WORKSURFACE ASSEMBLY HAVING CANTILEVERED, VERTICALLY ADJUSTABLE WORKSURFACES
A worksurface assembly includes a base having an interior, a first support column supported by the base, a first worksurface coupled to the first support column and cantilevered outwardly from the base, a second support column supported by the base and a second worksurface coupled to the second support column and cantilevered outwardly from the base. A cable guide including a plurality of links is also provided.
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This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/791,642, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present application is directed to a worksurface assembly, and in particular, a worksurface assembly having cantilevered, vertically adjustable worksurfaces.
BACKGROUNDIt is well known to provide worksurfaces that extend outwardly from a base structure. Typically, such worksurfaces are supported by one or more legs spaced from the base structure. Such structures are not suitable for height adjustable worksurfaces, however, which require coordination between the base and the spaced apart support legs. Moreover, worksurface systems that incorporate height adjustable worksurfaces are typically one-sided, with only a single worksurface extending from the base due to various spacial and support considerations. As such, these types of systems may not be suited for maximum, efficient use, and may limit collaborative efforts by the user.
It also is desirable to provide power and data access to users of worksurfaces. Routing utility lines to the worksurface, however, may be problematic with height adjustable worksurfaces. In particular, the lines need to be protected, while also allowing for the lines to be played out to different lengths. While it known to use cable guides to protect such lines, it may be difficult to install the lines into the guides if placed internally within a support column, or the guides may not suitably hide and protect the lines.
SUMMARYBriefly stated, in one aspect, one embodiment of a worksurface assembly includes a base having a width defined by laterally spaced first and second sides and a length defined by longitudinally spaced opposite ends. The base includes and defines an interior. First and second first height adjustable support columns are supported by the base and are moveable in and out of the interior. First and second worksurfaces are coupled respectively to the first and second height adjustable support columns, with the first and second worksurfaces cantilevered outwardly from the base and having front edges spaced laterally outwardly from the first and second sides respectively. The first and second height adjustable support columns are the only structures supporting the respective first and second worksurfaces.
In another aspect, one embodiment of a cable guide includes a plurality of links. Each of the links includes a pair of opposite side plates, each having first and second portions, wherein a first portion of one link is pivotally connected to a second portion of an adjacent link. A connecting plate extends between and connects the side plates. The connecting plates and side plates define an interior conduit shaped to receive a cable. The connecting plate has first and second stepped portions, with the first stepped portion of one link overlapping the second stepped portion of an adjacent link. The first and second stepped portions are slideable relative to each other as adjacent links are rotated relative to each other. The side plates and connecting plates completely enclose the interior conduit on at least three sides such that a line is not visible through or between the connecting plates from an exterior of the cable guide when the links are arranged in a linear configuration. In one embodiment, each of the side plates has a free edge opposite the connecting plate, and a flexible tab extending inwardly from each of the free edges.
In another embodiment, a worksurface assembly includes a base having a width defined by laterally spaced first and second sides and a length defined by longitudinally spaced opposite ends. The base includes an interior and a top defining an upper worksurface. A first support column is supported by the base and extends upwardly from the top. A first worksurface is coupled to the first support column. The first worksurface is cantilevered outwardly from the base and has a front edge spaced laterally outwardly from the first side. A second support column is supported by the base and extends upwardly from the top. A second worksurface is coupled to the second support column. The second worksurface is cantilevered outwardly from the base and has a front edge spaced laterally outwardly from the second side. The base is the only structure supporting at least one of the respective first and second worksurfaces.
In another embodiment, a base has a width defined by laterally spaced first and second sides and a length defined by longitudinally spaced opposite ends. A support column is supported by the base and extends upwardly from a top thereof. The support column defines a vertical utility raceway communicating with a horizontal utility raceway in the base. A worksurface is coupled to the support column and is cantilevered outwardly from the base. The worksurface has a front edge spaced laterally outwardly from the first side and has a utility outlet.
The various aspects and embodiments of the worksurface assembly provide significant advantages over other worksurface assemblies. For example and without limitation, in one embodiment, the pair of worksurfaces provide workspaces on both sides of a base that are approachable and accessible from the front thereof without any obstacles, while also allowing for height adjustability of the worksurfaces in at least one embodiment. The worksurfaces are provided with power and/or data, the supply lines of which may be easily managed by a cable guide. The lines are protected, yet accessible.
The present embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The terms “top,” “upper,” “bottom” and “lower” are intended to indicate directions when viewing a worksurface assembly when positioned for use. It should be understood that the term “plurality,” as used herein, means two or more. The term “coupled” means connected to or engaged with, whether directly or indirectly, for example with an intervening member, and does not require the engagement to be fixed or permanent, although it may be fixed or permanent. The term “transverse” means extending across an axis, including without limitation substantially perpendicular to an axis. It should be understood that the use of numerical terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., as used herein does not refer to any particular sequence or order of components; for example “first” and “second” components may refer to any sequence of such components, and is not limited to the first and second components of a particular configuration unless otherwise specified.
Referring to
In one embodiment, the base 6 is configured as a cabinet and further includes a top member 18, which defines a first worksurface. The top member 18 may be configured with one or more openings 20, such as a pair of spaced apart openings formed in or by an edge 22 of the top adjacent the first and second sides. The openings may be centered in the top, or offset toward one or the other of the ends 10 as shown in
In one embodiment, each base 6 is formed by a plurality of base units 24, 26, each having opposite end and side walls 14, 16, and with end storage base units 24 each defining one of the ends 10 of the assembly. In one embodiment, one of the base units is configured as a height adjustable desk 26, while the other base units are configured as storage units. As shown in
The storage base units 24 may be configured with various storage configurations, including one or more drawers, trays or shelves 34 (
Each end of the base units 24, 26 has an opening 46 positioned adjacent a bottom edge thereof as shown in
The height adjustable desk unit is configured with an outrigger 60 at a bottom of the base. An outrigger may be positioned on or both sides of the desk base unit 26, depending on whether the desk base unit 26 will be configured with one or two height adjustable worksurfaces 70. The outrigger is configured in one embodiment as a pair of legs 62 extending laterally outwardly from the outer side surface of the sides of the base unit. The outrigger legs 62 engage the floor. A footrest cover 64 may be disposed over the legs, and may be coupled thereto, or simply located thereover, for example by recesses formed in a rear wall thereof. The footrest includes an upper support surface 66 that is angled upwardly from a front to a rear thereof forming an angle α with the floor. The angle α is in the range from about 5-15 degrees, and 9.5 degrees in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the footrest has a maximum height of about 100 mm. In other embodiment, the maximum height is about 300 mm.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The cable guide includes a plurality of links 100, each having a pair of opposite side plates 102. Each of the side plates includes a first portion 104 and a second portion 106. The first portion 104 of one link overlies and is pivotally connected to the second portion 106 of an adjacent link, for example with a pair of pins 108 extending outwardly from the second portion 106 and which are received in openings formed in the first portion 104, with the pins defining a pivot axis 110. A connecting plate 112 extends between and connects the side plates 102. The connecting plates 112 and the side plates 102 define an interior conduit 114 shaped to receive a cable 116, such as a power line, data line, and/or co-axial cable. The connecting plate 112 has a first and second stepped portions 120, 118 connected by shoulder 122. The first stepped portion 120 overlaps the second stepped portion 118 of an adjacent link. The first and second stepped portions 120, 118 are slideable relative to each other as respective ones of the links are rotated relative to each other about the pivot axis 110. As shown in
Each of the said side plates 102 includes a free edge 130 opposite the connecting plate. In one embodiment, a flexible tab 132 extends inwardly from each of the free edges. As shown in
Referring to
Referring to
The adjustable support columns 72 are independently adjustable between a plurality of heights, for example with either or both of the worksurfaces being positioned at a lowermost location adjacent the top of the base unit. In one embodiment, the height of the top of the worksurface may be adjusted between 620 and 1250 mm from the floor. In other embodiments, the minimum height may be 560 mm, and other ranges may be suitable, for example, from 680 to 1100 mm. Referring to
As shown in
In an alternative embodiment, the screens 162 may be attached to the worksurface 70 and/or support column 72, and be height adjustable therewith as shown in
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A worksurface assembly comprising:
- a base having a width defined by laterally spaced first and second sides and a length defined by longitudinally spaced opposite ends, said base comprising an interior;
- a first height adjustable support column supported by said base and moveable in and out of said interior;
- a first worksurface coupled to said first height adjustable support column, said first worksurface cantilevered outwardly from said base and having a front edge spaced laterally outwardly from said first side;
- a second height adjustable support column supported by said base and moveable in and out of said interior; and
- a second worksurface coupled to said second height adjustable support column, said second worksurface cantilevered outwardly from said base and having a front edge spaced laterally outwardly from said second side;
- wherein said first and second height adjustable support columns are the only structures supporting said respective first and second worksurfaces.
2. The worksurface assembly of claim 1 wherein said base comprises a cabinet having a top with an opening shaped to receive each of said first and second height adjustable columns.
3. The worksurface assembly of claim 2 wherein said cabinet comprises three base units positioned end to end, wherein said three base units comprise a pair of outer base units each comprising an interior storage space.
4. The worksurface assembly of claim 3 wherein at least one of said outer base units comprises a drawer laterally moveable relative to one of said first and second sides into and out of said interior storage space.
5. The worksurface assembly of claim 1 wherein said base further comprises an outrigger extending laterally outwardly from at least one of said first and second sides.
6. The worksurface assembly of claim 5 wherein said outrigger comprises a footrest.
7. The worksurface assembly of claim 6 wherein said footrest comprises an angled upper support surface.
8. The worksurface assembly of claim 1 wherein further comprising a utility line extending upwardly through each of said first and second support columns.
9. The worksurface assembly of claim 8 wherein said utility lines each comprise a power cord.
10. The worksurface assembly of claim 8 wherein said utility line each comprises a data line.
11. The worksurface assembly of claim 8 further comprising a cable guide holding said utility line.
12. The worksurface assembly of claim 11 wherein said support column has a channel extending along a length thereof, wherein said channel is open to one side of said support column, wherein said cable guide is disposed in said channel.
13. The worksurface assembly of claim 12 wherein said cable guide encloses said utility lines such that said utility lines are not visible to a user through said open channel.
14. The worksurface assembly of claim 1 wherein said first worksurface has a greater longitudinal length than a lateral width.
15. The worksurface assembly of claim 1 wherein said first worksurface has a greater lateral width than a longitudinal length.
16. The worksurface assembly of claim 1 wherein each of said opposite ends comprise an opening, and further comprising power conduits extending through said openings.
17. The worksurface assembly of claim 16 further comprising a floor provided in said interior of said base, wherein said power conduit extends under said floor.
18. The worksurface assembly of claim 1 further comprising a vertically extending screen disposed between said first and second worksurfaces.
19. The worksurface assembly of claim 18 wherein said screen is connected to said base.
20. The worksurface assembly of claim 18 wherein said screen is connected to one of said first or second worksurfaces.
21-28. (canceled)
29. A worksurface assembly comprising:
- a base having a width defined by laterally spaced first and second sides and a length defined by longitudinally spaced opposite ends, said base comprising an interior and a top defining an upper worksurface;
- a first support column supported by said base and extending upwardly from said top;
- a first worksurface coupled to said first support column, said first worksurface cantilevered outwardly from said base and having a front edge spaced laterally outwardly from said first side;
- a second support column supported by said base and extending upwardly from said top; and
- a second worksurface coupled to said second support column, said second worksurface cantilevered outwardly from said base and having a front edge spaced laterally outwardly from said second side;
- wherein said base is the only structure supporting at least one of said respective first and second worksurfaces.
30. The worksurface assembly of claim 29 wherein said first support column extends through a first opening in said top, and said second support column extends through a second opening in said top.
31. The worksurface assembly of claim 29 wherein said base comprises three base units positioned end to end, wherein said three base units comprise a pair of outer base units each comprising an interior storage space, and wherein said length of said base is greater than said width.
32. The worksurface assembly of claim 31 wherein at least one of said outer base units comprises a drawer laterally moveable relative to one of said first and second sides into and out of said interior storage space.
33. The worksurface assembly of claim 31 wherein at least one of said outer base units comprises a door moveable relative to and defining in part said first side, and wherein said other of said outer base units comprises a non-moveable panel defining in part said first side.
34. The worksurface assembly of claim 29 wherein said base further comprises an outrigger extending laterally outwardly from at least one of said first and second sides.
35. The worksurface assembly of claim 34 wherein said outrigger comprises a footrest.
36-39. (canceled)
40. The worksurface assembly of claim 29 further comprising a utility raceway extending between said opposite ends.
41. The worksurface assembly of claim 40 wherein said raceway is defined at least in part by a floor provided in said interior of said base.
42. The worksurface assembly of claim 29 further comprising a vertically extending screen disposed between said first and second worksurfaces.
43-44. (canceled)
45. The worksurface assembly of claim 29 wherein at least one of said first and second support columns is height adjustable.
46. The worksurface assembly of claim 29 wherein said base is the only structure supporting said first worksurface, and further comprising a support leg supporting said second worksurface, wherein said support leg is laterally spaced from said second side of said base.
47. A worksurface assembly comprising:
- a base having a width defined by laterally spaced first and second sides and a length defined by longitudinally spaced opposite ends, said base comprising an interior and a top defining an upper worksurface, said base comprising a horizontal utility raceway extending between said opposite ends;
- a support column supported by said base and extending upwardly from said top, said support column defining a vertical utility raceway communicating with said horizontal utility raceway; and
- a worksurface coupled to said support column, said worksurface cantilevered outwardly from said base and having a front edge spaced laterally outwardly from said first side, said worksurface comprising a utility outlet;
- wherein said base is the only structure supporting said worksurface.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 14, 2014
Publication Date: Oct 23, 2014
Applicant: HERMAN MILLER, INC. (ZEELAND, MI)
Inventors: SAM HECHT (London), Phillip Von Lintel (London), Ralph James Farrer (Somerset), Paul Gartland (Holland, MI), Noel Carrillo (Grandville, MI), Andrew Squires (Grandville, MI), Martin P. Bloomfield (Bathford), John F. Aldrich (Grandville, MI)
Application Number: 14/213,139
International Classification: A47B 9/04 (20060101); A47B 83/04 (20060101); A47B 96/00 (20060101); A47B 21/02 (20060101);