Versatile table system with cable management
A table includes a table top having a bottom surface, a cross member mounted to the bottom surface, and a first support rail adjacent the bottom surface and disposed between the table top and the cross member. One embodiment of a cable management assembly that may be used with the table includes a cover member and is mounted so as to be rotatable to one of a closed position and an open position where, in the closed position, the cover member is substantially parallel to a bottom surface of the table top.
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This patent is related to provisional patent Application No. 60/575,678 which was filed on May 28, 2004 and which is entitled “Versatile Table System With Cable Management”.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates generally to the field of table assemblies and, more particularly, to versatile table assemblies that can be used to configure many different table configurations.
This section of this document is intended to introduce various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention described and/or claimed below. This section provides background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. It should be understood that the statements in this section of this document are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
Office space design has evolved to accommodate the diverse needs of, and enhance/define the environments associated with, many businesses and companies. In this regard, office designers have known for a long time that office spaces are not just places to park employees while they perform their daily tasks. Instead, when a space is designed properly and thoughtfully, an office space can increase collaborative activities, increase productivity, foster an appealing work environment and generally affect the moods of people that use the space.
In addition to affecting how people that use a space every day to communicate and interact, space design is also very important when dealing with customers. In this regard, spaces that are “experienced” by customers should be comfortable and aesthetically appealing and yet optimal for the purpose for which they are intended. Indeed, many companies have intentionally developed a sort or company brand that is associated with the spaces designed for employees and for interaction with customers.
One office fixture that is prevalent in most office spaces and that has become extremely diverse is the table. To this end, tables are used in offices for many different purposes including, but not limited to, providing spaces for single work station users, configuring lecture type settings where rows of tables extend generally across an entire room or part thereof and may have at least some contour to position users about a location at which presentations occur and providing various conferencing type layouts. With respect to conference tables, table configurations may take any of several different forms including configurations where the table tops define an elongated rectangle, an elongated oval, a V-shape, a U-shape, an L-shape, a rounded shape that is open in the middle, an oval shape that is open in the middle (hereinafter “the open oval”), a boat shape, and many other shapes suited for particular needs.
In addition to defining different shapes, work station tables, lecture type tables and conferencing tables also come in many different sizes, the size of table depending on the size of the space in which the table is placed and user requirements (i.e., how many people will be accommodated at the table, what type of work is likely to take place at the table, how many documents will usually be supported by the table top, etc.). For instance, where a first open oval shaped table is designed to accommodate six people and a second open oval shaped table is designed to accommodate up to twenty people, despite having similar shapes, the first table will be much smaller than the second table.
One problem faced by office designers has been staying within a build out and furnishing budget while still providing aesthetically pleasing and optimally functional furnishings. One relatively high priced fixture has been tables for workstations, lecture spaces, conference spaces, etc. Table prices are particularly high where designers specify custom table configurations that are optimal for specific spaces and uses. To this end, depending on the size and general layout of a room and the intended use for a conference table, the relative length dimension (i.e., the longest dimension of the table top from edge to edge) and width dimension (i.e., the shorted dimension of the table top from edge to edge) of an optimal open oval table configuration can be specified. Where the optimal table dimensions do not match a standard sized open oval table configuration, the designer has one of two choices—stick with the standard and sub-optimally sized table which may be aesthetically or functionally undesirable or order an optimally sized custom built table for the space.
As in most industries, in the office equipment industry, cost increases with customization and is often a consideration when selecting table configurations. In the case of a custom table configuration, when a custom table top shape is specified, the legs, braces and rails used to support the table tops usually have to be custom designed and manufactured which increases costs. In addition, where a custom table is specified, the skill set required to assemble the table is greater and the time required to assemble the table increases. Additional assembly skills usually mean higher wages which increase overall costs. In addition, additional assembly time usually increases overall costs. Furthermore, if the functional or aesthetic requirements for a particular table change after its installation, or the actual installation does not closely match a predetermined design, it is often difficult and/or expensive to implement changes to the table configuration in the field.
A common functional purpose fulfilled by a conference table is to allow users access to electrical power and data services through terminals or outlets provided in a top surface or below the top surface of a table. Devices, such as projectors, notebook computers, telephones, etc., may be temporarily or permanently located at the terminal and coupled to the power and or data services. To provide such services, it is necessary to route power and/or signal cables to these outlets from a remote location. The problems discussed above relating to customizing the table support system for varying implementations are exacerbated when the cable management system for the conference table must also be customized. Customers also have varied requirements for data and/or power services.
Simply routing cables along a bottom surface of the table after installation has some disadvantages. For instance, it is difficult to retain the cables in fixed positions such that they do not interfere with people using the table. Also, the cables may be visible, thus detracting from the aesthetic appeal of the table or conference room. In some environments, interference from power cables may degrade the performance of adjacent data cables. As a result, the data signals may have higher error rates, lower bandwidth, etc.
The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONCertain aspects commensurate in scope with the invention originally claimed herein are set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of certain forms the invention might take and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the invention may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.
It has been realized that a flexible table conferencing system that may be adapted for a wide variety of table top designs and arrangements can be constructed using standardized cross members and support rails. It has also been recognized that in conjunction with the standardized support system, a standardized cable management system, also adaptable to various table configurations, may be used to conceal data and power cables so they do not functionally or aesthetically interfere with users while still providing access to such cables for maintenance. The standardized support and/or cable management systems allow field installation and/or modification of tables without requiring customized systems, thus enhancing flexibility and decreasing cost.
Consistent with the above realizations, in at least some embodiments of the invention, a table includes a table top having a bottom surface, a cross member mounted to the bottom surface, and a first support rail contacting the bottom surface and being disposed between the table top and the cross member. The support rails may be mounted to the cross member in a variety of positions and angular orientations to adapt to the particular shape and layout of the table top.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method for assembling a table including first and second table tops where each of the table tops has a bottom surface includes mounting a first cross member to the first table top, the first cross member forming a first slot, mounting a second cross member to the second table top, the second cross member forming a second slot, abutting the first and second table tops and mounting a first end of a first support rail to the first cross member in a first position along the first slot at an oblique angle with respect to the first cross member and mounting a second end of the first support member to the second cross member in a second position along the second slot.
According to one other aspect of the invention, a table includes a table top assembly having a bottom surface and a cable management assembly including a cover member having first and second oppositely facing edges and being mounted to the table top assembly proximate the first edge and rotatable to one of a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position, an angle between the cover and the bottom surface is less than about 45 degrees with the first edge at least as close to the bottom surface as the second edge.
According to yet one other aspect of the invention, a table includes a table top having a bottom surface, a first support rail having a first surface proximate the bottom surface of the table top, a second support rail having a second surface proximate the bottom surface of the table top and a first cable management assembly including a first cover member mounted to the first support rail and being moveable between open and closed positions wherein, in the closed position, the first cover member is at least partially disposed in the space between the first and second support rails.
Another aspect of the invention is seen in a table including a table top having a bottom surface and a first cable management assembly including a cover member supported by the bottom surface of the table top and being moveable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position, the cover member is substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the table top.
These and other objects, advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention. Such embodiment does not necessarily represent the full scope of the invention and reference is made therefore, to the claims herein for interpreting the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGSThe invention will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and:
One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.
Hereinafter, several exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described, each having certain distinguishing features. Nevertheless, it should be apparent that certain of the features may be useable in several of the embodiments. Nothing in this application is considered critical or essential to the present invention unless explicitly indicated as being “critical” or “essential”.
Referring to
The table top 12 has top and bottom surfaces 30 and 32, respectively, and, as illustrated, may have a generally rectilinear shape. Other shapes are contemplated and, indeed, are required where tables are to be ganged together to provide various table layouts (see, for instance,
The cross member assemblies 18 and 20 are similar, and therefore, only the cross member assembly 20 will be described here in detail. Referring specifically to
Each end bracket member 58 and 60 is similar, and therefore, only the end bracket member 60 is described here. The end bracket member 60 is a T-shaped member that mounts to the bottom surface 32 of the table top 12 via screws that pass through holes 66 and 68. Although not illustrated, the end bracket member 60 also forms a mechanical configuration for securely receiving a distal end of the second end extension 43 (see
Referring to
Each of the support rails 16 and 18 are similar and therefore only the support rail 16 is described here in detail. The support rail 16 is a rigid elongated member and is selectable to have a length that is suitable for a specific intended table configuration. To this end, referring to
As indicated above, the support rails 14 and 16 are mounted to the cross member assemblies 18, 20 via the slots 42, 44, 46 and 48. To this end, although not illustrated, the support rail 16 ay include a plurality of bolt holes along its length that may be aligned with one of the central section slots 42, 44, 46 or 48 and bolted thereto. Each support rail 14, 16 has a depth dimension such that when mounted to the central section 45, the opposite face (i.e., upwardly facing face) of the support rail 14, 16 contacts the bottom surface 32 of the table top 12. In some cases additional brackets may be provided to secure parts of the rails directly to the bottom surface 32.
The angle formed between the support rail 16 and the central section 45 may be variable. Thus, referring again to
Turning now to
Referring again to
Each of the retaining members 94 and 96 extend substantially perpendicularly from the cover member 100 and have perpendicularly extending lips 95, 97 along their distal edges. As illustrated in
The retaining members 94 and 96 define separate cable retention spaces. For example power cables may be disposed in the space defined by the retaining member 94, and data cables may be disposed in the space defined by the retaining member 96. The distinct cable retention spaces reduce the likelihood that noise generated by one type of cable will degrade the performance of a different type of cable. The cable retention spaces may be used to separate other than data and power cables. For instance, a high bandwidth data cable may be sensitive to cross-talk noise from an adjacent telephone cable. In some embodiments. the retaining members 94, 96 may run the entire length of the cover member 100. In the alternative, the retaining members 94, 96 may have a shorter length, and a plurality of retaining members may be located intermittently along the length of the cover member 100 at intervals sufficient to maintain separation between the cable retention spaces.
Referring now to
The cover 74 is configured to generally close the top opening formed by the cup member 89 and to be flush with the top surface 32 of table top 12 when closed. The cover 74 is hingedly mounted to one edge of cup member 89 to move between an open position illustrated in
Referring now to
The leg assemblies 24 are mounted to the central member 45, one leg assembly 24 per cross member assembly. Although not illustrated, many different leg assembly types may be used with the cross member assemblies 18, 20 described above including pedestal leg assemblies, two separate spaced legs per cross member assembly, criss-crossed legs, etc. In the case of leg assemblies 24 that form passages for cables/wires between a floor outlet and the space between the rails, the contemplated configurations include only a single member that forms a channel for passing the cables and does not include a lateral door member in at least some embodiments. In other embodiments a leg assembly may be openable laterally to facilitate cable/wire installation and manipulation. In this regard, see
Referring now to
In another embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in
Referring now to
Referring specifically to
Cover member 134 has a shape that is generally similar to the shape of cover member 126 illustrated in
Referring still to
Referring still to
Referring once again to
The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. For example, while latch assemblies 146 and 148 have been described as interacting with distal edges of cover members, in at least some embodiments it is contemplated that one or more latches may be provided along end edges of cover members 134 and 136 or along one end edge of each of the cover members. In addition, in at least some embodiments, no cover members 134 or 136 will be provided below top 12. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.
Claims
1. A table, comprising:
- a table top having a bottom surface;
- a cross member mounted to the bottom surface; and
- a first support rail at least in part disposed between the table top and the cross member.
2. The table of claim 1 wherein the support rail is mounted to the cross member.
3. The table of claim 1 wherein the cross member forms a slot, and the support rail is mounted to the cross member in a position along the slot.
4. The table of claim 3 wherein the support rail is slidable along the slot.
5. The table of claim 4 wherein the angle of the rail with respect to the slot is alterable.
6. The table of claim 5 further including a fastener for mounting the rail at a position along the slot wherein, when the fastener is loose, the rail angle and position is alterable and when the fastener is tightened, the angle and position along the rail is maintained.
7. The table of claim 1 wherein the support rail is mounted to the cross member at an oblique angle with respect to the cross member.
8. The table of claim 1 wherein the cross member comprises:
- a base member; and
- first and second end bracket members extending from the base member to contact the bottom surface of the table top.
9. The table of claim 8 wherein the support rail is at least in part disposed between the base member and the bottom surface of the table top.
10. The table of claim 8 wherein the cross member further comprises a central bracket member extending from a central portion of the base member to contact the bottom surface of the table top.
11. The table of claim 8 wherein the base member forms the slot.
12. The table of claim 11 wherein the first support rail is mounted to the cross member at an oblique angle with respect to the cross member.
13. The table of claim 1 further including at least a second support rail mounted to the cross member.
14. The table of claim 13 wherein the cross member forms at least a second lot and wherein the second support rail is mounted at a position along the second slot.
15. The table of claim 14 wherein the second support rail is substantially parallel to the first support rail and extends in the same direction as the first support rail from the cross member.
16. The table of claim 14 wherein the first and second support rails form an oblique angle and extend to opposite sides of the cross member.
17. The table of claim 1 wherein the cross member is a first cross member, the table further includes a second cross member mounted to the bottom surface of the table top, and the support rail is disposed at least in part between the second cross member and the bottom surface.
18. The table of claim 17 wherein each of the first and second cross members forms at least one slot and wherein opposite ends of the support rail are mounted to the first and second cross members at positions along the first and second slots, respectively.
19. The table of claim 18 wherein the support rail is mounted to at least one of the first and second cross members so as to form an oblique angle therewith.
20. The table of claim 19 wherein the support rail forms an oblique angle with each of the first and second cross members.
21. The table of claim 17 further including at least a second support rail mounted to the first cross member and at least in part disposed between the first cross member and the bottom surface of the table top.
22. The table of claim 21 wherein the first cross member slot is a first slot and the first cross member forms at least a second slot and wherein the second support rail is mounted to the first cross member at a position along the second slot.
23. The table of claim 22 wherein the second support rail forms an oblique angle with respect to the first support rail.
24. The table of claim 22 wherein the first and second support rails are slidable along the first and second slots and the angles of the first and second rails are alterable with respect to the first cross member.
25. The table of claim 1 further including a leg member mounted to the cross member.
26. The table of claim 25 wherein the leg member is mounted to an undersurface of the cross member.
27. The table of claim 1 further comprising a cable management assembly including a cover member mounted to the first support rail and being moveable between open and closed positions.
28. The table of claim 27 wherein the cover member includes first and second opposite edges and is rotatably mounted along the first edge to the rail member.
29. The table of claim 28 wherein, when the cover is in the closed position, an angle between the cover and the bottom surface is less than about 45 degrees with the first edge at least as close to the bottom surface as the second edge.
30. The table of claim 28 wherein, when the cover is in the closed position, the cover is substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the table top.
31. The table of claim 27 further comprising a second support rail mounted to the first cross member wherein, in the closed position, the first cable management assembly is generally between the first and second support rails.
32. The table of claim 31 wherein, when rotated from the open position toward the closed position, the cover rotates toward the second support rail.
33. The table of claim 27 wherein the first cable management assembly is hingedly mounted to the first support rail.
34. The table of claim 27 further comprising:
- a second support rail mounted to the first cross member and disposed at least in part between the table top and the cross member; and
- a second cable management assembly mounted for movement between an open position and a closed position to the second support rail, wherein, in the closed position, the first and second cable management assemblies are generally in a space between the first and second support rails.
35. The table of claim 27 wherein the cable management assembly further comprises at least one retaining member extending from the cover.
36. The table of claim 27 wherein the cable management assembly further comprises:
- a first retaining member extending from the cover to define a first cable retention space; and
- a second retaining member extending from the cover to define a second cable retention space adjacent the first cable retention space.
37. The table of claim 1 further comprising:
- a second support rail mounted to the first cross member, the second support rail substantially parallel to the first support member and extending to the same side of the cross member, the first and second support rails including opposing notches defined therein; and
- a support plate disposed in the opposing notches between the support rails and below the bottom surface of the table top.
38. The table of claim 37 wherein an opening is defined in the table top above the support plate.
39. The table of claim 37 further including a cover member mounted to the first support rail and movable between an open position and a close position, wherein, when the cover is in the closed position, the cover is disposed below the support plate.
40. The table of claim 1 wherein the first support rail includes a side surface, the table further including a retainer supported by the side surface wherein the retainer is configured to support cables adjacent the side surface.
41. The table of claim 40 wherein the retainer includes one of a C-shaped harness member, a Velcro strap, a material strap with a buckle and a collar.
42. The table of claim 41 further including a cover member mounted to the first support rail and being moveable between open and closed positions.
43. The table of claim 42 wherein the cover member includes first and second opposite edges and is rotatably mounted along the first edge to the rail member.
44. A table, comprising:
- a first table top having a bottom surface;
- a second table top abutting the first table top and having a bottom surface;
- a first cross member mounted to the first table top, the first cross member forming a first slot; and
- a first support rail mounted to the first cross member in a position along the first slot, the first support rail being at an oblique angle with respect to the first cross member and extending at least in part below the second table top.
45. The table of claim 44 further comprising a second cross member forming a second slot and being mounted to one of the first and second table tops, the first support rail mounted to the second cross member in a second position along the second slot.
46. The table of claim 45 wherein the first support rail includes first and second ends and wherein the first and second ends are mounted at positions along the first and second slots.
Type: Application
Filed: May 23, 2005
Publication Date: Dec 1, 2005
Applicant:
Inventors: John Martin (Grapevine, TX), Robert Stewart (Grapevine, TX), Bryan Elwood (Arlington, VA), Anette Ponholzer (Frankfurt AM Main), Jim Lowell (Arlington, TX), Friedrich Frenkler (Frankfurt AM Main), Paul Cornell (Grapevine, TX)
Application Number: 11/135,088