Abstract: A furniture unit comprises a closed-front credenza that folds out to form an L-shaped desk. The unit comprises a stationary desk having a partially open front, with a kneehole opening forming at least a portion of the open front. A moveable return pivotally mounted at on one side of the desk comprises a vertical face panel and a work surface mounted at a rear side of the face panel. The return is pivotal between a closed position, wherein the face panel covers the open portion of the front of the desk and the return work surface is concealed behind the face panel, and an open position, wherein the face panel is pivoted outwardly from the front of the desk, exposing the kneehole opening in the desk. The return work surface extends forwardly from the desk alongside the kneehole opening when the return is opened. The face panel is configured so as to create the impression that the furniture unit is a credenza with no kneehole opening when the return is closed.

Abstract: A computer desk is composed of a desk top, a reference slide, an article tray, a stationery rack, a drawer, two legs, two leg-supporting bases, a cross rod, and a connection rod. The desk top, the reference slide, the article tray, the stationery rack, the drawer are supported by three sets of support frames. The legs are supported by the leg-supporting bases in conjunction with the connection rod and the cross rod. The legs are provided at a top end thereof with a fitting seat which is in turn provided with a through hole for receiving a curved tube for connecting two computer desks side by side. The curved tube is provided with a support board located between the two computer desks to provided an added work space.

Abstract: A unique, simple, and effective leg rest system of great versatility for desks, wherein a hinged or retractable panel is disposed within the leg opening of any desk, and is shifted from an inactive out-of-the-way position to an active position which may be parallel to the floor or at an angle thereto as desired, thereby to permit the desk user to elevate and rest his or her legs, feet, and thighs in comfort as well as to achieve desired orthopedic or therapeutic purposes. Various forms of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A foldable ready to use computer desk is disclosed having a desk top for supporting computer equipment and the like and a pair of spaced foldable side members which include solid panels that form sides of the desk and support the desk above the floor. The solid side panels are carried by hinges having displaced pivot points which allow the side members to fold over one another in an overlapping manner to create a utility space between the side members and the desk top in which utility devices such as a keyboard drawer assembly, power surge strip, and cable tray are nested when the desk is folded. Brace assemblies urge the side members outwardly in an extended position to support the desk top above the floor and urge upper portions of the side members against the hinge brackets to provide a sturdy construction.

Abstract: A furniture unit comprises a closed-front credenza that folds out to form an L-shaped desk. The unit comprises a stationary desk having a partially open front, with a kneehole opening forming at least a portion of the open front. A moveable return pivotally mounted at on one side of the desk comprises a vertical face panel and a work surface mounted at a rear side of the face panel. The return is pivotal between a closed position, wherein the face panel covers the open portion of the front of the desk and the return work surface is concealed behind the face panel, and an open position, wherein the face panel is pivoted outwardly from the front of the desk, exposing the kneehole opening in the desk. The return work surface extends forwardly from the desk alongside the kneehole opening when the return is opened. The face panel is configured so as to create the impression that the furniture unit is a credenza with no kneehole opening when the return is closed.

Abstract: A desk pedestal for storing computer hardware and ancillary computer equipment and supplies which is specifically designed to hold and provide ready access to either a vertical tower or a horizontal central processing unit (CPU) and includes a built-in master power director for cord management and a hidden rear access means for easy installment of the hardware and ready accessibility to cords and other potential computer related problems. The desk pedestal may be used in either a desk or armoire and includes first and second interior compartments and at least one adjustable shelf which allows the user to choose between storing a vertical tower or horizontal CPU by adding or removing the adjustable shelf to create a compartment which is specifically dimensioned for storing either unit. The second compartment of the desk pedestal is designed to hold a plurality of slidable drawers specifically adapted for storing computer diskettes, CDs and miscellaneous items.

Abstract: A desk includes a worksurface supported by supports defining a knee space under the worksurface and an access opening to the knee space under an edge of the worksurface. A courtesy panel is removably mounted to the furniture structure for movement between a closed position for covering the knee space for privacy and an open position to facilitate access to the knee space by repairment. A first bracket is attached under the worksurface above the courtesy panel, and a second bracket is slidably attached to a top of the courtesy panel for engaging the first bracket. The two brackets include mating apertures, and a thumb screw comprising polymeric material extended downwardly through the second bracket mateably into the first bracket to retain the assembly together.

Abstract: A portable lap office assembly having an internal desktop writing surface includes a case having a lower portion and an upper portion being hinged to the lower portion to undergo pivotal movement relative thereto between closed and open positions, each of the lower and upper portions having an exterior surface, an interior surface and a cavity defined by the interior surface, and a desktop insert fitted into the cavity of the lower portion of the case.

Abstract: A computer desk module has a trapezoidal desk top with an opening. A transparent window plate is supported in the desk top so as to cover the opening. A pull-out keyboard shelf is supported under a front edge portion of the desk top. A computer monitor is suspended under the desk top so its screen is inclined upward to allow viewing of the screen through the window plate. A plurality of the computer desk modules are assembled end-to-end into various semi-trapezoidal clusters, S-shaped clusters, and straight line clusters. Overhead power and data bus cables are routed from a classroom ceiling into tubular legs supporting a decorative cover against the ceiling. The legs extend upward from a cabinet having a semi-octagonal shape that mates with a semi-octagonal cluster of the computer desk modules. The cables pass through the legs, through the cabinet, into the various computer desk modules forming the cluster, and to the monitor and a computer in each of the computer desk modules.

Abstract: A support structure for the simplified assembly of structurally sound food merchandising units and entire food court systems. The support structure includes a horizontal counter support member, front and back vertical support members, and a horizontal bottom shelf support member attached together to form an essentially square or rectangular frame shape. First and second structural support pieces are used to tie the horizontal counter support member and the horizontal bottom shelf support member, respectively, to the vertical support members. Legs, which may be adjustable to allow height adjustment of the support structure, are attached to the bottom of the lower shelf support member. To assemble a food court merchandising unit using the support structure, one support structure is used at each end of the unit. A merchandising unit countertop is attached to the top of the horizontal counter support members of the support structures.

Abstract: A furniture worksurface unit for desks, tables, computer supports, etc. has a unique modular construction, comprising a top assembly with a skeleton-like top frame and a worksurface skin mounted on the upper side thereof. Leg frames are attached to the opposite ends of the top frame, and support the worksurface unit freestanding on a floor surface. Inner and outer leg covers enclose the leg frames, and underbelly covers are provided to enclose any exposed portions of the lower side of the top frame to facilitate manufacturing the worksurface unit in different widths from common parts, and provide aesthetic flexibility. Removable edges are mounted on the sides of the top frame, and are provided in assorted shapes and sizes to construct various top configurations.

Abstract: A desk assembly (10) is disclosed comprising first and second pedestal units (12, 14), each comprising first and second side panels (18,20), first and second edge panels (30,32), and a frontward panel (22), with corner posts (34,36) formed interposed between the edge and side panels, and the side and frontward panels. The pedestals are integrally formed as a coplanar form with elastomeric hinges (42, 44, 46, and 48) formed to connect the corner posts to the edge, side, and frontward panels. The pedestal units are reconfigured from the flat manufactured form into a box form by pivotal movement of the side and edge panels, facilitated by the elastomeric hinges. The pedestal units further include a back panel (28) that attaches to back surfaces of the edge panels (30,32) to connect the edge panels together and to maintain the pedestal unit in its box form.

Abstract: The adjustable level play desk is for a child. It comprises at least three elongated legs of substantially circular cross section, each of the legs having a lower end for resting on the ground and an outer cylindrical surface provided with a first locking device; and a top body having an upper play surface, and at least three sleeves oriented downwardly when in use, the sleeves being for slidably receiving respectively the legs, the sleeves being solid with the top body at positions providing steadiness thereof.

Abstract: A furniture worksurface unit for desks, tables, computer supports, etc. has a unique modular construction, comprising a top assembly with a skeleton-like top frame and a worksurface skin mounted on the upper side thereof. Leg frames are attached to the opposite ends of the top frame, and support the worksurface unit freestanding on a floor surface. Inner and outer leg covers enclose the leg frames, and underbelly covers are provided to enclose any exposed portions of the lower side of the top frame to facilitate manufacturing the worksurface unit in different widths from common parts, and provide aesthetic flexibility. Removable edges are mounted on the sides of the top frame, and are provided in assorted shapes and sizes to construct various top configurations.

Abstract: A modular furniture system is shown which features a series of panels which can be manufactured and shipped in a knock-down condition. Various connecting accessories provide improved wire management capabilities and allow a variety of modular configurations to be assembled from a small number of component parts. An improved connector allows vertical support panels of adjacently arranged modules in the system to be connected without requiring holes to be drilled in the exposed edges thereof.

Abstract: A modular furniture system is shown which features a series of panels which can be manufactured and shipped in a knock-down condition. Various connecting accessories provide improved wire management capabilities and allow a variety of modular configurations to be assembled from a small number of component parts. An improved connector allows vertical support panels of adjacently arranged modules in the system to be connected without requiring holes to be drilled in the exposed edges thereof.

Abstract: The system of the present invention generally includes a base member, a plurality of frame members and means on the frame members and the base member for securing the frame members in an upright position at selected intervals along the length of the base member. The system further includes means on the frame member for receiving between adjacent pairs of the frame members a cabinet component.

Abstract: A system for positioning and maintaining in place an horizontal plate upon an horizontal surface such as the upper face of a rest block, typically when such plate and such block are elements of a modular furniture system, characterized in that the components of said positioning system are not visible on any of said plate surfaces, which enables said plate to be reversible.

Abstract: An activities module is positioned on a support surface, such as the floor of a room, to provide activity stations with horizontal work surfaces. The module includes an upright post member that has at least two vertical grooves. A flat panel has an opening sized to receive the post member when the flat panel is oriented horizontally, and upright partition panels are provided corresponding to the vertical grooves in the post member. Each partition panel has an inner edge fitted into the groove, an outer edge and a bottom edge that rests on the support surface. The partition panels each have a slot to receive the flat, horizontal panel, and fasteners secure the module together. A second flat, horizontal panel may similarly be mounted below the first flat panel, and a third flat, horizontal panel may provide a shelf or bench.

Abstract: Office furniture includes a number of individual furniture components all incorporating the same basic constructional details and ornamentation and which articles of furniture may be selectively associated with one another to form selective furniture ensembles which can provide a complete work area. One feature of the invention is to provide a furniture top which has notched edges which selectively receive a corresponding end of another article of furniture so as to interlock several articles of furniture into a furniture ensemble in a manner to resist relative movement. In addition, certain edges of furniture tops are notched and have a straight vertical edge to indicate a functional component such as a pull-out pedestal drawer or a cabinet area with edges of the tops being arcuately convexly downwardly curved for user interface. The individual components include desks, credenzas, organizers, returns and storage columns.

Abstract: An article of furniture is provided which is readily assembleable with a minimum of parts and tools, and yet provides a neat, finished appearance. The furniture article includes at least one rigid elongate connector bracket interposed between at least one side panel and a top panel, the connector bracket including separate portions which fixedly secure the side panel to the top panel. The top panel and side panel form a groove-like seam therebetween which the connector bracket covers to provide a neat finished appearance. In one embodiment, the furniture article includes snap-lock.

Abstract: A lightweight and rigid panel construction for a desk top having a unitary rectangular thin sheet metal top with integral channels along its longitudinal edges. Sheet metal reinforcing channels disposed along the longitudinal edges and the underside of the sheet metal wherein the channels are engaged by protrusions or plugs of a rigid end cap to provide structural support. A U-shaped tubular leg structure engages in the ends of the channels and is retained by the end cap for an end support.

Abstract: Modular units (1, 11, 21, 24, 37 and 45) are stackable to form various types of multiple-unit bureaus, dressing tables, office desks and other types of drawer, shelf and rack furniture for rooms or closets. The modular units are single or multiple drawer, shelf or rack sections of furniture. Brace-legs (1) at corners (3-6) can be positioned sequentially, end-to-end vertically to position the bureau units firmly in a stack and to bear the load-weight of the drawers, shelves and cabinets together with contents on each with-out transmitting the load-weight to walls (7-9) of the bureau units.

Abstract: The invention is for a furniture article having a panel mounted adjacent to a rear side of a top of the article and adapted for movement toward the front of the furniture article thereby allowing access to space rearward of the furniture article from a position beneath the top.

Abstract: A spacer is provided in a workstation for connecting two desks together in spaced relationship. The spacer is generally wedge-shaped and comprises a horizontal member with an upper surface which is substantially coplanar with the work surfaces of the adjoining desks. A vertical leg depends from the horizontal member and a flange extends at an angle from the vertical leg. The vertical leg and the flange partially define a wiring channel so that electrical wiring can be passed from the work surface of one desk through the channel to the work surface of the adjoining desk.

Abstract: A side panel conversion kit for a desk for providing a side panel that extends to the floor. It includes an outer panel which is connected to the legs of the desk adjacent the existing side panel or pedestal, and an inner panel which is connected to the lower portion of the side panel.

Abstract: An office desk system or work station is based on a structural supporting frame or chassis made up of two spaced parallel end gables and a beam extending between the gables at the rear edge of a work top. Each gable is a welded assembly of steel channels and the beam is a steel generally box section member. Decorative cladding is attached to the frame to provide the desk with the required external appearance. The beam has two internal wiring channels so that electrical power and telecommunication services can be provided directly at the work surface of the desk. Disconnectable couplings are provided between the beam and gables and each gable is provided with several coupling points so that many different desk system or work station configurations can be assembled from the same basic components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a work-station arrangement, in which a number of components can be secured on a longitudinal girder. The longitudinal girder has substantially a rectangular hollow profile, at the corners of which are provided longitudinal grooves, which preferably widen toward the inside of the longitudinal girder. Furthermore, a central carrier pipe is provided, which is constructed integrally with the longitudinal girder through bracings. A fastening groove can be provided at least on one side of the girder, which groove has tooth systems on its walls for threadedly receiving screws. The components have hook-shaped holding elements attached thereto and insertable into the longitudinal grooves for securing the components to the girder.

Abstract: Conventionally, substantially rigid parts such as panels and the like, are joined by mechanical fitments or couplers which not only require tools to asemble and disassemble but also create concentrated stress points at the junctions where the fitments or couplers are located. The present device utilizes hook and loop coupling material to detachably secure the parts together and incorporate mechanical location and aligning means between the two parts just prior to the engagement of the hook and loop fastener portions with one another thus facilitating the accurate assembly of the parts. Although designed primarily for use in various types of knock-down furniture and the like, it can of course be adapted for use with other substantially rigid parts.

Abstract: An operating room instrument table assembly is formed of a plurality of modular table units each having a base frame with castor wheel supports, a table top support frame and a removable table top for positioning instruments, the removable table top being sterilizable as a unit with the instruments. The modular table tops may include receptacles and may be positioned above a drawer. A vertical wall for hanging instruments and a fluorescent light may also be included.

Abstract: An office system comprising a desk and a file folder and basket frame. Each comprises a group of tubular components, file folder frames and baskets, some of which can be used for either the desk or the file holder frame and basket. Assembly is easy using household tools. A stop can be snapped in place to limit sliding movement of either or both the file holder frame or the basket.

Abstract: In a work environment system, a desk (10) comprises a top (16) supported by a pair of legs (18), each leg (18) formed by a pair of supports (22) mounted together in back-to-back opposing relationship and having a first channel (56) between the supports (22). The desk top (16) includes a pair of second channels (98) extending inwardly from edges (100) of the top (16) adjacent the second channels (56). The first and second channels (56, 98) manage wiring (60) of work accessories (62, 105) supported by the top (16). An apron (20) is mounted to and below the top (16) and comprises third channel (218) in registry with the first channel (56) and also adapted to receive wiring (60) from the second channels (98) through outer and inner slots (114, 116) in the top (16). A work accessory support (222) is removably mountable to the desk (10 ) by a bracket (224) securable to a leg (18) within a first channel (56) on one side of the desk (10).

Abstract: Conventionally, substantially rigid parts such as panels and the like, are joined by mechanical fitments or couplers which not only require tools to assemble and disassemble but also create concentrated stress points at the junctions where the fitments or couplers are located. The present device utilizes hook and loop coupling material to detachably secure the parts together and incorporate mechanical location and aligning means between the two parts just prior to the engagement of the hook and loop fastener portions with one another thus facilitating the accurate assembly of the parts. Although designed primarily for use in various types of knock-down furniture and the like, it can of course be adapted for use with other substantially rigid parts.

Abstract: A spine assembly for supporting dest tops and panels and acessories and providing for the passage of electrical wires to the desk tops and panels and accessories, as needed. A housing is utilized open at a bottom portion for receiving the electrical wires. A framework is included within the housing. One or more frameworks serve as supports for brackets which extend upwardly in turn to support panels and accessories. The framework also serves as a support for desk tops as well as a cover assembly. The cover assembly provides an opening through which electrical wires pass from the interior of the housing to the exterior thereof. In addition, brackets extend through the cover assembly for supporting panels and accessories above the cover assembly. The spine assembly is free-standing, and may be closed off by end panels as an individual item or joined to one or more other spine assemblies to create a system of furniture.

Abstract: An office workstation with a table plate (2) which rests on a lower frame (6). At the front left or right-hand side the table plate has an oblique edge (44) against which attachments, particularly plates (50,60) can be placed. The table plate is mounted on the lower frame (6) with a height adjustment device (68). The height adjustment device engages in through-openings (28) in the table plate (2). Support arms (12, 48) of an upper frame are to be firmly connected to the lower frame through these openings, when required. The upper frame can carry additional components (75,76) such as storage shelves or a vertical wall (16). The lower frame is composed of legs (7), which can serve to guide cables, and joint bodies (18,160) which are hollow and represent the connection between the legs and horizontal hollow beams (22,23,24,116). The hollow beams are accessible from the exterior through a flap (118) extending over their entire length.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system of storage components which can be converted to a desk. A storage member of orthogonal configuration has a top portion releasably secured to a bottom portion. Separable fastener enable the top portion to be removed and reattached to the bottom portion to form a desk. Additional support is provided to support the portion of the desk distal to the interface of the top and bottom portion where attached by the separable fastener. The fastener is integrated with the various portions of the storage components to provide a relatively unobtrusive surface for the desk when erected and for transport as well.

Abstract: Readily assemblable furniture composed of plural, precision sized, covered, panels and a module assembly. The module assembly comprises releasably secureable connector members and a precision sized, covered, support panel having an end surface. At least a first one of the plural panels is secured to the support panel by at least one pair of the connectors consisting of a plug member and a rod-like member. The plug member has a recess in its periphery and is adapted to be disposed within a respective cylindrical bore in the support panel. The rod-like member has a threaded end for securement to the first panel and a oppositely disposed end having a head for disposition within the recess in the plug member. The plug member is rotatable in a first direction about an axis extending through the bore to pull the rod-like member deeply within the recess to tightly secure the first panel to the support panel. Other panels are connected to the support panel and/or to each other utiliziing other pairs of connectors.

Abstract: In order to be able to retrofit an existing writing desk in simple fashion with a standup desk that can be folded and slid beneath the working surface of the writing desk, the standup desk has a frame on which the guides for sliding the standup desk are provided. This frame can be placed as a free-standing bracket beneath the writing desk or tensioned between the pedestals of the writing desk or between the floor and the working surface.

Abstract: An integrated computer implement work area has a rail typically in a wall panel for supporting an articulating arm and another rail for supporting one or more work surfaces. The articulating arm supports a video display terminal for movement toward and way from the rail as well as vertically with respect to the rail. The arm is also pivotably mounted to the rail. The work surfaces are mounted to another rail for lateral movement therealong and rotation about a vertical axis with respect thereto. One work surface mounts peripheral equipment platforms along a peripheral surface for sliding movement therealong. Concealed wiring chases house communication wiring between a central processing unit mounted in the wall panel and the video display terminal on the articulating arm; between the central processing unit and peripheral equipment, such as a keyboard, and a printer or a disk drive mounted to the peripheral equipment platforms on the work surface.

Abstract: A work station suitable for mounting electrical and/or communication equipment including a straight, elongate hollow support beam of rectangular cross-section. Hollow support legs mount the beam in a horizontal position above a floor. Support brackets are detachably connected to one or both sides of the beam and these brackets include vertical leg portions that are bolted to the side of the beam and further arm portions that extend outwardly and upwardly. Rigid work surfaces are mounted on outer sections of the outwardly and upwardly extending arm portions. The work surfaces are positioned horizontally away from and above the top of the support beam. A housing can be provided to mount display and key pad equipment on the beam side of the work surface so that a lower portion of the display and key pad equipment is positioned below a horizontal plane defined by the top of the work surface.

Abstract: An executive desk which is readily and conveniently convertible from an executive desk to a computer center. The desk includes a cabinet for receiving a computer and a display screen. The top of the cabinet comprises a part of the top or working surface of the desk when the cabinet is in a retracted or executive desk position. The cabinet is elevatable from the retracted position to a computer center position wherein the computer is operable and the display screen may be viewed by the operator. The back part of the desk includes a platform formed in a central well for receiving a computer keyboard. A cover for the platform and well is hingeably affixed to the top of the cabinet and forms a part of the work surface of the desk when the cabinet is in its executive desk or retracted position.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a removable accessory such as a drawer unit to the underside of a work surface without the use of tools. A pair of front and rear slot and projection couplings are used to mount the accessory on the underside of the work surface, and a manually-releasable spring-urged latch device automatically locks the accessory to the work surface when the projections are fully engaged with the slots.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system of storage components which can be converted to a desk. A storage member of orthogonal configuration has a top portion releasably secured to a bottom portion. Separable fastener means enable the top portion to be removed and reattached to the bottom portion to form a desk. Additional support means are provided to support the portion of the desk distal to the interface of the top and bottom portion where attached by the separable fastener means. The fastener means are integrated with the various portions of the storage components to provide a relatively unobtrusive surface for the desk when erected and for transport as well.

Abstract: In a kitchen unit specifically designed for use by physically handicapped persons sitting in a wheelchair, a pair of base cabinets mounted under a countertop are laterally spaced to define therebetween a wheelchair space opened forward and downward for allowing rolling entry of the wheelchair. With the kitchen unit thus configured, the physically handicapped person can use the kitchen unit satisfactorily and comfortably with the wheelchair extending into the wheelchair space under the countertop. Preferably, the kitchen unit includes an armrest table slidably mounted in one of the base cabinets adjacent the wheelchair space to provide a support or aid for the handicapped person during the kitchen work. A sink and surface cooking elements are located on the end portions of the countertop so as to leave therebetween a center cooking work surface while ensuring facilitated use thereof.

Abstract: A modular desk system employs two work tops which are arranged so as to define a pair of back-to-back work stations. The work tops are cantileverd from a core, which is common to both of the work stations. A pedestal or an end panel supports the free end of each work top. The core has a substantially unobstructed, interior raceway for data, communication and electrical service lines and accessory equipment. The top of the core is substantially open so that a communication and data turret removably mounted on the core can be partially sunk into the raceway.

Abstract: A locking clip (20) for a bolt (12a to 12d) securing a desk top (10) and a pedestal (11) as panel members together is described. The clip engages the head (12i) of the bolt which is slid in a slot (11g to 11j) in a cross-member (11f) of the pedestal. The clip provides positive locking to prevent inadvertent separation of the panel members and allows the panel members to be separated by lifting a tab (20g).