WO2000030500A1

WO2000030500A1 - A console system

Info

Publication number: WO2000030500A1
Application number: PCT/IB1999/001850
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin Garry Stroberg; Lebogang Obakeng Sehume; Thomas Ralf Ortner; Brett Ian Ross
Original assignee: Computer Console Management Systems (Pty.) Ltd
Priority date: 1998-11-20
Filing date: 1999-11-19
Publication date: 2000-06-02
Also published as: AU1171900A

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular console system (10) for housing communications equipment. The system includes a plurality of console modules (16) which are engageable with one another and with side casings (18) to form console units (12) which are linked together by means of link units (14). Each console module (16) is designed to house a computer terminal including a monitor and a CPU case. The console modules (16) are also designed so that when two or more of the modules are connected together, side by side, they form a console unit which is arcuate when viewed from above. The link units (14) each include opposed arcuate side formations (52) which are engageable with two adjacent console units (12) so as to link the units to one another, side by side, in an arcuate, partially arcuate or generally straight configuration.

Description

A CONSOLE SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

THIS invention relates to a console system. More specifically, the invention relates to a modular console system for housing communications equipment.

Console systems in the form of cabinets which are designed to house computer terminals including monitors and CPU cases are known. These types of console systems are frequently employed in control or command centres in the information technology and communications fields where users need to refer to information on wall-mounted screens while working.

Generally, conventional consoles of the type described above are custom made for a particular application and are fitted by specialised fitters. Accordingly, it is often difficult to adapt these consoles to new applications or to use these consoles for various different applications.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative console system which can be used for a variety of different applications and which is relatively easy to modify or move once installed.

CONFIRMATION COW SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a console system for housing communications equipment, the system including:

a plurality of console modules, each of which includes:

a rear wall,

two spaced-apart side walls, each of which defines or carries a formation which defines an outer side surface which is connectable directly or indirectly to an outer side surface of an adjacent, similar module, the side walls being arranged so that at least some of the outer side surfaces of two or more modules connected side by side converge relative to one another and thereby allow the modules to form an arcuate console unit,

an upper cover which together with the rear wall and the side walls forms a compartment for housing a display unit, and

a support located or locatable between the side walls for supporting the display unit within the compartment;

a member connected or connectable to each console module so as to provide a working surface adjacent the compartment; and

at least one link unit for linking two or more arcuate console units formed from the console modules, each link unit including opposed arcuate side formations which are engageable with two adjacent console units so as to link the units to one another side by side in an arcuate, partially arcuate or generally straight configuration.

Typically, each console unit comprises two or more console modules which are connected to one another side by side.

The upper cover of each console module may be fixed to at least a portion of the rear wall and may be arranged to pivot relative to the side walls between a raised condition in which it provides access into the compartment from a rear end of the module and a lowered condition in which it prevents access into the compartment from the rear end of the module. In this case, each console module may include means for holding the upper cover in the raised condition.

Preferably, the position of the display unit support is adjustable so that the compartment can accommodate differently sized display units.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, each console module is sized and shaped to house a computer terminal monitor on the display unit support and a CPU case below the display unit support.

The member providing a working surface may be connectable to two or more console modules.

In one arrangement, the arcuate console unit defined by two or more console modules forms part of a circle. In this case, a preferred radius for the circle is 4,5 meters. The arcuate side formations on each link unit may comprise arcuate rails which extend outwardly from arcuate side walls of the unit.

Typically, each link unit defines one or more storage compartments.

In one form of the invention, each console unit includes side casings which are locatable between the console modules and the link units for housing electrical couplings.

Each console module may include a drawer below the display unit support for housing the CPU case. Each module may also include a door in a rear end thereof for providing access into the drawer below the display unit support.

A tray may be provided below the display unit support of each console module for holding power cables for equipment housed within the module.

Each console module may also include a base which defines at least one opening for allowing cables to enter the module.

In one arrangement, each console module includes a fan for cooling equipment housed within the module.

The invention also extends to a console module for forming a console system together with other, similar console modules, the console module including:

a rear wall;

two spaced-apart side walls, each of which defines or carries a formation which defines an outer side surface which is connectable directly or indirectly to an outer side surface of an adjacent, similar module, the side walls being arranged so that at least some of the outer side surfaces of two or more modules connected side by side converge relative to one another and thereby allow the modules to form an arcuate console unit;

an upper cover which together with the rear wall and the side walls forms a compartment for housing a display unit; and

a support located or locatable between the side walls for supporting the display unit within the compartment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view, as seen from above, of a portion of a console system according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view, as seen from above, of a console unit forming part of the console system illustrated in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view, as seen from the side, of a portion of the console system of the invention; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view, as seen from the side, of a console module forming part of the console system of the invention; and

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view, as seen from above, of another embodiment of the console system of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

Figure 1 of the drawings illustrates a console system 10 according to the present invention. As can be seen, the system 10 includes a plurality of arcuate console units 12 which are linked together by link units 14. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the console system is generally arcuate, when viewed from above, but the orientations of the console units 12 and the link members 14 relative to one another can be adjusted (as described in more detail below) to produce other configurations, for example one which is generally straight when viewed from above.

Each console unit 12 comprises three abutting console modules 16 which are flanked by a pair of casings 18. The modules 16 are releasably engageable with one another so that any practical number of console modules can be arranged in abutting relationship with one another between the casings 18.

With reference now also to Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, the modules 16 each include a rear wall 20, a pair of spaced-apart side walls 22 (which are illustrated most clearly in Figures 1 and 2), and an upper cover 24 which together define a compartment 26 for housing a monitor 28 for a computer terminal and a CPU case 30. A base 32 including an opening (not shown) for leading cables into the compartment 26 is provided in a lower region of each module 16, and a drawer 34 for supporting the CPU case is slidably displaceable between a closed condition (as illustrated in solid outline in Figure 4) in which the CPU case is concealed, and an open condition (as illustrated in broken outline in Figure 4) in which the CPU case is exposed.

Each console module 16 also includes a support platform 36 for supporting the monitor 28. The support platform is releasably attachable to mounting racks 38 within the compartment 26 at different locations along the racks so that the position of the platform within the compartment is adjustable to accommodate differently sized monitors.

With particular reference now to Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings, the upper cover 24 is fixed to an upper portion 20N of the rear wall 20 to define a canopy which is pivotably mounted to the side walls 22 so as to be displaceable between the closed position illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 and an open position in which the canopy is displaced in the direction of the arrow A to provide access into the compartment 26 from the rear of the console module 16. In the closed position of the canopy, the monitor 28 is concealed when viewed in the direction of the arrow B in Figures 3 and 4, but is easily accessible from the rear of the console unit when the canopy is in the open position. In this embodiment of the invention, a pair of pneumatic stays (not shown) are provided for holding the canopy in the raised position.

The lower rear wall portion 20B of each console module 16 forms a door which provides access into the compartment 26 below the support platform 36 from the rear of the module. Extending forwardly from the compartments 26 is a generally planar member 40 which is attached to the modules 16 to provide a working surface or desk top adjacent the monitor 28, as shown.

The side walls 22 of each console module 16 are seen in Figures 1 and 2 to define outer side surfaces which converge so that the modules can be arranged side by side to form an arcuate console unit. The side walls are typically arranged so that each console unit 12 forms part of a circle when viewed from above. In this embodiment of the invention, the circle has a radius of 4.5 meters.

The console modules 16 are designed to stand approximately 1.2 meters above the floor to allow users, while working, to refer to wall mounted-screens spaced from the console system. This height of the modules 16 is particularly suitable for allowing users to view screens which are mounted approximately 2 meters above floor level.

A tray (not shown) extends laterally across each module 16 adjacent the support platform 36 and is arranged to hold electrical couplings such as plug points for cables providing power to the computer terminal. The tray may also support other cabling, if desired.

A ventilation system (also not shown) in the form of a fan is mounted within the compartment 26 for cooling the equipment housed within the module 16.

On a front side of each console module 16, a transparent screen 42 is provided which isolates the monitor 28 and yet permits viewing of the monitor screen. The side casings 18 are seen in Figures 1 and 2 to include an arcuate side surface 46 for engaging the link units 14 in a manner which is described in more detail below. Each casing 18 is provided with a front fascia (not shown) which is fitted with plug points for cellular telephone rechargers, network and telephone connections, and the like. Nbove the fascia, each casing includes three storage drawers (also not shown).

Figure 5 of the drawings illustrates another embodiment of a console system 110 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a console unit 112 which is formed from three console modules 114 and a pair of side casings 116 is engageable with link units 118 in a similar fashion to that of the first embodiment of the invention so as to form a series of arcuate console units. The console modules 114 are similar in many respects to the console modules described above with reference to the first embodiment of the invention. However, in this embodiment the side walls 120 of each module 114 define outer side surfaces which are substantially parallel with one another, as shown. Between each module 114 a triangular spacing frame 122 is provided which spaces the side walls 120 of adjacent console modules 114 from one another so that the outer side surfaces of adjacent modules converge relative to one another and thereby allow the modules to form an arcuate console unit.

The link units 14 and 118 are similar in all respects and are now described with particular reference to Figures 1, 2 and 5 of the drawings. The units 14 and 118 include two arcuate side surfaces 50, 124 which carry arcuate rails 52, 126. The rails are designed to be clamped to the side casings 18, 116 with nylon clamps (not illustrated) so as to be fixed relative to the console unit 12, 112. It should be appreciated that by releasing the nylon clamps, adjusting the orientations of the various console units and link members relative to one another, and re-fastening the clamps, the console system can be configured differently to the configurations illustrated in Figures 1 and 5. In particular, the console system can be arranged to have a generally arcuate form or a generally straight form when viewed from above. The use of nylon clamps reduces the risk of forming scratches in the rails 52, 126 and other components of the console system.

Referring now specifically to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, each link unit has two upright, one-sided drawers 54 which are suitable for storing files in an upright orientation, and three lower drawers 56 (see Figure 3). The link units also define a working surface 58. At the rear end of each unit, a pair of doors 60 lead into a hanging space 62 in which clothes and the like may be hung.

The ability of the console units and link members to be linked in different orientations relative to one another, and the modular construction of the system permits a wide variety of different configurations of consoles to be formed for various applications. Accordingly, unlike many conventional console systems, the console system of the invention is versatile in that it has the ability to be placed in many different configurations and can furnish most rooms without the need for any additional custom items. Also, the console system configuration can subsequently be changed relatively easily by a user without the need for specialised fitters. Another advantage is that the console system of the invention allows for convenient access to the various components housed within the unit (via the canopies, draws and doors), and the cellular telephone recharging facilities, the network and telephone connection facilities and the various storage drawers can be easily accessed by a user working at a workstation defined by the console system.

Claims

1. A console system for housing communications equipment, the system including:

a plurality of console modules, each of which includes:

a rear wall,

a member connected or connectable to each console module so as to provide a working surface adjacent the compartment; and at least one link unit for linking two or more arcuate console units, each link unit including opposed arcuate side formations which are engageable with two adjacent console units so as to link the units to one another side by side in an arcuate, partially arcuate or generally straight configuration.

2. A console system according to claim 1, wherein each console unit comprises two or more console modules engaged with one another side by side.

3. A console system according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the upper cover of each console module is fixed to at least a portion of the rear wall and is pivotable relative to the side walls between a raised condition in which it provides access into the compartment from a rear end of the module and a lowered condition in which it prevents access into the compartment from the rear end of the module.

4. A console system according to claim 3, wherein each console module includes means for holding the upper cover in the raised condition.

5. A console system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the position of the display unit support is adjustable.

6. A console system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each console module is sized and shaped to house a computer terminal monitor on the display unit support and a CPU case below the display unit support.

7. A console system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the member providing a working surface is connectable to two or more console modules.

8. A console system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arcuate console unit defined by two or more console modules forms part of a circle.

9. A console system according to claim 8, wherein the radius of the circle is 4,5 meters.

10. A console system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arcuate side formations on each link unit comprise arcuate rails.

11. A console system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each link unit defines one or more storage compartments.

12. A console system according to any one of the preceding claims, further including side casings locatable between the console modules and the at least one link unit for housing electrical couplings.

13. A console system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each console module includes a drawer below the display unit support.

14. A console system according to claim 13, wherein each console module includes a door in a rear end thereof for providing access into the drawer below the display unit support.

15. A console system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each console module includes a tray below the display unit support which is arranged to hold power cables for equipment housed within the module.

16. A console system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each console module includes a base which defines at least one opening for allowing cables to enter the module.

17. A console system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each console module includes a fan for cooling equipment housed within the module.

18. A console module for forming a console system together with other, similar console modules, the console module including:

a rear wall;

two spaced-apart side walls, each of which defines or carries a formation which defines an outer side surface which is connectable directly or indirectly to an outer side surface of an adjacent, similar module, the side walls being arranged so that at least some of the outer side surfaces of two or more modules connected side by side converge relative to one another and thereby allow the modules to form an arcuate console unit; an upper cover which together with the rear wall and the side walls forms a compartment for housing a display unit; and

19. A console module according to claim 18, wherein a member defining a working surface is connected or connectable to the module adjacent the compartment.

20. A console module according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the upper cover is fixed to at least a portion of the rear wall and is pivotable relative to the side walls between a raised condition in which it provides access into the compartment from a rear end of the module and a lowered condition in which it prevents access into the compartment from the rear end of the module.

21. A console module according to claim 20, including means for holding the upper cover in the raised condition.

22. A console module according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the position of the display unit support is adjustable.

23. A console module according to any one of claims 18 to 22, which is sized and shaped to house a computer terminal monitor on the display unit support and a CPU case below the display unit support.

24. A console module according to any one of claims 18 to 23, including a drawer below the display unit support.

25. N console module according to claim 24, including a door in a rear end thereof for providing access into the drawer below the display unit support.

26. N console module according to any one of claims 18 to 25, including a tray below the display unit support which is arranged to hold power cables for equipment housed within the module.

27. N console module according to any one of claims 18 to 26, including a base which defines at least one opening for allowing cables to enter the module.

28. N console module according to any one of claims 18 to 27, including a fan for cooling equipment housed within the module.