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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
MODULAR DESK AND DESK SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/1997/019617
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
A modular desk (2) includes a worksurface member (10), a pair of legs (20) and a module maintainer (30). The worksurface member has a front edge (16), a top surface (12) and a bottom surface (14). Each leg is mounted to the bottom surface of the worksurface member. The module maintainer includes a pair of support members (40) and a generally vertical wall (48) extending between the support members. The generally vertical wall runs substantially the length of the worksurface member. The vertical wall has a boundary surface (32) which is the most rearward surface of the desk and a bottom edge (51) spaced apart from the floor. The vertical wall is also spaced apart from a back edge (18) of the worksurface member to thereby allow for the passage of cables between the vertical wall and the back edge. Another aspect of the invention is a modular power unit (70) mounted to a bottom of the module maintainer. The power unit includes a power distribution system disposed in a housing (78).

Inventors:
KELLEY JAMES O (US)
CHADWICK DONALD T (US)
KURRASCH ANDREW (US)
OREN ROBERT A (US)
CLARK JEFFREY L (US)
PEARSONS ERROL (US)
BECK ROBERT (US)
MCCLUNG DUANE GENE (US)
GARTLAND PAUL STEPHEN (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US1996/018827
Publication Date:
June 05, 1997
Filing Date:
November 15, 1996
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
MILLER HERMAN INC (US)
KELLEY JAMES O (US)
CHADWICK DONALD T (US)
KURRASCH ANDREW (US)
OREN ROBERT A (US)
CLARK JEFFREY L (US)
PEARSONS ERROL (US)
BECK ROBERT (US)
MCCLUNG DUANE GENE (US)
GARTLAND PAUL STEPHEN (US)
International Classes:
A47B9/04; A47B13/00; A47B13/02; A47B17/00; A47B17/03; A47B21/00; A47B21/06; A47B83/00; A47B91/12; (IPC1-7): A47B/
Foreign References:
US5220871A1993-06-22
US5112240A1992-05-12
Other References:
See also references of EP 0874568A4
Download PDF:
Claims:
We claim:
1. A modular desk positioned on a floor comprising: a worksurface member having a front edge, a back edge, a top surface and a bottom surface; a pair of legs, each attached to the bottom surface of said worksurface member, and each having a rear surface; and a module maintainer comprising: a pair of support members, each of said support members having a base section mounted to one of said legs and an arm extending rearwardly and upwardly from said base section; a vertical wall extending between said arms of said support members, the vertical wall being parallel to and substantially the same length as the back edge of the worksurface member, the vertical wall being spaced rearwardly from the back edge of the worksurface member to thereby allow for the passage of cables between the vertical wall and the back edge, the vertical wall having a boundary surface which is the most rearward surface of the desk and a bottom edge spaced apart from the floor to provide an open space between the floor and the vertical wall; whereby said module maintainer allows the desk to maintain a constant footprint in a system of like desks regardless of whether cables are passed behind the rear edge of the worksurface member or under the module maintainer, or whether objects protrude into the substantially open space formed below the vertical wall.
2. The desk of claim 1 wherein said module maintainer further comprises a beam member extending between said support members, said beam member comprising a base section having a top surface forming a ledge which extends forwardly from said vertical wall, whereby cables can be passed over the back edge of said worksurface member and be laid on said ledge. The desk of claim 2 wherein said beam member comprises said vertical wall integrally formed with said base section. The desk of claim 2 wherein said base section of said beam member has an opening facing forwardly, whereby cables can pass through said opening and be stored in said base section. The desk of claim 4 wherein said opening is elongated.
3. The desk of claim 5 wherein said base section of said beam member has a cavity formed within it, and wherein a bottom portion of said base section forms a trough, whereby said cables can be laid in said trough after passing through said opening.
4. The desk of claim 6 further comprising a modular power unit, said modular power unit comprising a housing mounted to a bottom of said beam member and a power distribution system disposed in said housing, said power distribution system electrically connectable with power distribution systems positioned in adjacent modular desks.
5. The desk of claim 7 wherein said power distribution system comprises a harness disposed in said housing, an electrical connector port attached to an end of the harness, and a receptacle module connected to said harness, said receptacle module adapted to receive an electrical plug, wherein said electrical connector port is adapted so as to allow electrical connection to a connector port of a power distribution system positioned in an adjacent desk GO .
6. The desk of claim 1 further comprising an accessory member attached to said vertical wall.
7. The desk of claim 9 wherein said accessory member has a downwardly extending mounting member, and wherein each of said support members has an upwardly facing opening, wherein said mounting member is removably mounted in said opening in said support member.
8. The desk of claim 10 wherein said accessory member has a bottom surface engaging a top of said vertical wall.
9. The desk of claim 11 wherein said accessory member has a front surface and a back surface, wherein said back surface is maintained substantially flush with said boundary surface of said module maintainer, and wherein said front surface is positioned rearwardly of said back edge of said worksurface member, whereby cables can be passed over the back edge of the worksurface member through the opening between the back edge and the front surface of the accessory member.
10. The desk of claim 12 further comprising an overhead member removably mounted to said worksurface member, said overhead member having a back surface positioned forwardly of said front surface of said accessory member.
11. The desk of claim 9 wherein said accessory comprises a screen.
12. The desk of claim 14 wherein said screen is tackable.
13. The desk of claim 1 wherein each of said legs is height adjustable.
14. The desk of claim 16 wherein each of said legs comprises a moveable upper member and a stationary lower member.
15. The desk of claim 17 wherein said upper member is attached to the bottom surface of said worksurface member, said upper member disposed in said lower member, and a height adjustment device comprising a threaded member secured to one of said upper member and said lower member and a screw member adapted to threadably engage said threaded member, said screw member rotatably mounted to the other of said upper member and said lower member, whereby rotation of said screw causes said screw to move vertically in relation to said threaded member thereby causing said upper member and said worksurface member to move vertically in relation to said lower member.
16. The desk of claim 1 further comprising an overhead member removably attached to said worksurface member, said overhead member having a back surface positioned forwardly of said boundary surface of said module maintainer.
17. The desk of claim 19 wherein said overhead member is positioned on the top surface of said worksurface member and is releasably clamped to the back edge of the worksurface member.
18. The desk of claim 20 wherein said overhead member comprises a pair of legs and a storage unit attached to a top portion of said legs, said legs releasably clamped to said work surface member.
19. The desk of claim 1 further comprising a cabinet assembly, said cabinet assembly comprising a single support member releasably clamped to the back edge of said worksurface member and a cabinet member attached to said support member.
20. The desk of claim 1 further comprising a tool rail assembly, said tool rail assembly comprising a support member, a rail member attached to said support member, and a tool, said rail member comprising a back plate and a plurality of rails extending outwardly from said back plate, said rails adapted to support said tool.
21. A modular desk positioned on a floor comprising: a worksurface member having a front edge, a back edge, a top surface and a bottom surface; a pair of legs, each attached to the bottom surface of said worksurface member, and each having a rear surface; and a module maintainer comprising: a lower portion which is mounted to and extends rearwardly from each of said legs, the lower portion having a bottom surface spaced above the floor to provide a space below the module maintainer to thereby allow for the passage of cables below the module maintainer; an upper portion extending upwardly and rearwardly from said lower portion, said upper portion comprising a generally vertical wall parallel to and substantially the same length as the back edge of the worksurface member, the vertical wall being spaced rearwardly from the back edge of the worksurface member to thereby allow for the passage of cables between the vertical wall and the back edge, the vertical wall having a boundary surface which is the most rearward surface of the desk and a bottom edge spaced apart from the floor to provide an open space between the floor and the vertical wall; whereby said module maintainer allows the desk to maintain a constant footprint in a system of like desks regardless of whether cables are passed behind the rear edge of the worksurface member or under the module maintainer, or whether objects protrude into the substantially open space formed below the vertical wall. The desk of claim 24 wherein a top surface of said lower portion forms a ledge, whereby cables can be passed over the back edge of said worksurface member and be laid on said ledge .
22. The desk of claim 25 wherein said lower portion has an opening facing forwardly, whereby cables can pass through said opening and be stored in said lower portion.
23. The desk of claim 26 wherein said opening is elongated.
24. The desk of claim 26 wherein said lower portion has a cavity formed within it, and wherein a bottom of said lower portion comprises a trough, whereby said cables can be laid in said trough.
25. The desk of claim 24 further comprising a modular power unit, said modular power unit comprising a housing mounted to a bottom of said lower portion and a power distribution system disposed in said housing, said power distribution system electrically connectable with power distribution systems positioned in adjacent modular desks.
26. The desk of claim 29 wherein said power distribution system comprises a harness disposed in said housing, an electrical connector port attached to an end of the harness, and a receptacle module connected to said harness, said receptacle module adapted to receive an electrical plug, wherein said electrical connector port is adapted so as to allow electrical connection to a connector port of a power distribution system positioned in an adjacent desk.
27. The desk of claim 24 further comprising an accessory member mounted to said upper portion of said module maintainer.
28. The desk of claim 31 wherein said accessory member has a downwardly extending mounting member and said upper portion has an upwardly facing opening, wherein said mounting member is removably mounted in said opening and a bottom surface of said accessory engages a top of said upper portion.
29. The desk of claim 31 wherein said accessory member has a front surface and a back surface, wherein said back surface is maintained substantially flush with said boundary surface of said module maintainer, and wherein said front surface is positioned rearwardly of said back edge of said worksurface member, whereby cables can be passed over the back edge of the worksurface member through the opening between the back edge and the front surface of the accessory member and be laid on the top surface of said lower portion and passed over the top surface and through said elongated opening and be laid in said beam.
30. The desk of claim 33 further comprising an overhead member removably mounted to said worksurface member, said overhead member having a back surface positioned forwardly of said front surface of said accessory member.
31. The desk of claim 31 wherein said accessory comprises a screen.
32. The desk of claim 35 wherein said screen is tackable.
33. The desk of claim 24 wherein said legs are height adjustable. as .
34. The desk of claim 37 wherein each of said legs comprises a lower member and an upper member attached to the bottom surface of said worksurface member, said upper member disposed in said lower member, and a height adjustment device comprising a threaded member secured to one of said upper member and said lower member and a screw member adapted to threadably engage said threaded member, said screw member rotatably mounted to the other of said upper member and said lower member, whereby rotation of said screw causes said screw to move vertically in relation to said threaded member thereby causing said upper member and said worksurface member to move vertically in relation to said lower member.
35. The desk of claim 38 wherein said threaded member is disposed in an end of a tube member, said tube member secured to a bottom of said lower member, and wherein said screw member is rotatably secured to said upper member, said screw member comprising a first bevel gear attached to one end, and a drive shaft rotatably mounted to a bottom of said worksurface member, said drive shaft comprising a second bevel gear intermeshing with said first bevel gear, whereby rotation of said drive shaft causes said second bevel gear to rotate which causes said first bevel gear to rotate which causes said screw member to operably engage said threaded member, thereby causing said worksurface member to move in a vertical direction.
36. The desk of claim 24 further comprising an overhead member removably attached to said worksurface member, said overhead member having a back surface positioned forwardly of said boundary surface of said module maintainer.
37. The desk of claim 40 wherein said overhead member is positioned on the top surface of said worksurface member and is releasably clamped to the back edge of the worksurface member. Q6 .
38. The desk of claim 41 wherein said overhead member comprises a pair of legs and a storage unit attached to a top portion of said legs, said legs releasably clamped to said work surface member.
39. The desk of claim 24 comprising a cabinet assembly, said cabinet assembly comprising a single support member clamped to the back edge of said worksurface member and a cabinet member attached to said support member.
40. The desk of claim 43 wherein said support member comprises an upper and lower support surface and an arm member, said lower support surface engaging said work surface member, said cabinet disposed on said upper support surface and engaging said arm.
41. The desk of claim 24 further comprising a tool rail assembly, said tool rail assembly comprising a support member, a rail member attached to said support member, and a tool, said rail member comprising a back plate and a plurality of rails extending outwardly from said back plate, said rails adapted to support said tool.
42. A modular desk comprising: a worksurface member having a front edge, a back edge, a top surface and a bottom surface; a pair of legs mounted to said worksurface member, each of said legs having a rear surface; a module maintainer comprising: a pair of support members, each of said support members having a front surface, a back surface, a base section and an arm extending rearwardly and upwardly from said base section; a front member disposed on the front surface of said support member, said front member having a top surface forming a ledge and a upwardly extending portion forming a front surface of a vertical wall; a back member disposed on the back surface of said support member, said back member having a vertical portion forming a back surface of said vertical wall, said back surface comprising a boundary surface which is the most rearward surface of the desk.
43. The modular desk of claim 46 wherein said front member has a downwardly extending lip and said back member has a upwardly extending lip, said lips spaced apart from each other to form an elongated opening between them, said front and back members also forming a cavity between them, whereby cables can be passed through said opening and be stored in said cavity.
44. A modular desk comprising: a worksurface member having a front edge, a back edge, a top surface and a bottom surface; a pair of legs mounted to said worksurface member, each of said legs having a rear surface; a module maintainer mounted to and extending rearwardly from said pair of legs, said module maintainer comprising a vertical boundary surface positioned rearwardly of said back edge of said worksurface member and said rear surface of said legs; and a modular power unit comprising a housing mounted to a bottom of said module maintainer and a power distribution system disposed in said housing, said power distribution system electrically connectable with power distribution systems positioned in adjacent modular desks, and said housing positioned forwardly of said boundary surface; whereby said module maintainer maintains the footprint of the desk when the desk is incorporated into a system of desks or panels and electrically connected to adjacent desks.
45. The desk of claim 48 wherein said power distribution system comprises a harness disposed in said housing, an electrical connector port attached to an end of the harness, and a receptacle module connected to said harness, said receptacle module adapted to receive an electrical plug, wherein said electrical connector port is adapted so as to allow electrical connection with a connector port of a power distribution system positioned in an adjacent desk.
46. A modular desk system comprising: a plurality of modular desks arranged in a predetermined pattern, each modular desk comprising: a worksurface member having a front edge, a back edge, a top surface and a bottom surface; a pair of legs, each attached to the bottom surface of said worksurface member, and each having a rear surface; and a module maintainer comprising: a pair of support members mounted to said legs, each of said support members having a sidewall, the sidewall being the outermost surface of each end of the module maintainer; a beam member extending between said support members, the beam member having a bottom surface spaced above the floor to provide a space below the module maintainer to thereby allow for the passage of cables below the module maintainer; a generally vertical wall extending between said support members, the vertical wall being parallel to and substantially the same length as the back edge of the worksurface member, the vertical wall being spaced rearwardly from the back edge of the worksurface member to thereby allow for the passage of cables between the vertical wall and the back edge, the vertical wall having a boundary surface which is the most rearward surface of the desk and a bottom edge spaced apart from the floor to provide an open space between the floor and the wall, whereby said module maintainer allows the desk to maintain a constant footprint in a system of like desks regardless of whether cables are passed behind the rear edge of the worksurface member or under the module maintainer, or whether objects protrude into the substantially open space formed below the vertical wall .
47. The modular desk system of claim 50 wherein said plurality of desks comprises at least two modular desks positioned such that the sidewall from one desk abuts the side wall of the other desk, wherein said desks placed side by side are connected by securing the sidewalls to each other with a fastener.
48. The modular desk system of claim 51 wherein said desks placed side by side each include a modular power unit, said power unit comprising a housing mounted to a bottom of said beam member and a power distribution system disposed in said housing, each of said power distribution systems electrically connectable with the power distribution system positioned in the adjacent modular desk.
49. The desk of claim 52 wherein each of said power distribution systems comprises a harness disposed in said housing, an electrical connector port attached to an end of the harness, and a receptacle module connected to said harness, said receptacle module adapted to receive an electrical plug, wherein said electrical connector port in each desk is connected to the an electrical connector port of a power distribution system in the adjacent desk, whereby said desk is supplied with power from the adjacent desk.
50. The modular desk system of claim 53 wherein at least one modular desk is adapted to receive an overhead member, wherein said overhead member is removably mounted to said modular desk without moving said desks and modifying said pattern. The modular desk system of claim 54 wherein said plurality of desks comprises at least two modular desks arranged such that opposing boundary surfaces of said module maintainers abut each other. The modular desk system of claim 55 wherein said beam member comprises a base section having a top surface which forms a ledge, wherein cables laid on the ledge of one desk can be passed to the ledge of the adjacent desk.
51. The modular desk system of claim 56 further comprising a bridge member having a worksurface member, and at least two modular desks positioned in a side by side arrangement such that the desks form a space between them, said bridge worksurface member positioned in said space between the adjacent desks and removably mounted to said worksurface members of said desks.
52. The modular desk system of claim 57 further comprising an extension member, said extension member comprising a worksurface member, a leg mounted to one end of said work surface member, and a module maintainer attached to said leg, said module maintainer comprising a sidewall, wherein a free edge of said extension member is positioned adjacent to one of said plurality of modular desks and removably mounted to said worksurface member of said modular desk, and said sidewall of said modular maintainer is attached to the sidewall of an adjacent modular maintainer with a fastener.
53. The modular desk system of claim 50 further comprising a corner desk, said corner desk having a work surface member, three legs mounted to a bottom of said worksurface member, one of said legs mounted at the back / corner of the desk, a pair of module maintainers mounted to said legs along a rear edge of said worksurface member so that they are perpendicular to each other, and a corner module maintainer mounted to the leg positioned at the back corner, wherein said corner module maintainer interconnects the pair of module maintainers.
54. The modular desk system of claim 59 further comprising a pair of power units attached to the bottom of said pair of module maintainers, each of said power units comprising a power distribution system, and a corner power unit attached to one of said corner leg and said corner module maintainer, said corner power unit comprising a power distribution system, wherein said corner power unit electrically connects said power units running along the back edge of said corner desk.
55. A modular workspace system for creating workspaces comprising: a plurality of modular desks and a plurality of wall panels arranged in a predetermined pattem; each of said modular desks comprising: a worksurface member having a front edge, a back edge, a top surface and a bottom surface; a pair of legs, each attached to the bottom surface of said worksurface member, and each having a rear surface; and a module maintainer comprising: a sidewall; an upper portion comprising a generally vertical wall parallel to and substantially the same length as the back edge of the worksurface member, the vertical wall being spaced rearwardly from the back edge of the worksurface member to thereby allow for the passage of cables between the vertical wall and the back edge, the vertical wall having a boundary surface which is the most rearward surface of the desk and a bottom edge spaced apart from the floor to provide an open space between the floor and the wall; and a lower portion which is mounted to and extends rearwardly from each of said legs, the lower portion having a bottom surface spaced above the floor to provide a space below the module maintainer to thereby allow for the passage of cables below the module maintainer; each of said wall panels comprising a panel member and a standard secured to each end of said panel member, said standards each having a plurality of slots adapted to receive a hook member.
56. The workspace system of claim 61 further comprising a connector member interconnecting one of said modular desk and one of said wall panel.
57. The workspace system of claim 61 wherein said connector member comprises a plurality of rearwardly extending hook members, said hook members adapted to engage said slots in said standard, said connector member attached to said sidewall of said modular desk with a plurality of fasteners.
58. The modular work space system of claim 61 wherein at least one of said modular desks and at least one of said wall panels are arranged such that said boundary surface of said module maintainer of said desk abuts a surface of said wall panel.
59. The modular desk system of claim 61 wherein said plurality of desks and wall panels comprises at least one modular desk and at least one wall panel positioned such that said side edge is parallel to a surface of said wall panel, said desk further comprising a modular power unit attached to said module maintainer, and a harness electrically interconnecting said power unit 7^ and a power source positioned in the abutting wall panel.
60. The modular desk system of claim 65 further comprising a utility transition unit positioned in between said side edge and said panel, said transition unit comprising a panel connected to said wall panel and a cover, wherein said harness is disposed between said panel and said cover.
61. A module maintainer for mounting to a desk and which allows the desk to maintain a constant footprint in a system of like desks when cables are passed over a back edge of the desk worksurface, said modular maintainer comprising: a lower portion comprising a generally flat upper surface for supporting cables, a bottom portion forming a trough for storing cables, and a front surface, said front surface adapted for mounting to said desk and having an opening; an upper portion comprising a generally vertical wall parallel to and substantially the same length as the back edge of the desk, said upper portion extending rearwardly and upwardly from said lower portion such that said wall is spaced rearwardly from said back edge of said desk when said module maintainer is mounted to said desk, said vertical wall having a boundary surface which is the most rearward surface of the module maintainer.
62. A module maintainer for mounting to a desk and which allows the desk to maintain a constant footprint in a system of like desks when cabies are passed over a back edge of the desk worksurface, said modular maintainer comprising: a pair of support members having a base section and an arm extending rearwardly and upwardly from said base section; a beam member comprising a base section having a top surface for supporting cables, a bottom portion forming a trough for storing cables, X and a front surface, said front surface adapted for mounting to said desk and having an opening formed therein for passing cables into said base section for storage in said trough; an upper portion comprising a generally vertical wall parallel to and substantially the same length as the back edge of the desk, said upper portion extending rearwardly and upwardly from said lower portion such that said wall is spaced rearwardly from said back edge of said desk when said module maintainer is mounted to said desk, said vertical wall having a boundary surface which is the most rearward surface of the module maintainer.
63. A modular power unit for mounting to a desk so as to electrically connect adjacent desks, said power unit comprising: a housing adapted for mounting to said desk; and a power distribution system disposed in said housing, said power distribution system electrically connectable with power distribution systems positioned in adjacent modular desks.
64. The modular power unit of claim 69 wherein said power distribution system comprises a harness disposed in said housing, an electrical connector port attached to an end of the harness, and a receptacle module connected to said harness, said receptacle module adapted to receive an electrical plug, wherein said electrical connector port is adapted so as to allow electrical connectability with a connector port positioned in an adjacent desk, whereby said desk is supplied with power from an adjacent desk when said electrical connector ports are interconnected.
65. The modular power unit of claim 70 wherein said power distribution system includes four receptacle modules, two modules facing forwardly and two facing rearwardly.
66. A table support assembly comprising: a rod; a support bracket attached to a first end of said rod; a foot member; a tube disposed around said rod and extending between said support bracket and said foot member; and a first and second washer, said washers disposed on said rod and operably engaging a top and bottom surface of said foot member to thereby releasably secure said foot member to said rod.
67. The table support of claim 72 further comprising a nut threadably engaging said rod, wherein said first washer is disposed on said rod and engages a bottom of said nut, and wherein said second washer is spaced apart from said first washer and threadably engages said rod.
68. The table support of claim 73 wherein said washers have opposing conical surfaces and said foot member comprises an upper and lower conical surface shaped to receive said washers, whereby said opposing conical surfaces operably engage each other when said foot member is disposed between said washers.
69. The table support of claim 74 wherein said foot member has an inner concave surface shaped to receive the rod and an outer convex surface, said tube comprising a plurality of lobes, each lobe shaped to receive the outer convex surface of said foot member, wherein said tube member is disposed on said foot member so that said lobe engages said outer convex surface.
70. The table support of claim 72 further comprising a washer disposed between said support bracket and said tube.
71. 11 The table support of claim 76 wherein said washer comprises two pieces such that said washer can be removed or replaced without removing said support bracket.
72. The table support of claim 77 further comprising a plurality of twopiece washers, whereby said washers can be added or removed so as to adjust the height of the worksurface member.
73. A table supported on a floor comprising: a worksurface member; and a support assembly comprising: a rod; a support bracket attached to a first end of said rod, said support bracket attached to said worksurface member; a foot member releasably secured to a second end of said rod, said foot member adapted for engaging said floor; a tube disposed on said rod and extending between said support bracket and said foot member; and a first and second washer, said washers disposed on said rod and operably engaging a top and bottom surface of said foot member to thereby releasably secure said foot member to said rod.
74. The table of claim 79 wherein said washers having opposing conical surfaces and said foot member comprising an upper and lower conical surface shaped to receive said washers, whereby said opposing conical surfaces operably engage each other when said foot member is disposed between said washers.
75. The table of claim 79 wherein said foot member has an inner concave surface shaped to receive the rod and an outer convex surface, said tube comprising a plurality of lobes, each lobe shaped to receive the outer convex surface of said foot member, wherein said tube member is disposed on said foot member so that said lobe engages said outer convex surface.
76. A furniture and panel system comprising: a panel supported on a support surface, wherein said panel is positioned substantially perpendicular to said support surface; a piece of furniture comprising a wall that extends substantially perpendicular to said support surface; an attachment system that is attached to said panel and said wall of said piece of furniture, said attachment system comprises: a bracket positioned above said support surface and attached to said panel and said wall of said piece of furniture; and a plate lying on said support surface, wherein said plate comprises a first receptacle for receiving a portion of said panel and a second receptacle for receiving a portion of said wall of said piece of furniture.
77. The furniture and panel system of claim 82, wherein said panel comprises a first tab and a second tab, wherein a gap is formed between said first tab and said second tab; and wherein said bracket comprises a hooking element that is inserted within said gap so as to attach said bracket to said panel.
78. The furniture and panel system of claim 83, wherein said bracket comprises a dislodgment clip.
79. The furniture and panel system of claim 84, wherein said dislodgment clip comprises a first pair of prongs that engage said bracket and a second pair of prongs that engage said panel.
80. The furniture and panel system of claim 85, wherein said first pair of prongs is substantially perpendicular to said second pair of prongs.
81. The furniture and panel system of claim 85, wherein said first pair of prongs is substantially parallel to said second pair of prongs.
82. The furniture and panel system of claim 82, wherein said first receptacle comprises a first mounting piece and a second mounting piece extending substantially perpendicular to said plate and said support surface, wherein said portion of said panel abuts said first and second mounting pieces.
83. The furniture and panel system of claim 88, wherein said second receptacle comprises a third mounting piece that engages said portion of said wall.
84. The furniture and panel system of claim 82, comprising a second panel attached to said first panel along a seam, wherein said bracket is positioned between said first panel and said second panel along said seam.
85. The furniture and panel system of claim 90, wherein said first panel is substantially aligned with said second panel.
86. The furniture and panel system of claim 91 , wherein said wall is substantially perpendicular to said first panel and said second panel.
87. The furniture and panel system of claim 92, wherein said panel comprises a first tab and a second tab, wherein a gap is formed between said first tab and said second tab; and wherein said bracket comprises a hooking element that is inserted within said gap so as to attach said bracket to said panel.
88. The furniture and panel system of claim 93, wherein said bracket comprises a dislodgment clip.
89. The furniture and panel system of claim 94, wherein said dislodgment clip comprises a first pair of prongs that engage said bracket and a second pair of prongs that engage said panel.
90. The furniture and panel system of claim 95, wherein said first pair of prongs is substantially parallel to said second pair of prongs.
91. The furniture and panel system of claim 91 , wherein said wall is substantially parallel to said first panel and said second panel.
92. The furniture and panel system of claim 97, wherein said panel comprises a first tab and a second tab, wherein a gap is formed between said first tab and said second tab; and wherein said bracket comprises a hooking element that is inserted within said gap so as to attach said bracket to said panel.
93. The furniture and panel system of claim 98, wherein said bracket comprises a dislodgment clip.
94. The furniture and panel system of claim 99, wherein said dislodgment clip comprises a first pair of prongs that engage said bracket and a second pair of prongs that engage said panel.
95. The furniture and panel system of claim 100, wherein said first pair of prongs is substantially perpendicular to said second pair of prongs.
96. The furniture and panel system of claim 97, wherein said bracket is L shaped.
97. A screen attachment system comprising: a first screen comprising a retractable male member that is positioned within an opening; and a second screen comprising a female member, wherein said male member is inserted within said female opening.
98. The screen attachment system of claim 103, wherein said retractable male member is attached to a handle which is movable from a first position, which causes the male member to be fully retracted within said opening, to a second position, which causes the male member to partially extend outside of said opening and enter said female member.
99. The screen attachment system of claim 103, wherein said second screen comprises a retractable male member positioned within said female receiving member.
100. The screen attachment system of claim 105, wherein said retractable male member of said second screen is attached to a handle which is movable from a first position, which causes the male member of said second "screen to be fully retracted within said female receiving member, to a second position, which causes the male member to partially extend outside of said female receiving member.
101. The screen attachment system of claim 104, wherein said second screen comprises a retractable male member positioned within said female receiving member.
102. The screen attachment system of claim 107, wherein said retractable male member of said second screen is attached to a handle which is movable from a first position, which causes the male member of said second screen to be fully retracted within said female receiving member so that said male member of said first screen is inserted within said female receiving member, to a second position, which causes the male member of said second screen to partially extend outside of said female receiving member.
103. The screen attachment system of claim 108, wherein said retractable male member of said second screen is attached to a handle which is movable from a first position, which causes the male member of said second screen to be fully retracted within said female receiving member, to a second position, which causes the male member of said second screen to partially extend outside of said female receiving member and be inserted within said opening when said male member of said first screen is retracted within said opening.
104. A piece of furniture comprising: a worksurface member having a front edge, a back edge, a top surface and a bottom surface; a first screen attached to and extending above said top surface of said worksurface and comprising a retractable male member that is positioned within an opening; and a second screen comprising a female member, wherein said male member is inserted within said female opening.
105. The piece of furniture of claim 110, further comprising a pair of legs mounted to said worksurface member.
106. The piece of furniture of claim 110, wherein said first screen comprises a post that is inserted within an opening formed in said top surface of said worksurface member.
107. The piece of furniture of claim 110, wherein said retractable male member is attached to a handle which is movable from a first position, which causes the male member to be fully retracted within said opening, to a second position, which causes the male member to partially extend outside of said opening and enter said female member.
108. The piece of furniture of claim 110, wherein said second screen comprises a retractable male member positioned within said female receiving member.
109. The piece of furniture of claim 114, wherein said retractable male member of said second screen is attached to a handle which is movable from a first position, which causes the male member of said second screen to be fully retracted within said female receiving member, to a second position, which causes the male member to partially extend outside of said female receiving member.
110. The piece of furniture of claim 113, wherein said second screen comprises a retractable male member positioned within said female receiving member.
111. The piece of furniture of claim 116, wherein said retractable male member of said second screen is attached to a handle which is movable from a first position, which causes the male member of said second screen to be fully retracted within said female receiving member so that said male member of said first screen is inserted within said female receiving member, to a second position, which causes the male member of said second screen to partially extend outside of said female receiving member.
112. The piece of furniture of claim 117, wherein said retractable male member of said second screen is attached to a handle which is movable from a first position, which causes the male member of said second screen to be fully retracted within said female receiving member, to a second position, which causes the male member of said second screen to partially extend outside of said female receiving member and be inserted within said opening when said male member of said first screen is retracted within said opening.
113. A method of attaching a first element to a second element, said method comprising the steps of: retracting a male member of a first element into an opening formed in said first element; and extending a male member of a second element into said opening.
114. The method of claim 119, wherein said male member of said first element moves along a direction during said retracting step and said male member of said second element moves along said direction during said extending step.
115. The method of claim 119, wherein said first element comprises a screen and said second element comprises a screen.
116. The method of claim 119, comprising the steps of: retracting said male member of said second element out of said opening and into a female receiving element formed in said second element; and extending said male member of said first element out of said opening and into said female receiving element.
117. The method of claim 122, wherein said first element comprises a screen and said second element comprises a screen.
Description:
MODULAR DESK AND DESK SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to systems for configuring and equipping workstation environments, and in particular, to a modular desk for use in such a system.

Large open office spaces are commonly partitioned into workstations through the use of wall panel systems. Panel systems typically consist of free standing panels that are joined together in a spatial pattem to define the desired sub-area or workstation space. Each workstation space is then supplied with individual workstation components such as desks, file- cabinets and storage space. Some of these workstation components are attached directly to and supported by the panels. To facilitate planning and installation of the panels and componentry, and to reduce inventory costs, panel systems are usually modular, meaning that the components, ie , panels, desks, cabinets, etc., have uniform dimensions which allow for interchangeability. In addition to providing a divided work space, panel systems also typically provide cable management systems for power and data transmission cables.

Although useful, office panel systems lack a certain degree of versatility and flexibility. Most importantly, they can be difficult to disassemble, reconfigure and reassemble. Indeed, a skilled mechanic may be needed to reconfigure certain panel workstations. In the modern office environment, however, workstations can require frequent reconfiguration as new work projects evolve, thereby requiring new work environments. In addition, it is often desired to maintain an open work environment, without the interference of walls or panels, so as to facilitate communication between team members using the workstation.

To counter some of these problems, some office space environments employ free standing desk systems and storage units, which can be organized into workstations that promote team work and open communication. Because each free standing furniture unit is independently

supported on the floor of an open office space, they typically are easy to relocate and require minimal disassembly. However, many free standing desk systems are not equipped for the modern office environment. With electronic technology being a big part of most work environments, office furniture systems must be responsive to managing such key functions as energy distribution, cable management, outlet access, and equipment support. Most desk systems do not accommodate these many needs. For example, most desk systems do not have their own power distribution systems. Thus, to provide power to various office equipment, such as computers, each desk in the system must be located near an outlet.

Alternatively, some free standing systems use a separate power trunk system which runs adjacent to the base of a desk or a system of desks, typically by positioning the unit between abutting desks, as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,220,871 , issued to Grund et al. However, in order to supply power to abutting desks, the power system extends beyond the rear surface of the desk, thereby interfering with the modularity of the system. Moreover, when the power unit is positioned at the base of the desk or desk system, power cables running to the outlets are visible and can either interfere with the user's feet, if located under the worksurface, or pose a tripping hazard, if located behind the desk. In addition, installation of separate power trunks can be time consuming and difficult, as the layout of the power system must be done prior to and in anticipation of the installation of the desk system.

Modern free standing desks also require certain cable management capabilities. Without cable management, computer and phone cables can be exposed, becoming both an eyesore as well as a potential hazard. When managed in some sort of system, cables can be hidden as well as organized. Moreover, desk systems often do not allow for cables to be passed from one desk to another. Rather, the desks typically include a sidewall, which prevents cable passage from one desk to the next. Desk systems which do provide a continuous passage for cables, are generally limited in space and carrying capacity.

Free standing desks also typically do not have overhead storage units such as those mounted to panel systems above individual work surfaces. Those free standing desks which do provide overhead units, such as those shown in Grund et al., provide for those units to be attached to and to extend from the support leg structure. However, if the worksurface member is made height adjustable, the overhead unit does not move with the worksurface and the distance between the worksurface and overhead unit is not maintained as a constant. As a result, objects placed on the worksurface member may interfere with the overhead as the worksurface member is moved upwardly.

Free standing desk systems are typically installed by abutting two adjacent desks together, or by abutting a desk up against a system panel or a rigid wall. Generally, an installer will attempt to line up the desks to provide an organized workstation whereby the fronts of the desks appear as a smooth and continuous line. However, when it is desired to install an object between two abutting desks, such as a privacy screen or overhead storage unit, the desks may have to be separated or moved away from each other to provide room for the installation of the additional component. Similarly, when cables are run from a worksurface to the space behind a desk, any adjacent desk or other surface may have to be separated from the workstation to provide clearance for the cables. Thus, the desks can become disorganized, and the smooth appearance of the workstation can be interrupted as the units are shifted to accommodate the various needs of the system.

In essence, typical free-standing desk systems are not modular, Le, . , they lack a certain degree of dimensional stability when certain componentry is added to the system. In modern office environments, where workstations are constantly being reconfigured with new components, a non- modular system can quickly become disorganized and aesthetically displeasing. Moreover, free standing desks, which have a back panel substantially closing off the entirety of the space formed between the

worksurface member and the floor, can also interfere with the modularity of a system, as well as decrease the openness of the system. For example, the back panel can interfere with objects protruding from an adjacent wall. Thus, a user would be unable to abut a desk, having a back panel, up against a wall that has an outlet protruding from it. Conversely, the back panel can cover up outlets positioned in adjacent walls, thereby preventing access for plugs extending from various electronic equipment. Finally, a back panel typically limits the ability of a user to pass cables or other items between adjacent desks having rear surfaces abutting each other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the invention is directed to a modular desk positioned on a floor. The modular desk has a worksurface member, a pair of legs and a module maintainer. The worksurface member has a front edge, a back edge, a top surface and a bottom surface. Each leg is attached to the bottom surface of the worksurface member and has a rear surface. The module maintainer includes a pair of support members, each having a base section and an arm extending rearwardly and upwardly from the base section, and a vertical wall. The vertical wall extends between the arms of the support members and is parallel to and substantially the same length as the back edge of the worksurface member. The wall is spaced rearwardly from the back edge of the worksurface member to thereby allow for the passage of cables between the vertical wall and the back edge. The wall has a boundary surface maintained as the most rearward structure of the desk and a bottom edge, which is positioned above the floor, thereby forming a substantially open space between the bottom edge and the floor such that the wall does not interfere with objects protruding into the substantially open space formed below it.

In one aspect of the invention, the module maintainer includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes the generally vertical boundary wall extending between the arms of the support

member.

The lower portion, which can include the base section of the support members, is mounted to and extends rearwardly from said pair of legs. The lower portion has a bottom edge spaced above the floor to provide a space below the module maintainer to thereby allow for the passage of cables below the module maintainer.

The module maintainer allows the desk to maintain a constant footprint in a system of like desks regardless of whether cables are passed behind the rear edge of the worksurface member or under the module maintainer.

In a preferred embodiment, the module maintainer includes a beam member extending between the support members. The beam member is preferably formed out of a back member and a front member and includes a base section and the boundary wall which defines a boundary surface. A top surface of the base section forms a ledge which can serve as a cable management apparatus. The base section has an opening formed in a front surface and cavity formed within it.

In another aspect of the invention, a modular power unit is mounted to a bottom of the beam member. The modular power unit is positioned forwardly of the boundary surface. The modular power unit includes a power distribution system disposed in a housing. The power distribution system includes at least one receptacle module, which provides power to office equipment located on the worksurface member. The modular power unit can be electrically connected to adjacent power units positioned in adjacent desks in the system.

In another aspect of the invention, an accessory member is removably attached to the support members. A back surface of the accessory member is maintained substantially flush with the boundary surface. Because the desk is modular, the accessory can be installed or removed without moving the desk and disturbing the footprint of the system.

In another aspect of the invention, an overhead member is

& removably mounted to the worksurface member. The back surface of the overhead member is positioned forward of the boundary surface. Preferably, the overhead member is positioned on the top surface of the worksurface member and is clamped to the back edge of the worksurface member. As with the accessory members, the overhead can be installed or removed without disturbing the footprint of the desk system, e ^ , without introducing creep into the system. In addition, because the overhead member is attached to the worksurface member, the distance between the worksurface member and overhead is maintained even if the height of the worksurface member is adjusted.

In addition to overhead members, various cabinet assemblies and tool supports can be attached to the worksurface member. As with the overhead, the cabinet members and tool supports move with the worksurface member and can be installed without disturbing the footprint of the desk system.

In another aspect of the invention, the legs are height adjustable. The height adjustment can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including manual adjustment and automatic, or powered adjustment.

In another aspect of the invention, a plurality of modular desks are arranged in a system, so as to provide any number of distinct workstations. In addition, the desks can be used in combination with wall panel systems, including the connection of the power unit to a power source in the panel.

In another aspect of the invention, various tables, such as D- shaped tables or tear-drop shaped tables are incorporated into the system of desks. These tables increase the versatility of the system and provide additional work surface area. A significant aspect of these tables is that they are supported by a modular support assembly, which can be easily reconfigured to have two, three or four support feet, thereby providing the user with a vaπety of configurations. In addition, various size feet, Le., long or short, can be easily removed or exchanged. For example, a shorter foot can

be installed to minimize interference with the user's feet, or a longer foot can be used to increase the stability of the worksurface member.

The present invention provides significant advantages over other desk systems. Most importantly, the module maintainer maintains modularity when several desks are used in a system, thereby eliminating the problem of creep. Because the boundary surface is maintained as the most rearward surface, regardless of whether an accessory member or overhead member is also incorporated, the spacing between the units remains constant. Moreover, because the boundary surface is spaced apart from the floor, a desk can be abutted up against surfaces, such as walls or panels, that have protruding objects, such as power outlets with cords inserted. Conversely, the desk does not block access to wall outlets when placed up against a wall. In addition, the substantially open space facilitates access between abutting desks. Accordingly, cables or power cords can be easily passed beneath one desk to another.

Other advantages include the ledge and cavity formed in the base section of the beam member, which provide cable management capabilities as well as storage space for power cords. Furthermore, the modular power unit provides an outlet for electronic components as well as allowing for connection of adjacent power units, which in turn provides flexibility forthe system. Finally, overhead members can be mounted directly to the work surface member, rather than relying on attachment to a system panel or attachment to the desk's support legs. This, in turn, provides the user with more flexibility and space. Moreover, the overhead moves with the work surface member when the support legs are made height adjustable, thereby avoiding any interference with the vertical adjustment of the worksurface member.

Another aspect of the present invention regards a furniture and panel system having a panel supported on a support surface, wherein the panel is positioned substantially perpendicular to the support surface. The system includes a piece of furniture having a wall that extends substantially

perpendicular to the support surface. An attachment system is attached to the panel and the wall of the piece of furniture. The attachment system has a bracket positioned above the support surface and attached to the panel and the wall of the piece of furniture and a plate lying on the support surface, wherein the plate has a first receptacle for receiving a portion of the panel and a second receptacle for receiving a portion of the wall of the piece of furniture.

Another aspect of the present invention regards a screen attachment system having a first screen with a retractable male member that is positioned within an opening and a second screen having a female member, wherein the male member is inserted within the female opening

Another aspect of the present invention regards a method of attaching a first element to a second element, the method including the steps of retracting a male member of a first element into an opening formed in the first element and extending a male member of a second element into the opening.

The present invention, together with further objects and advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is a top view showing a system of free standing modular desks integrated with a perimeter of panels.

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view showing a system of free standing modular desks. FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a modular desk with a screen being applied thereto.

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a modular corner desk.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a modular extension desk.

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a modular bridge member with a module maintainer.

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view showing a system of modular

desks integrated with a perimeter of panels.

FIGURE 8 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the modular maintainer and power unit.

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of a modular desk with a screen and an overhead applied thereto.

FIGURE 10 is a front view of a modular table desk with an overhead applied thereto.

FIGURE 11 is a cross-section view of the modular desk taken along line 11-11 of FIGURE 10. FIGURE 12 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment for a module maintainer and power unit.

FIGURE 13 is a side view of two modular desks arranged in a back-to-back configuration.

FIGURE 14 is a rear view of a bridge member and module maintainer attached to an adjacent modular desk.

FIGURE 15 is a fragmentary view showing the power unit interconnection between two modular desks arranged in a side-by-side configuration.

FIGURE 16 is a front view of the modular desk with a crank assembly attached thereto.

FIGURE 17 is a bottom view of the modular desk with a crank assembly attached thereto.

FIGURE 18 is a front view of the modular desk with an electric motor assembly attached thereto. FIGURE 19 is a bottom view of the modular desk with an electric motor assembly attached thereto.

FIGURE 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the top of the height adjustment mechanism.

FIGURE 21 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative manual height adjustment mechanism.

FIGURE 22 is a rear view of a corner modular desk with the worksurface member omitted.

FIGURE 23 is an exploded view of a modular desk and panel assembly,

FIGURE 24 is a connector bracket for a modular desk and panel assembly.

FIGURE 25 is a side view of a cabinet assembly FIGURE 26 is an exploded view of a cabinet assembly FIGURE 27 is a front perspective view of a cabinet assembly. FIGURE 28 is a front perspective view of a tool rail assembly. FIGURE 29 is a rear perspective view of a tool rail assembly FIGURE 30 is an exploded view of a tool rail assembly FIGURE 31 is an exploded view of a tear-drop shaped table assembly.

FIGURE 32 is an exploded view of a D-shaped table assembly.

FIGURE 33 is a perspective view of peninsula table

FIGURE 34 is a perspective view of a modular desk and a power transition unit extending from a wall panel.

FIGURE 35 is a perspective view of a modular desk electrically connected to a wall panel

FIGURE 36 is a front view of a modular desk with wire management accessories applied thereto.

FIGURE 37 is an exploded view of a height adjustable leg.

FIGURE 38 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modesty screen employing a screen attachment system according to the present invention.

FIGURE 39 is a second embodiment of a modesty screen employing a screen attachment system according to the present invention

FIGURE 40A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a privacy screen employing a screen attachment system according to the present invention.

FIGURE 40B is a front cross-sectional view of the privacy screen of FIGURE 40A.

FIGURE 40C is a side view of the privacy screen of FIGURE 40A. FIGURE 41A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a privacy screen employing a screen attachment system according to the present invention.

FIGURE 41 B is a front cross-sectional view of the privacy screen of FIGURE 41A. FIGURE 41 C is a side cross-sectional view of the privacy screen of FIGURE 41A.

FIGURE 41 D is a top view of the privacy screen of FIGURE 41A.

FIGURE 42 is an exploded view of a second preferred embodiment of the modular maintainer and power unit.

FIGURE 43A is a perspective view of a support member to be used with the modular maintainer and power unit of FIG. 42.

FIGURE 43B is a right side view of the support member of FIGURE 43A. FIGURE 43C is a left side cross-sectional view of the support member of FIGURE 43A.

FIGURE 43D is a top view of the support member of FIGURE 43A.

FIGURE 43E is a bottom view of the support member of FIGURE 43A.

FIGURE 43F is a front view of the support member of FIGURE 43A.

FIGURE 44A is a perspective view of a spring to be used with the modular maintainer and power unit of FIG. 42. FIGURE 44B is a left side view of the spring of FIGURE 44A.

FIGURE 45 is a perspective view of two screens employing a

/ ^ screen attachment system according to the present invention.

FIGURE 46A is a side view of male member and a handle to be used with the screen attachment system of the present invention.

FIGURE 46B is a front view of the male member and handle of FIGURE 46A.

FIGURE 46C is a cross-sectional view of the male member and handle of FIGURE 46A taken along Iines A-A.

FIGURE 46D is a cross-sectional view of the male member and handle of FIGURE 46A taken along lines B-B. FIGURE 47 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a screen attachment system according to the present invention.

FIGURE 48A is a perspective view of the screens of FIGURE 46 being attached.

FIGURE 48B is a perspective view showing an alternative manner of attaching the screens of FIGURE 46.

FIGURE 49 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a screen attachment system.

FIGURE 50 is a an exploded view of an open shelf used with a system of modular desks. FIGURE 51 is a bottom view of the open shelf of FIGURE 50.

FIGURE 52 is a perspective view of the support legs for the open shelf of FIGURE 50.

FIGURE 53 is a perspective view showing the frame of the support legs of FIGURE 52. FIGURE 54 is a top cross-sectional view of the frame of

FIGURE 53.

FIGURE 55 is a perspective view of a base plate to be used with the support legs of FIGURE 52.

FIGURE 56 is a perspective view of a clamp to be used with the support legs of FIGURE 52.

FIGURE 57 is a perspective view showing an attachment

. -? system for attaching a piece of furniture to a panel.

FIGURE 58 is a perspective view of a bracket to be used with the attachment system of FIGURE 57.

FIGURE 59 is a perspective view of the attachment system of FIGURE 57 when used to attach a single panel.

FIGURE 60 is a perspective view of the attachment system of FIGURE 57 when used to attach a pair of panels.

FIGURE 61 is a perspective view of a support plate to be used with the attachment system of FIGURE 57. FIGURE 62 is a perspective view showing the attachment of a piece of furniture and a panel to the support plate of FIGURE 61.

FIGURE 63 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an attachment system for attaching a piece of furniture to a panel.

FIGURE 64 is a perspective view showing of a support plate to be used with the attachment system of FIGURE 63.

FIGURE 65 is a perspective view showing attachment of a piece of furniture to the support plate of FIGURE 64.

FIGURE 66 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a bracket to be used with the attachment system of FIGURE 57. FIGURE 67 is an exploded view of the bracket of FIGURE 58.

FIGURE 68 is an exploded view of the bracket of FIGURE 66. FIGURE 69 is an exploded view of the support plate of FIGURE 61.

FIGURE 70 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a bracket to be used with the attachment system of FIGURE 66.

FIGURE 71 is an exploded view of the bracket used with the attachment system of FIGURE 66.

FIGURE 72 is an exploded view of a support plate to be used with the attachment system of FIGURE 66. FIGURE 73A is an exploded view of a three corner table attached to a panel.

FIGURE 73B shows a variety of table tops that can be used with the three corner table of FIGURE 73A.

FIGURE 74 is an exploded view of an attachment system to be used with the table and panel of FIGURES 73A-B. FIGURE 75 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a bracket to be used with the attachment system of FIGURE 74.

FIGURE 76 is an exploded view of the bracket used with the attachment system of FIGURE 74.

FIGURE 77 is a perspective view of a dislodgment clip to be used with the bracket of FIGURE 71.

FIGURE 78 is a perspective view of a dislodgment clip to be used with the bracket of FIGURES 66 and 68.

FIGURE 79 is a perspective view of a dislodgment clip to be used with the bracket of FIGURE 70 FIGURE 80 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a tool rail assembly according to the present invention.

FIGURE 81 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of a tool rail assembly according to the present invention.

FIGURE 82 is a top view of a connector for a panel to be used with the attachment system of FIGURE 74.

FIGURE 83 is a side view of the connector of FIGURE 82.

FIGURE 84 is a top view of a connector for a slide to be used with the attachment system of FIGURE 74.

FIGURE 85 is a side view of the connector of FIGURE 84. FIGURE 86 is a perspective view of a two piece support plate when attaching the three corner table and the panel of FIGURES 73-74.

FIGURE 87 is a bottom view of the two piece support plate of FIGURE 86.

FIGURE 88 is a bottom view of a manual height adjustment system for the three corner table of FIGURES 73-74.

FIGURE 89 is a bottom view of a motorized height adjustment system for the three corner table of FIGURES 73-74

FIGURE 90 shows a side view of a bracket engaging a seam according to the present invention FIGURE 91 shows a hook being inserted within a slot

FIGURE 92 shows front view of a dislodgment clip engaging a slot

FIGURE 93 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a bracket engaging a seam according to the present invention FIGURE 94A is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of removable support for the height adjustable leg of FIGURE 37

FIGURE 94B is a bottom perspective view of the removable support of FIGURE 94A

FIGURE 94C is a cross-sectional view of the removable support of FIGURE 94A

FIGURE 95 shows the interior of a screen

FIGURE 96 shows a bracket to be used with the screen of FIGURE 95

FIGURE 97 shows a mounting bracket to be used with the screen of FIGURE 95

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, FIGS 9 - 11 show a modular desk 2, including a worksurface member 10, a pair of legs 20 and a module maintainer 30 Each leg 20 has a top portion 22, a bottom portion 24 and a rear surface 26 As shown in FIG 11 , the top portion 22 of each leg 20 is attached to a mounting bracket 28 The bottom portion 24 of each leg 20 is attached to a support member 29 The support member 29 is adapted to engage a support surface 3, typically a floor The worksurface member 10 has a top surface 12, a bottom surface 14, a pair of side edges 15, a front edge 16, and a back edge 18

/&

The bottom surface 14 of the worksurface member is attached to the mounting bracket 28. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the worksurface member 10 can be configured in a vaπety of shapes. In particular, the contour of the front edge 16 of the worksurface member 10 can be altered to produce a vaπety of worksurface shapes, including square, rectangular, concave and curvilinear shapes.

In order to maintain the modularity of the desk, the side and back edges 15 and 18 are preferably linear. Accordingly, it is the contour of the front edge 16 which can be altered to provide any desired curvilinear appearance. The width of the modular desk 2 is typically maintained a specific and constant distance (L), as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In the desk 2 shown, the width (L) is about 48 inches, which allows for easy handling and moving of the desk 2, while maintaining an adequate area of work space on the worksurface member 10. When the width of the desk is maintained constant, the desk 2 can be removed and another installed in its place without having to move or adjust adjacent desks or panels in the system. In essence, the modularity of the system is maintained.

Alternatively, desks of varying widths can be used in the system to provide particular sizes of work spaces. Typically, the width can range between 24 and 72 inches. In this regard, a system planner can use varying width desks without disturbing the overall footprint of the system. For example, the planner could substitute two 24 inch wide desks for one 48 inch desk. Also, the planner can swap the position of two desks with different widths in the same line without changing the footprint. An important feature of the desk of the present invention is that it provides a consistent, modular footprint, particularly in the distance from the back of the desk to the front. This is true regardless of whether the desk is used in a system where the back of the desk abuts a like desk, or whether it abuts a movable panel or a wall. This is also true regardless of whether the cables, such as power or data cables, are passed behind the work surface, and regardless of whether privacy screens or overhead units are attached to

/7 the desks as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13.

In a system of desks with simple rectangular work surfaces such as those shown in FIG. 9, the result is that the depth D would remain constant across all of the desks arranged side to side, and the front edges 16 of all of the desks arranged side to side would line up in a straight line.

Alternatively, the desks may not have a rectangular work surface. For example, the desks shown in FIG. 1 have curvilinear edges where one side edge has a depth D1 and the second side edge has a depth D2. While not maintaining a straight line across the front of the desks of this embodiment, the invention does provide the advantage that adjacent side edges are guaranteed to line up so long as they are the same length.

In the system shown in FIG. 1 , the work surface member 10 has a depth (D1) of about 21.75 inches, and a depth (D2) of about 27.75 inches. Obviously, other depths would be acceptable, so long as they are maintained at certain constant values. Thus, it should be understood that a plurality of depths can be used to provide flexibility in designing a work space, so long as they are uniformly applied to the system of desks. It should also be understood that a single depth can be used. In essence, the depths simply must allow individual modular desks to be configured in a system that permits interchangeability of different desks, while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

In order to maintain a smooth and unbroken appearance of the front edges of a desk system, it is important therefore to ensure that the depth of the side edge of a first worksurface member installed in the system corresponds to the depth of the adjacent side edge on a second work surface member, whether it be a depth (D1) or (D2). Thus, a desk having a work surface member with a first side edge of depth (D1) should abut a desk having a work surface member of corresponding depth (D1). Similarly, a second side edge of depth (D2) should abut a corresponding side edge of depth (D2).

The module maintainer 30 is mounted to and extends

rearwardly from the pair of legs 20. In a preferred embodiment, the module maintainer 30 includes a pair of support members 40. Each support member 40 includes a base section 42 and an arm 44 extending upwardly and rearwardly from the base section 42. A lower portion of the arm forms an acute angle with the vertical plane, while an upper portion of the arm is generally vertical. As shown in FIG. 11 and 12, the base section 42 is attached to the support leg 20 with a plurality of fasteners. The upper portion of arm 44 includes an end portion 43 having an opening 47. Preferably, the support member 40 is an aluminum casting. As shown in FIG. 13, the module maintainer includes a vertical wall 48 having a boundary surface 32 positioned rearwardly of the back edge 18 of the worksurface member 10 as shown in FIG. 13. The wall 48 extends between the arms 44 of the two support members 40. The boundary surface 32 is also positioned rearwardly of the rear surfaces 26 of the legs and the foot member 29. Preferably, the rear surface 26 of the legs are positioned about 4 inches forward of the boundary surface 32, such that the legs 20 will not interfere with an outlet 206, or a plug 306 inserted into the outlet, if the boundary surface 32 of the desk 2 is placed up against a wall having an outlet substantially aligned with the leg 20 as shown in FIG. 11. Similarly, the rear surface of the foot member 29 is positioned about 1.6 inches forward of the boundary surface, such that the foot will not interfere with a floor board 302 or other object extending from an adjacent surface, such as a base cover on a wall panel.

The boundary surface 32 has a bottom edge 51. The bottom edge 51 is elevated and positioned distally from the floor 3 so as to provide a substantially open space between the boundary surface 32 and the support surface 3, as shown in FIG. 11. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11 , the bottom edge 51 is positioned about 19.5 inches above the floor 3, which is more than half the distance from the floor to the worksurface member when the desk is at its lowest height. The boundary surface 32 is spaced apart from the floor 3 so that it does not interfere with or preclude access to

77 outlets 206 positioned in abutting panels 200 or walls 210. Similarly, providing space between the boundary surface and the floor ensures that the desk 2 will not interfere with any protruding objects 300, such as communication boxes, cords plugged into wall outlets, or cable outlets, when abutted against the panel 200 or wall 280. Finally, this space provides a generally open environment beneath the desk 2 to permit access between adjacent and abutting desks when installed in a system as shown in FIG. 13. Thus, cables can be passed underneath the boundary surface 32 of the desk 2 to an abutting desk 2. The boundary surface 32 is maintained at a specific and uniform distance (D3) from the back edge 18 of the worksurface member 10. In a preferred embodiment, (D3) is about 2.25 inches.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the boundary surface 32 is maintained as the most rearward surface of the entire modular desk 2. Accordingly, the module maintainer 30 defines a specific footprint for the modular desk 2. The footprint is defined by the width of the desk (L), and the depth of the desk, i.e,, the depth (D3) plus the depth of either (D1), (D2), or both.

When two desks are positioned next to each other in a side-by- side arrangement, as shown in FIG. 15, the modular maintainers 30 are preferably secured to each other by connecting adjacent sidewalls 31 of the support members 40 with fasteners, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. When the desks are powered, or one or more ends of the work surface member are not supported by a leg, adjacent module maintainers are necessarily connected by securing the adjacent sidewalls 31 to each other.

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the module maintainer 30 and a modular power unit 70. The preferred embodiment of the module maintainer 30 includes a beam member 210, which is shown throughout the Figures and in particular in FIGS. 15, 21 and 23. As shown in FIG. 15, the beam member 210 extends between the support members 40 and is substantially the same length as the back edge

18 of the worksurface member. The beam member 210 includes a base section 282 and an upper portion which forms the generally vertical boundary wall 48. The upper portion extends rearwardly and upwardly from the base section 282 and includes an angled portion positioned at an acute angle to the vertical plane and a vertical portion extending vertically from the end of the angled portion. As described previously and as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the boundary wall 48 defines the boundary surface 32.

A top surface 232 of the base section forms a ledge which can be used to support and store various cables and wiring, as shown in FIGS. 10-11. A bottom portion of the base section forms a trough 224 for storing cables. The base section also has a opening 242 formed in a front surface and a cavity 240 formed within it. As shown in the preferred embodiment in FIG. 13, the rear surface of the base section 282, is spaced forwardly of the boundary wall 48 and boundary surface 32, thereby providing a generally open space below the boundary wall 48.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the base section of the beam member and the base section of the support member form a lower portion 283 of the module maintainer. Similarly, the vertical wail and the arms of the support member make up the upper portion 283 of the module maintainer. However, it should be understood that the entire module maintainer (lower and upper portions), including the support members and the beam member (having a base section and vertical wall), could be made out of a single member, such as an extrusion. In such an embodiment, the ends of the extrusion which are attached to the legs could function as the aforedescribed support members, and could be defined as such. Similarly, a lower portion of the extrusion extending between the legs could function as the base section of the beam member, and could include a ledge for supporting cables, a cavity for storing cables and a forwardly facing opening for accessing the cavity. In addition, an upper portion of the extrusion could be formed as the vertical wall, thereby defining the boundary surface of the module maintainer.

In a preferred embodiment of the module maintainer shown in

FIG. 8, the beam member 210, including the base section and the vertical wall, is preferably formed out of a back member 220 and a front member 230. The back member 220 is configured in substantially the same shape and has the same contour as a back surface 45 of the support member 40. The back member 220 is fastened to the end portion 43 and a bottom surface of the support member 40. The back member 220 also includes a bottom lip 222 which extends upwardly between the support members 40 to form the trough 224, which is ideally suited for storing cables. A vertical section 211 of the back member 220 defines the boundary surface 32. The back member 220 also wraps around to form a top section 226 and an upper lip 228 which are adapted to engage the end portion 43 of the arm. A bottom portion 223 of the back member defines a bottom surface 225 of the module maintainer 30. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom surface 225 is spaced above the floor 3 at least half the height of the legs 20 to provide a space below the module maintainer 30 whereby cables can be passed below the module maintainer

30 to an adjacent desk.

The front member 230 is configured in substantially the same shape and has the same contour as a front surface 39 of the support member. The front member 230 extends between the support members 40 and is fastened to the front surface 39 of the support member. A horizontal surface of the front member defines the top of the base section and forms the ledge 232 where excess lengths of cables can be stored. An upwardly extending portion 234 of the front member includes a lip 236 which underlies the overlapping upper lip 228 of the back member when the members are attached to the support member 40. When attached to the support member, the vertical section 211 and the upwardly extending portion 234 of the front member form the generally vertical boundary wall 48, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 15. The back and front members also form a cavity 240 between them in the base section. In addition, a bottom lip 238 of the front member and the bottom lip 228 of the back member form the elongated opening 242 between them, which faces forwardly as shown in FIGS. 10 and 16. A user can pass

cables or excess lengths of power cords through the opening 242 into the cavity 240 and lay them in the trough 224

The ledge 232 or top surface of the base section, shown in FIGS 10, 11 , and 13, is ideally suited for storing excess cables For example, the ledge 232 provides adequate storage for approximately ten 25- pair cables Cables lying on the ledge 232 can also pass over the beam member 210 and be stored in the cavity 240, or be connected to a modular power unit 70 To help organize the cables, and retain them on the ledge, a plurality of wire management clips 600 can be attached to the lip 238 of the front member as shown in FIG 36 Each clip 600 has an arm 602 which extends upwardly from the ledge 232 The arm 602 maintains the cables on the ledge 232, thereby allowing the cables to be stacked and prevented from falling off of the ledge and interfering the user's legs The cables can be passed over the edge of the ledge 232 between the arms 602 and stored in the trough 224

Alternatively, a vertical wire management tube 604 shown in FIG 36 can be secured to the front of the module maintainer 30 The tube 604 runs in a generally vertical direction from the floor 3 to the surface of the ledge 232 In addition, the top portion of the tube 604 has slots 607 positioned in the side walls 606 so as to allow cables or wires lying in the trough 224 to pass through the elongated opening 242 through the slot 607 and be disposed in the tube 604 Similarly, wires or cables lying on the ledge 232 can be passed over the edge and into the tube 604 The tube 604 provides a device whereby wires or cables can be passed from the module maintainer to the floor 3 in an organized fashion, while simultaneously improving the aesthetics of the desk by eliminating unsightly loose wires and also eliminating a potential interference between the wires and the user's feet

In an alternative embodiment of the module maintainer, shown as an exploded view in FIG 12, the module maintainer 30 includes a beam member having a base section 34 and a separate wall member 248, rather than the two members being integrally formed as previously shown in FIG

11. In this altemative embodiment, the base section 34 spans at least the distance between the legs 20. The base section 34 is mounted to the support members 53. As shown in FIG. 12, the base section 34 is C-shaped. Because of its C-shaped configuration, the base section 34 has an elongated opening 36 which faces forwardly and a cavity 38 formed within it. The cavity

38 formed within the base section 34 is ideally suited for storing cables and excess lengths of power cords.

In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the wall member 248 defines the vertical boundary surface 32. A lower portion of the wall member forms an acute angle with the surface of the base section 34 as it extends upwardly and outwardly from the base section. As stated previously, the wall member and base section are separate components, as shown in FIG. 12, rather than being integrally formed as part of the beam member as shown in FIG. 11. The lower portion of the wall includes a lip which wraps around to form a trough 54. The trough 54 is suited for storing excess cables. The trough 54 includes several openings 55 which permit cables lying in the trough 54 to pass through the openings 55 and access available power sources positioned below the module maintainer.

In another aspect of the invention, the modular desk 2 has a modular power unit 70 attached to it as shown in FIGS. 8, 11 and 12. The modular power unit 70 includes a housing 78 and a power distribution system. The power distribution system includes a pair of power distribution servers 71 and a pair of electrical power harnesses 80. For a complete description of the power distribution server 71 and power harnesses 80, see U.S. Patent No. 5,112,240, issued to Nienhuis et al. on May 12, 1992, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

As shown in FIG. 8, the housing 78 includes an upwardly opening channel 82 and a top cap 84. The top cap 84 is fixedly mounted to a bottom 37 of the beam member 34, 210 using a plurality of fasteners (not shown). The channel 82 includes a front member 608, which is preferably fixedly mounted to the rear surface 26 of the support legs 20 so that the

^<X housing is not removable, and a back member 610. In a preferred embodiment, the back member 610 is pivotally attached to the front member 608 along a bottom edge 61 as shown in FIG. 8. Preferably, one end of each of the front member and back member are formed into opposing channels 622, 624. The channels form a hinge 626 when they are interlocked as shown in FIG. 8. In addition, the front and back members 608, 610 include inwardly facing and elongated flange members 614. The free edge of each flange member 614 forms a head 616 which is received within an elongated socket 618 extending from the top cap 84. The flange 614 and socket 618 run substantially the length of the housing 78. To interconnect the channel 82 and top cap 84, the head 616 on each flange 614 is slidably received in an opposing socket 618. Alternatively, the head 616 of the flange on the back member 610 is adapted to snap fit into the opposing socket in the top cap 84. In this way, the back member 610 can be disengaged from the top cap and pivoted about the axis of the hinge 626 in order to provide access to the power distribution server 71.

Altematively, the channel 82 can be secured to the top cap 84 by a plurality of posts 628 which are disposed in the channel 82 and interconnect a bottom of the channel 82 and the top cap 84, as shown in FIG. 12.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the rear surface 91 of the housing 78 is positioned forwardly of the boundary surface 32. Indeed, the housing 78 is positioned sufficiently forward of the boundary surface 32 so as to allow an electrical plug to be inserted into a rearwardly facing receptacle module 73 without the plug and accompanying cord extending rearwardly of the boundary surface 32. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , the rear surface 91 of both the housing 78 and base section of the beam are positioned about 2 inches forward of the boundary surface 32. Alternatively, a plug can be inserted into a forwardly facing receptacle module. The pair of power harnesses 80 are secured to the top cap 84 and disposed in the channel 82, which is also secured to the top cap 84, as

previously described. The top cap 84 and channel 82 form a tube, or housing 78. Each end of the housing 78 has an opening 79 which can be covered with a removable end cap 92. The power harnesses 80 are suspended in the housing by a plurality of retainer clips 81. The clips 81 are secured to the top cap 84 with a plurality of fasteners.

The power harness 80 supplies power to a plurality of receptacle modules 72, 73 which, in turn, provide power for various electronic components placed on the worksurface member 10, or positioned nearby. The power cords for the components are plugged into a socket 74 contained in the receptacle modules 72, 73. The power unit 70, shown in FIG. 12, includes four receptacle modules 72, 73, two modules 72 facing forwardly and two modules 73 facing rearwardly. Each module 72, 73, in turn, has two three-prong sockets 74 adapted to receive a three-prong electrical plug as shown in FIG. 10. The modules 73 facing rearwardly can be accessed by free standing electrical components located adjacent to the desk 2 or by power cables passing beneath the power unit 70 from the modular desk. The modules 73 facing forwardly can be accessed by cables passing over the ledge, by cables running from the trough, or by free standing electronic components.

The power harness 80 is capable of carrying 120/240 Volt single phase power, although other voltage configurations can be used depending on the desired output, such as 208 Volt 3-phase power. The modules 72, 73 are secured to the harness 80 using a plurality of retaining brackets 87. As discussed previously, the power unit 70 shown in FIGS. 8 and 12 has four modules 72, 73 placed in a back-to-back arrangement, whereby two modules 73 face forwardly and two modules 72 face rearwardly. Openings 86 are positioned in the housing channel 82 so as to be aligned with the modules 72, 73. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 12, the openings 86 are positioned midway along the length of the channel 82.

The modular power unit 70 also includes electrical connector

ports 76 positioned at one end of each harness 70. The electrical connector ports 76 provide a means for electrically connecting adjacent desks 2, such that a first desk receives power from a second desk. In this way, desks can be arranged in a system without having to rely on wall panels or fixed outlets for a source of power.

The end of the power harness 80 terminates in the connector port 76. Each electrical connector port 76 is adapted to interface with an opposing connector port 76 attached to a corresponding harness 80 positioned in an adjacent modular desk 2. The other end of each harness 80 terminates in a receptacle port 77. The harnesses 80 are positioned such that the receptacle ports 77 are adjacent to each other, but open toward opposite ends of the power unit 70. The receptacle ports 77 are adapted to engage each other. The retaining brackets 87, which receive the modules 72, are attached to a side portion of each receptacle port 77. Contact channels located in the receptacle port 77 engage opposing contact channels in the modules 72, 73.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11 , a first end of the power harness is provided with some slack so as to allow the connector port 76 attached to the first end to extend from the end of the power unit 70 and mate with the connector port 76 in the adjacent desk. When not being used, the end cap 92 can be placed in the opening 79 in the end of the housing 78 to conceal and protect the electrical connector ports 76 and the attached electrical harness 80.

As shown, the power unit 70 is modular, meaning that it is interchangeable and comes in a standard size corresponding to the width (L) of the modular desk 2. Accordingly, the modular power unit 70 shown in FIGS. 8 and 11 is approximately 48 inches long, corresponding to the length of the modular desk 2.

As shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 13, the bottom surface 225 of the module maintainer 30 and the bottom surface 61 of modular power unit 70 are both substantially spaced apart from the support surface 3. As a result,

power cords and plugs interfacing with the power unit 70 are also raised above the floor. As a result, the power cords and plugs are not visible by a person standing near the work station. Thus, the aesthetics of the work station are greatly improved. In addition, the power cords and plugs are positioned away from the user's feet, thereby avoiding inadvertent disconnection and eliminating potential entanglement. Moreover, for plugs and cords interfacing with the rearwardly facing modules 72, the raised modular power unit 70 eliminates a potential tripping hazard for pedestrian traffic near the rear of the desk 2. Finally, the open space formed between the bottom surface 61 of the modular power unit 70 and the floor 3 provides installers and users with access from one desk to an adjacent, abutting desk. Similarly, if the modular desk 2 is not equipped with a power unit 70, the open space formed between the bottom surface 225 of the module maintainer 30 and the floor provides access for cables to be passed beneath the module maintainer and provides clearance for outlets and other objects protruding into the space.

In another aspect of the invention, the modular desk 2 includes an accessory member 100, as shown in FIG. 3. The accessory member 100 is removably mounted to the support members 40 and the boundary wall 48, 248. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 11 , the accessory member 100 is a screen.

The screen 100 can be a short screen, described as a modesty screen, or a tall screen, described as a privacy screen. A privacy screen separates a seated user from persons standing on the other side of the desk, thereby providing the user with seated privacy. Although shown as a screen, it should be understood that the accessory member could be configured in a variety of ways, including for example, a light, a tackboard, or even an overhead storage unit. As shown, the screen can be made out of a translucent material, or simply covered with cloth. When covered with cloth, the underlying layer can be a tackable material, such as fiberboard. The accessory member 100 has a bottom surface 102 and two mounting members 108, or posts, extending downwardly from the bottom surface 102.

The openings 47 in the support member 40 are adapted to receive the mounting members 108. When installed, the bottom surface 102 of the accessory member 100 engages the top surface 226 of the boundary wall 48. Thus, the accessory member 100 is supported by the top of the boundary wall 48, while the mounting members 108 provide lateral stability.

The accessory member 100 has a front surface 104 and a rear surface 106. When installed, the back surface 106 is maintained substantially flush with the vertical boundary surface 32 as shown in FIG. 11. In addition, the front surface 104 is maintained substantially flush with the upwardly extending portion 234 of the front member, or the front surface of the boundary wall 48. The front surface 104 of the accessory member is positioned rearwardly of the back edge 18 of the work surface member. Because the front surface 104 of the accessory member and back edge 18 of the worksurface member are spaced apart, cables running from various electronic components, such as computers, can pass over the back edge 18 of the worksurface member 100 through the opening between the accessory member 100 and the back edge 18, and be positioned on the ledge 232, or passed over the ledge through the elongated opening and laid in the trough 224. By attaching the accessory member 100 to the module maintainer, the modular desk 2 eliminates the need for bulky free standing screens. Free standing screens require movement of abutting desks for installation and can be expensive. Thus, the module maintainer provides a simple but effective way to maintain system modularity, while simultaneously providing a simple and inexpensive method for separating adjacent workstations.

Other embodiments for the accessory member 100 of FIGS. 3 and 11 are possible. For example, as shown in FIGS. 38-49, the accessory member 100 may include a screen attachment system for attachment to a second accessory member 100. As shown in FIG. 38, the accessory member

100 may be a rectangular modesty screen with two mounting members or

posts 108 that are inserted into and mounted into the openings 47 formed in the top surface of the worksurface member also having a front edge, a back edge and a bottom surface Note that the posts 108 up into the screen, as shown in FIG. 95 To prevent the post from rotating, a bracket 2000 (FIG 96) is mounted to the frame of the screen so that a hollowed end of the post 108 is inserted into a male element 2002. A mounting bracket 2004 (FIG. 97) then engages the post 108 and the other male element 2006 via slots 2008 and 2010, respectively As shown in FIGS 3 and 11 , the worksurface member is attached to a pair of legs of a piece of furniture, such as a modular desk 2

As shown in FIG 39, the modesty screen of FIG. 38 may be modified so that one of the ends is extended to cover a gap between two like corner screens To extend the screen, a screw 1021 is removed and the corner bracket 1024 is removed Then a flexible filler material 1023 is inserted into the screen The bracket can be reattached or the filler material can be extended to another screen. Of course, the screen attachment system may be employed with the privacy screen of FIGS 40A-C Like the modesty screen of FIG. 39, the privacy screen of FIGS 40A-C may be extended in a manner similar to that described with the extended screen of FIGS. 41 A-D.

In each of the screens shown in FIGS. 38-41 , when the mounting members or posts 108 are inserted into the worksurface member they are adjacent to the support members 40 of the module maintainer 30 and the modular power unit 70 of FIGS. 8 and 42 The embodiment of FIG. 42 is similar to that described for the embodiment of FIG. 8 For example, the structure and attachment of the back member 220, front member 230 and top cap 84 of the embodiment of FIG 42 is similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 8. Note that FIG. 42 shows how holes formed in the back member 220, front member 230 and top cap 84 and have bolts 1002 inserted therethrough so as to attach the members together.

As shown in FIGS 42 and 43A-F, a pair of aluminum support

members 40 are provided for mounting the back member 220 and the front member 230 to the modular desk 2. The base section 42 of the support members 42 are attached to the support leg 20 by inserting bolts through the legs 20 and into the holes 1002 formed in the base section 42. A back member 220 is attached to the end portion 43 and a bottom surface of each support member 40. As shown in FIG. 42, the back member 220 is configured in substantially the same shape and has the same contour as a back surface 45 of the support member 40. The back member forms a top section 226 and an upper lip 228 which engages the end portion 43 of the support member 40 when it is inserted therein. Brackets 1004 are used to attach the back member 220 and the support member 40 via a bolt inserted through a hole in the bracket 1004 and holes 1006 and 1008.

Note that a steel spring 1010 is inserted between an arcuate side surface 1012 of the support member 40. As shown in FIGS. 44A-B, the spring 1012 has a semi-cylindrical surface 1014 that expansively engages the surface 1012. A T-shaped appendage 1016 extends from the surface 1014 and presses against the posts 108 of the screens.

The back member 220 also includes a bottom lip 222 which extends upwardly between the support members 40 to form the trough 224. The bottom surface 225 of the back member 220 is spaced above the floor 3 at least half the height of the legs 20 to provide a space below the module maintainer 30 whereby cables can be passed below the module maintainer 30 to an adjacent desk.

The front member 230 is configured in substantially the same shape and has the same contour as a front surface 39 of the support member. The front member 230 extends between the support members 40 and is fastened to the front surface 39 of the support member. A horizontal surface of the front member defines the top of the base section and forms the ledge 232 where excess lengths of cables can be stored. An upwardly extending portion 234 of the front member includes a lip 236 which underlies the overlapping upper lip 228 of the back member when the members are

s\ attached to the support member 40. When attached to the support member, the vertical section 211 and the upwardly extending portion 234 of the front member form the generally vertical boundary wall 48 The back and front members also form a cavity 240 between them in the base section. In addition, a bottom lip 238 of the front member and the bottom lip 228 of the back member form the elongated opening 242 between them so that a user can pass cables or excess lengths of power cords through the opening 242 into the cavity 240 and lay them in the trough 224.

To help organize the cables, and retain them on the ledge 232, a plurality of wire management clips 600 can be attached to the lip 238 of the front member in a manner as shown and described with respect to FIG. 36

The beam member 210 includes a base section 282 and an upper portion that are configured in a manner similar to that shown and described with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 13 Accordingly, the base section 282 and the upper portion form the generally vertical boundary wall

48. The upper portion extends rearwardly and upwardly from the base section 282 and includes an angled portion positioned at an acute angle to the vertical plane and a vertical portion extending vertically from the end of the angled portion. It should be understood that the entire module maintainer (lower and upper portions), including the support members and the beam member (having a base section and vertical wall), could be made out of a single member, such as an extrusion. In such an embodiment, the ends of the extrusion which are attached to the legs could function as the aforedescribed support members, and could be defined as such. Similarly, a lower portion of the extrusion extending between the legs could function as the base section of the beam member, and could include a ledge for supporting cables, a cavity for storing cables and a forwardly facing opening for accessing the cavity. In addition, an upper portion of the extrusion could be formed as the vertical wall, thereby defining the boundary surface of the module maintainer

The top cap 84 of the embodiment of FIG 42 can be attached to

the housing 78 and pair of power harnesses 80 shown in FIG. 8 and in a manner described previously. As shown in FIG. 42, the top cap 84 can be fixedly mounted to a bottom 37 of the beam member 34, 210 using a plurality of fasteners (not shown). The top cap 84 is attached to a three front members 608, which are preferably fixedly mounted to the rear surface 26 of the support legs 20 so that the housing is not removable, and a back member 610. In a preferred embodiment, the back member 610 is pivotally attached to the front members 608 along a bottom edge 61 in a manner similar to that described for the embodiment of FIG. 8. The bottom interior edges of the front and back members have ridges that are similar in shape to those shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8. The ridges of the front and back members of the embodiment of FIG. 42 interlock with one another in a manner similar to that shown and described with respect to FIG. 8. Accordingly, one end of each of the front member and back member of the embodiment of FIG. 42 are formed into opposing channels which form a hinge. In addition, the front and back members 608, 610 include inwardly facing and elongated flange members 614. The free edge of each flange member 614 forms a head 616 which is received within an elongated socket 618 extending from the top cap 84. The flange 614 and socket 618 run substantially the length of the housing 78. To interconnect the channel 82 and top cap 84, the head 616 on each flange 614 is slidably received in an opposing socket 618. Alternatively, the head 616 of the flange on the back member 610 is adapted to snap fit into the opposing socket in the top cap 84. In this way, the back member 610 can be disengaged from the top cap and pivoted about the axis of the hinge 626 in order to provide access to the power distribution server 71.

Altematively, the channel 82 can be secured to the top cap 84 by a plurality of posts in a manner described previously with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 8.

With the above description of the housing 78 of FIG. 42, the rear surface 91 of the housing 78 is positioned forwardly of the boundary surface

32 so as to allow electrical plugs to be inserted into a rearwardly facing

receptacle module in a manner similar to that described with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 8.

A pair of power harnesses 80 are secured to the top cap 84 and disposed in the housing 78. Each end of the housing 78 has an opening 79 which can be covered with a removable end cap, such as the cap of FIG. 8.

The power harnesses 80 are suspended in the housing by a plurality of retainer clips 81. The clips 81 are secured to the top cap 84 with a plurality of fasteners. The power harnesses 80 have a structure and supply power in a manner described with respect to the power harnesses of the embodiment of FIG. 8. Note that rectangular caps 1017 can be attached to the middle front members 608 so as to cover the openings 86 and deny access to modules 72 and 73.

Each of the screens of FIGS. 38-39 includes one (FIG. 39) or a pair (FIG. 38) of retractable male members 1018 that are positioned within a female receiving element such as opening 1020 formed in the top corners

1022 of the screen. The opening 1020 is cylindrical in shape having a diameter of approximately 0.312" and a length of approximately 1.75". As shown in FIG. 45, the opening 1020 is formed in a steel or zinc die cast corner bracket 1024 that is mounted to the top corner of the screen. A rectangular slot 1026 is formed in the top of the corner bracket 1024 and extends into the opening 1020. The slot 1026 has a length of approximately 1.25". The slot 1026 has an upper recess 1027, having a width of approximately 0.375", and a lower recess 1031 having a width of approximately 1/8" and a depth of approximately 1/8". It is understood that a wide variety of shapes and sizes for the opening 1020 and the slot 1026 are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the upper recess 1027 can be eliminated as shown in FIG. 47.

As shown in FIGS. 46A-D the retractable male member 1018 is made of a resilient material, such as steel or 30% glass filled nylon, and includes a cylindrical-like base 1028, including slots 1029, which is integrally attached to a handle 1030. The cylindrical base 1028 has a length of

approximately 1.141" and a diameter of approximately 0.312" so as to snugly fit within the opening 1020. The handle 1030 is attached at to the end of the base 1028 furthest from the side edge of the screen and rises substantially perpendicular to the base 1028 so as to be positioned within the upper recess 1027 of the slot 1026. As shown in FIG. 47, the handle 1030 may be positioned above the slot 1036 as well. Moving the handle 1030 towards a position located at the front edge 1032 of the slot 1026 nearest the side edge of the screen causes the cylindrical base 1028 to partially extend outside of the opening 1020 by approximately 0.5". Movement of the handle 1030 towards a position located at the rear edge 1034 of the slot 1026 causes the base 1028 to be totally retracted within the opening 1020 so that the end of base 1028 furthest from the handle 1038 is approximately 0.6" from the exterior edge of the opening 1020.

With the above description in mind, the attachment of a pair of screens having identical retractable receiving elements is easily understood.

As shown in FIGS. 48A-B and 49, a side of a screen is placed adjacent to a side of a second screen so that the retractable male members 1018 of each screen are aligned with the female receiving elements or openings 1020 of the other screen. As shown in FIGS. 45 and 48A one manner of attaching the screens is to retract the male member 1018 of the right screen into the opening 1020 of the right screen. The male member 1018 of the left screen is partially extended out of the opening 1020 of the left screen and inserted into the opening 1020 of the right screen. An alternative method of attaching the screens is shown in FIG. 48B where the male member 1018 of the left screen is retracted into its corresponding opening 1020 and partially extending the male member of the right screen and inserting it into the opening 1020 of the left screen. One rule of thumb for attachment that is shown in FIGS. 48A-B is that if the handles 1030 of the screens are moved in the same direction, either left or right, then a male member 1018 will be partially extended so as to be inserted into an opening in the other screen.

As shown in FIGS. 9-11 , another aspect of the modular desk 2

is an overhead member 110. The overhead member 110 has a back surface 112. When attached to the back edge 18 of the worksurface member 10, the back surface 112 is positioned forwardly of the front surface 104 of the accessory member, when the two members are used in combination. In addition, the back surface 112 of the overhead member is maintained forwardly of the boundary surface 32 of the module maintainer 30. Accordingly, the overhead member 110 does not interfere with the modularity, or footprint, of the desk 2.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the overhead member 110 is removably attached to the worksurface member 10. Preferably, the overhead member

110 is positioned on the top surface 12 of the worksurface member 10. For example, the overhead member 110 is shown positioned on the top surface 12 and clamped to the back edge 18 in FIG. 11. Altematively, a screen or other accessory can also be mounted directly to the worksurface member as shown for the overhead unit in FIG. 11. In addition, it should be understood that the overhead member 110 can also be attached to a side edge of the worksurface member, or to both the back edge and side edge. As with screens, off-unit or freestanding overhead storage units are bulky and expensive. In addition, installation of such units can disrupt the footprint of the system. In contrast, the overhead member shown in FIG. 11 conserves space, reduces costs, and does not interfere with system modularity.

Because the overhead member 110 is not mounted to the support legs 20 at the corners of the worksurface member as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, it is not attached to or dependent on the legs 20 for support. Thus, if the legs 20 are made height adjustable, the overhead member 110 simply moves up or down with the worksurface member 10. Accordingly, the distance between the overhead member 110 and work surface member 10 is maintained as a constant. Therefore, various components, such as tack boards, storage trays or electronic equipment, can be positioned between the overhead member and worksurface member without having to be moved or adjusted with each adjustment of the height of the worksurface member.

Indeed, any object can be placed between the overhead unit and the worksurface member without it being disturbed due to height adjustments The overhead member 110 is preferably secured to the work surface member 10 using a C-shaped clamp 114 shown in FIG 11 , although other methods of attachment are possible, including the use of fasteners passing through the worksurface member.

In an exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS 9-11 , the overhead member 110 includes a storage unit 116 The storage unit 116 has parallel side walls 118, a top wall 120, a bottom wall 122 and a back wall 124 defining the back surface 112 The storage unit 116 is secured to top portions 127 of a pair of support legs 126 Bottom portions 129 of the support legs are positioned on the worksurface member 10 The storage unit 116 has an opening 128 framed by the side walls 118, top wall 120 and bottom wall 122 As shown in FIG 9, the opening has a door positioned in it The door can be a tambour door 130, as shown in FIG 9, a flipper door, a hinged door, or a sliding door Alternatively, a drawer can be disposed in the opening.

It should be understood that a wide variety of overhead members are available Accordingly, the overhead member is not limited to the aforedescribed storage unit For example, an open shelf 132, such as those shown in FIG 7 and FIG 50, can be installed on the worksurface member 10 The shelf 132 has a bottom surface 134 and three sides forming a nm 136 As with the storage unit, the shelf 132 is supported by a pair of support legs 126 As shown in FIGS 50-51 , a mounting plate 1036 can be attached to the top of the support legs 126 in a well known manner such as welding The mounting plate 1036 and the bottom surface 134 have holes 1038 into which bolts (not shown) can be inserted so as to attach the bottom surface 134 of the shelf 132 to the support legs 126 A rear wall of the shelf defines the back surface The support legs 126 can be attached or unattached to the worksurface member 10 Attachment can be achieved in a well known

manner by bolting the bottom of the support legs 126 to the top surface 12 of the worksurface member 10. The embodiment of FIGS. 50-56 shows an altemative form of attachment. A base plate 1040 shown in FIG. 55 is attached in a well known manner, such as welding, to the bottom of the frame 1042 of the support leg 126 shown in FIGS. 53-55. The top of the base 1044 of a J-shaped clamp 1046 (see FIG. 56) is then attached to the underside of the base plate 1040 by inserting bolts through holes 1048 and into the base plate 1040. The above-described support legs 126 are shown in FIGS. 50 and 53 and are attached to the worksurface member 10 by sliding the back edge 18 between the clamp 1046 and rotating the handle 1050 so that the top

1052 of the clamp engages the bottom surface 14 of the worksurface member 10.

The above-described leg support and clamp structure of FIGS. 50-56 can be used to attach a closed cabinet to the worksurface member 10. The support legs 126 of FIGS. 7 and 50-56 each have a rear surface 125 positioned forwardly of the back surface 112 of the overhead member. In such an embodiment, a tackboard, having a tackable surface, can be attached to the rear surface of the legs. A rear surface of the tackboard is maintained forwardly of the rear surface of the overhead member. As mentioned previously, the tackboard can be secured to the overhead member, even if the worksurface member is height adjustable.

In addition to the overhead, various other storage devices can be secured to the worksurface member. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a cabinet assembly 500 and tool rail assembly 540 are secured to the back edge of the worksurface member. It should be understood that these members can be secured at an infinite number of locations along the back or side edges of the worksurface member, and are not dependent on any particular structure or holes for their placement.

As shown in FIGS. 25-27, the cabinet assembly 500 includes a cabinet member 502 and a support member 504. The cabinet member 502 has two side walls 506, a back wall 508, a top wall 510, and a bottom wall

522. The side walls each have two vertical rows of holes 523 which oppose each other. The holes 523 are adapted to receive posts. The posts can be arranged in a variety of patterns to support shelves.

The support member 504 includes an upper section 512 having a support surface 513 and an arm 514 extending upwardly from the back edge of the upper section 512. The support member also includes a lower section 516 having a support surface 517 which rests on and engages the top surface 12 of the work surface member 10. A web section 519 interconnects the upper and lower support sections. The support member 504 also includes a C-shaped mounting member 518 which is adapted to slidably engage the work surface member 10. The size of the opening 520 formed by the C-shaped member is slightly greater than the thickness of the worksurface member 10. To install the support member, a user slides the support member 504 on to an edge of the worksurface member as shown in FIG. 25 and installs a screw to clamp the support member 504 to the work surface member 10. Note that the C-shaped mounting member 518 may be integral with the support member 504 (see FIGS. 25-27) or it may be separate. An example of a separate C-shaped mounting member 518 is shown in FIGS. 80-82. The separate C-shaped mounting member 518 has a top plate 521 which is placed adjacent to the bottom surface of lower section

516 and is attached thereto via a number of screws 525 inserted through holes formed in the top plate 521 and into the bottom surface of the lower section 516.

The cabinet member is disposed on the support member 504, so that the back wall 508 engages a front surface of the arm 514 and the bottom wall 522 engages the upper support surface 513. The cabinet member is secured to the support member 504 with a plurality of fasteners, as shown in FIG. 26.

The tool rail assembly 540, shown in FIGS. 28-30, includes a support member 550, a pair of rail members 560 and a tool 570. The support member 550 includes a base 552, an arm 554 extending upwardly from the

base 552, and a support flange 556 extending outwardly from the base 552. The base 552 includes a lower support surface 558 which is disposed on and engages the top surface of the work surface member. The base also includes a downwardly extending flange 560 which engages the back edge of the work surface member when the support member 550 is disposed on the worksurface member. The flange 560 includes a boss 562 having a hole 564 disposed in it. A J-shaped clamping member 566 is disposed in the hole 564, and a nut 568 is secured to the top of the clamping member 566. As the nut is tightened, the support member 550 is secured to the work surface member by the clamping member 566. Alternatively, the support member can include a C-shaped mounting member and screw as described above for mounting the tool rail assembly to the work surface member.

An upper and lower rail member 560 each include a back plate 572, a plurality of rails 574 configured as T-shaped members extending outwardly from the back plate 572 in a generally horizontal orientation, and an upper lip 576 that curves outwardly and downwardly. The upper lip 576 of the lower rail member operably engages a downwardly extending portion 578 of the bottom most T-shaped member 574 of the upper plate so that the plate members are interlocked. The plate members are disposed on the support flange 556 and the back plate 572 engages the arm member 554. The plate members are secured to the arm member with a plurality of fasteners (not shown).

The tool, configured in FIGS. 28-29 as a tray, includes a bottom wall 580, a pair of side walls 582 and a back wall 584. The forward edge 586 of the bottom surface has a cut away portion, or notch 588, so that a user can grip various items disposed in the tray. A curved lip 590 extends rearwardly from the back wall 584 of the tray. Altematively, a channel extends outwardly from the back wall. The curved lip 584 or channel are adapted to engage an upwardly extending portion 592 of the T-shaped member as the back surface of the back wall 584 rests up against the top of the T-shaped member. Thus, the tray can be disposed on and releasably engage any one of the T-shaped

members. It should be understood that any number of trays can be disposed on the tool rail. It should also be understood that other tool devices, besides a tray, can be configured to engage the T-shaped rail members. For example, telephone stands and file holders can be also be used. Alternative support members 550' are shown in FIGS. 80-81.

The support member 550' includes a base 552', an arm 554' extending upwardly from the base 552', and a support flange 556' extending outwardly from the base 552'. . A separate C-shaped mounting member 518 is attached to the bottom of the base 552' by inserting a number of screws 525 through holes formed in the top plate 521 and into the bottom of the base

552'. Once attached, the top plate 521 lies adjacent to the bottom of the base 552'. Next, the back edge of the work surface is inserted into the space formed between the bottom plate 527 and the top plate 521 and the mounting screw 529 is tightened so that the support member is attached to the worksurface.

An upper and lower rail member 560' (FIG. 80) or a fabric covered tackable surface 531 (FIG. 81) may be attached to the support members 550'. As shown in FIG. 80, for each member 560' a plurality of U- shaped rails 574' are formed from a single sheet of material, such as steel or aluminum. Consecutive U-shaped rails 574' are separated from one another by rectangular channels 533. The upper and lower rail members 560' and the tackable surface 531 are each attached to a rectangular mounting board 535 via fasteners 537. The rectangular mounting board 535 is then attached to the arm 554' by inserting fasteners 539 through holes in the board 535 and into holes 541 formed in the arm 554'.

The tool shown in FIGS. 28-29, such as a tray, may be attached to the upper rail member 560' in a similar manner that the tool is attached to the upper rail member 560 of FIGS. 28-30.

In a preferred embodiment, the legs 20 of the desk 2 are height adjustable, as shown in FIG. 11. Each leg 20 includes a lower member 25 and an upper member 23 slidably received in the lower member 25. The

upper member 23 can be raised or lowered within the lower member 25, which remains stationary. In this embodiment, the modular maintainer 34 is attached to the lower member 25. Accordingly, the module maintainer 30 remains stationary when the upper member 23, and attached worksurface member 10, are raised or lowered.

A height adjustment mechanism 160, disposed in each leg 20, interconnects the support member 29 and the mounting bracket 28. The mechanism includes a drive tube 162 and a screw 164. A top end of the screw 164 is rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket 28. The lower end of the screw threadably engages a nut 166 mounted in the top portion of the drive tube 162. A first bevel gear 168 is mounted to the top end of the screw 164 and operably engages a second bevel gear 172 mounted to a horizontal drive shaft 174. The screw 164 may be located in a variety of positions, such as near the front of the leg 20. In operation, the mechanism 160 can be actuated either manually or automatically. For manual operation, a miter gear box 176 is secured to the bottom surface 74 of the worksurface member as shown in FIG. 17. It should be understood that one skilled in the art would recognize how to design a miter gear box 176 in order to provide a differential gearing system. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the shape of the miter box 176 can have a wide variety of shapes, such as rectangular, without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the details of the miter box have been omitted for simplicity. An end of the drive shaft 174, which extends from each leg 20, is disposed in the gear box. A tube 180 and extendible crank 170 extend forwardly from the gear box 176.

In operation, a user rotates the crank 170, which causes the gear box to rotate the drive shafts 174. The drive shafts 174, in turn, cause the screw 164 in each leg to rotate through the intermeshing of bevel gears 168, 172. When rotated, the screw 164 engages the threaded nut 166 in the drive tube 162, thereby causing the mounting bracket 28 and worksurface member 10 to move in a vertical direction.

For automatic operation, the mechanism 160 includes a motor 182 mounted to the bottom surface 14 of the worksurface member, as shown in FIG. 19. It should be understood that one skilled in the art would recognize how to design a motor 182 in order to automatically rotate the pair of drive shafts 174. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the shape of the motor 182 can have a wide variety of shapes, such as rectangular, without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the details of the motor 182 have been omitted for simplicity. When turned on, the motor 182 rotates the pair of drive shafts 174, which move the worksurface member in the same way as just described for manual operation.

Alternatively, a nut 190 can be secured to the bottom end of the upper member 23 of the leg, as shown in FIG. 21. A screw 192 is provided which threadably engages the nut 190 and is rotatably attached to the foot member 29. The screw includes a drive head 194 that extends below the bottom of the foot member 29. The screw 192 may be in several positions, such as the rear of the leg, without departing from the spirit of the invention. In operation, a user turns the drive head 194 which rotates the screw 192 and causes the upper member 23 to move in a vertical direction.

The desk is also provided with a support member 29 attached to the bottom of each leg 20. In a preferred embodiment the support member includes a leveling device, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 21. The leveling device provides leveling for the C-shaped desk while simultaneously maintaining a low profile at the forward end of the protruding foot member. For a complete description and disclosure of that device and the benefits of having a C- shaped leg with a low-profile foot member, see co-pending U.S. Provisional

Patent Application Serial Number 60/006,834, entitled Leveling Device For A Support Leg, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The leveling device is typically not used with the third leg 326, which is positioned at the corner of the corner table, as shown in FIG. 4, or with the two support legs, which are attached to the module maintainer 30 on

the peninsula table 350, as shown in FIG. 33. Indeed, an elongated foot member at those locations could unnecessarily interfere with the user's chair or feet. Thus, the support member used at those locations shown in FIG. 37, simply includes a pair of adjustable glide members 364 disposed in opposite ends of the foot member 366. The glide members 364 can be used to adjust the height and level of the support member. The third leg 326 typically employs the manual height adjustment mechanism described in FIG. 21. The third leg 326 may or may not employ the top plate for attachment to the work surface member 354 as shown in FIG. 37. Furthermore, the removable top support 327 may have a variety of shapes such as shown in FIGS. 37 and

94A-C.

As shown in FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of the modular desk, called a bridge member 140, has a worksurface member 10, but not any legs. Rather, the bridge member 140 is adapted to be positioned in the space located between adjacent, spaced apart modular desks. Because the desks are modular, e,, the length of the desks is maintained as a constant, the space between adjacent, spaced apart desks is maintained as a constant (L). For example, the space can have a length L of approximately 6". The total amount of space for three or more desks would be multiples of L. Thus, three desks in series would have two spaces therebetween and a total space of 12". Note that the bridge member 140 also has a width equal to the length L of the space.

The worksurface member 10 of the bridge member 140 is releasably attached to a pair of adjacent desks using a bridge plate 142, shown in FIG. 14. When installed, the top surface 12 of the bridge member is maintained substantially flush with the top surfaces 12 of the adjacent work surface members.

When using a bridge member 140, a separate module maintainer 30 and power unit must also be attached to adjacent module maintainers 30 and power units 70 positioned on either side of the module maintainer 30 and power unit. As described previously, the sidewalls 31 of

the abutting modular maintainer support members are preferably interconnected with a plurality of fasteners 40 as shown in FIG. 14.

Another variation of the modular desk is an extension member 150, shown in FIG. 5. The extension member 150 includes a worksurface member 10, a module maintainer 30 and one leg 20 attached to the bottom surface 14 of the worksurface member adjacent one of the side edges 15. The extension member has a free edge 152 opposite the side edge supported by the leg. The free edge 152 is adapted to be releasably secured to the side edge of an adjacent desk using a bridge plate. The top surface 12 of the extension member worksurface member is maintained substantially flush with the top surface of the worksurface member of the adjacent desk. Similarly, the free edge of the module maintainer and power unit is attached to the adjacent module maintainer and power unit as discussed previously. Yet another variation of the modular desk is the corner desk 320, shown in FIG. 4. The corner unit can have two or three legs. The third corner leg 326 can be made height adjustable. When a third leg is installed, a corner module maintainer 330 is attached to the third leg 326, as shown in FIG. 22. The module maintainers 30, positioned perpendicularly to each other and running along the back edges of the corner desk, are then attached to opposing sides of the corner module maintainer 330 by fastening together interfacing sidewalls. Similarly, a corner power unit 340 can be secured to the third leg 326 and a bottom of the corner module maintainer 330. The power units 70 running perpendicular aiong the back edges of the corner desk are electrically interconnected with the corner power unit 340. As shown in FIG. 33, a peninsula desk 350 has an elongated work surface member 354 extending forwardly from a pair of support legs. The free end 355 of the work surface member 354, which preferably has an arcuate shape, is supported by a third support leg 352. The peninsula desk 350 provides a user with additional work surface area. Typically, the peninsula desk 350 is installed between a pair of two-legged modular desks, so as to provide a shared work surface area for users of the adjacent desks.

--T-

A tear-drop shaped table 360 and a D-shaped table 362 are shown in FIGS 31 and 32 respectively These tables can be incorporated into various systems of modular desks, for example, in order to provide additional work surface, as shown in FIG 1 One aspect of these tables is the modular support assembly 700 used to support a tear-drop shaped work surface member 361 and a D-shaped work surface member 363

The modular support assembly 700 includes a tube 702, a rod 704, an upper support bracket 706 and a plurality of feet members 708, 710 Each foot member 708, 710 includes a base section 712 and a support member 714, 716 extending outwardly from the base section A caster 718 is attached to the end of each support member 714, 716 and is adapted to engage the floor The base section 712 includes an inner concave surface 720 shaped to receive the rod 704, an outer convex surface 722, and an upper and a lower conically shaped surface 724, 726 The tube 702 has four lobes 728 or curved portions, each one shaped to receive the convex surface

722 of the base section 712.

The upper support bracket 706 has a center portion 730 and a plurality of arms 732 extending outwardly from the center portion 730 The support bracket for the D-shaped table includes three arms, while the support bracket for the tear-drop shaped table has four arms The center portion 730 of the bracket also has an opening 734 passing through it When installed, a one piece or a two piece washer 736 is interposed between the support bracket 706 and a top portion of the tube 702 To provide height adjustment of the worksurface member, additional washers can be installed, thereby increasing the distance between the worksurface and the floor

To assemble the modular support assembly 700, a nut 736 is first threaded onto a lower portion of the rod Then, a cone shaped washer 730, opening downwardly and shaped to receive the upper surface 724 of the base section, is disposed on the rod 704 A second cone shaped washer 742, opening upwardly and shaped to receive the bottom surface 726 of the base section, is threaded onto the rod 704, leaving a space between the two

washers 740, 742. Next, the feet member 708, 710 are positioned between the two washers 740, 742 such that the inner concave surface 730 of each foot interfaces with the rod 704. Either the bottom cone washer or the nut is then tightened, thereby clamping the feet members between the washers 740, 742 as they interface with the upper and lower surfaces 724, 726 of the base section. A bottom portion 744 of the tube is then disposed over the base sections of the plurality of feet. An inner concave surface 746 of the tube engages the outer convex surface 722 of the base sections.

Finally, the upper support bracket 706 is placed on top of the two-piece washer 736 which is positioned on top of the tube member 702. An upper end 748 of the rod passes through the opening 734 in the center portion 730 of the bracket and a nut 750 is threaded onto the upper end 748 of the rod. When tightened, the nut 750 and rod 704 clamp together the upper bracket 706, the tube 702, and the feet members 708, 710. By using a two-piece washer between the tube and support bracket, the washer can be easily removed simply by loosening the nut 750, removing the washer (or inserting additional washers) from between the tube and support bracket, and retightening the nut 750. Thus, the support assembly does not have to be completely disassembled to exchange, replace, or add new washers. A plurality of washers can be used to provide the work surface member with height adjustability.

The modular support assembly has several advantages over conventional supports. For example, if a user wishes to exchange a shorter foot member 710, as shown in FIG. 32, for a longer foot member 708, the user simply loosens the bottom cone washer, slides the foot member out from between the two cone washers and from beneath the tube, and installs a new foot member in its place. If it is desired to only have three feet members, as shown in FIG. 32, one simply removes one of the feet and installs a spacer 760 in its place. The spacer is configured the same as the base section of the foot member, but does not include a corresponding support member or caster.

^7

It should be understood that a user can reconfigure the support assembly to include one, two, three or four legs. Similariy, the assembly can contain any combination of shorter or longer legs. The user may wish to have one or more legs shortened to minimize interference with the user's feet, or lengthened to increase the stability of the worksurface. Thus, the modular support assembly provides a great deal of flexibility in configuring a support for a table, while minimizing the cost and number of parts the user needs for that reconfiguration.

When creating a workspace environment, a plurality of modular desks 2 can be arranged in a predetermined pattern so as to form a modular desk system as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7. The plurality of modular desks 2 can be arranged in a side-by-side pattern, a back-to-back pattem, or a combination of such patterns.

For example, to assemble two modular desks 2 in a side-by-side arrangement, as shown in FIG. 15, an installer places the desks 2, having matching depths, next to each other, such that the side edges 15 abut each other. In addition, the desks 2 are positioned such that the boundary surfaces 32 lie flush or lie in the same plane as each other. When so arranged, cables laid on the ledge 232 may pass from that ledge 232 to the next ledge 232. It should be understood that any number of modular desks can be arranged in this manner.

When two desks 2 are arranged in a side-by-side pattern, opposing ends of adjacent power units 70 are also aligned. Accordingly, the electrical connector port 76 extending from a first desk can be connected to the electrical connector port 76 positioned in the adjacent desk, such that the first desk supplies power to the adjacent desk as shown in FIG. 15. When a plurality of desks are positioned together, and the desk's power units are interconnected, the entire system can be powered from a single source. To arrange two desks in a back-to-back arrangement, the installer simply positions the desks such that the boundary surfaces of the adjacent module maintainers abut each other. When so arranged, as shown

in FIG. 13, accessory members 100 can be installed on top of each boundary wall 48 without having to move or adjust the abutting desks. Similarly, overhead members 110 can be installed on the worksurface member 10 without having to move or adjust abutting desks. Furthermore, cables can be passed over the back edge of the worksurface member 10 and laid on the ledge 232 or in the trough 224 without having to move or adjust the adjacent modular desk, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

The modular desks can also be used in combination with wall panel systems, such as the ACTION OFFICE or ETHOSPACE wall panel systems commercially available from the Herman Miller Inc. of Zeeland,

Michigan. As shown in FIG. 7, the modular desks 2 are positioned such that the boundary surface 32 abuts the wall panel surface 202. When positioned in this manner, the modular desk can be mechanically fastened to the panel with a connector bracket 800, as shown in FIG. 23, in order to provide support for the panel and to prevent the desk from being displaced.

The connector bracket 800 includes a plate member 802 and a plurality of hooks 804 extending rearwardly from the plate member. The hooks 804 are shaped to operably engage slots 806 positioned in a standard 808 attached to an end of the panel 200. The plate member 802 has four openings arranged in a generally vertical direction. Two upper holes 810 are positioned so as to be aligned with the holes 814 located in the sidewall 31 of the module maintainer support member. Two lower openings 813 are slotted in the vertical direction. Two fasteners are disposed in the slots 813 and secure a foot bracket 816 to the connector bracket 800. The foot bracket 816 includes two perpendicular flanges 818, 820 and a hook member 822 extending outwardly from one of the flanges. The hook member 822 operably engages a back portion 823 of the support member 29. The two lower openings are slotted to ease installation of the foot bracket 816.

When installed, the hook member 822 on the foot bracket 816 engages the back 823 of the support member, and the plate 802 is attached to the side wall with a plurality of fasteners. In addition, the hook members

804 are inserted into and operably engage the slots 806 in the standard 808. In this way, the modular desk is removably secured to the panel.

Other examples of attaching the modular desk 2 to a panel or wall such that the boundary surface 32 abuts the wall panel surface 202 is shown by the furniture and panel systems of FIGS. 58-79. As shown in FIG.

58, a pair of panels 200 are attached to and aligned along each other along a seam 1056 and are positioned substantially perpendicular to a support surface 1060, such as a floor. The panels 200 include stands or glides 1058 that aid in supporting the panels 200 on the support surface 1060. A piece of furniture, such as the modular desk 2, is positioned so that the back edge 18 of the worksurface member 10 is substantially parallel to the panels 200 and the side walls 31 of the support members 40 are substantially perpendicular to the panels 200. Note that the side walls 31 may include support stands or glides 1062 where rotation of the glide causes a screw to rotate and either raise or lower the desk. An attachment system 1064 for attaching the side walls 31 and the panels 200 is shown in part in FIG. 58. A connector bracket 1066 is positioned above the support surface 1060 and is attached to the panels 200 and the side walls 31 by inserting fasteners, such as bolts, through the slots 1068 of the bracket 1066 and into the corresponding holes 1070 formed in the side walls 31. As shown in FIGS. 58, 67 and 90-93, the rear end of the bracket 1066 has a plurality of angled hooking elements such as T-shaped hooks 1072. The hooks 1072 are angled relative to the rectangular plate 1074 by approximately 30° to match the angled slot and are pushed into slots or gaps 1076 formed between consecutive tabs 1078 that are attached to and arranged vertically along the seam 1056 between the panels 200. Once inserted through the gaps 1076, the bracket 1066 and hooks 1072 are pushed downward (see arrow in FIG. 91) so as to engage the tabs 1078. The bracket 1066 also includes a steel dislodgment clip 1080. As shown in FIGS. 58, 67, 90 and 92-93, the dislodgment clip 1080 includes a first pair of prongs 1082 that engage the bracket 1066 by having two L- shaped appendages 1084 slid between spaces 1086 and engage the edges

S O

1088 of the bracket 1066. Vertical appendage 1090 is inserted through slot 1092. A second pair of prongs 1094 are angled so as to be parallel to hooks 1072 and to engage the panel.

As shown in FIGS. 90 and 92-93, when the hooks 1074 are slid down to properly engage in the tabs 1078, one prong 1094 and a middle finger 1097 of the bracket 1066 will enter (the prong 1094 will spring into the gap) into and fill the gap 1076 (see FIG. 92). Since the gap 1076 is filled, the bracket 1066 cannot move up or down relative to the seam 1056. The plate 1074 cannot be removed until the prong 1094 is pulled or pushed out of the gap 1076. The prongs 1094 have lengths long enough to penetrate beyond gap 1076.

Note that the connector bracket 1066 shown in FIGS. 57, 58 and 67 is designed to attach a modular piece of furniture to the ACTION OFFICE wall panel system commercially available from Herman Miller, Inc. of Zeeland, Michigan. A connector bracket 1066' and dislodgment clip 1080' to be used for attaching modular furniture to the ETHOSPACE wall panel system commercially available from the Herman Miller Inc. of Zeeland, Michigan are shown in FIGS. 66, 68 and 78. As shown in the figures, connector brackets 1066 and 1066' and dislodgment clips 1080 and 1080' are similar in shape, structure and function. One difference is that the prongs

1094' are offset by approximately 0.20" and are parallel to plate 1074'. Furthermore, the plate 1076' includes two additional slots 1095 which receive the appendages 1084' of the dislodgment clip 1080'. The prongs 1094' are parallel to and offset by approximately 0.11" with respect to the prongs 1082'. The prongs 1094' have lengths long enough to penetrate beyond gap 1076'.

A second component of the attachment systems 1064 of FIGS. 58-63 and 66-69 is a support plate 1096 lying on the support surface 1060. The support plate can be used with both the OFFICE ACTION and ETHOSPACE panel systems mentioned previously. As shown in FIGS. 61 , 62 and 69, the support plate 1096 includes a panel receptacle 1098 for receiving a portion of a panel 200 and a wall receptacle 1100 for receiving a

portion of the side wall 31 of the piece of furniture. The panel receptacle 1098 is shown in FIGS. 61 and 69 and has three rectangular mounting pieces 1102 that are formed from and are substantially perpendicular to the support plate 1096. The mounting pieces 1102 define an area A that allows a support stand or glide 1058 of the panel 200 to be inserted therein. The mounting pieces 1102 abut and engage the sides of the glide 1058 so as to prevent the removal of the support plate 1096 from the panel 200 (see FIG. 61)

The support plate 1096 is adjustable to accommodate different sizes of pieces of furniture. As shown in FIGS. 61 , 62 and 69, the wall receptacle 1100 has a pair of slots 1106 and 1108. A tab 1110 formed in the panel receptacle 1098 is inserted into one of the slots 1106 and 1108, depending on the type of modular desk being attached. For example, if tab 1110 is inserted into slot 1106, then a power crank adjustable table desk can be attached to the wall receptacle 1100. Attachment is accomplished by lowering the glide 1062 so that a mounting piece, such as the front tab 1112, is inserted into a slot (not shown) formed in the bottom of the glide 1062. Attachment of a fixed height table desk is accomplished in the same manner as the power crank adjustable table desk, except that the tab 1110 is inserted into slot 1108. Once the desk 2 is attached to the panels 200, a second desk 2 can be attached adjacent thereto in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 60. In that case, the desks 2 are attached to the panels 200 by a common connector bracket 1066 or 1066' and a pair of nuts and washers 1114 and bolts 1116 inserted through the aligned slots 1068, 1068' and holes 1070. Ganging plate 1118 may be attached to both of bottom surfaces 14 of the desks 2 to insure that that the side edges of the worksurface members are separated by a uniform gap.

Note that if either bracket 1066 or bracket 1066' is to be attached to an end panel 200, then a standard 808 can be attached to the free end of the panel 200 in a manner as shown in FIGS. 23 and 60. The standard 808 has a plurality of slots 806 in which the hooks 1072 and 1072'

can be inserted. A bolt plate 1116 is inserted over the slots 1068, 1068' so that access to the slots is prevented. The threaded posts 1118 of the bolt plate 1116 are inserted into slots 1068, 1068' and into the corresponding holes 1070 and attached to the side walls 31 by threading the nuts and washers 1120 onto the posts 1118.

Another variation of attachment of a modular desk 2 to a panel 200 is to have a side wall 31 adjacent to and parallel to the panels 200. In this case, a L-shaped connecting brackets 1122 and 1122' are used for attachment to ACTION OFFICE and ETHOSPACE panels respectfully. Brackets 1122 and 1122' are identical to brackets 1066 and 1066', respectively, except that the plates 1074 and 1074' are bent by 90° about the fold Iines 1124 and 1124', respectively, as shown in FIGS. 70 and 71. The corresponding dislodgment clips are also bent by 90° as shown in FIGS. 71 , 71, 77 and 79. A bolt plate 1116 attaches the brackets 1122 and 1122' to the side wall 31 in the manner described previously. Likewise, the hooks 1072 and 1072' are attached to the seam 1056 between the panels 200 in the manner described previously.

In the variation shown in FIGS. 64, 65 and 72, an adjustable support plate 1126 is used to attach modular furniture to the previously mentioned ACTION OFFICE and ETHOSPACE panel systems. The support plate 1126 includes a panel receptacle 1128 for receiving a portion of a panel 200 and a wall receptacle 1130 for receiving a portion of the side wall 31 of the piece of furniture. The panel receptacle 1128 has two rectangular mounting pieces 1102 and a wall 1131 attached to one of the mounting pieces 1102. The glide 1058 is placed in the area A and engaged by the mounting pieces 1102 and wall 1130. Spacers 1104 may be attached to one or more of the mounting pieces 1102 so as to provide better engagement with smaller diameter glides 1058, such as those used in the ACTION OFFICE panel system. As shown in FIGS. 64 and 72, the panel receptacle 1128 has three pairs of slots 1106, 1108 and 1132. A pair of tabs 1110 formed in the wall receptacle 1130 are inserted into one of the pair of slots 1106, 1108 and

1132, depending on the type of modular desks and panels being attached to each other. For example, if tabs 1110 are inserted into slots 1106, then a power crank adjustable table desk can be attached to ETHOSPACE panels by lowering the glide 1062 so that the front tab 1112 is inserted into a slot (not shown) formed in the bottom of the glide 1062. Attachment of a fixed height table desk to OFFICE ACTION panels is accomplished in the same manner as the power crank adjustable table desk/ETHOSPACE system, except that the tabs 1110 are inserted into slots 1108. Insertion of tabs 1110 into slots 1132 allows either fixed height tables to be attached to ETHOSPACE panels or power/crank adjustable tables attached to ACTION OFFICE panels.

Alternatively, the modular desk can be positioned such that the side of the desk abuts the wall panel surface as shown in FIG. 35. In this embodiment, an alternative connector bracket 840, shown in FIG. 24, can be used to secure the desk to the panel, as shown in FIG. 35. The connector bracket includes a plate member 842 and a flange 844 extending perpendicularly from the plate member. The flange includes a plurality of hook members 846 adapted to operably engage slots in a panel standard. The plate member 842 includes a plurality of openings as previously described, thereby providing a means for attaching the connector bracket to the module maintainer and to a foot bracket.

The modular desk can also be electrically connected to adjacent panels, thereby supplying power to individual modular desks or a system of modular desks. For example, as shown in FIG. 35, a harness 900 can interconnect and supply power from a panel receptacle module 902 to a socket and corresponding receptacle module in the power unit. Alternatively, the harness can be used to interconnect and supply power from a building source, such as the floor outlet 904 shown in FIG. 35, to the socket and corresponding receptacle module disposed in the power unit attached to the modular maintainer and support legs. In yet another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 34 and 36, the harness 900 interconnects and supplies power from the panel receptacle

59- module 902 to the electrical connector ports positioned in the power unit. In this embodiment, the harness can be disposed in a cable/power transition unit 906 extending outwardly from and attached to the panel wall. The transition unit includes a panel 908 and a cover 910 spaced apart from and attached to the panel 908. The harness 900 is disposed between the cover 910 and panel 908 so that it does not become entangled with the user's feet or become inadvertently disconnected. Similarly, cables or wires placed on the ledge can be passed through the open space at the end of the module maintainer and be disposed in the transition unit. In this way the cables or wires can be run to the base of the panel and passed into wire management channels in the base of the panel. The transition unit 906 also serves as a support for an off-panel worksurface member.

Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 73-76 and 82-89 where a three legged corner table 1134 is attached to a panel 200. The corner table 1134 includes two module maintainers 30 mounted to and extend rearwardly from corresponding pair of legs 20 as shown in FIG. 73. As shown in FIG. 73B, a wide variety of worksurfaces 1134 may be attached to the top of legs 20 and 1137. The module maintainers 30 may have the structure of either the embodiment of FIG. 8 or FIG. 42. The module maintainers 30 are attached to each other by a corner bracket 1136 that is attached to the middle leg 1137 via nuts and bolts 1138. Attachment of an ETHOSPACE panel is accomplished by attaching plate 1140, bracket 1142', and end cap 1144 in series to the left support member 40 via the bolt plate 1116. Note that plate 1140 is used to connect two corner tables together when electrical raceways are used. The plate 1140 may or may not be used when attaching the corner table to a panel 200. The exposed corner between the two module maintainers 30 is covered by a corner mask 1146 that is attached by one or more hook and loop connectors 1148, such as those sold under the trademark VELCRO. A pair of U-shaped covers 1139 may be used to cover the flexible shafts 1161. The connectors 1148 are attached to both support members 40 and inside the corner mask 1146. Note that a pair of drive shaft

SS assemblies 174 and a crank assembly 170 interact with a height adjustment mechanism 160 such as that described with respect to FIGS. 16-21 so as to allow manual adjustment of the height of the table. Height adjustment can also be accomplished via motor 182 that is powered by a power pack 1141 in a manner described with respect to FIGS. 16-21.

The bracket 1142' is shown in FIGS. 74 and 76 and has a structure similar to the bracket 1066' shown in FIG. 68. One difference is that the bracket 1142' is L-shaped. The dislodgment clip 1080' is identical to the dislodgment clip shown in FIGS. 68 and 78. The bracket 1142' is attached to an ETHOSPACE panel in the same manner that the bracket 1066' is attached to the ETHOSPACE panel system. Similarly, the L-shaped bracket 1142' shown in FIG. 75 can be attached to the table 1134 in the same manner as bracket 1066'. Furthermore, the L-shaped bracket 1142 of FIG. 75 has a structure similar to that of bracket 1066 is attached to an OFFICE ACTION panel system in the same manner as described previously for bracket 1066.

A two piece support plate 1096' is placed on the support surface 1060. The support plate can be used with both the OFFICE ACTION and ETHOSPACE panel systems mentioned previously. As shown in FIGS. 74 and 82-85, the support plate 1096' includes a connector 1143 for the panel 200 and a connector 1145 for the glide 1062 for the corner table. Both connectors 1143 and 1145 are interconnected with one another by inserting threaded posts 1147 of the connector 1143 through slots 1149 and 1151 formed in the connector 1145. As shown in FIGS. 82-83, connector 1143 is rectangular in shape have a width of approximately 2.5" and a length of approximately 12". As shown in FIGS. 84-85, connector 1145 is rectangular in shape have a width of approximately 2.5" and a length ranging from approximately 7.5" to approximately 8.5" depending on the panel being connected. For example, attachment of an ETHOSPACE panel is accomplished with a connector 1145 having a length of approximately 8.5" and an ACTION OFFICE panel would attached via a 7.5" long connector

1145. Slot 1151 subtends an angle ranging from approximately 66.5° to

SG

78.2° The slot 1151 allows the connector 1143 to pivot relative to the connector 1145 When the connector 1143 has been pivoted to a desired position, nuts and washers 1153 are screwed onto the posts 1147 so as to maintain the desired position. Support plate 1096' operates by inserting the glide 1058 in the area A defined by the tabs 1155 and 1157 and the bent rear wall 1169 of the connector 1145 in a manner similar to that described previously for tabs 1102 A wall receptacle 1100' for receiving a portion of the side wall 31 of the piece of furniture is shown in FIGS. 74 and 84-85 The wall receptacle 1100 has two tabs 1159 that are inserted into the glides 1062 of the leg 1137 By pivoting the connectors 1143 and 1145, it is possible to adjust the attachment in view of the type of panel being attached

When installing the modular desks 2 and 1134 described previously up against a panel or wall, the accessory member 100 and overhead member 110 can be installed, alone or in combination, on the modular desk 2 without the panel 200 or desk 2 having to be moved Thus, the predetermined pattern, or footprint, of the system remains intact due to the uniformity of each modular desk footprint Similarly, cables can pass over the back edge of the worksurface member and be laid on the ledge or in the trough without the modular desk or panel being moved

In addition, since the rear surface of the support member is spaced apart from the panel, a wire access trough in the bottom of the panel can be accessed, by removing a cover, without moving the desk

It should be understood that a plurality of modular desks can be arranged in a limitless number of predetermined patterns, either alone or in combination with a plurality of panels In all such pattems, both the footprint of the modular desk and the footprint of the system are maintained as a constant by the module maintainers Thus, any system employing the modular desk can be easily reconfigured to include accessory members, such as screens, and overhead members, alone or in combination, without having to reconfigure, move or modify the preexisting pattern of modular desks

It should be understood that a plurality of modular desks can be arranged in a limitless number of predetermined pattems, either alone or in combination with a plurality of panels. In all such pattems, both the footprint of the modular desk and the footprint of the system are maintained as a constant by the module maintainers. Thus, any system employing the modular desk can be easily reconfigured to include accessory members, such as screens, and overhead members, alone or in combination, without having to reconfigure, move or modify the preexisting pattern of modular desks and/or panels. Similarly, cables can be passed over the back edge, stored and organized without moving any of the modular desk units. Thus, the module maintainer eliminates the problem of creep, and provides a unique device for creating simple but effective work spaces.

In addition, the modular power unit provides a unique way for powering and electrically connecting an entire desk system without reliance on either a panel or nearby wall outlet. By moving away from panel dependency, work space environments may be made more open and flexible.

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.