This invention relates to a desk system, and more particularly to a variable configuration desk system for providing power and communication capability accessible from a location above the worksurface of the desk system.
Various powered table or desk systems are known, which provide outlets or receptacles to supply power or communication capability to various items supported by the worksurface of the desk system, such as a computer, telephone, lamp, etc.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a variable configuration desk system having an improved arrangement for supplying power or data connections that can be quickly and easily accessed by a user. It is a further object of the invention to provide such a desk system which enables various types of connections to be made according to user requirements. It is a further object of the invention to provide such a desk system in which the components of the power and communication distribution system are incorporated into the structural elements of the desk system. Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a desk system having a construction that facilitates assembly and installation of the structural components of the desk system as well as the power and communication distribution system associated with the desk system. A still further object of the invention is to provide such a desk system in which the configuration of the components of the desk system can vary according to user requirements.
In accordance with the present invention, a desk system includes a pair of spaced apart leg members and a worksurface supported by the pair of leg members, together with a power stanchion located above at least one of the leg members. Each leg member includes an open interior. The power stanchion defines a receptacle mounting arrangement above the worksurface, and the worksurface includes an opening that establishes communication between the receptacle mounting arrangement and the open interior of the leg member. A power supply arrangement includes a primary power supply located below the worksurface and a stanchion power supply that extends from the primary power supply through the opening in the worksurface. The stanchion power supply includes a stanchion power supply receptacle engaged with the receptacle mounting arrangement of the power stanchion. The desk system may include a pair of power stanchions that extend upwardly from the worksurface, and an overhead storage member is mounted to and supported between the pair of power stanchions.
The receptacle mounting arrangement of each power stanchion is preferably in the form of an internal mounting plate incorporated in the power stanchion, and one or more power or communication outlets or receptacles are mounted to the internal mounting plate. Each stanchion also includes a cover that is movable between an open position and a closed position for selectively providing access to the power and communication outlets or receptacles. The internal mounting plate and the cover are configured to define an outer space from which the power or communication outlets or receptacles are accessible when the cover is in the open position. The internal mounting plate is operable to define an inner space within which the power or communication outlets or receptacles are disposed. A flexible cord or cable extends from each of the power or communication outlets or receptacles, and passes through the worksurface opening for engagement with the primary power supply located below the worksurface. The worksurface opening is positioned and configured so as to enable cords or cables to pass through the worksurface from the inner space, and also to allow cords or cables from items supported by the worksurface to pass through the worksurface for engagement with the primary power supply. In this manner, items supported by the worksurface can be connected either above the worksurface or below the worksurface. The cover preferably includes a lower edge that is spaced from an upwardly facing surface defined by the worksurface. A resilient seal member is mounted to the lower edge of the cover, for sealing about cords or cables that extend into the stanchion from items supported by the worksurface.
Also in accordance with the present invention, a desk system includes a series of adjacent desk sections, each of which includes a worksurface and a pair of spaced apart leg members that support the worksurface above a supporting surface such as a floor. Each leg member defines an open interior. A power distribution system supplies power to the desk sections. The power distribution system includes at least one opening in each leg member, and a power supply arrangement that extends through the openings in the leg members for supplying power between adjacent desk sections. Each leg member is preferably defined by a pair of generally perpendicular outer walls, and each outer wall includes at least one opening. In one form, each outer wall includes a pair of openings, one of which is located toward the upper end of the outer wall and the other of which is located toward the lower end of the outer wall. When a pair of desk sections are placed adjacent each other, the openings in the facing outer walls of adjacent leg members are in alignment with each other to allow the components of the power distribution system to pass therethrough, and the openings in the other walls of the adjacent leg members are exposed. A leg opening cover is configured for engagement with the leg member over each exposed opening. The features of the present invention can be utilized independent of each other, or can be used in combination to provide a particularly preferred desk system construction.
Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.
The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.
In the drawings:
The drawings illustrate a representative embodiment of a desk system 50 constructed according to the invention. While the drawings illustrate certain configurations of desk system 50, it is understood that numerous other configurations are possible using other worksurface shapes and/or sizes than are shown, according to user requirements or specifications. The invention resides in the worksurface support and power distribution arrangement, i.e. the leg structure used to support the various worksurfaces incorporated in desk system and the components above the worksurfaces that may be used to support overhead storage cabinets incorporated in desk system 50, in combination with the power and communication distribution system associated with desk system 50.
Referring to
In a manner to be explained, desk system 50 is provided with both power and communication capability, for providing power and communication wiring to components supported by or accessible from worksurfaces 52-58. A power/communication grommet or access member 68 is located at each corner of each of worksurfaces 54-58 at a location above one of legs 60, for enabling power and communication wiring to pass from the top of the worksurface to an area below the worksurface. In this manner, power and communication wiring from equipment supported by or accessible from the worksurface can be passed below the worksurface for engagement with a power or communication receptacle supported by the supporting structure of each worksurface, or such wiring supported by the worksurface supporting structure can be passed outwardly to the top of the worksurface for connection to a device supported by the worksurface.
In addition, a pair of stanchions 72 may be mounted to one or more of the worksurfaces for providing power and/or communication capability to the area above the worksurface in a manner to be explained. Stanchions 72 may be employed to mount an overhead storage unit, such as 70, above the worksurface. Each stanchion 72 is located at one of the rear corners of the worksurface above one of legs 60. Each stanchion 72 is constructed to define an interior or passage which communicates with an internal cavity or passage defined by the underlying leg 60 through an opening formed in the worksurface, such as 52. As will be explained, each stanchion 72 has one or more power and/or communication receptacles which provide power and communication connections at a location above the worksurface. In addition, stanchions 72 are adapted to house power supply wiring for a task light mounted to the underside of overhead storage cabinet 70, or for any other electrical component associated with overhead storage cabinet 70. A privacy screen 74 may be connected between stanchions 72, in a manner to be explained.
Referring to
Each leg 60 is generally triangular in cross-section, and defines an open interior. Representatively, each leg 60 may have a pair of perpendicularly oriented outer walls 78, which are bent inwardly at their outer ends toward each other so as to form spaced apart outwardly facing vertical flanges 80. Each leg 60 further includes an upper horizontal mounting flange 82 and a lower horizontal flange 84. Outer walls 78, vertical flanges 80 and horizontal flanges 82, 84 may be integrally formed of a relatively heavy sheet metal material, although other constructions may be employed. An upper opening 86 and a lower opening 88 are formed in each outer wall 78. A leg opening frame 90 is engaged within each of upper and lower openings 86, 88. One of two leg opening covers 92, 94 are adapted for engagement within each frame 90.
Each leg 60 includes diagonally oriented reinforcement plate 96 located within the leg interior, which defines outer ends that are engaged with and connected to the inner surfaces of leg outer walls 78. The ends of reinforcement plate 96 may be secured to flanges 80 of outer walls 78 in any satisfactory manner, such as by spot welding. Reinforcement plate 96 functions to impart rigidity to the structure of leg 60 and to maintain the angular relationship between leg outer walls 78.
At the lower end of leg 60, a triangular mounting plate 98 is connected to each lower mounting flange 84, and a glide 100 is engageable with a rivet nut 102 secured to mounting plate 98 for adjustably supporting leg 60 on a supporting surface such as a floor. At the upper end of leg 60, a series of rivet nuts 104 are secured to upper horizontal mounting flange 82.
The vertical flanges 80 of leg 60 include a series of openings within which mounting screws such as 106 are adapted to be engaged. A leg cover plate 108 (
In the vicinity of each leg 60, each worksurface section, such as 52, is provided with an opening 112 (
End panels 62, 64 are similarly constructed. Each end panel 62, 64 includes a primary end panel wall 126, an outer post section 128, an inner mounting flange 130, a top horizontal flange 134 and a bottom horizontal flange 136. In a representative embodiment as shown, these components of end panels 62, 64 may be formed of a stamped and bent sheet metal material spot welded together at the areas of overlap to form the various components and surfaces as shown, in a known manner. A rivet nut is engaged within an opening formed in bottom flange 136, and is adapted to receive a glide 100 for adjustably supporting end panel 62, 64 on a supporting surface such as a floor. Similarly, a rivet nut is engaged with top flange 134, for use in securing the outer end of end panel 62, 64 to the underside of the worksurface. A spacer 142 is engageable within an opening formed in top flange 134, and is engageable with the underside of the worksurface so as to provide a space between the worksurface and the top of end panel 62, 64. A ganging bracket 144 is adapted for engagement with the adjacent ends of the worksurfaces of adjacent desk sections, for connecting the desk sections together.
Each end panel 62, 64 is positioned to abut leg 60 and to extend forwardly therefrom. Mounting flange 130 of each end panel 62, 64 has an angle that corresponds to that of vertical flange 80 of leg 60, and is positioned so as to overlap vertical flange 80. Mounting flange 130 and the underlying leg flange 80 are formed with aligned openings, such that end panel 62, 64 is mounted to leg 60 by threaded fasteners that extend through the aligned openings.
With continued reference to
If desired, a modesty panel may be secured between legs 60 below bottom flange 150 of beam 76. The modesty panel includes a primary wall, top and bottom flanges, and angled side mounting flanges similar to flanges 152. The modesty panel is constructed to fill the space between legs 60 and below beam 76. Each mounting flange is adapted to overlap one of vertical flanges 80 of leg 60, for connection thereto by fasteners that extend through the aligned openings in the respective flanges.
A primary power distribution system provides electrical power below the worksurfaces of desk system 50, which is accessible through power/communication access members 68. With reference to
Power supply connector 170 is located at the end of a flexible conduit 184, which extends into the interior of leg 60. Conduit 184 extends downwardly from connector 170 and passes through the lower opening 88 in leg outer wall 78 that faces the outer wall 78 of the adjacent leg 60. Conduit 184 is located in the interior of leg 60 between reinforcement plate 96 and leg cover plate 108, such that leg cover plate 108 functions to conceal conduit 184. Conduit 184 may be provided with a similar power supply connector 170 at its opposite end for engagement with a rigid wireway system associated with the adjacent desk section, such that connectors 170 and conduit 184 function to form a jumper for communicating electrical power between adjacent desk sections. Alternatively, conduit 184 may extend from a conventional electrical floor-mounted power supply, so as to provide input power to rigid wireway system 164 which is then communicated between adjacent desk sections by rigid wireways and jumper conduits and connectors, as shown. Conduit 184 extends through the aligned openings defined by leg opening frames 90 mounted within lower openings 88 in outer walls 78 of adjacent legs 60, so as to maintain the power supply toward the lower extent of beam 76 and legs 60. The upper leg openings 86 and leg opening frames 90 are employed to mount data or voice communication wiring between adjacent desk sections. Such data or voice wiring extends through worksurface opening 112 for supply to communication devices, such as telephones or computers, supported by the worksurface. Similarly, power supply wiring, such as cords and plugs, extend from such devices through worksurface opening 112 to the area below the worksurface, for connection to the receptacles defined by power supply outlet blocks 172 to provide electrical power to such equipment.
Lower leg opening covers 94 are engaged with the leg opening frames 90 associated with the exposed outwardly facing leg openings 88 at the lower ends of legs 60, and upper leg opening covers 92 are engaged with the leg opening frames 90 located within the exposed outwardly facing upper leg openings 86.
Data and voice communication wiring may be supported below the worksurface by hanger brackets engaged with beam 76, e.g. mounted to beam top flange 148 so as to be suspended therefrom.
It is also contemplated that a trough-type wiring support system may be associated with each desk section, e.g. in the event a rigid wireway power distribution system is prohibited by local electrical codes. An example of such a lay-in primary power distribution system is shown in
A series of cover latch members are secured within openings 192 formed in brackets 186, and are configured to receive and engage catch members associated with a trough cover 194, so as to releasably mount trough cover 194 to and between legs 60.
Referring to
Each stanchion 72 includes a pair of bracket mounting walls 204, each of which extends from one of flanges 198. A series of vertically spaced bracket mounting slots 206 are formed in each mounting wall 204. Each slot 206 extends downwardly from an enlarged upper entrance area 208. A cover mounting flange 209 extends from the end of each bracket mounting wall 204, and includes a folded outer end 211.
A cover 210 is adapted to engage the open front of each stanchion 72. Cover 210 may be in the form of a coextruded member, having a rigid outer wall 212, a rigid hook-type mounting section 214, and a latch member 216. A resilient hinge area 218 is located between mounting section 214 and outer wall 212, for enabling outer wall 212 to be pivoted relative to mounting section 214. With this arrangement, mounting section 214 is engageable with cover mounting flange 209 of one of flanges 198 via engagement of the hook associated with cover mounting section 214 with the folded outer end 211 of cover mounting flange 209, and latch member 216 is engageable with the opposite cover mounting flange 209. Cover 210 can thus be pivoted about hinge area 218 by disengaging latch member 216 from the inner edge of its associated cover mounting flange 209, and applying an outward force on cover 210 for providing pivoting movement about hinge area 218. Cover 210 can be moved to an engaged position by applying an inward force to cover 210, for moving latch member 216 into engagement with its associated cover mounting flange 209 and to thereby releasably maintain cover 210 in a closed position for selectively preventing access to the interior of stanchion 72. The ends of cover 210 are located and oriented such that slots 206 in bracket mounting wall 204 are exposed when cover 210 is in either its open or closed position.
Outer wall 196 of each stanchion 72 includes a lower worksurface mounting flange 220, which is adapted for placement in the corner of the worksurface such that openings 222 formed in mounting flange 220 are in alignment with openings in the worksurface, which in turn are in alignment with rivet nuts 104 associated with leg 60. In this manner, screws or other satisfactory fasteners extend through the aligned openings into engagement with rivet nuts 104, for securing stanchion 72 to the worksurface such as 52, and in turn securing worksurface 52 to the underlying leg 60. The worksurface opening, shown at 112, is in alignment with the open interior of stanchion 72. In this manner, wiring or cables from below the worksurface can be fed upwardly into the interior of stanchion 72, and vice versa. Cover 210 includes a resilient lower lip 226, which provides a resilient seal about cables or wires extending from the interior of stanchion 72 outwardly onto the upper area of the worksurface.
As shown in
As an alternative to hinged cover 210, a snap-type cover may be provided for selectively closing the open interior of each stanchion 72. The snap-type cover includes resilient mounting snaps or fingers similar to 216 on both sides, which are configured to be releasably engaged with the edges of cover mounting wall 209. Any other satisfactory releasable mounting arrangement may be employed.
Referring to
In a desk section 250a as shown in
In a desk section 250b as shown in
In an application in which a stanchion 72 is used alone without an overhead storage unit mounted to the stanchion 72, the stanchion 72 functions as a power/communication module to provide power and communication connections above the worksurface. As shown in
It can thus be appreciated that desk system 50 provides a flexible and configurable desk arrangement with power and/or communication capability, which can be altered and configured according to user requirements and specifications. The power and communication components incorporated in desk system 50 can be changed subsequent to installation to enable the user to adapt the desk system for different uses and equipment as desired.
Various alternatives and modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/351,220, filed Jan. 23, 2002.
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