Work environment system

• US 4,884,513 A
• Filed: 03/01/1988
• Issued: 12/05/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/1988
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Herman Miller Incorporated Zeeland MI
• Original Assignee: Herman Miller Incorporated
• Inventors: Newhouse, Thomas J., McClung, Duane G., Goeman, Donald D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dorner, Kenneth J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Chen, Jose V.
• Application Number:
  US07/162,597
• Time in Patent Office: 644 Days
• Field of Search: 108/50, 108/111, 108/108, 108/157, 108/153, 108/152, 108/144, 108/25, 108/90, 108/92, 108/94, 248/188.1, 312/195, 312/196, 312/208, 312/223
• US Class Current: 108/50.02
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2037/005 Tables specially adapted for laboratories
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/06 characterised by means for holding, fastening or concealing cables
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0003 Triangular or trapezoidal desk surface to join desks
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0013 Desks with central bearing beams
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0026 Desks with C-shaped leg
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0027 Desks with I-shaped leg
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0028 Attachment of desk lateral uprights
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0082 Cable inlet in worktop or desk, e.g. grommet
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0085 Supplementary support fixed on the edge of a desk or table
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0086 Supplementary support fixed to the extension of a table leg
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 83/001 Office desks or work-stations combined with other pieces of furniture, e.g. work space management systems

Abstract

In a work environment system, a desk (10) comprises a top (16) supported by a pair of legs (18), each leg (18) formed by a pair of supports (22) mounted together in back-to-back opposing relationship and having a first channel (56) between the supports (22). The desk top (16) includes a pair of second channels (98) extending inwardly from edges (100) of the top (16) adjacent the second channels (56). The first and second channels (56, 98) manage wiring (60) of work accessories (62, 105) supported by the top (16). An apron (20) is mounted to and below the top (16) and comprises third channel (218) in registry with the first channel (56) and also adapted to receive wiring (60) from the second channels (98) through outer and inner slots (114, 116) in the top (16). A work accessory support (222) is removably mountable to the desk (10 ) by a bracket (224) securable to a leg (18) within a first channel (56) on one side of the desk (10). A work tool support fence (260) supporting trays (292) is similarly mountable to both legs (18) of the desk (10). Two desks (10) can be mounted together in side-by-side relationship by a semicircular spacer (306) comprises one or more wedge elements (310). The spacer includes a fourth channel (328) for managing the wiring (60) between the adjacent desks (10).

Claims