U.S. patent application number 10/653107 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for variable angle winged table.
Invention is credited to Wasley, Tim.
Application Number | 20050045073 10/653107 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34217824 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050045073 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wasley, Tim |
March 3, 2005 |
Variable angle winged table
Abstract
A corner table with two wing tables which is adapted to form a
symmetrical arrangement with the wing tables disposed at different
angles. The novel table assembly in accordance with the present
invention preferably is used in combination with walls disposed at
angles which may vary from each other and with the corner table and
its wing tables to be complementarily received in whatever angle
may be formed by the walls.
Inventors: |
Wasley, Tim; (Holland
Landing, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RICHES, MCKENZIE & HERBERT, LLP
SUITE 1800
2 BLOOR STREET EAST
TORONTO
ON
M4W 3J5
CA
|
Family ID: |
34217824 |
Appl. No.: |
10/653107 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/64 ;
108/65 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 87/002 20130101;
A47B 17/033 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/064 ;
108/065 |
International
Class: |
A47B 057/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A desk assembly comprising: a center desktop and two extension
wing desktops, the center desktop supported on a suitable leg
assembly and defining a center desk top surface, the peripheral
shape of the center desktop is a segment of a circle bounded by a
convex edge comprising an arc of a first constant radius and by a
chord edge comprising a chord of the circle, the convex edge having
a first end point and a second end point, the arc extending about a
center point of the circle centered on the center desktop through
an included angle of at least 210 degrees from the first end point
to the second point, the chord edge extending from the first end
point to the second end point, the two extension wing desktops
comprising a right-hand wing desktop and a left-hand wing desktop
each having a wing desktop surface, the two extension wing desktops
connectable to the center desktop with the wing desktop surfaces
forming a continuing surface with the center desktop surface, the
peripheral shape of each wing desktop includes a straight rear edge
adjacent a concave end edge formed as a concave arc of constant
radius equal to the first radius, each concave end edge adapted to
mate with the convex edge of the center desktop such that, with the
concave end edge of the right-hand wing desktop on the convex edge
on the right-hand side of the cord edge and the concave end edge of
the left-hand wing desktop wing top on the convex edge on the
left-hand side of the cord edge, the right and left-hand wing
desktops are attachable to the center desktop in a plurality of
different angular positions relative to the center point and
therefore relative to each other, the different angular positions
including: a straight position in which the rear edge of the
right-hand wing desktop and the rear edge of the left-hand wing
desktop lie in a straight line, and a right-angled position in
which the rear edge of the right-hand wing desktop and rear edge of
the left-hand wing desktop are normal to each other.
2. A desk assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the different
angular positions include an intermediate angled positions between
the straight position and the right-angled position, the
intermediate angled positions including a 120 degree position in
which the rear edge of the right-hand wing desktop and the rear
edge of the left-hand wing desktop are disposed to form an angle of
120 degrees between each other.
3 A desk assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the straight line
is tangential to the convex edge.
4. A desk assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cord edge is a
straight line.
5. A desk assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein the straight line
is parallel the cord edge.
6. A desk assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cord edge
includes curved edge portions of an arc of greater radius than the
first constant radius.
7. A desk assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the cord edge
includes convex curved edge portions.
8. A desk assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the cord edge
includes concave curved edge portions.
9. A desk assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the peripheral
shape of each wing desktop is elongate, extending away from the
concave end edge to a distal end edge opposite to the concave end
edge, the peripheral shape of each wing desktop including a front
edge opposite to the rear edge, each of the concave end edge and
the distal end edge spanning between the front edge and the rear
edge.
10. A desk assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein one of the
right-hand wing desktop and the left-hand wing desktop each
comprises a portion thereof including the concave end edge and
portions of the rear edge and the front edge which is a mirror
image of the other of the right-hand wing desktop and the left-hand
wing desktop.
11. A desk assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the right-hand
wing desktop and the left-hand wing desktop each comprising a
mirror image of the other.
12. A desk assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the peripheral
shape of each wing desktop includes a straight front edge parallel
the rear edge.
13. A desk assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the front edge is
parallel the rear edge and the distal end edge normal to the rear
edge.
14. A desk assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the
right-hand wing desktop and the left-hand wing desktop center
desktop is supported on a suitable, respective leg assembly
independently of the center desktop.
15. A desk assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the
right-hand wing desktop and the left-hand wing desktop are
supported at their concave end edge by the center desktop and
proximate the respective distal by a respective, suitable leg
assembly independent of the center desktop.
16. A desk assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the continuing
surface formed by said center desktop surface and the two extension
wing desktops is symmetrical about a line of symmetry passing
through the center point.
17. A desk assembly as claimed in claim 1 in combination with a
plurality of vertically disposed, planar screen panels which extend
to a height above the table surface, the panels including a
right-hand panel and a left-hand panel joined at one end forming an
included angle between the first panel and the second panel of
between 90 and 180 degrees, the desk assembly located in the
included angle between the first and second panels with the
right-hand panel located adjacent the rear edge of the right-hand
wing desk top extending parallel thereto, and the left-hand panel
located adjacent the rear edge of the left-hand wing desktop
extending parallel thereto.
18. A plurality of desk assemblies as claimed in claim 1 in
combination with a plurality of vertically disposed, planar screen
panels which extend to a height above the table surface, each panel
having a first end and a second end, and a first planar side and a
second planar side, the panels including a first panel, a second
panel and a third panel, the second end of the first panel joined
to the first end of the second panel ends forming an angle between
the first panel and the second panel of between 90 and 180 degrees
and the second end of the second panel joined to the first end of
the third panel and forming an angle between the second panel and
the third panel of between 90 and 180 degrees, a first of the desk
assemblies disposed between the first panel and the second panel
with the first planar side of first panel located adjacent the rear
edge of the right-hand wing desktop of the first desk assembly
extending parallel thereto and the first planar side of the second
panel located adjacent the rear edge of the left-hand wing desktop
of the first desk assembly extending parallel thereto, a second of
the desk assemblies disposed between the second panel and the third
panel with the second planar side of second panel located adjacent
the rear edge of the right-hand wing desktop of the second desk
assembly extending parallel thereto and the second planar side of
the third panel located adjacent the rear edge of the left-hand
wing desktop of the second desk assembly extending parallel
thereto.
19. A plurality of desk assemblies as claimed in claim 1 in
combination with a plurality of vertically disposed, planar screen
panels which extend to a height above the table surface, each panel
having a first end and a second end, and a first planar side and a
second planar side, the panels including a first panel, a second
panel and a third panel, the first end of each of the first, second
and third panels joined together such that the panels extend
radially from the hub to their second ends forming an angle between
the first panel and the second panel of between 90 and 180 degrees
and forming an angle between the second panel and the third panel
of between 90 and 180 degrees, a first of the desk assemblies
disposed between the first panel and the second panel first with
the first planar side of first panel located adjacent the rear edge
of the right-hand wing desktop of the first desk assembly extending
parallel thereto and the second planar side of the second panel
located adjacent the rear edge of the left-hand wing desktop of the
first desk assembly extending parallel thereto, a second of the
desk assemblies disposed between the second panel and the third
panel with the first planar side of second panel located adjacent
the rear edge of the right-hand wing desktop of the second desk
assembly extending parallel thereto and the second planar side of
the third panel located adjacent the rear edge of the left-hand
wing desktop of the second desk assembly extending parallel
thereto.
20. A plurality of desk assemblies as claimed in claim 1 in
combination with a plurality of vertically disposed, planar screen
panels which extend to a height above the table surface, each panel
having a first end and a second end, and a first planar side and a
second planar side, the panels including a first panel, a second
panel and a third panel, the first end of each of the first, second
and third panels joined together such that the panels extend
radially from the hub to their second ends forming an angle between
the first panel and the second panel of between 90 and 180 degrees,
forming an angle between the second panel and the third panel of
between 90 and 180 degrees and forming an angle between the third
panel and the first panel of between 90 and 180 degrees, a first of
the desk assemblies disposed between the first panel and the second
panel with the first planar side of first panel located adjacent
the rear edge of the right-hand wing desktop of the first desk
assembly extending parallel thereto and the second planar side of
the second panel located adjacent the rear edge of the left-hand
wing desktop of the first desk assembly extending parallel thereto,
a second of the desk assemblies disposed between the second panel
and the third panel with the first planar side of second panel
located adjacent the rear edge of the right-hand wing desktop of
the second desk assembly extending parallel thereto and the second
planar side of the third panel located adjacent the rear edge of
the left-hand wing desktop of the second desk assembly extending
parallel thereto, a third of the desk assemblies disposed between
the third panel and the first panel with the first planar side of
third panel located adjacent the rear edge of the right-hand wing
desktop of the third desk assembly extending parallel thereto and
the second planar side of the first panel located adjacent the rear
edge of the left-hand wing desktop of the third desk assembly
extending parallel thereto.
Description
SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a corner table and, more
particularly, to a table adapted to be used in a corner
configuration with two wing tables on either side.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Corner tables are known in which the corner table is adapted
to be used in a corner configuration having particular angles.
Thus, a known corner table is provided with wing tables extending
from each side and are provided to match a particular angled
corner. Typical configurations are thus customized for a 90.degree.
angle corner or a 120.degree. angle corner.
[0003] A disadvantage of previously known corner tables with wing
tables is that they are not adapted such that the same corner table
and wing tables may be used in corners of different angles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] To at least partially overcome these disadvantages of
previously known tables, the present invention provides a corner
table with two wing tables which is adapted to form a symmetrical
arrangement with the wing tables disposed at different angles. The
novel table assembly in accordance with the present invention
preferably is used in combination with walls disposed at angles
which may vary from each other and with the corner table and its
wing tables to be complementarily received in whatever angle may be
formed by the walls.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a
construction for a corner table including two wing tables, one on
either side thereof.
[0006] Another object is to provide an improved corner table with
two wing tables adapted to be used at a junction of walls which are
disposed at varying angles to each other.
[0007] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a
desk assembly comprising:
[0008] a center desktop and two extension wing desktops,
[0009] the center desktop supported on a suitable leg assembly and
defining a center desk top surface,
[0010] the peripheral shape of the center desktop is a segment of a
circle bounded by a convex edge comprising an arc of a first
constant radius and by a chord edge comprising a chord of the
circle,
[0011] the convex edge having a first end point and a second end
point, the arc extending about a center point of the circle
centered on the center desktop through an included angle of at
least 210 degrees from the first end point to the second point,
[0012] the chord edge extending from the first end point to the
second end point,
[0013] the two extension wing desktops comprising a right-hand wing
desktop and a left-hand wing desktop each having a wing desktop
surface,
[0014] the two extension wing desktops connectable to the center
desktop with the wing desktop surfaces forming a continuing surface
with the center desktop surface,
[0015] the peripheral shape of each wing desktop includes a
straight rear edge adjacent a concave end edge formed as a concave
arc of constant radius equal to the first radius,
[0016] each concave end edge adapted to mate with the convex edge
of the center desktop such that, with the concave end edge of the
right-hand wing desktop on the convex edge on the right-hand side
of the cord edge and the concave end edge of the left-hand wing
desktop wing top on the convex edge on the left-hand side of the
cord edge, the right and left-hand wing desktops are attachable to
the center desktop in a plurality of different angular positions
relative to the center point and therefore relative to each
other,
[0017] the different angular positions including:
[0018] a straight position in which the rear edge of the right-hand
wing desktop and the rear edge of the left-hand wing desktop lie in
a straight line, and
[0019] a right-angled position in which the rear edge of the
right-hand wing desktop and rear edge of the left-hand wing desktop
are normal to each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following description taken together with
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view of a corner table or
desk assembly in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the table in FIG. 1, however,
arranged in a 90.degree. configuration;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a top view of the table shown in FIG. 1 in a right
angled configuration;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a top view of the table shown in FIG. 1 in a
120.degree. configuration;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a top view of the table shown in FIG. 1 in a
180.degree. configuration;
[0026] FIG. 6 is an exploded pictorial view similar to that of FIG.
1, however, showing a table assembly in accordance with a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a top view showing a plurality of tables of FIG. 1
illustrated in a right angled configuration in conjunction with a
plurality of wall partitions disposed at 90.degree.
orientations;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a top view showing a plurality of tables of FIG. 1
illustrated in a right angled configuration in conjunction with a
plurality of wall partitions disposed at 120.degree.
orientations;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a top view showing a plurality of tables of FIG. 1
illustrated in a right angled configuration in conjunction with a
plurality of wall partitions disposed at 120.degree.
orientations;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a pictorial view of a table assembly in
accordance with a third embodiment in conjunction with a
workstation formed from a plurality of wall partitions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] Reference is made first to FIGS. 1 and 2 showing a desk
assembly 10 in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of
this invention. The desk assembly 10 includes a center desk 12 and
two wing desks, left wing desk 11 and right wing desk 13.
[0032] The center desk 12 has a center desktop 22 which is
supported on a suitable leg assembly comprising two L-shaped legs
16 secured to the underside of the center desktop 14 as best seen
in FIG. 2. Also secured to the under surface of the center desktop
are two support brackets 20 and 24 which provide a support ledge
extending laterally from the center desktop 14 on each side thereof
which brackets are adapted to receive and support thereon a concave
end edge 42 of each of the left and right wing desks. As seen in
FIG. 1, the distal ends of the wing desks 11 and 13 are supported
spaced from the center desk on respective L-shaped legs 18.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows the desk assembly 10 of FIG. 1 from a bottom
view in an assembled condition oriented in a 90.degree. position.
FIG. 3 shows the desk of FIG. 2 in top view.
[0034] The peripheral shape of the center desktop 72 is a segment
of a circle about center point 30 as bounded by a convex edge 32
and a cord edge 34. The convex edge 32 comprises an arc of a
constant radius from the center 30. The convex edge 32 extends from
a first end point 36 to a second end point 38. The cord edge 34
comprises a cord of the circle and extends from the first end point
36 to the second end point 38 preferably as a substantially
straight line.
[0035] The right-hand wing desk 13 has a right-hand wing desktop 23
and the left-hand wing desk has a left-hand wing desktop 21. The
peripheral shape of each wing desktop includes a straight rear edge
40 adjacent a concave end edge 42. The concave end edge 42 is
formed as a concave arc of a constant radius equal to the radius
which forms the segment of the circle comprising convex edge 32.
Each concave end edge 42 is adapted to mate with the convex edge 32
of the center desktop 22 such that with the concave end edge 42 of
the right-hand wing desktop 23 on the convex edge of the right-hand
side of the cord edge 34 and the concave end edge 42 of the
left-hand wing desktop 21 on the convex edge 32 of the left-hand
side of the cord edge 34, the right and left-hand wing desktops are
attachable to the center desktop 22 in a plurality of different
angular positions relative to the center point 30 and, therefore,
relative to each other. Different angular orientations illustrated
include: as shown in FIG. 3, a right-angled position in which the
rear edge 40 of the right-hand wing desk 13 and the rear edge 40 of
the left-hand wing desk are normal to each other as seen in FIGS. 2
and 3; and, a straight position in which the rear edge 40 of the
right-hand wing desk 13 and the rear edge 40 of the left-hand wing
desk 11 lie in a straight line as seen in FIG. 5.
[0036] The different angular positions which the wing desks may
assume relative to the center desktop include intermediate angled
positions between the right angled position of FIG. 3 and the
straight position of FIG. 5. The intermediate angled positions
include a 120.degree. position as shown in FIG. 4 in which the rear
edge 40 of the right-hand wing desk 13 and the rear edge 40 of the
left-hand wing desk 11 are disposed to form an angle of 180.degree.
between them.
[0037] The center desktop 22 has a center desktop surface and each
of the left and right wing desktops have their own wing desktop
surface. The two wing desktops 21 and 23 are connectable to the
center desktop 22 such that the wing desktop surfaces form a
continuing surface with the center desktop surface.
[0038] As is apparent particularly from FIGS. 3 to 5, in the
preferred embodiment, the left-hand wing desktop 21 and the
right-hand wing desktop 23 are mirror images of each other.
[0039] Each wing desktop has the straight rear edge 40 and a
concave end edge 42. The peripheral shape of each wing desktop is
elongate extending away from the concave end edge 42 to a distal
end 46 having a distal end edge 48 opposite to the concave end edge
42. The peripheral shape of each wing desktop includes a front edge
50 opposite to the rear edge 40. Each of the concave end edge 42
and the distal end edge 48 span between the rear edge 40 and the
front edge 50. In the preferred embodiment shown, the front edge 50
is straight and parallel to the rear edge 40 and the distal end
edge 52 is normal to the rear edge 40.
[0040] In the preferred embodiment shown, the convex edge 32 of the
center desktop 22 extends through an included angle A. In the
preferred embodiment, the included angle is about 290.degree., the
radius from the center 30 to the convex edge 32 is indicated as R.
The width W of each wing desktop from the rear edge 40 to the front
edge 50 is about 90% R. The length of the cord edge 34 from first
end point 36 to second end point 38 is approximately equal to the
width W of the wing desktops.
[0041] Reference is made to FIG. 6 which shows a second embodiment
of a desk assembly which is substantially identical to the desk
assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1 and differs merely in the fact that
each of the two wing tables 11 and 13 have a suitable leg assembly
such that they are independently supported as seen on two L-shaped
legs 18 and may be freely movable upon a floor to assume desired
angular orientations about the center desktop 12. In FIG. 6, the
wing desks are shown in an exploded view spaced from the center
desk, however, it is to be appreciated that in use, the desks are
to be arranged as to assume positions in angular orientations as
shown, for example, in FIGS. 3 to 5.
[0042] Reference is now made to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 which illustrate
the desk assembly 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 as used in
combination with a plurality of vertically disposed walls formed
from planar screen panels 70. Such planar screen panels 70 are well
known as, for example, disclosed in various U.S. patents such as
U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,275 to Edwards, issued Sep. 11, 2001 and in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,784,843 to Greer et al, issued Jul. 28, 1998 and
U.S. Pat. No. 6,134,844 to Cornell et al, issued Oct. 24, 2000.
[0043] Reference is again made to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 which illustrate
a pluarality of vertically disposed planar screen panels 70 forming
walls to define workspaces with a desk assembly 10 in accordance
with the present invention provided in various of the corners
provided between different screen panels 70.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 7, the various panels 70 are disposed at
90.degree. to each other. That is, as between a first panel 70a and
a second panel 70b, an included angle is provided of 90.degree.. A
desk assembly in accordance with the present invention is located
in the included angle between the first and second panels with the
right-hand panel 70c located adjacent the rear edge of the
right-hand wing desk 13 extending parallel thereto and the
left-hand panel 70b located adjacent the rear edge of the left-hand
wing desk extending parallel thereto.
[0045] Reference is made to FIG. 8 which shows a plurality of
panels 70 each disposed so as to form an included angle between
each of 120.degree.. Three desk assemblies 10 in accordance with
the present invention are shown being provided in the corners
between each two adjacent panels in each case with the straight
rear edges of the left and right wing desks being disposed adjacent
and parallel to their respective panels.
[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates a condition in which the panels 70 are
disposed in a zigzag manner with each adjacent panel 70 forming an
included angle of about 120.degree. with its adjacent panel. A desk
assembly 10 in accordance with the present invention is provided in
the corners formed between adjacent panels which corners form an
included angle of about 120.degree..
[0047] While each of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate configurations for
the panels which adopt the same included angle throughout in each
configuration, this is not necessary and each of the panel
structures shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 could be joined to the other.
It is also not necessary that merely included angles of 90.degree.,
120.degree. or 180.degree. be utilized. In accordance with the
present invention, the desk assembly is able to accommodate any
included angles between panels of between 90.degree. and
180.degree.. This is advantageous when customizing the relative
location of the panels in the desk assemblies and is to be
appreciated that the desk assembly in accordance with the present
invention is particularly adapted for use with free-standing
movable planar screen panels which can be coupled at their ends to
each other in a manner that the panels can assume any angle between
90.degree. and 180.degree.. Of course, insofar as the walls are to
be built permanently, then the walls may be built permanently to
have any included angle formed therebetween.
[0048] Reference is made to FIG. 10 which illustrates a workplace
wall system substantially the same as that disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,286,275 to Edwards, issued Sep. 11, 2001, however, modified
so as to show a desk assembly 10 in accordance with a third
embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 10, a
workspace management system 68 is disclosed which comprises a first
straight wall 72 and a second straight wall 74. Wall 74 is fixedly
connected at its end to wall 72. The walls may be constructed in
many known manners. The walls could be of a permanent construction.
Preferably, the walls are constructed from prefabricated modular
wall partitions such as those taught in any of U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,535,577; 4,685,255; 5,209,035; 5,277,005; 5,394,658 and
5,638,650. The walls are formed from individual partitions
indicated as 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d and 74a, 74b, with each partition
representing a rigid rectangular frame comprising vertical frame
members and horizontal frame members to which covers are secured,
preferably, for easy removal to access vertical and horizontal
raceways underneath the covers in the interior of each
partition.
[0049] The individual partitions may have different heights as
illustrated. Of course, the walls could be a permanent construction
in which case they could have a height which extends fully to the
ceiling. For ease of illustration, merely one workstation is shown
in FIG. 10 in which a desk assembly 10 in accordance with the
present invention is oriented in a right-angled configuration with
the center desk 12 disposed in the corner formed by partitions 74b
and 72b with the wing tables extending therefrom. As seen, the
straight rear edge 40 of the left wing desktop 11 is disposed to
extend along and parallel to the wall 74. The straight rear edge 40
of the right wing desktop 13 is disposed adjacent and parallel to
the wall 72.
[0050] FIG. 10 illustrates the distal end of the wing desktops 11
and 13 being supported on the partition via brackets indicated as
78 secured to the partitions. Thus, in a known manner, each of the
wing desk 11 and 13 may be supported from the walls 72 and 74.
Similarly, while not shown, the center desktop 12 may be supported
from the walls, however, it is generally preferred that the center
desktop be independently supported on a suitable leg assembly.
[0051] The walls 72 and 74 bordering on the desk assembly are shown
as extending to a height above the height of the desk surfaces as
is preferred.
[0052] Walls to be used in accordance with the desk assembly 10 of
the present invention may comprise vertically disposed planar
screen panels such as those illustrated in FIG. 10 and preferably
in which the planar screen panels are connected at their ends as to
other panels permitting the panels to assume relative to each other
virtually any angular configuration although preferred angles are
angles between 90.degree. and 180.degree.. Various connecting
assemblies are well known to connect the ends of different panels
such that the panels may be adjusted to have an included angle
between the panels of being any angle between 90.degree. and
180.degree..
[0053] The preferred center desktop 22 has been described as having
a cord edge 34 which extends over an included angle of about
70.degree. thus with the convex edge 32 extending through an
included of angle of about 290.degree.. It is preferred that the
convex edge 34 extend through an included angle of at least
210.degree.. In the preferred embodiments, when assembled, the
straight rear edge 40 of each wing desk is disposed to extend
substantially tangential to the convex edge 32 of the center desk
12. Therefore, in order to accommodate, for example, a 90.degree.
orientation as illustrated in FIG. 2, the width W of a wing desktop
will, to some measure, determine the length of the cord edge 34 if
in the 90.degree. configuration as illustrated in FIG. 2, the front
edge 50 of each wing desk is not to extend forwardly beyond the
cord edge 34. Preferably, the cord edge 34 has a length of at least
20 inches which is the width of a typical computer keyboard.
[0054] The included angle A of the convex edge 32 will be a
function of the width W of the wing tables and the radius R of the
center tables.
[0055] The preferred embodiment shows the cord edge 34 as
comprising a straight line. It is to be appreciated that this is
not necessary and what is referred to as the cord edge 34 need not
be straight but may be slightly concave or slightly convex as
illustrated, for example, in dotted lines 82 and 84 in FIG. 2
showing a convex orientation 92, a concave orientation 94 and, as
well, a convex orientation 96 preferably with the radius of these
edges 94 and 96 being of a radius which is substantially greater
than the radius R of the circle desktop.
[0056] It is preferred that each of the wing tables have the same
width W, however, it is to be appreciated that it is not necessary.
It is preferred that the rear edge 40 be straight. The front edge
50 and the distal end edge 48 need not be straight. Alternate
configurations for these edges are shown in dotted lines as 96, 97
and 98 in FIG. 2. Of course, each of the wing tables may have a
different length L.
[0057] While the invention has been described with reference to
preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. For a
definition of the invention, reference is made to the appended
claims.
* * * * *