U.S. patent application number 09/749120 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-16 for modular table system with cable management.
This patent application is currently assigned to Krueger International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Funk, David R., Gevaert, Steven C..
Application Number | 20010013305 09/749120 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22980516 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010013305 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Funk, David R. ; et
al. |
August 16, 2001 |
Modular table system with cable management
Abstract
A table assembly consists of a table top supported by a leg
assembly, which includes a vertical tubular leg member. The leg
assembly further includes a foot member mounted to the lower end of
each leg via a mounting member. The length of the foot member can
be varied according to the width of the table top to selectively
provide different sizes of tables according to user requirements,
while the mounting member is usable for all sizes of legs and foot
members to mount the foot member to the leg. A power/communication
housing is mounted to the underside of the table top. The housing
includes first and second passages isolated from each other via a
wall, with power supply cabling and communication cabling placed
within the first and second passages, respectively. Power and
communication receptacles are mounted to the power/communication
housing, and an opening is formed in the table top for allowing
power or communication cables to be passed through the table top to
provide engagement with the power and communication receptacles. An
access door interconnected with the power/communication housing
conceals the cables fed below the table top, and also the power and
communication receptacles mounted to the power/communication
housing. The length of the power/communication housing and access
door can be varied according to the width of the table top.
Inventors: |
Funk, David R.; (Sheboygan,
WI) ; Gevaert, Steven C.; (Green Bay, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ANDREW S. McCONNELL
Andrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall, LLP
Suite 1100
100 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee
WI
53202
US
|
Assignee: |
Krueger International, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
22980516 |
Appl. No.: |
09/749120 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09749120 |
Feb 13, 2001 |
|
|
|
08258429 |
Jun 10, 1994 |
|
|
|
6202567 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2200/0082 20130101;
A47B 21/06 20130101; A47B 2021/066 20130101; A47B 2037/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/50.02 |
International
Class: |
A47B 037/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A table assembly, comprising: a table top defining an upper
surface and a lower surface; leg structure interconnected with the
table top for supporting the table top above a supporting surface;
a power supply system disposed below the table top and including a
housing defining an internal passage for receiving one or more
power supply cables and one or more power supply receptacles
mounted to the housing; and a passage formed in the table top for
routing one or more power cables below the table top from a
location above the table top for engagement with the one or more
power supply receptacles.
2. The table assembly of claim 1, wherein the table top defines a
pair of spaced side edges, and wherein the power supply system
housing comprises an elongated housing defining first and second
ends, each of which is located adjacent one of the table top side
edges, and wherein the internal passage extends between the housing
ends.
3. The table assembly of claim 2, wherein the housing defines a
second internal passage extending between the housing ends for
receiving one or more communication cables, and further includes
structure isolating the second passage from the first-mentioned
passage.
4. The table assembly of claim 3, wherein the housing is defined by
an extrusion member defining an upper wall, a side wall, and first
and second transverse walls, wherein the upper wall, side wall and
first transverse wall define in part one of the passages, wherein
the first transverse wall separates the first-mentioned passage
from the second passage.
5. The table assembly of claim 4, wherein the first transverse wall
separates the first-mentioned passage from the second passage.
6. The table assembly of claim 4, further comprising a closure
having an upper portion engageable with the extrusion member upper
wall; a lower portion engageable with the extrusion member second
transverse wall; and an intermediate portion engageable with the
first transverse wall; wherein the closure functions to enclose the
first-mentioned and second passages.
7. The table assembly of claim 6, wherein the one or more power
supply receptacles are mounted to the closure, and further
comprising one or more communication receptacles mounted to the
closure.
8. The table assembly of claim 2, wherein the power supply system
housing is mounted to the underside of the table top.
9. The table assembly of claim 2, further comprising a cover
engageable with the underside of the table and with the power
supply system housing, the cover being located so as to enclose
cables extending through the passage in the table top and engaged
with the one or more power supply receptacles, wherein the cover is
movable between an open position providing access to cables
extending through the table top opening and a closed position
preventing access thereto.
10. The table assembly of claim 9, wherein the cover defines a
lower end mounted to the housing below the one or more power supply
receptacles, and an upper end selectively engageable with
engagement structure provided on the underside of the table
top.
11. The table assembly of claim 10, wherein the cover includes
hinge structure located adjacent its lower end for providing
movement of the cover between its open and closed positions.
12. The table assembly of claim 2 wherein the first and second ends
of the power supply system housing include an opening for providing
passage of the one or more power supply cables therethrough into
the internal passage from a power supply housing of an adjacent
table assembly.
13. The table assembly of claim 1, wherein the leg structure
includes a tubular member defining an upper end located adjacent
the power supply system housing and a lower end disposed
therebelow, the tubular member including a passage extending
between the upper and lower ends, and further comprising structure
establishing communication between the power supply system housing
passage and the tubular member passage for routing one or more
power supply cables between the housing and the tubular member, the
tubular member further including an opening located toward its
lower end for routing the one or more power supply cables
externally thereof.
14. A table assembly comprising: a table top defining and upper
surface and a lower surface; leg structure interconnected with the
table top for supporting the table top above a supporting surface;
a power/communication structure located adjacent the table lower
surface, including axial power supply and communication passages
isolated from each other for receiving power supply and
communication cables, respectively; and an access cover
interconnected between the power/communication structure and the
lower surface of the table, the access cover being movable between
a closed position preventing access to the power supply and
communication passages and an open position providing access
thereto.
15. The table assembly of claim 14, wherein the table top includes
a passage for routing one or more cables from above the table top
to below the table top, and wherein the access cover is positioned
relative to the table top passage so as to enclose cables extending
below the table top when the cover is in its closed position.
16. The table assembly of claim 15, wherein the access cover
includes a lower end mounted to the power/communication structure,
an upper end releasably engageable with engagement structure
provided on the table top lower surface, and hinge structure
providing movement of the access cover between its open and closed
positions.
17. The table assembly of claim 16, wherein the hinge structure
comprises a living hinge formed integrally with the access
cover.
18. A modular table system, comprising: a table top having a length
and width selecting according to the requirements of an end user; a
power supply system including a housing defined at least in part by
an extrusion member having a length determined according to the
length of the table top, one or more power supply cables received
within the housing, and a power supply receptacle mounted to the
housing and interconnected with the one or more power supply
cables; and support structure for supporting the table top above a
supporting surface, including a leg interconnected with and
depending from the table top, an axial foot member having a length
selected according to the width of the table top, and mounting
structure for mounting the foot member to the leg.
19. The modular table system of claim 18, wherein the table top
defines first and second side edges, and wherein the extrusion
member defines a pair of spaced open ends, each of which is located
adjacent one of the table top side edges.
20. The modular table system of claim 19, wherein the housing
defines a first passage within which the one or more power supply
cables are received, and a second passage for receiving one or more
communication cables.
21. The modular table system of claim 20, further comprising a
closure engageable with the extrusion member for enclosing the
first and second passages, wherein the power supply receptacle is
mounted to the closure, and further comprising a communication
receptacle interconnected with the one or more communication cables
and mounted to the closure.
22. The modular table system of claim 18, wherein the axial foot
member defines first and second ends and at least an upper surface
extending therebetween, and wherein the leg comprises an axially
extending member defining a lower end, and wherein the mounting
structure comprises a mounting member engaged with the axial foot
member adjacent its upper surface, and wherein the lower end of the
leg is engaged with the mounting member.
23. The modular table system of claim 22, wherein the mounting
member is engaged with the axial foot member toward a rearward end
of the foot member, and wherein the mounting member extends in a
front-rear direction less than the length of the foot member.
24. The modular table system of claim 22, wherein the axial foot
member is engaged with the mounting member via a series of threaded
fasteners extending through the axial foot member into engagement
with threaded passages provided in the mounting member, and wherein
the mounting member is engaged with the lower end of the leg via
one or more threaded fasteners extending between the mounting
member and one or more threaded passages provided toward the lower
end of the leg.
25. The modular table system of claim 18, wherein the axial foot
member defines first and second ends, and further comprising an end
cap member engaged with each end of the axial foot member.
26. The modular table system of claim 25, wherein the axial foot
member comprises a tubular member defining first and second open
ends, and wherein the end cap includes a first internal portion
adapted for placement within one of the open ends of the axial foot
member and engaged with the axial foot member for mounting the end
cap thereto, and a second external portion extending outwardly from
the open end of each axial foot member and engageable with the
supporting surface for supporting the table assembly
thereabove.
27. The modular table system of claim 26, further comprising a
glide member engaged with the external portion of each end cap
member engageable with the supporting surface, and an adjustment
member interposed between the end cap member external portion and
the glide member for leveling the table top.
28. The modular table system of claim 18, wherein the leg defines
an upper portion located adjacent the power supply system housing
and a lower portion spaced therebelow and an internal passage
extending between the upper and lower portions, and further
comprising structure interconnected with the leg upper portion for
providing communication between the leg internal passage and the
power supply system housing for routing one or more power supply
cables through the leg internal passage to the leg lower
portion.
29. The modular table system of claim 28, further comprising an
opening formed in the leg lower portion for enabling one or more
power cables to pass from the leg internal passage, and grommet
structure mounted to the leg over the opening.
30. The modular table system of claim 18, wherein the leg is
located toward the rearward end of the table top, and wherein the
support structure further includes an arm member mounted to the leg
adjacent an upper end defined by the leg and extending forwardly
therefrom for engaging the underside of the table top, and wherein
the leg is engaged with the axial foot member via the mounting
structure toward a rearward end defined by the axial foot member,
wherein a portion of the mounting structure extends forwardly of
the leg toward the forward end of the axial foot member.
31. A method of constructing a table, comprising the steps of:
selecting a table top having a length and width selected according
to user requirements; constructing a power supply arrangement by
providing a power supply housing having a length determined
according to the length of the table top and interconnecting one or
more power supply receptacles with the power supply housing;
mounting the power supply arrangement to the table top;
constructing a support assembly by providing leg structure,
providing a foot having a length determined according to the width
of the table top, and mounting the foot to the leg structure; and
mounting the support assembly to the table top such that the
support assembly depends from the table top and the foot is
engageable with a support surface to support the table top
thereabove.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the step of mounting the power
supply arrangement to the table top comprises mounting the power
supply arrangement to the underside of the table top.
33. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of
interconnecting an access door between the power supply housing and
the table top for providing selective access to the power supply
housing.
34. The method of claim 31, wherein the power supply housing
defines at least one open end adjacent an edge of the table top,
and further comprising the step of placing a second table adjacent
the first-mentioned table, the second table including a table top
and a power supply housing mounted to the underside of the table
top and having an open end, wherein the open ends of the power
supply housings of the first-mentioned and second tables face each
other to establish communication between the power supply housings
and to enable cables to be routed between the first-mentioned and
second tables.
35. The method of claim 31, wherein the step of providing a foot
comprises providing an axially extending foot member defining first
and second ends and at least an upper surface extending
therebetween, and where in the step of mounting the foot to the leg
structure comprises engaging a mounting member to the foot member
upper surface intermediate the foot member ends, and securing the
leg structure to the mounting member.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the step of providing leg
structure comprises providing an axial leg member defining upper
and lower ends, and wherein the step of securing the leg structure
to the mounting member comprises mounting the leg member lower end
to the mounting member.
37. The method of claim 31, wherein the step of providing leg
structure comprises providing an axial leg member defining upper
and lower ends and an internal passage, and further comprising the
step of establishing communication between the power supply housing
and the leg member internal passage for routing one or more power
supply cables between the leg member and the power supply
housing.
38. The method of claim 37, further comprising the step of forming
an opening toward the lower end of the leg member for passing the
one or more power supply cables externally of the leg member.
39. The method of claim 31, further comprising the step of forming
an opening in the table top, and wherein the step of mounting the
power supply arrangement to the table top comprises mounting the
power supply housing to the underside of the table top, wherein the
opening provides passage of electrical cables through the table top
for providing engagement of such cables with the power supply
receptacles.
40. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of
interconnecting an access door between the power supply housing and
the underside of the table top, and wherein the opening is formed
in the table top so as to be located between the power supply
housing and the interconnection of the access door with the
underside of the table top.
41. A leg assembly for supporting a table above a supporting
surface, the table including a table top, comprising: a leg member
defining a lower end and an upper end engageable with the table
top; a foot member defining an upper surface and a lower surface
and at the two face the supporting surface; and a mounting member
engageable with the lower end of the leg member and with the upper
surface of the foot member for securing the leg member and the foot
member together to form the leg assembly.
42. The leg assembly of claim 41, wherein the foot member comprises
an axially extending member defining first and second open ends
between which the upper and lower surfaces extend, and further
comprising an end cap mounted to the foot member adjacent each of
its ends, wherein each end cap includes a first portion adapted for
insertion within the foot member open end and a second portion
extending outwardly from the open end and engageable with the
supporting surface.
43. The leg assembly of claim 42, wherein the first portion of each
end cap is mounted to the foot member via one or more threaded
fasteners extending between and interconnecting the foot member
with the end cap first portion.
44. The leg assembly of claim 42, further comprising an engagement
member mounted to the second portion of each end cap for vertical
adjustment relative thereto for use in leveling the table.
45. The leg assembly of claim 41, wherein the leg member lower end
includes one or more downwardly facing threaded passages, and
wherein the mounting member is secured to the leg member via one or
more threaded fasteners extending through the mounting member and
into engagement with the threaded passages.
46. The leg assembly of claim 45, wherein the mounting member
includes a series of downwardly facing threaded passages, and
wherein the foot member is secured to the mounting member via a
series of threaded fasteners extending through the leg member into
engagement with the threaded passages.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a table or desk assembly, and more
particularly to a modular training table system having cable or
wire management capabilities.
[0002] Educational settings, whether in a classroom, business or
other institution, increasingly utilize computers or other
electronic equipment. The present invention contemplates a table or
desk system especially well suited for this type of setting, in
which a computer or other electronic device is placed on a work
surface.
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a table
or desk system which includes cable or wire management capabilities
for accommodating power and/or communication cabling interconnected
with a computer or other electronic or electrical device placed on
the work surface. It is a further object of the invention to
provide such a system in which a series of tables or desks can be
placed in a side-by-side manner, and in which the power and/or
communication cables can extend between adjacent tables. It is
another object of the invention to provide a table or desk system
in which the size of certain components making up each individual
table or desk can be varied according to user requirements, while
utilizing a common set of core components, to provide a modular
system for constructing a table or desk having a selected
configuration dictated by the user. Yet another object of the
invention is to provide a table or desk system in which a minimum
number of components are exposed in order to prevent such
components from being tampered with by users.
[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a table
assembly includes a table top defining an upper surface and a lower
surface, and leg structure interconnected with the table top for
supporting the table top above a supporting surface. A
power/communication supply system is located below the table top,
and includes a housing defining an internal passage for receiving
one or more power supply cables, and one or more power supply
receptacles mounted to the housing and interconnected with the one
or more power supply cables. A passage is formed in the table top
for routing one or more power cables below the table top from a
computer or other device supported thereby, for enabling engagement
of the power cable with one of the power supply receptacles. The
power/communication system housing is preferably in the form of an
elongated beam-type extrusion member which extends between the ends
of the table top and which is mounted to the underside of the table
top. The housing preferably also defines a second internal passage,
isolated from the first internal passage and coextensive therewith,
which is adapted to receive one or more communication cables. One
or more communication receptacles are interconnected with the
communication cables and mounted to the housing, and a
communication cable from the computer or other device is
connectable to the communication receptacle for providing voice or
data signals to and from the device. The beam-type structure
includes a transverse wall which separates the first internal
passage from the second internal passage, and a closure is
interconnected with the transverse wall and with the upper and
lower portions of the extrusion member for closing the first and
second internal passages. The power supply and communication
receptacles are preferably mounted to the closure. A cover is
engageable with the underside of the table top and with the
extrusion member, and is located so as to enclose cables extending
through the passage in the table top and engaged with the power
supply and communication receptacles. The cover is movable between
an open position providing access to the power and communication
receptacles and to the power supply and communication cables, and a
closed position preventing access thereto. The first and second
ends of the housing each include an opening which enables power
supply and communication cables to pass therethrough into first and
second internal passages of a similarly constructed housing of an
adjacent table. The housing ends are preferably flush with the side
edges of the table so as to butt against the housing of an adjacent
table when the tables are placed adjacent each other. The leg
structure includes a tubular member which defines an upper end
located adjacent the housing and a lower end disposed therebelow.
The tubular member includes an internal passage extending between
the upper and lower ends, and an opening is formed in the upper end
of the tubular member. The closure is constructed so as to
terminate inwardly of the housing ends, for establishing
communication between the tubular member upper end and the first
and second passages of the housing. In this manner, cables can be
routed between the housing and the leg internal passage. The leg
further includes an opening in its lower end which enables cables
to pass to the exterior of the leg, for interconnection with a wall
outlet or receptacle located adjacent the table leg.
[0005] The above-summarized structure provides a compact and
efficient arrangement for supplying power and/or communication
capability to a location adjacent the underside of a table top, and
minimizes the presence of exposed cords or cables externally of the
table system.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
length and width of the table top is selected according to the
requirements of an end user. The extrusion member forming a part of
the power/communication supply system housing is capable of being
cut to length according to the length of the table top. Support
structure is interconnected with the table top for supporting the
table top above a supporting surface. The support structure
includes a leg interconnected with and depending from the table
top, an axial foot member having a length selected according to the
width of the table top, and mounting structure for mounting the
foot member to he leg. The axial foot member is preferably a length
of tubing defining first and second open ends and at least an upper
surface extending therebetween. The mounting structure is in the
form of a mounting member engaged with the upper surface of the
axial foot member, and the lower end of the leg is engaged with the
mounting member. The mounting member is preferably engaged toward
the rearward end of the foot member, and extends in a front-rear
direction less than the length of the foot member. Threaded
fasteners are employed to connect the mounting member to the foot,
and to connect the lower end of the leg to the mounting member. End
caps are engaged with each end of the axial foot member. Each end
cap includes a first internal portion which extends into the open
end of the foot member, and which is secured thereto via threaded
fasteners or the like, and a second external portion which extends
outwardly from the foot member end. A glide member is engaged with
the external portion of each end cap, and an adjustment member is
interposed between the end cap external portion and the glide
member for use in leveling the table top. In this manner, the
length of tubing forming a part of the foot member is selected
according to the width of the table top in order to provide
adequate support to the table top. The mounting member is capable
of mounting an axial foot member of any length to the lower end of
the leg, according to user requirements.
[0007] The invention further contemplates a method of constructing
a table, substantially in accordance with the foregoing
summary.
[0008] Preferably, the above-summarized aspects of the invention
are all incorporated into a single table assembly, in combination,
to provide an efficient cable management system and to maximize
flexibility in design of the table. However, the separate aspects
of the invention could be used independently of each other, and
each provides advantages in design, assembly and/or operation of
the table.
[0009] Various other features, objects and advantages of the
invention will be made apparent from the following description
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated
of carrying out the invention.
[0011] In the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a table or desk assembly
constructed according to the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the table assembly of
FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial section view showing the power
and communication housing of the table assembly of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing details of
the electrical power distribution system mounted within the power
supply portion of the housing of FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a partial section view showing the power and
communication housing toward the end of the table and communication
between the housing and the vertical leg;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the vertical leg of the table
of FIGS. 1 and 5;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a partial front elevation view, with portions
broken away, showing communication between the housing and the
vertical leg;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an isometric view illustrating a series of tables
constructed similarly to the table of FIG. 1, placed in a
side-by-side manner;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a partial top plan view, with a portion broken
away, showing the relationship between the power/communication
supply housings of adjacent tables placed at right angles to each
other;
[0021] FIG. 10 is an exploded side elevation view showing the axial
foot member of the table of FIG. 1 and the manner in which it is
mounted to the lower end of the vertical leg; and
[0022] FIGS. 11 and 12 are top and bottom plan views, respectively,
of the mounting member used to mount the axial foot member to the
lower end of the vertical leg.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a desk or table assembly 10
constructed according to the invention. Hereafter, the invention
will be referred to as a table assembly, with the understanding
that the invention could also be designated a desk assembly in that
it performs a similar function by providing a work surface
supported above a floor or other supporting surface. Generally,
table assembly 10 includes a work surface or table top 12 supported
above a floor 14 at one end by a leg assembly 16 including a
vertical leg member 17. Table assembly 10 further includes a
power/communication housing 18, a vertical privacy panel 20 and a
modesty panel 22. At the end of table assembly 10 opposite leg
assembly 17, a vertical leg 17', similar to leg member 17, engages
floor 14 to support table top 12. An end partition panel 23 is
mounted to the lower surface of table top 12 and to leg 17', and
engages floor 14.
[0024] Table assembly 10 is well suited for use in an educational
environment, such as in a school or university setting or in a
corporate or other institutional training facility. Alternatively,
table assembly 10 is equally well suited as a stand-alone unit in
an office or work place environment. Table top 12 defines an upper
surface 24 which is well suited to support a computer or other
electronic or electrical device used in an educational or training
setting.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a grommet assembly 26 is engaged
within a slot or opening formed in table top 12, extending between
its upper surface 24 and its lower surface, shown in FIG. 3 at 28.
Grommet assembly 26 includes a side wall 30 having a shape
corresponding to that of the opening formed in table top 12,
defining a passage 32 which extends between table top upper and
lower surfaces 24, 28, respectively. Side wall 30 includes a
peripheral flange 34 at its upper end which engages table top upper
surface 24 to retain grommet assembly 26 in position on table top
12. A brush assembly, including a header 38 from which a series of
bristles 40 extend, is mounted to grommet assembly 26 via a series
of walls formed integrally with side wall 30 and defining a passage
41 within which header 38 is received. The vertical wall facing
passage 32 defines a slot through which bristles 40 extend. With
this construction, bristles 40 prevent objects from falling into
passage 32 from upper surface 24, while accommodating passage of
cords or cables through passage 32 from a device placed on table
top upper surface 24, as will be explained.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, power/communication housing 18 includes
an extrusion member 42, a pair of closure plates 44, 45, and an
access door or cover 46. Extrusion member 42 includes an upper
portion defined by a horizontal top wall 48 and a vertical side
wall 50, and a lower portion defined by an arcuate bottom wall 52.
A transverse wall 54 is disposed between vertical wall 50 and
bottom wall 52, to separate the upper and lower portions of
extrusion member 42. Top wall 48, vertical side wall 50 and
transverse wall 54 cooperate to define an upper passage 56, and
bottom wall 52 and transverse wall 54 cooperate to define a lower
passage 58.
[0027] A pair of ribs 60 are formed integrally with top wall
48.
[0028] A mounting tab 62 extends rearwardly from the intersection
of vertical wall 50 and top wall 48. Tab 62 extends along the
length of extrusion member 42, being formed integrally therewith,
and includes a channel 64 and a pair of facing lips 66, 68.
Extrusion member 42 is mounted to table top 12 such that the upper
surface of top wall 48 engages table top lower surface 28, with
extrusion member 42 being positioned toward the rearward edge of
table top 12. The rearward edge of tab 62 is aligned substantially
flush with the rearward edge of table top 12, shown at 70. Threaded
fasteners, such as screws 72, are then driven into table top 12,
with the heads of screws 72 being disposed within channel 64 and
engaging the horizontal upper surface of channel 64.
[0029] Privacy panel 20 is mounted to the rearward edge of table
top 12 via a pair of brackets 74 (FIGS. 1, 3). Each bracket 74
includes a pair of spaced walls 76, 78 and a lower wall 80 which
define a U-shaped channel, within which panel 20 is received. A
wall 82 extends vertically from the lower end of wall 78, and
engages rearward edge 70 of table top 12, extending past tab 62. A
lower horizontal wall 84 extends forwardly from the lower end of
vertical wall 82. Bracket 74 is mounted to tab 62 by one or more
bolts 86 which extend through one or more openings formed in lower
horizontal wall 84 and into engagement with plate-like nuts 88
placed within channel 64 and which engage lips 66, 68. Tightening
of bolts 86 clamps lower wall 84 to extrusion member tab 62 to
securely mount bracket 74, and thereby privacy panel 20, to the
rearward edge of table top 12.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, an end privacy panel 20' may be mounted
to one or both of the ends of table top 12. A bracket assembly 89,
constructed similarly to bracket assemblies 74, engages one end of
end privacy panel 20', which is secured at its rearward end via
connectors 89' to the end of privacy panel 20. Alternatively, if
end panels 20' are employed without rear privacy panel 20, a
bracket assembly such as 89 is mounted to table top 12 adjacent its
rearward end for mounting the rearward end of each privacy panel
20'.
[0031] Housing upper and lower passages 56, 58, respectively, open
forwardly toward the front edge of table top 12. Upper passage 56
is closed by closure plate 44, and lower passage 58 is closed by
closure plate 45. The upper end of closure plate 44 includes a
downturned lip 90, which engages an upturned lip 92 formed at the
forward end of extrusion member top wall 48. The lower end of
closure plate 44 and the upper end of closure plate 45 are mounted
to a downturned forward end tab, shown at 93, provided on extrusion
member bottom wall 52, via a series of nut and bolt assemblies,
shown at 94. The lower end of closure plate 45 is received within a
channel 95 located at the upper end of a rib 96, formed integrally
with extrusion member 42. Closure plates 44, 45 are removably
secured to extrusion member 42 by first engaging upper downturned
lip 90 of closure plate 44 with extrusion member lip 92 and
engaging the lower end of closure plate 45 within channel 95. The
lower end of closure plate 44 and the upper end of closure plate 45
are then positioned adjacent end tab 93, with the upper end of
closure plate 45 being positioned between tab 93 and the angled
lower end of closure plate 44. Nut and bolt assemblies 94 are then
employed to secure the lower end of closure plate 44 and the upper
end of closure plate 45 to tab 93 via aligned openings formed
therein. Closure plates 44, 45 are removed by reversing the above
steps, in order to gain access to passages 56, 58.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an electrical power distribution
system 98 is located within extrusion member upper passage 56.
Power distribution system 98 includes an axially extending
structural tubular member 100 to which a series of brackets 102 and
plates 104 are mounted at various intervals along its length.
Brackets 102 include upper and lower mounting tabs 106, 108 which
extend respectively above and below the upper and lower edges of
tubular member 100. Mounting plates 104 include upper mounting
portions 110 which extend upwardly above the upper edge of tubular
member 100. A pair of connector assemblies 112, 114 are mounted to
the ends of tubular member 100.
[0033] Tubular member 100 has a length determined according to the
length of extrusion member 42, such that connector assemblies 112,
114 are located adjacent and inwardly of the ends of extrusion
member 42. Tubular member 100 is mounted to extrusion member ribs
60 via screws 116 (FIG. 3) which extend through aligned threaded
openings formed in ribs 60 and in mounting portions 110 of plates
104. With this construction, tubular member 100 and its associated
components, including brackets 102 and electrical connectors 112,
114, are suspended in passage 56 from extrusion member upper wall
48.
[0034] An electrical receptacle assembly 120 including an outwardly
facing receptacle portion 122 is adapted for mounting to mounting
tabs 108 of brackets 102 via upper and lower ears, such as 124.
Receptacle assembly 120 includes conventional male connecting
structure 126, and conventional mating female connecting structure
128 is provided on each connector assembly 114. Mating structures
126, 128 enclose mating power terminals for communicating
electrical power to and from receptacle assemblies 120 and
connector assemblies 112, 114.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, receptacle portion 122 of each
receptacle assembly 120 is received within an opening formed in
closure plate 44 so as to extend outwardly therefrom. Optionally,
one or more receptacles may also extend through openings formed in
extrusion member rear vertical wall 50, as shown in phantom in FIG.
3.
[0036] Receptacle assemblies 120 are provided adjacent the ends of
tubular member 100, so as to be disposed adjacent the ends of
extrusion member 42. Additional receptacle assemblies 120 may be
interspersed along the length of tubular member 100 at any desired
location along the length of extrusion member 42, being mounted to
additional bracket assemblies 102 secured to tubular member
100.
[0037] A power supply assembly 130 (FIG. 4) spans between
receptacle assemblies 120. Each power supply assembly 130 includes
a pair of connectors 132 at its ends, between which a conduit 134
extends, which encloses cabling communicating electrical power
between connectors 132. Connectors 132 include mating structure 136
enclosing electrical power terminals, which is engageable with
mating structure 126 on receptacle assemblies 120 and with mating
structure 128 on connectors 112, 114. The length of conduit 134 is
selected according to the distance power supply assembly 130 spans
between receptacle assemblies 120, between a receptacle 120 and one
of connectors 112 or 114, or between connectors 112, 114. Power
supply assemblies 130 provide a continuous supply of power between
connectors 112, 114.
[0038] A pair of jumper assemblies 138 interconnect the electrical
power system of one table assembly 10 with that of an adjacent
table assembly. Each jumper assembly 138 includes connectors 140 at
its ends and a rigid conduit 142 extending therebetween, housing
electrical cabling communicating electrical power between
connectors 140. Connectors 140 include mating structure 144 at
their ends enclosing electrical power terminals and engageable with
outwardly facing mating structure, shown at 146, provided on
connectors 112, 114. Jumper assemblies 138 thus provide a
continuous supply of electrical power between adjacent table
assemblies.
[0039] A pair of electrical supply assemblies 148, each of which
includes a connector 150 and a flexible conduit 152, are
interconnected with connector 114 at a location where electrical
power is to be communicated to the electrical supply assemblies 98
and jumper assemblies 138. Each connector 150 includes mating
structure 154 enclosing electrical power terminals and engageable
with mating structures 146 for supplying electrical power to
connectors 112, 114. In a manner to be explained, conduit 152 is
interconnected with a conventional stationary floor-mounted or
wall-mounted electrical receptacle.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, one or more communication receptacles
156 are mounted to lower closure plate 45 which encloses lower
passage 58. Communication cables 158 placed within lower passage 58
are interconnected with communication receptacles 156.
[0041] With the construction of table assembly 10 and
power/communication housing 18 as shown and described, a power
cable 160 from a computer or other electronic or electric device
placed on table top upper surface 24 extends through grommet
passage 32, such that its plug 162 can be engaged with power
receptacle 120 for providing electrical power to the computer or
other device to which power cable 160 is connected. Similarly, a
communication cable 164 extends through grommet passage 32 such
that its plug 166 can be engaged with communication receptacle 100,
to provide voice and/or data communication to the device to which
communication cable 164 is connected.
[0042] Brush bristles 40 accommodate passage of cables 160, 164
through grommet passage 32, and function to fill grommet passage 32
in order to prevent objects or dust from falling into and through
grommet passage 32.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the passage formed in table top 12
within which grommet assembly 26 is engaged is located so as to be
slightly forward of power/communication housing 18. With housing
118 being located toward the rearwardmost end of table top 12,
grommet assembly 26 can likewise be located toward the rearward end
of table top 12 so as to provide a clear surface forwardly thereof
to provide ample room for placing computers or other devices on
table top upper surface 24.
[0044] Access door or cover 46 functions to enclose the forward
facing portions of power/communication housing 18 and the portions
of cables 160, 164 which extend below lower surface 28 of table top
12. Access door 46 includes a longitudinal bead 168 at its lower
end, received within a channel 170 defined by a curved wall 172
forming a part of extrusion member 42, to mount access door 46 to
extrusion member 42. A ribbed arcuate living hinge 174 is formed at
the lower portion of access door 46, and a panel 176 is disposed
between the upper end of living hinge 174 and a handle 178, which
extends downwardly and forwardly from the upper end of panel 176. A
tab 180 having a protrusion at its end extends rearwardly from the
upper end of panel 176.
[0045] Access door 46 is a dual durometer extrusion, in which
living hinge 174 is formed of a resilient, flexible PVC material
and panel 176, and handle 178 and tab 180 are formed of an
inflexible, hard PVC material, in a manner as is known.
[0046] A series of spring clips, such as 182, are connected to
table top lower surface 28 via a series of screws 184 forwardly of
grommet 26. Each clip 124 includes a recessed portion adapted to
receive the protrusion at the end of tab 180, to maintain access
door 46 in its closed position as shown in FIG. 2. When a user
requires access to cables 160 or 164, the user grasps handle 178
and pulls the upper end of access door 46 forwardly, disengaging
the protrusion on tab 180 from clip 182. Living hinge 174 enables
door 46 to be pivoted to an open position. Access door 46 is moved
to its closed position of FIG. 2 by reversing the above steps and
utilizing handle 178 to engage the protrusion on tab 180 with the
recess in spring clip 182. The resiliency of spring clip 182
ensures engagement between spring clip 182 and the protrusion on
tab 180 in order to maintain door 46 in its closed position.
[0047] As noted, door 46 provides access to power receptacles 120
and to communication receptacles 156. In addition, access door 46
in its open position enables channels 56 and 58 to be accessed by
disengaging bolts 94 from extrusion member lip 96, in the event
receptacles 120, 156 or cables 160, 164 require service or
replacement.
[0048] As further shown in FIG. 3, modesty panel 22 is mounted to
extrusion member 42 via one or more brackets 186, each of which
includes a vertical plate 188 and a horizontal leg 190. Modesty
panel 122 is mounted to each bracket 186 via a series of screws 192
extending through horizontal leg 190 into the upper end of modesty
panel 22. A hook 194 is formed at the upper end of vertical plate
188, and is engageable with a hook 196 formed on extrusion member
42. Modesty panel 22 and brackets 186 are mounted to table assembly
10 by first engaging hook 194 with hook 196, and then rotating
panel 22 toward leg assembly 16 until panel 22 engages legs 17,
17'. Modesty panel 22 is then secured to legs 17 and 17' via
brackets 198 (FIG. 2) engaged with the lower end of modesty panel
22. Modesty panel 22 is removed by reversing the above-noted
steps.
[0049] A vertical plate 200 is formed at the lower forward end of
extrusion member 42, to fill the space between the lower end of
access door 46 and the upper end of modesty panel 22.
[0050] FIGS. 5 and 7 illustrate the end portion of
power/communication housing 18 adjacent leg 17. As shown, leg 17 is
in the form of a tubular member having side walls 202, 204 and a
pair of spaced end walls extending between side walls 202 and 204,
all of which cooperate to define an internal passage 206. The upper
end of leg 17 engages table top lower surface 28, and passage 206
extends vertically downwardly therefrom. An arm 208 is mounted to
the upper end of leg 17, extending forwardly therefrom. Arm 208
engages table top lower surface 28 for supporting table top 12. Arm
208 is received within a U-shaped slot formed in leg wall 202. A
locking plate 209 is welded to the inner surface of leg sidewalls
202, 204 and end walls extending therebetween to secure arm 208 to
leg 17. The inner end of arm 208 includes a pair of ears 210, which
are received within a pair of slots formed in locking plate
209.
[0051] As noted previously, extrusion member 42 extends between the
side edges of table top 12, such that its ends are substantially
flush therewith. As best seen in FIG. 7, upper closure plate 44 and
lower closure plate 45 terminate inwardly of the end of extrusion
member 42. The ends of upper and lower closure plates 44, 45
terminate adjacent the inner edge of leg 17, so that upper and
lower passages 56, 58, respectively are exposed behind leg 17. An
opening 211 (FIG.5) is formed in the upper end of leg member rear
wall 204, and is disposed so as to be in horizontal alignment with
extrusion member passages 56, 58. With this construction, power
cable conduit 152 and communication cables 158 can be passed from
passages 56, 58, respectively, into leg internal passage 206
through opening 211.
[0052] At the lower end of conduit 152, the electrical wires housed
by conduit 152 are pigtailed and connected by conventional wire
connectors, such as 212, to the wires of a power cable 214. A bezel
216 having a brush assembly 218 is mounted within an opening formed
toward the lower end of leg 17, providing access to leg internal
passage 206. Power cable 214 and communication cables 158 can thus
be passed out of leg 17 through bezel 212 and brush assembly 152 in
order to provide interconnection with wall-mounted or floor-mounted
power and communication receptacles or the like.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 8, a series of table assemblies 10 can be
placed in a side-by-side manner such that the side edges of
adjacent table tops engage each other. Power/communication housing
18 has a length substantially equal to that of each table top so
that, when the table assemblies 10 are placed side-by-side, the
power/communication housings of adjacent table assemblies face and
open toward each other. This feature of the invention enables
jumper assemblies 138 and communication cables 158 to extend from
one power/communication housing 18 to the adjacent
power/communication housing through the open ends of each housing.
This construction provides an efficient and compact arrangement for
passing power and communication cabling from one table assembly to
another without exposed cabling. As shown in FIG. 8, a leg assembly
16 spans the joint between adjacent ends of adjacent table tops 12,
such that one leg assembly 16 supports the adjacent ends of two
table tops in a row of table assemblies 10.
[0054] FIG. 9 illustrates a construction in which a table assembly
10 and a table assembly 10' are oriented at right angles to each
other. In this arrangement, an extrusion member 42', having a
cross-section identical to that of extrusion member 42 (FIG. 3) is
mounted to the lower surface of table top 12 of table assembly 10,
extending outwardly past the side edge of table top 12. Extrusion
member 42' terminates in an angled end 220 located below the lower
surface of the table top, shown at 12', of table assembly 10'.
Table assembly 10' includes an extrusion member 42", also having a
cross-section identical to that of extrusion member 42 (FIG. 3),
and terminating in a complementary angled end 222. With this
construction, complementary ends 220, 222 of extrusion members 42',
42", respectively, cooperate to establish communication between the
upper and lower passages of extrusion members 42', 42". A connector
assembly 148 having a flexible conduit 152 is employed in this
situation to convey power from table assembly 10 to table assembly
10', with conduit 152 providing sufficient flexibility to bend the
90.degree. angle defined by extrusion members 42', 42" when ends
220, 222 are placed together.
[0055] At the endmost table assembly 224, a cap plate 224 (FIG. 1)
is engaged with power/communication housing 18 to enclose passages
56 and 58. Cap plate 224 can selectively be removed as needed in
order to provide access to passages 56, 58 to reroute cabling, or
for any other reason.
[0056] The construction of leg assembly 16 is illustrated in detail
in FIGS. 1, 2 and 10-12. As noted previously, leg 17 is a tubular
member defined by side walls 202, 204 and a pair of spaced end
walls extending therebetween. The length of leg 17 can be varied
according to user requirements, to provide variability in the
height of table top 12 above floor 14. At the lower end of leg 17,
a plate 228 is welded to the inner surfaces of the walls of leg 17.
A pair of threaded vertical passages (not shown) are formed in
plate 228. A mounting member, shown at 232, is positioned between
the lower end of leg 17 and an axially extending horizontal foot
member 234.
[0057] Foot member 234 consists of a length of tubing defined by
upper and lower walls 236, 238 and a pair of spaced side walls
extending therebetween. Mounting member 230 is a one-piece member,
preferably an aluminum casting, and includes a recess 240 within
which the lower end of leg 17 is received. A pair of bolts 242
extend through vertical passages 244 formed in mounting member 232
into engagement with the threaded vertical passages in plate 228,
to secure mounting member 232 to the lower end of leg 17. Mounting
member 232 further includes a pair of depending bosses 246 which
are engageable within openings 248 formed in foot member upper wall
236, for locating mounting member 232 relative to foot member 234.
A series of bolts 250 extend through aligned openings formed in
foot member upper and lower walls 236, 238, respectively, and into
vertical threaded passages 252 (FIG. 12) extending upwardly from
the lower surface of mounting member 232. Foot member 234 is thus
mounted to leg member 17 via a sequential mounting operation in
which mounting member 232 is first mounted to the lower end of leg
17, and foot member 234 is then mounted to the lower surface of
mounting member 232.
[0058] The ends of foot member 234 are open, and a pair of end caps
254 are engaged with the ends of foot member 234. Each end cap 254
includes an internal portion 256 which is received within an open
end of foot member 234. Bolts 258 extend through openings formed in
foot member lower wall 238 and into vertical threaded passages
formed in end cap internal portion 256, to mount end caps 254 to
the ends of foot member 234. A shoulder 260 engages the end of foot
member 234. Each end cap 254 further includes an external portion
262 which extends outwardly from the end of foot member 234.
External portion 262 includes a vertical passage adapted to receive
a leveling screw 264, with the passage opening onto the upper
surface of external portion 262. A floor-engaging toe member 266 is
secured to end cap external portion 262 via leveling screw 264, and
the vertical position of toe 266 relative to external portion 262
is adjustable by turning screw 264 to level table top 12.
[0059] With this construction, the length of foot member 234 can
easily be changed according to the width of table top 12, while
utilizing the same end caps 254 and mounting member 232 regardless
of the length of foot member 234.
[0060] The above-described table assembly is extremely modular,
versatile and flexible. An end user can select any size of table
top 12 according to specific requirements, preferably from a number
of preselected sizes. Once the size of table top 12 is determined,
the height of leg member 17 is selected, and the length of foot
member 234 is selected in order to provide adequate stability to
the table assembly. Power/communication extrusion member 42 is cut
to size according to the length of the table top, as are closure
plates 44, 45. Access door 46, being an extruded member, can
likewise be cut to any desired length according to the spacing
between the legs of table assembly 10. It can thus be appreciated
that certain components making up table assembly 10 can easily be
changed to accommodate user requirements, while maintaining the
basic configuration and construction of such components
substantially identical between different assemblies in order to
minimize cost of manufacture. The power/communication capability
provided to table assembly 10 via power/communication housing 18
constitutes an added benefit in the modularity of the components of
table assembly 10, by providing an efficient and easily variable
arrangement for providing power and communication to devices
supported by the table top.
[0061] Various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as
being within the scope of the following claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as
the invention.
* * * * *