U.S. patent number 3,873,170 [Application Number 05/381,911] was granted by the patent office on 1975-03-25 for attachment means for modular furniture construction.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Steelcase, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ronald R. Hodges, Douglas Scheerhorn.
United States Patent |
3,873,170 |
Scheerhorn , et al. |
March 25, 1975 |
Attachment means for modular furniture construction
Abstract
A wing unit is joined to a desk by a bracket system in which a
first bracket is joined to the desk top, a second bracket is joined
to the wing unit and the two brackets are joined to one another.
The desk top bracket includes two generally parallel flanges joined
by a step flange, each flange including means for joining to the
wing unit bracket. The wing unit bracket is generally
channel-shaped, including two spaced generally parallel flanges,
each being adapted for joining to either of the flanges of the desk
top bracket. The desk top bracket can be oriented with either of
its flanges adjacent the wing unit, and this adjacent flange can be
joined to either the top or bottom flange of the wing unit bracket,
thereby making it possible to join together desks and wing units of
several different relative heights.
Inventors: |
Scheerhorn; Douglas (Grand
Rapids, MI), Hodges; Ronald R. (Grandville, MI) |
Assignee: |
Steelcase, Inc. (Grand Rapids,
MI)
|
Family
ID: |
23506842 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/381,911 |
Filed: |
July 23, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/280;
312/281 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B
12/14 (20130101); A47B 17/03 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47B
17/03 (20060101); A47B 17/00 (20060101); F16B
12/00 (20060101); F16B 12/14 (20060101); A47b
096/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;312/194,195,196,197,277,281,280 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Other References
DR Instruction Sheet-DR9134- Rev. 12-1-67..
|
Primary Examiner: Gilliam; Paul R.
Assistant Examiner: Pietruszka; Carl
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Price, Heneveld, Huizenga &
Cooper
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A furniture system including a wing unit or the like, a desk
unit or the like and attaching means for attaching the wing unit to
the desk, said attaching means comprising:
a first bracket having first securing means for securing said first
bracket to a desk;
a second bracket having second securing means for securing said
second bracket to a wing unit;
joining means joining said first and second brackets together; one
of said first and second brackets including first and second
joining points for cooperating with said joining means; said
joining means cooperating with said one bracket at one of said
first and second joining points; said one bracket being adapted for
securing to its respective desk or wing unit with either its first
or second joining point in position adjacent the other of said
brackets; said first and second joining points being on different
levels whereby desks and wing units of several different relative
heights can be joined together by effecting an appropriate one of
the alternative arrangements of said brackets.
2. The furniture system of claim 1 in which said first and second
joining points of said one bracket are on first and second flanges,
said first and second flanges projecting away from one another in
generally opposite directions whereby when one of said flanges is
adjacent said other of said brackets, the other of said flanges
projects away therefrom to a position generally beneath its
respective desk or wing unit whereby it is generally hidden from
view.
3. The furniture system of claim 2 in which the other of said
brackets also includes first and second joining points for
cooperating with said joining means; said joining means cooperating
with said other bracket at one of its said first and second joining
points; said first and second joining points of said other bracket
being on different levels.
4. The furniture system of claim 3 in which said first and second
joining points of said other bracket are on flanges which are
generally parallel to one another and which project towards said
one bracket in generally the same direction.
5. The furniture system of claim 1 in which said first and second
joining points of said one bracket are on flanges which are
generally parallel to one another and which project towards said
one bracket in generally the same direction.
6. A furniture system including a wing unit or the like, a desk or
the like, and attaching means for attaching the wing unit to the
desk, said attaching means comprising: a first bracket having first
and second generally parallel flanges projecting in generally
opposite directions and being joined by a step flange therebetween;
means on said first flange for securing said first bracket to the
top of said desk or the like with said second flange projecting
either forwardly in the direction of the front of said top or
rearwardly away therefrom; a second bracket having a base and a
flange projecting generally laterally from said base, said base
including means for securing said second bracket to said wing unit
with said flange either above or below said base; joining means for
joining said second bracket flange alternatively to either said
first flange or said second flange of said first bracket whereby
desks and wing units of several different relative heights can be
joined together.
7. The furniture system of claim 6 in which said desk top includes
a recess on the underside thereof; said first bracket being adapted
to be secured to said desk top with said step flange and said
second flange projecting alternatively either downwardly and
forwardly from said first flange, generally towards the front edge
of said desk top, or upwardly and rearwardly from said first
flange, generally away from the front edge of said desk top; said
recess being positioned such that when said step flange and second
flange are oriented upwardly and rearwardly from said first flange,
they are positioned in said recess.
8. The furniture system of claim 7 in which said second bracket is
generally channel-shaped, having a top flange and a bottom flange
projecting laterally from said base flange, said top and bottom
flanges projecting in the same direction, generally towards said
desk; said joining means including means for joining alternatively
either said top or said bottom flange of said second bracket to
either said first or second flange of said first bracket.
9. The furniture system of claim 8 which includes a trim piece,
said trim piece including means for securing to said wing unit and
a face flange projecting from the end of said wing unit above said
second bracket whereby said second bracket and said joining means
joining said first and second brackets are masked from view by said
trim piece.
10. The furniture system of claim 9 in which said trim piece
includes a ridge which is generally flush with the top surface of
said wing unit, said face flange projecting from said ridge on a
lower level than said top of said wing unit whereby said desk top
can be tilted forwardly with its lower front edge positioned below
the level of said wing unit top, generally adjacent said face
flange of said trim piece.
11. The furniture system of claim 6 in which said second bracket is
generally channel-shaped, having a top flange and a bottom flange
projecting laterally from said base flange, said top and bottom
flanges projecting in the same direction, generally towards said
desk; said joining means including means for joining alternatively
either said top or said bottom flange of said second bracket to
either said first or second flange of said first bracket.
12. The furniture system of claim 6 which includes a trim piece,
said trim piece including means for securing to said wing unit and
a face flange projecting from the end of said wing unit above said
second bracket whereby said second bracket and said joining means
joining said first and second brackets are masked from view by said
trim piece.
13. The furniture system of claim 12 in which said trim piece
includes a ridge which is generally flush with the top surface of
said wing unit, said face flange projecting from said ridge on a
lower level than said top of said wing unit whereby said desk top
can be tilted forwardly with its lower front edge positioned below
the level of said wing unit top, generally adjacent said face
flange of said trim piece.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to furniture systems such as desks
and wing units therefor. Specifically, it relates to means for
attaching such wing units to desks.
Generally, some type of bracket is used to join a wing unit to a
desk. The bracket may hook over the drawer of a desk, or it may be
connected directly to the desk top. While many desk and wing unit
combinations are available, each requires its own specifically
designed bracket. One bracket is required where the desk top and
wing unit are generally the same height and another bracket is
required for each situation in which the desk top and wing unit top
are of a different relative heights. Desks and wing units of
several different relative heights require several different
specifically designed brackets for each combination.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a bracket system for use in
conjunction with a furniture system in which desks and wing units
have several different heights relative to one another. A single
bracket system can be employed to join wing units and desks of
several different relative heights. This development is especially
useful in a new furniture system in which the desk top of the desk
can be positioned at several different alternative levels and in
which the desk top can even be tilted. This system is described in
several copending applications assigned to the assignee of this
invention, all filed on June 1, 1973, and entitled "END PANEL
SUPPORT SYSTEM", Ser. No. 366,218 "SUSPENDED PEDESTAL DESK", Ser.
No. 366,155, and "TILTABLE DESK TOP", Ser. No. 366,161. It is also
conceivable that the invention can be employed in connection with
desks and wing units of differing relative heights, even though the
different units are not designed to be part of a single system.
These objectives are accomplished by a bracket system in which a
first bracket is joined to a desk and a second bracket is joined to
the wing unit. Joining means join the first and second brackets
together in either one of a first and second position with respect
to one another, said first and second positions placing the
securing means whereby the brackets are secured to their respective
desk and wing unit on different levels. In this manner, these two
brackets can be used to attach together desks and wing units of at
least two different relative heights.
Preferably, at least one of the brackets includes first and second
joining points for cooperating alternatively with the joining
means. The bracket is adapted for securing to its respective desk
or wing unit with either its first or second joining points in
position adjacent the other brackets. The first and second joining
points are on different levels whereby still a larger number of
wing units and desks of different relative heights can be joined
together.
Another unique feature of the present invention constitutes a trim
piece which can be used to hide the two brackets and the joining
means joining them together. This trim piece projects outwardly
from the end of the top of the wing unit and completely covers the
bracket joined to the wing unit. The bracket joined to the desk top
has spaced flanges projecting in opposite direction, the first
joining point being positioned on one of the flanges and the second
joining point being positioned on the other. Because of this
arrangement, the trim piece will always cover the protruding flange
of the desk top bracket, since the flange which is not being used
will be projecting rearwardly to a position beneath the desk
top.
These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention
will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the
written specification and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a desk and wing unit of the type which can be joined
together by the bracket system of this invention;
FIG. 2 shows a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally
along the plane II--II of FIG. 1, with the bracket system adapted
to join a desk and wing unit having the greatest difference in
height;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the same
plane as FIG. 2 with the bracket system adapted to join a desk and
wing unit having an intermediate difference in height;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the same
plane as FIG. 2 with the bracket system adapted to support a desk
and wing unit having a generally similar height; and
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the same
plane as FIG. 2 with the bracket adapted to join a wing unit to the
desk where the desk top is tilted on an incline.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In the preferred embodiment, desk 10 is joined to wing unit 20 by
"Z" bracket 30 and channel bracket 40 (FIGS. 1 and 2). "Z" bracket
30 is bolted to desk top 11 by bolts 50, and channel bracket 40 is
bolted to wing unit top 21 by bolts 60. The two brackets are joined
together by joining bolts 70. They can be joined together in a
first position as shown in FIG. 2, or in a second position as shown
in FIG. 3, with the result that desks and wing units of differing
relative heights can be joined by the same two brackets. "Z"
bracket 30 can be reversed so that its longer flange 31 projects
outwardly (FIG. 4). This makes it possible to join a desk and wing
unit of yet a third different relative height. A trim piece 80
joined to wing unit 20 covers the two brackets at their joining
point and includes a depressed face 83 which allows room for desk
top 11 to be tilted in the manner shown in FIG. 5.
Desk 10 includes a top 11 which can be mounted thereon at three
different heights (compare FIGS. 2, 3, and 4). In the broader
aspects of this invention, the brackets 30 and 40 could be used in
conjunction with three completely different desks having tops at
three different levels. Alternatively, the wing units depicted in
FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 could be three different wing units of three
different heights. However, the attachment system is specifically
designed for use in conjunction with a desk 10 whose top 11 can be
adjusted to three different heights or can be oriented on a slope
as shown in FIG. 5. The specific means whereby these different
configurations are achieved are more fully described in three
copending applications, all assigned to the assignee of this
invention and all filed on June 1, 1973, the three applications
being entitled "END PANEL SUPPORT SYSTEM", Ser. No. 366,218,
"SUSPENDED PEDESTAL DESK", Ser. No. 366,155, and "TILTABLE DESK
TOP", Ser. No. 366,161.
Top 11 includes a beam 12 depending downwardly therefrom to which
"Z" bracket 30 is actually secured (FIGS. 2-5). Beam 12 defines a
recess 13 therebehind into which a portion of "Z" bracket 30 can be
positioned when "Z" bracket 30 is oriented as shown in FIGS. 4 and
5. Beam 12 is a generally channel-shaped length of steel which is
secured to top 11 by bolting, welding, or the like. A trim channel
14 is used to cover beam 12 to thereby provide an attractive
exterior appearance for the desk.
Wing unit 20 includes a top 21 supported in conventional fashion
(FIGS. 2-5). Top 21 is generally conventional, including a sheet of
plastic laminate 25 adhered to a sheet of metal 26. Sheet metal 26
is welded to supporting metal beams 27. A generally channel-shaped
steel end piece 22 is secured to the end of top 21 to provide a
means whereby channel bracket 40 and trim piece 80 can be secured
to top 21. It is secured by being welded to sheet metal 26 at its
top and to metal beams 27 along its edges. End piece 22 includes
holes therein for receiving the self tapping screws or bolts 60 and
85 which perform the securing functions. It is readily accessible
from the end and bottom of top 21. A wooden wing unit top might
also be employed, in which case wood screw counterparts for bolts
60 and 85 would be threaded directly into the wooden top.
"Z" bracket 30 is so named because of a generally "Z"
configuration. It is approximately as long as top 21 of wing unit
20 is wide. It includes a long flange 31 and a generally parallel
short flange 32, the two flanges being joined together by a step
flange 33 and projecting in opposite directions from step flange
33. Long flange 31 and short flange 32 project in opposite
directions so that when one is projecting into position adjacent
channel bracket 40, the other is projecting rearwardly away from
the front edge of desk 10 and is hidden from view in a position
generally underneath desk top 11.
"Z" bracket 30 is formed of metal by bending. Long flange 31
includes bolt holes 34 therein for receiving top bolt 50. Both long
flange 31 and short flange 32 include a plurality of bolt holes 35
therein for receiving, in the alternative, joining bolts 70 which
are used to join "Z" bracket 30 to channel bracket 40.
In an alternative embodiment, "Z" bracket 30 includes a longer long
flange 31 for use in conjunction with a wider beam 12. In such a
case, a third row of holes 34 is provided between hole 34 and hole
35 as shown in FIG. 2. This intermediate row of holes would be used
for bolt 50 when the alternative embodiment "Z" bracket 30 were
reversed and positioned as shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5. Openings 34
and 35 in the long and short flanges of "Z" bracket 30
cooperatively form joining portions with beam 12 and channel
bracket 40 when secured thereto by joining bolts 50 and 70.
Channel bracket 40 is formed of steel by bending and comprises a
base wall 41, top flange 42, and bottom flange 43. It is
approximately as long as top 21 of wing unit 20 is wide. Base wall
41 includes a bolt hole 44 therein for receiving wing unit bolt 60.
Wing unit bolt 60 is passed through wing unit bolt hole 44 and into
wing unit end piece 22. In this manner, channel bracket 40 is
secured to wing unit 20.
Both the top and bottom flanges 42 and 43, respectively, of channel
bracket 40 include a plurality of holes 45 for receiving self
tapping joining bolts 70. As a result, "Z" bracket 30 can be joined
either to top flange 42 or to bottom flange 43 by joining bolts 70.
In the broader aspects of the invention, it would be sufficient if
bracket 40 were only "L" shaped, having a base and a leg flange.
The bracket could be reversed so as to put the projecting leg
flange either on the top or on the bottom of the base depending on
the manner in which the bracket were to be joined to "Z" bracket
30. However, it is preferable that bracket 40 be channel shaped,
having top and bottom flanges, so that it does not have to be
inverted or readjusted at any time.
Trim piece 80 is formed of metal by bending. It includes a base
wall 81 having a plurality of holes therein through which wing unit
bolts 60 pass. Base wall 81 is sandwiched between channel bracket
40 and wing unit end piece 22 to thereby hold trim piece 80 in
place. Alternatively, trim piece 80 is welded to channel bracket
40. A foot flange 86 extends laterally from the base of base wall
81, extending beneath end piece 22. It includes a plurality of
holes therein through which pass bolts 85 which thread into the
bottom of end piece 22. This further secures trim piece 80.
Base wall 81 is sufficiently tall that it extends to a point
generally flush with the top surface of wing unit top 21. It then
projects laterally away therefrom for a short distance and then
jogs downwardly to define a ridge 82 along the end edge of wing
unit top 21. Projecting from ridge 82 is a slightly depressed face
83. It is depressed below the level of top 21. The reason that face
82 is depressed is to allow one to tilt desk top 10, even when wing
unit top 21 is in its uppermost position (compare FIGS. 4 and
5).
In operation, desk top 11 can be positioned at three different
heights. In FIG. 2, desk top 11 is positioned at its uppermost
level. In order to attach wing unit 20 thereto, "Z" bracket 30 is
bolted to beam 12 by bolts 50 with step flange 33 projecting
downwardly therefrom and with short flange 32 projecting towards
wing unit top 21. Short flange 32 is slipped in beneath face 81 of
trim piece 80 and above top flange 42 of channel bracket 40.
Channel bracket 40 is already bolted to end piece 22 of wing unit
top 21 by bolts 60. Short flange 32 is securely fastened to top
flange 42 by threading bolts 70 through holes 45 and into holes 35
of short flange 32.
In FIG. 3, desk top 11 has been mounted in its intermediate
position. To facilitate the attachment of wing unit 20, "Z" bracket
30 is secured to beam 12 in the same manner as shown in FIG. 2.
However, short flange 32 is bolted to bottom flange 43 of channel
bracket 40 rather than to top flange 42. Because brackets 30 and 40
can be joined together in two different relative positions which
place their points of securance to their respective desks and wing
units at different relative levels, desk top 11 and wing unit top
21 can have two different relative heights and still be joined
together.
In FIG. 4, desk top 11 is mounted in its lower-most position. To
secure wing unit 20 to desk 10, "Z" bracket 30 is disassembled from
beam 12 and is reversed in orientation, both from front to rear and
from top to bottom. Thus, step flange 33 projects upwardly into
position in recess 13 behind beam 12. Similarly, short flange 32
projects into recess 13, completely hidden from view. Now, the end
of long flange 31 projects outwardly from beam 12 into position
adjacent channel bracket 40. It is bolted to bottom flange 43 of
channel bracket 40 by joining bolt 70. As in the other positions,
trim piece 80 serves to mask all of this joining system.
In FIG. 5, desk top 11 is tilted at an angle with respect to desk
10. Wing unit 20 is joined to desk 10 in the same manner as shown
in FIG. 4. The fact that the face 83 of trim piece 80 is depressed
provides sufficient room for the edge of desk top 11 when it is
oriented on this slope. Ridge 82 butts up against the edge and
provides a neat, trim appearance.
In the broader aspects of this invention, this bracket system could
be employed not only with a desk having a remountable top, but also
in conjunction with a system having desks of three different
heights. Similarly, it is conceivable that the invention could find
application in conjunction with unrelated systems, allowing one to
join a wing unit from one system to a desk from another system by
selecting the proper combination of "Z" bracket 30 and channel
bracket 40 to accmmodate the differing heights.
Of course, it is understood that the above is merely a preferred
embodiment of the invention and that various changes and
alterations can be made thereof without departing from its spirit
and broader aspects.
* * * * *