BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A worksurface is a surface, typically horizontal, that a person can work on. An example of the most common type of worksurface is a simple table or desk. Another type of worksurface system is provided by cantilevering a worksurface off of the partitions or wall units within a workspace management system.

With the increasing use of computer terminals and personal computers in the work place, it is becoming increasingly difficult for many work surfaces to accommodate computer equipment such as a central processing unit, video display terminals, disk drives, keyboards, disk files and the usual papers associated with the work area. Peripheral equipment can clutter up the work area and make it difficult to arrange work files and accommodate computer equipment. Further, it is difficult for many work surfaces to accommodate a video display terminal and other computer equipment while also allowing other work functions to be accommodated by the work surface. Many worksurfaces are also conventionally designed at a fixed height to meet the standard size requirements for a user. These worksurfaces offer little or no adjustability to meet the requirements of a user who is smaller or larger than the preselected size. As a result, these prior art systems may not have the functional and ergonomic features required for a wide range of users.

Prior storage compartments, such as those disclosed in U. S. patents Nos. 1,214,677 and 1,702,178 have employed a pair of coupled doors that swing about axes perpendicular to the ground. However, these prior compartments use complicated structures to open and close the doors and thus can be cumbersome to open. In addition, these storage members can include doors that must be opened individually rather than together.

Therefore, there is a need for a worksurface system that can accommodate computer equipment as well as including a separate storage element for work papers and materials. In addition, there is also a need for a worksurface system that is adjustable to suit the ergonomic needs of a wide range of users. Also, there is a need for a storage member that includes an opening structure that is not complicated and will improve the ease with which the doors are opened.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention, a height-adjustable worksurface assembly having a leg is provided. The leg has a top portion and bottom portion. The top portion includes a connection member for connection to a worksurface. A first arm is attached to the top portion of the leg and extends downward to an elbow. A second arm is attached to an elbow and extends downward to the bottom portion of the leg. The leg has feet that rest on a base surface. The top worksurface connection member, the elbow and the feet are generally aligned in a single vertical plane when the worksurface is positioned at different heights.

According to another aspect of the invention, a storage member is provided. The storage member includes a top and a bottom. A first side wall is attached to the top and bottom. A second side wall is attached to the top and bottom. The top, bottom, first side wall and second side wall define a volume of space and an opening thereto. A first door has a first arm that is pivotally attached to said first side wall. A second door has a second arm that is pivotally attached to the first side wall. The first arm includes a first tooth section and the second arm includes a second tooth section. The first and second tooth sections engage one another so that the motion of the first door is coupled to the motion of the second door. The first and second doors pivot from a first position when the first door is above the top and the second door is below the bottom, and a closed position wherein the first and the second doors block the opening.

According to another aspect of the invention, an antiracking mechanism for a storage member is provided. The storage member includes a top and a bottom. A first side wall is attached to the top and bottom. A door having opposing first and second arms is also provided. The first arm and the second arm each have an arcuate arrangement of teeth. The teeth mate with a first gear and a second gear, respectively. The teeth are interconnected by a fixed rotatable gear shaft whereby movement of the first arm or the second arm translates via the rotation of the gear shaft into a corresponding movement of the other arm which thereby avoids the racking of the door.

The present invention provides a worksurface that is easily adjustable to a new height while being collapsible for transportation. The present invention also provides a storage member that includes a door that is easily opened without the need for a complicated structure. Also, the storage member of the present invention includes an antiracking element that prevents damage to the unit. These and other advantages of the invention will be best understood in view of the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a worksurface system in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view of a portion of the worksurface assembly in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention; Figures 3A & 3B illustrate the stanchion assembly with Figure 3A illustrating an exploded views of the stanchion assembly of the invention in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention and Figure 3B illustrating a cross-section of the stanchion assembly; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the storage member in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a worksurface system in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention illustrating a plurality of worksurface assemblies and storage members; Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a worksurface system in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a worksurface assembly in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is an exploded view of a portion of the worksurface assembly in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is a side view of a knee in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention; Figures 10A and 10B are exploded views of the stanchion assembly of the invention in accordance with the second and third embodiments of the invention; Figure 11 is an exploded view of the storage member in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention; and Figure 12 is a side view of the upper arm and lower arm of the storage member illustrating their interconnection in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a worksurface system 10 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, a worksurface assembly 14, stanchion assembly 16 and storage member 18 are shown. It should be recognized, however, that a system 500 may be constructed with more than one worksurface assembly, stanchion assembly, and storage member as shown in Figure. 5. Accordingly, it should be recognized that the worksurface system 10 of the present invention can be arranged and configured in a wide variety of plans to suit the needs of a user. Figure 1 illustrates only one preferred embodiment and possible configuration of a worksurface system constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a worksurface system 10 that has a number of advantages. The worksurface system 10 has a worksurface assembly 14 that can be readily height-adjusted to suit the needs of particular user. In addition, the worksurface assembly 14 is collapsible to provide for easy transportation of the assembly. The storage member 18 includes doors that readily pivot open to provide a user with easy access to the interior space defined by the storage member 18 while also providing an antiracking mechanism.

With reference to Figure 2, the base 24 of the worksurface assembly 14 will be best illustrated. The base 24 includes a first leg assembly 28 and a second leg assembly 30 that are essentially mirror images of each other.

While the leg assembly 28 will be discussed in detail, it should be recognized that the same general structure is found in the second leg assembly 30. The leg assemblies 28 & 30 include an upper leg portion 32 and a lower leg portion 34 which are preferably formed from diecast aluminum. The upper leg portion 32 is to connected a worksurface 40 and particularly the bottom surface thereof.

The upper leg portion 32 includes a first arm 48 connected within the channel 60. A pin 62 pivotally connects the first arm 48 to the upper leg portion 32. In particular, the pin 62 is fit within a corresponding opening of the clips 64. The clips 64 (preferably formed from nylon) are connected to the channel 60 of the upper leg portion 32. The lower portion 66 of the first arm 48 is pivotally connected to the elbow 68. The lower portion 66 of the first arm 48 includes a slot 70 that is connected to the side walls or tabs 72 of the elbow 68 using a pin (not shown). Accordingly, the first arm 48 is pivotably attached to the upper leg portion 32 and the elbow 68.

The lower portion 74 of the upper leg portion 32 also includes slots 84 that receives the pins 88 in order to connect the knee 90 thereto. The knee 90 includes aperture 92 that also receive the pins 88. The knee 90 is therefore movably and pivotably connected to the upper leg portion 32.

The lower leg portion 34 includes a separate foot 96. A separate foot 96 is preferred to allow the lower leg portion 34 to pivot relative to the foot 96.

Conventional levelers 100 are attached to the foot 96 to provide for additional height adjustment. For example, the levers 100 are useful to provide for height adjustment to accommodate an unlevel floor. A pin 102 and clamp 104 pivotably interconnect the foot 96 to the lower leg portion 34. The second arm 110 is pivotally attached to the lower leg portion 34 in same general manner as that described with respect to the first arm 48. More specifically, the lower leg portion 34 includes a channel 114 in which the second arm 110 is received. A pin 118 interconnects and pivotally attaches the second arm 110 to the lower leg portion 34. In particular, the pin 118 is fit within a corresponding opening of the clips 64. The clips 64 are connected to the channel 114 of the lower leg portion 34. The upper portion 124 of the second arm 110 is pivotally connected to the elbow 68. The upper portion 124 of the second arm 110 includes a slot 130 that is connected to the side walls or tabs 132 of the elbows 68 using a pin (not shown). Accordingly, the second arm 110 is pivotably attached to the lower leg portion 34 and the elbow 68.

The upper portion 134 of the lower leg portion 34 also includes slots 140 that receive the pins 142 in order to connect the knee 90 thereto. The knee 90 includes apertures 144 that also receive the pins 142. The knee 90 is therefore movably and pivotably connected to the lower leg portion 34.

Fig. 9 illustrates a knee according to a second embodiment and is useful together with the written description herein to understand the operation of the knee 90.

A lead screw 160 passes from the elbow 68 and through the knee 90.

A coupler 161 is used to connect the two side of the lead screw together. In the preferred embodiment, the coupler 161 is hollow and threaded to mate with a correspondingly threaded portion from the other end of the lead screw 160. An outer protective tube 162 passes over the lead screw 160. A bevel gear arrangement is located within the elbow 68 and provides for rotation of lead screw 160. However, as those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, other mechanical and electrical arrangements may be provided to rotate the lead screw 160. For example, a small battery operated motor such as that available from the Regitar Corp. may be used to drive the bevel gears in order to raise and lower the worksurface. Alternatively, a hand crank could be used to drive the bevel gears. In addition, the bevel gear could be removed and a hex nut connected to the lead screw 160 to provide for rotation thereof.

Accordingly, as recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, a wide variety of mechanisms could be employed to provide for the rotation of the lead screw 160. An end cap 170 may be used to cover the bevel gear arrangement or other structure.

The lead screw 160 passes through a channel 172 in the knee 90. The channel 172 includes threads that mate with the threads on the lead screw 160. The channel 172 is defined by a curved knee connection element on which the threads are located. An outer channel is also formed in the knee 90. The outer channel receives the outer tube 162. The outer tube 162 includes a bottom slot (not shown) through which the connection element rides as the height of the worksurface assembly 14 is adjusted. The lead screw 160 and connection element are located within the outer protective tube 162. The connection element and knee 90 move with respect to the lead screw 160 as it is rotated. As a result, the elbow 68, particularly and end portion, remains fixed in a vertical plane with respect to a top portion 200 of upper leg portion 32 that is attached to the worksurface 40. The elbow 68 also remains fixed in a vertical plane with respect to the foot 96. Accordingly, the worksurface assembly can be easily and stabily adjusted from one height to another.

In contrast to the elbow 68, the knee 90 rides along the lead screw 160 in order to adjust the overall height of the worksurface assembly 14. More specifically, the connection element of the knee 90 moves with respect to the lead screw 160 passing along the slot of the outer tube 162 as the worksurface assembly 14 is height adjusted. Again, reference is made to Fig.

9 for useful description of a substantially similar knee construction.

The second leg assembly 30 includes parts corresponding with the first leg assembly 28 except that the threads on the lead screw 160 are reversed so that the knee 188 moves in the opposite direction to the knee 90 when the lead screw 160 is rotated.

Figs. 3A & 3B illustrate the preferred embodiment of the stanchion assembly 16. The stanchion assembly 16 includes a stanchion 212, base 214 and top cap 216. The stanchion 212 is preferably an aluminum extrusion.

With particular reference to Fig. 3, the stanchion includes a channel 220 in which the worksurface connection member 222 rides. The worksurface connection member 222 is shown in phantom line in Fig. 1 attached to a corner 226 of the work surface 40. The worksurface connection member 222 rides up and down in the channel 220 as the height of the worksurface 40 is adjusted upward or downward. The foot connection member 230 is connected to a rear portion of the foot 96 and the channel 220 of the stanchion 212. The passageways 240 allow for electrical elements such as power cords, power harnesses and electrical switches to be either passed along the passageways 240 or mounted thereto. A cover 242 (Fig. 1) can be clipped into the channels 246 to provide a more aesthetically attractive appearance. Alternatively, the channels 246 are useful to connect the electrical elements thereto. Lastly, the channels 246 provide for connection to a back panel such as the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 10A & 10B. The back panel includes a connection element that is slid into the channels 246 secured by conventional securing elements such as pin at the selected height.

Figures 1 and 4 best illustrate the components of a preferred embodiment of the storage member 18. A steel strap or bracket 302 and clip 304 is used to attach the storage member 18 to a back panel and more generally, to the stanchion assembly 16. A first side panel 306 and a second side panel 308 are connected by the steel strap 302 to the back panel. Figs.

10A & 10B illustrates other embodiments of a back panel that are useful in understanding the present embodiment. A shelf support 310 is attached and interconnects the first side panel 306 and the second side panel 308.

Conventional fastening elements such as screws may be used to interconnect these elements. A shelf 312 is secured to the shelf support 310.

The storage member 18 includes a movable door assembly 330 shown assembled in Fig. 1 and exploded in Fig. 4. The door assembly 330 includes an upper door 332 and a lower door 334. Edge members 336 are connected to the edges of the upper door 332 and the lower door 334. The upper door 332 is connected to a first upper arm 340 and a second upper arm 342. The lower door 334 is connected to a first lower arm 348 and a second lower arm 350. The first and second upper arms 340,342 include gears 354,356 respectively on a rear portion thereof. The first lower arm 348 and the second lower arm 350 include gears 360 and 362 respectively. The gears 354 and 360 and gears 356 and 362 mate with one another. The arms include axles 366,368 respectively, that mate with the hubs 370,372 in the first cover 380.

A second cover 384 is interconnected to the first cover 380 in order to secure the assembly. The first cover 380 and the second cover 384 are preferably formed from polycarbonate. Bushings 386 and 388 are also connected to axles 366,368 and the hubs 370,372. A top 390 is also attached to the covers 380,384. Slide members 392 are preferably Teflon formed parts that fit within the apertures 394 of the upper arms 340,342 and the lower arms 348,350. The slide members 392 provide for a smoother contact between the arms 340,342,348 & 350 and the first and second covers 380,384. A conventional locking assembly 394 including the clip 396 may also be used to lock the upper door 332 and the lower door 334 together. Extrusions 398 are connected to upper door 332 and the lower door 334. The extrusions 398 provide a opening for a conventional fastening element to interconnect to the arms 340,342,348 & 350.

The upper arms 340,342 and the lower arms 348,350 are capable of rotating toward and away from each other. By pulling on one door, e. g., the lower door 334, the other door will also open by interaction of the gears 354 and 360. The door assembly 330 is capable of being positioned on top of the shelf 314 and adjacent to and secured to the side panels 306 and 308 in order to provide an enclosed storage member. Alternatively, the door assembly 330 may be removed to provide an open shelf 312 for a user.

An antiracking assembly 400 is also shown. The antiracking assembly 400 includes a rotating shaft 402, and gears 404. The first upper arm 340 includes a channel 410 having a rack or teeth. The second upper arm 342 includes a corresponding rack or teeth. The gears 404 ride along the teeth 414. As a result, if a user lifts one side of the upper door 332, the upward motion of the selected upper arm will be translated via the rotating shaft 402 into upward motion on the other upper arm. The shaft 402 is fixed with respect to the upper door 332 and is located behind a protective lip 420 in the top 390.

Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of worksurface system 500 having a plurality a worksurface assemblies 514, stanchion assemblies 516 and storage members 518. The worksurface system 500 operates in essentially the same way as the worksurface system 100. However, the worksurface system 100 is preferred. As one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, the present invention can be assembled in wide variety of configurations.

Figure 6 illustrates the worksurface system 500 using only a single worksurface assembly 514, stanchion assembly 516 and storage member 518. The worksurface system 500 of this figure also operates in essentially the same manner as does the embodiment of Fig. 1.

Figures 7-9 best illustrate the worksurface assembly 514. With reference to Figures 3-4, the base 524 of the worksurface assembly 514 will be best understood. The base 524 includes a first leg assembly 528 and a second leg assembly 530. The first leg assembly 528 includes an upper leg portion 532 and a lower leg portion 534. The upper leg portion 532 includes a connection member 538 for connection to a bottom surface 540 of a worksurface 542. A bracket 548 is attached to the bottom surface 540 of the worksurface 542 using conventional fastening elements such as screws. The bracket 548 is capable of receiving a pin 550 that connects the bracket 548 to the connection member 538. The pin 550 can rotate with respect to the bracket 548 when the worksurface assembly 514 is being height-adjusted.

The upper leg portion 532 includes a first arm 558 connected within the channel 560. A pin 562 pivotally connects the first arm 558 to the upper leg portion 532. The lower portion 566 of the first arm 558 is pivotally connected to the elbow 568. The lower portion 566 of the first arm 558 includes an arm connection element 570 having an opening 572. The elbow 568 includes a slot 574 that receives the connection element 570. The slide walls 576 include an opening 580 that extends coaxially with the opening 572 of the connection element 570. A pin 582 pivotally interconnects the lower portion 566 of the first arm 558 to the elbow 568.

The lower portion 580 of the upper leg portion 532 also includes slots 584 with opposing side walls 586. The side walls 586 include coaxial openings (not shown). The slots 584 engage mating tabs 588 within the knee 590 (best shown in Fig. 5). A pin 592 extends within the coaxial openings of the side walls 586 and the mating tabs 588 in order to pivotally connect the upper leg portion 532 to the knee 590.

The lower leg portion 534 includes foot 596. Covers 98 and pins 99 are attached to the feet 96. The second arm 600 is pivotally attached to the lower leg portion 534 in the same general manner as that described with respect to the first arm 558. More specifically, the lower leg portion 534 includes a channel 604 in which the second arm 600 is received. A coaxial opening 608 passes through the lower leg portion 534 and through the second arm 600. A pin 610 interconnects and pivotally attaches the second arm 600 to the lower leg portion 534. The upper portion 614 of the second arm 600 includes an arm connection element 620 having an opening 622.

The elbow 568 includes a slot 626 that receives the connection element 620.

The side walls 630 include an opening 632 that is coaxial with the opening 622 of the connection element 620. A pin 634 pivotally interconnects the upper portion 614 of the second arm 600 to the elbow 568.

The lower leg portion 534 includes an upper portion 638 having slots 640 with opposing side walls 642. The side walls 642 include coaxial openings (not shown). The slots 640 engage mating tabs 650 within the knee 590 (best shown in Fig. 5). A pin 652 extends within the coaxial openings of the side walls 642 and the mating tabs 650 in order to pivotally connect the lower leg portion 534 to the knee 590.

A lead screw 660 passes through the elbow 568 and the knee 590. An outer protective tube 662 passes over the lead screw 660. A bevel gear arrangement 666 is located within the elbow 568 and provides for rotation of lead screw 660. However, as those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, other mechanical and electrical arrangements may be provided to rotate the lead screw 660. An end cap 670 may be used to cover the bevel gear arrangement 666.

The lead screw 660 passes through a channel 672 in the knee 590.

The channel 672 includes threads (not shown) that mate with the threads (not shown) on the lead screw 660. The channel 672 is defined by the curved knee connection element 676 on which the threads are located. An outer channel 680 is also formed in the knee 590. The outer channel 680 receives the outer tube 662. The outer tube 662 includes a bottom slot (not shown) through which the neck 682 of the connection element 676 rides as the height of the worksurface assembly 514 is adjusted. The lead screw 660 and connection element 676 are located within the outer protective tube 662. The connection element 676 moves with respect to the lead screw 660 as it is rotated by the bevel gear arrangement 666. As a result, the elbow 568 remains fixed in a vertical plane with respect to the worksurface connection member 538 and the feet 596. The knee 590, however, rides along the lead screw 660 in order to adjust the overall height of the worksurface assembly 514. More specifically, the connection element 676 moves with respect to the lead screw 660 with neck 682 passing along the slot of the outer tube 662 as the worksurface assembly 514 is height-adjusted.

The second leg assembly 530 includes parts corresponding with the first leg assembly 528 except that the threads on the lead screw 660 are reversed so that the knee 688 moves in the opposite direction to the knee 590 when the lead screw 660 is rotated.

Figure 10A illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the stanchion assembly 516 in accordance with another embodiment. The stanchion assembly 516 includes tubes 802,804. Tubes 802,804 are secured between first plates 810. Conventional fastening elements such as screws can be used to interconnect the opposing plates with the tubes 802,804 therebetween. Second plates 814 are secured together in order to further secure the assembly. A foot bracket 820 is attached to a base 822 of the tubes 802,804. The foot bracket 820 secures the worksurface assembly 514 to the stanchion assembly 516. The cap 824 is attached to the base 820.

The panel bracket 830 is attached to the first plates 810 zon order to secure the panel 832 thereto. Panel support tubes 836 and inserts 838 together with conventional fastening elements interconnect opposing sides of the stanchion assembly 516. The table bracket 840 is connected to an edge of the worksurface 542 and slides within the channel 844 of the stanchion assembly 516.

Figure 10B illustrates another embodiment 850 of the stanchion assembly. The stanchions or poles 852 are interconnected by the panel 854.

Brackets 856 are slid within the channel 858 of the poles 852. Conventional fastening elements can be used to secure the panel 854 to poles 852. A foot 860 is attached to the bottom of the poles 852. Electrical wires, preferably coiled (not shown) can be located within the outer channel 864. An electrical base 866 is also located at the bottom of at least one of the poles 852. An electrical cover 868 protects and hides the electrical wires that pass within the channel 864. An electrical receptacle 870 for task lighting and the like is also secured to the poles 852. A cap 860 is secured over the top of the poles 852.

Figures 11 and 12 best illustrates the components of a preferred embodiment of the storage member 518. A steel strap 902 is used to attach the storage member 518 to the back panel 854 and more generally, the stanchion assembly 516. A first side panel 906 and a second side panel 908 are connected by the steel strap 902 to the back panel 854. A shelf support 910 is attached and interconnects the first side panel 906 and the second side panel 908. Conventional fastening elements such as screws may be used to interconnect these elements. A shelf 912 is secured to the shelf support 910.

The storage member 518 includes a movable door assembly 930. The door assembly 930 includes an upper door 932 and a lower door 934. Edge members 936 are connected to the edges of the upper door 932 and the lower door 934. The upper door 932 is connected to a first upper arm 940 and a second upper arm 942. The lower door 934 is connected to a first lower arm 948 and a second lower arm 950. The first and second upper arms 940,942 include gears 954,956 respectively on a rear portion thereof. The first lower arm 948 and the second lower arm 950 include gears 960 and 962 respectively. The gears 954 and 960 and gears 956 and 962 mate with one another. The arms includes axles 966,968 respectively, that mate with the openings 970,972 in the first cover 980. A second cover 984 is interconnected to the first cover 980 in order to secure the assembly. A top 990 is also attached to the covers 980,984.

The upper arms 940,942 and the lower arms 948,950 are capable of rotating toward and away from each other. By pulling on one door, e. g., the lower door 934, the other door will also open by interaction of the gears 954 and 960. The door assembly 930 is capable of being positioned on top of the shelf 914 and adjacent to and secured to the side panels 906 and 908 in order to provide an enclosed storage member. Alternatively, the door assembly 930 may be removed to provide an open shelf 914 for a user.

An antiracking assembly 1000 is also shown. The antiracking assembly 1000 includes a rotating shaft 1002, gears 1004 and connection elements 1008. With reference to Figure 8, the first upper arm 940 includes a channel 1010 having a rack or teeth 1014. The second upper arm 942 includes a corresponding rack or teeth. The gears 1004 ride along the teeth 1014. As a result, if a user lifts one side of the upper door 932, the upward motion of the selected upper arm will be translated via the rotating shaft 1002 into upward motion on the other upper arm. The shaft 1002 is fixed with respect to the upper door 932 and is located behind a protective lip.

The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.