U.S. patent application number 10/710102 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-22 for wiring and accessory management furniture.
Invention is credited to Bettinger, David S.
Application Number | 20050279257 10/710102 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35479238 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050279257 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bettinger, David S |
December 22, 2005 |
Wiring and Accessory Management Furniture
Abstract
A dual use article of furniture with horizontally supported
planar surfaces that separate, slide, and pivot to provide
adjustable passage for electrical wiring communication,
concealment, and management, and to provide access to electrical
and electronic components, and accessories internally stored and
supported beneath the planar surface and concealed by a relatively
movable assembly that is connected to, supported by, and integral
with the article of furniture structure.
Inventors: |
Bettinger, David S; (Grosse
Ile, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVID S. BETTINGER
8030 COVENTRY
GROSSE ILE
MI
48138
US
|
Family ID: |
35479238 |
Appl. No.: |
10/710102 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 21/0314 20130101;
A47B 21/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/050.02 |
International
Class: |
A47B 037/00; A47B
077/00; A47B 087/00 |
Claims
1. An article of furniture comprising: a top surface comprising; a
top piece adjacent to and in non-permanent contact with, at least
one top extension with an inward edge and an outward edge, said at
least one top extension pivotally disposed for bi-directional
rotation, and said at least one top extension further adjustably
disposed for bi-directional slidable movement orthogonal to the
axis of pivot, wherein said top surface is adjacent to and
supported by, at least two members, at least one structural element
disposed below said top surface to provide for structural rigidity
and support, whereby said at least one pivotally disposed and
bi-directional adjustably and slidably disposed top extension is
selected for gap creation between said top piece and said at least
one top extension for electrical cord and accessory cable passage
and accommodation and further for access beneath said top
surface.
2. The article of furniture according to claim 1 wherein said
non-permanent contact comprises a compatible and common contour for
generally the extant of said top piece.
3. The article of furniture according to claim 1 wherein the axis
of pivot is outward of said top surface.
4. The article of furniture according to claim 1 wherein the volume
of unobstructed space bounded by said at least two members and said
top surface define at least partially a knee space as a measure of
individual comfort during utilization of said article of
furniture.
5. The article of furniture according to claim 1 wherein the inward
edge of said top extension is adjacent to and in contact with
further support means to provide for further structural support of
said top extension.
6. The article of furniture according to claim 1 wherein said at
least one structural element comprises a shelf disposed below said
top surface, said at least one structural element shelf adjacent to
and connected to said at least one member, said at least one
structural element shelf providing for accessory accommodation and
structural rigidity and support.
7. The article of furniture according to claim 1 wherein said at
least one structural element comprises a generally vertical fascia
panel adjacent to and connected to and further disposed below said
top extension outward of said top surface.
8. The article of furniture according to claim 2 wherein said top
surface is attached to and generally level with at least one
resilient strip, said at least one resilient strip deformed at a
multiplicity of electrical cord pass-through points and selected to
provide gap closure and non-permanent contact maintenance.
9. The article of furniture according to claim 7 wherein said at
least one top extension is connected to said at least one
structural element fascia by at least one adjustable hinge, said at
least one adjustable hinge disposed for orientation variability of
said at least one top extension and said at least one structural
element fascia to provide constrained bi-directional linear
guidance of said at least one top extension and said at least one
structural element fascia orthogonal to the axis of said hinge.
10. An article of furniture comprising: a top surface comprising; a
top piece adjacent to and in non-permanent contact with, at least
one top extension with an inward edge and an outward edge, said at
least one top extension adjustably disposed for bi-directional
slideable movement, wherein said top surface is adjacent to and
supported by, at least two members, at least one structural element
comprising a shelf, with an inward edge and an outward edge,
disposed below said top surface, said at least one structural
element shelf adjacent to and connected to said at least one
member, said at least one structural element shelf providing for
accessory accommodation and structural rigidity and support, at
least one structural element comprising a generally vertical fascia
panel adjacent to and connected to and further disposed below said
at least one top extension outward of said top surface, further
said at least one structural element fascia is connected to said
outward edge of said at least one structural element shelf by at
least one hinge pivotally disposed for bi-directional rotation of
said at least one structural element fascia and said at least one
top extension, further said at least one top extension
bi-directional slideable movement is disposed orthogonal to the
axis of pivot, whereby said at least one bi-directional adjustably
and slideably disposed top extension is selected for gap creation
between said top piece and said at least one top extension for
electrical cord and accessory cable passage and accommodation,
whereby said at least one structural element fascia and said at
least one top extension bi-directional rotation is selected for
access beneath said top surface.
11. The article of furniture according to claim 10 wherein
bi-directional rotation of said at least one structural element
fascia and said at least one top extension is adjustable and
limited.
12. The article of furniture according claim 10 wherein said at
least one structural element fascia is connected to at least one
top extension by at least one tracked bracket.
13. An article of furniture comprising: a top surface comprising; a
top piece with an inward edge and an outward edge, said top piece
adjustably disposed for bi-directional slideable movement and
adjacent to and in non-permanent contact with, at least one top
extension pivotally disposed for bi-directional rotation, further
said top piece disposed for bi-directional slideable movement
orthogonal to the axis of pivot, wherein said top surface is
adjacent to and supported by, at least two members, at least one
structural element disposed below said top surface to provide for
structural rigidity and support, whereby said bi-directional
adjustably and slideably disposed top piece is selected for gap
creation between said top piece and said at least one top extension
for electrical cord and accessory cable passage and accommodation,
whereby said at least one pivotally disposed top extension is
selected for access beneath said top surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to articles of furniture with
horizontally supported planar surfaces that separate, slide, and
pivot to provide adjustable passage for electrical wiring
communication, its concealment, and its management, and to provide
access for electrical and electronic components, and for
accessories internally supported beneath the planar surface and
concealed by a relatively movable assembly that is connected to,
supported by, and integral with the article of furniture structure.
More particularly this invention relates to dual use articles of
furniture whose principal function is readily converted to an
article of furniture with the top surface available for manual
tasks.
[0003] Embodiments of wiring and accessory management furniture are
represented by credenzas, computer workstations, audio equipment
cabinets, communication kiosks, and point-of-sale equipment
cabinets.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] With the proliferation of electronic and computer equipment,
equipment furniture and cabinetry has become a tangle of wiring
requiring organization and concealment. Additionally, the equipment
and accessories themselves require organization, provision of
space, and concealment. Thus the prior art of furniture and
cabinetry lacks the ease and scale of the combination of wiring
passage with internal access to secondary equipment storage.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] In order to overcome the above shortcomings within the prior
art the present disclosure briefly stated is a wire and accessory
accessibility structure and management system for use as a
structural component of an article of furniture for at least one
individual user having a top surface possessing a surface portion
that slides to provide at least one adjustable wiring passage gap
for generally the extent of the top, and that slideable surface
portion also being pivotable to provide at least one opening for
internal access with one structural distinction being that the
sliding adjustment direction is orthogonal and at generally right
angles to an axis of pivot that is disposed generally peripheral to
the top surface. A further structural distinction being that means
are provided for linearly limiting the sliding movement. A still
further structural distinction being that structural support is
provided for that slideable and pivotable surface portion while
providing the necessary bracing rigidity to the parent structure
comprising a top surface and supporting members or legs. Thus, the
present disclosure provides wiring and accessory management that is
integral with the structure of the article of furniture rather than
simply providing holes, ports, and raceways that are appendages of
the article.
[0007] The present disclosure relates to an article of furniture
comprising a top surface comprising; a top piece adjacent to and in
non-permanent contact with, at least one top extension with an
inward edge and an outward edge, at least one top extension
pivotally disposed for bi-directional rotation, and at least one
top extension further adjustably disposed for bi-directional
slidable movement orthogonal to the axis of pivot, wherein the top
surface is adjacent to and supported by, at least two members, at
least one structural element disposed below the top surface to
provide for structural rigidity and support, whereby at least one
pivotally disposed and bi-directional adjustably and slidably
disposed top extension is selected for gap creation between the top
piece and at least one top extension for electrical cord and
accessory cable passage and accommodation and further for access
beneath the top surface.
[0008] A portion of the top surface of the article of furniture
comprises a generally horizontal work surface. In the present
disclosure a generally horizontal work surface of an article of
furniture is defined as varying less than 10 degrees from level
measured front to back. For the purposes of the present disclosure
the work surface is the portion of the top surface of the furniture
that is likely to be in immediate and direct contact with the hands
and lower arms of a user during normal activities such as reading,
writing, or using a computer input device. This working surface is
defined as a minimum of at least eighteen inches wide and fourteen
inches deep.
[0009] For the purposes of the present disclosure the dimensions of
the top surface of an individual article of furniture such as a
desk is defined as being less that eight feet in length and less
that five feet deep exclusive of extensions or returns. The primary
material of an article of furniture may be wood, metal, glass, or
composites.
[0010] The present disclosure relates to an article of furniture
wherein the non-permanent contact comprises a compatible and common
contour for generally the extant of the top piece. The top surface
comprises a top piece adjacent to and in non-permanent contact with
at least one top extension. Thus the article of furniture has a
seam or contact junction in the top surface. This seam or contact
junction can be straight, curved, or made up of a combination of
multiple straight or curve lines when viewed in plan. An example of
straight seam is shown in FIG. 1, and an example of curved seam is
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The vertical component of the seam can also
vary from a butt joint as shown for example in FIG. 3 to an
interlocking seam as shown for example in FIG. 15.
[0011] The top extension is pivotally disposed for bi-directional
rotation to provide access beneath the top surface. A pivoting
mechanism disposes the top extension for this bi-directional
rotation. An example of a pivoting mechanism is a hinge. It will be
understood by one skilled in the art that a multitude of pivoting
means can be employed comprising hinges, pins, and flexible
membranes. For the purposes of the present disclosure a hinge is
defined as a device that permits and enables pivotable movement
about a pivot point or axis during operation. A hinge comprises a
hinged and swingable member, a fixed member, and a hinge pin. The
axis of a hinge is the pivot point about which a hinged member
rotates during operation of the hinge.
[0012] For the purposes of the present disclosure a hinged member
is any device or portion thereof (e.g., top extension, closure,
side, fascia, etc.) which is adapted to be swingably connected by a
hinge to a fixed member, support, or sill. The hinge pin is any
elongated rodlike element or pintle about which a hinged member
swings. The hinge leaf is a platelike portion by which the hinge is
adapted to be secured to a hinged member. For the purposes of this
invention an adjustable hinge is a hinge that includes slideable
components that provide for changing relative orientation of the
hinged member with regard to the fixed member and perpendicular to
the hinge axis. Any pivoting mechanism that provides for this
bi-directional rotation of the top extension is applicable in the
present disclosure.
[0013] The present disclosure relates to an article of furniture
wherein the axis of pivot is outward of the top surface. The
current invention teaches that the center of pivot is always
outward of the top surface. To a seated user of the article of
furniture the center of pivot may be right, left, or forward of the
user. The center of pivot is generally in a plane that is proximate
to either the inside or the outside faces of the fascia. It will be
understood by one skilled in the art that pivoting mechanisms may
be utilized to vary this center of pivot within the general area at
any level below the top surface of the desk. The current invention
teaches that when an embodiment incorporates a hinge for the pivot
mechanism, the hinge is always positioned to provide both pivoting
movement and structural support to the moveable components of the
current invention. For example in FIG. 2 the hinge is shown on the
exterior face of the fascia with a pivot point proximate to that
outside face, and the hinge with its fixed leaf attached to the
fascia supports the top extension.
[0014] The top extension is further adjustably disposed for
bi-directional slideable movement orthogonal to the axis of pivot
selected for gap creation between the top piece and the top
extension for electrical cord and wire passage and accommodation.
The non-permanent contact comprises a generally compatible and
common contour for generally the extant of the top piece. The axis
of pivot is outward of the top surface. For the purposes of the
present disclosure, extant of the top piece means either generally
the length or generally the width of the top piece.
[0015] The dimensional limits on the slideability and therefore the
width of the gap and slot that the slideability generates are
dependent upon the thickest diameter of wire that will be passed
through the gap but in no case will be less than one eighth inch.
The gap is opened in a uniform top surface by the sliding of the
top piece in relation to the top extension which are structural
components of the desk top. This bi-directionally adjustable motion
is enabled, managed, and controlled by the incorporation of a
sliding mechanism. Many mechanisms can fulfill this sliding
function but they all comprise at least two components, a fixed
track and a moveable car that follows the track. FIGS. 4 and 13
show two types of track fixtures. FIGS. 3,7,8,9,11,12,14,15 show
various combinations of tracks with compatible moveable cars which
may be pins, screws, or runners.
[0016] The current disclosure incorporates in various embodiments
fixtures such as brackets or hinges that incorporate tracks for
pins or screw fasteners that are loose enough to allow
bi-directional movement yet maintain a firm sliding connection.
Linear movement along the track is preferred to avoid jamming the
pins in the track or jamming the component to which the fixture is
attached against fixed components. Thus for the purposes of this
invention a tracked fixture will generate acceptable linear
movement if two pins or screws are spaced more than eight times the
pin or screw diameter measured along a line parallel to the
direction of desired bi-directional movement. For example in FIG. 3
the fastener pin or screw 21 has a diameter that is smaller than
the slot 23 in which it slides. If there were no lateral constraint
this pin would allow skewed motion as the top extension is moved
back and forth as indicated by arrow 28. However further lateral
constrain is provided by slot 24 with fastener pin or screw 22. The
two moveable screws are shown to be more than eight times their
diameters apart providing the desired non-binding linear movement.
This teaching is further shown in detail of hinges and fixtures in
FIGS. 4 and 13.
[0017] The top surface is adjacent to and supported by at least two
members. For the purposes of the present disclosure the members may
be two large, nearly immovable members such as pedestals, cubical
dividers, or they may have be four or more legs communicating with
the floor for support.
[0018] At least one structural element is disposed below the top
surface to provide for structural rigidity and support. A brace,
truss, shelf, and fascia are applicable as structural elements. A
structural element is any element below the top surface that
provides structural support and rigidity directly and/or indirectly
to the overall structure and/or at least one member and/or at least
one structural and/or non-structural element. A structural element
is adjacent to and connected to directly and/or indirectly at least
one structural and/or non-structural element to provide the
aforementioned structural support and rigidity. Thus at least one
structural element is utilized to produce the rigid structure
required for an article of furniture in daily use.
[0019] At least one pivotally disposed and bi-directional
adjustably and slideably disposed top extension is selected for gap
creation between the top piece and at least one top extension for
electrical cord passage and accommodation and for access beneath
the top surface. The flexibility of the top surface design allows
top extension adjustable and slideable bi-directional movement for
the variable creation of at least one gap the extent of top surface
length or at least one gap the extent of the top surface width
depending on the degree of cord management desired. This
flexibility provides for variable gap location and positioning that
can easily be eliminated when cord management is not required.
Although the provision of both motions may be combined in a single
mechanism, the bi-directional adjustable and slideable movement is
completely independent of the pivoting movement. At least one
pivotally disposed top extension enables bi-directional rotation to
enable flexibility for variable gap location and positioning,
providing for access beneath the top surface where desired.
[0020] The present disclosure relates to an article of furniture
wherein at least one structural element comprises a shelf disposed
below top surface, at least one structural element shelf adjacent
to and in contact with at least one member, at least one structural
element shelf providing for accessory accommodation and structural
rigidity and support. For the purpose of the present disclosure a
shelf is a generally horizontal surface that is substantially
longer that it is wide, and is supported either at the ends or
underneath by the basic structural members of the desk. It will be
understood by one skilled in the art that a shelf may add
structural stability to the desk either as a beam, or in diaphragm
action, or by rigid connection to intermediate structural
components that reinforce the members.
[0021] One embodiment of the present disclosure is as a free
standing desk with legs or members for individual work possessing
structural elements providing an interior shelf and space for
electronic and computer components, accessories, and wiring. A gap
and slot between the working surface of the desk and the assembly
serves to allow wiring to communicate between the desktop computer
components and the unseen accessories and operating electronic
support elements. This gap is manually adjustable in width.
Electrical power is fed to the desk from below and behind the
shelf, and then to power distribution strips and power supplies on
or adjacent to the interior shelf. Many small low voltage
transformers required for printers and speakers may be accommodated
on this shelf.
[0022] The present disclosure relates to an article of furniture
wherein at least one top extension is connected to at least one
structural element fascia by at least one adjustable hinge, at
least one adjustable hinge disposed for orientation variability of
at least one top extension and at least one structural element
fascia to provide constrained bi-directional linear guidance of at
least one top extension and at least one structural element fascia
orthogonal to the axis of the hinge. The structural element fascia
may provide support for the top extension through one piano hinge,
being a single long hinge, or through a series of hinges or pins
all having the same center of pivot. The hinge possesses adjustment
for slideably changing the relative orientation of various hinged
members so as to provide for their constrained linear guidance
bi-directionally orthogonal to the axis of the hinge.
[0023] The present disclosure relates to an article of furniture
comprising: a top surface comprising; a top piece adjacent to and
in non-permanent contact with, at least one top extension with an
inward edge and an outward edge, at least one top extension
adjustably disposed for bi-directional slideable movement, wherein
the top surface is adjacent to and supported by, at least two
members, at least one structural element comprising a shelf, with
an inward edge and an outward edge, disposed below the top surface,
at least one structural element shelf adjacent to and connected to
at least one member, at least one structural element shelf
providing for accessory accommodation and structural rigidity and
support, at least one structural element comprising a generally
vertical fascia panel adjacent to and connected to and further
disposed below at least one top extension outward of the top
surface, further at least one structural element fascia is
connected to the outward edge of at least one structural element
shelf by at least one hinge pivotally disposed for bi-directional
rotation of at least one structural element fascia and at least one
top extension, further at least one top extension bi-directional
slideable movement is disposed orthogonal to the axis of pivot,
whereby at least one bi-directional adjustably and slidably
disposed top extension is selected for gap creation between the top
piece and at least one top extension for electrical cord and
accessory cable passage and accommodation, whereby at least one
structural element fascia and at least one top extension
bi-directional rotation is selected for access beneath the top
surface.
[0024] One embodiment of the present disclosure is as a free
standing desk with legs or members for individual work possessing
structural elements providing an interior shelf and space for
electronic and computer components, accessories, and wiring. The
shelf is accessible by releasing a catch or dead bolt and folding
outward an assembly independent of the working surface consisting
of an extension of the desktop surface fixed to a portion of the
side fascia of the desk. A gap and slot between the working surface
of the desk and the assembly serves to allow wiring to communicate
between the desktop computer components and the unseen accessories
and operating electronic support elements. This gap is manually
adjustable in width. Electrical power is fed to the desk from below
and behind the shelf, and then to power distribution strips and
power supplies on or adjacent to the interior shelf. Many small low
voltage transformers required for printers and speakers may be
accommodated on this shelf. The bi-directional slideable movement
of the top extension is independent of the fascia and top extension
bi-directional rotation.
[0025] The article of furniture may have a modesty screen and
drawers, one or more of which may be pulled out to reveal an
accessory.
[0026] The present disclosure relates to an article of furniture
wherein bi-directional rotation of at least one structural element
fascia and at least one top extension is adjustable and
limited.
[0027] The front edges of desks are often used instead of chairs.
Thus any desk with a pivoting edges should also incorporate means
to prevent unwanted release of structural support. Thus the
pivoting mechanism includes means to provide a limit of downward
rotational movement. An example of means for support is a dead bolt
such as shown in FIG. 11 in the locked position and in FIG. 12 in
the open and unlocked position. It will be understood by one
skilled in the art that various other mechanisms are equally useful
in preventing unwanted rotation of the top extension as well as
limiting the degree to which that rotation takes place on the
downward swing. An example of such a swing limited means would be a
short chain.
[0028] The present disclosure relates to an article of furniture
wherein at least one structural element fascia is connected to at
least one top extension by at least one tracked bracket. Examples
of tracked brackets and fixtures are shown in FIGS. 4 and 13.
[0029] The present disclosure relates to an article of furniture
comprising: a top surface comprising; a top piece with an inward
edge and an outward edge, the top piece adjustably disposed for
bi-directional slideable movement and adjacent to and in
non-permanent contact with, at least one top extension pivotally
disposed for bi-directional rotation, further the top piece
disposed for bi-directional slideable movement rthogonal to the
axis of pivot, wherein the top surface is adjacent to and supported
by, at least two members, at least one structural element disposed
below the top surface to provide for structural rigidity and
support, whereby the bi-directional adjustably and slidably
disposed top piece is selected for gap creation between the top
piece and at least one top extension for electrical wire, cord, and
accessory cable passage and accommodation, whereby at least one
pivotally disposed top extension is selected for access beneath the
top surface.
[0030] The management component of the wiring and accessory
management is resident within the current invention because of the
provisions for segregation, scale of accommodation, scale of
access, flexibility of arrangement, and preservation of
aesthetics.
[0031] The provision for segregation is manifest because the
present disclosure provides passage of wiring to equipment while at
the same time providing access and support that is topologically
relational to the segregation between the primary man-equipment
interface components and the secondary non-interface, passive,
supportive equipment components. Examples of man-equipment
interface components are computer keyboards, monitors, mice,
removable disk drives, and microphones. Non-computer examples of
such interfaces are telephones, clocks, audio dials, and electrical
switches. Examples of supportive but generally inert, passive
equipment are power strips, un-interruptible power supplies,
speakers, fixed disk drives, routers, hubs, cable modems,
transformers, amplifiers, and computers. Thus the present
disclosure provides means for segregation of man-equipment
interface imperative electronic components from non-interface
imperative electronic components.
[0032] The scale of accommodation is manifest due to providing
wiring passage through a gap that is generally the full width or
length or extant of the top surface of the article of furniture.
For example wiring for interface devices need not be either draped
over the edge of a desk or bundled into ports or holes of limited
size and location. The length of the wiring passage gap at
generally the extant of the top surface provides the ability to
move and drag a wiring passage from one spot on the desktop to
another during work activities. Thus the present disclosure
provides means for a multitude of top surface wiring passage points
without modification to the desk structure. For the purposes of
this invention a multitude is more than 25.
[0033] The scale of access is manifest due to providing access
through the top surface that is generally the extant of the top
surface in length and more than 10% and less that 50% of the
opposing extant of the top surface in width. Thus between 10% and
50% of the top surface can pivot to provide easy internal access to
both accessories and wiring storage. Thus the present disclosure
provides means for access to a substantial portion of the internal
volume of the article of furniture.
[0034] The flexibility of arrangement is manifest because of the
provision for arranging the desktop for preferred utility. For
example depending upon seating posture and ergonomic habits of the
individual user the wiring passage for an input device may be
situated nearly anywhere on the desktop outside of the immediate
work area based on personal preference. Thus the present disclosure
provides means for rearranging top surface wiring passage points
without modification to the desk structure or rearrangement of the
interface components on the top surface during desktop activities
of the individual user.
[0035] The preservation of aesthetics is manifest because of
concealment of wiring and accessories without the use of ports,
holes, or trapdoors.
[0036] The preservation of aesthetes is further manifest because of
the ability to restore an attractive article of furniture to its
original, uncluttered, and closed configuration when computer
access is not required and interface components are stored or
concealed. For example an article of period furniture in the style
of a Colonial Early American library table incorporating the
current disclosure and used for a computer workstation can regain
its original aesthetic integrity by having its interface components
cleared from the desktop and having the gap slid shut. In addition
management is manifest since in this closed state the library table
continues to provide concealment of components and wiring after
individual user activities have ceased. Thus, the present
disclosure provides means for conversion from the unspoiled
surfaces of an attractive article of furniture to an electronic
workstation and back again while still concealing wiring and
accessories during these conversion phases.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0037] The structural element is represented in the frame and panel
desks by the fascia, and in the period desk by the shelf. The
slideable element is represented in the frame desk by the sliding
track for the fasteners such as cap-headed screws within the hinge,
in the panel desk by the junction of the moveable surfaces between
the bolster and the top extension, and in the period desk by the
sliding track for the fasteners such as cap-headed screws within
the tracked fixture. In FIG. 14-15 the sliding element is
represented by the moveable junction of the surfaces between the
bolster and the top piece. Any mechanism or means to provide the
facile and predictable bi-directional sliding of the components and
elements of the current disclosure is applicable.
[0038] The pivot point in the frame desk is proximate to the
junction of the top extension and the fascia. The pivot point in
the panel desk is proximate to the outward point of the track
within the member. The pivot point of the period desk is proximate
to the junction of the fascia and the shelf.
[0039] FIG. 1 is general perspective of a frame desk after the
teaching of the present disclosure and prior to conversion to a
computer workstation.
[0040] FIG. 2 is general perspective of a frame desk after the
teaching of the present disclosure showing man-equipment interface
components after conversion to a computer workstation.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a section through a portion of a frame desk after
the teaching of the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tracked hinge after the
teaching of the present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portion of the top piece, top
extension, and curved slot of an article of furniture after the
teaching of this present disclosure prior to closure.
[0044] FIG. 6 is a second plan view of a portion of the top piece,
top extension, and curved slot of an article of furniture after the
teaching of this present disclosure after sliding closure of the
top extension.
[0045] FIG. 7 is a cutaway of an elevation of the corner of a panel
desk with slideable pivot pin.
[0046] FIG. 8 is the Section 1 of the elevation shown in FIG.
7.
[0047] FIG. 9 is an isometric of the corner of the desk shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0048] FIG. 10 is a perspective of a period desk after the teaching
of the present disclosure.
[0049] FIG. 11 is a section though the end of the desk in FIG. 10
in closed position.
[0050] FIG. 12 is a section through the end of the desk in FIG. 10
in open position.
[0051] FIG. 13 is a perspective of a tracked bracket as introduced
in FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0052] FIG. 14 is a section of the junction of the top piece and a
side member of a desk.
[0053] FIG. 15 is the Section 2 taken at right angles to FIG.
14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] In the following figures the same elements have been giving
the same numbers within sequential figures.
[0055] FIG. 1 shows the wiring and equipment concealment utility of
the present disclosure applied to a framed desk. Members 2 and 3
support a top surface comprised of a top piece 1 and the top
extension 4. The top piece 1 and the top extension are shown in
contact and congruent at their inner edges to form a closed gap 5.
The top piece is supported by two members 2 and 3 that are
laterally stabilized by fascia 10. The fascia 10 provides support
for top extension 4. Top extension 4 has means to adjustably slide
both toward and away from gap 5 as indicated by bi-directional
arrow 11. Top extension 4 also has means to pivot outward about an
axis that is generally parallel with its long dimension as shown by
arrow 6. This ability to pivot by the top extension 4 provides
access to various computing devices, accessories, and wiring that
are stored below the top extension 4. The fascia 10 conceals these
devices from forward view while the top extension 4 provides
concealment from view above.
[0056] FIG. 2 shows the wiring communication afforded by the
present disclosure. The top piece 1 is supported by two members 2
and 3 that are stabilized by fascia 10. A mouse 8, a keyboard 7,
and a monitor 9 are input and output devices of a computing device
concealed below the extension to the top 4 and communicating by
wiring with the input/output devices through various points along
the longitudinal slot 5. A fascia 10 conceals computing devices,
accessories, and wiring from frontal view. Top extension 4 provides
concealment from view above. Top extension 4 has means to
adjustably slide in the generally horizontal plane of the top piece
1 and top extension 4 being together the top surface while being
supported. Top extension 4 also has means for being linearly guided
from skewing diversion during sliding both toward and away from gap
5 as indicated by bi-directional arrow 11. Top extension 4 also has
means to pivot outward about an axis that is generally parallel
with its long dimension as shown by arrow 6 to provide access
beneath top extension 4 and behind fascia 10.
[0057] FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the various movable
and fixed components of the present disclosure. A top piece 15 is
separated from the extension to the top 16 by the gap between
points 25 and 26. The extension to the top 16 is both moveable in
directions as indicated by arrow 28 and pivotable as indicated by
arrows 27. When desired, the gap between points 25 and 26 can be
closed or partially closed to accommodate various wire sizes by
sliding the top extension 16 toward the top piece 15 which is
enabled by the slotted holes 23,24. The top extension 16 is
supported by the fixed fascia 17 and the two are connected for
slideable and swingable movement of the top extension 16 by hinge
18. The hinge 18 is slideablely connected to the top extension 16
by cap headed screw fasteners 21 and 22 through slotted holes 23
and 24 that form a track for bi-directional movement of the
fasteners within the track. The fixed leaf of the hinge 18 is
connected to the hinge sill and fascia 17 by fixed fasteners 19 and
20 allowing pivotable movement by the swingable restraint of hinge
18. The fascia 17 is connected to the shelf 29 by fastener 30 which
supports a supportive electronic component 31 with power supply
wire 13. Access for the power supply wiring 13 is provided through
the internal opening between the top extension 16 and the shelf 29
rearward of the shelf. It will be understood by one skilled in the
art that numerous other access openings such as ports or holes may
provide passage of wiring to supply outlets external to the desk in
addition to the interior opening rearward of the shelf 29. A
keyboard or mouse or other input-output accessory device wire 14 is
shown emanating from the computing device 31 and rising through the
gap and slot between the top 15 and the top extension 16 and thence
to the working area of the desk top 15.
[0058] The generally horizontal shelf 29 is disposed beneath the
top extension 16 and behind the fascia 17 for concealment of
supportive electronic components 31. The fascia 17 being a
structural element, is generally vertical, and is disposed beneath
the top extension 16. The connection between the top extension 16
and the fascia 17 comprises a hinge 18 possessing adjustment for
slideably changing the relative orientation of hinged members due
to slotted holes 23,24 so as to provide constrained linear guidance
bi-directionally orthogonal to the axis of the hinge as indicate by
arrow 28.
[0059] FIG. 4 details the elements of an adjustable hinge such as
is utilized in FIG. 2. The pivotable plate and two leafed member 33
possesses six slotted holes 39 for sliding connectors and
fasteners. The use of multiple slotted holes provide a linear track
for the sliding movement of the top extension 16 which prevents
skewing during adjustment. The swingable movement about the hinge
pin 38 is shown by arrows 34. The fixed member 36 has multiple
holes 40 for fixed fasteners. Hinge cylinders 37 are shown
integrally connected by weldments 35 to the moveable plate 33. It
will be understood by one skilled in the art that the hinge shown
may vary substantially as to length such as a piano hinge while
keeping the essential elements of the present disclosure of linear
slideability and fixed pivot.
[0060] FIG. 5 shows the gap and slot 45 between the top piece 41 of
a desk and the top extension 42. A flexible, resilient strip 43 is
attached to the top extension 42. A computer accessory cable 44 is
shown in the gap 45. It will be understood by one skilled in the
art that the edges bordering the gap 45 may be straight, curved,
poly-linear, or a combination.
[0061] FIG. 6 also shows the gap and slot 45 between the top
surface of a desk 41 and the extension to the top 42. A flexible,
resilient strip 43 is attached to the top extension 42. A computer
accessory cable 44 is shown in the gap 45. In this figure the slot
45 is closed so that the resilient strip 43 is in contact with the
top 41 at 47. Due to the presence of the cable 44, the resilient
strip is compressed at 46, thus providing a closure 47 to all but
the remaining curved gap 45 to prevent inadvertent loss of objects
to the space below the top surface 41, 42.
[0062] The resilient strip 43 is attached to and generally level
with the top piece 41 or the top extension 42. The strip is
deformed at the wire 44 past-through points while providing closure
to the gap 45 and maintenance of the non-permanent contact at all
other points 47.
[0063] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the present disclosure
that provides means for slideable and pivotable movement without a
hinge. A desk side member 51 is connected to and supports a top
piece 54 and possesses a support strip 53 on the inside surface of
the member 51 providing slideable support to a top extension 52.
The desk side member 51 possesses a track 59 for a pin 60 guided by
a retainer cap 55. This pin 60 is attached to and embedded in and
moves in concert with top extension 52 along track 59 when assess
is desired to shelf 58. The pin 60 is shown at position 56 along
track 59 which leaves a gap between top 54 and top extension 52.
When the pin 60 and its attachments are moved to position 57 the
gap between top 54 and top extension 52 will be closed creating a
uniform, level, and closed top surface. When the pin 60 and its
attachments are moved outward to position 50, the support strip 53
will no longer provide sliding support to the outward portion of
the top extension 52 which will swing outward and downward
providing open assess to the shelf 58 beneath the top extension 62
behind fascia 61.
[0064] FIG. 8 shows section 1 of the same embodiment of the present
disclosure as shown in FIG. 6 that provides slideable and pivotable
movement without a hinge. A desk side member 71 possesses a support
strip 75 connected by a fastener 76 providing slideable support to
a top extension 72. The desk side member 71 possesses a track 77
for a pin 74 and a retainer cap 73. This pin 74 is attached to and
embedded in and moves in concert with the top extension 72 along
track 77 and slideable surface 78 between top extension 72 and
support strip 75. Lateral guidance is provided by cap 73.
[0065] FIG. 9 shows the same embodiment of the present disclosure
as FIGS. 6 and 7 that provides slideable and pivotable movement
without a hinge. A desk side member 67 possesses a track 64 for a
pin 68 and a retainer cap 63. This pin 68 is attached to and
embedded in and moves in concert with the extension to the top 66
along track 59. The pin 68 is shown in a forward position away from
top piece 65 which also positions the top extension 66 to a point
which is no longer supported by a support strip attached to the
inside surface of member 67 will cause and enable the top extension
66 to swing outward and downward providing open assess beneath the
top extension 66.
[0066] FIG. 10 shows yet another embodiment of the present
disclosure as a writing desk 92 reminiscent of the Louis VX period
sans decoration where the top extension 86 and the fascia 87 are
slideable mounted at generally a right angle and pivot about the
axis of hinge 89. The desk has support member legs 82, sides 80,
drawer 81, a working area top piece 83 on which rests a monitor 85
and a mouse 84. Both monitor 85 and mouse 84 communicate by wiring
with computing devices and accessories concealed beneath top
extensions at 92 and 86. Top extension 92 is shown pivotally closed
and slideably open to allow the wiring for the monitor 85 to pass
through gap 91. Top extension 92 restricts access to space rearward
of the fascia 87 and beneath the top extension 92 generally
restricts access to space below the top piece. Top extension 86 and
fascia 87 have moved together as an assembly to the open position
as the assembly has pivoted about hinge 89 to provide assess to
shelf 88 which is situated below top extension 86 when in a closed
position. In the closed position top extension 86 is supported by
the fascia 87 which is in turn supported by the shelf 89. Thus the
shelf is a structural element that supports the fascia 87 of the
current invention while also being connected and fixed to sides 80
to provide structural rigidity to the structure of the article of
furniture. Also in the closed position the upper surface of the top
extension 86 is surface leveled with desk top 91 by the support of
leveler pads 90.
[0067] Two of the members 82 at least partially define a knee space
beneath the top surface 83,86,92 and between the opposite ends. At
least one hinge 89 is mounted to and between the fascia 87 and the
shelf 88 to effect pivotable movement of the fascia and the
extension away from the knee space. A brace 93 is connected to and
provides lateral support between at least two members 82.
[0068] FIG. 11 provides a sectional view that shows the internal
components and functions of the embodiment of the present
disclosure as shown in FIG. 9 where access to the desk interior is
closed. The fixed structure of the desk is the top piece 113 that
supports a leveler pad 112 that is fixed in place by fastener 114
shown as a countersunk screw. This leveler pad 112 constitutes
means for support of the long inward edge of the top extension 100.
Also part of the fixed portion of the desk is the brace 103, the
shelf 104, the side 111, and the leg member 101. The top extension
100 is connected by a tracked bracket 105 to the fascia 102 by a
fastener 116. The tracked bracket 105 has tracks that are generally
at a right angle to the facia 102. The tracks are utilized by
slideable fasteners at 107 and 106 shown as cap screws. Arrow 115
indicates the directions of slideable movement of top extension 100
in relation to fascia 116 as it opens or closes the gap and slot
between top 113 and top extension 100. A hinge 108 provides support
and a pivot axis to the fascia 102 and thence to the top extension
100. The hinge 108 is connected by fastener 110 to the fascia 116
and by fastener 109 to the shelf 104. Top extension 100 and fascia
116 swing together as an assembly about hinge 108 providing access
to shelf 104 generally beneath the closed position of top extension
100. The direction of slideable movement of top extension 100
represented by arrow 115 is orthogonal to the axis of pivot
inherent in the hinge 108. A dead bolt lock 125 that locks into
member 101 prevents unwanted swingable movement when access to the
shelf 104 is not desired. The fascia 102 and the top extension 100
are connected at a generally right angle and pivotally mounted and
depending upon the shelf 104 for the movement about a common center
of pivot proximate to the shelf 104.
[0069] FIG. 12 provides a sectional view that shows the internal
components and functions of the embodiment of the present
disclosure as shown in FIG. 9 where the desk interior is open for
access. Similar elements of FIG. 11 are given the same numbers in
this figure. Fixed structure of the desk comprises side 111, shelf
104, and the leg member 101, and the brace 103. The brace 103
provides lateral support to leg member 101 that is compromised by
the use of the fascia 102 to accomplish swingable access. The top
extension 100 is connected by a tracked bracket 105 to the fascia
102 by a fastener 116 at generally a right angle by slideable
fasteners at 107 and 106. Arrow 120 indicates the direction of
pivotable movement of top extension 100 and the supporting fascia
116 as it opens or closes providing access to shelf 104 generally
beneath the closed position of top extension 100. The arc of swing
of the tracked bracket 105 is shown by dotted line 118 and the
center of the axis of pivot is indicated by arrow 119. Restraining
dead bolt 125 has been released from bolt hole 126 in leg member
101 allowing the swingable movement traced by arc 118 and indicated
by arrow 120. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that
the extent of the swing may be limited by various chains and levers
between members 101 and the moveable assembly of the top extension
100 and the fascia 102.
[0070] The location of the center of pivot 119 of the pivotable
junction of shelf 104 and fascia 87 is proximate to the outward
edge of the shelf 104. The pivotable junction includes manual and
selective means to provide a limit of downward rotational movement
when the top extension 100 is horizontal. Since the top extension
100 is shown rotated to vertical this means to limit movement is
represented by the bolt 125 and bolt-hole 126. The connection
between the top extension 100 and the fascia 102 comprises at least
one tracked bracket 105.
[0071] FIG. 13 shows the general configuration of a tracked bracket
150 with two legs for fixed holes 152 with the downward direction
of placement of the fixed fasteners indicated by arrows 153. The
slotted holes 154 utilize slideable fasteners that are positioned
upward as indicated by arrows 155. The limits of the slideable
fasteners are indicated by limit lines 156 and 157. Ears 151 clasp
the fascia to prevent lateral movement during slideable linear
movement and that might loosen fasteners within holes 152.
[0072] FIG. 14 shows the components and arrangement of a slideable
top piece 174 that is supported by a bolster 171 fastened to the
desk side and member 170 by fastener 172. Bolster 171 has a track
176 to accept a runner 175 that is fixed to the top piece 174. A
slideable surface 173 is provided between the lower edge surface of
the top piece 174 and the upper surface of the bolster 171. Section
2 is cut vertically through the track 176.
[0073] FIG. 15 shows in Section 2 of FIG. 13 the components and
arrangement of a desk with a slideable top piece 194 that provides
wiring access while a slot between points 199 and 189 is open and a
uniform top surface when closed. The slideable top 194 is supported
by a bolster 191 at sliding surface 193 fastened to the desk side
190. Bolster 191 has a track 196 to accept a runner 195 that is
fixed to and integral with the top piece 194. The track 196 is
selected to limit the movement of the top extension 202 to
adjustments to the gap 189,199. The top extension 202 and the top
195 are shown separated by a gap indicated by lines 199 and 189
which is equivalent to the distance available for movement of the
runner 195 within the track 196 as indicated by lines at 197 and
198. The top extension 202 has a tongue 201 and the top piece has a
groove 200 to provide support and leveling during closure. This
tongue 201 and groove in the closed position when the gap 199, 189
is closed constitutes means of support for the inward edge of the
top extension 202. The present disclosure therefore providing the
options of wiring passage through an open gap 199, 189 and slot
when wiring passage is desired, adjustment for various wire sizes
by varying the sliding displacement of the top 194 toward the top
extension 202, and closure when passage is not desired.
* * * * *