 to facilitate routing of cables, wires, and the like out the back of the resource center 10.

[0034] The working surface panel 12 further includes at least one access port 42. The at least one access port 42 traverses the working surface panel 12 to provide communication through the working surface panel 12 into the inner space 24. The at least one access port 42 is sized and shaped to accommodate cables, power cords, wires, and the like such that electronic equipment within the inner space 24 can communicate with devices externally located on the working surface panel 12. In one embodiment, power and video cables can run through the at least one access port 42 to provide operable communication between an external computer display and a computer system within the inner space 24. Other devices and systems can also be operably connected through the at least one access portion 42 without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0035] The conductor resource center 10 further includes a vertical divider panel 44 and a horizontal divider panel 46, wherein the vertical divider panel 44 and the horizontal divider panel 46 join to substantially form a T-shaped structure within the inner space 24. Preferably, the horizontal divider panel 46 is aligned substantially parallel to, and spaced some distance below, the horizontal plane of the working surface panel 12. Similarly, the vertical divider panel 44 is preferably spaced some distance approximately midway between the vertically spaced side panels 15, 16. It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, the vertical divider panel 46 can be spaced closer to either of the side panels 15, 16. One end of the horizontal divider panel 46 is abuttably attachable to the inner facing surface of the first side panel 15, while the distal end is abuttably attachable to the inner facing surface of an internal storage cabinet 48 (more fully described below). Each of the panels, drawers, shelves, and the like can be adjusted, thus altering spacing and placement, using known rack mounting techniques. The divider panels 44, 46 can be identically constructed and sized for easy interchangeability and construction of the invention 10.

[0036] The internal storage cabinet 48, as best shown in FIGS. 1-2, is defined within the inner space 24 at an end proximate the arcuate end portions 26, 28 of the working space panel 12 and the bottom panel 14. The internal storage cabinet 48 includes a vertical cabinet panel 50 and a front cabinet panel 52 defining the internal cabinet storage area 54. The vertical cabinet panel 50 is spaced from, and substantially parallel with, the vertical divider panel 44. The front cabinet panel 52 is arcuate and may align with the corresponding arcuate contour of the working space panel 12 and the bottom panel 14. The front cabinet panel 52 can further include at least one hinge to provide a mechanism for pivotal access into the internal cabinet storage area 54. In addition, the internal storage cabinet 48 can include a lock assembly 56 for securing access into the internal cabinet storage area 54.

[0037] The conductor resource center 10 can further include at least one drawer 58. Preferably, a plurality of drawers 58 are aligned and sized for slidable engagement within the portion of the inner space 24 defined between the vertical divider panel 44 and the first side panel 15. However, it is also envisioned that the drawers 58 can be positioned for slidable engagement between the vertical divider panel 44 and the second side panel 16, between the horizontal divider panel 46 and the working surface panel 12, or in a myriad of other available locations within the confines of the structurally defined inner space 24. A plurality of bins 60 and shelves 62 can also be removably selectively attached within the spaces and structures of the inner space 24, similar to the positioning exampled for the drawers 58. Additionally, cooling fans, gauges, and other tools and equipment can be attached to, or through, the internal facing surfaces of any of the panels 12, 14, 15, 16, and 18.

[0038] In one embodiment, the resource center 10 will also generally include the document distribution system 38 having at least one folio box 64, as detailed in FIG. 7. One embodiment of the folio box 64 generally includes a plurality of slots 66 defined between shelf members 67, the slots 66 shaped and sized to hold various documents. For example, sheet music, handouts, instructions, and other documents can be stored in the slots 66. The ends of the folio box 64 are openly accessible such that the documents or other stored materials within the slots 66 are accessible from either end of the box 64. As such, one end of the folio box 64 can be aligned with the back door 36 of the back panel 18, wherein access to the documents is possible both from the inner space 24 and through the back door 36 and its corresponding opening. Generally, stops (not shown) will be included with the folio box 64 in order to eliminate unwanted sliding of the box 64 within the inner space 24 or out the back door 36. By opening and closing the back door 36, access is selectively defined by the user to provide for this “pass-through” functioning of the folio box 64.

[0039] In addition, a strategically mounted and easily accessible at least one power strip 68, and/or surge protector can be included to provide power access for the audio, visual, and computer systems employed within the resource center 10. For instance, a computer housed within the internal cabinet storage area 48, or stereo equipment housed within the inner space 24 will have access to a power strip 68 mounted on the center 10. In various embodiments, the power strip 68 will be internally mounted, i.e., rack mounted, in the inner space 24, but it is envisioned that it can also be mounted on an outwardly facing surface of any of the panels 12, 14, 15, 16, and 18 proximate a portion of the center 10 equipped with cable/wire access (i.e., the access port 42). As such, it should be noted that access ports can also be mounted through the side panels 15, 16 and the bottom panel 14. FIG. 5 shows the mounting location of the at least one power strip 68 for one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring primarily to FIGS. 8-10, to provide increased security with regard to access into the inner space 24, and its contents, an upper lock door assembly 70, and a lower lock door assembly 72 can be included. The upper lock door assembly 70 (FIG. 8) includes an upper security panel 74 shaped and sized to substantially cover the portion of the inner space 24 defined between the horizontal divider panel 46 and the working surface panel 12. Limited access into this portion of the inner space 24 is made possible with the integration of an upper lock assembly 76 mounted on the upper security panel 74. The lower lock door assembly 72 includes a lower security panel 78 shaped and sized to substantially cover the portion of the inner space 24 defined within the boundaries of the vertical cabinet panel 50 to the first side panel 15, and from the horizontal divider panel 46 down to the bottom panel 14. Limited access into this portion of the inner space 24 is made possible with the integration of a lower lock assembly 80 mounted on the lower security panel 78. In addition, various bracket assemblies 82 can provide attachment and removable securable releasability of the lower security panel 78 to the resource center 10. FIGS. 9 and 10 show various embodiments of the lower lock door assembly 72.

[0041] A floor runner 84 (not shown) is preferably included along the outward facing surface of the bottom panel 14 to facilitate organized and protected channeling of power cords, wires, and the like. The wires and cables are protected from being dragged under or around the roller assemblies 20.

[0042] Referring primarily to FIGS. 11-12, the plurality of roller assemblies 20 generally include a wheel mounting plate 86, a roller bracket 88, and a roller 90. The wheel mounting plate 86 is preferably rectangular and is mounted via a plurality of fastening apertures 92 to the outward facing (bottom) surface of the bottom panel 14. In one embodiment, the mounting plate 86 will be attached proximate each corner of the bottom panel 14. The roller bracket 88 attaches to, and extends down from, the mounting plate 86, wherein attachment is made to the plate 86 via roller attachment apertures 94. The rollers 90 for each of the applicable roller assemblies 20 are rotatably fixed to the bracket 88 to facilitate portability of the conductor resource center 10. In alternative embodiments, a roller leg extension 96 will be included, as shown in FIG. 12. The roller leg extension 96 includes a first plate 98, a columnar extension 100, and a second plate 102. In embodiments utilizing this roller leg extension 96, the first plate 98 attaches to the bottom panel 14, and the length of the columnar extension 100 is predefined according to the extension length desired between the roller 90 and the outer (bottom) surface of the bottom panel 14. The wheel mounting plate 86 attaches to the second plate 102, rather than the bottom panel 14, in such embodiment. This roller leg extension 96 can be employed, for instance, in environments where podium steps require raising the resource center 10.

[0043] As mentioned herein, selective modular attachment of a plurality of (e.g., two) conductor resource centers is possible. As such, an interconnect assembly 104, as shown in FIGS. 13-14, is one suitable attachment mechanism, wherein the interconnect assembly comprises a plurality of L-brackets 106 and a plurality of toggle bolt devices 108. The L-brackets 106 are in mechanical communication with (e.g., fixed along one surface to) the bottom panel 14, proximate the side panels 15, 16, such that a portion of the bracket 106 extends perpendicular to the bottom panel 14 along substantially the same plane as the applicable side panels 15, 16. The L-brackets 106 include an aperture for receiving the toggle bolt device 108 (FIG. 14). By aligning the apertures of the L-brackets 106 of two separate resource centers 10, it is possible to insert and lock the toggle bolt device 108 to provide for selective engagement of the separate centers 10. Obviously, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that several other attachment mechanisms at the foregoing site or other sites on the present workstation module (e.g., a docking system or the like attachable to the working surface panel 12 or the bottom panel 14) would be equally suitable. Exemplary suitable docking systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,378,148, herein incorporated by reference. As such, portability is enhanced with each separate resource center 10 module being capable of separate assembly and transport. Further, it is possible to selectively engage the separate resource centers 10 in two configurations. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the first side panels 15 of the centers 10 will be abutted and attached at the respectively aligned interconnect assemblies 104. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the second side panels 16 will be abutted and attached at the respectively aligned interconnect assemblies 104 to create an L-shaped configuration.

[0044] Because numerous modifications of this invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments illustrated and described. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A workstation module, comprising: a back panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel and a second side panel removably attached to define a module inner space; at least one of a vertical divider panel and a horizontal divider panel disposed in the inner space and affixed to at least one of the back, top, bottom, and first and second side panels; an interconnect assembly for connecting the modular workstation to another modular workstation; and said back, top, bottom, first side, and second side panels and said at least one of a vertical and a horizontal panel configured to enable a user to access, use, and secure aids or materials before a group of persons without said user being required to depart from the vicinity of said workstation module.

2. The workstation module of claim 1, in which the interconnect assembly is in mechanical communication with the bottom panel.

3. The workstation module of claim 1, in which the interconnect assembly is attached to the bottom panel.

4. The workstation module of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of roller assemblies attached to the bottom panel.

5. The workstation module of claim 4, in which the left side panel departs from a generally parallel relation with respect to the right side panel by about 45 degrees.

6. The workstation module of claim 4, in which the left side panel departs from a generally parallel relation with respect to the right side panel.

7. The workstation module of claim 6, in which the top and bottom panels define arcuate end portions and in which the back panel defines an arcuate back portion.

8. The workstation module of claim 7, in which the top and bottom panel arcuate end portions and the back panel arcuate back portion are proximate the first side panel or the second side panel.

9. The workstation module of claim 8, further comprising an access port defined in the top panel.

10. The workstation module of claim 8, further comprising an internal storage cabinet disposed within the inner space.

11. The workstation module of claim 10, the internal storage cabinet comprising a vertical cabinet panel or a front cabinet panel.

12. The workstation module of claim 8, further comprising a drawer disposed in the inner space.

13. The workstation module of claim 8, further comprising an attached power strip, a surge protector, or both.

14. The workstation module of claim 8, further comprising a door limiting access to at least a portion of the inner space.

15. The workstation module of claim 14, further comprising a document distribution center disposed in the inner space.

16. The workstation module of claim 15, in which the document distribution center is accessible via the door.

17. The workstation module of claim 16, the document distribution center comprising a shelf.

18. The workstation module of claim 7, in which the top and bottom panel arcuate end portions and the back panel arcuate back portion are proximate the first side pane.

19. The workstation module of claim 7, in which the top and bottom panel arcuate end portions and the back panel arcuate back portion are proximate the second side panel.

20. A modular workstation, comprising a first workstation module and a second workstation module, the first workstation module attachable to the second workstation module, the first workstation module substantially identical to the workstation module of claim 18, the second workstation module substantially identical to the workstation module of claim 19.

21. The modular workstation of claim 20, in which the interconnect assembly of the first workstation module is attached to the interconnect assembly of the second workstation module.

22. The modular workstation of claim 20, in which the first side panel of the first workstation module is proximate the first side panel of the second workstation module.

23. The modular workstation of claim 20, in which the second side panel of the first workstation module is proximate the second side panel of the second workstation module.

24. A workstation module, comprising: a back panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel attached to define a module inner space, said top and bottom panels defining generally arcuate end portions, said back panel defining an arcuate back portion, said arcuate end portions and said arcuate back portion proximate said first side panel or said second side panel; means for transporting said workstation module; and means for connecting said workstation module with another workstation module.

25. A method of manufacturing a workstation module, comprising: attaching a back panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, thereby defining a module inner space; affixing at least one of a vertical divider panel and a horizontal divider panel such that at least one of said vertical divider panel and horizontal divider panel is disposed in said inner space; and attaching an interconnect assembly such that said interconnect assembly is in mechanical communication with said bottom panel.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising attaching a plurality of roller assemblies to said bottom panel.

27. The method of claim 26, in which said attached left panel departs from a generally parallel relation with respect to said right panel by about 45 degrees.

28. The method of claim 26, in which said attached left panel departs from a generally parallel relation with respect to the right panel.

29. The method of claim 28, in which said attached top and bottom panels define arcuate end portions and in which said back panel defines an arcuate back portion.

30. The method of claim 29, in which said top and bottom panel arcuate end portions and the back panel arcuate back portion is proximate one of said first side panel and said second side panel.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising forming an access port in said top panel.

32. The method of claim 30, further comprising disposing an internal storage cabinet in said inner space.

33. The method of claim 32, in which said disposed internal storage cabinet comprises a vertical cabinet panel or a front cabinet panel.

34. The method of claim 30, further comprising slidingly attaching a drawer in said inner space.

35. The method of claim 30, further comprising attaching a power strip, a surge protector, or a power strip and a surge protector to one of said attached back panel, top panel, bottom panel, first side panel, or second side panel.

36. The method of claim 30, further comprising attaching a door, said door limiting access to at least a portion of said inner space.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising disposing a document distribution center in said inner space.

38. The method of claim 37, in which said disposed document distribution center is accessible via said door.

39. A method of assembling a modular workstation comprising a first workstation module and a second workstation module, each of said first and second work station modules comprising a back panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, at least one of a vertical divider panel and a horizontal divider panel, and an interconnect assembly, said back, top, bottom, first side panel and second side panel attached to define a module inner space, said at least one of said vertical divider panel and said horizontal divider panel disposed in said inner space and affixed to at least one of said back, top, bottom, and first and second side panels, said interconnect assembly in mechanical communication with said bottom panel, said left panel departing from a generally parallel relation with respect to said right panel, said top and bottom panels defining arcuate end portions and said back panel defining an arcuate back portion, said first work station module characterized by said top and bottom panel arcuate end portions and said back panel arcuate back portion proximate said first side panel, said second workstation module characterized by said top and bottom panel arcuate end portions and said back panel arcuate back portion proximate said second side panel, the method comprising connecting said interconnect assembly of said first workstation module to said interconnect assembly of said second workstation module.

40. The method of claim 39, in which said interconnect assembly of said first station module is connected to said interconnect assembly of said second station module such that said first side panel of said first station module is proximate said first side panel of said second station module.

41. The method of claim 39, in which said interconnect assembly of said first station module is connected to said interconnect assembly of said second station module such that said second side panel of said first station module is proximate said second side panel of said second station module.