U.S. patent application number 14/686055 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-06 for furniture assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Herman Miller, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is HERMAN MILLER, INC.. Invention is credited to Janja Maidl, CLAUDIA PLIKAT, Johann Burkhad Schmitz, Carola Eva Marianne Zwick, Roland Rolf Otto Zwick.
Application Number | 20150216307 14/686055 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49162233 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150216307 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PLIKAT; CLAUDIA ; et
al. |
August 6, 2015 |
FURNITURE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A partition system includes various accessories that may be
associated with a wall or base element. The accessories include
without limitation a backdrop. The wall element may be curved or
linear in various embodiments. The wall element may include an
upstanding wall or a channel, either or both of which are engaged
by one or more accessories.
Inventors: |
PLIKAT; CLAUDIA; (US)
; Schmitz; Johann Burkhad; (Berlin, DE) ; Zwick;
Carola Eva Marianne; (Berlin, DE) ; Zwick; Roland
Rolf Otto; (Berlin, DE) ; Maidl; Janja;
(Berlin, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HERMAN MILLER, INC. |
Zeeland |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Herman Miller, Inc.
Zeeland
MI
|
Family ID: |
49162233 |
Appl. No.: |
14/686055 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14011359 |
Aug 27, 2013 |
|
|
|
14686055 |
|
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|
|
61693489 |
Aug 27, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/473 ;
248/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 7/00 20130101; E04B
2/7405 20130101; A47F 5/0846 20130101; A47B 2083/006 20130101; A47B
97/04 20130101; H05K 7/12 20130101; F16M 11/04 20130101; E04B 2/02
20130101; E04B 2002/7418 20130101; E04B 2002/749 20130101; H02G
3/386 20130101; A47B 13/003 20130101; A47B 96/027 20130101; A47B
2021/066 20130101; E04B 2/72 20130101; A47B 5/06 20130101; H02G
3/286 20130101; F16M 11/22 20130101; A47B 21/06 20130101; A47B
83/001 20130101; A47B 2083/003 20130101; E04B 2/7416 20130101; H02G
3/18 20130101; A47B 2013/006 20130101; A47B 21/02 20130101; A47B
13/02 20130101; E04B 2002/7488 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 97/04 20060101
A47B097/04; F16M 11/04 20060101 F16M011/04; F16M 11/22 20060101
F16M011/22 |
Claims
1. A furniture assembly comprising: a base comprising a channel
having a bottom and opposite side walls defining a width of said
channel; a support bracket comprising an upright portion and a base
portion disposed in said channel; and a backdrop coupled to said
upright portion, wherein said base portion of support bracket
alone, or said base portion and said backdrop in combination, have
a thickness substantially equal to said width of said channel and
engage said side walls of said channel such that said backdrop is
removably secured in said channel.
2. The furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein said channel and said
backdrop are curved.
3. The furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein said base portion of
said support bracket is U-shaped with opposite upstanding leg
portions.
4. The furniture assembly of claim 3 wherein one of said upstanding
leg portions defines said upright portion.
5. The furniture assembly of claim 4 wherein said backdrop is
secured to an interior surface of said upright portion, wherein
said base portion of support bracket alone has said thickness
substantially equal to said width of said channel.
6. The furniture assembly of claim 4 wherein said backdrop is
secured to an exterior surface of said upright portion, wherein
said base portion and said backdrop in combination have said
thickness substantially equal to said width of said channel.
7. The furniture assembly of claim 1 comprising a pair of support
brackets spaced apart along a length of said channel.
8. The furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein said channel and said
backdrop are linear.
9. The furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein said backdrop
comprises a display surface.
10. The furniture assembly of claim 9 wherein said display surface
comprises a whiteboard surface.
11. The furniture assembly of claim 9 wherein said display surface
is configured to display a projected image.
12. A furniture assembly comprising: a base comprising a curved
channel having a bottom and opposite side walls defining a width of
said channel, wherein said channel is curved when viewed from
above; a support bracket comprising an upright portion and a base
portion disposed in said channel; and a backdrop coupled to said
upright portion, wherein said base portion of support bracket
alone, or said base portion and said backdrop in combination, have
a thickness substantially equal to said width of said channel and
engage said side walls of said channel such that said backdrop is
removably secured in said channel.
13. The furniture assembly of claim 12 wherein said backdrop is
curved when viewed from above.
14. The furniture assembly of claim 13 wherein said backdrop and
said channel have the same curvature.
15. The furniture assembly of claim 12 wherein said base portion of
said support bracket is U-shaped with opposite upstanding leg
portions.
16. The furniture assembly of claim 15 wherein one of said
upstanding leg portions defines said upright portion.
17. The furniture assembly of claim 16 wherein said backdrop is
secured to an interior surface of said upright portion, wherein
said base portion of support bracket alone has said thickness
substantially equal to said width of said channel.
18. The furniture assembly of claim 16 wherein said backdrop is
secured to an exterior surface of said upright portion, wherein
said base portion and said backdrop in combination have said
thickness substantially equal to said width of said channel.
19. The furniture assembly of claim 12 comprising a pair of support
brackets spaced apart along a length of said channel.
20. The furniture assembly of claim 12 wherein said backdrop
comprises a display surface.
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/011,359, filed Aug. 27, 2013, which application claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/693,489, filed Aug.
27, 2012, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a partition system, and in
particular to various accessories that may be used therewith.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Partition systems, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2012/0159869, entitled "Partition System," the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, have
been developed to divide and define various workspaces. In some
embodiments, the partition system includes a plurality of wall
elements merging one into another. Some of the wall elements may be
linear, while others may be curved. This variation in shape may
make it more difficult to accommodate and support various furniture
components and accessories thereon, including various worksurfaces,
backdrops, shelving and storage arrangements, power supply and the
like. In addition, some of the wall elements may be configured with
one or more channels, which support the accessories. Often, such
channels are capable of supporting only one furniture component or
accessory at a particular location, thereby limiting the utility
and reconfigurability of the system. Thus, the need remains for
various accessories that may be adapted for use with curved and
linear wall elements, and which may be used in combination at a
common location.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect, one embodiment of an accessory includes a
power strip having a plurality of power modules disposed along a
longitudinal axis. Each of the modules has a length defined along
the longitudinal axis and a width defined transverse to the length.
At least one flexible joint pivotally connects adjacent pairs of
the power modules such that the adjacent pairs of power modules are
pivotable relative to each other about an axis substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. At least one of the power
modules includes an expansion component, which is adjustable such
that the width of at least one power module is variable. In various
aspects, the power strip is disposed in an elongated channel of a
base structure. The channel may be curved or straight.
[0005] In another aspect, one embodiment of an adjustable shelf
includes a plurality of elongated supports each having a mounting
portion disposed adjacent one end of the elongated support and an
opposite distal end portion. Each of the elongated supports
includes an upper support surface. A plurality of flexible joints
connect the mounting portions and the distal end portions, wherein
the plurality of elongated supports may be arranged in a linear or
curved configuration.
[0006] In yet another aspect, one embodiment of a furniture
assembly includes a base having a channel with a bottom and
opposite side walls defining a width of the channel. A support
bracket includes an upright portion and a base portion disposed in
the channel. A backdrop is coupled to the upright portion, wherein
the base portion of the support bracket and the backdrop in
combination have a thickness substantially equal to the width of
the channel and engage the side walls of said channel such that the
backdrop is removably secured in the channel. In various
embodiments, the channel may be straight or curved, with the
backdrop also being straight or curved.
[0007] In yet another aspect, one embodiment of a furniture
assembly includes a base having a wall with opposite sidewalls and
an upper support surface. A claw defines a downwardly opening
channel, which is received on the wall. A support member is coupled
to the claw and extends laterally from the wall. A vertically
adjustable leg supports the support member at a location laterally
spaced from the base. A worksurface is supported by said support
member. In various embodiments, the wall may be linear or
curved.
[0008] In another aspect, a furniture assembly includes a base
having a channel with opposite sidewalls defining a width and an
upwardly opening mouth. A first auxiliary furniture component and a
second auxiliary furniture component having an expansion device are
disposed in the channel. The expansion device is adjustable such
that a thickness of the first and second auxiliary furniture
components in combination with the expansion device is
substantially the same as the width of the channel, or
alternatively, the thickness of the second auxiliary furniture
component alone in combination with the expansion device is
substantially the same as the width of the channel.
[0009] In yet another aspect, a furniture assembly includes a base
defining an interior space and having an upper surface. A support
stand includes a weighted base portion and a pair of spaced apart
uprights extending upwardly from the weighted base portion. The
weighted base portion and a portion of the uprights are disposed in
the interior space of the base with said uprights extending
upwardly through the upper surface. A cross bar is secured to, and
bridges between, the uprights. The cross bar is adapted to support
a media display, and is vertically adjustable along a length of the
uprights. The base may be linear or curved.
[0010] The various aspects and embodiments provide significant
advantages over other partition systems. For example and without
limitation, the power strip, shelving arrangement, backdrop support
and worksurface support may be used with both linear and curved
base structures or wall elements. In this way, the furniture
components, or accessories, are modular. In addition, the
accessories may be used in combination at the same location, for
example with the power strip positioned in alignment with and
occupying the same space as one or more of the backdrop, shelving,
and/or worksurface. Alternatively, the power strip, by way of the
expansion device, may be used independently in the same space.
[0011] The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of
general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of
the following claims. The presently preferred embodiments, together
with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to
the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a linear wall element with
an adjustable shelf applied thereto.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a curved wall element with
an adjustable shelf applied thereto.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a curved wall element with a
curved backdrop applied thereto.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the curved backdrop.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a linear wall element with a
straight backdrop applied thereto.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a straight backdrop.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a curved wall element with a
media support stand applied thereto.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the support stand shown in
FIG. 7.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a linear wall element with a
media support stand applied thereto.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the support stand shown in
FIG. 9.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a curved wall assembly with
a worksurface assembly supported thereon.
[0023] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the worksurface
assembly shown in FIG. 11.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a linear wall assembly with
a worksurface assembly supported thereon.
[0025] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the worksurface
assembly shown in FIG. 13.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a linear wall element with a visualization board
applied thereto.
[0027] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a pair of wall
elements and a pair of connectors.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a power
strip.
[0029] FIG. 18A is a side view of the power strip shown in FIG. 17,
with the expansion device shown in three different positions.
[0030] FIG. 18B is a front view of the power strip shown in FIG.
17.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
power strip shown in FIG. 17.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a side view of the power strip disposed in a
channel of a wall element.
[0033] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a partition assembly.
[0034] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in
FIG. 7 taken along line 22-22.
[0035] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an adjustable shelf.
[0036] FIG. 24 is a plan view of the adjustable shelf shown in FIG.
23.
[0037] FIG. 25 is a side view of the adjustable shelf shown in FIG.
23.
[0038] FIG. 26 is an end view of the adjustable shelf shown in FIG.
23.
[0039] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the worksurface assembly
shown in FIG. 11 at different elevations with the support members
at different telescoping positions.
[0040] FIG. 28 is an alternative embodiment of a power strip.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
General:
[0041] The term "longitudinal" as used herein is intended to
indicate a lengthwise direction, for example of a wall element,
channel or wall. Similarly, the terms "front", "side", "back",
"forwardly", "rearwardly", "upwardly" and "downwardly" as used
herein are intended to indicate the various directions and portions
of the wall element and furniture accessories coupled thereto as
normally understood when viewed from the perspective of a user
facing the wall element and interfacing with the accessories. It
should be understood that the terms "mounted," "connected",
"coupled," "supported by," and variations thereof, refer to two or
more members or components that are joined, engaged or abutted,
whether directly or indirectly, for example, by way of another
component or member, and further that the two or more members, or
intervening member(s) can be joined by being integrally formed, or
by way of various fastening devices, including for example and
without limitation, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, press
fit, bent-over tab members, etc. The term "plurality" means two or
more. The terms "curved" and "linear" refer to the shape or
configuration of a particular element or component in a plane view
when being viewed from above, with "linear" being interchangeable
with "straight." It should be understood that the use of numerical
terms "first," "second," "third," etc., as used herein does not
refer to any particular sequence or order of components; for
example "first" and "second" auxiliary furniture components may
refer to any sequence of such components, and is not limited to the
first and second components of a particular configuration unless
otherwise specified.
Wall Elements:
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16 and 21,
a partition system 2 is configured with a plurality of wall
elements 4, 6, 8, 10 which may be arranged end-to-end in various
configurations. The wall elements may be curved or linear elements
4, 10, or combinations thereof, and may include various transition
and corner elements 6, 8. In one embodiment, the wall elements 4,
10 are configured as stepped element, which defines a plurality of
walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 112, 114, 116, 118 arranged at different
heights, and a plurality of channels 20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124
arranged at different heights. Each of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18,
112, 114, 116, 118 has opposite sidewalls 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36,
38, 40, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140 defining a width
(WW) of the respective wall and an upper support surface 42, 44,
46, 48, 142, 144, 146, 148. Likewise, each of the channels 20, 22,
24, 120, 122, 124 has a bottom 50, 52, 54, 150, 152, 154 and
opposite sidewalls 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136,
138 defining a width (CW) of the channel. Pairs of walls define the
channels therebetween, with the sidewalls of spaced apart walls
corresponding to the sidewalls of the channel formed therebetween.
In one embodiment, the wall elements are configured with four walls
and three channels, although it should be understood that more or
less walls and channels may be used. In various embodiments, the
heights HW1, HW2, HW3, and HW4 of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 112,
114, 116, 118 are 42 inches, 35.5 inches, 29.00 inches and 22.5
inches respectively in one embodiment, and 41.625 inches, 35.312
inches, 29.00 inches and 22.69 inches respectively in another
embodiment, while the height of the bottom 50, 52, 54, 150, 152,
154 of the channels HC1, HC2 and HC3 are 31.16 inches, 24.85 inches
and 18.54 inches respectively, although other heights may be
suitable. The walls, when configured with a worksurface component
secured thereto, provide a worksurface at a counter height, a
kitchen counter height, a work table height and a continental table
height respectively. The depth of the channels (height of front
wall to bottom of channel) may be calculated, and is about 4.5
inches in one embodiment. In addition, the walls may have linear
sides as shown, or may be tapered. The width (CW) of the channels
20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124 is 2.00 inches, and preferably between 1
and 10 inches, while the width (WW) of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18,
112, 114, 116, 118 is also 2.00 inches, and preferably between 1
and 10 inches. It should be understood that other heights and
widths may be suitable. Preferably, the widths of the walls are the
same such that they are suited to support similar components, but
varying widths may be employed. Likewise, the widths of the
channels are the same to support similarly shaped and dimensioned
components, but the widths may vary as deemed appropriate.
[0043] The wall elements 4, 6, 8, 10 have opposite end surfaces 56,
58, 156, 158, which are abutted during assembly. Each wall element,
otherwise referred to as a furniture "base," may be made of EPP
plastic. The wall elements may be configured with an interior space
21 formed therein, for example along a bottom of the wall element
as shown in FIG. 22. Referring to FIG. 16, adjacent wall elements
may be joined by one or more connector elements 60. The connector
elements are molded plastic in one embodiment, and include a pair
of downwardly extending projections 62 that are received in
openings 64 formed in the adjacent wall elements. The connector
further includes an upwardly extending grippable portion 66, or
handle, which may be grasped by a user to facilitate installation
and extraction of the connector. The connector further includes a
septum 68 extending downwardly between the projections. The septum
helps to locate the connector relative to the wall elements. The
septum keeps the connector from twisting relative to the wall
elements. The septum may be omitted in various embodiments. In one
embodiment, a pair of connectors 60 joins adjacent wall elements in
the uppermost and lowermost channels 20, 24, 120, 124, although it
should be understood that a connector may also be installed in an
intermediate, or middle channel.
Adjustable Shelf:
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 23-26, an adjustable shelf 70 is
shown as including a plurality of elongated supports 72, each
having an upper support surface 82. Each support 72 includes a
mounting portion 74 formed at one end thereof and an opposite
distal end portion 76. In one embodiment, the mounting portion 74
is configured as a claw having a base and opposing arms 80 defining
a downwardly opening channel 81. The width of the channel 81 is
sized to receive one of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 11, 114, 116, 118
with a snug fit. The distal end 76 is cantilevered away from the
wall on which the shelf is mounted. The mounting portion and distal
portion of each support are joined along an intermediate location
between the mounting end and the distal free end with a flexible
joint 78. Each mounting portion, except a pair of bookend mounting
portions 374, are joined to a pair of distal end portions with a
pair of flexible joints, and conversely, each distal end portion is
joined to a pair of mounting portions with a pair of flexible
joints. The mounting portions 374 are connected to a single distal
end portion 76 via a flexible joint 78.
[0045] In one embodiment, the flexible joint 78 is configured as a
flexible strip that allows relative rotation about a vertical axis
between the supports, with the either the mounting portions 74 or
the distal end portions 76 being moved away from each other,
depending on whether the adjacent wall element is curved concavely
or convexly, but with the strip resisting bending or flexing about
a vertical axis. In this way, the supports 72 may configured with
their mounting portions forming a linear channel (FIG. 1) for
engagement with a linear wall, or with the mounting portions
forming a curved channel (FIG. 2) for engagement with a curved
wall. In the latter configuration, the adjustable shelf forms a
segment about a virtual center spaced from the shelf. The shelf may
be made of ABS plastic.
Backdrop:
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 3-6, a backdrop 84, 184 includes a screen
element 86, 186 and at least one support bracket 88, and preferably
a plurality of support brackets. The term "backdrop" refers to any
type of screen or display, whether vertically self-supporting or
supported by an internal or external frame. The backdrop may be
made of wood, metal, plastic (e.g. acrylic), fiberglass, or other
known and suitable materials, or combinations thereof, and may be
covered (e.g., fabric) or uncovered. In one embodiment the backdrop
is configured with an erasable whiteboard surface. The backdrop may
function as a display surface for a projected image, whether from
the front or back thereof. The backdrop may be planar (linear) 86
or curved 186.
[0047] Each support bracket 88 includes a base portion 90 and an
upright portion 92. The base portion is configured as a U-shape,
with a bottom 94 and a pair of upstanding leg portions 96, one of
which may be elongated to form the upright portion 92. The backdrop
is secured to the one or more support brackets with one or more
fasteners. Alternatively, the backdrop may be secured to the
support with adhesive, or interface by way of a groove or slit
formed in the support. The backdrop 84, 184 may be secured to the
upright 92 on an interior side above the bottom 94 of the base
portion, or on an exterior side. In the latter configuration, the
thickness of the support bracket (Ts) in combination with the
thickness of the backdrop (Tbd) is substantially equal to the width
(CW) of the channel, while in the first configuration, Ts is
substantially equal to the width (CW) of the channel. The support
brackets have a sufficiently small width (SW), in combination with
the relatively large curvature of the channels 120, 122, 124, e.g.,
about 77 inches in one embodiment, enabling one configuration of
support bracket to be used with both the linear and curved wall
elements.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 15, an alternative backdrop 121, including
for example opposite erasable marker and tackable surfaces 123,
125, simply rests in the channel.
Support Stand:
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 7-10, a support stand 200 includes a
weighted base portion 202, 302 and a pair of upstanding upright
portions 204 extending upwardly from the base portion. The weight
base portion includes in one embodiment a plurality of leveling
feet 206 secured to a pair of interconnected ballast blocks 208,
308. The leveling feet are configured as independently adjustable
leveling glides. Each ballast block includes a pair of handles 210,
which may be gripped for moving the base portion. The ballast
blocks 208, 308 may be filled with water, shot, or other
appropriate and know ballast materials. The ballast 5 blocks may be
filled on site so as to facilitate handling and shipping between
locations. The ballast blocks are joined by a bridge element 212,
which includes a leveling bubble 214 visible to an installer. The
installer may adjust the leveling glides 206 using the bubble to
achieve a substantially level assembly. The base portion 202, 302
and a lower portion of the uprights 204 are covered by a wall
element 4, 10, which has an interior cavity shaped to receive the
base portion and uprights. The uprights extend upwardly through an
upper surface of the wall element, or base 4, 10, whether through a
bottom of a channel as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, or through a wall.
The base may be curved 302 (FIG. 8) or linear 202 (FIG. 10) so as
to be accommodated by a curved (FIG. 7) or linear (FIG. 9) wall
element 10, 4. The base portion may be made of steel.
[0050] A cross bar 216 is secured to and bridges between the
uprights 204. The cross bar is vertically adjustable along the
uprights. For example, in one embodiment, a pair of locking clamps
218 are coupled to opposite ends of the cross bar. The locking
clamps may be actuated between an unlocked and locked
configuration, with a locking element acting as a brake providing
friction between the clamp 218 and upright 204 to hold it in place.
The upright may be configure with a plurality of circumferential
grooves 220. The cross bar is configured with a connector
arrangement 222 configured to interface with a display 224, such as
a display monitor, TV, screen or other media interface. For
example, in one embodiment, the cross bar is configured with an
array of openings 222 arranged and shaped to mate with fasteners
securing one or more displays thereto.
Worksurface Assembly:
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 11-14, a worksurface assembly 230 is
shown as including a pair of claws 232 having a base 234 and
opposing arms 236 defining a downwardly opening channel 238, which
is shaped and configured to engage a wall 12, 14, 16, 18, 112, 114,
116, 118. Each claw includes an arm 240 and mounting portion 242.
In one embodiment, the mounting portion is configured as an insert
portion shaped and sized to be slidably received in an elongated
support member 244, configured in one embodiment as a tube. In
another embodiment, the mounting portion is configured as a socket
shaped to receive an end portion of the support member. As shown in
FIG. 27, the mounting portion may be telescopically adjusted
relative to the support member so as to adjust the location of the
claw 232 relative to the support members. In one embodiment, the
mounting portion is releasably secured to the support member, for
example with a detent 246 and/or actuator or trigger 247. The user
actuates the trigger 247 to release the mounting portion so that it
can be extended or retracted to the appropriate length and
position. In other embodiments the mounting portion is coupled to
the support member with a friction fit, fasteners, adhesives,
welding or combinations thereof, or is integrally formed
therewith.
[0052] Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, a pair of
support members extend radially and laterally from the wall, and
are angled relative to each other at an angle of .alpha. (e.g.,
137.4 degrees), such that the channels of the claws are aligned
with the underlying wall 114. Distal ends of the support members
are coupled to a housing 248, for example by way of a spline,
insert/socket interface, fasteners, welding, etc. The housing
includes a coupling element, configured in one embodiment as a
semicircular groove, with a mouth opening to one side thereof. The
support members 244 may be arranged and angularly spaced such that
the claws engage a contiguous walls on adjacent curved wall
elements 10 (FIG. 11), or engage a curved wall on a single curved
wall element 10.
[0053] A vertically adjustable leg 260 includes a base 262, a lower
support tube 264 and an upper telescoping tube 266. A latch member
268 engages and secures the upper tube in a plurality of vertical
positions. The upper end of the upper tube is configured with a
mounting portion 270 configured to be engaged by the coupling
element 250 of the housing. For example, in one embodiment, the
mounting portion 270 includes a circular flange, which is
dimensioned to be received through the mouth and into the groove so
to provide a quick connector. In an alternative embodiment, the
upper leg is configured with a groove and the coupling element is
configured with a circular flange. The interface of the upper leg
and coupling element may include a snap feature to secure the leg
to the socket of the mounting portion.
[0054] A worksurface 280 is disposed on the support members and may
be secured thereto with a plurality of fasteners. The worksurface
may be configured in various different shapes including a sector or
pie shape, with a rear curved edge 284 having substantially the
same radius as the underlying wall 114. A bumper edge may be
provided around the periphery of the worksurface. The worksurface
may include an opening 282 therethrough which allows the user to
grasp and lift the worksurface. At the same time, the opening may
function as a raceway for various cords and the like to pass
through the worksurface. In one embodiment, the opening is
positioned proximate the center of gravity of the worksurface
configured with a pair of support members and a coupling housing.
The worksurface assembly is extremely portable and may be quickly
and easily moved and deployed by one person.
[0055] The leg 260 may be vertically adjusted such that the
worksurface 280 may be supported by any one of the plurality of the
walls 112, 114, 116, 118, preferably with the worksurface in a
substantially horizontal orientation.
[0056] Moreover, the interface between the mounting portion 242 and
the support member 244 may be telescoping such that the leg 260 may
remain stationary even as the worksurface is supported by another
wall. Alternatively, the leg is moved to accommodate the interface
with the base.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a worksurface assembly 330
includes a worksurface 288 having a substantially rectangular
shape, with the support members being substantially parallel and
with the channels of the claws being aligned so as to engage a
linear wall 12, 14, 16, 18.
Power Strip:
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 17-20 and 28, a power strip 400, 600 is
shown as including a plurality of power modules 402 disposed along
a longitudinal axis 404. Each module has a width (t). The modules
are joined by flexible joints 406 which provide for relative
rotation between adjacent module about at least one axes 408. In
one embodiment, the joint is configured as a bridge element having
a hub portion 410 with a central through opening 412 and a pair end
collars 414 or flanges. The hub portion 410 is received through an
opening 416 or socket formed in an end wall 418 of the module, with
the collar 414 trapped inside a module housing 420. In one
embodiment, the bridge element may be made of a flexible,
elastomeric material. Alternatively, due to the captured
configuration and relative dimensions of the collars, hub and
socket, adjacent modules may be permitted to rotate relative to
each other about an axis 408 substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis 404. In addition, adjacent modules may rotate (in
either rotational direction) relative to each other about the
longitudinal axis 404. One or more power cords 432 is coupled to an
end module, with various electrical conduits extending through the
modules and bridges to provide power and/or data to the
modules.
[0059] Each module housing includes a shell 424 and an outlet
interface 422. The outlet interface 422 may equipped with a
standard power outlet, including for example a HEYCO.RTM.
Preassembled Cordset Component (Female Bridge--NEMA 5-15R), or one
or more USB charging outlets (shown as three). The shell 424 and
interface 422 each include a recess 416 that define the socket for
the bridge when assembled. In this way, the bridge elements may be
installed and captured by way of the interface being coupled to the
shell, for example by way of a snap-fit.
[0060] At least one shell 424, and preferably each of the shells,
includes an expansion component or device 440, which may be
adjusted to vary the width (otherwise referred to as the thickness)
of the power module. In one embodiment, the expansion device is
configured as a biasing member, formed by a relative stiff and
immobile downwardly extending leg 426 and a cantilevered spring
portion 428, configured in one embodiment as an angled leg forming
an angle .beta. relative to the leg and an upstanding engagement
portion 430 lying parallel to the leg. The engagement portion
defines an engagement surface 432. The biasing member may be biased
inwardly to adjust the relative width or thickness of the power
module (see, e.g., t, t1, t2 and t3; FIG. 18).
[0061] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 28, the module housing
need not be uniform size, but may be configured to support various
configurations of outlets, for example having USB ports 431
arranged side to side. A front portion of the housing is chamfered
so as to provide space for the expansion component.
[0062] In operation, the power strip 400 may be disposed in either
a curved or linear channel 20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124, with the
engagement surface 432 of the expansion member engaging one side
wall 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 of the
channel and biasing the power strip against an opposite side wall.
The bridge member allows the user to manipulate the power strip to
a curved configuration for disposal in the curved channel 120, 122,
124. The power cord may run along the channel, or may be routed
through one or more internal raceways in the base.
Assembly:
[0063] It should be understood that the term "auxiliary furniture
component" refers to any component other than the base or wall
element, and includes one or more of the accessories disclosed
described herein, including without limitation the power strip,
adjustable shelf, backdrop, support stand and worksurface assembly,
including the claws. As shown in FIGS. 1, 11 and 18, the various
auxiliary furniture components may be co-located at the same
location on the base. For example, the power strip 400 may be
installed alone in a channel, be installed in the same channel in
front of a backdrop (FIG. 11) or behind an adjustable shelf (FIG.
1) or worksurface assembly (FIG. 11), or be installed in the same
channel in front of a backdrop and in back of either an adjustable
shelf or worksurface assembly (FIG. 11). In the first instance, and
referring to FIG. 18, the expansion device is compressed to vary
the width of the module housing, for example the expansion device
440 may be compressed from an uncompressed thickness (t) a first
predetermined amount (d1) so as to maintain a snug fit of the power
strip, having thickness t1, in the channel.
[0064] In a second configuration, wherein two auxiliary components
occupy the same channel space, the expansion device 440 is
compressed a second predetermined amount (d2) giving the power
strip a width or thickness t2, or the expansion device 440 may be
compressed different second predetermined amounts d2' or d2''
depending on the relative thickness of the second auxiliary
furniture component (shelf or worksurface claw v. backdrop), such
that the thickness of the two auxiliary furniture components in
combination is substantially the same as the channel width CW. In
one embodiment, the expansion device 440 biases the first auxiliary
furniture component (e.g., the power strip) against one side wall
of the channel and against the second auxiliary furniture
component.
[0065] In a third configuration, where at least three auxiliary
components occupy the same channel space, the expansion device 440
is compressed a third predetermined amount (d3) giving the power
strip a width or thickness t3, such that the power strip is snugly
secured in the channel, with the thickness of the three auxiliary
furniture components in combination being substantially the same as
the channel width CW. It should be understood that
t>t1>t2>t3. In this embodiment, the first auxiliary
furniture component would be biased between the second and third
auxiliary furniture components, although it should be understood
that the second and third auxiliary furniture components may be
disposed on one side, with the first auxiliary furniture component
engaging a side wall of the channel. It should be understood that
auxiliary furniture components other than the power strip may be
configured with one or more expansion devices, including without
limitation the backdrop assembly, the shelf assembly, the
worksurface assembly, a lighting assembly disposed in the channel,
or combinations thereof.
[0066] As noted above, the worksurface may be supported by any one
of the plurality of the walls 112, 114, 116, 118, preferably with
the worksurface in a substantially horizontal orientation, with the
support leg 260 being vertically adjusted, but remaining in the
same location. Instead, the mounting portion 242 may be extended or
retracted relative to the support member 244 such that the claws
are properly positioned to engage the corresponding wall for a
particular selected height. The worksurface may be reconfigured by
actuating the three adjustment devices, one on the leg and two on
the claws.
[0067] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it
is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as
illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended
claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to
define the scope of the invention.
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