U.S. patent application number 11/788817 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-21 for table.
This patent application is currently assigned to Krueger International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Timothy J. Bouche, James M. Durand, Timothy G. Hornberger, June M. Klauck, Jason Lind, Steven J. JR. Nemeth, Lon D. Seidl, Greogry R. Wallace.
Application Number | 20080042528 11/788817 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23145227 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080042528 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Durand; James M. ; et
al. |
February 21, 2008 |
Table
Abstract
A mobile furniture and accessory system for an office
environment includes storage components, table or desk components,
screen or partition components, paper management components, marker
board components, computer support furniture and the like, for use
in facilitating flexibility in manufacturing such components to
user specifications and in arranging such components according to
user requirements.
Inventors: |
Durand; James M.; (DePere,
WI) ; Bouche; Timothy J.; (Green Bay, WI) ;
Seidl; Lon D.; (Green Bay, WI) ; Klauck; June M.;
(Appleton, WI) ; Nemeth; Steven J. JR.; (South
Bend, IN) ; Hornberger; Timothy G.; (Green Bay,
WI) ; Wallace; Greogry R.; (Pembroke, CA) ;
Lind; Jason; (Avon, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ANDREW S. McCONNELL;Boyle, Fredrickson, Newholm, Stein & Gratz, S.C.
Suite 1030
250 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee
WI
53202
US
|
Assignee: |
Krueger International, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
23145227 |
Appl. No.: |
11/788817 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10479683 |
Jun 17, 2004 |
|
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PCT/US02/18281 |
Jun 7, 2002 |
|
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11788817 |
Apr 20, 2007 |
|
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60297189 |
Jun 8, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
312/108 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 96/067 20130101;
A47B 9/10 20130101; A47B 87/0276 20130101; E04B 2002/7483 20130101;
E04B 2/7422 20130101; A47B 13/023 20130101; A47B 13/06 20130101;
A47B 91/06 20130101; A47B 63/00 20130101; A47B 2097/006 20130101;
A47B 87/0292 20130101; A47B 97/00 20130101; A47B 83/001 20130101;
E04B 2002/7418 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/108 |
International
Class: |
A47B 87/00 20060101
A47B087/00 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. A table assembly, comprising: a worksurface: a support collar
located below the worksurface, wherein the support collar defines a
passage; a plurality of legs extending outwardly from the support
collar and adapted to engage a supporting surface; and a column
received within the passage defined by the collar, wherein the
column defines an upper end adapted to support the worksurface.
15. The table assembly of claim 14, wherein an adjustable height
engagement arrangement is interposed between the collar and the
column.
16. The table assembly of claim 15, wherein the collar includes
bushing structure located in the passage for guiding movement of
the column relative to the collar.
17. An adjustable height table, comprising: a cylinder assembly
including a cylinder body and an extendible and retractable rod; a
worksurface adapted for connection to the rod; and a support
arrangement for supporting the body of the cylinder assembly,
comprising a support member within which the cylinder body is
received, and a plurality of legs extending outwardly and
downwardly relative to the support member for engagement with a
supporting surface.
18. (canceled)
19. The table assembly of claim 23, wherein the computer unit
support is interconnected with the pair of columns, and further
comprising an adjustable height connection arrangement interposed
between the computer support unit and each column for adjusting the
height of the computer.
20. The table assembly of claim 19, further comprising an
adjustable height arrangement for adjusting the height of the
column and thereby the worksurface relative to the supporting
surface.
21. (canceled)
22. The table assembly of claim 14, wherein the table assembly
includes a pair of support collars located below the worksurface,
each of which defines a passage; a pair of legs extending outwardly
from each support collar; and a pair of columns, each of which is
received within the passage defined by one of the support collars,
wherein each column is connected to an underside defined by the
worksurface.
23. The table assembly of claim 22, further comprising a computer
unit support located between the support collars.
24. The table assembly of claim 16, wherein the support collar
defines an upper end and a lower end, and wherein the bushing
structure comprises an upper bushing member located at the upper
end of the collar and a lower bushing member located at the lower
end of the collar, wherein the upper bushing member defines an
upper passage within which the column is received and the lower
bushing member defines a lower passage within which the column is
received, wherein the column extends upwardly from the upper
passage and downwardly from the lower passage.
25. The table assembly of claim 24, wherein the upper bushing
member includes a downwardly facing shoulder engageable with an
upper edge of the collar and wherein the lower bushing member
includes an upwardly facing shoulder engageable with a lower edge
of the collar.
26. The table assembly of claim 16, wherein the adjustable height
arrangement comprises a series of vertically spaced openings in the
column, and a pair of transverse openings in the bushing structure,
wherein a selected one of the vertically spaced openings in the
column are adapted to be positioned in alignment with the pair of
transverse openings in the bushing structure, and further
comprising a retainer releasably engageable with the transverse
openings and the selected one of the vertically spaced openings in
the column for releasably retaining the worksurface at a desired
elevation.
27. The adjustable height table of claim 17, wherein the cylinder
assembly includes a biasing arrangement for biasing the rod
outwardly relative to the cylinder assembly to bias the worksurface
toward a raised position.
28. The adjustable height table of claim 27, wherein the
worksurface is connected to the rod by means of a mounting member
interconnected with an upper end defined by the rod and with an
underside defined by the worksurface, and further comprising an
actuator carried by the mounting member for providing adjustment in
the position of the rod relative to the cylinder and thereby the
elevation of the worksurface.
29. The adjustable height table of claim 17, wherein the support
arrangement comprises a cylindrical support member defining an open
upper end, wherein the rod extends upwardly from the open upper end
of the support member.
30. The adjustable height table of claim 29, including a bushing
located toward the upper end of the cylindrical support member,
wherein the bushing is configured to engage the cylinder to
maintain the position of the cylinder relative to the cylindrical
support member.
31. A table assembly, comprising: a worksurface; a cylindrical
support tube having an upwardly open interior; a pneumatic height
adjustment cylinder assembly located within the open interior of
the cylindrical support tube, wherein the cylinder assembly
includes a cylinder body and an extendible and retractable rod; a
plurality of legs mounted to the tube, wherein the legs outwardly
and downwardly extend from the tube; a lower bushing engaged within
a lower area defined by the upwardly open interior of the support
tube; an upper bushing engaged within an upper area defined by the
support tube and with the upper end of cylinder body; a mounting
member mounted to the upper end of the rod and connected to the
worksurface.
32. The table assembly according to claim 31, further including an
actuator lever carried by the mounting member, and an including an
outer engagement area and an inner end which engages an actuator at
an upper end defined by the cylinder rod.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/297,189, filed Jun. 8, 2001.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to furniture such as is employed in
an office setting, and more particularly to a furniture and
accessory system which includes a number of components which are
readily adapted for movement and interchangeability in an office
setting.
[0003] In many office environments, it is desirable to provide
furniture components that can be quickly and easily moved to enable
the office to be reconfigured for various tasks. It is also
desirable to provide furniture components which can be manufactured
according to specific user requirements, to enable the components
to be used in an optial manner by the user. It is further desirable
to provide a furniture system in which the components are readily
adapted to be used in combination with other components, and in
which the components can be moved to varying arrangements and
configurations according to the environment in which the components
are to be used.
[0004] The present invention contemplates a number of furniture and
accessory components which are adapted for use in an office
environment, and which can be used separately or together and in
various combinations and subcombinations, to facilitate work flow,
individual and team productivity, and the ability to rapidly and
easily reconfigure an office environment for various uses. The
invention further contemplates a number of components which are of
a modular construction so as to facilitate manufacture according to
specific user requirements, to enable the components to easily be
assembled according to specific user requirements.
[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
storage units can be constructed in various configurations from a
number of modular components. The storage unit components are
assembled on a modular base, which is preferably provided with
casters or the like for imparting mobility to the storage unit. The
modular components assembled together to form the storage unit are
in the form of cabinet modules with drawers, shelf modules, and
cupboard modules with doors that provide access to the open
interior of the cupboard module. The various components can be in
different sizes, and can be configured together in various
combinations and subcombinations to form a storage unit having a
desired configuration according to user requirements and/or the
environment within which the storage unit is to be used.
[0006] Another aspect of the invention involves a tower-type
storage unit, which again includes a base with casters for
imparting mobility to the storage unit The tower-type storage unit
includes a series of walls with an open front, and can be assembled
in various configurations, again according to user
requirements.
[0007] Yet another aspect of the invention involves a mobile
drawer-type storage unit which has an extendible and retractable
handle assembly which facilitates quick and easy movement of the
storage unit from one location to another. The storage unit is
built on a base with casters, which are configured to extend
outwardly from each corner of the base to provide a stable mobile
support for the storage unit. The tower-type storage unit and the
mobile drawer-type storage unit may be assembled on the same
base.
[0008] Another aspect of the invention involves a paper management
bin arrangement which facilitates storage of papers and which is
readily adapted for use in combination with the storage components
incorporated into the mobile furniture and accessory system of the
present invention. The paper management bin arrangement includes a
bin defining an upwardly open interior adapted to receive files,
papers or binders. The bin can be supported in a suspension-type
manner from a bracket adapted to be mounted to a shelf or the like
associated with one of the storage units. Alternatively, the bin
can be hung from a slot associated with an external or internal
wall defined by one of the storage units, or can be placed in a
storage unit drawer. The bin is capable of being used in connection
with multiple ones of the components of the storage units
constructed according to the present invention, to facilitate work
flow for active projects and to facilitate archival storage
subsequent to completion of a project
[0009] The present invention also incorporates screen-type
partitions, which have a modular construction and which can be
assembled in various forms. The partitions include outwardly
extending legs for stability, and may include casters or the like
for facilitating movement and reconfiguration of the
partitions.
[0010] Yet another aspect of the invention involves a unique marker
board construction which can be mounted in various ways using the
components of the mobile furniture and accessory system of the
present invention, including suspension from a storage unit,
engagement with a partition or suspension from a rail adapted to be
engaged with a wall. The marker board includes mounting members
which can be opened or closed to adapt the marker board for
mounting to various types of supports, and which can also be
operated to secure a sheet of paper or the like to the marker
board. The marker board includes an arrangement for maintaining
various types of markers in engagement with the marker board, to
keep the markers at the ready.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention involves various types of
components such as desks, tables and the like, which provide
horizontal worksurfaces. In one form, a desk or table top is
mounted to the upper end of each of a pair of leg assemblies. The
leg assemblies are modular, and are adapted to be used in
combination with various types and shapes of table or desk tops.
Each leg assembly preferably includes a single table top support
and a pair of outwardly extending legs. The height of the table top
support can be adjusted, so as to provide adjustability in the
elevation of the desk or table top. In one form, a manual
adjustment mechanism involves a retainer pin which can be engaged
within one of a series of passages defined by the table top
support. The leg assemblies can also be adapted for use as a
computer stand, in which a computer monitor is supported by the top
of the stand, which is supported by the pair of leg assemblies. A
CPU cradle is engaged between the leg assemblies, for supporting a
computer CPU below the top of the stand and between the leg
assemblies. The cradle is preferably supported from a sleeve
engaged with each table top support member, defining a passage
through which the table top support member extends. The height of
the sleeve relative to the support member can be adjusted, using a
retainer pin engaged within one of the series of passages defined
by the table top support member.
[0012] Another aspect of the invention contemplates an adjustable
height glide which can be engaged with legs of the various
components of the mobile furniture and accessory system of the
present invention, such as the tables, desks, and partitions. Such
components can be fitted with casters for facilitating movement,
with glides, or with a combination of casters and glides. The
adjustable height glide includes a base adapted for engagement with
a supporting surface such as a floor, and which includes an
upstanding outer wall defining an interior within which a threaded
connecting shaft is received. The threaded connecting shaft extends
upwardly from the outer wall of the base. The threaded connecting
shaft extends through the interior of an upper member, which is
telescopingly engaged with the outer wall of the base. The upper
member is biased upwardly relative to the base by means of a
spring, into engagement with the underside of the mounting area of
the component to which the glide is to be mounted. The upper
portion of the glide is moved inwardly as the threaded connecting
shaft is advanced, and moved outwardly under the influence of the
spring when the threaded connecting shaft is extended, such that
the outer portion functions to conceal the upper area of the
threaded connecting shaft located above the upper end of the outer
wall of the base.
[0013] The various components of the mobile fixture and accessory
system of the present invention can be used separately or in
various combinations and subcombinations, to adapt to specific user
requirements. The components are capable of being produced in
various configurations, again according to user requirements and/or
to enhance efficient and effective use of space in a work
environment.
[0014] Various other features, objects and advantages of the
invention will be made apparent from the following description
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated
of carrying out the invention.
[0016] In the drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of various components of the
mobile furniture and accessory system of the present invention
assembled together in a representative work environment;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of additional components of the
mobile furniture and accessory system of the present invention
assembled together in another arrangement of a work
environment;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of various components
incorporated into a modular storage unit forming a part of the
mobile furniture and accessory system of the present invention;
[0020] FIGS. 4-7 are views similar to FIG. 3, showing additional
configurations of components that can be assembled together to form
a modular storage unit forming a part of the mobile furniture and
accessory system of the present invention;
[0021] FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are isometric views of representative
components that can be incorporated in the various configurations
of a modular storage unit, such as illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, and
forming a part of the mobile furniture and accessory system of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a view ilustration representative combinations of
components incorporated into a modular storage unit having a first
height and forming a part of the mobile furniture and accessory
system of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11, showing various
combinations of components incorporated into a modular storage unit
having a second height, and forming a part of the mobile furniture
and accessory system of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIGS. 11 and 12, showing
different components incorporated into a storage unit having a
third height, and forming a part of the mobile furniture and
accessory system of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIGS. 11-13, showing components
incorporated into a storage unit having a fourth height, and
forming a part of the mobile furniture and accessory system of the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIGS. 11-14, showing additional
storage units of different configurations, forming a part of the
mobile furniture and accessory system of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIGS. 11-15, showing additional
configurations of components to construct storage units forming a
part of the mobile fixture and accessory system of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of another version of a storage
unit forming a part of the mobile furniture and accessory system of
the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a view showing alternative versions of a storage
unit similar to FIG. 17, forming a part of the mobile furniture and
accessory system of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of one version of a mobile
cabinet forming a part of the mobile fixture and accessory system
of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a view illustrating alternative versions of a
mobile cabinet forming a part of the mobile furniture and accessory
system of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 19, showing another
embodiment of a mobile cabinet incorporated into the mobile
furniture and accessory system of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIGS. 19 and 21, showing
another configuration of a mobile cabinet forming a part of the
mobile furniture and accessory system of the present invention;
[0034] FIGS. 23 and 24 are isometric views illustrating additional
mobile cabinet configurations forming a part of the mobile
furniture and accessory system of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 25 is an isometric view illustrating a set of storage
bins forming a part of the mobile furniture and accessory system of
the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 26 is an isometric view showing a hanging version of a
storage bin forming a part of the mobile furniture and accessory
system of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 27 is a partial isometric view with reference to line
27-27 of FIG. 26;
[0038] FIG. 28 is an isometric view illustrating a storage bin and
its use in connection with an associated storage cabinet forming a
part of the mobile furniture and accessory system of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 29 is a view illustrating use of the bin and storage
components incorporated into the mobile furniture and accessory
system of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 30 is an isometric view showing various versions of a
movable screen or partition forming a part of the mobile furniture
and accessory system of the present invention;
[0041] FIGS. 31 and 32 are isometric views illustrating embodiments
of a screen incorporated into the mobile furniture and accessory
system of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 34 is a top plan view illustrating different
configurations which can be attained using the screen of FIG.
32;
[0043] FIG. 35 is an isometric view of a marker board and the rear
of a marker board cart forming a part of the mobile furniture and
accessory system of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 36 is an isometric view of the front of the marker
board cart illustrated in FIG. 35;
[0045] FIG. 37 is an enlarged partial isometric view with reference
to line 37-37 of FIG. 35;
[0046] FIG. 38 is an isometric view of a marker board forming a
part of the mobile furniture and accessory system of the present
invention;
[0047] FIG. 39 is an elevation view showing one side of the marker
board of FIG. 38;
[0048] FIG. 40 is an elevation view of a marker board forming a
part of the mobile furniture and accessory system of the present
invention;
[0049] FIG. 41 is an enlarged partial elevation view with reference
to line 41-41 of FIG. 40;
[0050] FIG. 42 is a partial section view showing an upper area of a
marker board forming a part of the mobile furniture and accessory
system of the present invention, and illustrating one of the ways
in which the marker board can be suspended for use;
[0051] FIG. 43 is a view similar to FIG. 42, showing another way in
which the marker board can be suspended for use;
[0052] FIG. 44 is an enlarged partial section view showing the
manner in which a sheet of paper can be engaged with the marker
board of FIGS. 42 and 43;
[0053] FIG. 45 is an enlarged partial elevation view of a marker
engagement area, as shown in FIG. 37, incorporated into the marker
board forming a part of the mobile furniture and accessory system
of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 46 is a view similar to FIG. 45, illustrating an
alternative manner of securing a marker to the marker board;
[0055] FIG. 47 is a partial section view taken along line 47-47 of
FIG. 46;
[0056] FIG. 48 is an isometric view illustrating various shapes and
sizes of marker boards forming a part of the mobile furniture and
accessory system of the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 49 is an isometric view of a representative table
incorporated into the mobile furniture and accessory system of the
present invention;
[0058] FIG. 50 is a partial isometric view showing one of the legs
and a portion of the table top of the table of FIG. 49;
[0059] FIG. 51 is an exploded isometric view of the components of
the table leg of FIG. 50;
[0060] FIG. 52 is an enlarged partial isometric view showing
portions of the table leg of FIG. 51;
[0061] FIG. 53 is an isometric view of an alternative table top
configuration for a table forming a part of the mobile furniture
and accessory system of the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 54 is a bottom plan view of the table top of FIG.
53;
[0063] FIG. 55 is a partial section view taken along line 55-55 of
FIG. 53;
[0064] FIGS. 56-59 are top plan views of representative alternative
table top configurations for the table forming a part of the mobile
furniture and accessory system of the present invention;
[0065] FIG. 60 is an isometric view of an adjustable height stand
or table forming a part of the mobile furniture and accessory
system of the present invention;
[0066] FIG. 61 is a bottom plan view of the table top of the table
of FIG. 60;
[0067] FIG. 62 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an
adjustable height table similar to the adjustable height table of
FIG. 60;
[0068] FIG. 63 is a bottom plan view of the table top of the table
of FIG. 62;
[0069] FIG. 64 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an
adjustable height table similar to the table of FIG. 60;
[0070] FIG. 65 is a bottom plan view of the table top of the table
of FIG. 64;
[0071] FIG. 66 is another embodiment of an adjustable height table
similar to the table of FIG. 60;
[0072] FIG. 67 is a side elevation view of the adjustable height
table of FIG. 66;
[0073] FIG. 68 is a bottom plan view of the table of FIGS. 66 and
67;
[0074] FIG. 69 is an exploded isometric view showing the components
of the adjustable height table of FIGS. 66-68;
[0075] FIG. 70 is a partial section view with reference to line
70-70 of FIG. 67;
[0076] FIG. 71 is a partial section view with reference to line
71-71 of FIG. 67;
[0077] FIG. 72 is an isometric view of an adjustable height
computer stand forming a part of the mobile furniture and accessory
system of the present invention;
[0078] FIG. 73 is a side elevation view showing the computer stand
of FIG. 72 in combination with an adjustable height table such as
the table illustrated in FIG. 49;
[0079] FIG. 74 is an exploded isometric view of the adjustable
height computer stand of FIG. 72;
[0080] FIG. 75 is an isometric view of a glide adapted for use in
supporting the components of the mobile furniture and accessory
system of the present invention;
[0081] FIG. 76 is a section view taken along line 76-76 of FIG. 75;
and
[0082] FIGS. 77-84 are isometric view illustrating representative
environments which can be attained using the mobile furniture and
accessory system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0083] The mobile furniture and accessory system of the present
invention contemplates a number of furniture products and
accessories which are adapted to be used in an office environment,
and which provide ease of mobility and relocation of the various
components incorporated into the system.
[0084] FIG. 1 illustates a representative office environment
configuration which can be obtained using the certain components of
the mobile furniture and accessory system of the present invention.
The components employed in the office environment of FIG. 1 can be
readily and easily repositioned to change the layout of the office
environment, for flexibility of the open plan office configuration
and for different specific uses of the space. Representative
components incorporated into the office environment of FIG. 1
include a storage unit S, a pair of desks or tables T1, T2, a
binder storage tower B, and a mobile screen or partition P. A
series of chairs C1, C2 are provided for use by the occupant of the
office environment of FIG. 1. A marker board M is illustrated as
being supported by a support rail R secured to a wall which in part
defines the space for the office environment of FIG. 1. A series of
paper management storage bins PB may be used by the occupant of the
office environment of FIG. 1. Bins PB are adapted to be supported
by or stored in a number of the components of the office
environment of FIG. 1, including suspension-type support from rail
R and screen or partition P, and conventional storage within a
shelf unit associated with storage unit S. The office environment
of FIG. 1 may also include an overhead storage unit OS supported by
a support rail R secured to another wall defining the space for the
office environment of FIG. 1. The floor-supported components
illustrated in the office environment of FIG. 1 are provided with
casters or glides, which facilitate movement of such components for
reconfiguration to adapt the space for different uses by the
occupant of the space, and to also enable movement for altering the
oversail plan of the office space.
[0085] FIG. 2 illustrates another representative office environment
configuration which can be obtained using the components of the
mobile furniture and accessory system of the present invention. In
the environment of FIG. 2, a series of screens or partitions P are
moved together to divide the oversail space into separate spaces
that can be used by several different people. The users of the
space may use various storage products that can be moved into and
about the space, either for personal or project storage, including
a binder tower B and a mobile storage pedestal SP. A series of
marker boards M may be adapted for use by the occupants of the
space, and can be supported from a wall or from screens or
partitions P. A mobile marker board cart MC is adapted to carry a
series of marker boards M, and can also be used to support marker
boards M during use. Paper management bins PB may be used by the
occupants of the space, and supported from various components
including screens or partitions P and binder tower B.
[0086] The mobile furniture and accessory system of the present
invention may be used in other combinations and configurations of
components, and additional examples will be shown and described
hereafter.
Storage Components
[0087] One aspect of the mobile furniture and accessory system
contemplates various storage products. In one form, the storage
products may be modular in construction. As shown in FIGS. 3-10,
the modular storage products are built on a mobile stationary
platform or base module 96, or on a platform or base module 98
which includes a base member 100 having a series of casters 102
located one at each corner defined by base member 100.
[0088] In a representative combination, a drawer module 104
includes a cabinet and a series of pull-out drawers 106, all of
which may be configured to accommodate files or may be conventional
storage-type drawers. The cabinet of drawer module 104 defines a
top 108. Drawer module 104 has a depth which corresponds to the
depth of base module 96 or base member 100, and has a width which
may be equal to or less than that of base module 96 or base member
100. Drawer module 104 may be provided with various drawer
configurations, representatively illustrated at D.sub.1, D2,
D.sub.3, D.sub.4 and D.sub.5. It should be appreciated that the
illustrated drawer configurations are exemplary only, and that
other drawer styles and configurations may be employed. A bookcase
module 110 is adapted to be placed on and secured to top wall 108
of drawer module 104. Bookcase module 110 may have the same
footprint as drawer module 104, or may have a width less than that
of drawer module 104. Bookcase module 110 is of conventional
construction including an open front and an adjustable shelf 112
which divides the interior of bookcase module 110 into upper and
lower storage areas. A wardrobe module 114 is adapted to be mounted
to base member 100. Wardrobe module 114 is dimensioned so as to
have the same depth as drawer module 104, and a width which, in
combination with a narrow drawer module 104, equals the width of
base module 96 or base member 100. Wardrobe module 114 includes an
open interior which is accessible through a door 115. Wardrobe
module 114 has a height which equals the combined height of drawer
module 104 and bookcase module 110. In an arrangement in which the
drawer module 104 has a width which equals that of base module 96
or base member 100, a single drawer module 117 or a single door
cabinet module 119 may be engaged with the top wall 108 of drawer
module 104, in combination with bookcase module 110. A full-width
cupboard module 116 is adapted to be mounted to the upper ends of
bookcase module 110 and wardrobe module 114. Cupboard module 116
has an open interior which is accessible through a single door or a
pair of doors 118, 120. The footprint of cupboard module 116 is the
same base module 96 or as base member 100, which in turn is the
same as the combined footprint of drawer module 104 (and bookcase
module 110) in combination with wardrobe module 114. Cupboard
module 116 is adapted to be secured to an upper wall 122 of
bookcase module 110 and to an upper wall 124 of wardrobe module
114. Cupboard module 116 in turn defines an upper wall 126, and a
top panel 128 is adapted to be secured to upper wall 126 of
cupboard module 116. Typically, top panel 128 will have a similar
style, color and appearance as base member 100, so as to provide an
aesthetically appealing appearance to the modular storage system
constructed of components 100-128.
[0089] Certain of the side walls of the various components may be
provided with a horizontal slot S, which can be used to releasably
mount a paper management bin PB to the component, in a manner to be
explained.
[0090] The various components illustrated in FIGS. 3-10 can be
positioned in various orientations relative to each other and
relative to base modules 96 or 98, according to the configuration
desired by the user.
[0091] FIG. 11 illustrates various storage unit configurations
having a first modular height, and which can be obtained using the
modular storage component concept in accordance with the invention.
In a first storage unit configuration S.sub.1, a drawer module 138
is mounted to base member 100 of base module 98. Drawer module 138
is similar to a full width drawer module 104 with two full-width
drawers. A bookcase module 110 and a single-door cupboard module
140 (which is identical to module 119) are secured to the top wall
of drawer module 138. Bookcase module 110 and cupboard module 140
are configured to define the same footprint as drawer module 138
and base member 100. A two-door cupboard module 142 (which is
identical to module 116) is mounted to the upper walls of bookcase
module 110 and cupboard module 140. Again, cupboard module 142 has
the same footprint as base module 98 and the components between
cupboard module 142 and base module 98. A top panel 128 is mounted
to the upper wall of cupboard module 142. As noted previously, the
components of storage unit S.sub.1 may be moved to different
orientations relative to each other, other than the specific
orientation shown.
[0092] A storage unit S.sub.2 includes base module 98 and drawer
module 138 as described with respect to storage unit S.sub.1.
Storage unit S.sub.2 also includes a tall bookcase module 110' and
a tall single-door cupboard module 140', which are configured
similarly to bookcase module 110 and cupboard module 140,
respectively. Top panel 128 is mounted to the upper walls of
bookcase module 110' and cupboard module 140'.
[0093] A storage unit S.sub.3 includes bookcase module 110,
single-door cupboard module 140 and two-door cupboard module 142,
as described previously. Storage unit S.sub.3 further includes a
drawer module 144 having the same footprint as base module 98, but
incorporating four drawers instead of the two drawers as
illustrated in storage units S.sub.1 and S.sub.2.
[0094] A storage unit S.sub.4 includes a drawer module 138 mounted
to base module 98, in combination with a pair of back-to-back tall
bookcase modules 110'. Top panel 128 is mounted to the upper walls
of tall bookcase modules 110'.
[0095] Storage units S.sub.5 and S.sub.6 each include a drawer
module 145 constructed similarly to drawer module 138 but including
three drawers rather than two. Storage unit S.sub.5 includes an
intermediate height bookcase module 110'', which is constructed
similarly to bookcase modules 110 and 110', having a height greater
than bookcase module 110 but less than tall bookcase module 110'.
Storage unit S.sub.5 further includes a single-door cupboard module
140', which has a height greater than that of single-door cupboard
module 140 and equal to that of bookcase module 110''. Storage unit
S.sub.6 includes back-to-back bookcase modules 110''.
[0096] Storage units S.sub.7 and S.sub.8 each include a full-height
wardrobe module 114'. Storage unit S7 includes a drawer module 146
constructed similarly to drawer module 138, but having a lesser
width such that drawer module 146 and wardrobe module 114 cooperate
to define a footprint the same as that of base member 100. A tall
partial-width cupboard module 148 is mounted to the upper wall of
drawer module 146, defining an open interior which is accessible
through a pair of doors. Cupboard module 148 defines the same
footprint as drawer module 146, and cooperates with wardrobe module
114' to define the same footprint as base member 100. Top panel 128
is mounted to the upper ends of cupboard module 148 and wardrobe
module 114.
[0097] Storage unit S.sub.8 includes a drawer module 150
constructed similarly to drawer module 146 but including three
drawers rather than two. Storage unit S.sub.8 further includes a
cupboard module 152 constructed similarly to cupboard module 148
but having a lesser height, such that drawer module 150 and
cupboard module 152 have a combined height which equals that of
wardrobe module 114'. Again, top panel 128 is mounted to the upper
ends of cupboard module 152 and wardrobe module 114'.
[0098] Storage modules S.sub.9, S.sub.10, S.sub.11, and S.sub.12,
each include a transversely mounted wardrobe module 114'' having a
width which equals that of base member 100. Storage module S.sub.9
includes a drawer module 154 which includes a pair of drawers, and
which has a lesser depth than drawer module 138, such that drawer
module 154 and wardrobe module 114'' cooperate to define a
footprint which equals that of base member 100. A cupboard module
156 is mounted to the upper wall of drawer module 154, having a
depth equal to that of drawer module 154. Cupboard module 156 and
drawer module 154 have a combined height equal to that of wardrobe
module 114'', and top panel 128 is mounted to the upper ends of
wardrobe module 114'' and cupboard module 156.
[0099] Storage unit S.sub.10 is constructed similarly to storage
unit S.sub.9, but includes a drawer module 158 constructed
similarly to drawer module 154 but having three drawers instead of
two and a greater height than that of drawer module 154. A cupboard
module 160 is mounted to the upper wall of drawer module 154, and
is constructed similarly to cupboard module 156 but having a lesser
height, such that the combined height of drawer module 158 and
cupboard module 160 equals that of wardrobe module 114''. Top panel
128 is mounted to the upper ends of cupboard module 116 and
wardrobe module 114''.
[0100] Storage unit S.sub.11 includes wardrobe module 114'' as well
as drawer module 154. In addition, a tall bookcase module 162
(similar to 110') is mounted above drawer module 154, and is
dimensioned such that drawer module 154 and bookcase module 162
have a height which equals that of wardrobe module 114''. Top panel
128 is mounted to the upper ends of wardrobe module 114'' and
bookcase module 162.
[0101] In a similar manner, storage unit S.sub.12 includes wardrobe
module 114'' and drawer module 158 having three drawers. A bookcase
module 164 (similar to 110''), constructed similarly to bookcase
module 162 but having a lesser height, is mounted to the upper wall
of drawer module 158. Again, the combined height of drawer module
158 and bookcase module 164 equals that of wardrobe module 114'',
and top panel 128 is mounted to the upper ends of wardrobe module
114'' and bookcase module 164.
[0102] It should be understood that the components shown and
described with respect to storage units S.sub.1-S.sub.12 are
illustrative of a virtually unlimited number of components and
combinations of components which can be mounted to base module 98
in a similar manner, to provide a differently configured storage
unit according to user requirements.
[0103] All versions illustrated in FIG. 11 have the same height,
which corresponds in height to a conventional height of a wall
panel employed in an open plan office system, e.g. 66 inches. In
all configurations, the various components can be moved to
different angular positions relative to each other, according to
the configuration desired by the user.
[0104] FIG. 12 illustrates a series of storage unit configurations
built on a base 98' having a lesser width than base 98. Again, the
storage unit configurations of FIG. 12 are all of a similar height,
representatively corresponding to the height of a conventional
panel in a wall system, such as 66 inches. Certain of the
components in the storage unit configurations of FIG. 12 correspond
to those described with respect to FIG. 11, and like reference
characters will be used to facilitate clarity.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 12, a storage unit S.sub.13 includes a
drawer module 146 having two relatively large drawers. Drawer
module 146 is mounted to base member 100' of base module 98', and
bookcase module 110 is mounted to the top wall of drawer module 146
along with a narrow cupboard module 134. Bookcase module 110 and
cupboard module 134 define a combined footprint which is the same
as drawer module 146 and base module 98'. Cupboard module 116 is
mounted to the upper walls of bookcase module 110 and narrow
cupboard module 134, and a top panel 128' is mounted to the top
wall of cupboard module 116.
[0106] A storage unit S.sub.14 includes a three-drawer module 150
mounted to base module 98'. An intermediate height bookcase module
110'' is mounted to the upper wall of drawer module 150, along with
a single-door cupboard module 134', which is constructed similarly
to cupboard module 134 but having a greater height which equals
that of bookcase module 110''. Top panel 128' is mounted to the
upper walls of bookcase module 110'' and cupboard module 134'.
[0107] A storage unit S.sub.15 includes a narrow two-drawer module
170 and a wardrobe module 114 mounted to base module 98'. Bookcase
module 110 is mounted to the upper wall of drawer module 170, which
have a combined height equal to that of wardrobe module 114.
Cupboard module 116 is mounted to the upper walls of bookcase
module 110 and wardrobe module 114, and top panel 128' is mounted
to the upper wall of cupboard module 116.
[0108] A storage unit S.sub.16 includes a full-height wardrobe
module 114' and drawer module 170 mounted to base module 98'.
Bookcase module 110 is mounted to the upper wall of drawer module
170. A laterally facing cupboard module 172 is mounted to the upper
wall of bookcase module 110. Top panel 128' is mounted to the upper
walls of bookcase module 172 and wardrobe module 114'.
[0109] A storage unit S.sub.17 includes drawer module 170 and
full-height wardrobe module 114' mounted to bas module 98', along
with a tall bookcase module 110'. Top panel 128' is mounted to the
upper walls of bookcase module 110' and wardrobe module 114'.
[0110] A storage unit S.sub.16 includes a full-height wardrobe
module 114' and drawer module 170 mounted to base module 98'. A
forwardly opening single-door cupboard module 173 is mounted to the
upper wall of drawer module 117, and top panel 128' is mounted to
the upper walls of cupboard module 173 and wardrobe module
114'.
[0111] A storage module S.sub.19 includes full-height wardrobe
module 114' along with a narrow drawer module 174 mounted to base
module 98'. Drawer module 174 is similar to drawer module 170, but
has a greater height and includes three drawers rather than two. A
single-door cupboard module 176 is mounted to the upper wall of
drawer module 174, and has the same footprint as drawer module 174.
Top panel 128' is mounted to the upper ends of cupboard module 176
and wardrobe module 114'.
[0112] A storage unit S.sub.20 includes drawer module 174 and
full-height wardrobe module 114' mounted to base module 98'.
Bookcase module 110'' is mounted to the upper wall of drawer module
174, and top panel 128' is mounted to the upper walls of bookcase
module 110'' and wardrobe module 114'.
[0113] A storage unit S.sub.21 has a laterally facing wardrobe
module 114''' and a drawer module 146' mounted to base module 98'.
Wardrobe module 114''' is constructed similarly to lateral wardrobe
114'' (FIG. 2), but has a lesser depth so as to equal the width of
base module 98'. Drawer module 146' is constructed similarly to
drawer module 146, but again has a lesser depth and cooperates with
wardrobe module 114''' to define the same footprint as base module
98'. A tall cupboard module 172' is mounted to the upper wall of
drawer module 166', which has a combined height equal to that of
wardrobe module 114'''. Top panel 128' is mounted to the upper
walls of cupboard module 172' and wardrobe module 114'''.
[0114] A storage unit S.sub.22 includes lateral wardrobe module
114''' and drawer module 146' mounted to base module 98'. A tall
bookcase module 110' is mounted to the upper wall of drawer module
146', which define a combined height equal to that of wardrobe
module 114'''. Top panel 128' is mounted to the upper walls of
bookcase module 110' and wardrobe module 114'''.
[0115] A storage unit S.sub.23 includes lateral wardrobe module
114''' and drawer module 146' mounted to base module 98'. In
addition, bookcase module 110 and cupboard module 172 are stacked
on top of drawer module 146' to define a height equal to that of
wardrobe module 114''. Top panel 128' is mounted to the upper walls
of cupboard module 172 and wardrobe module 114'''.
[0116] Again, the components illustrated in connection with storage
units S.sub.13-S.sub.23 are representative of any number of
component types and sizes which may be mounted to base module 98'.
The component dimensions are selected such that the assembled
components all have the same height, in this case 66 inches, which
corresponds to a conventional wall panel height in an open plan
space dividing system. Further, as before, the various components
may be placed in different orientations relative to each other than
the specific illustrated orientations, to provide additional
flexibility in the storage unit design. In the case of the storage
unit configurations illustrated in FIG. 12, base module 98' has a
square footprint, which provides even greater flexibility in
positioning the various components in different orientations
relative to each other.
[0117] FIG. 13 illustrates shorter height storage unit
configurations built on base modules 98 or 98'. The storage units
of FIG. 13 are constructed to have a height which corresponds to a
shorter wall panel height typically used in a panel-type open plan
office space divider system, in this case 54 inches, although it is
understood that other satisfactory heights may be selected.
[0118] As shown in FIG. 13, a storage unit S.sub.24 includes drawer
module 138 mounted to base module 98, along with a laterally facing
bookcase module 110'' and a forwardly opening single-door cupboard
module 140' mounted to the upper wall of drawer module 138. Top
panel 128 is mounted to the upper walls of bookcase module 110 and
cupboard module 140'.
[0119] A storage unit S.sub.25 also includes drawer module 138
mounted to base module 98. A double door cupboard module 142',
constructed similarly to cupboard module 142 of FIG. 11 but having
a greater height, is mounted to the upper wall of drawer module
138, and has the same footprint as drawer module 138 and base
module 98. Top panel 128 is mounted to the upper wall of cupboard
module 142'.
[0120] A storage unit S.sub.26 includes a pair of side-by-side
drawer modules 170 mounted to base module 98. Drawer modules 170
define a combined footprint which is the same as base module 98,
and each drawer module 170 includes a pair of vertically stacked
drawers. A pair of intermediate height bookcase modules 110'' are
mounted in back-to-back fashion on top of drawer modules 170. Top
panel 128 is mounted to the upper walls of bookcase modules
110''.
[0121] A storage unit S.sub.27 also includes a pair of side-by-side
drawer modules 170 mounted to base module 98. A bookcase module
110'' is stacked on top of one of drawer modules 170, and a
single-door cupboard module 140' is stacked on top of the other
drawer module 170. Top panel 128 is mounted to the upper walls of
bookcase module 110'' and cupboard module 140'.
[0122] A storage unit S.sub.28 includes a drawer module 146 and a
wardrobe module 178 mounted to base module 98. Wardrobe module 178
is constructed similarly to the forwardly opening versions of
wardrobe module 114, but having a greater height which corresponds
to the full height of storage unit S.sub.28. A double door cupboard
module 152 is mounted to the upper wall of drawer module 146, to
define a combined height equal to that of wardrobe module 178. Top
panel 128 is mounted to the upper walls of cupboard module 152 and
wardrobe module 178.
[0123] A storage unit S.sub.29 includes a laterally opening
full-height wardrobe module 178' and a drawer module 154 mounted to
base module 98. A bookcase module 164 is mounted to the upper wall
of drawer module 154, to define a combined height equal to that of
wardrobe module 178'. Top panel 128 is mounted to the upper walls
of bookcase module 164 and wardrobe module 178'.
[0124] A storage unit S.sub.30 includes drawer module 154 and
laterally opening wardrobe module 178' mounted to base module 98.
Cupboard module 160 is mounted to the upper wall of drawer module
154, which define a combined height equal to that of wardrobe
module 178'. Top panel 128 is mounted to the upper walls of
cupboard module 160 and wardrobe module 178'.
[0125] Storage units S.sub.31-S.sub.37 are built on base module
98', and are constructed to have an oversail height which is the
same as storage units S.sub.23-S.sub.29.
[0126] Storage unit S.sub.31 includes a drawer module 146 mounted
to base module 98', as well as an intermediate height bookcase
module 110'' and a single-door cupboard module 134' mounted to the
upper wall of drawer module 146. Top panel 128' is mounted to the
upper walls of bookcase module 110'' and cupboard module 134'.
[0127] Storage unit S.sub.32 includes drawer module 146 mounted to
base module 98'. Single-door cupboard module 134' is mounted to the
upper wall of drawer module 146, and a laterally opening cupboard
module 172' is mounted to drawer module 146 along with cupboard
module 134'. Cupboard module 172' is constructed similarly to
cupboard module 172 (FIG. 12), but has a greater height so as to
correspond in height with cupboard module 134'. Top panel 128' is
mounted to the upper walls of cupboard modules 134' and 172'.
[0128] A storage unit S.sub.33 includes full-height wardrobe module
178 and drawer module 170 mounted to base module 98'. A single-door
cupboard module 140' is stacked on top of drawer module 170, which
define a combined height equal to that of wardrobe module 178. Top
panel 128' is mounted to the upper walls of wardrobe module 178 and
cupboard module 140'.
[0129] A storage unit S.sub.34 includes a laterally opening
wardrobe module 178' and a drawer module 146' mounted to base
module 98'. A cupboard module 172' is stacked on drawer module
146', which define a combined height equal to that of wardrobe
module 178'. Top panel 128' is mounted to the upper walls of
cupboard module 172' and wardrobe module 178'.
[0130] A storage unit S.sub.35 includes drawer module 146' and
laterally opening wardrobe module 178' mounted to base module 98'.
A forwardly facing bookcase module 110'' is stacked on drawer
module 146', which have a combined height equal to that of wardrobe
module 178'. Top panel 128' is mounted to the upper walls of
wardrobe module 178' and bookcase module 110''.
[0131] A storage unit S.sub.36 includes a drawer module 170 and a
wardrobe module 178 mounted to base module 98'. A laterally facing
bookcase module 110'' is stacked on drawer module 170, which define
a combined height equal to that of wardrobe module 178. Top panel
128' is mounted to the upper walls of wardrobe module 178 and
bookcase module 110''.
[0132] A storage unit S.sub.37 includes a drawer module 170 and a
wardrobe module 178 mounted to base module 98'. A laterally opening
cupboard module 172' is stacked on drawer module 170, which define
a combined height equal to that of wardrobe module 178. Top panel
128' is mounted to the upper walls of cupboard module 172' and
wardrobe module 178.
[0133] Again, the components illustrated in connection with storage
units S.sub.24-S.sub.37 are representative of any number of
component types and sizes which may be mounted to base modules 98
or 98'. The component dimensions are selected such that the
assembled components all have the same height, in this case 54
inches, which corresponds to a conventional wall panel height in an
open plan space dividing system The various components may be
placed in different orientations relative to each other than the
specific illustrated orientations, to provide additional
flexibility in the storage unit design.
[0134] FIG. 14 illustrates various storage unit components and
configurations having a lesser height than those previously
illustrated and described, which again may correspond to the height
of a wall panel system in an open plan space dividing arrangement,
e.g. 48 inches. Storage units S.sub.38-S.sub.45 are built on base
module 98, and storage units S.sub.46-S.sub.51, are built on base
module 98'.
[0135] Storage unit S.sub.38 includes drawer module 138 mounted to
base module 98, along with bookcase module 110 and single-door
cupboard module 140 mounted to the upper wall of drawer module 138.
Top panel 128 is mounted to the upper walls of bookcase module 110
and cupboard module 140.
[0136] Storage unit S.sub.39 includes drawer module 138 mounted to
base module 98, and back-to-back bookcase modules 110 mounted to
the upper wall of drawer module 138. Top panel 128 is mounted to
the upper walls of bookcase modules 110.
[0137] Storage unit S.sub.40 includes drawer module 138 mounted to
base module 98, and cupboard module 142 stacked on drawer module
138. Top panel 128 is mounted to the upper wall of cupboard module
142.
[0138] Storage unit S.sub.41 includes side-by-side drawer modules
170 mounted to base module 98. A laterally opening bookcase module
110 is mounted to one of drawer modules 170, and single-door
cupboard module 140 is stacked on the other drawer module 170. Top
panel 128 is mounted to the upper walls of bookcase module 110 and
cupboard module 140.
[0139] Storage unit S.sub.42 includes side-by-side drawer modules
170 mounted to base module 98, and back-to-back bookcase modules
110 stacked on top of drawer modules 170. Top panel 128 is mounted
to the upper walls of bookcase modules 110.
[0140] Storage unit S.sub.43 includes drawer module 146 mounted to
base module 98, along with a wardrobe module 180 constructed
similarly to wardrobe module 178 but having a lesser height. A
double-door forwardly opening cupboard module 152' is stacked on
drawer module 146, and is constructed similarly to drawer module
152 but having a lesser height. The combined height of drawer
module 146 and cupboard module 152' equals that of wardrobe module
180. Top panel 128 is mounted to the upper walls of cupboard module
152' and wardrobe module 180.
[0141] Storage unit S.sub.44 includes a laterally opening wardrobe
module 180' and a drawer module 154 mounted to base module 98. A
forwardly facing bookcase module 164' is stacked on drawer module
154, to define a combined height equal to that of wardrobe module
180'. Bookcase module 164' is constructed similarly to bookcase
module 164, but having a lesser height Top panel 128 is mounted to
the upper walls of wardrobe module 180' and bookcase module
164'.
[0142] Storage unit S.sub.45 includes drawer module 154 and
laterally facing wardrobe module 180' mounted to base module 98. A
forwardly opening double-door cupboard module 160' is constructed
similarly to cupboard module 160, but has a lesser height. Top
panel 128 is mounted to the upper walls of cupboard module 160' and
wardrobe module 180'.
[0143] Storage unit S.sub.46 includes drawer module 146 mounted to
base module 98'. Bookcase module 110 is mounted to the upper wall
of drawer module 146, along with single-door forwardly facing
cupboard module 134. Top panel 128' is mounted to the upper walls
of bookcase module 110 and cupboard module 134.
[0144] Storage unit S.sub.47 also includes drawer module 146
mounted to base module 98'. Cupboard module 134 is mounted to the
upper wall of drawer module 146, along with laterally opening
double door cupboard module 172. Top panel 128' is mounted to the
upper walls of cupboard modules 134 and 172.
[0145] Storage unit S.sub.48 includes drawer module 170 and
wardrobe module 180 mounted to base module 98'. Bookcase module 110
is stacked on drawer module 170, which define a combined height
equal to that of wardrobe module 180. Top panel 128' is mounted to
the upper walls of bookcase module 110 and wardrobe module 180.
[0146] Storage unit S.sub.49 also includes drawer module 170 and
wardrobe module 180 mounted to base module 98'. Laterally opening
cupboard module 172 is stacked on drawer module 170, which define a
combined height equal to that of wardrobe module 180. Top panel
128' is mounted to the upper walls of cupboard module 172 and
wardrobe module 180.
[0147] Storage unit S.sub.50 includes drawer module 146' and a
laterally opening wardrobe module 180'' mounted to base module 98'.
Wardrobe module 180'' is constructed similarly to wardrobe module
180', but has a lesser depth so as to correspond in width to that
of base module 98'. A forwardly opening cupboard module 172' is
stacked on drawer module 166', which define a combined height equal
to that of wardrobe module 180''. Top panel 128' is mounted to the
upper walls of cupboard module 172' and wardrobe module 180''.
[0148] Storage unit S.sub.51 includes drawer module 146' and
wardrobe module 180'' mounted to base module 98'. A forwardly
facing bookcase module is stacked on drawer module 146', which
define a combined height equaling that of wardrobe module 180''.
Top panel 128' is mounted to the upper walls of wardrobe module
180'' and bookcase module 110.
[0149] Again, the components illustrated in connection with storage
units S.sub.38-S.sub.51 are representative of any number of
component types and sizes which may be mounted to base modules 98
or 98'. The component dimensions are selected such that the
assembled components all have the same height, in this case 48
inches, which corresponds to a conventional wall panel height in an
open plan space dividing system. The various components may be
placed in different orientations relative to each other than the
specific illustrated orientations, to provide additional
flexibility in the storage unit design.
[0150] FIG. 15 illustrates a series of modular construction stand
height storage units, all of which have a conventional oversail
stand height of approximately 393/4 inches.
[0151] A storage unit S.sub.52 includes a drawer module 144 mounted
to base module 98. Drawer module 144 includes three drawers of
equal size. Top panel 128 is mounted to the top wall of drawer
module 144. Storage unit S.sub.53 is similarly configured,
including a drawer module 144' mounted to base module 98. Drawer
module 144' has the same oversail dimensions as drawer module 144,
but includes two equally sized larger drawers and one smaller top
drawer. Top panel 128 is mounted to the top wall of drawer module
144'.
[0152] Storage module S.sub.54 includes a drawer module 182 which
has a relatively large bottom drawer and a smaller top drawer. A
laterally facing bookcase module 184 is mounted to the top wall of
drawer module 182, along with a forwardly opening single-door
cupboard module 186 which together define the same footprint as
drawer, module 182 and base module 98. Top panel 128 is mounted to
the upper walls of bookcase module 184 and cupboard module 186.
[0153] Storage module S.sub.55 includes drawer module 182 mounted
to base module 98, along with a pair of back-to-back bookcase
modules 184 mounted to the upper wall of drawer module 182. Top
panel 128 is mounted to the top walls of bookcase modules 184.
[0154] Storage modules S.sub.56 and S.sub.57 are built on base
module 98'. Storage module S.sub.56 includes a drawer module 188
having three equally sized drawers. Storage module S.sub.57
includes a drawer module 190 mounted to base module 98'. Drawer
module 190 includes two equally sized larger bottom drawers and a
smaller top drawer. Top panel 128' is mounted to the upper wall of
each of drawer modules 188, 190.
[0155] A storage unit S.sub.58 includes a drawer module 192 mounted
to base module 98. Drawer module 192 has a pair of larger bottom
drawers and a smaller top drawer. Top panel 128 is mounted to the
upper wall of drawer module 192, and an oversail top panel 194 is
adapted for interconnection above top panel 128 via supports 195.
Storage unit S.sub.59 is similarly constructed, including a drawer
module 196 having a pair of larger bottom drawers and a small top
drawer. Top panel 128 is mounted to the upper wall of drawer module
196, and oversail top 194 is adapted for engagement with top panel
128 via supports 195.
[0156] Storage units S.sub.60 and S.sub.61 are built on base module
98'. Storage unit S.sub.59 includes a drawer module 198 mounted to
base module 98', which includes a pair of relatively large bottom
drawers and a smaller top drawer. An oversail top 200 is adapted
for engagement via supports 195 with top panel 128, which is
mounted to the upper wall of drawer module 198. Similarly, storage
unit S.sub.61 includes a drawer module 202 mounted to base module
98', which has a pair of large bottom drawers and a small top
drawer. Again, oversail top 200 is adapted for engagement with top
panel 128' via supports 195.
[0157] Again, the storage unit components and configurations shown
in FIG. 15 are illustrative of a variety of other types of storage
unit components and configurations which may be used. The
components are assembled to base modules 98, 98' to provide a
predetermined height, in this case corresponding to a stand height
of 393/4 inches.
[0158] FIG. 16 illustrates other stand height storage unit
configurations, having a height greater than the configurations
illustrated in FIG. 15, in this case a stand height of 44 11/32
inch.
[0159] A storage unit S.sub.62 includes a drawer module 138 having
a pair of drawers, mounted to base module 98. A bookcase module 202
is mounted to the top wall of drawer module 138, along with a
single-door forwardly facing cupboard module 204, which together
define the same footprint as drawer module 138 and base module 98.
Top panel 128 is mounted to the upper walls of bookcase module 202
and cupboard module 204.
[0160] A storage unit S.sub.63 also includes drawer module 138
mounted to base module 98. A pair of back-to-back bookcase modules
202 are mounted to the upper wall of drawer module 98, and top
panel 128 is mounted to the upper walls of bookcase modules
202.
[0161] A storage unit S.sub.64 includes a drawer module 144 mounted
to base module 98, with a top panel 128 mounted to the upper wall
of drawer module 144.
[0162] A storage unit S.sub.65 is built on base module 98', and
includes a drawer module 150 mounted to base module 98'. Top panel
128' is mounted to the upper wall of drawer module 150.
[0163] Storage modules S.sub.66-S.sub.69 are built on base module
98.
[0164] Storage unit S.sub.66 includes a drawer module 182 mounted
to base module 98, and a bookcase module 184 and single-door
cupboard module 186 mounted to the upper wall of drawer module 182.
An oversail top 194 is adapted for mounting to top panel 128 via
supports 195. Top panel 128 overlies bookcase module 184 and
cupboard module 186. Similarly, storage unit S.sub.67 includes
drawer module 182 and back-to-back bookcase modules 184. Top panel
128 overlies bookcase modules 184, and oversail top 194 is engaged
with top panel 128 via supports 195. Storage unit S.sub.68 includes
drawer module 144 mounted to base module 98 and top panel 128
mounted to the upper wall of drawer module 144. Overall top 194 is
engaged with top panel 128 via supports 195. Storage unit S.sub.69
includes drawer module 144' mounted to base module 98, and top
panel 128 secured to the upper wall of drawer module 144'. Overall
top 194 is engaged with top panel 128 via supports 195.
[0165] Storage units S.sub.70 and S.sub.71 are built on base
modules 98'. Storage module S70 includes drawer module 188 mounted
to base module 98', and top panel 128' mounted to the upper wall of
drawer module 188. Overall top 200 is engaged with top panel 128'
via posts 195.
[0166] Storage unit S.sub.71 includes drawer module 190 mounted to
base module 98', and top panel 128' mounted to the upper wall of
drawer module 190. Overall top 200 is mounted to top panel 128' via
posts 195.
[0167] As can be appreciated, the various modular storage
components incorporated into storage units S.sub.1-S.sub.70 include
a number of common components which are used in a variety of
storage unit configurations, which increases manufacturing and
assembly efficiencies as well as the range of product offerings. In
addition, certain of the components, such as the bookcase
components and the cupboard components, may be formed of common
walls, with the bookcase modules being provided with open fronts
and the cupboard modules being provided with doors which close the
open fronts. This serves to further enhance manufacturing and
assembly efficiencies.
[0168] In addition, while certain of the illustrated components are
shown as having fully enclosed walls, it is understood that certain
walls may be removed, which would otherwise be concealed in
assembly. For example, certain of the components located at the top
of a storage unit may be formed without a top wall, such that the
top components are enclosed by top panels 128, 128'. Sidewalls may
be eliminated when the side of the component is to be totally
covered, to enable the neighboring component to enclose the open
side. Bottom walls may similarly be eliminated. In all cases, the
elimination of certain component walls reduces unit cost and
weight.
[0169] FIG. 17 illustrates a binder tower storage unit 208 which is
intended to replace a conventional overhead storage unit in the
mobile office furniture and accessory system of the present
invention. The basic structure of binder tower storage unit 208 is
in the form of a cabinet which includes a bottom wall 210,
upstanding sidewalls 212, a top wall 214 and a back wall 216. Walls
210-216 cooperate to define a forwardly open internal cavity,
within which a pair of shelves 218 are mounted by adjustable
engagement with sidewalls 212. A bottom file drawer 220 may be
mounted below the lower shelf 218 and above bottom wall 210. A thin
pencil drawer may be mounted in the interior of storage unit 208
below top wall 214.
[0170] A series of casters 224 are located at the lower end of
storage unit 208. Casters 224 extend outwardly from each corner
defined by bottom wall 210. The outboard orientation of casters 224
functions to provide stability to storage unit 208. A top panel 226
may be mounted to top wall 214 in a conventional manner, to
increase the horizontal upwardly facing surface area of storage
unit 208, or may be mounted to top wall 214 in an oversail
arrangement using posts 227. Certain of the walls of storage unit
208, such as side walls 212, may be formed with one or more slots S
for use in suspending a paper management bin PB.
[0171] FIG. 18 illustrates various options and heights available
for binder tower storage unit 208. The basic version shown at 208
includes an open front and the components as described with respect
to FIG. 17. Storage unit 208 has top panel 226 mounted to top wall
214. An alternative storage unit 208a has top panel 226 mounted to
top wall 214 in an oversail manner via posts 227. In another
alternative embodiment, the storage unit 208 has essentially the
same construction as storage unit 208 as shown, but is taller in
height due to an increased length of its sidewalls 212 and back
walls 216. The oversail height of storage 208 as shown corresponds
to a stand height of 393/4 inches, such as is shown and described
with respect to the various storage units of FIG. 15. Similarly,
the alternative embodiment of storage unit 208 has a height which
corresponds to a stand height of 44 11/16 inches, such as is
described in connection with the various storage units of FIG. 16.
As shown in FIG. 19, other versions of storage unit 208, shown at
208b, 208c may be fitted with a front hinged door panel 228 which
selectively encloses the interior of the storage unit 208b, 208c.
Door panel 228 may be formed of a material such as wood, steel or
any other satisfactory material employed in manufacture of cabinet
components.
[0172] Alternatively, a translucent door panel 230 may be hingedly
mounted to the front of the storage unit, as shown at 208d,
208e.
[0173] FIG. 19 illustrates a mobile storage pedestal 234 built on a
base similar to that of storage unit 208. Storage pedestal 234 is
in the form of a file-type storage unit having a bottom wall 236, a
pair of sidewalls 238, a top wall 240 and a back wall (not shown).
A lower drawer 242 and an upper drawer 244 are slidably mounted
within the cabinet defined by walls 236-240, in a known manner. An
outboard caster 224 is located at each bottom corner of the cabinet
defined by walls 236-240, to impart stability to mobile storage
pedestal 234.
[0174] Mobile storage pedestal 234 includes a handle assembly 246,
which facilitates moving mobile storage pedestal 234 from one
location to another. Handle assembly 246 includes a pair of
stationary receiver tubes 248, mounted one to each sidewall 238 of
mobile storage pedestal 234 by means of a lower tube mount 250 and
an upper tube mount 252. Lower receiver tube 248 is oriented at an
angle, which may be 45.degree..
[0175] Handle assembly 246 further includes an extendible upper
handle section 254, which includes a pair of depending side members
256 and a cross member 258 extending between and interconnecting
the upper ends of side members 256. Each side member 256 may
include an outwardly biased snap-type button which is selectively
engaged within an opening in its associated receiver tube 248, for
maintaining handle section 254 in an extended position shown in
phantom, and a retracted position shown in solid lines.
[0176] FIG. 20 illustrates various other mobile storage pedestal
configurations, shown at 234a-234d. Mobile storage pedestal 234a
has a height slightly greater than that of storage pedestal 234
with a t drawer front, including a narrow pencil drawer at the top.
An oversail top 260 is mounted to top wall 240 by support posts
261. Mobile storage pedestal 234b is constructed similarly to
mobile storage pedestal 234, and includes oversail top 260 mounted
to top wall 240 via support posts 261. Mobile storage pedestal 234c
has a two drawer front and a height slightly greater than that of
mobile storage pedestal 234b but less than that of mobile storage
pedestal 234a, and includes oversail top 260 mounted to top wall
240 via support posts 261. Mobile storage pedestal 234d has a
height similar to that of mobile storage pedestal 234a but has a
two-drawer construction. Overall top 260 is mounted to top wall 240
via support posts 261.
[0177] FIG. 21 illustrates a basic version of a mobile storage
pedestal, shown at 234e, which is similar to mobile storage
pedestal 234 but which is constructed without handle assembly 246.
In any of the various configurations of mobile storage pedestal
234, the top drawer may include a conventional shallow internal
drawer, such as shown at 263.
[0178] FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative mobile storage unit 262,
which also incorporates casters 224 and a handle assembly 246.
Mobile storage unit 262 includes bottom wall 236, sidewalls 238 and
a back wall, shown at 264. A bottom drawer 266 is movably mounted
between sidewalls 238 at the lower end of mobile storage pedestal
262. At its upper end, the top of mobile storage pedestal 262 is
open. Mobile storage pedestal 234 includes a retractable top cover
268, which is movable between an open position as shown, for
providing access to the open top of mobile storage pedestal 234,
and a closed position in which top cover 268 overlies the upper
ends of sidewalls 238, back wall 264 and a front panel 270 located
above drawer 266. Rails 272 are mounted to the inside surfaces of
sidewalls 238, and are adapted to support hanging file folders or
the like within the open interior of mobile storage pedestal
262.
[0179] FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate a low profile lateral-type mobile
storage unit 274, which is well suited for placement under a
worksurface or the like. Storage unit 274 includes a bottom wall
276, sidewalls 278 and a top 280, as well as a back wall (not
shown). A pair of drawers 282, 284 are movably mounted between
sidewalls 278, in a known manner. An oversail top 283 may be
mounted above top 28 or via support posts 285.
[0180] Casters 224, which are located at the bottom corner of
binder tower 208 and mobile storage pedestal 234, are oriented at
an 85.degree. angle relative to the floor, to improve tracking of
the caster wheels during movement.
Paper Management Components
[0181] FIG. 25 illustrates a series of differently sized plastic
bins 286a, 286b, 286c, which can be used in the various storage
units illustrated in FIGS. 3-24. Bins 286a, 286b, 286c are formed
of sheet plastic material which is die cut, scored, folded and
sonic welded to form a bin having a closed bottom and a series of
upstanding sides, and defining an open top. Bins 286a, 286b, 286c
are adapted to receive papers or other materials to be grouped
together for storage.
[0182] FIGS. 26 and 27 show a bin 288, which defines a closed
bottom and a series of upstanding walls, including a pair of
sidewalls 290 and end walls 292. Bin 288 may be formed of a plastic
material in an injection molding process, although it is understood
that other materials and forming methods may be employed. Bin 288
corresponds to paper management bin PB shown and described
previously. Each end wall 292 defines an outwardly extending edge
294 toward its upper end. In addition, each sidewall 290 terminates
in an upper edge and includes an outwardly extending flange 296
having a downwardly extending lip 298.
[0183] As shown in FIG. 28, edges 294 of bin end walls 292 are
adapted to rest on upper edges defined by drawer sidewalls 299 of
the storage units, for suspending bin 288 within the drawer.
Alternatively, bins 288 can be supported simply by placement on a
shelf 301 or other supporting surface, in a conventional manner.
Bins 288 may also be hung on the side of a storage unit, by
engagement of lip 298 within a slot S formed in the storage unit
sidewall. Alternatively, lip 298 may be engageable with a hanger
member mounted to the storage unit sidewall, to suspend bin 288
from the exterior of the storage unit.
[0184] FIG. 28 illustrates the types of materials which can be
stored within a bin such as 288. Such materials include paper,
conventional file folders F, hanging file folders H and binders B.
As shown in FIG. 27, an internal rib 300 is formed at the upper end
of each end wall 292, at the location where edge 294 extends
outwardly from end wall 292. Each rib 300 is adapted to receive a
support hook associated with a hanging-type file folder H, to
suspend folder H within the interior of bin 288.
[0185] FIG. 29 illustrates work flow utilizing the bin-type storage
system used in combination with the various storage units of the
present invention. Documents or other materials are placed within
the bins such as 286, 288, which can be stored in or hung on a
personal mobile storage pedestal 234, a workstation or semi-mobile
storage unit, shown at 304, which may be configured using the
modular type or binder tower construction as described previously,
as well as in a team or semi-permanent storage unit 306 which also
may be constructed using the modular storage unit construction as
described previously. A tool rail 308 may be mounted to a sidewall
of storage unit 306. Lip 298 of bin 288 may be engaged with a slot
S in the storage unit sidewall or with one of the slots in tool
rail 308, for supporting the bin 288 on the exterior of the storage
unit. The bins such as 286, 288 can then be removed from the active
work area and used to store materials in conventional archive or
permanent storage units.
[0186] Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, lip 298 is formed by each
flange 296 at the upper end of each bin sidewall 290. A bin cover
312 defines a top panel 314 and a pair of inwardly facing channels
316 located at opposite sides of top panel 314. Each channel 316 is
configured so as to receive a flange 296 and its associated lip 298
in a sliding-type fashion, such that bin cover 312 can be slid onto
the upper end of bin 288 to enclose the contents of bin 288.
Alternatively, bin cover 312 can be mounted to the underside of a
shelf or other horizontal wall associated with a storage unit. Bin
cover top panel 314 includes holes 318, which are adapted to
receive fasteners for connecting bin cover 312 to a horizontal
member using threaded fasteners such as screws. In this manner, bin
cover 312 is stationarily mounted to the horizontal member, and bin
288 can be stored within the storage unit by sliding bin flanges
296 and lips 298 into engagement with channels 316, such that bin
288 is suspended from bin cover 312. Alternatively, holes 318 and
slots 320 in bin cover 312 can be used to mount a strap or a handle
to bin cover 312. In this manner, bin 288 can be transported with
bin cover 312 attached, by carrying the bin using the attached
strap or handle.
Mobile Screen Components
[0187] FIG. 30 illustrates mobile screens incorporated into the
mobile furniture and necessary system of the present invention. The
screens of FIG. 30 correspond to screens or partitions P, described
previously. In a first version, a screen or panel 324 includes a
rectangular frame having a bottom frame member 326, upstanding side
frame members 328 and a top frame member 330. Frame members 326-330
define an open interior, within which a variety of components can
be mounted. In screen or panel 324, an acoustic panel 332 is
mounted in the lower interior area defined by the frame, and a
marker board 334 is mounted within the upper internal area defined
by the frame. A tool rail 336 is mounted between acoustic panel 332
and marker board 334.
[0188] At the lower end of each side frame member 328, a pair of
legs 338 extend outwardly in opposite directions, and a caster 340
is mounted to the lower end of each leg 338. The spacing of casters
340 provided by legs 338 imparts stability to panel 324, to prevent
panel 324 from tipping.
[0189] In another version, a panel 344 is constructed similarly to
panel 324, including a bottom frame member 346, a pair of side
frame members 348, and a top frame member 350. Panel 344 is shown
as having a full-height marker board panel 352, although it is
understood that any other type of interior panel components may be
employed As with panel 324, legs 338 extend outwardly in opposite
directions from the lower end of one of panel side frame members
348, and a caster 340 is mounted to the end of each leg 338. The
opposite side frame member 348 includes a single downwardly
extending leg 354 which terminates at its lower end in a caster
340. Panel 344 thus has a three-point stance. Other alternative
versions include a panel 344' having a full-height marker board
panel 352 (which may also be an acoustic or translucent panel), and
including legs 338 and casters 340 at both ends. An alternative
version 324' includes a lower acoustic panel 332 and an upper
marker board panel 334 (which may also be a translucent panel),
with a leg and caster structure similar to that of panel 344. A
further alternative panel 344'' includes a lower acoustic or
translucent panel 332 and an upper marker board or translucent
panel 334, in combination with the same leg and caster structure as
panel 344'. Another alternative panel 344''' includes a lower
acoustic or translucent panel 332, an upper translucent or marker
board panel 334, and a pair of legs 338 and caster 340 at one end
At the opposite end, a glide 356 is mounted to the lower end of leg
354. It is understood that the illustrated and described panel
configurations are representative of any number of types of
materials and components that can be incorporated into the
panel.
[0190] A number of panels like those illustrated in FIG. 30 can be
connected together in various configurations, as shown in FIG. 34.
As a means of interconnecting the panels together, a series of
magnets 358 (FIGS. 32, 33) may be mounted to one or both of side
frame members 348 along its length. Each magnet 358 has a rounded
face, which allows panels such as 344''' to be connected together
at any angular position relative to each other. Any desired number
of panels 344 can be connected, and examples are illustrated in
FIG. 34.
[0191] Magnets 358 may be mounted to one or both of side frame
members 348. Typically, however, magnets 358 are mounted to a side
frame member 348 which is located above a downwardly extending leg
354 having either a caster 340 of a glide 356 at its lower end.
When the panels are secured together as shown in FIG. 34, use of
panels with leg 354 facilitates connection of the panels together,
since the presence of legs 338 typically prevents movement of the
panels to varying angular orientations relative to the each
other.
[0192] When not in use, the panels can be nested together for
storage. The downwardly extending angle of legs 338 facilitates
movement of the panels together in a side-by-side orientation, such
that the legs 338 of one panel extend below the bottom frame member
346 of the adjacent panel.
[0193] FIGS. 35 and 36 illustrate a marker board cart panel 362
having a similar construction as panel 324 described previously,
including bottom frame member 326, side frame members 328 and top
frame member 330. Marker board cart panel 362 includes a top
interior panel 364, which may be a marker board or any other type
of panel, and a bottom interior panel 366, which also may be a
marker board panel or an acoustic or other type of panel. A tool
rail 368 is located between top and bottom panels 364, 366, and
includes a slot for mounting a tray 370. Tool rail 368 may also be
used to mount bin 288. A marker board storage rack 372 is mounted
to the frame of marker board cart panel 362, and is adapted to
store a series of marker boards 374. Rack 372 includes a bottom
support wall 376, and at least a pair of upwardly extending
vertical supports 378 having transverse sections 380, all of which
cooperate to define a pocket within which the lower portions of
marker boards 374 are received. In use, marker boards 374 can be
removed from rack 374 for use, and then returned to rack 372 for
storage.
Marker Board Components
[0194] FIGS. 35 and 37-46 is the construction of the marker board,
such as 374 incorporated in the mobile furniture and accessory
system of the present invention The marker boards such as 374
correspond to marker boards M as described previously.
[0195] Each marker board 374 includes a core 382, which may be
formed of any satisfactory material such as a relatively thin (e.g.
3/8 inch thick) foam core, which is preferably die cut to obtain
the desired shape. A thin plastic sheet 384, which may be formed of
any satisfactory plastic material such as polyethylene, is applied
to both surfaces of foam core 382 in any satisfactory manner, such
as by use of an adhesive. Sheet 384 may be of any satisfactory
thickness, such as 0.020 inches. The outwardly facing surface of
sheet 384 forms a dry erase marker surface for marker board 374, in
a manner as is known.
[0196] Foam core 382 is cut to define an eraser retaining recess
386 as well as a pair of slots 388, which are configured to grip a
dry erase marker in a manner to be explained. Sheet 384 is die cut
to a shape similar to that of foam core 382, and defines an outer
edge which is located slightly inward of the outer edge of foam
core 382 throughout the periphery of foam core 382. Sheet 384
further includes a pair of openings 390 which surround slots
388.
[0197] A pair of hanging clip assemblies 390 are mounted to the
upper edge of marker board 374.
[0198] FIG. 37 and 45-47 illustrates the configuration of slots 388
in greater detail. Each slot 388 includes a main section 392 and a
pair of end sections 394, each of which extends outwardly from one
end of main section 392. Main section 392 is generally rectangular,
and each end section 394 has a truncated triangular shape. Main
section 392 of each slot 388 has a height which is slightly less
than the diameter of a conventional large dry erase marker, such as
shown at 396. In this manner, marker 396 can be pushed lengthwise
into main section 392, which has a length slightly greater than the
length of dry erase marker 396. The dry erase marker cap typically
includes a protrusion 398 which accommodates the marker tip, which
is received within one of slot end sections 394. The resiliency of
foam core 382 allows the edges of slot 388 to flex outwardly as
necessary so as to conform to the shape of marker 396 and to grip
marker 396 within slot 388. In this manner, marker 396 can be
stored within slot 388 when not in use.
[0199] Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, a series of dry
erase markers 396 can be inserted transversely into slot main
section 392, such that each marker 396 extends outwardly from the
front surface of marker board 374. In this manner, several markers
396 can be engaged within each slot 388, to enable a user to store
a number of markers, e.g. markers of different colors, which are
conveniently accessible when needed to mark on marker board
374.
[0200] As shown in FIG. 45, slots 388 are also able to accommodate
thin dry erase markers, such as shown at 400. Thin dry erase
markers 400 typically have a length greater than that of large dry
erase markers 396. Slot end sections 394 are configured to engage
the ends of thin dry erase markers 400. Again, the resiliency of
foam core 382 enables the edges of slot end sections 394 to grip
the ends of marker 400, so as to maintain marker 400 within slot
388.
[0201] In an alternative construction, the slots may be configured
so as to accept only a large dry erase marker (as shown in FIGS. 38
and 39) or only a thin dry erase marker. However, the illustrated
embodiment provides use of a single slot configuration for
accommodating two distinct types of markers.
[0202] Further, while only a pair of slots are shown, it is
understood that any number of slots could be formed in marker board
374 to accommodate any desired number of markers.
[0203] FIGS. 38-44 illustrate clip assemblies 390, and the manner
in which clip assemblies 390 are employed to support a marker board
374. Each clip assembly 390 includes a pair of body sections 402,
which are located on opposite sides of marker board 374. Body
sections 402 are secured to each other with foam core 382 and
sheets 384 sandwiched therebetween A hanger section 404 is
pivotably mounted at the upper end of each body section 402. Each
hanger section 404 is pivotable between an open position, as shown
in FIG. 38, and a closed position as shown in FIG. 35. When in the
open position, the hanger sections 404 on the rear side of marker
board 374 are used to hang marker board 374 from any satisfactory
horizontal support surface, such as the upper edge of a cubicle
panel the edge of a cabinet, top frame member 330 of marker board
cart panel 362, a top frame member 330, 350 of a panel, etc. In
this manner, marker board 374 can easily be hung from any
satisfactory support surface in any location, and removed when
needed for storage or for replacement with another marker board
374. When not in use, hanger sections 404 are pivoted to the closed
position to allow for compact storage of marker boards 374. Each
hanger section 404 may be provided with a gripping material (such
as rubber) in its underside, to facilitate engagement of hanger
section 404 with a support surface.
[0204] The forwardly facing hanger sections 404 can be opened to
enable a sheet of paper or the like to be engaged between the
surface of marker board 374 and body section 402. Hanger section
404 is used as a lever to create a separation between the surface
of marker board 374 and the underside of body section 402, to
enable a sheet of paper to be inserted therebetween. Alternatively,
the user may lift body section 402 away from the surface of marker
board 374 by engaging a fingertip below an inwardly extending
surface 405 defined by the lower end of body section 402, to create
the required separation between body section 402 and the surface of
marker board 374. In either case, body section 402 functions to
grip the sheet of paper when the outward force thereon is removed,
to releasably maintain the sheet of paper in engagement with marker
board 374. FIG. 44 illustrates the manner in which body section 402
is raised relative to the surface of marker board 374, so as to
insert a sheet of paper therebetween.
[0205] FIGS. 40 and 41 illustrate a rectangular marker board 374,
and shows die cut recesses 406 which are adapted to receive hanging
clip assemblies 390. FIG. 40 also shows recess 386 which is adapted
to receive and retain a dry eraser 408 (FIG. 39). Marker board 374
of FIG. 39 includes a pair of rectangular slots 410, which are
configured as described above so as to receive large dry erase
markers, without the previously described end sections. In
addition, slots 410 can be used as handles to facilitate handling
of marker board 374.
[0206] FIG. 42 illustrates the manner in which a clip assembly 390
is used to suspend marker board 374 from a horizontal surface,
shown generally at H, which may be defined by the top or a storage
unit, the top of a wall panel or any other horizontal surface
adjacent a vertical surface against which marker board 374 can be
positioned. FIG. 42 illustrates hanger section 404 of clip assembly
390 extended, and a rubber pad 411 mounted to the underside of
hanger section 404 located so as to engage horizontal surface H so
as to frictionally maintain clip assembly 390 in engagement
therewith.
[0207] FIG. 43 illustrates a system for mounting marker board 374
to a wall, shown at 412. In this arrangement, a wall mount bracket
414 is secured to wall 412, and a hanger bracket 416 is engaged
with wall mount bracket 414. Marker board 374 is suspended from
hanger bracket 416 via engagement of bracket 416 by clip hanger
section 404.
[0208] Wall mount bracket 414 defines a mounting section 418 which
engages wall 412, and an upwardly extending hanger bracket
engagement section 420 which is laterally offset from mounting
section 418. Wall mount bracket 414 is secured to wall 412 using a
series of anchors 422. Wall mount bracket 414 has any desired
length according to the desired positions for hanging marker boards
374 on wall 412.
[0209] Hanger bracket 416 includes an outer wall 424 and an
inwardly extending lower spacer section 426 located at the bottom
of outer wall 424, and which is adapted to engage wall 412. At its
upper end, hanger bracket 416 includes an inner engagement lip 428.
The upper end of wall mount bracket engagement section 420 and
engagement lip 428 include snap-fit engagement structure, such as
an axially extending inwardly facing recess formed in engagement
section 420 and an outwardly extending rib formed on engagement lip
428. A web 430 extends inwardly from outer wall 424, and engagement
lip 428 extends downwardly from the inner end of web 430. An
upwardly and outwardly facing surface 432 is defined by web 430 at
its inner end.
[0210] In operation, once wall mount bracket 414 is secured to wall
412 using anchors 422, hanger bracket 416 is positioned above wall
mount bracket 414 and moved downwardly so as to initially bring
engagement lip 428 into contact with engagement section 420 of wall
mount bracket 414. The user then engages the tip of a screw driver
or other similar tool with surface 432, and applies a downward
pounding force, such as using a mallet, on surface 432. This causes
engagement lip 428 to snap fit into engagement with engagement
section 420, to secure hanger bracket 416 to wall mount bracket
414.
[0211] Once hanger bracket 416 is mounted to wall 412 in this
manner, marker board 374 can be mounted to hanger bracket 416 by
placing hanger sections 404 of hanger clip assemblies 390 in their
closed positions, and moving marker board 374 downwardly so as to
bring hanger sections 404 into contact with an upward extension,
shown at 434, defined by hanger bracket outer wall 424. Each hanger
section 406 includes a downwardly extending end protrusion 436,
which is located within the space between extension 434 and wall
412, for providing a positive engagement of marker board 374 with
hanger bracket 416. In order to remove marker board 374, the user
exerts an upward force so as to dislodge protrusions 436 from
behind outer wall extension 434.
[0212] FIG. 48 illustrates different styles of marker boards that
can be incorporated in the mobile furniture and accessory system of
the present invention. The marker boards of FIG. 48 are constructed
as shown and described, and provide different sizes and shapes
according to user requirements and intended usage.
Table Or Desk Components
[0213] Another aspect of the mobile furniture system of the present
invention contemplates a mobile table or desk system which provides
worksurfaces which can easily be moved to various locations within
a workspace. The table or desk components generally correspond to
tables or desks T.sub.1, T.sub.2 as illustrated in FIG. 1, and as
shown in FIG. 49.
[0214] Referring to FIGS. 49-52, the table system of the present
invention utilizes an adjustable height table base assembly 440
which is adapted to support a table top, representatively shown at
441. In a typical construction, a pair of table base assemblies 440
are mounted below table top 441 in a symmetrical manner, to support
table top 441 above a supporting surface such as a floor.
[0215] Table base assembly 440 includes a cylindrical sleeve or
collar 442 to which a pair of legs 444 are mounted. Legs 444 may be
splayed as shown, or may be in alignment with each other. A table
support column or post 446 is engaged with collar 442, and a
mounting plate 448 is connected to the upper end of column 446.
Openings are formed in mounting plate 448, and are adapted to
receive fasteners such as screws for mounting table top 441 to
mounting plate 448. As shown in FIG. 51, collar 442 is in the form
of an open-ended tubular member. A top bushing 450 is engaged
within the open upper end of collar 442, and a bottom bushing 452
is engaged within the open lower end of collar 442. Bushings 450,
452 may be mounted to collar 442 in any satisfactory manner, such
as by a press-fit engagement with collar 442. Top bushing 450
defines an exposed upper end 454 having a downwardly facing
shoulder which engages the upper edge of collar 442. Similarly,
bottom bushing 452 has an exposed lower end 456 defining an
upwardly facing shoulder which engages the bottom edge of collar
442. Top bushing 450 and bottom bushing 452 define aligned passages
458, 460, respectively. Passages 458 are non-circular in shape and
correspond in shape to the cross section of column 446. In the
illustrated embodiment, column 446 is in the form of a tubular
member having an elliptical cross section, and passages 458, 460
are elliptical in shape and sized slightly larger than column 446,
so as to receive column 446 therewithin. In this manner, column 446
is slidably movable within collar 442.
[0216] The depending wall of collar 450, shown at 462, includes a
raised area 464 defining an opening 466. A similar raised area and
opening are located on the opposite side of wall 462. Openings 466
are placed into alignment with a pair of openings 468 formed in the
wall of collar 442 toward its upper end, and a pin 470 having a
shaft 472 and a detent 474, is adapted to be inserted through
openings 466, 468.
[0217] Bottom bushing 452 is similarly constructed. However, the
raised areas of bottom bushing 452, shown at 476, are solid and do
not have an opening therethrough.
[0218] As shown in FIG. 52, depending wall 462 of top bushing 450
extends downwardly from exposed upper end 454, and is segmented so
as to be capable of flexing inwardly relative to exposed upper end
454. Raised area 464 defines a ring 478. With this arrangement,
when top bushing 450 is pushed into the open upper end of collar
442, walls 462 of top bushing 450 are flexed inwardly. One or more
external ribs 478 formed in opposed guide walls 480, which are
separate from depending walls 462, provide engagement with the
inner surfaces of collar 442, to provide a tight fitting engagement
of top bushing 450 with collar 442. When top bushing 450 attains
its fully engaged position, i.e. the shoulder defined by exposed
upper end 454 engages the top edge of collar 442, raised areas 464
are positioned so as to align rings 478 with openings 468 in the
wall of collar 442, and the resiliency of walls 462 snaps rings 478
into openings 468. This engagement of top bushing 450 with collar
442 places top bushing 450 in a proper predetermined alignment
relative to collar 442 and thereby legs 444. Similar construction
of bottom bushing 452 provides a snap-fit engagement of bottom
bushing 452 with the lower end of collar 442. Bottom bushing 452
does not have openings such as 468 in raised areas 476. Rather,
raised areas 476 have solid material defining a button 480, which
snaps into aligned openings formed toward the lower end of collar
442.
[0219] The inner surfaces of bushings 450, 452 which define
respective passages 458, 460, are provided with a series of axially
extending guide ribs, such as 482, 484, respectively, which are
configured to closely engage column 446 to prevent column 446 from
wobbling relative to collar 442 when inserted within collar 442 and
engaged with top and bottom bushings 450, 452, respectively.
[0220] Column 446 includes a series of aligned pairs of openings,
such as shown at 480, in its walls. Each pair of openings 480 is
adapted to be placed into alignment with collar openings 468, so as
to receive shaft 472 of pin 470 to fix mounting plate 448 in a
desired vertical position, according to user requirements. Pin 470
includes a finger engagement ring 488 which enables a user to
easily withdraw pin 470. When a desired elevation of mounting plate
448 is obtained, the user inserts pin shaft 472 through collar
openings 468 and aligned column openings 480, to fix column 446 in
position relative to collar 442 and to thereby fix the vertical
position of mounting plate 448 and table top 441 connected
thereto.
[0221] Each leg 444 extends outwardly and downwardly from collar
442. Legs 444 are connected to collar 442 in any satisfactory
manner, such as by welding, brazing or the like. Each leg 444
includes a primary upper support section 490 and a lower caster
mounting section 492 which includes an upwardly extending opening
adapted to receive the mounting stem 494 of a caster assembly 496.
Caster mounting section 492 is preferably oriented so as to extend
in a generally vertical direction. With this construction, table
base assembly 440 is adapted to provide mobile support for a table
top or other worksurface connected to mounting plate 448.
[0222] The drawings illustrate a pair of legs 444 connected to and
extending outwardly and downwardly from collar 442. It should be
understood that any number of legs may be mounted to collar 442.
Representatively, a single leg 444 may be mounted to collar 442,
and can be used to provide support for table top or worksurface
when one additional base assembly 440 having multiple legs 444 is
also engaged with the table top or worksurface. Alternatively,
several single-leg base assemblies can be mounted to the table top
or worksurface at various locations to provide support for the
table top or worksurface. When a pair of legs 444 are mounted to
collar 442 as shown and described, another base assembly 440 having
a single leg 444 or multiple legs 444 is also mounted to the table
top or worksurface at a spaced location, to provide support for the
table top or worksurface. Three or more legs 444 can be secured to
a collar 442, for table configurations which require a single table
base assembly 440. In applications such as this, three, four or
five legs 444 can be mounted to collar 442, to provide stable and
adequate support for the worksurface.
[0223] FIG. 53 illustrates a representative table T.sub.3 which can
be produced using the modular table system of the present
invention. Table T.sub.3 includes a table top 499 which may have
any satisfactory shape, e.g. an oval shape, and which has table
base assemblies 440 secured to its underside in spaced locations
for providing support to table top 499 in a manner similar to that
of table top 441 of FIG. 49. FIG. 54 illustrates the locations at
which mounting plates 448 of base assemblies 440 are to be secured
to the underside of table top 499. As shown in FIG. 55, table top
499 includes a peripheral groove 501 in its underside, which
provides a recess within which the user's fingers are received when
gripping the edge of table top 499 so as to move table T.sub.3 from
one location to another.
[0224] FIG. 56 illustrates a corner table top or worksurface 500
which is adapted to be supported by a pair of table base assemblies
440. Worksurface 500 includes a series of predrilled passages 502
in its underside, which are adapted to receive screws extending
through the openings in mounting plate 448 so as to mount
worksurface 500 to each table base assembly 440. Worksurface 500 is
formed with a groove 504 in its underside adjacent its inner edge,
which provides a finger grip area for the user to facilitate
gripping of worksurface 500 when it is desired to move the table
assembly on the floor or other supporting surface. FIG. 57
illustrates a worksurface 508 with two sets of predrilled passages
and grooves along both sides, to facilitate gripping of worksurface
508 from either side during movement FIG. 59 shows a differently
shaped worksurfitce 510, again including two sets of predrilled
mounting passages and grooves at both edges.
[0225] FIG. 58 shows a short worksurface 516 having a single set of
mounting passages for mounting a base assembly 440 having at least
three legs 444. Worksurface 516 includes a groove in its underside
at both edges of the underside. FIG. 60 illustrates an alternative
version of a table, shown at T.sub.4, which includes a ledge-shaped
table top 518. Base assembly 440 of table T.sub.4 includes four
legs 444, for providing stable support of table top 518. A groove
520 is formed in the underside of table top 518 toward its curved
front surface, to facilitate gripping of table top 518 for movement
by a user. FIG. 62 illustrates another alternative table, shown at
T.sub.5, having a round table top 522 and a four-legged base 440.
Table top 522 has a groove 524 that extends about the entire
periphery of its underside.
[0226] FIG. 64 illustrates another alternative table, shown at
T.sub.6, incorporating a generally trapezoidal table top 526 and a
four-legged base assembly 440. Grooves 528 are formed in the
underside of table top 526, adjacent opposite side edges of table
top 526.
[0227] The various table top configurations as shown and described
are representative of any number of table tops, having any desired
shape, which can be supported using base assemblies 440. In
addition, the pedestal-type table such as T.sub.4, T.sub.5 and
T.sub.6 may incorporate base assembly 440 as described previously,
or the adjustable height base assembly described hereafter.
[0228] FIGS. 66-71 show a pneumatic adjustable height base assembly
550 which can be employed in place of manually adjustable base
assembly 440 to support a worksurface. FIG. 69 illustrates the
components of base assembly 550 in an exploded fashion, and FIGS.
66-68, 70 and 71 illustrate the assembled components of base
assembly 550.
[0229] Base assembly 550 includes a cylindrical support tube 552 to
which a series of legs 554 are mounted, in a manner similar to
mounting of legs 444 to collar 442 in table base assembly 440. Legs
554 are similar in shape and provide the same function as legs 444,
and caster assemblies 556 are mounted to the outer, lower ends of
legs 554. Alternatively, glides may be employed in place of caster
assemblies 556.
[0230] Support tube 552 is adapted to mount a pneumatic height
adjustment cylinder assembly 558, which includes a cylinder body
560 and an extendible and retractable rod 562, in accordance with
conventional construction. Cylinder assembly 558 is of the type
commonly employed to adjust the height of a worksurface or seat,
and includes a piston received within cylinder body 560 to which
rod 562 is connected, and a spring which normally biases rod 562 to
an extended position.
[0231] A lower cup or bushing 564 is adapted to be received within
the upwardly open interior of support tube 552, and rests on a
lower end wall 566 defined by support tube 552. Bushing 564
provides a snug fit of the lower end of cylinder body 560 within
support tube 552. A screw 568 extends through an opening in end
wall 566 and into a threaded passage associated with the lower end
of cylinder body 560, for securely mounting cylinder assembly 558
to support tube 552.
[0232] An upper bushing 570 is engaged with the upper end of
support tube 552 and with the upper end of cylinder body 560. Upper
bushing 570 is in the form of a ring having a central opening
through which cylinder rod 562 extends, and which conforms in shape
to a shoulder defined by the upper end of cylinder body 560. Upper
bushing 570 includes depending prongs 571 that are configured to
wedge between the upper end of cylinder body 560 and the inner
surface of support tube 552 to secure the upper end of cylinder
body 560 in position within support tube 552.
[0233] A bracket 572 is mounted to the upper end of cylinder rod
562, and is interconnected with a worksurface mounting plate 574
which is adapted to be connected to the underside of the
worksurface, which is shown representatively at 576. An actuator
lever 578 is pivotably mounted to bracket 572, and includes an
outer engagement area 580 and an inner end which engages an
actuator button at the upper end of cylinder rod 562, in a manner
as is known. With this construction, lever 578 is operated so as to
selectively allow a user to adjust the height of worksurface 576 by
extending or retracting cylinder rod 562 by exerting an upward or
downward force on worksurface 576. When lever 578 is released,
engagement of the actuator button associated with cylinder rod 562
is relieved, such that the position of cylinder rod 562 relative to
cylinder body 560 is locked to secure worksurface 576 in a desired
vertical position.
[0234] FIGS. 72-74 illustrate a computer table assembly 584 which
forms a part of the mobile furniture and accessory system of the
present invention, and which is typically used in combination with
a table T. Generally, computer table assembly 584 includes a pair
of base assemblies 440 as shown and described with respect to FIGS.
49-52, in combination with a CPU support cradle 586 located between
base assemblies 440, and a monitor supporting worksurface 588
connected to mounting plates 448 of base assemblies 440.
[0235] Each base 440 of computer table assembly 584 is constructed
as described previously to support worksurface 588 above a
supporting surface such as a floor in an adjustable height manner.
Base 440 of table assembly 584 differs slightly from the
construction as described previously, however, in that each column
446 has vertically spaced pairs of openings or apertures 480 in its
walls substantially throughout its entire height.
[0236] CPU support cradle 586 is supported between table base
assemblies 440 in a suspended manner by means of a pair of support
sleeves 590, each of which is secured to one of columns 446. Each
support sleeve 590 includes a tubular sleeve 592 having a top
bushing 450 and a bottom bushing 452, mounted in the same manner as
described previously with respect to mounting of top bushing 450
and bottom bushing 452 to collar 442. Support sleeve 590 further
includes a removable pin 470 as described previously, such that
support sleeves 590 can be manually adjusted to varying positions
on columns 446 so as to adjust the height of CPU support cradle
586. Each support sleeve 592 further includes an inwardly facing
hanger tab 592. CPU support cradle 586 includes a bottom support
wall 594 and a pair of upstanding sidewalls 596. Each sidewall 596
has an opening within which support tab 592 is received, such that
CPU support cradle 586 is suspended from support tabs 592 between
base assemblies 440. Bottom wall 594 terminates in an upturned lip
598, which is configured to prevent a computer CPU, shown
representatively at 600, from sliding off bottom wall 594.
[0237] It can thus be appreciated that computer table assembly 584
employs common components as table base assembly 440 to provide a
computer support table, with the minor adaptation of providing
columns 446 with openings throughout its entire length and the
addition of CPU support cradle 586. The height of CPU support
cradle 586 can be adjusted according to the height of CPU 600, and
the oversail height of monitor supporting worksurface 588 can be
adjusted in the same manner as described previously with respect to
table base assembly 440.
Furniture Glide
[0238] FIGS. 75 and 76 illustrate a glide assembly 604 which can be
employed in the various components of the mobile furniture and
accessory system of the present invention, either in place of or in
combination with the illustrated caster assemblies.
[0239] Glide assembly 604 includes a stem 606 having a threaded
upper end 608 which is adapted to be threadedly engaged with a
mounting insert or the like associated with the furniture component
to which glide assembly 604 is adapted to be mounted. Stem 606
further includes an irregular lower end 610. A foot 612 is engaged
with lower end 610. Foot 612 includes a stem mounting section 614
having an internal passage within which irregular lower end 610 of
stem 606 is received, either in an insert molding operation or in a
press-fit construction. Stem 606 includes a retainer disc 616 which
engages an upper end defined by stem mounting section 614. Foot 612
further includes an annular outwardly extending engagement section
618 which terminates in an upturned flange or wall 620.
[0240] Glide assembly 604 further includes an intermediate riser
member 622 which extends upwardly from foot 612. Riser member 622
has a lower annular wall 624 terminating in a lip 626 which engages
wall 620 of foot 612 in a snap-fit manner. Riser member 622 further
includes an inwardly extending ring 628 engaged by disc 616, which
is operable to secure riser member 622 to foot 612 when stem 606 is
engaged with stem mounting section 614. Riser member 622 further
includes an outer wall 630 which extends upwardly from lower wall
624, and which defines a slight inward taper in an upward
direction. Riser member 622 is open at its upper end, and a
telescoping collar 632 extends from the upper end of riser member
622. Collar 632 defines an outer wall 634 and a top wall 636 having
a central opening, through which threaded upper end 608 of stem 606
extends. A spring 638 bears between disc 616 and a guide flange 638
extends inwardly from upper wall 636.
[0241] Collar 636 is vertically movable relative to riser member
622, and is outwardly biased by spring 638. The lower end of outer
wall 634 is provided with a slight outward ring protrusion 640, and
the upper end of riser outer wall 630 is provided with a slight
inward protrusion 642, which provide a snap-type lock arrangement
so as to maintain collar 632 in engagement with riser member
622.
[0242] In operation, glide assembly 604 is secured to an insert or
other mounting structure associated with an item of furniture, by
turning threaded upper end 608 of stem 606 into engagement with the
internal threads of the insert or other such mounting structure. On
continued advancement of threaded upper end 608 in this manner,
upper wall 636 of collar 632 engages the insert or other downwardly
facing surface defined by the article of furniture to which glide
assembly 604 is mounted, to fully conceal stem 606 between the
glide mounting surface and the support surface such as a floor,
with which foot 612 is engaged. Stem 606 is turned so as to provide
the desired amount of engagement of threaded upper end 608 within
the insert. As advancement of stem 606 continues, collar 632 is
retracted relative to riser member 622 against the force of spring
638, to reduce the oversail height of glide assembly 604 defined
between the lower end of foot 612 and upper wall 636. This
functions to fully conceal stem 606. If it is desired to back stem
606 out of the threaded insert for any reason, such as when the
article of furniture is moved or to level or otherwise adjust the
elevation of the article of furniture, glide assembly 604 is turned
so as to move foot 612 outwardly relative to the article of
furniture. During such movement of glide assembly 604, collar 632
is extended under the influence of spring 638, to maintain upper
wall 636 in engagement with the downwardly facing surface of the
article of furniture from which glide assembly 604 extends.
[0243] FIGS. 77-84 illustrate a variety of different applications
for the modular mobile furniture and accessory system of the
present invention. FIG. 77 includes tables, partitions and storage
units used to create a work area in combination with a panel-type
wall system. FIG. 78 illustrates tables or desks in combination
with storage units and screens or partitions for creating several
different work areas in an open area. FIG. 79 shows the table or
desk components as well as the storage, screen and marker board
components in providing a team-type work environment within an
enclosed space. FIG. 80 illustrates the reconfigurability of the
components shown in FIG. 79, for altering the layout of the space.
FIG. 81 illustrates the table or desk, storage, marker board and
bin components in a private office environment, which is also
illustrated in FIG. 82. FIGS. 83 and 84 illustrate a series of
tables or desks which can be moved as required for use in either a
training environment as shown in FIG. 83 or in a conference
environment as shown in FIG. 84.
[0244] It can thus be appreciated that the components of the
present invention greatly facilitate flexibility in an office
environment and can be custom-ordered to user specifications and
arranged according to user requirements for opting workflow and
efficiency.
[0245] Various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as
being within the scope of the following claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as
the invention.
* * * * *