U.S. patent application number 15/006578 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-19 for table.
The applicant listed for this patent is Herman Miller, Inc.. Invention is credited to John F. Aldrich, Peter Bates, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert M. Seeley, Kevin Young, Gianfranco Zaccai.
Application Number | 20160135590 15/006578 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52004334 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160135590 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zaccai; Gianfranco ; et
al. |
May 19, 2016 |
Table
Abstract
A table includes a support column defining an axis, a base
supporting the support column, a worksurface supported by the
support column such that the work surface is rotatable relative to
the base about the axis of the support column. The table further
includes a rotation mechanism including a swing arm housing coupled
to the worksurface. The swing arm housing is rotatable in a first
angular direction about the axis to rotate the worksurface in a
second angular direction about the axis.
Inventors: |
Zaccai; Gianfranco;
(Needham, MA) ; Young; Kevin; (Needham, MA)
; Bates; Peter; (Concord, MA) ; Aldrich; John
F.; (Grandville, MI) ; Kurrasch; Andrew J.;
(Saugatuck, MI) ; Seeley; Robert M.; (Zeeland,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Herman Miller, Inc. |
Zeeland |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52004334 |
Appl. No.: |
15/006578 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14204120 |
Mar 11, 2014 |
9271569 |
|
|
15006578 |
|
|
|
|
61776199 |
Mar 11, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/330.1 ;
108/150; 108/23; 108/59 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 13/023 20130101;
A47B 2023/047 20130101; A47B 2013/024 20130101; A47B 83/045
20130101; A47B 13/16 20130101; A47B 11/00 20130101; A47B 23/046
20130101; A47B 88/407 20170101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 23/04 20060101
A47B023/04; A47B 88/04 20060101 A47B088/04; A47B 13/16 20060101
A47B013/16; A47B 83/04 20060101 A47B083/04; A47B 11/00 20060101
A47B011/00; A47B 13/02 20060101 A47B013/02 |
Claims
1. A table comprising: a support column defining an axis; a base
supporting the support column; a worksurface supported by the
support column, the work surface being rotatable relative to the
base about the axis of the support column; and a rotation mechanism
including a swing arm housing coupled to the worksurface, the swing
arm housing being rotatable in a first angular direction about the
axis to rotate the worksurface in a second angular direction about
the axis.
2. The table of claim 1, wherein the rotation mechanism includes a
first gear and a second gear engagable with the first gear to drive
the first gear, wherein the first gear and the second gear are at
least partially supported by the swing arm housing.
3. The table of claim 2, wherein the rotation mechanism further
includes a first bearing rotationally supporting the first gear and
a second bearing rotationally supporting the second gear, wherein
the first gear and the second gear are rotatable relative to the
swing arm housing.
4. The table of claim 3, wherein the worksurface is non-rotatably
fixed to the first gear of the rotation mechanism.
5. The table of claim 4, wherein the rotation mechanism further
includes a fixed gear non-rotatably fixed to the support column,
wherein the fixed gear drives the second gear.
6. The table of claim 4, wherein rotation of the swing arm housing
in the first angular direction rotates the second gear in the first
angular direction, and wherein rotation of the second gear in the
first angular direction rotates both the first gear and the
worksurface in the second angular direction opposite the first
angular direction.
7. The table of claim 2, wherein the rotation mechanism further
includes a rotation limiter assembly that limits the rotation of
the worksurface to a maximum of 180 degrees relative to the
base.
8. The table of claim 7, wherein the rotation limiter assembly
includes a stop member having a first stop surface and a second
stop surface, and a rotation limiter engagable with the first stop
surface and the second stop surface.
9. The table of claim 8, wherein the rotation limiter is fixed to
the first gear, and wherein the rotation limiter engages the first
stop surface when the swing arm housing rotates 90 degrees in the
first angular direction relative to an intermediate position and
engages the second stop surface when the swing arm housing rotates
90 degrees in the second angular direction relative to the
intermediate position.
10. The table of claim 1, wherein the rotation mechanism includes a
first sheave and a second sheave, and wherein the first sheave and
the second sheave are at least partially supported by the swing arm
housing.
11. The table of claim 10, wherein the worksurface is rotatably
fixed with respect to the first sheave, and wherein the second
sheave is rotatably fixed relative to the support column.
12. The table of claim 11, wherein a cable is non-slidably wrapped
around the first sheave and the second sheave, wherein rotation of
the swing arm housing in the first angular direction drives the
rotation of the first sheave and the worksurface in the second
angular direction.
13. The table of claim 1, further comprising a drawer mounted to
the support column below the worksurface.
14. The table of claim 1, further comprising a pivot arm extending
from the worksurface, and an auxiliary work surface supported by
the pivot arm above the worksurface.
15. The table of claim 1, further comprising a pivot arm extending
from the worksurface, and a light rotatably mounted to the pivot
arm above the worksurface.
16. The table of claim 1, wherein the worksurface has a distal end
spaced apart from the axis, and wherein the rotation mechanism
changes a distance between the distal end of the worksurface and
the axis as the worksurface rotates about the axis.
17. The table of claim 16, wherein the worksurface is rotatable
between a left hand position and a right hand position, wherein the
worksurface is equal distance between the left hand position and
the right hand position when in an intermediate position, and
wherein the distal end of the worksurface is farther from the axis
when in intermediate position than when in the left hand and right
hand positions.
18. The table of claim 17, wherein a center of gravity of the
worksurface is closer to the axis when in the left hand position
and the right hand position than when in the intermediate position.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/204,120, filed Mar. 11, 2014, which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/776,199, filed Mar.
11, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a table, and in
particular to a table that is easily maneuverable and
reconfigurable.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Tables, such as overbed tables, are typically configured
with a worksurface that is positionable over a bed or chair for use
by the occupant thereof. Typically, an overbed table is configured
with a base that is positionable beneath the bed or chair. The base
counter-balances the cantilevered weight of the worksurface, and
any load applied thereto. The base may be configured with wheels,
often lockable, such that the table is portable and may be easily
maneuvered under/over the bed or chair, around a patient room
and/or within adjacent hallways. Typically, however, the base has a
length and/or width substantially the same as the worksurface so as
to provide adequate counter-balance. To provide the requisite
stability, the base occupies a relatively large footprint, thereby
limiting the space in which it may be disposed, both from a height
and depth perspective. Due to its length, width and height, the
base may also interfere with the feet and/or gait of a transporter
moving the table from one location to the next.
[0004] In addition, the worksurface is typically not rotatable
relative to the base, so as to prevent the overbed table from
tipping over. Accordingly, the entire overbed table, including the
base, must be moved away from the bed when the worksurface is not
needed, or the base must be positioned along the side of the bed if
the user desires to use the worksurface as a side table. Either
way, the base occupies floor space and may interfere with an
efficient use of the room and otherwise impede the flow of traffic.
Conversely, other overbed tables configured with a rotatable top
typically require large footprints, or large bulky base
configurations, to accommodate the variable, off-center
cantilevered worksurface and any loads applied thereto.
SUMMARY
[0005] Briefly stated, in one aspect, one embodiment of a table
includes a vertical support column and a base supporting the
vertical support column along a vertical axis. The base includes a
first floor engaging portion disposed on a first side of the
vertical axis and a second floor engaging portion disposed on a
second side of the vertical axis opposite the first side. The first
and second floor engaging portions are weighted such that the base
has a center of gravity spaced from the vertical axis on the second
side of the vertical axis. The first and second floor engaging
portions define in combination a first maximum overall length of
the base along a horizontal direction. A worksurface member is
supported by the vertical support column. The worksurface member is
vertically spaced from the base. One or both of the worksurface
member and support column are rotatable relative to the base. The
worksurface member has a second maximum overall length along the
horizontal direction. The second maximum overall length of the
worksurface is greater than the first maximum overall length of the
base. In one embodiment, the overbed table is supported by wheels
engaging a floor, and is capable of being moved (e.g., pushed or
pulled) about on the floor.
[0006] In another aspect, one embodiment of a table includes a
worksurface member supported by a vertical support column and a
stop operably interfacing with the worksurface member to limit
rotation of the worksurface member about a vertical axis.
[0007] In another aspect, one embodiment of a table includes a
first floor engaging portion having an arm extending in a
horizontal direction along a horizontal axis intersecting said
vertical axis. The first and second floor engaging portions are
non-rotatable relative to each other. In one embodiment, the first
floor engaging portion is substantially T-shaped.
[0008] In another aspect, one embodiment of a table includes a
worksurface member rotatable at least 180 degrees relative to a
base between opposite left and right hand orientations. A distal
end of the worksurface member is spaced a first distance from the
vertical axis when the worksurface member is in either of the left
or right hand orientations. The worksurface is rotatable 90 degrees
from either of the left or right hand orientations to an
intermediate orientation. The distal end of the worksurface member
is spaced a second distance from the vertical axis when the
worksurface member is in the intermediate orientation. The second
distance is greater than the first distance.
[0009] The various aspects and embodiments provide significant
advantages over other tables, including for example overbed tables.
For example and without limitation, the unique configuration of the
floor engaging portions of the base reduces the overall footprint
of the base, which in turn facilitates the maneuverability of the
base beneath a bed or chair, decreases the possibility of posing a
tripping hazard when being transported, and maximizes the available
floor space when the table is being stored. In addition, the unique
rotational movement of the worksurface allows for the table to be
used in both overbed and side table configurations without having
to move the base relative to the bed. In one embodiment, the wheels
interfacing with the floor facilitate the maneuverability of the
table.
[0010] The present embodiments of the invention, together with
further objects and advantages, will be best understood by
reference to the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of one embodiment of
a table.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an assembled, side view of the table shown in FIG.
1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an end view of the table shown in FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top view of the table shown in FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of another
embodiment of a table.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an assembled, side view of the table shown in FIG.
5.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an end view of the table shown in FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a top view of the table shown in FIG. 6.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rotation mechanism.
[0020] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the rotation mechanism shown
in FIG. 9.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a
worksurface.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a partial, bottom perspective view of one
embodiment of the table.
[0023] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a worksurface
support assembly.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an actuator assembly.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a side view of the actuator assembly shown in
FIG. 14.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a base
cover.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a base
frame.
[0028] FIGS. 18A and B are top views of a one embodiment of a
worksurface in left hand and intermediate configurations
respectively.
[0029] FIGS. 19A and B are top views of a one embodiment of a
worksurface in left hand and intermediate configurations
respectively.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a rotation mechanism.
[0031] FIGS. 21A-C are plan views of the rotation mechanism shown
in FIG. 20.
[0032] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative rotation
mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] The terms "longitudinal" and "axial" as used herein relates
to a length or lengthwise direction, including for example a
lengthwise direction of a worksurface or a vertical support column,
notwithstanding that those directions are substantially
perpendicular respectively. The term "lateral" and variations
thereof refer to a sideways direction. The terms "top" and "bottom"
are intended to indicate directions when viewing the table when
positioned for use. It should be understood that the term
"plurality," as used herein, means two or more. The term "coupled"
means connected to or engaged with, whether directly or indirectly,
for example with an intervening member, and does not require the
engagement to be fixed or permanent, although it may be fixed or
permanent. The term "transverse" means extending across an axis,
including without limitation substantially perpendicular to an
axis. 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" portions may refer to any sequence of such portions,
and is not limited to the first and second portions of a particular
configuration unless otherwise specified.
Base and Support Column
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1-8, 12, 16 and 17, one embodiment of a
base 2 includes a frame 4. The frame has a central hub 6 and a
plurality of arms 8 extending radially outwardly from the hub. The
hub 6 defines a vertical axis 10. The arms 8 are non-uniformly
disposed around the perimeter of the hub 6. The plurality of legs
includes a front arm 12 connected to the hub and defining a
longitudinal axis 14 extending in a horizontal direction 16, with a
vertical plane 18 lying substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis 14. The front arm is positioned with a maximum
first height H1 (e.g., 2.28 inches in one embodiment with a cover
and 1.76 inches without a cover) relative to a floor and has a
distal end 20 spaced a distance D1 (e.g., 14.90 inches in one
embodiment with a cover and 14.25 inches without a cover) from the
vertical plane 18 and axis 10. The front leg defines in part a
first floor engaging portion 22 disposed on a first side 24 of the
vertical axis and plane. A wheel such as a caster 28, or other
floor interface such as a glide, is coupled to the distal end and
engages the floor. A cover 30 is positioned over and coupled to the
front arm.
[0035] A first pair of arms 32 extends from the hub on an opposite
side of the plane and axis and defines a second floor engaging
portion 34. The arms 32 are symmetrically spaced relative to the
longitudinal axis 14, and are angularly spaced at an angle .alpha.
relative to each other. In one embodiment, .alpha. is about 95
degrees, although it should be understood that other angles would
be suitable. A second pair of arms 36 extends from the hub on the
first side of the axis and plane, with each arm 36 spaced at an
angle .beta. relative to an adjacent one of the first pair of arms
32. The front arm 12 and second pair of arms 36 define the first
floor engaging portion 20. In one embodiment, .beta. is about 60.5
degrees. Each of the first and second pair of arms 32, 36 are
positioned with a maximum second height H2 (e.g., 5.68 inches in
one embodiment with a cover and 4.74 inches without a cover)
relative to the floor. In addition, each of the first and second
pair of legs 38 has a distal end portion coupled to a wheel 40,
caster, glide or other floor interface.
[0036] A support plate 42 is secured to the bottom of the hub and
extends along the longitudinal axis on the second side 26 of the
axis and plane 10, 18, forming a support shelf. A portion 44 of the
plate extends along the longitudinal axis on the first side 24 and
is coupled to the front leg 12. A support member 46, configured in
one embodiment as a U-shaped wire (e.g., 0.375 inches in diameter)
has upstanding end portions 48 connected to the firs pair of arms
32 and a horizontal portion 50 secured to and supporting the plate,
e.g., by welding. The support plate 42, and second portion 34
extends a distance D2 (e.g., 9.00 inches in one embodiment without
a cover and 11.3 inches with a cover) from the vertical axis 10 and
plane 18 on the second side 26 thereof. In one embodiment, D1 is at
least 25% of D2, at least 50% of D2 in other embodiments, and in
some embodiments, D1 is greater than D2. The combined distances D1
and D2 define a maximum overall length of the base L1, which is
about 26.20 inches in one embodiment with covers and 23.25 inches
without covers.
[0037] A ballast container 52 is inserted into the space between
the first pair of arms 32 and is supported by the support shelf 42.
The ballast container 52 acts as a counterweight, and may be filled
with ballast 54, including for example and without limitation,
metal shot, water, or other known materials. It should be
understood that the phrase "ballast container" is defined as
including a component formed as an integral, solid weight, such as
steel, iron, lead, etc. without a separate cover, coating, etc. The
ballast container 52 may have side portions 55 that extend over and
are supported by the first pair of arms 32. A cover 56, 156 is
disposed over the first and second pairs of arms 32, 36 and the
ballast container 52. The front arm 12 and the second pair of arms
36, alone or with the portion of the cover 56 lying on the first
side 24 of the axis 10 and plane 18, define the first floor
engaging portion 20, which is substantially T-shaped, with an open,
pie-shaped space 58 formed on each of the opposite sides of the
front arm 12. A second embodiment cover 156 also includes recesses
158 formed alongside portions thereof so as to further reduce the
footprint of the base 2.
[0038] The ballast container 52, hub 6, arms 12, 32, 36 and covers
30, 56, 156 are weighted and dimensioned such that the base 2 has a
center of gravity (COG), or center of mass, located a distance D3
from the vertical axis 10 and plane 28 on the second side 26 of the
axis and plane, notwithstanding that the first floor engaging
portion 20 may extend a greater distance D1 from the axis 10 and
plane 18 than the distance D2 of the second floor engaging portion
34.
[0039] A vertical support column 60 is secured to the hub 6 of the
base and extends upwardly along the vertical axis 10. The support
column 60 may be configured with a fixed height, or may be height
adjustable. In the latter embodiment, the support column 60
includes a telescoping column assembly with a biasing device 62,
such as a gas or hydraulic spring, disposed therein. The gas spring
may be actuated by biasing an actuation pin located at the top of
the spring.
Rotation Mechanism
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1, 5, 9, 10 and 20-21C, a rotation
mechanism 70 includes a bearing pack 72 disposed on an upper end of
the support column 60 and supporting a swing arm housing 74. The
swing arm housing 74 is rotatable relative to the base about the
vertical axis 10. In one embodiment, the swing arm housing 74 is
rotatable relative to the support column 60, which is non-rotatably
fixed relative to the base 2, while in other embodiments, the
support column may be rotatable relative to the base and the
housing fixed to the column. A sun spur gear 76 is non-rotatably
fixed to the column. An idler gear 78 is rotatably mounted to the
swing arm housing on a hub 80 configured with a sleeve bearing 82
by way of a fastener assembly 84. The idler gear 78 meshes with the
sun gear 76. A spindle 86 is secured to the swing arm housing and
includes a central hub 88. A planet gear 90 and bearing assembly 92
are secured to the spindle.
[0041] As the swing arm housing 74 is rotated relative to the base
2 in a first angular direction (e.g., clockwise), the stationary
sun gear 76 drives the idler gear 78, which also rotates in the
clockwise direction. The rotating idler gear 78 in tum rotates the
planet gear 90 and connected worksurface assembly 100 in an
opposite counterclockwise direction.
[0042] A rotation limiter 101 is secured to the planet gear 90, and
extends vertically therefrom. The rotation limiter 101 engages
first and second stop surfaces 105, 107 formed on a stop member 103
secured to the swing arm housing 74. The stop member may be secured
to the bottom of the swing arm housing 74, for example with
fasteners or welding, or may be integrally formed therewith. As the
planet gear 90 rotates relative to the swing housing 74, the
rotation limiter 101 engages one of the first and second stops 105,
107 to limit the rotation of the worksurface to .+-.90 degrees
relative to a neutral or intermediate position.
[0043] Other rotation systems may include various drive belt and
cable/pulley mechanisms. For example, one belt driven mechanism is
disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/366,819, filed
Feb. 6, 2012 and entitled Self-Tensioning Drive Belt System, the
entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 22, another embodiment is configured with
a sun sheave 376 fixed to the support column 60 and a planetary
sheave 390 fixed to the worksurface. A pair of cables 392, 394 are
disposed in circumferential grooves 398, 400 and wrapped around the
sheaves 376, 390 in opposite directions, with enlarged end portions
402, 404 of the cables fixedly secured to the sheaves 390, 376, for
example by insertion into a socket 406, 408. Of course, a single
cable may be used. In operation, as the swing housing is rotated,
the cables wrap around the sun sheave, without sliding, and thereby
drive or rotate the planet sheave and worksurface. Of course, a
toothed belt or chain may also be suitable and interface with
sprockets rather than sheaves.
[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the worksurface 100 is simply
rotatably coupled to the support column and pivots or rotates about
the vertical axis 10.
Worksurface Assembly
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1-8 and 13-15, a worksurface support 102
is secured over and supported on the bearing and is non-rotatably
secured to the planet gear 90. A worksurface 104 is secured to the
worksurface support 102 with fasteners that engage insert nuts
molded into the worksurface. The worksurface and/or support may
include slots 111 shaped to receive actuation cable guides 110,
such that a pass through is provided between an actuator handle 106
and the support column. The worksurface 104 rotates with the planet
gear 90 in an opposite direction relative to the swing arm housing
74, which rotates relative to the base 2. A pair of actuators 106,
shown as pivot handles, are pivotally secured to opposite sides of
the worksurface support 104. A pair of cable assemblies 108, each
including a guide 110 and cable 112, are secured to the actuator
handles 106 and have opposite ends coupled to an actuator 114
extending upwardly from the support column through the bearing. The
actuator 114 has a stop 116 that engages a cable guide and a pivot
arm 118 that engages end portions of the cables 112. As the cables
are moved relative to the guides by way of pivoting the actuator
handle 106, the pivot arm 118 is pivoted, which in tum depresses an
axially extending pin 120 on the end of the biasing mechanism 62.
The pin 120 in tum actuates the biasing mechanism 62 to raise the
worksurface, or to allow a user to lower the worksurface by
applying a downward load thereto.
[0047] In an alternative embodiment, the rotation mechanism is
omitted, with the worksurface simply rotatably coupled to the top
of the support column. The actuator assembly may be incorporated
into the support column.
[0048] The worksurface 104 has an overall maximum length L2, e.g.,
about 48.00 inches in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the length
L2 is greater than the length L1. In one embodiment, the
worksurface 104 is configured with one or more handles 122 at one
end thereof, which may be grasped for moving the overbed table on
the floor, or for rotating the worksurface. In addition, an
auxiliary handle 124 may be coupled to the support column 60. A
pivotable storage drawer may 126 be pivotally secured to the column
beneath the handle, and pivoted about the vertical axis 10 to
provide access to an interior storage area therein.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, an auxiliary worksurface 130 and/or
storage assembly are secured to the worksurface member with a pivot
arm 132. The assembly may include a communication interface, a
mirror or other accessories. A light 134 may be rotatably mounted
to the pivot arm.
Operation
[0050] In operation, the overbed table may be grasped by one or
more of the handles 122, 124 and moved about on the floor engaging
interfaces 28, 40. The relatively short length and lower profile
(height) of the front leg 12, together with the spaces 58 formed on
each side thereof, allow for the overbed table to be positioned
over various user interfaces 150, such as a bed or chair, having a
relatively small space 152 thereunder, whether by depth D3 or
height H3. At the same time, the base 2 has a small footprint that
does not interfere with the transportation, positioning and/or
storage of the table. The ballast 54, however, together with the
unique footprint of the floor engaging portions, ensures that the
table is extremely stable and not prone to tipping due to the
position of the COG relative to the position of the worksurface in
all positions.
[0051] The worksurface 104 may be rotated in either a left hand or
right hand direction from an intermediate position as shown in
FIGS. 18A, B and 19A, B. In this way, the table may be stationed
adjacent a user interface 150 with the base 2, and the front leg 12
(or portions thereof) in particular, located beneath the interface
150. If the user desires to use the worksurface 104 as a side
table, the user simply rotates the worksurface 90 degrees in either
direction. In the embodiment having a rotation mechanism, the gears
76, 78, 90 interface such that the worksurface 104 is rotated over
the swing arm housing 74, with a distal end 160 of the worksurface
104 moving toward the vertical axis. For example, the distance L
(LH) (left hand configuration) is less than L(I) (intermediate
configuration). In this way, the center of gravity COG (WF) of the
worksurface is maintained closer to the vertical axis when the
table is in either of the right or left hand configurations,
wherein the front leg 12 is not available to counter loads being
applied to the worksurface 104. Alternatively, the worksurface 104
may be simply pivoted about the vertical axis 18 as shown in FIGS.
19A and B, wherein L (LH)=L(I). The COG (WF) may also be offset
from the vertical axis on the same side of the axis as the second
floor engaging portion 34.
[0052] 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.
* * * * *