MULTI-PURPOSE TABLE WITH ELECTRICAL FEATURES

• US 20080295744A1
• Filed: 05/16/2008
• Published: 12/04/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/29/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kimball International Incorporated (HNI Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Kimball International Incorporated (HNI Corporation)
• Inventors: Henriott, Jay M.
• Granted Patent: US 7,975,624 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 108/50.02
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/00 Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/06 characterised by means for holding, fastening or concealing cables
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/006 the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle

Abstract

A multi-purpose table including a channel that either forms a portion of, or is attached to, a horizontal support structure of the work surface of the table. The channel includes at least one trough for managing cables and cords associated with electrical and communication outlet modules. The electrical and communication outlet modules may be installed within the channel with the outlets accessible to a user of the table when the work surface is positioned in each of a horizontal use position and a vertical storage position. In one embodiment, individual outlet modules are installed within the channel by a snap-fit engagement. In another embodiment, the outlet modules are provided as part of a harness or bus assembly that is slidably installed and retained within the channel.

Claims

1. An article of furniture, comprising:

a support structure;

a work surface supported by said support structure, said work surface movable with respect to said support structure between a horizontal position and a vertical position;

a channel connected to said support structure, said channel disposed beneath and spaced from said work surface; and

at least one outlet module removably mounted within said channel.

2. The article of furniture of claim 1, wherein said channel remains stationary when said work surface is moved between said horizontal and vertical positions.

3. The article of furniture of claim 1, wherein said channel includes at least one trough, said electrical component received within said trough and accessible from externally of said channel.

4. The article of furniture of claim 1, wherein said outlet module is snap-fittingly mounted within said trough.

5. The article of furniture of claim 1, wherein said at least one outlet module is connected to a harness assembly, said harness assembly slidably received within said trough.

6. The article of furniture of claim 1, wherein said channel includes a first trough and a second trough, said first trough facing in a horizontal direction and said second trough facing in a vertical direction.

7. The article of furniture of claim 6, wherein said channel includes a cross bar connected to said support structure, said first and second troughs disposed substantially above said cross bar.

8. The article of furniture of claim 6, wherein said at least one outlet module includes at least one electrical outlet module removably mounted in said first trough and at least one communications module removably mounted in said second trough.

9. The article of furniture of claim 1, wherein said channel includes a first trough and a second trough, said first and second trough facing in opposing horizontal directions.

10. The article of furniture of claim 9, wherein said channel includes a cross bar connected to said support structure, said first and second troughs disposed substantially below said cross bar.

11. The article of furniture of claim 9, wherein said at least one outlet module includes at least one electrical outlet module removably mounted in said first trough and at least one communications module removably mounted in said second trough.

12. A table, comprising:

a support structure including a plurality of legs having wheels;

a work surface supported by said support structure, said work surface pivotable with respect to said support structure between a horizontal position and a vertical position;

a horizontal channel connected to said support structure, said channel disposed beneath and spaced from said work surface, said channel including a first trough and a second trough, said first trough facing in a horizontal direction and said second trough facing in a vertical direction; and

at least one outlet module removably mountable within at least one of said first and second troughs.

13. The table of claim 12, wherein said channel remains stationary when said work surface is moved between said horizontal and vertical positions.

14. The table of claim 12, wherein said at least one outlet module includes at least one electrical outlet module removably mountable in said first trough and at least one communications module removably mountable in said second trough.