U.S. patent application number 13/829336 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-12 for beltway system for a modular furniture assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to MAYLINE COMPANY LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is MAYLINE COMPANY LLC. Invention is credited to Robert J. Glenn, II.
Application Number | 20130327256 13/829336 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49714281 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130327256 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Glenn, II; Robert J. |
December 12, 2013 |
BELTWAY SYSTEM FOR A MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A beltway system for modular furniture assembly is configured to
connect to two or more workstations. The beltway system includes a
main body including a first end and a second end opposing the first
end and a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The
first side faces a first of the two or more workstations and the
second side faces a second of the two or more workstations. The
beltway system includes a data trough configured to provide data
connection to the two or more workstations. The data trough extends
between the first end and the second end. The beltway system also
includes at least one power block spatially separated a distance
above the data trough. The power block includes a first power
receptacle facing the first side and a second power receptacle
facing the second side.
Inventors: |
Glenn, II; Robert J.;
(Chicago, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MAYLINE COMPANY LLC |
Sheboygan |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MAYLINE COMPANY LLC
Sheboygan
WI
|
Family ID: |
49714281 |
Appl. No.: |
13/829336 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61658256 |
Jun 11, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.02 ;
248/49 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 83/001 20130101;
A47B 2021/066 20130101; A47B 2097/003 20130101; H02G 3/04 20130101;
A47B 2220/0091 20130101; A47B 2021/064 20130101; A47B 2200/0081
20130101; A47B 47/0091 20130101; F16B 12/00 20130101; A47B
2200/0066 20130101; A47B 2200/0082 20130101; A47B 81/00 20130101;
A47B 13/00 20130101; F16B 2200/50 20180801 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/50.02 ;
248/49 |
International
Class: |
A47B 13/00 20060101
A47B013/00 |
Claims
1. A beltway system for a modular furniture assembly, configured to
connect to two or more workstations together, comprising: a main
body including a first end and a second end opposing the first end
and a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the
main body being configured to separate two or more workstations,
and the first side facing a first of the two or more workstations
and the second side facing a second of the two or more
workstations; a data trough including a telecommunication port
configured to provide a data connection for one of the two or more
workstations, the data trough extending between the first end and
the second end; and a power block spatially separated a distance
above the data trough, the power block including a first power
receptacle facing the first side and a second power receptacle
facing the second side.
2. The beltway system of claim 1, further comprising a pass-through
located between the power block and the data trough.
3. The beltway system of claim 2, further comprising a partition
spaced perpendicularly relative to the beltway system, the
partition being configured to provide physical separation between
the workstations coupled to the first end and the workstations
coupled to the second end.
4. The beltway system of claim 1, further comprising hidden power
cables running within a top section of the main body and hidden
data cables underneath the trough, such that the power cables and
the data cables are separated by a distance and do not intersect
and are not visible to a user seated at the workstations.
5. The beltway system of claim 1, wherein the data connection is an
Ethernet, audio, video, USB, IEEE 1394, or any combination
thereof.
6. The beltway system of claim 1, being configured to utilize a
single power source and a single data source to provide power and
data to all the workstations.
7. The beltway system of claim 1, further comprising vertical
support elements coupled to the first end and the second end.
8. The beltway system of claim 1, wherein the system is secured to
the workstation by being screwed to an underside of the
workstations, and wherein the data trough has an upper lip relative
to a work surface of the two or more workstations.
9. The beltway system of claim 1, wherein the workstation includes
a long dimension and a short dimension, wherein the beltway system
is configured to be connected to the workstation either along the
long dimension or along the short dimension.
10. The beltway system of claim 1, further comprising a first
section coupled to the first end and a second section coupled to
the second end, wherein the data trough extends between the first
and the second section, wherein the first section and the second
section each includes a power block.
11. The beltway system of claim 1, being configured such that a
user of each of the two or more workstations can utilize a
telecommunication port and a power receptacle at the workstation
without utilizing any extension cords.
12. The beltway system of claim 1, wherein one power block is
provided for each two workstations.
13. The beltway system of claim 1, being further configured to
connect four workstations, wherein the main body includes at least
two power blocks.
14. The beltway system of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the
main module is configured to be connected to an overhead storage
module.
15. The beltway system of claim 1, wherein the telecommunication
port is located along a bottom surface of the data trough such that
no part of the telecommunication port extends into the distance
between an uppermost surface of the data trough and the power
block.
16. The beltway system of claim 1, wherein the beltway system is
coupled to a frame, the beltway system further comprising a first
furniture item coupled to a bracket for securing the first
furniture item to the beltway system, wherein the bracket includes:
a pair of co-planar extensions; a pair of supports each extending
away at an angle from the extensions; and an elongated resilient
bent middle section extending between the pair of supports, such
that a bend of the bent middle section forms an apex located along
and between the pair of supports, the bent middle section having a
length dimension that is longer than a length dimension of each of
the extensions such that end tab portions of the bent middle
section extend beyond the supports.
17. The beltway system of claim 16, wherein the frame includes a
pair of rails, each rail has a recess and a flange, wherein each
recess receives respective ones of the end tab portions, and
wherein the flange is configured to receive respective ones of the
end tab portions responsive to the bent middle section being urged
from the recess into the flange to cause the bent middle section to
deform into an interference fit engagement with the flange.
18. The beltway system of claim 17, wherein the bracket and the
frame are interengaged without use of fasteners.
19. The beltway system of claim 16, wherein the bent middle section
is v-shaped.
20. The beltway system of claim 16, wherein the bent middle section
is defined by an angle of at least about 120.degree. in a
disassembled state.
21. The beltway system of claim 17, wherein an angle defining the
bent middle section in an assembled state is larger than any angle
defining the bent middle section in a disassembled state.
22. The beltway system of claim 17, wherein the pair of supports
are disposed at a 90.degree. angle relative to the pair of
co-planar extensions.
23. The beltway system of claim 17, wherein a distance between the
apex of the bent middle section is less than a thickness of the
frame.
24. The beltway system of claim 1, wherein the data trough includes
a hollow channel.
25. A workstation system, comprising: at least one desk separated
into four or more workstations and including a beltway system
connected thereto, the beltway system including: a first end and a
second end opposing the first end; a first side and a second side;
and a first power block coupled to the first end and a second power
block coupled to the second end, the first and the second power
block including a power receptacle coupled to the first side and a
power receptacle coupled to the second side; and a data trough
extending between the first end and the second end, the data trough
including two or more telecommunication ports configured to provide
data to each one of the four or more workstations, wherein the
first and the second power block are spatially separated from the
trough.
26. The beltway system of claim 25, wherein the data trough is
below the power block.
27. The beltway system of claim 25, wherein the data trough
includes a lip that is located above the surface of the four or
more workstations.
28. The beltway system of claim 25, wherein the four or more
workstations include a length dimension and a width dimension,
wherein the beltway system is configured to be connected and
positioned along the length dimension or the width dimension.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/658,256, filed Jun. 11, 2012,
entitled "Beltway System for Modular Furniture Assembly and
Bracket," which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to
beltway systems for furniture assemblies and, for example, to a
beltway system used in a modular furniture assembly, which allows
reconfigurable arrangements of furniture while concealing and
safely carrying conduit data and power cables, connectors, and
outlets through the beltway for easy and convenient access at each
desk station of the furniture assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Numerous methods and devices have been developed for
connecting items of furniture together. Generally, items of
furniture have been connected together via screws and nails, an
assembly process that is time-consuming, dangerous, and can lead to
permanently damaging the furniture and, potentially, the area
surrounding the place of assembly. For example, shelves or cabinets
with screws attached thereto may fall on the floor, causing the
screws to bend and damage the floor. Moreover, the assembly and
disassembly of the furniture items can take a long time, generally
at least 30 minutes even for the simplest furniture configurations.
One or more tools are required to fasten items of furniture
together, increasing the install time and potential for incorrect
assembly.
[0004] Various key-hole type furniture assembly systems have been
developed as well. These systems do not generally require screws.
However, these systems require that a person connecting the items
of furniture, which can be very heavy, connect them very precisely.
Even a smallest sideways movement of one of the items of furniture
may interfere with the engaging (or disengaging) process and
require the person to start the process over. Moreover, disengaging
the items of furniture in such an arrangement is also very
difficult. In order to disengage the items of furniture, these
systems require that a person pushes one of the furniture pieces
out of the keyhole, which requires a lot of strength and often
leads to the furniture piece "falling back" into the keyhole and
locking back into engagement, requiring the person to start the
process again. This process is exacerbated even further as the
number of screw heads required to be aligned increases.
Additionally, these systems are unidirectional; in other words,
they may be assembled or disassembled in only one direction (for
example, if one end of an item of furniture abuts against a wall or
another cabinet), so if the furniture is arranged such that
assembly is possible in only one direction, the keyholes need to be
oriented to permit assembly in that direction. If they are oriented
the opposite way, assembly is not possible.
[0005] Some conventional systems generally have screws protruding
out of the side that engages with the other engaging mechanism. In
other words, the sharpest end of the connection is not protected.
This means that if one of the furniture pieces were to fall to the
floor, the screw would likely bend, effectively ruining the
engaging mechanism and, moreover, the floor would be damaged.
Additionally, conventional systems allow for only horizontal or
vertical engagement of the furniture items, which makes their
application limited.
[0006] A need exists for a system for providing power and data port
access to office furniture, such as workstations or cubicles.
Cables carrying power should be physically separated from cables
carrying data to reduce the possibility of crosstalk or unwanted
electromagnetic interference that can degrade data integrity.
[0007] These and other unfulfilled needs are addressed by the
present disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Some aspects disclosed herein relate to a system for
assembling a first and a second item of furniture. The system
includes a bracket coupled to the first item, the bracket being
configured to removably interengage with a frame coupled to the
second item. The bracket includes a pair of co-planar extensions; a
pair of supports each extending away at an angle from the
extensions; and an elongated resilient bent middle section
extending between the pair of supports. A bend of the bent middle
section forms an apex located along and between the pair of
supports. The bent middle section has a length dimension that is
longer than a length dimension of each of the extensions such that
end tab portions of the bent middle section extend beyond the
supports. The frame includes a pair of rails, each rail having a
recess and a flange. Each recess receives respective ones of the
end tab portions. The flange is configured to receive respective
ones of the end tab portions responsive to the bent middle section
being urged from the recess into the flange to cause the bent
middle section to deform into an interference fit engagement with
the flange.
[0009] Another aspect disclosed herein relates to a furniture
bracket assembly for connecting two furniture items. The assembly
includes a substantially rectangular bracket coupled to a first
furniture item. The bracket is configured to releasably
interconnect via interference fit with a frame coupled to a second
furniture item. The bracket includes a pair of co-planar wings; a
pair of axial supports each extending at an angle from the wings;
and an elongated middle section. The elongated middle section
includes a first face facing the first furniture item and a second
face opposing the first face. The first face has a convex shape and
the second face has a concave shape. The elongated middle section
has a length dimension that is longer than a length dimension of
the wings, such that end tab portions of the middle section extend
beyond the wings. The middle section is configured to slide into a
hollow channel of the frame and be received by a pair of flanges
situated on either side of the frame to interference fit the first
face of the bracket to an internal side of each one of the pair of
flanges. The internal side of the flange faces the second item of
furniture.
[0010] Yet another aspect disclosed herein relates to a bracket for
assembling a first and a second item of furniture. The bracket
includes a pair of co-planar extensions; a pair of supports each
extending away at an angle from the extensions; and an elongated
resilient bent middle section extending between the pair of
supports. A bend of the bent middle section forms an apex located
along and between the pair of supports. The bent middle section has
a length dimension that is longer than a length dimension of each
of the extensions such that end tab portions of the bent middle
section extend beyond the supports. The bracket is coupled to the
first item of furniture and configured to removably interengage
with a frame coupled to the second item of furniture.
[0011] Another aspect disclosed herein relates to a beltway system
for a modular furniture assembly, configured to connect to two or
more workstations. The beltway system includes a main body
including a first end and a second end opposing the first end and a
first side and a second side opposite the first side. The main body
is configured to separate two or more workstations. The first side
faces a first of the two or more workstations and the second side
faces a second of the two or more workstations. The beltway system
includes a data trough including a telecommunication port
configured to provide a data connection to each one of the two or
more workstations. The data trough has an upper lip that is above,
below, or at the same level with a work surface of the two or more
workstations. The data trough extends between the first end and the
second end. The beltway system also includes at least one power
block spatially separated a distance above the data trough. The
power block includes a first power receptacle facing the first side
and a second power receptacle facing the second side.
[0012] Another aspect disclosed hereto relates to a workstation
system. The workstation system includes at least one desk separated
into four or more workstations and including a beltway system
connected thereto. The beltway system includes a first end and a
second end opposing the first end; a first side and a second side;
and a first power block coupled to the first end and a second power
block coupled to the second end. The first and the second power
block include a power receptacle coupled to the first side and a
power receptacle coupled to the second side. The beltway system
includes a data trough extending between the first end and the
second end. The data trough includes two or more telecommunication
ports configured to provide data to each one of the four or more
workstations. The first and the second power block are spatially
separated from the trough.
[0013] The foregoing and additional aspects and implementations of
the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art in view of the detailed description of various
embodiments and/or aspects, which is made with reference to the
drawings, a brief description of which is provided next.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bracket for assembling
furniture;
[0015] FIG. 2 is cross-sectional view of the bracket shown in FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a top view of the bracket shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bracket and frame prior
to assembly;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket and frame
prior to assembly;
[0019] FIGS. 6A-6C are cross-sectional views of the steps of
engagement of the bracket and the frame;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a floor-standing beltway
assembly coupled to a set of workstations;
[0021] FIG. 7A is another view of the beltway assembly of FIG.
6;
[0022] FIG. 7B is another embodiment of a beltway assembly coupled
to a set of workstations;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an
add-on beltway assembly coupled to a set of workstations;
[0024] FIGS. 8A-8C are perspective views of the beltway system of
FIG. 8;
[0025] FIG. 8D is a perspective view of two beltway systems and a
power line running between them; and
[0026] FIG. 8E is a perspective view of an example beltway system
having a power block and two data port assemblies, one flush with
the top of a data trough and one in the bottom of the data
trough.
[0027] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way
of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein.
It should be understood, however, that the invention is not
intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather,
the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the
embodiments illustrated.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bracket 100 according to
the present invention. The bracket 100 includes a first side 102
facing a first item of furniture 200 and a second side 106 which
faces a frame 300 in a disassembled (unstressed) state as shown in
FIG. 4. The bracket 100 includes two side wings or extensions 108
that are coupled (such as by fasteners) to the first item of
furniture 200. Each one of the side extensions 108 includes a
plurality of apertures or openings 110 formed therethrough
configured to receive fasteners such as screws, bolts, nails, glue,
or other fasteners for connecting the bracket 100 to the first item
of furniture 200. Each one of the side extensions 108 includes two
openings 110 formed therethrough. According to another aspect of
the present disclosure, each one of the side extensions 108
includes a suitable number of apertures formed therethrough. The
bracket 100 is coupled to the first item of furniture 200 via any
acceptable means known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0030] The bracket 100 and the frame 300 (shown in FIG. 4) are
composed of metal, such as steel having a suitable grade and
thickness. According to another aspect of the present disclosure,
the bracket 100 is constructed of any suitable material, including
metal and metal alloys. According to another aspect of the present
disclosure, the bracket 100 is constructed of aluminum or
plastic-based material. In the illustrated examples shown in the
drawings, the bracket 100 has a thickness of about 0.048 inches.
The side extensions 108 have a width of about 1.00 inches. The side
extensions 108 have a length of about 3.25 inches. For example, a
ratio of the length to width of the side extensions 108 can be
3.25:1 or between 3 and 4 to 1. Although specific dimensions,
tolerances, angles, and the like are disclosed herein, it should be
readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill that other
dimensions, tolerances, angles, and the like are contemplated. The
thickness can be designed to support at least the maximum stress
forces that will be applied to the bracket 100 when installed with
an item of furniture relative to the frame 300.
[0031] The side extensions 108 are co-planar. The bracket 100
includes two axially (along a length dimension) extending supports
112. A major surface of each one of the supports 112 is disposed at
an angle away from each one of the side extensions 108. The length
of the supports 112 is the same as the length of the side
extensions 108, and the width of the supports 112 in the
illustrated example is about 0.206 inches. Each one of the axially
extending supports 112 is disposed at an angle of about 90.degree.
relative to each one of the extensions 108, allowing the weight of
the first item of furniture 200 to be fully supported by the
supports 112 regardless of the weight of the first item of
furniture 200. In this manner, the item of furniture 200 with the
bracket 100 installed can rest (on a floor, for example,) on the
bracket 100 (or brackets if multiple brackets are installed),
without deforming the brackets 100, before the item of furniture
200 is installed relative to the frame 300. The supports 112 carry
the force transmitted by the weight of the item of furniture 200,
and act as "feet" for the item of furniture 200 without deforming
the bracket 100. The total height of the bracket is about 0.318
inches, which includes the thickness of the bracket 100 and the
width of the support 112. The term "about" can include a tolerance
of +/-5-10%.
[0032] The bracket 100 includes a middle section 114. The middle
section 114 includes a first end 116 and a second end 118 opposing
the first end 116. The middle section 114 is elongated and has a
length that is longer than the length of each one of the side
extensions 108. The length of the middle section 114 along its
central axis 120 is between about 4.375 inches. The middle section
114 includes a pair of tabs 121 on either end 116 and 118 of the
middle section 114 as shown in FIG. 3. Each tab 121 extends by a
distance d.sub.1 beyond the length of the extensions 108. Each tab
121 is received by a corresponding (respective) recess 340 of the
frame 300. Accordingly, once the bracket 100 is aligned with the
frame 300, the right end tab 121 is aligned with the right recess
340 and the left end tab 121 is aligned with the left recess 340 as
shown in FIG. 4. Distance d.sub.1 is about 0.5625 inches in the
illustrated example. Each of the supports 112 is disposed in the
illustrated example at an angle of about 74.2.degree. relative to
each one of the middle section 114.
[0033] The middle section 114 has a bent cross-section, where the
bend is along the central axis 120. The bent cross-section can be a
v-shaped cross section as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In another aspect
of the present disclosure, the shape of the middle section 114 at
the first side 102 is convex and the shape of the middle section
114 at the second side 106 is concave. The middle section 114 has
an apex 122 located along the central axis 120 between axial
supports 112. The apex 122 of the middle section 114 is located
proximate the first side 102. Referring now to FIG. 5, the apex 122
of the middle section 114 is located a distance d.sub.3 away from
the first item of furniture 200. The bend in the middle section 114
is defined by an angle .theta.. The angle .theta. is greater than
about 120.degree.. In the illustrated example, angle .theta. is
about 148.36.degree. when the bracket 100 is in a relaxed form, or,
in other words, when the bracket 100 is not coupled to the frame
300. The bracket 100 is configured to work with a wide range of
angles .theta., such as between about 120 degrees and 160 degrees.
In the illustrated example, distance d.sub.2 is about 0.592 inches,
but can be any dimension larger than the total height of the
bracket 100, which in the illustrated example is 0.318 inches.
Again, although specific dimensions and angles are shown in the
illustrated examples, those of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that other dimensions and angles can be used to achieve
the advantages and objects of aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the bracket 100 coupled
to the first item of furniture 200 prior to assembly with the frame
300 coupled to a second item of furniture 400. The first item of
furniture 200 and the second item of furniture 400 are
independently selected from drawers, cladding, storage
compartments, including overhead storage compartments, shelves,
desks, cabinets, mirrors, bulletin or tack boards, bookcases,
doors, furniture panels, office furniture, and any other furniture.
The bracket 100 is coupled to the first item of furniture 200 at
the first side 102. In a disassembled or unstressed state, the
second side 106 of the bracket 100 faces the frame 300. The frame
300 includes a first (internal) side 302 that faces the second item
of furniture 400 and a second side 306 that faces the bracket 100
in the disassembled or unstressed state. The frame 300 includes a
pair of rails 308 and a plurality of recesses or recesses 340
forming a channel 346 between the frame 300 and the second item of
furniture 400. Each frame includes a plurality of recesses 340
configured to receive the middle section 114 as shown in FIGS.
6A-6C. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the frame 300
can include two, four, six, eight, or any other number of recesses
340 configured to receive the middle section 114. The frame 300
includes a plurality of flanges 342. The first side 302 of the
flanges 342 is configured to engage with the first side 102 of the
bracket 100. The distances between the flanges 342 are slightly
larger than the length of the extensions 108 to accommodate the
extensions 108. Correspondingly, the distances between the recesses
340 are slightly larger than total length of bracket 100 including
middle section 114.
[0035] The end tabs 121 of the bracket 100 slide into the recesses
340 and are then urged to move along the channel 346 to engage by
interference fit with the first side 302 of the flanges 342. The
first side 102 of the flanges is urged inside the channel 346 and
behind the flanges 342 such that the first side 102 of the end tabs
121 compresses against the first side 302 of the flanges 342 to
form an interference fit. The apex 122 of the end tabs 121 contacts
the first side 302 of the flanges 342, causing the middle section
114 to deform into an interference fit (or friction or pressure
fit) with the flange 342. In an assembled or compressed state, the
apex 122 compresses against the first side 302 of the flanges 342.
Distance d.sub.2 is the width of the channel 346, which is the
distance between the first side 302 of the flange 342 to the second
item of furniture 400. The distance d.sub.2 is about 0.592
inches.
[0036] Deformation of the middle section 114 of the bracket 100 can
occur gradually during engagement (and disengagement) of the
furniture, which allows the force required to engage and disengage
the furniture to be distributed more evenly. In turn, this allows
the user to more easily control the engagement and disengagement
process. Accordingly, the assembly and disassembly of the furniture
is a smooth operation requiring less force from the user compared
to conventional assemblies. Moreover, the assembly and disassembly
process is faster and easier and can be completed in as little as a
minute or less. The assembly and disassembly of even heavier items
of furniture such as large cabinets can even be performed by a
single user.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 5, to assemble the two items of
furniture 200 and 400 together, the user aligns the end tabs 121 of
the middle section 114 with the recesses 340. The end tabs 121 of
the middle section 114 are configured to fit into the recesses 340.
Once the end tabs 121 of the middle section 114 are placed into the
recesses 340, the user slides the bracket 100 in a desired
direction of engagement along the channel 346. In FIG. 5, the user
slides the bracket 100 upwards to engage the first item of
furniture 200 with the second item of furniture 400, such that the
first item of furniture 200 and the second item of furniture 400
are fully aligned. According to other aspects of the present
disclosure, the user slides the bracket 100 in any desired
direction to achieve a desired configuration of the first item of
furniture 200 relative to the second item of furniture 400. The
direction is generally up, down, to the left, or to the right, but
other directions of engagement, such as along the diagonal may also
be achieved with the bracket 100 and the frame 300 according to the
present invention. Hanging arrangements, i.e., where the first item
of furniture 200 hangs down from the second item of furniture 400
are also achieved with the bracket 100 and frame 300 according to
the present disclosure. Advantageously, the bracket 100 can be
installed in two different directions. For example, if an item of
furniture to be installed will abut against a wall or other
immovable structure, the item of furniture to be installed can be
slid toward the wall. If the recesses 340 are spaced apart along
the entire length of the channel 346, the starting position of the
bracket 100 can be in any of those recesses and then the item of
furniture to be installed can be slid in either direction along the
central axis 120. Because the bracket 100 is symmetrical, it is not
required to install the bracket 100 in a particular
orientation.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, the user aligns the middle
section 114 of the bracket 100 with a pair of recesses 340 of the
frame 300. The user then places the middle section 114 into the
channel 346. The dimensions of the recess 340 and the channel 346
are configured to receive the middle section 114. Once the middle
section 114 is received in a pair of recesses 340, the user moves
the bracket 100 along the channel 346 in a desired direction to
achieve the desired configuration of the first 200 and the second
400 items of furniture. The frame 300 may be configured in such a
way as to engage with the bracket 100 in any desired orientation.
If there are multiple brackets 100 fastened to the item of
furniture 200, the user aligns the middle sections 114 of each of
the brackets 100 with the corresponding pairs of recesses 340 of
the frame 300.
[0039] When the bracket 100 is moved along the channel 346 towards
a pair of flanges 342 of the frame 300, the apex 122 of the middle
section 114 engages with the first (interior) side 302 of the pair
of flanges 342. Once the apex 122 touches or contacts the first
side 302, a user will encounter resistance in moving the bracket
100 further along the channel 346. The end tabs 121 can be rounded
or tapered to ease their entrance underneath the flanges 342. The
end tabs 121 can also be bent slightly downwards away from the
extensions 108 to further ease their entrance underneath the
flanges 342. As shown in FIG. 6A, the apex 122 of the bracket 100
is located a distance d.sub.3 away from the first furniture item
200 in a disassembled or unstressed state. The thickness d.sub.4 of
the flange 342 is larger than the distance d.sub.3. According to
one aspect of the present disclosure, d.sub.3.ltoreq.1/2d.sub.4.
The frame 300 can include a plurality of equally spaced recesses
340 and flanges 342 along most or all of the length of the frame
300. In the illustrated example, d.sub.4 is about 0.079 inches. The
distance d.sub.3 is about 0.065 inches in the illustrated
example.
[0040] The engagement of the bracket 100 and the frame 300 is
achieved by sliding the apex 122 of the middle section 114 of the
bracket 100 behind the first side 302 of the flange 342. This
causes the flange 342 to contact the apex 122 at one side and the
first furniture item 200 at a second side. When the flange 342 is
urged between the apex 122 and the first furniture item 200, the
middle section 114 is deformed into an interference fit with the
flange 342. Prior to assembly, an angle .theta. in the illustrated
example has a value of about 148.36.degree. as discussed above.
Once the bracket 100 and the frame 300 are interengaged
(assembled), an angle .theta.' defines the middle section 114. The
angle .theta.' is slightly greater than 0. Thus, the angle .theta.
defining the middle section 114 springs down and increases during
engagement. In turn, this causes the sloped sides defining the
middle section 114 to flatten out or deflect towards the second end
106. In other words, the angle defining the middle section 114
increases slightly during inter-engagement. The difference between
the higher thickness of d.sub.4 as compared to the distance d.sub.3
between the apex 122 and the first item of furniture 200 in a
disassembled or unstressed state causes the angle .theta. defining
the middle section 114 to be compressed against the first side 302
of the flange 342 causing the angle .theta. to increase to
.theta.'. The angle .theta.' in the illustrated example is about
149.5 degrees, or alternately, about 1-5% larger than the angle
.theta.(which in the illustrated example is about 148.36 degrees).
The middle section 114 is resilient and configured to give way for
the pair of flanges 342 to fit between the apex 122 and the first
item of furniture 200. The amount of interference between the apex
122 and the first side 302 of the flange 342 can be determined by
one of ordinary skill in the art based on the thickness d.sub.4 of
the frame 300 and the type or industrial grade of material of which
the bracket 100 and the frame 300 are composed.
[0041] The user is advantageously provided with tactile feedback
when the bracket 100 and the frame 300 are engaged or disengaged.
The interference fit between the bracket 100 and the frame 300
prevents inadvertent disengagement. The design of the bracket 100
and the frame 300 makes it difficult to move the bracket 100
further in a direction of engagement once the bracket 100 and the
frame 300 are engaged. Moreover, the bracket 100 is designed in
such a way that during disassembly, inadvertent re-assembly is
prevented. Thus, once the disassembly process is initiated by the
user, the bracket 100 easily slides out from the interengagement
with the frame 300 preventing any inadvertent re-assembly with the
frame 300. The user will tactilely feel a vibration or the
sensation of two metal objects rubbing against one another as the
bracket 100 engages with the frame 300. As the user continues to
push the item of furniture to which the bracket 100 is attached
into the frame 300, a greater resistance will be felt until the
items of furniture are aligned in their installed position.
Conversely, when disengaging the bracket 100 from the frame 300,
the user will tactilely feel a resistance until the bracket "pops
out" of the frame 300 into the recesses 340 and then suddenly the
tactile sensation will go away, alerting the user that the item of
furniture 200 can now be disengaged from the frame 300.
[0042] In conventional systems, inadvertent re-assembly or falling
back of the furniture pieces during disassembly is a constant
problem. What is more, the bracket 100 and the frame 300 are
configured in such a way that the assembly and disassembly
processes do not have to be precise. In other words, there is no
need to precisely fit the bracket 100 to the frame 300 for
assembly. The end tabs 121 easily fit into the recesses 340 and
then into the channel 346 and behind the flanges 342. This
eliminates the issue encountered in conventional systems of the
need for finding a precise contact point where the bracket 100 and
the frame 300 lock and unlock. The bracket 100 and the frame 300
are configured in such a way that the user knows right away when
the bracket 100 and the frame 300 are unlocked during disassembly
as it becomes very easy to move the bracket 100 once the bracket
100 and the frame 300 are unlocked. As stated above, the dimensions
of the recesses 340 can be slightly larger than the end tabs 121 to
be as forgiving as the designer wishes to be in aligning the
bracket 100 into the recesses 340.
[0043] Just like assembly, the disassembly of the bracket 100 and
the frame 300 is omnidirectional. The bracket 100 and the frame 300
do not have to be disassembled in a reverse direction from the way
the bracket 100 and the frame 300 were assembled. This makes the
bracket 100 and the frame 300 particularly useful in assembling
very heavy items. The heavy items may be assembled in the direction
where the assembly is easier--for example by sliding the bracket
100 down into the frame 300. In order to disassemble the heavy
items, the bracket 100 and the frame may be disassembled by also
sliding the bracket 100 further down out of interengagement with
the frame 300. In conventional systems the user would have been
required to move the heavy item back up to disassemble the system
in the opposite direction of assembly. This, along with other
issues, made it very difficult, if not impossible, to disassemble
heavy items by just one person. In addition, in conventional
systems, the weight of the furniture item would pull the item back
down into engagement, making disassembly even more difficult and
time consuming.
[0044] The assembly and disassembly of the bracket 100 and the
frame 300 does not require any tools or screws and can be carried
out by just one user once the bracket 100 is positioned in the
recesses 340. In order to assemble the bracket 100 and the frame
300, the user merely fits the middle section 114 into a set of
recesses 340 and slides the bracket 100 along the channel 346, such
that the apex 122 contacts the first side 302 of the pair of
flanges 342. The bracket 100 and the frame 300 can be assembled and
disassembled multiple times, without damaging the bracket 100 or
the frame 300. Following disassembly, the middle section 114,
including the angle .theta., returns to its original pre-assembly
(in an unstressed state) value.
[0045] A critical point of the bracket 100--the apex 122--is
shielded from impact in case of an inadvertent dropping of the
bracket 100. Thus, even if the bracket 100 falls to the ground, the
apex 122 will not deflect or get damaged. As mentioned above, the
supports 112 support the weight of the item of furniture 200,
protecting the raised middle section 114 from damage.
[0046] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an item of
furniture is connected to two or more brackets 100. The frame 300
includes two or more channels defined by two or more pairs of
recesses, like the recesses 340, and two or more pairs of flanges,
like the flanges 342. A user aligns the first bracket with a first
channel (defined by a first pair of recesses, like the recesses
340) and the second bracket with a second channel (defined by a
second pair of recesses, like the recesses 340). A user then moves
the item of furniture in a desired direction of engagement. The two
brackets simultaneously engage the two frames. In other words, the
middle section 114 of the bracket and the second bracket is
simultaneously received in the channels of the frame 300 and
simultaneously urged to engage with internal sides of the flanges.
The middle sections 114 of the bracket and the second bracket
simultaneously deform to form an interference fit with the frame
300.
[0047] The bracket 100 and the frame 300 are configured in such a
way that they can be used with any existing furniture items. All
that is required is that a bracket 100 be fastened or otherwise
attached to the first furniture item 200 and the frame 300 be
fastened or otherwise attached to the second furniture item 400.
This aspect is particularly useful in locations needing additional
space, such as a cabinet or other storage place, as the bracket 100
and the frame 300 make it very easy to add such additional space to
existing systems.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 7, a floor-standing beltway system 600
is shown. The beltway 600 is a self-supporting wall unit, supported
by a pair of vertical supports 601 and a horizontal support 603,
extending between a first end 602 and a second end 604 of the
beltway 600, thereby forming a "wall" to which desk stations,
workstations, tables, work surfaces, or the like can be attached.
The horizontal support 603 can rest on a floor of a building in
which the beltway system 600 is installed. A middle vertical
support 605 can optionally be provided and includes the frame 300
as described herein. A set of workstations 606 is connected to the
beltway 600 by any known means of connecting sets of workstations
together. The set of workstations 606 can be connected to the
beltway 600 via a bracket or via any suitable connection or
coupling method or mechanism. In another aspect of the present
disclosure, the set of workstations 606 can be connected to the
beltway 600 by being screwed or bolted directly to the beltway 600.
The beltway 600 is positioned along the long (length) dimension of
the set of workstations 606. The beltway 600 runs all the way
across the long dimension of the set of workstations 606; in other
words, the first end 602 of the beltway 600 is flush with the
respective end of the set of workstations 606. Similarly, the
second end 604 of the beltway 600 is flush with the respective end
of the set of workstations 606. According to another aspect of the
present disclosure, the beltway 600 can be shorter or longer than
the length dimension of the set of workstations 606 along which the
beltway system 600 is positioned. It should be emphasized that the
beltway system 600 is a freestanding unit and forms a structural
support, like a wall structure, for the set of workstations 606
attached to the beltway system 600. In other words, the beltway
system 600 can form a structural support for the set of
workstations 606. In an example, the set of workstations 606 are
not self-supporting--they require attachment to the beltway system
600 to remain upright in a workable position. For example, the set
of workstations 606 can have only one pair of legs each, requiring
the edge of the workstation that lacks any legs to be attached to
the beltway system 600 for support.
[0049] The beltway system 600 has a first side 614 and a second
side 616. The beltway system 600 includes power blocks 610
configured to provide access to users at the first side 614 and the
second side 616. The beltway system 600 also includes a data trough
612 including data lines 613 running therethrough. Referring now to
FIG. 7A, a telecommunications plate 615 is included in the data
trough 612. Data lines 613 run to the telecommunications plate 615.
The telecommunications plate 615 can be flush with a top of the
data trough 612 or mounted into a bottom of the data trough 612.
The telecommunications plate 615 is configured to support an
Ethernet, audio, video (including HDMI and VGA), USB, IEEE 1394
data connection, or any combination thereof, to the set of
workstations 606. Access to the power blocks 610 and the data
trough 612 can be covered with removable doors 620 to enhance
physical appearance of the beltway system 600. The doors 620 can
slide axially up and down to open and close access to the data
trough 612 and the power blocks 610. The doors 620 may open in any
known manner including by hinging upwards to open or opening to the
right or left side. Conduits to the power blocks 610 are physically
separated from data lines 613 located in the trough 612. A power
block 610 includes a housing that houses one or more power outlets
or receptacles 611, such as shown in FIG. 8E. The beltway system
600 includes an opening dimensioned to receive the housing of the
power block 610 such that the power outlets or receptacles 611 are
accessible to receive corresponding power plugs from electronic
equipment such as lights, computers, telephones, and the like that
are present at a workstation. Whether the data trough 612 is openly
accessible from a top thereof or accessible through a removable or
hinged door 620, 750 (see FIG. 8A), it should be emphasized that
the data ports in the plate 615 are accessible from the top of the
data trough 612 such that a cable for the data port can be plugged
in or unplugged from the open top of the data trough 612. In other
words, other than an optional hinged or removable door, there is no
structure on the top of the data trough 612 that impedes the
ability to plug or unplug cables to data ports available in the
plate 615. As the word connotes, the term "trough" indicates that
the data trough 612 is open on the top and forms a trough or
channel into which data cables can be plugged into or unplugged
from corresponding data ports accessible from one or more plates
615.
[0050] The beltway system 600 can optionally feature an overhead
storage section 642, which is structurally supported by the
supports 601, 605, which means that none of the weight of the
overhead storage section 642 needs to be supported by any of the
workstations 606. The overhead storage section 642 can include a
variety of cabinets, shelves, and other spaces for storing items.
The storage section 642 is connected to the beltway system 600 via
bracket 100 and frame 300 arrangement discussed above. The storage
section 642 is coupled to the bracket 100 or a plurality of
brackets 100. The beltway system 600 includes a frame 300 coupled
to its top portion. In another aspect of the present disclosure,
the storage section 642 is connected to the beltway system 600 via
any known methods.
[0051] The beltway system 600 includes a cut out 618 on the first
side 614 and the second side 616 of the beltway 600. The cutout 618
includes a partition separating a section that can be accessed from
the first side 614 from the section that may be accessed from the
second side 616. According to another aspect of the present
disclosure, the cutout 618 can be a pass-through that forms a
window between the first side 614 and the second side 616 of FIG.
7. Thus, a user on the first side 614 can see a user on the second
side 616 through the cutout or pass-through 618.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 7B, another aspect of a beltway system
600' according to the present disclosure is shown. The beltway 600'
is a free-standing wall unit supported by a pair of vertical
supports 601' and a horizontal support 603' positioned between a
first end 602' and a second end 604'. The horizontal support 603'
rests on a floor or a ground surface. A set of workstations 606' is
connected to the beltway system 600' via any methods and
arrangements known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The
beltway system includes one or more power blocks 610' configured to
provide power access to users of the set of workstations 606'. The
beltway system 600' also includes a data trough 612' like the data
trough 612 described above located underneath the power block 610'.
The data trough 612' includes a telecommunication plate 615
configured to provide access to data to users of the set of
workstations 606'.
[0053] The beltway system 600' and/or the set of workstations 606'
are coupled to drawers or cabinets 640' positioned underneath the
set of workstations 606'. In one aspect of the present disclosure,
the drawers 640' are connected directly to the set of workstations
606' via a bracket 100 and frame 300 arrangement or via any other
connection method. In another aspect of the present invention, the
drawers 640' are connected directly to the beltway system 600' via
bracket 100 and frame 300 arrangement or via any other connection
method.
[0054] The beltway system 600' and/or the set of workstations 606'
are coupled to overhead storage compartments 642'. The storage
compartments 642' can be connected directly to the beltway system
600', directly to the set of workstations 606', or to both the
beltway system 600' and the set of workstations 606'. The storage
compartments 642' include a cutout 618'. The cutout 618' is
configured to provide additional storage to users of the set of
workstations 606'. A raised table 646' can pass through the cutout
618' to provide additional workspace to the users of the
workstations 618'. The beltway system 600' and/or the set of
workstations 606' can be connected to other furniture elements.
[0055] The illustrated beltway 600 and 600' are free standing or
standalone wall units having dimensions exemplified by but not
limited to 48''W.times.5''D.times.28''H;
60''W.times.5''D.times.28''H; and 72''W.times.5''D.times.28''H. The
standalone beltway units 600 and 600' are structural and do not
need to be mounted on or supported by any other surface. The
standalone beltway units 600 and 600' may be placed directly onto
the floor or a ground surface such that the horizontal support 603,
603' rests on the floor or ground surface. The vertical supports
601 and 601' and the horizontal support 603 and 603' support the
full weight of the beltway systems 600 and 600', respectively. The
dimensions of the beltway systems 600, 600' are configured such
that workstation tables can be oriented in a portrait (FIG. 8) or
landscape (FIG. 7) orientation relative to the beltway systems 600,
600', using the same beltway system 600, 600'. For such systems,
the length to width ratio of the tables is 2:1. In either the
portrait or landscape configurations, no part of the workstation
tables extends beyond the longest dimension of the beltway system
600, 600'.
[0056] The set of workstations 606 can also include desktop task
LED lights and/or under surface LED task lights at each
workstation, powered by the power block 610, for example. Referring
now to FIG. 7, a set of workstations 606 can also include drawers
640 with sliding doors coupled to an underside surface of the set
of workstations 606. The drawers 640 can be coupled to the
underside surface via the bracket 100 and frame 300 arrangement
discussed above. The drawers 640 can also be coupled to the
underside surface via any other known means. The illustrated
drawers 640 can have varying dimensions exemplified by but not
limited to 151/4''W.times.24'', 30'', or 36''D. The drawers 640 may
also have a depth of 36''. The set of workstations 506 can also
include additional storage tower options. The set of workstations
606 can also include overhead shared access modules with hinged
doors, additional height upper storage, and cabinets.
[0057] FIG. 8 illustrates a beltway system 700 including a first
end 702 and a second end 704 opposing the first end. The beltway
system 700 is coupled to a set of workstations 706 in a "portrait"
orientation (two workstation tables abut either side of the beltway
system 700). The set of workstations includes several workstations
706 that are used by several individuals. The set of workstations
706 includes four workstations (including four corresponding tables
or desk surfaces) configured to be used by four individuals. In
another aspect of the present disclosure, the set of workstations
706 may include two, six, eight, or any other suitable number of
workstations. The beltway system 706 serves as a divider between
the workstations. Each aspect of the beltway system 700 is equally
accessible from each individual workstation of the set of
workstations 706 as will be discussed in further detail below.
[0058] The beltway system 700 is connected to a set of workstations
706 and, unlike the beltway system 600, 600', is not a free
standing unit. The beltway system 700 is structurally supported by
another structure, such as a set of workstations 706. The beltway
system 700 may be supported by any existing set of workstations. In
other words, an existing set of workstations may be retrofitted
with the beltway system 700. In this way, the beltway system 700
can be referred to as an "add-on" unit, which can be added to an
existing set of workstations that provide the structural supporting
system for the beltway system 700. In other words, unlike the
floor-standing beltway systems 600, 600' described in connection
with FIGS. 7, 7A, and 7B, the beltway system 700 does not provide
the primary structural support for any of the workstations 706.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the illustrated
beltway system 700 is attached to an underside of a set of
workstations and can have dimensions exemplified by but not limited
to 24''W.times.5''D.times.9''H; 30''W.times.5''D.times.9''H;
36''W.times.5''D.times.9''H; 42''W.times.5''D.times.9''H;
48''W.times.5''D.times.9''H; 60''W.times.5''D.times.9''H, and
72''W.times.5''D.times.9''H. The beltway system 700 is attached to
an underside of the set of workstations by any known means,
including by screwing the beltway 700 to the underside of the set
of workstations via the bracket 742. The beltways 600, 600' and 700
can be composed of metal, including steel, or plastic, wood,
laminate, acrylic, or any other suitable material.
[0059] The set of workstations 706 also includes a partition or
privacy panel 708 positioned roughly perpendicularly to the beltway
system 700. The partition 708 can be made of sheer, semi-sheer, or
opaque material and is configured to provide physical separation
and privacy to individuals using the set of workstations 706. The
partition 708 can be constructed of any suitable material,
including plastic, wood, metal, glass, acrylic, laminate, and other
materials. The dimensions of the partition 708 can vary depending
on the dimensions of the set of workstations 706. The dimensions of
the partition 708 as illustrated can be exemplified by 24''W.times.
3/16''D.times.12''H; 30''W.times. 3/16''D.times.12''H; 36''W.times.
3/16''D.times.12''H; 42''W.times. 3/16''D.times.12''H; 48''W.times.
3/16''D.times.12''H; 54''W.times. 3/16''D.times.12''H; 60''W.times.
3/16''D.times.12''H; and 66''W.times. 3/16''D.times.12''H.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the depth
(D) of the partition 708 can be 1/2''. The partition 708 may also
have customized dimensions based on customer needs. The partition
708 can be installed at any existing workstation or set of
workstations 706. The partition 708 includes attachment brackets,
such as the brackets 100, for attaching the partition 708 to an
existing workstation.
[0060] As seen in FIG. 8, the combination of the beltway system 700
and the partition 708 makes each workstation physically and
visually separated from other workstations. The beltway system 700
can be arranged in a portrait arrangement--across the set of
workstations 706 as shown in FIG. 8. According to another aspect of
the present disclosure, the beltway system 700 may be arranged in a
landscape arrangement--with the beltway 700 rotated 90.degree. from
the arrangement shown in FIG. 8. In other words, the beltway 700
can be positioned along a narrow dimension (width) or along a long
dimension (length) of a set of workstations 706. The partition 708
can include computer monitors coupled thereto to maximize the
amount of workspace available at each workstation. The set of
workstations 706 can also include, at each workstation, monitor
accessories, including flat panel posts, flat panel arm, grommet
attachments, clamp attachments, pneumatic monitor arms and posts,
slatwall attachments, cladding, and other accessories. The set of
workstations 706 can also include, at each workstation, central
processing unit (CPU) slings.
[0061] The beltway system 700 includes one or more power blocks 710
configured to provide power access to each workstation. The power
blocks 710 are connected via a conduit, such as conduit 711 shown
in FIG. 8C, to a power source. The beltway system 700 also includes
a data trough 712 configured to provide a data connection to each
workstation. The data trough 712 includes data cables 713 running
to a telecommunications plate or plates 715 as shown in FIGS.
8A-8C. The data cables 713 are physically separated from the power
conduits 711 and are not housed within the power conduits 711. The
data connections can be positioned in the bottom of the data trough
712 or flush with a top surface of the data trough 712. When
positioned in the bottom of the data trough 712, the data
connectors 717 can be received in the data trough 712 out of the
way to keep the desktop area clutter- and cable-free. FIG. 8E is a
view shown from the opposite side of the view shown in FIG. 8A.
FIG. 8E shows two data port assemblies 815a, 815b. The data port
assembly 815b may be movable and is moved closer to the data port
assembly 815a in FIG. 8E. The data port assembly 815a (including
data ports such as USB, Firewire, audio/video, Ethernet, HDMI, or
the like) is provided in the bottom of the data trough 712, and the
data connector 717 is plugged into a data port of the data port
assembly 815a. The data port assembly 815a may include a sliding or
hinged door 750 that is configured to fully or partially cover the
data port assembly 815a. A user may slide or open the door in a
desired direction to gain full access to the data port assembly
815a. Excess cable to the data connector 717 can be neatly folded
and retained inside the data trough 712 out of the way of the
working surface of the workstation (removed for clarity in FIG.
8E). Likewise, a power cable 719 connecting a power plug 721 to a
power outlet or receptacle 611 of the power block 710 can be folded
and retained in the data trough 712. The other data port assembly
815b is shown as being flush with a top of the data trough 712. For
ease of discussion, the data port assemblies 815a,b are shown in
two different positions relative to the data trough 712, though it
is contemplated that all data port assemblies 815 in the data
trough 712 are positioned in the same part of the data trough 712
(either all in or near the bottom of the data trough 712 or flush
with a top of the data trough 712). Of course, the data port
assemblies 815 can also be positioned anywhere within the data
trough 712, so long as they do not exceed the height of the data
trough 712 and impinge into the area of the pass-through 618. The
object is to keep the power and data cables and connectors
separated from one another.
[0062] Like the data trough 612, the data trough 712 is openly
accessible from a top thereof or accessible through a removable or
hinged door 750 (see FIG. 8A). It should be emphasized that the
data ports in the plate 715, like the plate 615, are accessible
from the top of the data trough 712 such that a cable for the data
port can be plugged in or unplugged from the open top of the data
trough 712. In other words, other than an optional hinged or
removable door 750, there is no structure on the top of the data
trough 712 that impedes the ability to plug or unplug cables to
data ports available in the plate 715.
[0063] The telecommunications plate 715 can provide an Ethernet,
audio, video (including HDMI and VGA), USB, IEEE 1394 (Firewire)
data connection through respective data ports or plugs, or any
combination thereof to each workstation. Each telecommunication
plate 715 includes one or more data ports assemblies 815. The data
port assemblies 815 may include ports or connectors that are
square, rectangular, or of any desired shape. According to another
aspect of the present disclosure, the data trough may include blank
telecommunication plates 715 that lack data ports, and a customer
can select the specific data port assemblies 815 (that include one
or more connectors for any combination of one or more data
connections listed above) that the customer wishes to include in
the telecommunication plate 715. As seen in FIG. 8C, the data
trough 712 is spatially separated from the power block 710 by a
distance d.sub.5. Distance d.sub.5 is between about 1 to about 5
inches. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the
distance d.sub.5 can be any suitable distance that provides a
physical separation (such as an air separation) between the data
trough 712 and the power block 710. In the illustration shown in
FIG. 8E, the pass-through 618 provides the physical separation
between the power block 710 and the data port assembly 815a, b. The
power conduit to the power block 710 is located axially above the
data trough 712. The power conduit or power lines 711 are hidden
within a top section of the main body of the beltway system 700.
The power conduit 711 to the power block 710 and the data lines
passing within the data trough 712 are physically separated to
eliminate interference, cross talk, and other issues traditionally
associated with data and power lines being run together. The
beltway system 700 also provides for visual separation of the
conduit to the power block 710 and the data lines within the data
trough 712, providing visual confirmation to customers and users
alike that the power and data lines (within the beltway) and cables
(exterior to the beltway and plugged into the power plugs/data
ports) do not cross and are kept separate. Many other routing
configurations are possible besides the examples shown in the
drawings, but the illustrations are intended to show how the power
and data lines can be routed in a manner that they are separated
from one another, both when they are received at the beltway and
then through the corresponding power outlets/data ports accessible
from the beltway. In an non-limiting aspect, while the data lines
and power lines may intersect once or twice, they do not run next
to each other in close proximity or touching one another for any
distance.
[0064] The power blocks 710 include a first side 714 and a second
side 716. The power blocks 710 include a power plate at the first
side 714 and another power plate at the second side 716. Thus,
users of workstations at the first side 714 and the second side 716
can conveniently plug into a power source at their respective side
of the workstation. The power blocks 710 include one or more (such
as two or four) power outlets or receptacles 611, such as shown in
FIG. 8E. Each beltway system 700 can include multiple power blocks
710 separated from one another by a distance. The beltway system
700 shown in FIG. 8 includes two power blocks 710--a first power
block 710 coupled to the first end 702 and a second power block 710
(not shown) coupled to the second end 704. The beltway system 700
is configured to be used by four individuals. Each workstation of
the set of workstations 706 can include a rectangular work surface.
Each work surface can have different dimensions based on customer
specifications. Each work surface can have a width of 36, 42, 48,
60, or 72'' and a depth of 24, 30 or 36''. Each beltway system 700
can have a varying number of power blocks 710, all being connected
to the same power source. Generally, each power block 710 provides
power to at least two individual workstations, but in some aspects
each power block 710 can provide power to a single workstation. The
power block 710 can be positioned in such a way as to provide power
to more than two individual workstations.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 8D, an alternative arrangement of two
beltway systems 700 is shown. Each beltway system 700 provides
power and data access to two workstations, although additional
workstations can be supplied by each beltway system. Power lines
run from the wall of a room underneath the floor surface to the
vertical supports (legs) 707 (also shown in FIG. 8A) of each set of
workstations 706. The power conduit 711 then runs from the vertical
supports 707 through each power block 710. The beltway system 700
also includes a non-supporting leg 723 extending to a drawer or set
of drawers 725. The drawer or set of drawers 725 can be any type of
furniture instead. Both beltway systems 700 of FIG. 8D are powered
by a single common power source. According to another aspect of the
present disclosure, a plurality of sets of workstations 706 can be
equipped with a plurality of beltway systems 700, wherein all the
beltway systems 700 share a single common power source for all the
power blocks 710.
[0066] The data lines 713 for the data ports in the
telecommunication plates 715 can be routed through the middle
support 705 (like the vertical support 605 shown in FIG. 7A) of the
frame 300 or through a leg (not shown) of the workstation 706, or
through the vertical support 707 of the frame 300 as shown on the
right side of FIG. 8D. This routing keeps the data lines separated
from the power lines before they are brought to the data
ports/power outlets in the beltway system. When routed through the
middle support 705, the data lines can be connected to data ports
in the floor or on an adjacent wall. Likewise, when routed through
the vertical support 707, the data lines can be connected to data
ports in the adjacent wall. This is particularly useful for
existing configurations in which the data ports have already been
installed within an office space and cannot be readily relocated or
repositioned.
[0067] The beltway system 700 includes a pass-through 718 that
passes through a width of the beltway. The pass-through 718 is an
opening creating an open window between the workstation at the
first side 714 and the workstation at the second side 716, and
physically separates the power blocks 710 from telecommunication
plates 715 located within or flush with a top of the data trough.
The pass-through 718 is an open cutout in the beltway system 700.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the beltway
system 700 does not include a pass-through 718, or includes a
pass-through 718 that is composed of glass or other sheer or
semi-sheer material. The pass-through 718 provides additional
visual confirmation to customers and users that power conduits and
data lines are physically separated, and also allows a power or
data cable from one side 714, 716 to be accessible from the other
side 716, 714 if a power plug or data port is unavailable on the
other side.
[0068] The data trough 712 includes a pair of ribs or lips 724 on
either side of the data trough 712. The pair of ribs or lips 724 is
positioned on top of the work surface as shown in FIG. 8. According
to another aspect of the present disclosure, the ribs or lips 724
can be flush with a top of the work surface or the ribs or lips 724
can be positioned below the work surface. The data trough 712
includes a substantially hollow opening. Data cables, such as data
cables 713 of FIG. 8C, run through the substantially hollow opening
of the data trough 712. Additionally, users can place any hanging
cords or cables into the data trough 712 to achieve a cleaner and
more organized work station appearance. The data trough 712 can
include a removable cover for closing access to the data trough,
wherein the cover only allows cables, such as data cables, to pass
therethrough.
[0069] In FIG. 8A, the beltway system 700 includes at its top side
719 a cladding panel 720. The beltway system 700 includes cladding
panels 722 at its first end 702 and at its second end 704. The
cladding panel 722 is coupled to the beltway system via bracket 100
and frame 300 discussed above. The beltway system 700 includes a
frame 300 along or coupled to its top section 719. The frame 300
includes a plurality of alternating recesses 340 and flanges 342
for receiving the bracket 100. The beltway system 700 can include a
variety of furniture components coupled to its top section 719,
including a storage assembly 642 shown in FIG. 8.
[0070] The beltway systems 600, 600', and 700 allow for an almost
infinite variety of different configurations of furniture. As
discussed above, the beltway systems 500, 600, 700 are configured
in such a way that they can be coupled to a set of workstations in
any configuration or spatial arrangement. The beltway systems 600,
600', and 700 provide easy access to power and data to each user of
each individual work station. The beltway systems 600, 600', and
700 eliminate the need to use loose cable extension cords and power
extension cords by providing data and power access directly at each
work station. Moreover, the beltway systems 600, 600', and 700 can
be directly coupled, via the frame 300 and bracket 100, to any
items of furniture, including desks, cabinets, doors, drawers, etc.
Moreover, the beltway systems 600, 600', and 700 are configurable
to include any desired number of power outlets and
telecommunication ports.
[0071] The beltway systems 600, 600', and 700 can be installed at
any existing work station post production. Thus, if a customer has
been using cables and extension cords to provide data and power
access to workstations, the customer may purchase the beltway
systems 600, 600', or 700 and provide easy access to power and data
to each work station. Thus, existing systems can be easily
retrofitted with the beltway systems 600, 600' and 700 and with the
brackets 100 and frames 300 described above.
[0072] The brackets can be installed along any two sides or on the
top of the beltway system. Frames like the frame 300 can be
arranged on the two sides and the top of the beltway (see FIG. 7A,
for example), and optionally along a middle vertical support 605,
with flanges and recesses spaced regularly along the lengths of
each of the sides, top, and optional support 605. Any item of
furniture with one or more brackets fastened to its underside can
be attached to any side, support, or top of the beltway, allowing
nearly an infinite number of configurations and combinations of
furniture items including workstations. The power and data ports
are physically separated by pass-throughs in the beltway, to reduce
installation error and to mitigate the effects of electromagnetic
interference generated by the power lines and cables interfering
with the integrity of data signals passing through the data lines
or cables. The data trough conceals the data ports and allows
cables and other items to be stored within the trough out of sight
and off the working surface of the workstation. The beltway is
position and orientation agnostic in the sense that it does not
matter which orientation the beltway is positioned. Both sides of
the beltway can be mirror images of one another, making orientation
irrelevant and for ease of manufacturing and assembly. The lines
carrying the power (typically in conduit) and data signals to the
beltway can be routed in a way that conceals them from the users
when seated at the workstations and in a manner that segregates the
two lines from one another to reduce crosstalk and EMI effects.
This also simplifies the installation of the beltway and reduces
the chance that power and data lines will be connected
incorrectly.
[0073] In combination with the bracket as described herein, the
versatility of the beltway system is further enhanced. The bracket
also functions as "feet" for the item of furniture to which the
bracket is attached. The vertical supports of the bracket protect
the bent middle section from damage and carry the weight of the
item of furniture when resting on a surface, such as the floor. The
vertical supports are orthogonal to the bottom surface of the item
of furniture to which the bracket is attached, ensuring that the
mass of the item will be maximally supported by the vertical
supports. The bracket or brackets can be fastened to the underside
of an item of furniture, and the item can rest on the bracket(s)
while awaiting assembly into a frame of a beltway without damaging
the bracket, the item of furniture, or the surface upon which the
bracket rests. The interference fit created by the bent middle
section and flanges of the frame provide tactile feedback to the
user, do not require the use of any tools or fasteners to secure
the two items of furniture to one another, and minimize the chance
of "overshooting" the target position of the two items of furniture
relative to one another. Conversely, when disassembling two items
of furniture coupled together with the brackets as disclosed
herein, the tactile feedback will produce a sudden "popping out"
sensation as the bracket is freed from the flanges and enters the
recesses where the bracket can be removed from the frame. Unlike
keyhole arrangements, the brackets allow omnidirectional
installation and disassembly of two items of furniture relative to
one another. For example, installation can be proceed from right to
left, while disassembly can proceed from left to right. When an
item of furniture abuts against a wall or other immovable
structure, the mirror image of the bracket and beltway do not
require that they be installed in any particular orientation. In
keyhole arrangements, care must be taken to orient the "keyhole"
such that the item to be installed can be slid into the open part
of the keyhole.
[0074] The bent middle section of the bracket forms a kind of leaf
spring that compresses against the flange when installed into the
frame. This interference fit is sufficient to secure two items of
furniture to each other, regardless of their weight (for heavier
items, more brackets can be used to increase the holding force
between the brackets and the frame), without requiring any tools or
fasteners between the bracket and the frame. The only force needed
is to push one item of furniture relative to the other until the
bracket engages the flange (either partially or completely). It is
not required that the bracket completely engage the flange--even a
partial engagement will suffice to secure two items of furniture
together, particularly when installed on the top of the frame. This
allows leeway in designing the dimensions of the flanges and
recesses and the bracket sizes, because the bracket does not have
to completely fit under a flange. The tabs on the ends of the
brackets help to guide the bracket underneath the flanges. When
installed under an item of furniture, installation proceeds in a
"blind" manner in that the installer may not be able to see the
brackets, particularly for top-mounting items of furniture. The
tabs help to guide the bracket under the flanges without requiring
the installer to look or use fingers (which can get pinched) to
find the flanges. The operator guides the item of furniture against
the frame, and even if they are not perfectly aligned, the operator
simply needs to move the item of furniture (with the bracket) until
it pops into the recesses and then slide the item of furniture into
an interference fit with the frame of the other item of furniture
or beltway (which is itself an item of furniture as used
herein).
[0075] While particular embodiments and applications of the present
disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be
understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise
construction and compositions disclosed herein and that various
modifications, changes, and variations can be apparent from the
foregoing descriptions without departing from the scope of the
invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *