Modular desk

• US 6,662,732 B2
• Filed: 08/17/2001
• Issued: 12/16/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/17/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Herman Miller Incorporated (Millerknoll Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Herman Miller Incorporated (Millerknoll Incorporated)
• Inventors: Takase, Ayako, Birsel, Ayse Gul, Insalaco, Robert Warren
• Primary Examiner(s): WILKENS, JANET MARIE
• Application Number:
  US09/932,835
• Publication Number:
  US 20020040667A1
• Time in Patent Office: 851 Days
• Field of Search: 108/25, 108/26, 108/64, 108/901, 108/24, 108/27, 108/60, 108/61, 108/50.02, 312/194, 312/195, 312/196, 312/140.1, 312/140.2, 312/140.3, 312/140.4, 312/209, 312/228, 312/229
• US Class Current: 108/25
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/00 Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards

Abstract

In a preferred embodiment, a modular desk includes a frame defining a periphery of a worksurface area and at least one opening formed within the worksurface area. A storage accessory is removeably received in the opening and releaseably engages the frame. In one embodiment, the frame further comprises a plurality of sockets formed therein. An accessory includes a stanchion having an insert portion received in at least one of the plurality of sockets. In one embodiment, an accessory includes a flexible membrane, which forms at least a portion of a worksurface. A method of reconfiguring a worksurface with various accessories is also provided, as is a method for storing an article on a worksurface.

Claims

1. A modular desk comprising:

a frame having an upper surface and defining a periphery of a worksurface area, said frame further dividing said worksurface area into opposite side regions and a middle region positioned between said side regions, each of said side regions having at least one opening formed within said worksurface area;

a worksurface member supported by said frame in said middle region, wherein said worksurface member comprises an upper surface defining a worksurface, and wherein said upper surface of said frame lies substantially flush with said upper surface of said worksurface member;

a storage accessory removably received in one of said openings, wherein said storage accessory releasably engages said frame; and

a cover disposed over said storage accessory, wherein said cover comprises an upper surface defining a worksurface.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said frame defines at least two openings formed within each of said side regions, and wherein a plurality of storage accessories are removeably received in said openings, wherein each of said storage accessories releasably engages said frame.

3. The invention of claim 2 wherein said plurality of storage accessories are different colors.

4. The invention of claim 1 wherein said frame comprises a recessed lip formed around at least a portion of a periphery of at least one of said openings, and wherein said at least one storage accessory comprises an edge portion engaging said recessed lip.

5. The invention of claim 1 wherein said cover has an opening formed therein, wherein said opening in said cover is shaped to permit a user to grasp the cover.

6. The invention of claim 1 wherein said storage accessory comprises a tub.

7. The invention of claim 1 wherein said storage accessory comprises a basket.

8. The invention of claim 1 wherein said storage accessory comprises a flexible membrane stretched across said opening.

9. The invention of claim 1 wherein said frame further comprises a plurality of sockets formed in said frame member, and further comprising a second storage accessory comprising at least one stanchion, wherein said at least one stanchion comprises an insert portion shaped to be received in at least one of said plurality of sockets.

10. The invention of claim 9 wherein said sockets are formed around at least a portion of the periphery of said worksurface area.

11. The invention of claim 9 wherein said sockets are tapered.

12. The invention of claim 9 wherein said frame is molded and wherein said sockets are in-molded in said frame.

13. The invention of claim 9 wherein said second storage accessory comprises a screen.

14. The invention of claim 9 wherein said second storage accessory comprises a post member and a placard connected to said post member.

15. The invention of claim 9 wherein said secondary accessory comprises a support stand.

16. The invention of claim 15 wherein said support stand comprises a substantially horizontal support surface.

17. The invention of claim 1 wherein an uppermost surface of said storage accessory is disposed substantially flush with or below said upper surface of said frame.