Modular worksurface system

• US 9,743,758 B2
• Filed: 11/17/2016
• Issued: 08/29/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Haworth Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Haworth Incorporated
• Inventors: Johnson, Ross S., Danz, Duane, Gingrich, Bryan R., Emery, Dave, Zeilinger, Todd
• Primary Examiner(s): Chen, Jose V
• Application Number:
  US15/353,789
• Publication Number:
  US 20170065076A1
• Time in Patent Office: 285 Days
• Field of Search: 108 5001, 108 5002, 3122236, 3122231, 3122233
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 1/04 with supplementary leaves or drop leaves arranged at the periphery A47B1/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2021/062 the worksurface moving forward to expose the wire gutter, e.g. up and forward
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2021/066 with power or communication connection interface
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/04 characterised by means for holding or fastening typewriters or computer equipment
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/06 characterised by means for holding, fastening or concealing cables
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0085 Supplementary support fixed on the edge of a desk or table
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0088 Appliance support having rotary joint or articulated connection
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/12 Vanity or modesty panels
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 83/001 Office desks or work-stations combined with other pieces of furniture, e.g. work space management systems
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 87/002 Combination of tables; Linking or assembling means therefor

Abstract

An improved worksurface for home and office furniture constructions. The improved worksurface generally includes a plurality of vertical openings disposed along at least a portion of the periphery of the worksurface, where the vertical openings are adapted to support removable and interchangeable accessories. The accessories can include shelving units, support stands, storage baskets, swivel arms, docking cradles, and display mounts, for example, each being positionable at multiple locations along the periphery of the worksurface. The vertical openings are optionally disposed within a recessed portion extending adjacent a rear edge of the worksurface. In use, a user can reposition the accessories as desired, providing enhanced flexibility and customization over existing constructions.

Claims

1. A furniture unit comprising:

a worksurface; and

a desk wire tray below the worksurface, the desk wire tray including;

a wire management channel including a central portion to supportably receive one or more wires thereon,

a first hinged connection to releasably join the wire management channel to the worksurface, and

a second hinged connection to releasably join the wire management channel to the worksurface,

wherein the wire management channel is adapted to be selectively pivoted about the first hinged connection and about the second hinged connection, such that the central portion of the wire management channel pivots relative to the worksurface to provide dual-sided access to an interior of the desk wire tray from beneath the worksurface.

2. The furniture unit of claim 1 wherein the first and second hinged connections each include a fixed portion connected to an underside of the worksurface.

3. The furniture unit of claim 1 wherein the first and second hinged connections include pivot pins extending from lateral side portions of the wire management channel.

4. The furniture unit of claim 3 further comprising a locking mechanism to actuate the pivot pins between a retracted position and an extended position.

5. The furniture unit of claim 1 wherein the central portion of the wire management channel is a bottom panel, the wire management channel further including first and second side panels.

6. The furniture unit of claim 5 wherein the first and second side panels are removably coupled to the worksurface about the first and second hinged connections, respectively.

7. The furniture unit of claim 1 wherein the worksurface defines a length, and wherein the desk wire tray is coextensive in length with the worksurface.