Furniture worksurface unit and method

• US 5,546,873 A
• Filed: 10/28/1994
• Issued: 08/20/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 10/28/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
• Original Assignee: Steelcase Incorporated
• Inventors: Conner, John P., Haigh, Paul, Youngs, Bradley D., Small, William C., Ross, James W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuomo, Peter M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): WILKENS, JANET MARIE
• Application Number:
  US08/331,010
• Time in Patent Office: 662 Days
• Field of Search: 108/153, 108/50, 108/64, 108/65, 108/62, 108/69, 108/90, 108/152, 108/193, 108/185, 108/186, 108/190, 108/155, 108/156, 108/157, 108/, 312/140.3, 312/195, 312/223.3, 312/223.6, 312/140.6, 312/265.1, 312/265, 312/4, 312/265.6, 52/36.1, 52/239
• US Class Current: 108/90
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 13/08 Table tops; Rims therefor not restricted to table tops A47B95/04
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2037/005 Tables specially adapted for laboratories
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/03 with substantially horizontally extensible or adjustable parts other than drawers, e.g. leaves
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0005 Removable or adjustable front edges for desktop
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/07 Desks with parallel panels, decor panels

Abstract

A furniture worksurface unit for desks, tables, computer supports, etc. has a unique modular construction, comprising a top assembly with a skeleton-like top frame and a worksurface skin mounted on the upper side thereof. Leg frames are attached to the opposite ends of the top frame, and support the worksurface unit freestanding on a floor surface. Inner and outer leg covers enclose the leg frames, and underbelly covers are provided to enclose any exposed portions of the lower side of the top frame to facilitate manufacturing the worksurface unit in different widths from common parts, and provide aesthetic flexibility. Removable edges are mounted on the sides of the top frame, and are provided in assorted shapes and sizes to construct various top configurations.

Claims

1. A worksurface unit, comprising:

a worksurface frame having a top frame member with upper and lower sides thereof, and being supported adjacent opposite ends thereof by first and second end frame members, each having exterior and interior sides thereof;

a top skin connected with and covering the upper side of said top frame member;

at least one outer leg cover connected with and covering the exterior side of an associated one of said end frame members;

at least one inner leg cover connected with the interior side of said associated one of said end frame members, and having an inverted L-shaped side elevational configuration which wraps around and covers the interior side of said associated one of said end frame members and at least a portion of the lower side of said top frame member.

2. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said inner leg cover includes a horizontal leg portion having a downwardly bowed arcuate shape, and a vertical leg portion having a tapered side elevational shape which blends into the downwardly bowed arcuate shape of said horizontal leg portion.

3. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein:

said vertical leg portion includes an inwardly inclined center area having a parabolic front elevational configuration.

4. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 3, including:

at least one underbelly cover positioned adjacent to the horizontal leg portion of said inner leg cover and covering a center portion of the lower side of said top frame member.

5. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 4, wherein:

said underbelly cover has a downwardly bowed arcuate shape which matches the shape of said adjacent horizontal leg portion of said inner leg cover.

6. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 5, wherein:

said top frame member has front and rear frame members extending along front and rear edges thereof, first and second torsion tubes extending along interior sides of said front and rear frame members, and gussets extending laterally in between said front and rear frame members and said first and second torsion tubes at locations intermediate opposite ends thereof, and fixedly interconnecting the same.

7. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 6, wherein:

said first and second end frame members have upper ends thereof connected with the opposite ends of said front and rear frame members and said first and second torsion tubes.

8. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 7, wherein:

said opposite ends of said front and rear frame members and said first and second torsion tubes, and said upper ends of said first and second end frame members include a tab and slot interconnection to permit knock-down storage and transport of said worksurface unit.

9. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 8, including:

at least one removable edge detachably connected to one of said front and rear frame members, and cooperating with said top skin to form a finished top edge on said worksurface unit.

10. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 9, wherein:

said removable edge is mounted symmetrically to said one of said front and rear frame members, and is shaped to permit the same to be attached thereto in an upside down orientation to facilitate constructing various top configurations.

11. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 10, including:

at least one removable edge positioned adjacent a side portion of said top frame member, and being detachably connected to the adjacent ends of said torsion tubes.

12. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 11, wherein:

said underbelly cover has a modular construction with opposite sides thereof shaped to matingly abut with adjacent sides of like underbelly covers to facilitate constructing said worksurface unit in various widths.

13. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 12, wherein:

said underbelly cover is shaped to enclose electrical equipment mounted to the lower side of said top frame.

14. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 2, including:

at least one underbelly cover positioned adjacent to the horizontal leg portion of said inner leg cover and covering a center portion of the lower side of said top frame member.

15. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 14, wherein:

said underbelly cover has a downwardly bowed arcuate shape which matches the shape of said adjacent horizontal leg portion of said inner leg cover.

16. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 14, wherein:

said underbelly cover has a modular construction with opposite sides thereof shaped to matingly abut with adjacent sides of like underbelly covers to facilitate constructing said worksurface unit in various widths.

17. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 14, wherein:

said underbelly cover is shaped to enclose electrical equipment mounted to the lower side of said top frame.

18. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said top frame member has front and rear frame members extending along front and rear edges thereof, first and second torsion tubes extending along interior sides of said front and rear frame members, and gussets extending laterally in between said front and rear frame members and said first and second torsion tubes at locations intermediate opposite ends thereof, and fixedly interconnecting the same.

19. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 18, wherein:

said first and second end frame members have upper ends thereof connected with the opposite ends of said front and rear frame members and said first and second torsion tubes.

20. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 19, wherein:

said opposite ends of said front and rear frame members and said first and second torsion tubes, and said upper ends of said first and second end frame members include a tab and slot interconnection to permit knock-down storage and transport of said worksurface unit.

21. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 1, including:

at least one removable edge detachably connected to said top frame member, and cooperating with said top skin to form a finished top edge on said worksurface unit.

22. A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 21, wherein:

said removable edge is mounted symmetrically to said one of said top frame members, and is shaped to permit the same to be attached thereto in an upside down orientation to facilitate constructing various top configurations.