U.S. patent application number 15/894369 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-15 for desking arrangement.
This patent application is currently assigned to Inscape Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Inscape Corporation. Invention is credited to Zhongyao Fang, Richard Flotner, Olle Lundberg, David Parshad, Peter Woronecki.
Application Number | 20190246791 15/894369 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67540960 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-15 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190246791 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lundberg; Olle ; et
al. |
August 15, 2019 |
Desking Arrangement
Abstract
A work bench includes a work surface with a spline assembly
supported adjacent work surface. The spline assembly includes a
longitudinally extended spline body and a longitudinally extended
raceway cover. The spline body has an upper portion and two side
arms extending downwardly from the upper portion. The spline body
defines a channel for carrying a power track between the two side
arms. The raceway cover is configured to attach to the two side
arms of the spline body below the power track, and defines a
raceway for carrying cables underneath the spline body.
Inventors: |
Lundberg; Olle; (Stockholm,
SE) ; Flotner; Richard; (Uxbridge, CA) ; Fang;
Zhongyao; (Richmond Hill, CA) ; Woronecki; Peter;
(Holland Landing, CA) ; Parshad; David; (Markham,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Inscape Corporation |
Holland Landing |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
Inscape Corporation
|
Family ID: |
67540960 |
Appl. No.: |
15/894369 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2200/0084 20130101;
A47B 2021/066 20130101; A47B 2200/008 20130101; A47B 3/06 20130101;
A47B 2200/12 20130101; A47B 2200/0012 20130101; A47B 87/002
20130101; A47B 2200/0085 20130101; A47B 21/06 20130101; A47B
2097/003 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 21/06 20060101
A47B021/06 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. A work bench comprising: a work surface; a support structure for
supporting the work surface; and a spline assembly supported
adjacent to the work surface by the support structure, the spline
assembly comprising: a longitudinally extended spline body with an
upper portion and two side arms extending downwardly from the upper
portion, the spline body defining a channel for carrying a power
track between the two side arms; and a longitudinally extended
raceway cover configured to attach to the two side arms of the
spline body, the raceway cover defining a raceway for carrying
cables underneath the spline body; wherein the spline body is
supported adjacent to the work surface so as to provide a gap
between the spline body and the work surface; wherein the upper
portion of the spline body has an upper surface with a central
groove for receiving a privacy panel; and wherein the upper portion
of the spline body defines a nut slot for receiving a nut, the nut
slot being configured so that the nut is longitudinally slidable
within the nut slot for attachment to a bolt at a selected
location.
5. The work bench according to claim 4, wherein the upper portion
of the spline body has two laterally spaced sidewalls that extend
downwards from the flat upper surface; wherein the nut slot extends
longitudinally along a first one of the sidewalls; and wherein a
second nut slot extends longitudinally along a second one of the
sidewalls.
6. The work bench according to claim 4, wherein the nut slot is
configured for mounting an accessory proximate to the work surface
at the selected location using the nut and the bolt.
7. The work bench according to claim 6, wherein the accessory
comprises a shelf, a tray, or a bracket.
8. The work bench according to claim 6, wherein the nut slot is
located below the work surface so that the accessory extends up
through the gap when mounted at the selected location.
9. The work bench according to claim 4, wherein the spline body is
configured to slidably receive the power track into the channel by
inserting the power track upwards between the two side arms while
the raceway cover is unattached to the side arms.
10. The work bench according to claim 9, wherein a first one of the
side arms has a first side slot that extends laterally through the
first side arm, extends longitudinally between a first end edge and
a second end edge, and extends upwardly from a slot opening at a
lower end of the first side arm to an inner edge spaced upwardly
from the slot opening, the first side slot being configured to
receive a laterally extending power socket of the power track when
the power track is inserted upwards into the channel, the first
side slot is located proximate to the gap so that the power socket
is accessible from the work surface through the gap.
11. The work bench according to claim 10, wherein a second one of
the side arms has a second side slot that extends laterally through
the second side arm, extends longitudinally between a first end
edge and a second end edge, and extends upwardly from a slot
opening at a lower end of the second side arm to an inner edge
spaced upwardly from the slot opening, the second side slot being
configured to receive a second laterally extending power socket of
the power track when the power track is inserted upwards into the
channel, the second side slot is located proximate to the gap so
that the power socket is accessible from the work surface through
the gap.
12. The work bench according to claim 9, wherein the upper portion
of the spline body has an attachment mechanism for carrying the
power track within the channel.
13. The work bench according to claim 9, wherein the spline
assembly further comprises a retainer configured to hang from a
connector on a bottom surface of the power track, the retainer
being configured to hold the cables in place underneath the spline
body when the raceway cover is unattached to the side arms.
14. The work bench according to claim 13, wherein the retainer is
positioned within the raceway and is configured to hold the cables
within the raceway, between the raceway cover and the side
arms.
15. The work bench according to claim 14, further comprising at
least one additional retainer, wherein the retainers are
longitudinally spaced from one another within the raceway, and
wherein each retainer has two laterally extending arms that are
configured to support data cables, and a central slotway that is
configured to support a power cable.
16. The work bench according to claim 4, wherein the raceway cover
is open at its longitudinal ends, the support structure comprises a
support beam, the raceway cover being normal to the support beam;
and wherein the raceway cover extends below a height of the support
beam so as to allow the cables to pass horizontally under the
support beam from the open end of the raceway cover.
17. The work bench according to claim 16, further comprising a
second work surface that is supported by the support structure
adjacent to the spline body so as to provide a second gap between
the second work surface and the spline body, with the spline body
arranged between the work surface and the second work surface.
18. The work bench according to claim 17, wherein the support
structure comprises a first leg assembly attached to a first
longitudinal end of the spline body and a second leg assembly
attached to a second longitudinal end of the spline body, each of
the first and second leg assemblies comprising a transverse support
beam extending laterally between a front leg and a back leg;
wherein the work surface is supported between the transverse
support beam of the first leg assembly and the transverse support
beam of the second leg assembly at a front side of the work bench;
and wherein the second work surface is supported between the
transverse support beam of the first leg assembly and the
transverse support beam of the second leg assembly at a back side
of the work bench; the work bench further comprising a third leg
assembly, a second spline assembly, a third work surface, and a
fourth work surface; wherein the first longitudinal end of the
spline body of the spline assembly is attached to a first side of
the transverse support beam of the first leg assembly; wherein the
second longitudinal end of the spline body of the spline assembly
is attached to a first side of the transverse support beam of the
second leg assembly; wherein the first longitudinal end of the
spline body of the second spline assembly is attached to a second
side of the transverse support beam of the second leg assembly;
wherein the second longitudinal end of the spline body of the
second spline assembly is attached to a first side of the
transverse support beam of the third leg assembly; wherein the
third work surface is supported between the transverse support beam
of the second leg assembly and the transverse support beam of the
third leg assembly at the front side of the work bench; wherein the
fourth work surface is supported between the transverse support
beam of the second leg assembly and the transverse support beam of
the third leg assembly at the back side of the work bench; and
wherein the raceway of the spline assembly and the raceway of the
second spline assembly extend below a bottom surface of the
transverse support beam of the second leg assembly, so as to allow
the cables carried by the raceways to extend between the spline
assembly and the second spline assembly underneath the transverse
support beam.
19. A work bench comprising: a work surface; a support structure
for supporting the work surface; and a spline assembly supported
adjacent to the work surface by the support structure, the spline
assembly comprising: a longitudinally extended spline body with an
upper portion and two side arms extending downwardly from the upper
portion, the spline body defining a channel for carrying a power
track between the two side arms; and a longitudinally extended
raceway cover configured to attach to the two side arms of the
spline body, the raceway cover defining a raceway for carrying
cables underneath the spline body; wherein the spline body is
configured to slidably receive the power track into the channel by
inserting the power track upwards between the two side arms while
the raceway cover is unattached to the side arms; and wherein the
spline assembly further comprises a retainer configured to hang
from a connector on a bottom surface of the power track, the
retainer being configured to hold the cables in place underneath
the spline body when the raceway cover is unattached to the side
arms.
20. A work bench comprising: a work surface; a support structure
for supporting the work surface; and a spline assembly supported
adjacent to the work surface by the support structure so as to
provide a gap between the spline body and the work surface, the
spline assembly comprising: a longitudinally extended spline body
with an upper portion and two side arms extending downwardly from
the upper portion, the spline body defining a channel between the
two side arms; a power track positioned within the channel, the
power track having at least one power outlet that is accessible
from the work surface through the gap; and a longitudinally
extended raceway cover configured to attach to the two side arms of
the spline body, the raceway cover defining a raceway for carrying
cables underneath the power track; wherein the upper portion of the
spline body has a flat upper surface with a central groove for
receiving a privacy panel; wherein the upper portion of the spline
body defines a nut slot for receiving a nut, the nut slot being
configured so that the nut is longitudinally slidable within the
nut slot for attachment to a bolt at a selected location; wherein
at least one of the side arms has at least one side slot that
extends laterally through the side arm, extends longitudinally
between a first end edge and a second end edge, and extends
upwardly from a slot opening at a lower end of the side arms to an
inner edge spaced upwardly from the slot opening, the at least one
side slot being configured to receive the at least one power outlet
of the power track; wherein the upper portion of the spline body
has an attachment mechanism for carrying the power track within the
channel; wherein the spline assembly further comprises a retainer
configured to hang from a connector on a bottom surface of the
power track, the retainer being configured to hold the cables
within the raceway, between the raceway cover and the side arms;
wherein the support structure comprises a first leg assembly
attached to a first longitudinal end of the spline body and a
second leg assembly attached to a second longitudinal end of the
spline body, each of the first and second leg assemblies comprising
a transverse support beam extending laterally between a front leg
and a back leg; and wherein the raceway cover has open longitudinal
ends that extend below a height of the transverse support beams so
as to allow the cables to pass horizontally under the transverse
support beams from the open ends of the raceway cover.
21. The work bench according to claim 19, wherein a first one of
the side arms has a first side slot that extends laterally through
the first side arm, extends longitudinally between a first end edge
and a second end edge, and extends upwardly from a slot opening at
a lower end of the first side arm to an inner edge spaced upwardly
from the slot opening, the first side slot being configured to
receive a laterally extending power socket of the power track when
the power track is inserted upwards into the channel, the first
side slot is located proximate to the gap so that the power socket
is accessible from the work surface through the gap.
22. The work bench according to claim 19, wherein the retainer is
positioned within the raceway and is configured to hold the cables
within the raceway, between the raceway cover and the side
arms.
23. The work bench according to claim 22, further comprising at
least one additional retainer, wherein the retainers are
longitudinally spaced from one another within the raceway, and
wherein each retainer has two laterally extending arms that are
configured to support data cables, and a central slotway that is
configured to support a power cable.
Description
SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to work stations, desking
arrangements, power and cable distribution arrangements, raceways,
leg structures, and support structures preferably for use in office
settings and with office furniture components.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various arrangements are known to provide for office
furniture provided from modular and interchangeable elements which
can be configured into multiple arrangements and configurations and
accommodate a wide variety of needs and functions. Such
arrangements provide various furniture, such as work stations, for
example, with stand-alone tables, or with two or more work stations
provided in proximity as arranged back to back, side to side or
spaced supported by various support structures, preferably with
power and cable distribution via complementary arrangements as well
with capability to accommodate various privacy panels, support
shelves, storage cabinets, storage drawers and the like. The
present inventor has appreciated that previously known devices
suffer numerous disadvantages, typically including undue complexity
and overdesign.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] To at least partially overcome these disadvantages of
previously known devices the present invention provides
arrangements providing for office furniture with interchangeable
elements.
[0004] In one aspect, the invention provides a work bench. The work
bench preferably includes a work surface, and in another aspect a
support structure for supporting the work surface. The work bench
preferably includes in another aspect a spline assembly adapted to
be supported in juxtaposition to the work surface preferably
supported by the support structure. The spline assembly preferably
includes a longitudinally extended spline body and a longitudinally
extended raceway cover. The spline body preferably has an upper
portion and two side arms extending downwardly from the upper
portion, and defines a channel for carrying a power track between
the two side arms. The raceway cover is preferably configured to
attach to the two side arms of the spline body, and preferably
defines a raceway for carrying cables underneath the spline
body.
[0005] In a 1.sup.st aspect, the present invention provides a work
bench comprising:
[0006] a work surface;
[0007] a support structure for supporting the work surface; and
[0008] a spline assembly supported adjacent to the work surface by
the support structure, the spline assembly comprising:
[0009] a longitudinally extended spline body with an upper portion
and two side arms extending downwardly from the upper portion, the
spline body defining a channel for carrying a power track between
the two side arms; and
[0010] a longitudinally extended raceway cover configured to attach
to the two side arms of the spline body, the raceway cover defining
a raceway for carrying cables underneath the spline body.
[0011] In a 2.sup.nd aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to the 1.sup.st aspect, wherein the spline
body is supported adjacent to the work surface so as to provide a
gap between the spline body and the work surface.
[0012] In a 3.sup.rd aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to the 2.sup.nd aspect, wherein the upper
portion of the spline body has a flat upper surface with a central
groove for receiving a privacy panel.
[0013] In a 4.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to the 3.sup.rd aspect, wherein the upper
portion of the spline body defines a nut slot for receiving a nut,
the nut slot being configured so that the nut is longitudinally
slidable within the nut slot for attachment to a bolt at a selected
location.
[0014] In a 5.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to the 4.sup.th aspect, wherein the upper
portion of the spline body has two laterally spaced sidewalls that
extend downwards from the flat upper surface;
[0015] wherein the nut slot extends longitudinally along a first
one of the sidewalls; and
[0016] wherein a second nut slot extends longitudinally along a
second one of the sidewalls.
[0017] In a 6.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to the 4.sup.th or 5.sup.th aspect, wherein
the nut slot is configured for mounting an accessory proximate to
the work surface at the selected location using the nut and the
bolt.
[0018] In a 7.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to the 6.sup.th aspect, wherein the accessory
comprises a shelf, a tray, or a bracket.
[0019] In an 8.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to the 6.sup.th or 7.sup.th aspect, wherein
the nut slot is located below the work surface so that the
accessory extends up through the gap when mounted at the selected
location.
[0020] In a 9.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to any one of the 2.sup.nd to 8.sup.th
aspects, wherein the spline body is configured to slidably receive
the power track into the channel by inserting the power track
upwards between the two side arms while the raceway cover is
unattached to the side arms.
[0021] In a 10.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to the 9.sup.th aspect, wherein a first one of
the side arms has a side slot open at a lower end of the first side
arm, the side slot being configured to receive a laterally
extending power socket of the power track when the power track is
inserted upwards into the channel.
[0022] In an 11.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to the 10.sup.th aspect, wherein the side slot
is located proximate to the gap so that the power socket is
accessible from the work surface through the gap.
[0023] In a 12.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to the 10.sup.th or 11.sup.th aspect, wherein
a second one of the side arms has a second side slot open at a
lower end of the second side arm, the second side slot being
configured to receive a second laterally extending power socket of
the power track when the power track is inserted upwards into the
channel.
[0024] In a 13.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to any one of the 2.sup.nd to 12.sup.th
aspects, wherein the upper portion of the spline body has an
attachment mechanism for carrying the power track within the
channel.
[0025] In a 14.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to any one of the 2.sup.nd to 13.sup.th
aspects, wherein the spline assembly further comprises a retainer
configured to hang from the power track, the retainer being
configured to hold the cables in place underneath the spline body
when the raceway cover is unattached to the side arms.
[0026] In a 15.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to the 14.sup.th aspect, wherein the retainer
is positioned within the raceway and is configured to hold the
cables within the raceway, between the raceway cover and the side
arms.
[0027] In a 16.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to the 14.sup.th or 15.sup.th aspect, further
comprising at least one additional retainer, wherein the retainers
are longitudinally spaced from one another within the raceway.
[0028] In a 17.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to any one of the 14.sup.th to 16.sup.th
aspects, wherein the retainer has two laterally extending arms that
are configured to support data cables, and a central slotway that
is configured to support a power cable.
[0029] In an 18.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to any one of the 2.sup.nd to 17.sup.th
aspects, wherein each of the two side arms has a longitudinally
extended groove for attaching the raceway cover to the spline body
with a friction fit.
[0030] In a 19.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to any one of the 1.sup.st to 18.sup.th
aspects, wherein the raceway cover is open at its longitudinal
ends.
[0031] In a 20.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to the 19.sup.th aspect, wherein the support
structure comprises a support beam, the raceway cover being normal
to the support beam; and
[0032] wherein the raceway cover extends below a height of the
support beam so as to allow the cables to pass horizontally under
the support beam from the open end of the raceway cover.
[0033] In a 21.sup.st aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to any one of the 2.sup.nd to 18.sup.th
aspects, further comprising a second work surface that is supported
by the support structure adjacent to the spline body so as to
provide a second gap between the second work surface and the spline
body, with the spline body arranged between the work surface and
the second work surface.
[0034] In a 22.sup.nd aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to the 21.sup.st aspect, wherein the support
structure comprises a first leg assembly attached to a first
longitudinal end of the spline body and a second leg assembly
attached to a second longitudinal end of the spline body, each of
the first and second leg assemblies comprising a transverse support
beam extending laterally between a front leg and a back leg;
[0035] wherein the work surface is supported between the transverse
support beam of the first leg assembly and the transverse support
beam of the second leg assembly at a front side of the work bench;
and
[0036] wherein the second work surface is supported between the
transverse support beam of the first leg assembly and the
transverse support beam of the second leg assembly at a back side
of the work bench.
[0037] In a 23.sup.rd aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to the 22.sup.nd aspect, further comprising a
third leg assembly, a second spline assembly, a third work surface,
and a fourth work surface;
[0038] wherein the first longitudinal end of the spline body of the
spline assembly is attached to a first side of the transverse
support beam of the first leg assembly;
[0039] wherein the second longitudinal end of the spline body of
the spline assembly is attached to a first side of the transverse
support beam of the second leg assembly;
[0040] wherein the first longitudinal end of the spline body of the
second spline assembly is attached to a second side of the
transverse support beam of the second leg assembly;
[0041] wherein the second longitudinal end of the spline body of
the second spline assembly is attached to a first side of the
transverse support beam of the third leg assembly;
[0042] wherein the third work surface is supported between the
transverse support beam of the second leg assembly and the
transverse support beam of the third leg assembly at the front side
of the work bench;
[0043] wherein the fourth work surface is supported between the
transverse support beam of the second leg assembly and the
transverse support beam of the third leg assembly at the back side
of the work bench; and
[0044] wherein the raceway of the spline assembly and the raceway
of the second spline assembly extend below a bottom surface of the
transverse support beam of the second leg assembly, so as to allow
the cables carried by the raceways to extend between the spline
assembly and the second spline assembly underneath the transverse
support beam.
[0045] In a 24.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides the
work bench according to any one of the 1.sup.st to 13.sup.th
aspects, wherein the spline body and the raceway cover are each
one-piece plastic extrusions.
[0046] In a 25.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides a
spline assembly comprising:
[0047] a longitudinally extended spline body with an upper portion
and two side arms extending downwardly from the upper portion, the
spline body defining a channel for carrying a power track between
the two side arms; and
[0048] a longitudinally extended raceway cover configured to attach
to the two side arms of the spline body, the raceway cover defining
a raceway for carrying cables underneath the spline body.
[0049] In a 26.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides a work
bench comprising:
[0050] a work surface;
[0051] a support structure for supporting the work surface; and
[0052] a spline assembly supported adjacent to the work surface by
the support structure so as to provide a gap between the spline
body and the work surface, the spline assembly comprising:
[0053] a longitudinally extended spline body with an upper portion
and two side arms extending downwardly from the upper portion, the
spline body defining a channel between the two side arms;
[0054] a power track positioned within the channel, the power track
having at least one power outlet that is accessible from the work
surface through the gap; and
[0055] a longitudinally extended raceway cover configured to attach
to the two side arms of the spline body, the raceway cover defining
a raceway for carrying cables underneath the power track;
[0056] wherein the upper portion of the spline body has a flat
upper surface with a central groove for receiving a privacy
panel;
[0057] wherein the upper portion of the spline body defines a nut
slot for receiving a nut, the nut slot being configured so that the
nut is longitudinally slidable within the nut slot for attachment
to a bolt at a selected location;
[0058] wherein the side arms have at least one side slot open at a
lower end of the side arms, the at least one side slot being
configured to receive the at least one power outlet of the power
track;
[0059] wherein the upper portion of the spline body has an
attachment mechanism for carrying the power track within the
channel;
[0060] wherein the spline assembly further comprises a retainer
configured to hang from the power track, the retainer being
configured to hold the cables within the raceway, between the
raceway cover and the side arms;
[0061] wherein the support structure comprises a first leg assembly
attached to a first longitudinal end of the spline body and a
second leg assembly attached to a second longitudinal end of the
spline body, each of the first and second leg assemblies comprising
a transverse support beam extending laterally between a front leg
and a back leg; and
[0062] wherein the raceway cover has open longitudinal ends that
extend below a height of the transverse support beams so as to
allow the cables to pass horizontally under the transverse support
beams from the open ends of the raceway cover.
[0063] In a 27.sup.th aspect, the present invention provides a leg
assembly comprising:
[0064] a first leg having a top end and a bottom end;
[0065] a second leg having a top end and a bottom end;
[0066] a first leg cap attached to the top end of the first
leg;
[0067] a second leg cap attached to the top end of the second leg;
and
[0068] a transverse support beam extending laterally between the
first leg cap and the second leg cap, the transverse support beam
comprising a nut slot for receiving a nut, the nut slot being
configured so that the nut is slidable within the nut slot for
attachment to a bolt at a selected location.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0069] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following description taken together with
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0070] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view from above of a first
embodiment of a work bench in accordance with the present invention
in a first configuration;
[0071] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view from below of the work bench
of FIG. 1;
[0072] FIG. 3 shows a partially exploded perspective view from
below of the work bench of FIG. 1;
[0073] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of a right hand side portion
of the work bench in FIG. 3;
[0074] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional front view of the work bench
of FIG. 1 along section line 5-5' in FIG. 1;
[0075] FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view from above of a
left hand side portion of the work bench in FIG. 1 including a
center privacy panel 70 and a shelving unit 76 and brackets 74 not
shown on FIG. 1;
[0076] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of the work bench
along section line 7-7' in FIG. 1 including the center privacy
panel 70 and the shelving unit 76 and brackets 74 shown on FIG.
6;
[0077] FIG. 8 shows the same cross-sectional side view as in FIG. 7
but partially exploded;
[0078] FIG. 9 shows an enlarged perspective view of the work bench
of FIG. 1 showing portions of a right side leg assembly;
[0079] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged perspective view of the work bench
of FIG. 1 showing portions of a center leg assembly;
[0080] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the work bench of FIG. 1
including a center privacy panel in a second configuration;
[0081] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the work bench of FIG. 1
including a lateral privacy panel 70 in a third configuration;
[0082] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the work bench of FIG. 1
including a center privacy panel 122 in a fourth configuration;
[0083] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the work bench of FIG. 1
including two shelving units 76 in a fifth configuration;
[0084] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the work bench of FIG. 1
including the center privacy panel 122, shelving units 76 shown on
FIG. 6 and lateral privacy panels as in FIG. 12 in a sixth
configuration;
[0085] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the work bench of FIG. 1
including center and lateral privacy panels and storage drawers 126
in a seventh configuration;
[0086] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a work bench of FIG. 1
including center and lateral privacy panels, storage drawers 126
and 132 and a freestanding storage module 134 in an eighth
configuration;
[0087] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the work bench of FIG. 1
including a center storage cabinet in a ninth configuration;
[0088] FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the work bench
arrangement in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention in a tenth configuration;
[0089] FIG. 20 shows an enlarged perspective view of the work bench
of FIG. 19;
[0090] FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the work bench
arrangement in accordance with a third embodiment of the present
invention with a work surface in a lower position;
[0091] FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the work bench of FIG.
21 with the work surface in a raised position, and
[0092] FIG. 23 shows a partial exploded perspective view of
components of the work bench in FIG. 22.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0093] The work bench 2 shown in FIG. 1 includes four work surfaces
4A, 4B, 4C, 4D; three leg assemblies 6A, 6B, 6C; and two spline
assemblies 8A, 8B. Each work surface 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D is a
rectangular desktop with flat top 10 and bottom 12 surfaces, and is
preferably sized to provide a work space for one worker. The work
surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D are constructed from any suitable material,
such as metal, wood, or plastic.
[0094] Each work surface 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D extends longitudinally
between two leg assemblies 6A, 6B, 6C. More specifically, work
surface 4A extends longitudinally between leg assembly 6A and leg
assembly 6B at the front side of the work bench 2; work surface 4B
extends longitudinally between leg assembly 6A and leg assembly 6B
at the back side of the work bench 2; work surface 4C extends
longitudinally between leg assembly 6B and leg assembly 6C at the
front side of the work bench 2; and work surface 4D extends
longitudinally between leg assembly 6B and leg assembly 6C at the
back side of the work bench 2.
[0095] As is shown in FIG. 2, each work surface 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D is
supported by a pair of longitudinal support beams 14 that extend
longitudinally under the bottom surface 12 of the work surface 4A,
4B, 4C, 4D. Each of the two beams 14 are preferably identical. FIG.
2 is the only Figure that shows both the longitudinal support beams
14 supporting each work surface 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D. For ease of
illustration and understanding in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 only one of the
two beams 14 is shown. However it is to be understood that as in
FIG. 2 there are two transversely spaced longitudinal support beams
14 supporting each work surface 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D to provide stability
and strength.
[0096] Each end of each longitudinal support beam 14 is received
within a mounting bracket 16. The mounting brackets 16 have
horizontal flanges 18 that are configured to sit squarely against
the bottom surface 12 of one of the work surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D.
As best seen in FIG. 6, the horizontal flanges 18 have holes 20 for
receiving screws or bolts to attach the mounting bracket 16 to the
bottom surface 12 of the corresponding work surface 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D.
The mounting brackets 16 also have terminal extensions 22 that
project downwardly from the longitudinal beam 14. Each terminal
extension 22 has a bolt hole 24 for receiving a bolt 26 to attach
the mounting bracket 16 to one of the leg assemblies 6A, 6B, 6C.
When assembled, the leg assemblies 6A, 6B, 6C support the
longitudinal support beams 14, which in turn support the work
surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D at the desired height to provide work
spaces for workers to use while standing and/or sitting.
[0097] As seen in FIG. 4, each leg assembly 6A, 6B, 6C includes two
cylindrical legs 28, two leg caps 30, and one transverse support
beam 32. Each leg 28 has a foot 34 at its lower end that contacts
the floor. The feet 34 may be provided with a soft bottom surface
to prevent the work bench 2 from scratching the floor and/or a
high-friction bottom surface to prevent the work bench 2 from
sliding. Optionally, the feet 34 may be configured to be bolted to
the floor. Preferably, each foot 34 has an adjustable height
mechanism that can be independently set to compensate for a slanted
or uneven floor, so that the work surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D remain
flat and stable. For example, the feet 34 could be connected to the
lower ends of the legs 28 using a threaded connection so that, by
turning the feet 34 in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction,
they can be moved up or down.
[0098] The leg caps 30 are best shown in FIG. 4 as each comprising
a cylindrical sleeve 36 with a side connector 38. The cylindrical
sleeve 36 is hollow and has an open bottom for receiving the upper
end of a leg 28 therein. The leg 28 may optionally be held in place
within the cylindrical sleeve 36 by friction, or may be held in
place by a threaded connection, a bolt, a screw, or the like. The
side connector 38 extends out from the side of the cylindrical
sleeve 36 for connecting to the transverse support beam 32, and
includes a U-shaped upper protruding member 40 and an inverted
T-shaped lower protruding member 42.
[0099] The transverse support beam 32 is preferably formed by
extrusion from metal. The transverse support beam 32 has a U-shaped
upper portion 44 that defines an upper cavity 46 and a lower
portion 48 that defines a lower cavity 50, as shown in FIGS. 4 and
5. The upper cavity 46 and the lower cavity 50 are respectively
configured to receive the U-shaped upper protruding member 40 and
the inverted T-shaped lower protruding member 42 of a leg cap 30
into each of their ends. The lower portion 48 of the transverse
support beam 32 has a downwardly facing groove 52 that is open to
the lower cavity 50. To hold the lower protruding member 42 of the
leg cap 30 in place within the lower cavity 50, a bolt (not shown)
can be inserted upwards through the downwardly facing groove 52
into the lower protruding member 42. The upper portion 44 of the
transverse support beam 32 likewise defines an upwardly facing
groove 54. The upwardly facing groove 54 can optionally be used to
carry a privacy panel 70, as shown in FIG. 12. The downwardly
facing groove 52 is also optionally used to carry a modesty panel
(not shown) similar to that shown in FIG. 12 that shields a
worker's legs from view. To further strengthen the connection
between the leg caps 30 and the transverse support beam 32, the
upwardly facing groove 54 may optionally include holes (not shown)
for inserting bolts downwardly into the upper protruding members 40
of the leg caps 30.
[0100] The lower portion 48 of the transverse support beam 32 also
defines two laterally spaced nut slots 56. The nut slots 56 extend
the entire length of the transverse support beam 32, and are
configured to slidably receive nuts 58 therein. The nuts 58 are
slidable within the nut slots 56 to a desired location, where they
can be used to attach components to the transverse support beam 32
using a bolt 26. For example, as seen in FIG. 5 the mounting
bracket 16 of the longitudinal support beam 14 is attached to the
transverse support beam 32 by inserting a bolt 26 through the
terminal extension 22 of the mounting bracket 16 and into a nut 58
positioned within one of the nut slots 56. As seen in FIG. 5, two
nut slots 56 are provided so that work surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D can
be supported on either side of the transverse support beam 32, such
as in the leg assembly 6B shown in FIG. 1.
[0101] The nut slots 56 are also used to mount center spline
assemblies 8A, 8B to the transverse support beams 42. In
particular, a spline mounting bracket 64 is attached to each end of
each center spline assembly 8A, 8B, and the spline mounting
brackets 64 are each attached to a transverse support beam 32 by
inserting two bolts 26 through the spline mounting bracket 64 and
into two nuts 58 positioned within one of the nut slots 56,
similarly to the mounting bracket 16. The spline mounting bracket
64 is best seen in FIG. 6.
[0102] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, each center spline assembly 8A, 8B
includes a longitudinally extended body 60 and a longitudinally
extended raceway cover 62. The body 60 is preferably formed by
extrusion as a single extrusion, preferably from metal.
[0103] The body 60 has a top wall 101 and a pair of side walls 103
and 123 that extend in the same direction away from the top wall
101 to outer distal ends 105 of the side walls. An intermediate
junction or transverse wall 78 bridges between the side walls
spaced from the top wall 101 intermediate the top wall 101 and the
distal ends 105 of the side walls 103 and 123. A cavity or central
channel 86 is defined between the side walls 103 and 123 outwardly
of the transverse wall 78 that is open outwardly through an opening
125 between the distal ends 105 of the side walls 103 and 123.
[0104] The top wall 101 has a flat upper surface 66 with an
upwardly opening central groove 68. The central groove 68 is
configured to receive a privacy panel 70 as shown for example in
FIG. 7.
[0105] The side walls 103 and 123 provide between the top wall 101
and the transverse wall 78 two laterally spaced spline nut slots
72, similar to the nut slots 56 of the transverse support beam 32,
one on each of the side walls 103 and 123 open laterally outwardly.
The spline nut slots 72 extend the entire length of the body 60 of
the center spline assembly 8A, 8B, and are configured to slidably
receive nuts 58 therein. The spline nut slots 72 can be used to
hold attachments, such as the L-shaped bracket 74 for the shelving
unit 76 shown in FIG. 7, by sliding a nut 56 to the desired
mounting position within the spline nut slot 72 and inserting a
bolt 26 through the bracket 74 and into the nut 56. Having spline
nut slots 72 on both sides of the center spline assembly 8A, 8B
permits attachments such as the shelving unit 76 to be mounted in
proximity to the work surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D on either side of the
center spline assembly 8A, 8B.
[0106] The side walls 103 and 123 extend downwardly from the
transverse wall 78 and spline nut slots 72 to form two side arms 80
each with a lower edge 82 at the distal end 105 of each side wall
103 and 123. As best seen in FIG. 6, each side arm 80 has two
rectangular side slots 96 extending laterally through each side arm
80. Each rectangular side slot 96 extends longitudinally between a
first end edge 111 and a second end edge 127. Each rectangular side
slot 96 is open through the lower edge 82 via an outer lower slot
opening 113 open through the lower edge 82, and extends between the
outer slot opening 113 and an inner edge 129 spaced from the outer
slot opening 113. The inner edge 129 is outwardly of the transverse
wall 78 and the spline nut slots 72. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the
lower edge 82 of each side arm 80 of side walls 103 and 123 has an
inwardly deflected grooved connector 84.
[0107] The transverse wall 78 and the two side arms 80 define a
central channel 86 that is open between the lower edges 82 of the
side arms 80. The central channel 86 is configured to receive a
power track 88 therein by sliding the power track 88 inwardly, that
is upwardly as seen in the Figures, through the opening 125 between
the two side arms 80, and coupling the power track 88 to the body
60 within the central channel 86 with the power outlets 94 engaged
within the side slots 96. The transverse wall 78 is provided with
attachment members 90 that are configured to attach to
corresponding attaching members 92 located on the top surface of
the power track 88 to hold the power track 88 in place within the
central channel 86, preferably forming a snap friction fit
connection. The power track 88 has four power outlets 94 that
extend laterally outwards from the power track 88 an extent at
least equal to the width between the two side arms 80. The side
slots 96 are configured to receive the power outlets 94 when the
power track 88 is slid inwardly, that is upwardly, into the central
channel 86 with each power outlet 94 sliding upwardly through the
lower slot opening of a respective side slot 96. The power outlets
94 are accessible to users of the work bench 2 laterally outwardly
of each of the two side arms 80.
[0108] The central channel 86 is configured to attach to the spline
mounting brackets 64 to mount each center spline assembly 8A, 8B
between two adjacent of the leg assemblies 6A, 6B, 6C. In
particular, the central channel 86 is configured to receive
horizontally extended connectors 116 of the spline mounting
brackets 64 into each of its ends, so that the transverse wall 78
rests on top of the horizontally extended connectors 116.
Optionally, the transverse wall 78 has vertically extending holes
(not shown) for inserting screws, bolts, or the like into the
horizontally extended connectors 116 to provide a secure
connection.
[0109] The raceway cover 62 is preferably formed as a single
extrusion preferably of metal or plastic, and has an elongated
U-shaped construction with a central bight portion 115 from which
two upwardly extending coupling arms 98 extend. The end of each
coupling arm 98 has an inwardly projecting ridge 100 that is
configured to fit within the grooved connectors 84 of the side arms
80 of the body 60 in a friction fit. Preferably, the raceway cover
62 is selectively removable from the side arms 80 by manually
deflecting the coupling arms 98 away from the grooved connectors
84.
[0110] When connected to the side arms 80, the raceway cover 62
defines a raceway 102 for carrying cables 104, 106 underneath the
body 60. For example, the raceway 102 may be used to carry a power
cable 104 for the power track 88 and data cables 106 for
telecommunication as shown in FIG. 7. Preferably, the center spline
assembly 8A, 8B also includes one and preferably at least two cable
retainers 108 at longitudinally spaced locations along the body 60.
The cable retainers 108 preferably are secured to the power track
as by clipping as in a snap friction fit manner on to the bottom
surface of the power track 88, preferably onto snap fit connectors
110 on the bottom surface of the power outlets 94 of the power
track 88.
[0111] The cable retainers 108 each have two laterally extending
arms 112 with a central slotway 114 defined therebetween. During
assembly or maintenance, the cable retainers 108 are used to hold
the cables 104, 106 in place underneath the body 60 while the
raceway cover 62 is removed. The power cable 104 is held in the
central slotway 114 and the data cables 106 sit on the laterally
extending arms 112.
[0112] The raceway cover 62 preferably extends down past the bottom
of the transverse support beam 32, as can be best seen in FIGS. 2
and 7. This allows the cables 104, 106 to pass horizontally
underneath the transverse support beam 32 between adjacent raceways
102. Because of the uniform U-shaped construction of the raceway
covers 62, the raceways 102 are open at their longitudinal ends,
thus permitting the cables 104, 106 to pass freely therebetween.
Optionally, end caps 118 as seen on FIG. 2 may be placed over the
terminal ends of the raceways 102 to cover up the cables 104, 106
and to discourage unauthorized access to the raceways 102. An
intermediate raceway cover extender (not shown) could also
optionally be provided to span the gap between adjacent raceways
covers 62 under the transverse support beam 32 of the leg assembly
6B so that the cables 104, 106 remain hidden as they traverse under
this or any other one of the transverse beams 32.
[0113] As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 6, each side arm 80 has a
rectangular side opening 177 extending laterally through each side
arm 80. Each rectangular side opening 177 is adapted to receive a
correspondingly sized cable outlet 178 accessible to users of the
work bench 2 laterally outwardly of each of the two side arms 80
for connection as to communication ports carried by the cable
outlet 178. The cable outlet 178 is connected to communication
cables that are carried in the raceway between the body 60 and the
raceway cover 62.
[0114] The work bench 2 advantageously incorporates a minimal
number of modular parts, allowing for flexible assembly. For
example, in the work bench 2 as assembled in FIG. 1, each of the
three leg assemblies 6A, 6B, 6C has an identical construction,
regardless of whether it is positioned at the end or in the middle
of the bench 2. The center spline assemblies 8A, 8B furthermore
provide a compact and highly functional construction with a minimal
number of parts, including functions such as providing power
outlets 94, carrying cables 104, 106, mounting a wide variety of
attachments, and supporting a privacy panel 70. The use of nut
slots 56, 72 in both the leg assemblies 6A, 6B, 6C and the center
spline assemblies 8A, 8B further reduces the number of different
parts that are needed, and further increases the configurability of
the work bench 2 by permitting the same parts to be mounted at
different locations.
[0115] The work bench 2 as shown in FIG. 1 has been assembled to
provide four work spaces by arranging and supporting two work
surfaces 4A, 4B between leg assemblies 6A, 6B, and two work
surfaces 4C, 4D between leg assemblies 6B, 6C. The two center
spline assemblies 8A, 8B are arranged and supported between leg
assemblies 6A, 6B and 6B, 6C, respectively. Center spline assembly
8A is positioned between work surfaces 4A, 4B so as to provide
functions such as supplying power and mounting attachments in
proximity to each of the work surfaces 4A, 4B, as well as
optionally carrying a privacy panel 70 therebetween. As best shown
in FIG. 7, the work surfaces 4A, 4B are supported adjacent to the
center spline assembly 8A with a gap 120 therebetween. The gap 120
provides a passage for accessing the center spline assembly 8A from
the work surfaces 4A, 4B. The gap 120 may be used, for example, to
run power cables from the work surfaces 4A, 4B to the power outlets
94. Attachments such as the L-shaped bracket 74 can also extend
through the gap 120 as seen on FIG. 7 so as to be accessible from
the work surfaces 4A, 4B. Center spline assembly 8B is likewise
positioned between work surfaces 4C, 4D with a gap 120
therebetween.
[0116] The work bench 2 is easily adaptable to add more work spaces
if required. In particular, the transverse support beams 32 of the
outermost leg assemblies 6A, 6C have outwardly facing nut slots 56
that can be used to mount additional longitudinal support beams,
work surfaces, and center spline assemblies (not shown), further
supported by additional leg assemblies (not shown) spaced
longitudinally outward from leg assemblies 6A, 6C. The work bench 2
can be extended in this way to add as many work spaces as
required.
[0117] The work bench 2 is adapted to permit easy removal of a work
space. For example, center spline assembly 8B could be detached
from leg assemblies 6B, 6C by removing the bolts 26 from the spline
mounting brackets 64. The work surfaces 4C, 4D could also be
removed by detaching the corresponding longitudinal support beams
14 from leg assemblies 6B, 6C. With these parts removed, the
remaining work bench 2 would have only two work surfaces 4A, 4B
providing two work spaces. The smaller work bench 2 could, for
example, be placed in a smaller room or area, or could free up
additional space for other purposes such as file storage.
[0118] In addition to adding and removing work surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C,
4D, the work bench 2 can also be adapted to add various
attachments. For example, in the configuration shown in FIGS. 6, 7
and 8, a privacy panel 70 has been inserted into the central groove
68 of the center spline assembly 8A, and a shelving unit 76 has
been mounted over the work surface 4A using the L-shaped bracket 74
bolted to a nut 58 in the spline nut slot 72. The longitudinal
position of the shelving unit 76 can be selected by sliding the nut
58 to the desired location within the nut slot 72. The shelving
unit 76 may, for example, be used to hold books, pictures, or
decorations, or may be used as a tray for documents or the
like.
[0119] In the configuration shown in FIG. 16, privacy panels 70
have been inserted into the upwardly facing grooves 54 of each of
the leg assemblies 6A, 6B, 6C. Modified privacy panels 122 have
also been inserted into the central grooves 54 of the center spline
assemblies 8A, 8B. The modified privacy panels 122 have built in
ledge shelfs 124 that can be used to hold books, documents, tablet
computers, or the like. Drawers 126 have also been mounted below
the work surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D for additional storage.
[0120] In the configuration shown in FIG. 12, a privacy panel 70
has been inserted into the upwardly facing groove 54 of leg
assembly 6A. In the configuration shown in FIG. 14, shelving units
76 are mounted to the leg assembly 6A in place of the privacy panel
70. These shelving units 76 are adapted to attach to the upwardly
facing groove 54 rather than the nut slots 56, 72, and include
downwardly extending slot insertion tabs (not shown) for this
purpose.
[0121] In the configuration shown in FIG. 11, a privacy panel 70
has been inserted into the central groove 68 of the center spline
assembly 6A. Also, in this configuration the work bench 2 has been
extended by attaching additional work surfaces 4E, 4F and an
additional center spline assembly 8C to the leg assembly 6C. The
work surfaces 4E, 4F are supported at the other end by an
additional leg assembly (not shown). In the configuration shown in
FIG. 13, the privacy panel 70 has been replaced with a modified
privacy panel 122 with a ledge shelf 124.
[0122] In the configuration shown in FIG. 18, a split shelf 128 is
mounted over the center spine assembly 8A. The split shelf 128 has
two compartments 130A, 130B. Compartment 130A is open facing the
work surface 4A to provide a space for storing books, plants, and
the like, and is closed facing the work surface 4B. Compartment
130B is open facing the work surface 4B, and is closed facing the
work surface 4A. Having two oppositely facing compartments 130A,
130B allows the split shelf 128 to provide a storage space for
workers on either side of the bench 2. It also acts as a privacy
barrier for workers on opposite sides of the shelf 128. The split
shelf 128 has downwardly extending slot insertion tabs (not shown)
that are inserted into the central groove 68 to hold the shelf 128
in place.
[0123] The configuration shown in FIG. 15 highlights the
adaptability of the work bench 2 to suit different preferences. A
modified privacy panel 122 is inserted into the central groove 68
of the center spline assembly 8A, but only extends for part of the
length of the center spline assembly 8A. This provides some privacy
for the workers on either side of the bench 2, but also allows for
some interaction. For example, the partial length of the privacy
panel 122 allows materials such as books to be easily shared
between the workers on either side using the adjacent shelving
units 76. The shelving units 76 are mounted in place using the nut
slots 72 on both sides of the center spline assembly 8A. The worker
using work surface 4A also has some additional storage space with
the shelving unit 76 mounted to the front side of the leg assembly
6A. Meanwhile, the worker using work surface 4B has additional
privacy because of the privacy panel 70 mounted to the back side of
the leg assembly 6A. A longer privacy panel 70 is inserted into the
upwardly facing groove 54 of leg assembly 6B, and an entirely
different configuration of shelving units 76 and privacy panels 70,
suited to the preferences and needs of the workers using work
surfaces 4C, 4D, is provided on the other side.
[0124] In the configuration shown in FIG. 17, full length modified
privacy panels 122 are inserted into the central grooves 68 of the
center spline assemblies 8A, 8B, and full length privacy panels 70
are inserted into the upwardly facing grooves 54 of the leg
assemblies 6A, 6B, 6C to provide more traditional cubicle-style
work spaces. A drawer 126 is mounted below work surface 4C, and a
combined drawer/shelf 132 is mounted below work surface 4A. A
rolling storage unit 134 is also placed under work surface 4A to
provide additional storage.
[0125] Each of the attachments described above could be combined
and arranged in any desired configuration. Other attachments not
shown could also be secured to the nut slots 56, 72; attached to
the grooves 52, 54, 68 or otherwise mounted to the work bench 2,
such as lamps and monitor stands.
[0126] The work surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, leg assemblies 6A, 6B, 6C,
and spline assemblies 8A, 8B could also be arranged in different
configurations from those described above. For example, work
surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C could be arranged to extend laterally out from
the center spline assemblies 8A, 8B, 8C as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20
showing a second embodiment in accordance with the present
invention. In this second embodiment of FIGS. 19 and 20, the
longitudinal support beams 14 (not shown) supporting the work
surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C extend between the leg assemblies 6A, 6B, 6C
and corresponding center spline assemblies 8A, 8B, 8B. Meanwhile,
the center spline assemblies 8A, 8B, 8C are supported by and extend
between a separate set of leg assemblies 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G. The work
surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C are spaced from one another so that workers can
sit or stand in the spaces between the work surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C.
The ends of the longitudinal support beams 14 (not shown) are
preferably coupled to the leg assemblies 6A, 6B, 6C by the same
mounting bracket 16 as in the first embodiment. The ends of the
longitudinal support beams 14 (not shown) are preferably coupled to
the center spline assemblies 8A, 8B, 8C by modified mounting
brackets which permits bolts through the mounting brackets to
engage with nuts 58 in the spline slots 72. With this arrangement
power and cabling may be supplied to each work surface 4A, 4B, 4C
via the center spline assemblies 8A, 8B, 8C at one end of each work
surface 4A, 4B, 4C.
[0127] Other embodiments are also possible, such has having work
surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C on one side of the center spline assemblies 8A,
8B, 8C extend laterally outwards as in FIG. 19, and work surfaces
4D, 4E, 4F on the other side extend longitudinally along the center
spline assemblies 8A, 8B, 8C as in FIG. 1.
[0128] The work bench 2 of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 19
and 20 include leg assemblies 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G with
different lengths/proportions relative to the work surfaces from
those shown in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 18. In
particular, the transverse support beams 32 of the leg assemblies
6A, 6B, 6C supporting the laterally extended ends of the work
surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C are relatively shorter than in FIGS. 1 to 18;
having a length about the same as the width of one work surface 4A,
4B, 4C. The transverse support beams 32 of the leg assemblies 6D,
6E, 6F, 6G supporting the center spline assemblies 8A, 8B, 8C are
shorter still. The remaining bench 2 components, such as the center
spline assemblies 8A, 8B, 8C and the work surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C, need
not be modified at all for use in each of the first and the second
embodiments.
[0129] In the second embodiment of FIGS. 19 and 20, some of the
work surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and their leg assemblies 6A, 6B, 6C,
could be removed and free work spaces or free standing desks and
seating arrangements could be provided proximate to the spline
assemblies 8A, 8B and 8C with the spline assemblies 8A, 8B and 8C
providing power and cabling supply, privacy screens and/or
shelving/storage cabinets to free standing work spaces.
[0130] In the second embodiment of FIGS. 19 and 20, all of the work
surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and their leg assemblies 6A, 6B, 6C, could
be removed and spline assemblies 8A, 8B could be provided separate
from any attached work surfaces, as for to provide power and
cabling supply, privacy screens and/or shelving/storage cabinets to
free standing work spaces, as with free standing desks proximate to
the spline assemblies 8A, 8B and 8C. An individual spline assembly
8A would have a single spline assembly with two leg assemblies at
its ends and would be self-supporting on a floor with the
appearance of a saw-horse. The spline assemblies could comprise but
one individual spline assembly 8A, or a number of such spline
assemblies in a straight row or connected at their ends at angles
to each other. Each individual spline assembly 8A and a straight
line of multiple spline assemblies have stability with the legs 28
of each leg assembly extending at an angle to the vertical
downwardly away from each other.
[0131] Reference is made to FIGS. 21 to 23 showing a work bench
arrangement in accordance with a third embodiment of the present
invention. The third embodiment is identical to the first
embodiment with the exception for the work surface 4C the pair of
longitudinal support beams 14 that extend longitudinally under the
bottom surface 12 of the work surface 4C and the mounting bracket
16 for each beam have been eliminated and the work surface 4C is
mounted between the between two leg assemblies 6B and 6C by a
mounting assembly 200 that permits the work surface 4C to be moved
between a lower position as seen in FIG. 21 and a raised position
as seen in FIG. 23 and supported in each of the lower position and
the raised position and intermediate positions between the lower
position and the raised position preferably but not necessarily as
with a pantograph type arrangement maintaining the work surface 4C
disposed to be horizontal. The mounting arrangement 200 includes as
seen in FIG. 23: a left lower mounting bracket 201 which is secured
to the transverse support beam 32 of the leg assembly 6C via the
nut slots 56 using bolts and nuts. The mounting arrangement 200
includes as seen in FIG. 23 a left upper mounting bracket 202 which
is secured to the underside of the work surface 4C at its left
side. A left bridging mechanism 203 has a lower end coupled to the
left lower mounting bracket 201 and an upper end coupled to the
left upper mounting bracket 202 such that the work surface 4C is
maintained horizontal as it moves between the lower position and
the raised position. The mounting arrangement 200 is symmetrical
and a right lower mounting bracket, not shown, is provided that is
a mirror image to the left lower mounting bracket 201 and secured
to the transverse support beam 32 of the leg assembly 6B via the
nut slots 56 using bolts and nuts; a right upper mounting bracket
not shown is provided that is a mirror image to the left upper
mounting bracket 202 and is secured to the underside of the work
surface 4C on its right side, and a right bridging mechanism, not
shown, is provided that is a mirror image to the left bridging
mechanism 203 and has a lower end coupled to the right lower
mounting bracket and an upper end coupled to the right upper
mounting bracket such that the work surface 4C is maintained
horizontal as it moves between the lower position and the raised
position.
[0132] The left lower mounting bracket 201 and the right lower
mounting bracket has an upwardly directed left beam mount surface
204 at its upper forward end and a longitudinal support beam 214 is
secured by bolts to beam mount surfaces 204 of the left lower
mounting bracket and to a mirror image upwardly directed left beam
mount surface 204 on the right lower mounting bracket, not shown,
to securely locate the leg assemblies 6B and 6C relative each other
at their front ends. A longitudinal support beam 205 also extends
between the left bridging mechanism 203 and the right bridging
mechanism with its ends fixed to each of the left bridging
mechanism 203 and the right bridging mechanism not shown.
[0133] The left bridging mechanism 203 includes a piston mechanism
206 whose length varies with movement of the work surface 4C
between the lower position and the raised position, with the piston
mechanism 203 on one hand exerting forces that assist in raising
the work surface 4C to the raised position and on the other hand
can preferably keep the work surface in any position unless a
minimum force is applied to the work surface 4C.
[0134] A left L-shaped shaped stop bracket 207 is secured to the
transverse support beam 32 of the leg assembly 6C via the nut slots
56 using a bolt and a nut. The upwardly directed surface 208 of the
stop bracket is in opposition to and engages a lower surface of the
left bridging mechanism 4C to locate the work surface 4C in the
lower position. A mirror image right L-shaped shaped stop bracket
not shown is similarly secured to the transverse support beam 32 of
the leg assembly 6B.
[0135] In use the work surface 4C can be moved between the lower
position as seen in FIG. 21 and the raised position as seen in FIG.
23 to be at a desired height for different uses, and for example to
be at a raised position for use by a user while standing.
[0136] Various different arrangements can be provided in
substitution of the mounting assembly 200 shown in the third
embodiment supported by the leg assemblies.
[0137] Although the Figures show the work bench 2 components as
having particular sizes, shapes, configurations and styles, the
invention is not limited to these particular sizes, shapes,
configurations and styles. Rather, any functional or mechanical
equivalents to the work bench 2 as described and illustrated could
be used instead. For example, the legs 28 could be made longer so
that the work surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D are at an appropriate height
for working while standing; the work surfaces 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D could
be made larger, smaller, or a different shape, such as square; or
the spline assemblies 8A, 8B could be positioned behind a single
work surface 4A rather than between two work surfaces 4A, 4B. These
and other modifications which would occur to a person skilled in
the art of furniture design are included within the scope of the
invention.
[0138] Nor is the invention limited to the complete collection of
work bench 2 components. Rather, the invention includes within its
scope all of the individual components, such as the center spline
assembly 8, the leg assembly 6, the work surface 4, the
longitudinal support beam 14, the transverse support beam 32, the
body 60, and the raceway cover 62, regardless of whether those
components are provided as a set or individually.
[0139] The invention also includes any and all features,
characteristics, and properties of the work bench 2 and the work
bench 2 components that are not explicitly identified and described
in this document.
[0140] While the invention has been described with reference to
preferred embodiments, many modifications and variations will now
occur to persons skilled in the art. For a definition of the
invention, and by way of non-limiting examples, the following
claims are included within the scope of the invention:
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