U.S. patent application number 10/429467 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-09 for furniture accessory kit for portable computers and the like.
Invention is credited to Carlson, Andrew H., Draudt, Gregg R., Ruedinger, Joseph D., Stewart, William C., Swets, Mark D., Whitaker, Russell P..
Application Number | 20030189393 10/429467 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24353126 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030189393 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Draudt, Gregg R. ; et
al. |
October 9, 2003 |
Furniture accessory kit for portable computers and the like
Abstract
A furniture accessory kit is designed to support portable
computers in office partition systems of the type having slat wall
panels on which detachable office amenities, such as paper trays,
etc. can be hung. A horizontal shelf accessory supports a portable
computer thereon, and includes a connector that detachably mounts
the shelf to an associated slat wall panel in a cantilevered
horizontal orientation. The shelf has a wire trough to mange wiring
associated with the portable computer. A sleeve-shaped accessory
unit with a hollow interior for retaining computer accessories
therein is configured to be hung on the slat wall panel directly
above the shelf. A wire management device to retain wires
associated with the portable computer is configured to be hung on
the slat wall panel near the shelf and the accessory unit. A
security devices for securing the portable computer to the slat
wall and which is configured to be hung on the slat wall panel near
the shelf and the accessory unit. A power supply unit for supplying
electrical power to the portable computer to the slat wall and
which is configured to be hung on the slat wall panel near the
shelf and the accessory unit.
Inventors: |
Draudt, Gregg R.; (Stow,
MA) ; Stewart, William C.; (Cambridge, MA) ;
Carlson, Andrew H.; (Alexandria, VA) ; Whitaker,
Russell P.; (Grand Rapids, MI) ; Swets, Mark D.;
(Grand Rapids, MI) ; Ruedinger, Joseph D.; (Grand
Haven, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PRICE HENEVELD COOPER DEWITT & LITTON
695 KENMOOR, S.E.
P O BOX 2567
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49501
US
|
Family ID: |
24353126 |
Appl. No.: |
10/429467 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10429467 |
May 5, 2003 |
|
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|
09588258 |
Jun 6, 2000 |
|
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|
6578498 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
312/245 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 70/5009 20150401;
A47F 5/0846 20130101; A47B 21/06 20130101; A47B 57/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/245 |
International
Class: |
A47F 005/08; A47B
067/02 |
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. In a furniture system for dividing open office space and the
like of the type having at least one slat wall panel with a
plurality of vertically spaced apart horizontal rails to detachably
support office accessories thereon, the improvement of a wall-hung
accessory kit for portable computers, comprising: a horizontal
shelf member shaped to support a portable computer on an upper
surface thereof, the shelf member including a connector detachably
mounting said shelf member to said slat wall panel in a
cantilevered horizontal orientation, and a wire trough extending
laterally along said shelf member adjacent said rear edge thereof,
and shaped to receive and retain therein wiring associated with the
portable computer.
2. A wall-hung accessory kit as set forth in claim 1, including: a
sleeve-shaped accessory support configured to be positioned
directly above said shelf member, having a hollow construction to
support an accessory within the interior thereof, and including a
connector detachably mounting said accessory support to said slat
wall panel.
3. A wall-hung accessory kit as set forth in claim 1, including: a
wire management unit including a loop section adapted to receive
electrical and communication lines associated with the portable
computer therethrough, a stem section fixedly connected to said
loop section, and a first plurality of flexible fingers connected
to said stem releasably engaging said slat wall panel to support
said loop therefrom.
4. A wall-hung accessory kit as set forth in claim 1, including: a
wire management unit including a first plate, a second plate, a
narrowed center section connected to and extending between said
first and second plates such that said first and second plates are
substantially parallel to one another, said center section adapted
to windingly receive electrical and communication lines thereabout,
and a plurality of flexible fingers connected to said first plate
and releasably engaging said slat wall panel to support said first
wire management device therefrom.
5. A wall-hung accessory kit as set forth in claim 1, including: a
securing device for securing the portable computer to said slat
wall panel including; a first member including a ring section, a
stem section extending outwardly from said ring section, and a
locking plate attached to said stem and including at least one
flange connected with said slat wall panel; a second member
including a plate section defining an inner surface and an outer
surface and having an elongated aperture located therein, said
aperture receiving said ring section of said first member therein,
and at least one stop extending outwardly from said inner surface
of said plate section and engaging said slat wall panel, thereby
restricting rotational movement of said first member; and, a third
member received within said ring section of said first member,
thereby preventing removal of said plate of said second member from
about said ring section of said first member.
6. A wall-hung accessory kit as set forth in claim 1, including: a
power supply unit including a housing, at least one power outlet,
and at least one mounting bracket attached to said housing and
releasably engaged with said slat wall panel, thereby supporting
said housing from said slat wall.
7. In a furniture system for dividing open office space and the
like of the type having at least one vertical slat wall panel with
a plurality of vertically spaced apart horizontal rails, the
improvement of a wall-hung portable computer support shelf
comprising: a horizontal shelf member shaped to support a portable
computer on an upper surface thereof; a connector member detachably
mounting said shelf member to said slat wall panel along a rear
edge of said shelf member to support the same from said slat wall
panel in a cantilevered horizontal orientation; a wire trough
extending laterally along said shelf member adjacent said rear edge
thereof, and shaped to receive and retain therein wiring associated
with the portable computer; and a removable cover shaped to enclose
said wire trough and being detachably connected with said shelf
member to provide access to said wire trough.
8. The computer shelf as set forth in claim 7, wherein said
computer shelf further includes a rear cover extending along said
rear edge of said shelf member, said rear cover movable between a
closed position wherein said rear cover forms a pocket with said
shelf member, and an open position wherein said pocket is
accessible.
9. The shelf of claim 7, wherein said wire trough includes at least
one substantially vertically oriented rib configured to allow
organization of the wiring within said wire trough.
10. The shelf of claim 7, wherein said wire trough further includes
at least two substantially parallel pins configured to allow
wrapping of the wiring thereabout within said wire trough.
11. A shelf removably mountable on a substantially vertical slat
wall having a plurality of vertically spaced apart horizontal
rails, comprising: a worksurface defining a top surface configured
to support a laptop computer thereon, and a rear edge; at least one
mounting member attached to the shelf and releasably mountable to
the slat wall; a recessed area located below the top surface of the
worksurface, and adapted to receive wiring associated with the
laptop computer therein; and a top cover movable between a closed
position wherein the top cover covers the recessed area and is
substantially planar with the top surface, and an open position
wherein the recessed area is accessible.
12. The shelf of claim 11, further including: a rear cover
extending along the rear edge of the worksurface, the rear cover
movable between a closed position wherein the rear cover forms a
pocket with the worksurface, and an open position wherein the
pocket is accessible.
13. The shelf of claim 11, wherein the top cover is pivotally
attached to the worksurface.
14. The shelf of claim 11, wherein the worksurface includes a first
side edge and a second side edge, and wherein the shelf further
includes a pair of stops repositionably engaging the worksurface
proximate the side edges of the worksurface, and having a portion
thereof extending above top surface of the worksurface.
15. The shelf of claim 11, wherein the top surface of the
worksurface includes an adequate area to manipulate a computer
mouse thereon.
16. The shelf of claim 11, wherein the recessed area includes at
least one substantially vertically oriented wall configured to
allow organization of wiring within the recessed area.
17. The shelf of claim 11, wherein the recessed area includes at
least two substantially vertically oriented pins configured to
allow wrapping of wiring thereabout within the recessed area.
18. A shelf removably mountable on a slat wall, comprising: a
housing including a first wall, and a mutually perpendicular second
wall, the first and second walls connected by at least one
intermediate wall to define an interior of the housing, the housing
having a first opening and a second opening, the openings located
at opposite ends of the housing and separated by the walls, the
first and second walls having a common length, the first wall
having a substantially smaller width than a width of the second
wall; a first mounting member connected to the housing, and
removably mountable to a slat wall, the first mounting member
supporting the housing from the slat wall in a first orientation
wherein the first wall assumes a substantially horizontal
orientation and the width of the first wall projects outwardly from
the slat wall; and a second mounting member connected to the
housing, and removably mountable to the slat wall, the second
mounting member supporting the housing from the slat wall in a
second orientation wherein the second wall assumes a substantially
horizontal orientation and the width of the second wall projects
outwardly from the slat wall.
19. The shelf of claim 18, wherein the intermediate wall includes a
removable panel.
20. The shelf of claim 34, wherein the panel is slidably removable
from the intermediate wall.
21. The shelf of claim 35, wherein the panel is constructed of a
translucent material.
22. The shelf of claim 35, wherein the panel is constructed of an
opaque material.
23. The shelf of claim 35, wherein at least one of the walls
includes at least one notch adapted to received electrical and
communication lines therein.
24. An apparatus removably mountable to a slat wall for managing
electrical and communication lines comprising: a loop section
adapted to receive electrical and communication lines therethrough,
wherein the loop section has a gap located therein; a stem section
fixedly attached to the loop section, such that the gap in the loop
section is located substantially proximate the stem section; and a
plurality of flexible fingers connected to the stem and adapted to
releasably engage a slat wall, thereby supporting the loop from the
slat wall.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the fingers are configured
to allow the loop section to be supported from the slat wall in
multiple orientations.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the fingers are configured
to allow the loop to be connected to the slat wall in both a
vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the loop section is
constructed of a flexible material.
28. An apparatus removably mountable to a slat, comprising: an
amenity attached to a base plate; and a plurality of pairs of
opposed flexible fingers connected to the base plate, each of the
pair of fingers engageable with adjacent rails on a slat wall
section, each of the fingers has a substantially flat portion that
engages the rail, the plurality of pairs having a plurality of
orientations whereby the apparatus may be releasably engaged to a
slat wall at a corresponding plurality of different
orientations.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the amenity is a
non-symmetrical cable management device.
30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the plurality of pairs of
opposed fingers comprises two pairs of fingers whereby the
apparatus may be attached to the slat wall in four alternative
mutually perpendicular orientations.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/588,258, filed Jun. 6, 2000, entitled
FURNITURE ACCESSORY KIT FOR PORTABLE COMPUTERS AND THE LIKE, the
entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a plurality of amenity
units removably mountable on a slat wall, and in particular to
shelving units, electrical and communication line organizers,
security devices, and power supply units removably mountable on a
slat wall.
[0003] As the cost for office space increases, companies continue
to seek ways to make use of limited space, and also of those spaces
within a given work area heretofore unutilized. This task is made
increasingly difficult as the amount of computer and communication
equipment required by the average worker increases.
[0004] The increase in equipment required by the average worker has
led to additional problems such as providing convenient routing of
electrical and communication lines associated with the computers
and communication equipment, while maintaining an aesthetically
appealing work area. In many work environments these lines are left
laying across the floor and dangling from worksurfaces, thereby
creating a disorganized work area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An aspect of the present invention is to provide within a
partition system for dividing open office space and the like of the
type having at least one slat wall panel with a plurality of
vertically spaced apart horizontal rails to detachably support
office accessories thereon, the improvement of a wall-hung
accessory kit for portable computers including a horizontal shelf
member shaped to abuttingly support a portable computer on an upper
surface thereof. The horizontal shelf including a connector
detachably mounting the shelf member to the slat wall panel in a
cantilevered horizontal orientation, and a wire trough extending
laterally along the shelf member adjacent the rear edge thereof,
and shaped to receive and retain therein wiring associated with the
portable computer.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide in a
partition system for dividing open office space and the like of the
type having at least on slat wall panel with a plurality of
vertically spaced apart horizontal rails to detachably support
office accessories thereon, the improvement of a wall-hung portable
computer support shelf including a horizontal shelf member shaped
to abutting support a portable computer on an upper surface
thereof. The computer support shelf also including a connector
member detachably mounting the shelf member to the slat wall panel
along a rear edge of the shelf member to support the same from the
slat wall panel in a cantilevered horizontal orientation. The
computer support shelf further including a wire trough extending
laterally along the shelf member adjacent the rear edge thereof,
and shaped to receive and retain therein wiring associated with the
portable computer, and a removable cover shaped to enclose the wire
trough and being detachably connected with the shelf member to
provide access to the wire trough.
[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
shelf removably mountable on a slat wall, including a worksurface
defining a top surface configured to support a laptop computer
thereon, a bottom surface, a first side edge, a second side edge, a
front edge, and a rear edge, and at least one mounting member
attached along the rear edge of the worksurface and releasably
mountable to a slat wall. The shelf further includes a recessed
area located within the top surface of the worksurface, and which
is adapted to receive electrical and communication lines therein,
and a top cover movable between a closed position, wherein the top
cover covers the recessed area and is substantially planar with the
top surface, and an open position wherein the recessed area is
accessible.
[0008] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
shelf removably mountable on a slat wall, that includes a housing
that includes a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a
fourth wall, wherein the walls are connected to define at least one
open end allowing access to an interior of the housing. The shelf
also includes a first mounting member connected to the first wall
of the housing, and removably mountable to a slat wall, thereby
supporting the housing from the slat wall in a first orientation,
and a second mounting member connected to the second wall of the
housing, and removably mountable to a slat wall, thereby supporting
the housing from the slat wall in a second orientation.
[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus removably mountable to a slat wall for managing
electrical and communication lines and the like, that includes a
loop section adapted to receive electrical and communication lines
therethrough, a stem section fixedly attached to the loop section,
and a plurality of flexible fingers connected to the stem and
adapted to releasably engage a slat wall, thereby supporting the
loop from the slat wall.
[0010] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus removably mountable to a slat wall for managing
electrical and communication lines, that includes a first plate, a
second plate, and a narrowed center section connected to and
extending between the first and second plates, such that the first
and second plates are substantially parallel to one another, and
wherein the center section is adapted to windingly receive
electrical and communication lines thereabout. The apparatus
further includes a plurality of flexible fingers connected to the
first plate and adapted to releasably engage the slat wall.
[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a kit
for securing a device to a slat wall, that includes a first member
including a ring section defining an aperture therein, a stem
section extending outwardly from the ring section, and a pair of
flanges connected to the stem section and engageable with a slat
wall by inserting the flanges within a slot of the slat wall and
rotating the first member. The kit also includes a second member
including a plate section defining an inner surface and an outer
surface and having an elongated aperture located therein, wherein
the aperture is adapted to receive the ring section of the first
member therein, and at least one stop extending outwardly from the
inner surface of the plate section and adapted to engage the slat
wall, thereby restricting rotational movement of the first member
and the second member. The kit further includes a third member
adapted to be received within the ring section of the first member,
thereby preventing removal of the plate of the second member from
about the ring section of the first member.
[0012] Still yet another aspect of the present invention is to
provide a power supply box removably mountable on a slat wall, that
includes a housing and at least one power outlet, and at least one
mounting bracket attached to the housing and adapted to releasably
engage a slat wall, thereby supporting the housing on the slat
wall.
[0013] The plurality of amenity units disclosed herein, taken
separately and as a whole, provide an effective means for
organizing compact work areas by utilizing areas previously
unutilized. Further, the plurality of amenity units are adaptable
to numerous work area layouts and are effective in creating and
maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and efficient work area.
[0014] These and other advantages of the invention will be further
understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference
to the following written specification, claims and appended
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first shelving unit
embodying an amenity unit of the present invention, supported by a
slat wall, and showing a top door in an open position and in a
closed position, and a rear door in an open position and in a
closed position;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the first shelving
unit;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the first shelving unit;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a locking
mechanism of the first shelving unit;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sliding lock of the
locking mechanism;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an end view of a sliding dog of the first shelving
unit engaging an edge of a worksurface;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second shelving, unit
embodying an amenity unit of the present invention, and supported
by the slat wall in a first orientation;
[0022] FIG. 8A is a rear elevational view of the second shelving
unit;
[0023] FIG. 8B is a side elevational view of the second shelving
unit;
[0024] FIG. 8C is a top plan view of the second shelving unit;
[0025] FIG. 8D is a bottom plan view of the second shelving
unit;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the second shelving unit
attached to the slat wall in a second orientation;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a wire management device
embodying an amenity unit of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 11A is a side elevational view of the first wire
management device supported by the slat wall in a vertical
orientation;
[0029] FIG. 11B is a side elevational view of the first wire
management device supported by the slat wall in a horizontal
orientation;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second wire management
device embodying an amenity of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 13A is a rear elevational view of a mounting
bracket;
[0032] FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket,
shown through lines XIIIB-XIIIB of FIG. 13A;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a security device embodying
an amenity unit of the present invention supported by the slat
wall;
[0034] FIG. 15A a is a perspective view of a first member of the
security device inserted within the slat wall;
[0035] FIG. 15B is an exploded, perspective view of the first
member and a second member of the security device:
[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a power supply box
embodying an amenity unit of the present invention supported by the
slat wall; and
[0037] FIG. 17 is a rear elevational view of the power supply
box.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in FIGS. 1, 7, 10, 12 and 14. However, it should be
understood that the invention may assume various alternative
orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified
to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific
devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and
described in the following specification are simply exemplary
embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended
claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly
stated otherwise.
[0039] The present invention provides within a partition system for
dividing open office space and the like of the type having at least
one slat wall panel, general designated 12 (FIG. 1), with a
plurality of vertically spaced apart horizontal rails to detachably
support an accessory kit for portable computers including a
horizontal shelf member 10, a sleeve-shaped accessory support 90
(FIG. 7), a first wire management device 130 (FIG. 10), a second
wire management device 144 (FIG. 12), a security device 170 (FIG.
14), and a power supply unit 202 (FIG. 16), each of which are
described below.
[0040] In the illustrated example, the first shelving unit 10 (FIG.
1) is mountable on a slat wall 12, and includes a worksurface or
shelf member 14 defining a top surface 16 configured to support a
portable or laptop computer (not shown) thereon, a bottom surface
18 (FIG. 2), a first side edge 20, a second side edge 22, a front
edge 24 and a rear edge 26. The first shelf unit 10 also includes
at least one mounting or connector member 28 attached along the
rear edge 26 of worksurface 14 and releasably mountable to the slat
wall 12, and a recessed area or wire trough 30 located within the
top surface 16 of worksurface 14 and adapted to receive electrical
and communication lines (not shown) therein. The first shelving
unit 10 further includes a top cover 32, movable between a closed
position, wherein the top cover 32 covers recessed area 30 and is
substantially planar with top surface 16, as shown in FIG. 1 in
phantom line, and an open position, wherein the recessed area 30 is
accessible.
[0041] The worksurface 14 is formed by compression molding and is
manufactured as a single piece, however, other manufacturing
processes and configurations may be used. The worksurface 14 is
configured to support a device such as a laptop computer thereon,
however, worksurface 14 may be used to support other devices and
objects thereon. In use, the top cover 32 is placed in a closed
position over recessed area 30 thereby allowing the entire top
surface 16 of worksurface 14 to be utilized in supporting the
computer or other devices thereon. Top surface 16 is configured so
as to provide adequate area for supporting the laptop computer
thereon, and for manipulating a mouse thereon, while limiting the
overall size, thereby providing effective support and allowing
effective operation of the computer within a small work space area.
Top surface 16 is slightly curved near front edge 14, thereby
providing an ergonomically shaped surface for an operator to rest
his or her palms or wrists upon during manipulation of the mouse
and operation of the keyboard of the computer. Rear edge. 26 of
worksurface 14 is provided with a pair of laterally extending
notches 33 configured to allow the routing of the electrical and
communication lines therethrough. Worksurface 14 (FIG. 3) is molded
to include a plurality of integrally molded laterally extending
structural support ribs 27 and a plurality of longitudinally
extending structural support ribs 29 downwardly extending from
bottom surface 18.
[0042] The mounting member 28 includes a pair of L-shaped brackets
34 attached to and extending along rear edge 26 of worksurface 14.
Bracket 34 can be integrally molded within worksurface 14, or,
alternatively, may be formed of a separate material such as metal
and subsequently inmolded within worksurface 14. The worksurface 14
is supported from slat wall 12 by inserting bracket 34 into
engagement within a slot 36 of slat wall 12, and subsequently
sliding worksurface 14 and hence brackets 34 downwardly until
brackets 34 engage slat wall 12.
[0043] As illustrated, top door 32 is pivotally attached to
worksurface 14 by a pair of pivot pins (not shown) extending
outwardly from top door 32 and which are pivotally received within
a pair of corresponding apertures (not shown),located within
worksurface 14. Although top door 32 is shown as being pivotable
between an open and closed position, top door 32 may alternatively
rest within a recessed rim 51 surrounding recessed area 30, and not
be attached to worksurface 14. Further, worksurface 14 may be
configured to include locking tabs (not shown) that hold top cover
32 in position over recessed area 30, and which allow top cover 32
to be slidingly movable between a locked position wherein the cover
cannot be removed from covering recessed area 30, and an unlocked
position wherein the cover can be removed from covering recessed
area 30.
[0044] The recessed area 30 is defined by a curved bottom wall 38,
side walls 40 and a rear wall 42. The recessed area 30 includes a
plurality of vertically oriented ribs 44 extending upwardly from
bottom wall 38. Ribs 44 extend longitudinally along bottom wall 38
and are spaced across recess area 30, thereby defining wire
management spaces 46 therebetween. Electrical and communication
lines (not shown) typically associated with an electronic device
such as the computer noted above, may be organized about ribs 44
and within spaces 46, thereby compactly and neatly retaining the
lines within recessed area 30. Recessed area 30 further includes a
plurality of pins 48 spaced about recessed area 30 and extending
upwardly from bottom wall 30. Pins 48 are configured and located so
as to allow wrapping of electrical and communication lines
thereabout, thereby allowing organized storage of the electrical
and communication lines within recessed area 30. Pins 48 are
specially adapted to allow organization of fiber optic lines and
other communication lines that cannot be folded or creased without
damaging the lines. Bottom wall 38 of recessed area 30 includes an
elongated aperture 50 adapted to allow the placement of the
electrical and communication lines therethrough.
[0045] The first shelving unit 10 further includes a rear cover 52
extending along rear edge 26 of worksurface 14. Rear cover 52 is
movable between a closed position wherein rear cover 52 forms a
pocket 54 with worksurface 14, and an open position wherein pocket
54 is accessible, as shown in phantom line in FIGS. 1 and 2. Pocket
54 is adapted to receive the routing of the electrical and
communication lines therethrough. The electrical and communication
lines are concealed from view within pocket 54 when rear cover 52
is in a closed position, while allowing easy access to the
electrical and communication lines when rear cover 52 is in the
open position. Rear cover 52 includes pivot tabs 56 extending
downwardly from a surface thereof. A pair of corresponding pivot
tabs 58 are connected to and extend upwardly from top surface 16 of
worksurface 14. A pair of pivot pins 60 pivotally connect pivot
tabs 56 of rear cover 52 and pivot tabs 58 of worksurface 14,
thereby pivotally connecting rear cover 52 with worksurface 14.
[0046] The first shelving unit 10 further includes a locking
mechanism 62 (FIG. 4) that includes a pair of tabs 64 slidably
engaged within a pair of slots 66 within bottom wall 38 of recessed
area 30. Tabs 64 (FIG. 5) include a first portion 68 having a top
surface 70 and a slot 72, a second portion 74 extending
perpendicularly upward from first portion 68, and a third portion
76 extending perpendicularly rearward from second portion 74. Rear
wall 42 of recessed area 30 is provided with an aperture 78
configured to allow passage of tab 64 therethrough. In assembly,
tab 64 is inserted within aperture 78 of rear wall 42 and slidably
engaged within slots 66 of bottom wall 38 such that bottom wall 38
is positioned within slot 72 of each tab 64. Top surface 70 of each
tab 64 is provided with an upwardly extending tab 78, thereby
allowing easy manipulation of tab 64 within slot 66. Prior to
mounting of first shelving unit 10 upon slat wall 12, tabs 64 are
slid forwardly within slots 66 until third portion 76 of each tab
64 does not extend rearwardly beyond rear wall 42 of recessed area
30. Subsequent to mounting first shelving unit 10 upon slat wall 12
by brackets 34, each tab 64 is slid rearwardly within slots 66
until third portion 76 of each tab 64 is engaged within slot 36 of
slat wall 12, thereby preventing removal of first shelving unit 10
from support upon slat wall 12. Slot 72 of each tab 64 is sized so
as to provide a frictional lock between bottom wall 38 and tabs
64.
[0047] First shelving unit 10 further includes a pair of sliding
dogs 80 slidably engaging first side edge 20 and second side edge
22 of worksurface 14. Each sliding dog 80 (FIG. 6) includes a
central body portion 82 configured to track along the corresponding
side edge 20 or 22, a top section 84 extending perpendicularly from
body section 82 and configured to track along top surface 16, and a
C-shaped bottom section 86 that extends around a bottom edge 88 of
the corresponding side edge 20 or 22 and which is adapted to track
therealong. Sliding dogs 80 limit the lateral movement of the
computer or other device supported by worksurface 14, thereby
limiting the chances of the device being pushed or pulled off the
worksurface 14 and in a lateral direction. The sliding
adjustability of sliding dogs 80 allows sliding dogs 80 to be moved
out of the way of ports or passages, such as CD or disk drives, of
the computer or other device.
[0048] As illustrated, the sleeve-shaped second shelving unit 90
(FIG. 7) embodies an amenity unit of the present invention. In the
illustrated example, second shelving unit 90 is supported by the
slat wall 12 and includes a housing 92 that includes a first wall
94, a second wall 96, a third wall 98, and a fourth wall 100. The
walls 94, 96, 98 and 100 are connected to define at least one open
end 102, allowing access to an interior 104 of housing 92. The
second shelving unit 90 also includes a first mounting member 106
connected to first wall 94 of housing 92, and that is removably
mountable to slat wall 12, thereby supporting housing 92 from slat
wall 12 in a first orientation as shown in FIG. 7. The second
shelving unit 90 further includes a second mounting member 108
connected to second wall 96 of housing 92, and that is removably
mountable to slat wall 12, thereby supporting housing 92 from slat
wall 12 in a second orientation as shown in FIG. 9.
[0049] The fourth wall 94 of housing 92 includes a removable panel
110 which is slidably engaged within fourth wall 100. More
specifically, fourth wall 100 includes a partial lower wall 112
having a upwardly opening, laterally extending channel extending
along an upper edge thereof, and a partial upper wall 116 having a
downwardly opening laterally extending channel 118 extending along
a lower edge thereof. Panel 110 is slidingly received within
channels 114 and 118. Panel 110 is slightly wider than the distance
between channel 114 and 118, thereby causing panel 110 to slightly
bend when inserted within channels 114 and 118 and holding panel
110 between channels 114 and 118. As illustrated, second wall 96 is
slightly wider than third wall 98, however, various widths may be
used for second wall 96 as well as third wall 98 while still
maintaining the functional purpose of second shelving unit 90. In
the illustrated example, panel 110 is show to be transparent,
however, panel 110 may be constructed of either a transparent,
translucent or opaque material.
[0050] The first mounting member 106 includes an L-shaped flange
119 laterally extending along first wall 94 near third wall 98.
Flange 119 is adapted to be received within and connect to slat
wall 12, thereby supporting second shelving unit 90 from slat wall
12 in the first orientation. The second mounting member 108
includes an L-shaped flange 120 laterally extending along second
wall 96 near first wall 94, and a flange 122 laterally extending
along second wall 96 near fourth wall 100. Flange 120 and flange
122 are adapted to be received within and connect to slat wall 12,
thereby supporting second shelving unit 90 from slat wall 12 in the
second orientation.
[0051] Second wall 96 of housing 92 includes a pair of slots 24
adapted to receive electrical and communication lines therein as
are shown in phantom line in FIGS. 7, 8B, 8D and 9.
[0052] The reference 130 (FIG. 10) generally designates an
apparatus for managing electrical and communication lines and the
like embodying an amenity unit of the present invention. In the
illustrated example, the wire management apparatus 130 (FIGS. 11A
and 11B) is removably mountable to slat wall 12 wire management and
includes a loop section 132 that defines a passage 134 therein
which is adapted to received electrical and communication lines
typically associated with computer and communication equipment
therethrough. Wire management apparatus 130 also includes a stem
section integrally formed with loop section 132. As illustrated,
stem section 136 is provided a plate-like shape and is integrally
formed with loop section 132, however, stem section 136 may be
provided in numerous geometrical shapes and may be formed as a
separate piece from loop section 132 and then fixedly attached
thereto. Wire management apparatus 130 further includes a plurality
of flexible fingers 138 connected to stem section 136 and adapted
to releasably engage slat wall 12, thereby supporting loop 132 from
slat wall 12.
[0053] Loop section 132 includes a gap 140 therein, which is
adapted to allow placement of the electrical and communication
lines within passage 134 of loop section 132 without necessitating
the stringing of the lines through loop section 132. Gap 140 allows
the addition and removal of wires from within passage 134 of loop
section 132 without necessitating the removal of wire management
apparatus 130 from slat wall 12. Further, loop section 132 is
constructed of a flexible material, thereby allowing gap 140 to be
increased in size, thereby assisting in the placement of the lines
within passage 134 of loop section 132.
[0054] As illustrated, the plurality of flexible fingers includes
four flexible fingers 138 integrally formed with and outwardly
extending from stem section 136. Fingers 138 are each inwardly
flexible and include a flared end 142 that engage within slat wall
12, thereby assisting in holding wire management apparatus 130 into
engagement within slat wall 12. In the illustrated example, the
four fingers 138 are configured so as to allow loop section 132 to
be supported by slat wall 12 in a horizontal orientation, as shown
in FIG. 11A, and in a vertical orientation, as shown in FIG. 11B.
It should be noted that different numbers and orientations of
fingers 138 may be used, thereby allowing loop section 132 to be
supported from slat wall 12 in numerous orientations. By allowing
gap 140 of loop section 130 to be placed in various orientations,
wire retention mechanism 130 may be positioned upon and supported
from slat wall 12 such that any forces being exerted upon the lines
can be directed away from gap 140, thereby ensuring that the lines
stay within loop section 130 and are not accidentally removed or
pulled therefrom.
[0055] The reference 144 (FIG. 12) generally designates a second
wire management apparatus embodying an amenity unit of the present
invention. In the illustrated example, wire management apparatus
144 includes a first plate 146, a second plate 148, and a narrowed
center section or hub 150 connected to and extending between first
plate 146 and second plate 148. First plate 146 and second plate
148 are connected to center section 150 such that first plate 146
and second plate 148 are substantially parallel to one another.
Center section 150 is adapted to windingly receive electrical and
communication lines typically associated with computers and
communication equipment thereabout. Wire management apparatus 144
also includes a plurality of flexible fingers (not shown) similar
in construction and configuration to fingers 138 (FIG. 10) of wire
management apparatus 130, thereby allowing the wire management
apparatus 144 to be removably mounted to slat wall 12.
[0056] The wire management apparatus 144 also includes a retaining
mechanism 152 to prevent the unwinding of the electrical and
communication lines from about center section 150. Retaining
mechanism 152 includes and elastically deformable cord 154 attached
to first plate 146 and including a stop 156. When in use, an
electrical cord or communication line is wrapped about center
section 150 and stop 156 of retaining mechanism 152 is notched
within a notched section 158 within second plate 148, thereby
extending cord 154 between first plate 146 and second plate 148 and
preventing the electrical or communication line for being unwound
from around center section 150.
[0057] In an alternative embodiment, a mounting plate 160 (FIGS.
13A and 13B) may be used to support wire management apparatus 130
(FIG. 10) and wire management apparatus 144 (FIG. 12) from slat
wall 12 in place of the plurality of fingers 138. Mounting plate
160 is provided a circularly shaped plate section 162 having a
centrally located aperture 164 adapted to receive mounting hardware
such a bolt (not shown) therein, and a centrally located recessed
area 166 surrounding aperture 164 and adapted to receive the head
of the mounting hardware therein. Mounting plate 160 also includes
a pair of L-shaped mounting flanges extending outwardly from plate
section 162 and juxtaposed across aperture 164 and recessed area
166. In assembly, mounting plate 160 is secured to stem section 136
of wire management apparatus 130, or first plate 146 of wire
management apparatus 144, in place of fingers 138, and is secured
thereto by mounting hardware such as bolt or screw (not shown)
extending through aperture 164 of mounting plate 160, or by a
securing tape such as a double sided foam tape. In operation,
mounting plate 160 supports wire management apparatus 130 and wire
management apparatus 144 from slat wall 12 by inserting and
engaging flanges 168 with slat wall 12. It should be noted that
mounting plate 160 may be used to support various amenities from a
slat wall, including, but not limited to, wire management devices,
USB ports, power strips, shelving units and the like.
[0058] The reference numeral 170 (FIG. 14) generally designates an
apparatus for securing a device embodying an amenity unit of the
present invention. In the illustrated example, the apparatus 170 is
removably mountable to slat wall 12 and includes a first member 172
(FIG. 15A) that includes a ring section 174 defining a first
aperture 176 therein, and a stem section 178 extending outwardly
from ring section 174. First member 172 also includes a first
flange 180 and a second flange 182 attached to stem section 178 and
adapted to engage slat wall 12 by inserting flanges 180 and 182
within a slot 184 of slat wall 12 and rotating first member 172 in
a rotational direction as shown by arrow 186. Apparatus 10 also
includes a second member 188 (FIG. 15B) that includes a plate
section 190 defining an inner surface 192 and an outer surface 194
and having an elongated aperture 196 located therein. The aperture
196 is adapted to receive ring section 174 of first member 172
therein. Second member 188 also includes a pair of stops 198
extending outwardly from inner surface 192 of plate section 190 and
which are adapted to engage slot 184 of slat wall 12. In assembly,
subsequent to first member 172 being rotationally engaged in slot
184 of slat wall 12, second member 188 is placed over first member
172 such that ring section 174 of first member 172 extends through
aperture 196 of second member 188 and stops 198 are located within
184 of slat wall 12. Aperture 96 of second member 188 is configured
so as to engage ring section 174 of second member 172, thereby
restricting rotational movement of first member 172 within second
member 188. Apparatus 170 further includes a third member 200
adapted to be received within aperture 176 of ring section 174,
thereby preventing removal of second member 188 from about first
member 172. In the illustrated example, third member 200 is shown
as a security cable, however, other items may be placed within
aperture 176 to prevent the removal of second member 188 from about
first member 172.
[0059] The reference numeral 202 (FIG. 16) generally designates a
power supply box embodying an amenity unit of the present
invention. In the illustrated example, the power supply box 202 is
removably mountable to a slat wall 12 and includes a housing 204,
at least one power outlet 206 housed within housing 204, and at
least one mounting bracket 160 (FIGS. 13A and 17) attached to
housing 204 which is adapted to releasably engage slat wall 12 as
described above, thereby supporting housing 204 on slat wall 12. As
illustrated, bracket 160 is fixedly attached to housing 204 by a
bolt 208, however, other fastening hardware and techniques may be
employed. Housing 204 of power supply box 202 is provided with a
triangular cross-sectional geometry, thereby providing increased
access to the power supply outlets 206 when housing 204 is
supported on slat wall 12.
[0060] The plurality of amenity units disclosed herein provide an
effective means for organizing compact work areas by utilizing area
within the work area heretofore unutilized. The plurality of
amenity units are also easily movable between different work areas
and easily adaptable to work areas of various layouts. Further, the
plurality of amenity units provide an effective means for creating
and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and efficient work
area.
[0061] In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated
by those skilled in the art that, modifications may be made to the
invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein.
Such modifications are to be considered as included in the
following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
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