EP0123972B1

EP0123972B1 - Modular furniture

Info

Publication number: EP0123972B1
Application number: EP19840103953
Authority: EP
Inventors: Francesco Frascaroli; Carlo Biondi
Original assignee: COOPERATIVA OPERAI MOBILIERI -SOCIETA COOPERATIVA A RESPONSABILITA LIMITATA; Cooperativa Operai Mobilieri -Societa Cooperativa A Responsabilita Limitata
Current assignee: Cooperativa Operai Mobilieri -Societa Cooperativa
Priority date: 1983-04-22
Filing date: 1984-04-09
Publication date: 1989-11-23
Also published as: NO841535L; EP0123972A3; BR6400573U; DE3480521D1; NO160759B; ES288254U; NO160759C; AU2681984A; AU578018B2; EP0123972A2; ES288254Y

Description

This invention relates to furniture, and more particularly to modular office furniture.
Over the last thirty years, continuous improvement of building construction techniques allowed for the construction of buildings, in particular office buildings, in which the supporting structures are distributed along both the periphery and the center of the building itself, and each floor is an open space, in which a number of separate spaces, which may be very large spaces each accommodating a large number of working positions, may be defined by partitions having substantially no structural function.
In order to assure the most flexible utilization of the above separate spaces, several improvements were made.
At first, artificial or "floating floors" were introduced allowing for connection (electric, computer and telephonic cables, etc.) of each point of the above space to the periphery and/or the center thereof where supplying cables are generally located. These floating floors are modular floors, which are built above the actual floor at a distance therefrom of about twenty cm., are supported by the actual floor, and define therewith a confined space in which cables may be arranged extending to any working position. The introduction of floating floors rendered the users completely free as far as the position and the disposition of the working positions were concerned.
Secondly, office furniture designers started improving the flexibility of each working position.
In connection with the above, a first step was that of providing each working position (see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 1,786,823) with a desk having an open-end substantially horizontal longitudinal conduit through which cables may extend to substantially any desired position along the desk itself, thus avoiding the use of external free cables, and rendering the user completely free as far as the positions of telephone and electric appliances over the desk are concerned.
A further step was that of providing a modular working position which is completely flexible as far as the disposition, type and, in some respect, number of the working surfaces are concerned.
In connection with the above, French Patent Publication No 2 490 941 provides for an office modular working position having a supporting structure comprising a straight horizontal bar member, which is supported by vertical posts and consists in a tubular beam having a number of radial projections, and a number of working surfaces supported by, and/or hanging from, the above tubular beam and releasably connected to any desired point thereof by means of brackets embracing at least two of the aforementioned extensions. Moreover, a further horizontal beam, extending at right angles to the above beam, may be connected to the same by means of respective said brackets to in turn support further working surfaces.
The modular working position described hereinabove provides the user with a support structure, which may be a linear structure or a "L" or "T" shaped structure, along which a number of working surfaces may be connected at any desired position and in any desired order. Of course, a channel for cables is supported by the above support structure to feed any appliance arranged on the aforementioned working surfaces.
All the improvements, described hereinabove provided for an open-space office having a "floating floor", in turn having a number of cable outlets arranged at a number of selected locations, and a number of separate modular working positions arranged at the above locations and each confined in a predetermined space, within which a number of working surfaces, each connected to the above cable outlet by internal wirings, were distributed at will.
The open-space office described above, though very efficient, still has two major drawbacks.
The first of the above drawbacks consists in that such an office implies the use of a "floating floor", the cost of which is, in general, assumed to equal the cost of the furniture supported thereby.
The second of the above drawbacks consists in that the known modular working position described above, though very flexible as far as the disposition of the working surfaces is concerned, is not in the least flexible as far as space (that is the size of the working surfaces which may be used by any user) is concerned. This stems from the fact that the above modular working position is a separate position, which is confined in a predetermined space and cannot be functionally connected to adjacent working positions so that any user may expand or reduce his working space according to will and/or necessity.
It is a main object of the present invention to provide a modular apparatus for combining into functional and esthetically pleasing office work stations and for managing electrical wires, which avoids the above two drawbacks.
According to the present invention there is provided a modular apparatus for combining into functional and esthetically pleasing office work stations and for managing electrical wires; the apparatus comprising a longitudinal support structure; at least one transverse support structure extending at an angle from said longitudinal support structure; transverse connecting means for connecting said transverse support structure to said longitudinal support structure at a selected location thereon; at least two vertical support means for rigidly supporting said support structures at selected locations thereon; at least one work surface; bracket means for rigidly mounting said work surface to a respective one of said longitudinal and transverse support structures at a selected location thereon; and wiring support means extending along said support structures; the apparatus being characterized in that said support structures are modular structures, at least one such structure comprising at least two modules arranged in an end-to-end relationship, each module consisting in a beam member comprising two lateral parallel beams and a plate interposed therebetween and connected thereto to define a continuous longitudinal trough open from above and extending over the whole length of said beam member; and at least one longitudinal connecting means interposed between said two end-facing beam members for end connection thereof to each other; said transverse connecting means, said longitudinal connecting means and said bracket means engaging the respective beam members at the lateral beams thereof so that each modular structure has a continuous longitudinal trough extending therealong; each continuous trough accommodating respective wiring support means.
In the modular apparatus set forth above the aforementioned modular structure may, therefore, define a number of interconnected working positions for a corresponding number of users. The above working positions, which are completely flexible in both configuration and space, may all be serviced by the same electric wires extending along the modular structure from one single inlet. It is, therefore, sufficient to arrange such an inlet which may be anywhere along the above modular structure, for example in a vertical support of the structure, close to a peripheral or a central wall of an open space office, where the supply cables are located, to service a number of working positions without any need for a "floating floor".
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a typical combination of modules of the office furniture of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an alternate combination of furniture modules;
Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is a top view of a longitudinal joint between two beams of the present invention;
Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a top view of a lateral joint between two modular beam members;
Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is a top view of a lateral connection between three modular beam members;
Fig. 9 is a sectional view through a typical combination of components comprising a vertical support of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along lines 10-10 of Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along lines 11-11 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 12 is a view taken along lines 12-12 of Fig. 11;
Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken along lines 13-13 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along lines 14-14 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken along lines 15-15 of Fig. 14; and
Fig. 16 is a perspective exploded view of another embodiment of a longitudinal joint between two beams of the present invention.

Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structure. The scope of the invention is defined in the claims appended hereto.
Fig. 1 shows one of an almost infinite number of combinations possible with the modules that comprise the office furniture of the present invention. The basic element of all module combinations is a generally horizontal beam member 1. The beam member serves as the fundamental structural unit that ties all the modules into a rigid and integrated assembly. The beam members may be curved or straight. As many beams as desired may be combined into straight curved, and laterally connected sections. The versatility of the beam member placement allows maximum flexibility for designing a furniture configuration that both follows the work flow and that satisfies workers' environmental needs.
The beam members 1 are supported from the floor by a plurality of vertical supports 51. The vertical supports may be placed under and attached to the beam members at almost any location, thus complementing the flexibility of the beam members.
Variations of the basic vertical support include the number and placement of the feet. For example, vertical supports 53 have two feet. Vertical support 55 has one foot, and vertical support 57 comprises merely a vertical support column without feet.
Fig. 1 illustrates six modular work surfaces 301 that may be rigidly connected to the beam members 1 at almost any convenient location. The work surfaces are designed in conjunction with the beam members to efficiently utilize the available office space while considering the psychological needs of the workers. In Fig. 1, the six work surfaces include four different modules; namely, two rectangular modules 303, two keyboard work surfaces 305, one round head work surface 307, and a keyboard surface 310 associated with each keyboard work surface 305. Although the work surfaces may be located in almost any location on the beam members, the edges of adjoining work surfaces normally abut. In Fig. 1, the work surfaces are shown with gaps therebetween for clarity, although it will be appreciated that non-abutting work surfaces are within the intention of the present invention.
Some work surface modules are adapted to receive a variety of functional and attractive service modules. For example, work surfaces 303 and 305 contain one or more identical openings into which an upstanding light module 151 or other module may be inserted. If a light or other module is not required, an attractive cover plate 309 is inserted into the work surface opening.
In addition to supporting the work surfaces 301, the beam members 1 may also carry one or more file or storage cabinets 201. The cabinets are rigidly suspended from the beam members by modular suspension mechanisms 203. Keyboard surfaces 310 are suspended from the beam members in a manner similar to the suspension of the file cabinets.
Fig. 2 demonstrates the versatility of the modular furniture of the present invention. The beam members 1 underlie and support eight modular work surfaces 301. These include two rectangular work surfaces 303, a keyboard work surface 305, a semi-circular work surface 311, a triangular wedge 313, a round wedge 315, a one-quarter circular work surface 317, and a keyboard surface 310. It will be noticed that the rectangular and keyboard work surfaces contain openings for service modules such as light modules 151 and 151', and the openings are covered by plates 309 if no service module is desired. Light module 151 supports a swingable telephone tray module 153.
In Fig. 2, two configurations of vertical supports are depicted. Vertical support 57 is a simple column. Vertical support 59 may include two, three, or four feet. One file cabinet 201 is shown in Fig. 2; it is suspended from the beam members by a suspension mechanism, not shown.

Beam members

Turning now to Fig. 3, the construction of the modular beam members 1 will be described. Each beam member comprises a pair of parallel generally rectangular tubular beams 3 separated by and joined to generally U-shaped plates 5. The beams 3 may be straight or curved. Preferably, the plates 5 are much shorter than the beam 3, so two or more plates are normally used with each pair of beams. In the illustrated embodiment, the beams are fabricated with depressions 29 and 30 in the top and bottom walls, respectively. The preferred material for the beams and plates is steel, so the plates are typically welded to the beams. It will be noticed in Fig. 3 that the depth of the beams is relatively great in comparison to the width. That feature, together with the relatively thin-walled tubular construction, combines great bending stiffness in the vertical plane with light weight, thus contributing to the rigidity and versatility of the total assembly.
A first way of joining two beam members 1 is illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5. Only one tubular beam 3 of each adjoining beam member is shown, because both beams 3 are joined in the same fashion. A connector 7 has an opposed pair of four-sided tongues 9 that fit closely within the interior of the beams. The tongues extend from a central base 11 having a periphery that generally corresponds to the external dimensions of the beams. To connect two beam members longitudinally, the tongues of connector 7 are inserted into adjoining beams, and the beams are drawn together until their ends strike opposite sides of the base 11. To securely lock the beams to the connector, a headed key 13 is inserted through a slotted opening 15 in the top and bottom walls of each beam and a corresponding slot 17 in the tongues. The slots 17 taper inwardly from the opposite surfaces of the tongue. The tapers aid in creating a strong and rigid joint between adjoining beam members. To disassemble a joint for modifying a combination of beam members, it is necessary merely to remove keys 13 and pull the beams apart from connectors 7.
A second alternative way of joining two beam members 1 is illustrated in Fig. 16 where, as in Figs. 4 and 5, only one tubular beam 3 of each adjoining beam member is shown.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 16, two beam members 1 are connected to one another by means of a connector 401 having an expansible substantially X-shaped cross section and formed by two plates 402 and 403 having a substantially V-shaped cross section and arranged substantially in contact with one another and with their concavities facing outwards in opposite directions.
Each of plates 402 and 403 includes a longitudinal middle flat portion 404 which is provided at one end with a recess 405 and at the other end with a protrusion 406. The recess 405 and the protrusion 406 of each of plates 401 and 402 engage the protrusion 406 and the recess 405 respectively of the other plate so as to fix longitudinally plates 402 and 403 relative to one another.
Connector 401 fixed closely within the interior of the facing ends of the two beam members 2 with the longitudinal sides of plates 402 and 403 engaged within the longitudinal grooves defined by beam top end lower longitudinal depressions 29 and 30. Connector 401 is fixed longitudinally relative to beam 3 by means of an intermediate annular member 407 arranged between and in contact with the facing ends of beams 3 and engaging four lateral recesses, each of which is provided on a central portion of a respective longitudianl edge of the respective plate 402, 403. Annular member 407 consists in two C-shaped members 408 and 409 facing each other and connected to one another by means of two pin 410-and-socket 411 joints.
Each beam 3 is laterally provided with a hole 412, facing the middle flat portion 404 of plate 403, where a respective coaxial threaded hole 413 is provided.
Each hole 413 is engaged by a threaded pin 414 which may be operated from outside through the respective hole 412 to engage the middle flat portion 404 of plate 402 so as to expand connector 401 inside beams 3, and firmly connect beams 3 to one another.
Figs. 6 and 7 disclose the lateral joining of two beam members 1 and 1' at 90°. Two angle clamps 19, each having a tongue 21 and a jaw 23, are employed to rigidly join beam member 1' to beam member 1 at almost any desired location along the length of beam member 1. The tongues 21 are inserted into the interiors of the beams 3' until the ends of the beams strike angle clamp shoulders 25. Keys 13 are employed to rigidly lock the angle clamps in the beams 3', as previously described for the longitudinal connectors 7. To secure the angle clamps and beam member 1' to beam member 1, each jaw 23 is provided with a hook 27 for mating with beam top depression 29 and a foot 31 opposite the hook 27. Each foot contains a threaded opening into which a screw 33 is threaded. The screw is sized to fit beam lower depression 30. Tightening the screws 33 squeezes the beam between the hooks and screws, thus rigidly joining beam members 1 and 1'_.
Reference numeral 34 indicates a pencil tray that may be removably inserted between the beams 3 in a gap between adjoining work surfaces, such as shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 8 shows a lateral connector 35 for joining three beam members 1 that intersect at 120°. The connector includes three short beam members 36 and a three-legged plate 37 that is similar in vertical cross-section to U-shaped plate 5 (see Fig. 3). Each short beam member 36 is constructed by welding a plate 5 between two short sections 39 of standard beam configuration near one end of the sections. The other end of the short beam sections are welded to the plate 37. To enable the short beam members 36 to interfit with one another in a neat fashion, the abutting ends are fabricated with bevels 43. The connection between the lateral connector 35 and beam members 1 are made as previously described, that is, by utilizing connectors 7 and keys 13 (see Figs. 4 and 5).
It is contemplated that a vertical support 51 will normally be placed under the connector 35. To allow wires to pass from the vertical support to the beam members, as will be described fully hereinafter, openings 45 are provided in the plate. Although not described in detail herein, it will be apparent that a lateral connector for joining four beam members that intersect at 90° falls within the intent of the present invention.
To enhance the appearance of the beam members 1, a resilient decorative cap 49, shown in Fig. 14, is snapped in place over the beam open ends 50, as seen in Figs. 1 and 2.

Vertical supports

The construction of the vertical supports 51 for supporting the modular furniture of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10. The structural members that bear the weight of the beams 1 and work surfaces 301 include a pedestal 61, two columns 63, a yoke 65, and two brackets 66 and 67. The vertical support may also be provided with one or more feet 68. The preferred material for the vertical support structural members is aluminum.
The column 63 is preferably constructed as a rectangular tube having relatively thin walls 69. The lower ends of the column walls fit snugly over upstanding rectangular projections 71 formed in the pedestal 61. The upper ends of the column walls fit snugly over downwardly extending rectangular projections 73 in yoke 65. To tie the yoke, pedestal and columns into a unitary structure, a long screw 75 extends between the pedestal and the yoke, the yoke having a threaded opening to receive the screw threads.
The yoke 65 includes a channel 76 defined by a pair of sides 77 and a floor 78. The sides 77 are joined by a strut 80 and have facing vertical surfaces 79 spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the spread between the outer vertical surfaces of beam member 1. Thus the beam member rests on the floor 78 of strut 80 and fits rather loosely in channel 76. To rigidly locate the yoke longitudinally and laterally in the beam member, the yoke is constructed with two pairs of spaced vertical tabs 81 that project into corresponding spaced slots 47 in the bottom walls of beams 3; two tabs project into each beam. The slots 47 are similar to the slots 15 described previously for longitudinally joining two beam members; they are located at spaced intervals along the beams.
A flat horizontal surface 83 is machined on the upper end of each side 77. The surfaces 83 provide support for brackets 66 and 67 through corresponding lower surfaces 85 on the brackets. The brackets 66 and 67 are of substantially identical construction except for the length of wing portions 91 and 93, respectively; therefore, a description of one bracket will be considered sufficient. The surfaces 85 are machined on the bottoms of sides 84, which have vertical surfaces 86 that correspond with yoke vertical surfaces 79. To laterally and longitudinally position the brackets to beam member 1, each bracket has a pair of downwardly extending tabs 87 that project from upper horizontal surface 88 into corresponding spaced slots 48 in the top walls of beams 3. Screws 89 join the yoke and brackets together. Thus, the beam member is restrained vertically between upper surface 88 and floor 78, and it is restrained longitudinally and laterally by tabs 81. The brackets are restrained vertically by surfaces 83 and screws 89, and they are restrained longitudinally and laterally by tabs 87. Screws 95 attach the work surface 301 to the bracket.
The versatility of the modules allows a vertical support 51 to be located at the longitudinal junction of two beam members 1. To accomplish that, the yoke 65 and brackets 66 and 67 are used in place of connectors 7 and keys 13, Figs. 4 and 5, for longitudinally joining two beam members in addition to vertically supporting the beam members.
If desired, the vertical supports 51 may include one or more feet 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the feet are manufactured as thin walled box-like structures, preferably of aluminum. If two feet are use, each is welded to a column 63 and thus serve the functional purpose of providing increased stability to the vertical support. If more than two feet are desired, two are welded to the column, and the additional feet are joined to pedestal 61 by a well known dovetail arrangement, not shown, for providing an attractive but non-functional appearance.
Although the present invention provides great flexiblity in the placement of the vertical supports 51, the attachment of a work surface 301 to a beam member 1 is not limited to vertical support locations. Brackets 66 and 67 may be used with a modified yoke for supporting a work surface at points intermediate the vertical supports. The modified yoke is very similar to yoke 65, but the downward projections 73 are omitted, so that the lower contour of the yoke follows phantom line 96 of Fig. 9.
Further in accordance with the present invention, the modules are designed to be esthetically pleasing. In the preferred construction of the vertical supports 51, the structural members 63 and 68 are covered with two types of decorative sidings that greatly increase the attractiveness of the vertical supports. The first type of siding is a hollow colunar member 97 comprised of an upright section 99 and a foot section 101. The interior of the hollow upright section 99 is of a size and shape to fit over column 63, and foot section 101 fits over the top and sides of foot 68. Each interior wall 102 of the hollow section 99 terminates above and below, repectively, the projections 71 and 73 of pedestal 61 and yoke 65, respectively. The second type of decorative siding is relatively flat and extends the lengths of column 63; it is shown at reference numeral 103, Fig. 10. The siding 103 includes hooks 105 protruding into the interior 107 of the vertical support. The hooks 105 flexibly latch onto shoulders 109 formed on the interior sides of hollow siding 97. To further enhance the appearance of the vertical supports, the sidings 103 are recessed into steps 111 of the sidings 97 and corresponding steps in the yoke 65. If three or four feet are desired, the non-functional feet are encased in a decorative siding similar to foot section 101. Siding 103 is then modified to terminate at the uppert surface of the non-functional foot siding section.
Merely by way of illustration, the decorative exterior surfaces of sidings 97 and 103 may be in the form of flutes 113. The preferred material for the decorative sidings is a strong but flexible plastic.

Work surfaces

To serve both functional and environmental purposes, the work surfaces 301 can be of a wide variety of sizes and shapes, as best shown in Figs. 1 and 2. All work surfaces, however, are mounted to the beam members 1 by yoke 65 or a modified yoke and by brackets 66 and 67, as previously described and as illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10. The work surfaces are manufactured from attractive and functional materials, including smoked glass, wood, and plastic laminate. A particularly attractive work surface is composed of a plastic laminate with a removable decorative half-round wood edging 319 that fastens to the work surface edges by means of dowels 321 and corresponding holes, as illustrated in Fig. 13.

Filing Cabinets

The beam members 1 are sufficiently strong and stiff to support file cabinet 201 suspended therefrom, Figs. 1 and 2. The suspension mechanism 203 is best illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12. Each beam 3 supports a suspension member 205 having a hook 207 at the upper end thereof. The suspension member is constructed with a ledge 209 having a generally vertical opening therein for recieving screw 211. The head of the screw bears against the ledge. The screw threads engage a transverse threaded opening in a pin 213 having grooves 214 that are received in clearance slots 215 in spaced apart legs 217 of the suspension member. The pin 213 is also received in openings 219 in the vertical walls of a channel 221. The bottom wall 223 of the channel is fastened to the top wall 225 of cabinet 201 by conventional fasteners such as screw and nut 227.
To suspend the file cabinet 201 from the beam member 1, the cabinet is fastened to the channel 221. Pins 213 are inserted through the channel openings 219. Hooks 207 are placed in the top depressions 29 of beams 3. The cabinet is raised by any convenient method to within a short distance of the underside of the beam member 1 so that the slots 215 of suspension member 205 are placed over the pin grooves 214. A screw 211 is then inserted through the opening in ledge 209 of each suspension member to engage the threads in the corresponding pin. Tightening the screws draws the channel and cabinet upward until the top surface 229 of the channel contacts the underside of the beam member. At that point, further tightening of the screws will rigidly join the suspension mechanism to the beam member.
The cabinet may be easily relocated to another location along the beam member by loosening screws 211 a slight amount and sliding the cabinet and suspension mechanism along the beam member to the new location. Retightening the screws will again rigidly join the cabinet to the beam member.
A slight modification to the suspension mechanism 203 of Figs. 11 and 12 enables the beam member 1 to suspend a keyboard surface 310 therefrom. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the keyboard surface is used in conjunction with a keyboard work surface 305. The versatility of the modules of the present invention permits horizontal placement of the keyboard surface at almost any desired relationship to the keyboard work surface. Referring to Fig. 13, the beam member 1 is shown with suspension members 205, pins 213, and an elongated channel 231. The channel 231 extends substantially beyond the beam member to support keyboard surface 310 which is secured at the desired location by conventional fasteners 233. The keyboard work surface is indicated at 305, together with decorative edging 319. Also shown in Fig. 13 are brackets 66 and 67 and the modified yoke described previously in conjunction with the mounting of the beam member of vertical supports 51 (see Figs. 9 and 10).

Service modules

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, some work surfaces 301 contain openings that are adapted to receive small upstanding service modules. For example, in Fig. 1, a light module 151 is mounted in one of the keyboard work surfaces 305. In Fig. 2, light module 151 is mounted in rectangular work surface 303; the light module includes a swingable telephone tray 153.
Other modules, all with interchangeable connections to the work surfaces, include telephone trays and work baskets. As a further example of the versatility of the modules, a light module may contain a radio and/or a clock.
Turning to Figs. 14-15, the apparatus for mounting the light module 151 is shown in detail. It will be understood that the light module is merely exemplary; other upstanding modules employ the same apparatus.
A notch 155 is cut into the work surface 301 from one end. The notch is grooved along opposite sides at 157. A thin-walled four-sided shell 159, having tongues 161 corresponding to grooves 157, is pushed into the notch before the decorative edging 319 is applied. A column base 163 having four vertical sides 164 and a top wall 165 is resiliently pressed into the shell 159. The wall 165 includes two parallel ridges 167 extending upwardly from the top surface thereof. Column 169 of the module 151 is fabricated as a three-sided thin-walled member that locates over ridges 167. The open side of column 169 is covered with a snap-on cover 168. The interior of the two opposite walls of column 169 are fabricated with opposed grooves 170, Fig. 16, for receiving ears 171 of a rectangular tube 173. The height of tube 173 may be adjusted within the column. The tube contains a pair of threaded holes for receiving screws 175. Turning screws 175 against the back wall 176 of the column locks the tube to the column. To anchor the column in place on the column base, a screw 177 is inserted vertically through the tube and through an opening 178 in wall 165 and is threaded into a threaded bar 179 captured in a channel 181. The bar 179 and channel 181 span the notch 155 in the work surface 301, Fig. 14.
To aid combining functionality with a pleasing environment, the column 169 may support a telephone module 153 or other productivity enhancing devices. As shown in Fig. 14, the module 153 is adjustably mounted to the column 169 by tube 183 having ears 171' that slide in grooves 170. Tightening screws 175' locks the tube 183 to the column at the desired height. The tube includes a lug 185 projecting therefrom that pivotally supports, such as by a shoulder screw and not 187, a clevice 189. The clevice may be configured to mount a receptacle 191 for commonly used office items, such as telephones and papers.
If a service module is not desired, the notches 155 are covered with decorative cover plates 309, Figs. 1 and 2. The cover plates are very similar to the column base 163, but they lack the ridges 167 and opening 178. The cover plates may be provided with a decorative hinged cover 193 if passage of wires through the cover plate is desired, as will be explained hereinafter.
In keeping with the esthetic qualities of the present invention, the cover 168, column 169, column base 163, hinged cover 193, and cover plate 309 are of the same color plastic material as the decorative sidings 97 and 103 of the vertical supports. Moreover, the surface textures, as for example, the flutes 113 shown in conjunction with the sidings 97 and 103 of Fig. 10, are similarly incorporated into the light module components 168, 169, 163, 193, and 309.

Wire management

Pursuant to the present invention, provision is made for the neat and efficient management of the electrical and control wiring used in connection with the office furniture. This is accomplished by hiding the wiring within the furniture modules while supplying them to the required location.
In the preferred construction, wiring from the office outlets enter the modular furniture assembly of the present invention through an opening in a vertical support 51. For example, the wiring may enter vertical support 53 in Fig. 1 through an opening 115 in the lower end of decorative siding 103, Fig. 10. To aid in separating the wires 251, 253, 255, and 257 within the vertical support, a plastic four-lobed wire divider 259 is employed. Separation of wires is important if, for example, wires for 120 volt A.C. power and for computer data transmission are required at the furniture assembly. The wire divider 259 has a hollow central opening to receive the vertical support tie screw 75. The wires pass beside strut 80 of yoke 65 to enter channel 76, Fig. 9, and thence along the beam members 1.
Turning once again to Fig. 3, plastic wire tray 261 is shown carried by the plates 5 of beam members 1. The wire tray illustrated contains four ducts 263 that are open at the top. Since the work surfaces 301 are normally the last modules assembled, the wires 251, 253, 255, and 257 may be easily installed in the wire trays from above, thus eliminating the necessity of pulling the wires through closed conduits.
In Fig. 14, wire 257 may be a power wire for the lamp 200 of light module 151 (see Figs. 1 and 2). Wire 257 runs from tray 261 through the work surface notch 155, passes through column base opening 178, and rises to the conventional terminals, not illustrated, of the lamp 200. Similar wiring configurations are used for radio, clock, and telephone services.
Besides supporting column 169, the column base 163 also serves as a convenient and attractive means for passing wires from the beam member to the point of use on the work surface. For that purpose, a three-sided hinged cover 193 pivots within the column base about a horizontal axis by means of pins and holes of well-known construction, not shown in Figs. 14 and 16. The cover 193 comprises a decorative lid 195 and two sides 197. Thus, cover 193 may be opened sufficiently to pass a wire, as at 199, from the beam member 1 to the top of work surface 301. If no wire is present, the cover is closed so the lid 195 is flush with the column base and work surface.
Many office electrical appliances, as for example, typewriters, are provided with a male plug 264 on the end of an electrical cord, as at 199. To provide power for the appliances in a neat and convenient fashion, a conventional socket 265, Fig. 14, may be installed on top of tray 261 within the beam member 1. The use of an extensible cord 267 allows the same socket module to be employed for all work surfaces 301. The extensible cord leads to a common junction, now shown, located within the beam member near the vertical support that receives the wires from the office outlets.
Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, modular office furniture with integrated wire management that fully satisfies the objects, aims, and advantages set furth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A modular apparatus for combining into functional and esthetically pleasing office work stations and for managing electrical wires; the apparatus comprising a longitudinal support structure (1); at least one transverse support structure (1) extending at an angle from said longitudinal support structure (1); transverse connecting means (19) for connecting said transverse support structure (1) to said longitudinal support structure (1) at a selected location thereon; at least two vertical support means (51) for rigidly supporting said support structures (1) at selected locations thereon; at least one work surface (301, 303, 305, 307); bracket means (65, 66, 67) for rigidly mounting said work surface to a respective one of said longitudinal and transverse support structures (1) at a selected location thereon; and wiring support means (261) extending along said support structures (1); the apparatus being characterized in that said support structures (1) are modular structures, at least one such structure (1) comprising at least two modules arranged in an end-to-end relationship, each module consisting in a beam member (1) comprising two lateral parallel beams (3) and a plate (5) interposed therebetween and connected thereto to define a continuous longitudinal trough open from above and extending over the whole length of said beam member (1); and at least one longitudinal connecting means (7), (35), (401) interposed between said two end-facing beam members (1) for end connection thereof to each other; said transverse connecting means (19), said longitudinal connecting means (7), (35), (401) and said bracket means engaging the respective beam members (1) at the lateral beams (3) thereof so that each modular structure has a continuous longitudinal trough extending therealong; each continuous trough accommodating respective wiring support means (261).

2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that each said beam (3) has a generally rectangular cross section, and is provided with longitudinal top and bottom depressions (29, 30) each said transverse connecting means (19) and each said bracket means (65, 66, 67) engaging said top and bottom depressions (29, 30) of at least one beam (3) of a respective beam member (1).

3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that each said beam (3) is a generally rectangular tube; said depressions (29, 30) being provided with slots (15), and said longitudinal connecting means comprising at least one connector (7) having a base (11) with a pair of tongues (9) provided with transverse slots (17) and extending from said base (11) in opposite directions for inserting into the facing ends of the tubular beams (3) of the beam members (1) to be joined to align the tongue and beam slots (15, 17); keys (13) being provided for inserting into the aligned tongue and beam slots (15, 17) to rigidly lock the adjoining beam members (1) to the respective longitudinal connecting means.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said longitudinal connecting means further comprise a plate (37) having at least three legs extending at an angle to one another for connection to aligned respective beam members (1); each leg being laterally provided with a respective pair of beam sections (39), and one said connector (7) being interposed between each leg and the aligned beam member (1).

5. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in the each said beam (3) is a generally rectangular tube; each said longitudinal connecting means comprising, for each pair of said beams (3) to be end joined, a connector (401) formed by two concave plates (402, 403) arranged with their concavities facing in opposite directions and inserted into the facing ends of said two beams (3); one (403) of said concave plates having at least one middle threaded through hole (413), and a threaded pin (414) being provided to adjustably engage a respective said threaded hole (413) and to extend into contact with the other (402) of said concave plates (402, 403) so as to push them apart, and force them into contact with respective internal surfaces of said two beams (3).

6. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, or 3, characterized in that each said beam (3) is a tubular beam; said depressions (29, 30) being provided with spaced slots (15), and each said transverse connecting means comprising an angle clamp (19) having a slotted tongue (21) for inserting into the open end of a respective tubular beam (3) of an end beam member (1) of said transverse support structure (1) to align the tongue and beam slots, and jaw means (23) for engaging said top and bottom depressions (29, 30) of the beam (3) of said beam member (1) of said longitudinal support structure (1) to be joined to said end beam member (1); keys (13) being provided for inserting into the aligned tongue and beam slots to rigidly lock said angle clamp (19) to said end beam member (1).

7. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that each said vertical support means (51) comprises a pedestal (61); column means (63) guided by, and upstanding from the pedestal (61) for supporting a beam member (1) at a proper height above the office floor; yoke means (65) guided in the column means (63) for vertically, laterally and longitudinally restraining said beam member (1); said bracket means (66, 67) being supported by said yoke means (65) for supporting and for longitudinally and laterally restraining said work surface (301).

8. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, characterized in that said vertical support means (51) further comprises at least one foot means (68) for providing stability and an attractive appearance.

9. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, characterized in that said top and bottom depressions (29, 30) are provided with respective further top and bottom spaced slots (48, 47), said yoke means (65) and said bracket means (66, 67) including tab means (81, 87) for inserting into said bottom and top slots (47, 48) respectively, to provide longitudinal and lateral restraint of said beam member (1) and work surface (301).

10. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a work station module (201, 310), and suspension means (203) for connecting said work station module to a selected beam member (1).

11. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 10, characterised in that said suspension means (203) comprise a pair of suspension members (205), each having a hook (207) for inserting into said top depression (29) of a respective said beam (3) said beam member (1) and a ledge (209) provided with a substantially vertical aperture therethrough; two pins (213) each having a threaded transverse opening therethrough; screw means (211) for inserting through each suspension member ledge aperture and threaded into a respective said pin (213); and channel means (221, 231) for fastening to the work station module (201, 310) and for receiving the pins (213) to suspend the channel means (221) and work station module (201, 310) from the pins (213).

12. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, characterized in that said work station module is a work surface (310), said channel means (231) supporting said work surface (310).

13. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, characterized in that said work station module is a file cabinet (201); said file cabinet having a top wall (225) fastened to said channel means (221).

14. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the work surface (301) (303, 305, 307) is provided shell means (159) for alternatively receiving a selected service module (151) and a cover plate module (309).

15. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 14, characterized in that said service module (151) comprises upstanding column means (169) for supporting at least one selected office service (153, 200) above the work surface (301) (303, 305, 307); column base means (163) resiliently pressed into the shell means (159) for guiding and supporting the column means (169); and mounting means (177) for anchoring the column means (169) to the column base means (163).

16. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that said wiring support means (261) comprise a plurality of upwardly open wire ducts (263) extending along said continuous trough to separate the wires (251, 253, 255, 257) while allowing unobstructed installation of the wires (251, 253, 255, 257) from above.