AU2002301537B2 - Desk - Google Patents

Description

24-OCT-2002 15:03 FROM AJ PARK TO 0061262837999 -1- Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT, 1990 COMPLETE

SPECIFICATION

FOR A STANDARD

PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor: Address for service in Australia: Invention Title: ASPECT INTERIORS LIMITED NEVILLE SIMMONS A J PARK, Level 11, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT 2601

DESK

The following statmment is afull description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to ne/us 24-OCT-2002 15:03 FROM AJ PARK TO 0061262637999 P.06 2

DESK

FIELD OF INVENTION The invention relates to desks and in particular to a desk with a single support column.

BACKGROUND

All desktops need some support means to elevate the desktop from the floor. In many desks this takes the form of drawers on two sides of the desk leaving a gap for a seat underneath the desktop. Other desks use legs in the corners of the desk or rectangular pieces of solid material at at least two sides. More maodemn desk designs may use a leg at each end of the desk with feet extending flom each leg for added stability. None of these desks provide a single support column for supporting the desktop. A disadvantage of these desk designs is that they are primarily for desks with rectangular desktops.

Wit the growth in the use of computers in the office a new desk shape has emerged.

Desks designed to support computers or computer monitors are often L-shaped. The Lshape of computer desks allows the computer to be placed in the corner of the desk with the mouse and keyboard in front of the monitor. This provides space for the computer monitor, mouse and keyboard without the user of the desk sitting in a cramped position in front of the computer monitor. L-shaped desks require more support tan just two legs or a support piece at each end, especially with a heavy computer monitor sitting in the corner.

Some form of support must be provided in or near the corner.

Same overseas desk designs comprise an L-shaped desktop and a column in the corner region of the desk, which provides support for the desktop without taking up much space under the desk, and in which the entire support column is formed from heavy load-bearing material, finished on the outer face to make the support column look aesthetically pleasing.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a desk with a single support column that alleviates some of the above mentioned disadvantages and/or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a desk including: a desktop and a single support member to support the desktop on a floor surface; the support member positioned asymmetrically in at least one dimension under the desktop and including a load-bearing column arranged to bear the load of the desktop, the loadbearing column including inner and outer column parts with the inner-column part being telescopically received in the outer column part, a cover surrounding the load-bearing column and including inner and outer cover parts with the inner cover part being telescopically received in the outer cover part, and means to support the load-bearing column on the floor.

Preferably, the desktop is substantially L-shaped in plan view. Alternatively, the desktop has a pair of rear edges with an included angle of between about 800 and about 120 between the rear edges, and more preferably an included angle of about 120'.

Suitably, the support member is situated at or adjacent a rear comer or rear edge of the desktop.

Suitably, each of the inner and outer cover parts includes one or more shrouds arranged to cover the load-bearing column of the support member.

In a preferred embodiment, each shroud includes clip portions arranged to engage complementary clip portions at or toward an opposite edge of the shroud or on an adjacent shroud. Advantageously, one of the clip portions includes three substantially parallel body members with protrusions projecting inwardly from the outer body members, and the other clip portion includes two substantially parallel body members arranged to be received in 352755-2 the spaces between the outer body members of the first clip portion, with recesses arranged to receive the protrusions on the first clip portion.

Preferably, the load-bearing column is made of a relatively high strength low cost material such as steel. Preferably, the load-bearing member comprises a square or rectangular structural steel section.

Preferably, the cover or shrouds are made from a relatively lightweight non-load bearing material, such as a polymer plastic or aluminium. Another suitable material is clear or frosted Perspex (polymethyl methacrylate).

The height of the desktop may be manually adjustable. Alternatively, a drive mechanism may be provided to adjust the height of the desktop.

The drive mechanism may include a motor arranged to rotate a threaded shaft in one of the inner and outer column parts, which threaded shaft is engaged with a threaded nut or collar in the other of the inner or outer column parts, such that actuation of the motor results in the height of the desktop being adjusted.

Alternatively, the drive mechanism may include a motor and an extension member external to the inner and outer column parts, the motor configured to extend or retract the extension member thereby adjusting the height of the desktop. Preferably, the motor is housed in a housing which is fixed to the underside of a top plate of the support member, and the extension member is retractable and extendible from part of the housing and bears against a base plate of the support member. The motor and extension member are advantageously located between the load-bearing column and the cover.

352755-2 24-OCT-2002 15:04 FROM AJ PARK TO 0061262637999 P.09 A controller is suitably provided to control the drive mechanism to adjust the height of the desktop.

Means may be provided between the inner and outer column parts to guide movement therebetween. Preferably, the means to guide movement includes one or more bearings.

The means to guide movement may include a bearing cage with a plurality of spaced apart bearing parts, with the bearing parts configured to move against an outer surface of the inner column part and/or an inner surface of the outer column part during movement i0 therebetween.

Preferably, the inner and outer column parts and the bearing cage are substantially square or rectangular in cross-section.

The bearing parts may comprise bearing slides or cylindrical rollers.

The bearing cage suitably includes pairs of bearing parts which are vertically spaced so as to reduce slack between the inner and outer column parts during movement therebetween, and to thereby provide stability to the desktop.

Suitably, the upper end of the column or upper column part includes a support plate arranged for attachment to the underside of the desktop.

A strengthening frame may engage the underside of the desktop to provide additional stability to the desktop. The strengthening frame preferably fbrther engages the support plate.

The means to support the load-bearing column on the floor may be an enlarged foot extending around the support member. Alternatively, the means to support the loadbearing column on the floor may include a pair of angularly spaced legs extending forwardly from the support member. Preferably, the included angle between the legs is between about 80 and about 120" The lower end of the load-bearing column and the lower end of the cover preferably each include a recess or recesses for receipt of the proximal ends of the legs. The support member may include a base plate arranged to be located on the floor surface. Preferably, the legs curve downwardly from their proximal ends to their distal ends, and the base plate includes a mounting block in the or each recess upon which the proximal end of a respective leg rests. Advantageously, the proximal end of the legs, the mounting blocks and the base plate include aligned apertures, and are held together via respective fasteners.

The legs preferably include a foot attached at or adjacent the distal ends thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the feet are threadingly engaged in a respective downwardlyextending boss at or adjacent the distal end of the legs, such that rotation of the feet relative to the legs will allow for height adjustment of the feet to account for unevenness in the floor surface.

The legs are preferably substantially T-shaped in cross section.

Each cover part suitably includes three shrouds, the shrouds being configured so that in cross section they substantially form a reuleaux triangle, with one side of the triangle facing towards the front of the desktop and an apex between the other two sides facing toward a rear corner of the desktop.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a desk including: a desktop and a single support member to support the desktop on a floor surface; the support member positioned asymmetrically in at least one dimension under the desktop and including a load-bearing column arranged to bear the load of the desktop, the loadbearing column including inner and outer column parts which are substantially square or rectangular in cross-section with the inner column part being telescopically received in the outer column part; and a bearing cage with pairs of bearing parts which are vertically spaced and positioned between the inner and outer column parts, the bearing parts configured to move against an outer surface of the inner column part and/or an inner surface of the outer column part during movement therebetween so as to reduce slack between the inner and outer column parts and to thereby provide stability to the desktop.

352755-2 The bearing cage preferably includes four wall portions, which may each include four pairs of spaced apart apertures in which respective bearing parts are received.

Advantageously, the wall portions include upper and lower slots extending inwardly from ends thereof, and protrusions extend inwardly from the outer column part and outwardly from the inner column part and are receivable in the slots to define an upper limit of travel of the column parts.

The wall portions suitably comprise a polymer plastic material.

The bearing parts may comprise bearing slides, or may comprise cylindrical rollers.

Preferably, the rollers are sandwiched between both the outer surface of the inner column part and the inner surface of the outer column part.

The bearing cage is suitably maintained between the inner and outer column parts by pressure from the two column parts.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a desk including: a desktop and a single support member to support the desktop on a floor surface; the support member positioned asymmetrically in at least one dimension under the desktop and including a load-bearing column arranged to bear the load of the desktop, the loadbearing column including inner and outer column parts with the inner column part being telescopically received in the outer column part; and a drive mechanism configured to adjust the height of the desktop, the drive mechanism including a motor and an extension member which is moveable by the motor, the extension member bearing against a top support plate or a bottom support plate of the support member, the motor and the extension member being positioned outside the load-bearing column.

The motor may be housed in a housing fixed to the underside of the top support plate, with the extension member extendibly carried within part of the housing and bearing against the bottom support plate. Alternatively, the motor may be housed in a housing fixed to the 352755-2 24-OCT-2002 15:05 FROM AJ PARK TO 0061262837999 P.12 8 bottom support plate, with the extension member extendibly carried within part of the housing and bearing against the underside of the top support plate.

The part of the housing which extendibly carries the extension member preferably comprises a tubular part.

A cover may surround the load-bearing column, with the motor and extension member being positioned between the load-bearing column and the cover.

t0 The motor preferably comprises an electric motor.

The desk may include a controller to control the motor. The controller is advantageously located beneath the desktop and positioned towards a front edge thereof, and most preferably includes a pair of buttons, with one button configured to increase the height of the desktop and the other button configured to decrease the height of the desktop.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for a height adjustable single pedestal desk including: a desktop; a support member including a load-bearing column including inner and outer column parts with the inner column part being telescopically received in the outer column part, and a top support plate at an end of the load-bearing column and attachable to an underside of the desktop in a position which is asymmetrical in at least one dimension; a support frame attachable to the top support plate and the desktop; and a pair of legs attachable to the support member in an angularly spaced configuration to support the desk on a floor surface once assembled.

The kit may include a cover which is attachable to the support plate to surround the loadbearing column. The cover is suitably made from a relatively lightweight non-load bearing material. The cover for surrounding the load-bearing column may include inner and outer cover parts, with the inner cover part being attachable to the support plate or a base plate of the support member, and the outer cover part being attachable to the other of the support plate or the base plate of the support member.

24-OCT-2002 15:05 FROM AJ PARK TO 0061262B37999 P.13 9 The kit preferably incldes a bearing cage preassembled between the inner and outer column parts, the bearing cage including a plurality of spaced apart bearing parts configured to move against an outer surface of the inner olumn part and/or an inner surface of the outer column part during movement therebetween.

Preferably, the kit includes a drive mechanism configured to adjust the height of the desktop, the drive mechanism including a motor and an extension member which is moveable by the motor, the extension member bearing against the top support plate or a bottom support plate of the support member, the motor and the extension member being 1o positioned outside the load-bearing column.

The motor may be housed in a housing fixed to the underside of the top support plate, with the extension member extendibly carried within part of housing and bearing against the bottom support plate. Alternatively, the motor may be housed in a housing fixed to the bottom support plate, with the extension member extendibly carried within part of the housing and bearing against the underside of the top support plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of example only and without intending to be limiting, wherein; Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment desk; Figure 2 is a sectional view showing the load-bearing column and the outer cover member of the desk of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a sectional view showing the load-bearing column, the outer cover member and means for altering the height of the desktop; Figure 4a is a sectional view of the desk of Figure 1 showing a leg attached to the loadbearing column of the desk; Figure 4b is a detailed sectional view of the load-bearing column and leg attachment arrangement; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment desk in its lowered position; Figure 6 is a front elevation view of the desk of Figure Figure 7 is an underside view of the desk of Figure Figure 8a is a sectional side view of the desk of Figure 5, the section taken along a plane through the centre of one of the legs; Figures 8b to e are detailed views of parts B to E respectively of Figure 8a; Figure 8f is a sectional side view of the desk of Figure 5, the section taken through the centre of the support member; Figure 9 is an underside sectional view through line 9-9 of Figure 6; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a bearing cage from the desk of Figure Figures 11 a and 11 b are inner and outer perspective views respectively of an upper shroud for the desk of Figure Figure 12a shows detail F of the shroud of Figure 1 la, and Figure 12b shows detail G of the shroud of Figure 11 a; Figure 12c shows the engagement between clip members on adjacent shrouds; 352755-2 24-OGCT-2002 15:08 FROM RJ PARK TO 0061262837999 11 Figure 12d shows a sectional view through the connected clip members of Figure 12c; Figures 13a to 13c show inner, outer and side views respectively of the lower front shroud of the desk of Figure Figures 14a to 14c show plan, side elevation, and underside views respectively of the leg of the desk of Figure Figure 14d and 14e show a proximal end and distal end respectively of the leg of Figure 14a; Figure lAf shows a sectional side view along line F-F of Figure 14a; Figure 15a to 1ISo show a foot plate, foot moulding and foot stud respectively; Figure 16 is a perspective view of an upper column member and top plate of the desk of Figure Figure 17 is a perspective view of the lower column member of the desk of Figure Figures 18a and 18Sb are upper and lower persective views of a bottom plate with leg mounting blocks and an accessory post, of the desk of Figure Figures 19a to 19c are overhead perspective, underside perspective, and plan views respectively of an alternative embodiment desk.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure I is a perspective view of a preferred emnbodinment desk. The desk includes a desktop 1, support member 2 and legs 3. The desktop is substantially L-shaped and is suitable for supporting a computer. However any other suitable desktop shape can be used.

24-OCT-2002 15:06 FROM AJ PARK TO 0061262837999 P.16 12 The support member 2 is fixed to the bottom of the desktop. The support member is arranged to be adjustable in height so that the height of the desktop may be altered.

Fixed to the support member near the base of the support member are legs 3 with feet 4, The legs and feet are arranged to provide stability to the support member and the desk in at least one direction.

As is shown more clearly in Figure 2 the single support member includes a load-bearing colurm and an outer cover. Both the load-bearing column and the outer cover include two main pieces.

The load-bearing column has an upper inner part 11 and a lower outer part 12. The inner part 11I is arranged to slidingly engage the outer part 12. Here the inner part is a telescopic part arranged to slidingly engage in the outer part. However other slidingly engageable is arrangements could alternatively be used. The sliding engagement between the inner part and the outer part is facilitated by a pair of friction slides or bearing cages 13 and 14 provided one toward the top of the outer part and one toward the bottom of the inner part.

Any other means for facilitating sliding engagement of the inner and outer part of the loadbearing column could also be used.

The lower part 12 of the load-bearing column also includes a base Plate 15 that extends around the base of the support member 2 and at least one recess 16 arranged to house a leg.

A preferred form of recess for a leg is shown in more detail in Figures 4a and 4b. The top of the inner part I11 of the load-bearing column includes a plate 17 arranged to be attached to thec bottom of the desktop 1. Plate 17 extends around the top of the support member 2.

Both parts of the load-bearing columnn are formed from strong material able to bear the full load of the desk and a reasonable weight on the desk. The parts of the load-bearing column may be formed from steel or any other suitable material. The load-beating column may have any suitable cross-section such as fin example a circle, square or rectangle.

Square or rectangular shapes are preferred, as they prevent rotation between the parts of the load bearing column.

24-OCT-2002 15:06 FROM AJ PARK TO 0061262837999 P.17 The outer cover also has an upper inner part 18 and a lower outer part 19. The inner part is a telescopic part arranged to slidingly engage in the cuter part. The sliding engagement may be facilitated by a bearing cage or a friction slide.

The cover surrounds the load-bearing column. Apertures are provided in the cover to allow access into the leg recesses 16 of the outer part of the load-bearing column. The cover member will generally be formed from a material lighter in weight than the material used for the load-bearing column. The cover is ideally provided with a finish to make the cover aesthetically pleasing.

Figure 3 shows by way of example one possible embodiment of a mechanism used to alter the height of the desktop. In this embodiment the load-bearing column of the support member is provided with an electric motor 20. The electric motor provides rotation to a central shaft 21. The central shaft 21 is threaded and at one portion is engaged with a threaded collar or nut 22. The threaded collar or nut is attached to the inner part I1I of the load-bearing column. As the threaded central shf 21 rotates in one direction the movement of the central shaft witbin the threaded collar causes the desktop to rise and as the central shalt rotates in the other direction the movement of the central shaft within the threaded collar causes the desktop to lower.

As shown in Figure 3 the support member is in its fully extended position. This position is ideally high enough to provide a standing desk. When the support member is in a fully contracted position the desk is at a height for sitting.

Although the electric motor is shown inside the load-bearing column the electric motor may be provided outside the load-bearing column so long as it is still aranged to provide rotation to the central shaft. Alternatively the electric motor could be arranged to raise and lower the desktop through a gear and rack drive arrangement. The electric motor is ideally provided with a plug so that power to the motor is provided from the mains supply.

Ideally when an electric motor is provided for altering the height of the desktop, control means are provided for a user to alter the height of the desktop. The control means may be in the form of an up and down switch to control the motor to alter the height of the desktop up or down. Alternatively a more complex control system may be provided. For example the control system may allow a user to pre-program preferred heights for the desktop and may then allow the user to select a pre-programmed height and automatically adjust the desktop to the selected height.

In other embodiments different means for adjusting the height of the desktop may be provided. Alternative means for adjusting the height of the desktop include mechanical means and pneumatic means. For example a handle arranged so that rotation of the handle rotates the central shaft may be supplied. This allows the user to manually adjust the height of the desk. Hydraulic or pneumatic means may also be provided. These work in known ways.

Figures 4a and 4b show the support member of the desk with a leg 30 attached. The leg may be a narrow leg as shown in Figure 1 or may be wider, for example in the shape of a semicircle or plate. The legs may also be arranged at any suitable angle. For an L-shaped desktop this angle may be approximately 80' between the legs as shown in Figure 1.

Different angles may be used for different shaped desktops or where a different number of legs are provided. A suitable range of angles may be between about 80 degrees and 120 degrees.

Figure 4a shows leg 30 engaged in recess 16 of load-bearing column part 12. The recess is shaped to receive the proximal end of the leg. Different shaped recesses may be provided for legs with different ends. Leg 30 has a pad 31 at the distal end arranged to contact the floor. Pad 31 spreads the load of leg 30 over the floor beneath the pad. Pads of different shapes and sizes may be used.

Figure 4b shows more detail of the proximal end of leg 30 and recess 16. The end of leg includes end piece 32. The end piece and recess 16 of the load-bearing column are arranged to fit together. Recess 16 is provided with attachment holes 33 and leg end piece 352755-2 32 is provided with corresponding holes. When leg end piece 32 is positioned in recess 16 plugs or screws may be placed in holes 33 and 34 to hold the leg in place in recess 16.

The recess is formed as part of the lower part 12 of the load-bearing column. This means that any legs located in recesses are attached to the load-bearing part of the support means.

This provides strength and stability to the support member.

Figures 5 to 18 show an alternative embodiment desk, in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts, with the addition of 100. With reference to Figures 5 to 7, the desk includes a desktop 101, a single support member 102, and a pair of legs 103 extending from adjacent the lower end of the support member 102. As will be described further herein, the support member is attached to the bottom of the desktop. As shown in Figure 7, a frame assembly 140 is provided on the underside of the desktop 101, to provide additional strength thereto.

The support member is arranged to be adjustable in height so the height of the desktop may be altered between a lowered position as shown in Figure 5 and a raised position as shown in Figure 8a. The support member 2 includes a load-bearing column and an outer cover.

The load-bearing column has an upper inner part 111 and a lower outer part 112. The inner part is slidingly engaged in the outer part. Attached to the upper end of the upper part of the load-bearing column is a top support plate 117 which is configured for attachment to the underside of the desktop 10 1 by screws, fasteners or the like. The lower column part 112 is fixed to a base plate 115 as will be described fuirther herein. In the preferred embodiment, the inner part is the upper column part and the outer part is the lower column part. However, it will be appreciated that the configurations could be reversed so that the upper column part is larger and telescopically receives a smaller lower column part.

It can be seen that in the preferred embodiment, that the upper and lower parts 1 11, 112 of the load-bearing column are formed from hollow square steel section. This has the advantage that it provides the required strength, but the material is of relatively low cost.

Channel sections or other suitable sections could be used if desired.

352755-2 24-OCT-2002 15:07 FROM AJ PARK TO 0061262637999 16 The cover is provided in the form of shrouds and has an upper inner Part 118 and a lower outer part 119. ki the preferred embodiment, the inner cover part 118 is aligned and arranged to move with the upper column member 111, whereas the outer cover part 119 is s aligned with the outer lower col umn member 112. However, it will be appreciated that this configuration is not essential, and if desired the larger cover part could be aligned with the smaller column member and/or the larger cover part could 'be located above the lower column part in the assembled desk. The shrouds are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, and are made from a lightweight material such as a polymer plastic or alternaively a light weight metal such as aluminium. A particularly preferred material is clear or frosted Perspex (polymethyl methacrylate). As can be seen from Figure 8d, the upper cover part 118 includes an outwardly-extending flange 141 at its lower edge, and the outer cover part 119 has an inwardly-extending shoulder 142 arranged to engage the flange 141 of the upper cover part. A small clearance is provided between the shoulder 142 of the outer is cover part and the upper colum part to enable movement therehetween.

As can be seen from Figure 9, in the preferred embodiment each of the cover parts 118., 119 includes three shroud members. For example, the outer cover part 119 comprises a front shroud member 11 9a, and two side shroud members 11 9b, I11c, The preferred cover is configured to be substantially triangular in cross-section, but with curved sides (ic, is substantially in the form of a reuleaux triangle in cross-section). This is a configuration which has been found to be aesthetically pleasing. The curved face of shroud 11 9a is directed towards the front of the desk, and the intersection of shrouds 1 19b, 1 19c is directed to the rea corner of the desktop. The shrouds preferably clip together as can be seen in more detail in Figures 11 and 12.

Figure I I a shows an upper shroud lis8a, with opposite sides of the -upper shroud having complementary clip portions 150, 151 as shown in more detail in Figures 1 2a and 1 2b respectively. Clip portion 150 comprises a pair of substantially parallel body members 153 and 155. As can be seen in Figure 12c, the body members 153 and 155 are substantially triangular in plan view, with an enlarged region 157 at their ends adjacent the edge of the shroud. Strengthening ribs 159 are also provided to enhance the stiffness of the body members. As shown in Figure 12d the enlarged head portions 157 also include notches or recesses 161, the upper body member 153 having the recess 161 in its upper edge and the lower body member 155 having the recess 161 in its lower edge. These recesses are arranged to receive protrusions from the other clip portion 151 which will be described below.

As shown in Figure 12b, the other clip portion 151 includes three body members 163, 165, and 167. As can be seen from Figure 12c, the shape of each body member is similar to that of clip portions 150. The upper and lower body members 163, 167 have inwardlyprojecting protrusions 169, which are arranged to be received in the recesses of the other clip portion 150. Accordingly, the shrouds are connectable together by inter-engaging the clip portions 151 with clip portions 150, so that the projections 169 are received in respective recesses 161.

It can be seen from Figure 1 la that the shroud 118a has a number of clip portions 150 down one side with a corresponding number of complementary clip portions 161 down the opposite side, so that neighbouring shrouds can be interconnected. However, it will be appreciated that this is a preferred embodiment, and it would be possible to alternate the types of clip portions on either side, provided that an opposite clip portion is provided in a corresponding position on the neighbouring shroud. Other means for connecting adjacent shrouds can be used if desired.

The upper edge of each shroud 118a, 118b, 118c includes a number of spaced projections 171 for receipt in corresponding spaced apertures in the top plate 117, and also defines apertures 173 for receipt of fastening means such as screws to connect and hold the shrouds to the top support plate 117.

The outer shrouds 119a, 119b, 119c are formed in a similar manner although are larger to provide a larger overall cover size than the inner cover. The front outer shroud 119a is shown in Figures 13a to 13c, and it can be seen that again the shroud includes clip portions 150, 151 of the type described above. As well differing in size, the shrouds differ in that they include cut out regions 175 for receipt of legs 103. As can be seen from Figures 14a 352755-2 24-OCT-2002 15:08 FROM RJ PARK TO 0061262837999 P.22 18 to 14f, the legs 103 are substantially T-shaped in cross-section and the cut out portions 175 in the outer shrouds are configured to each receive a leg 103. It should be appreciated that the forward most edge (relative to the desktop) of the outer shrouds I11 9b, 11 9c are also provided with half-T-shaped cut out portion to receive the other side of a respective leg 103. The rear edges of the shrouds 1 19b, 1 19c will not have corresponding cut out portions, as the preferred desk has only two legs. The shroud 11 9a has lower protrusions 177 for receipt in corresponding aperture in the base plate 115, and defines apertures 179 for receipt of fastening means such as screws to attach the shroud to the base plate. The -protrusions 177 and apertures 179 are provided on an inwardly-extending shoulder at the lower edge of the shroud I119a. The other outer shrouds 1 19b, 1 19c; will be configured in a similar manner.

The inner and outer part 111, 112 of the load-bearing column are arranged to slidably move relative to each other. In this embodiment, the movement is facilitated by a bearing cage 113 as can be seen in Figures 9 and 10. The bearing cage 113 includes four wall portions 18 1, each of which is preferably made of a plastic material and defines four pairs of spaced apertures 183 in which respecive cylindrcal rollers 185 are received. Different numbers of rollers could be used if desired. The bearing cage 113 surrounds part of the inner column part 111. When the inner and outer column parts 111, 112 are moved relative to each other 1 the rollers 113 move against the inner surface of the outer column part and outer surface of the inner column part. The length of the bearing cage and corresponding spacing between the upper and lower pairs of rollers acting against the surfaces of the column parts provides stability and good purchase during movement of the members, to minimise any wobbling of the desktop relative to the base. Rather than using cylindrical rollers, bearing slides in the form of self-lubricating plastic blocks for example could be used. The plastic blocks would be configured to move against the outer surface of the inner colum part 111 and the inner surface of the outer column part 112.

The bearing cage is not affixed to the inner or outer column part, but rather is maintained therebetween by pressure from the two column parts. As can be seen fromFgure 10, the wall portions of the bearing cage have upper 1 81a. and lower 18 lb slots extending inwardly from ends thereof. Referring to Figure 8e, -upper cap screws 182a extend inwardly from I 24-OCT-2002 15:09 FROM P3 PARK TO 0061262637999 P.23I 19 the outer column part 112 and lower cap screws 182b extend outwardly from the inner column part Ill1, and are receivable in the slots 18 1 a, 18 lb respectively. As the desktop is raised to its upper limit, the cap screws will engage the ends of the respective slots thereby defining the upper limit of travel. Alternatively or in addition, the limits of travel may be defined by the drive mechanism described below. The lower cap screws 182b will also prevent the roller cage firm falling down below the inner column part should any slackness develop in the mechanism over time. The bearing cage could be affixed to one of the inner and outer column parts if desired. Further, other types of protrusions could be used instead of cap screws.

Whilst any type of suitable drive mechanism could be used to adjust the height of the desktop, a preferred drive mechanism is shown in Figures 8a and 8e. The preferred drive mechanism is indicated generally by reference numeral 400, and includes a housing 402 fixed to the underside of the top plate 117, and an extension member 404 which bears against the bottom plate 115. The housing 402 includes an enlarged portion 406 which houses an electric motor and a tubular portion 408 for receipt of the extension member 404. Actuation of the electric motor causes the extension member 404 to either move further into the tubular portion 408 to lower the desktop, or to move further out of the tubular portion to raise the desktop. The mechanism inside the housing 402 could include a nut which rotates relative to a thtreaded portion of the extension member 404, a rack and pinion, or any other suitable arrangement.

The chive mechani sm. is mounted outside the structural column pas 111, 112, but within the cover parts I118, 119. The main body unit 402 and the extension member 404 could be inverted, so that the extension member 404 bears against the underside of the top plate 117?.

A controller will be provided to enable a user to actuate the drive mechanism to raise or lower the desktop. A suitable controller includes a pair of buttons or a switch ont the underside of the desktop toward a front edge thereof. A particularly preferred controller includes a pair of buttons, which one button configured to incrca~c thc height of the desktop and the other button configured to decrease the height of the desktop.

24-OCT-2002 15:09 FROM P5 PARK TO 0061262837999 P.24 As described above, two legs 103 extend from adjacent the base of the support member.

As shown in Figure 14, the legs have a proximal end for attachment to a support member and a distal end. The distal end includes an end piece for insertion into the lower column member 112. The end piece 132 includes a pair of through apertures 134, which align with corresponding aperture 186 in leg mounting blocks 187 extending upwardly from the base plate 115 as can be seen in Figure 18. Aligned recesses 188 are provided in the bottom surface of the base plate, each recess being sized to receive the head of a fastener such as a bolt 189 as shown in Figure Sb. As can be seen from Figure Sb, the proximal end of the leg fits in a recess 116 in the lower column part and lower cover part, and is positioned on top of the mounting block 180 so that the apertures 134 and 186 are aligned. Fasteners 189 are then threaded into corresponding apertures in an upper plate 190 above the recess to fasten the legs to the lower column member 112. The distal end of the leg 103 includes a foot 104 which is preferably in the form of a glider or pad. The foot includes a moulded body portion 191 and a foot plate 192 (Figure 15a) fastened to the end of the leg 103 via a foot mounting stud 193 (Figure 15c) which is threaded into a corresponding recess 194 in a downwardly-extending boss 195 adjacent the distal end of the leg 103. The foot moulding and plate may be formed of any suitable material, such as polymer plastic and metal respectively. Alternatively, the entire foot including the body portion and the stud could be formed as a single moulding.

With reference to Figures 14a to 14f, the leg 103 is desirably formed with a plate-like upper surface 300 which curves gently downwardly from the proximal end 132 to the distal end. The underside of the leg 103 is formed with a central portion having two substantially parallel side walls 302, 304, with a plurality of strengthening ribs 306 extending transversely between the walls. This reduces the weight that would exist in a solid leg, but provides the required strengt The support column and legs are preferably configured so that the base plate 115 is situated at the same level as the bottom of the feet 10.4, although the threaded foot stud 193 connecting each foot to the boss 195 at the distal end of each leg 103 enables the height of the foot to be easily adjusted to account for any variation from 3o level ground.

24-OCT-2002 15:09 FROM AJ PARK TO 0061262837999 21 As can be soo from Figure 18a, an accessory post 306 is provided adjacent the back edge of the base plate 118, and includes a pair of spaced apertures 308. The accessory post 306 is for receipt of an accessory such as a CPU holder. This can be attached to the accessory post with suitable fasteners, and maintains the CPU in a raised position off the floor. The rear cover shrouds include apertures corresponding in position to the apertures of the accessory post.

The desk will generally be provided in knock down or kit form for assembly on site. The separate parts will be the desk top loll frame 140, cover, and legs. To assemble the desk, the desktop is inverted and the top support plate 117 of the support member is mechanically fixed to the desktop with fasteners or the like. The frame 140 is then placed over the support member, and is mechanically fixed to the desktop and the top support plate 117. If a cover is to be used, it is then attached around the column part of the support member. Either before or after attachment of the cover, the legs 103 are inserted into the receses 116 in the lower colum part 112, and are attached thereto with fasteners 189 extending through the apertures 188 in the base plate 115 and the apertures 186 in the mounting blocks 187. The desk can then be inverted to its in use position. The inner column parts including the bearing cage will generaliy be delivered preassembled.

Figures 19a to 19c. show an alternative embodiment desk. Unless described below, the parts can be considered to be the same as that of the desk of Figures 6 to 18, and like reference numerals will be used to indicate like parts with the addition of 100. This desk differs from that of Figures 6 to 18, in that the desktop has dittrent shape. The included angle at the rear corner of this desktop is about 120g. This desktop also has straight edges at its front, rather than curved edges. As can be seen from Figure 19b, the desk again includes a frame assembly 240 attached to the underside of the desktop, and at either end of the frame assembly 240 is an end plate 242 which tapers in a curved manner toward the underside of the desktop in the direction of the front of the desktop. This is found to be aesthetically pleasing, and prevents a user from banging his or her knee against the end plates which would occur if a parallel-edged plate was used.

24-OCT-2002 i5:i0 FROM AJ PARK TO B061262837999 P.26 22 The height of the desktop will suitably be adjustable by up to about 450mm, although it will be appreciated that a greater or smaller height adjustment may be provided as required and depending on the configuration of the support member.

The above describes preferred embodiment desks, and modifications may be made thereto with~out departng from the scope of the invention. For example, the above desktops are described as being substantially L-shaped or similar, A preferred range of included angles between the rear edges of the desktop is between about 80- and about 120'0. However, it will be appreciated that any desired desktop shape may be used. It is desirable that the support column is provided asymmetrically in at least one dimension underneath the desktop, such as extending downwardly from at or adjacent the rear edge, so that sufficient support is provided for the desktop whilst being out of the way of a user seated or standing at the front of the desktop. For example, the desktop could be circular, with a support columnn extending from adjacent the rear edge of the desktop.

Is Rather than using a pair of legs, an enlarged plate-like base or simailar could be used to support the desk on the floor.

It is not essential that the desk is height adustable. In a fixed height desk, a single column part and single cover pail could be used. Alternatively, for a height adjustable desk, three or more column parts and cover parts could be provided, such that the support member has several telescoping parts.

The preferred desks described above provide sufficient support through a single support member, whilst being relatively lowv cost. The load-bearing part of the support member can be made from a material which is strong but not aesthetically pleasing, with a relatively light weight aesthetically pleasing cover member covering around the load-bearing part so that it cannot be seen by a user.

Claims (14)

1. A desk including: a desktop and a single support member to support the desktop on a floor surface; the support member positioned asymmetrically in at least one dimension under the desktop and including a load-bearing column arranged to bear the load of the desktop, the load-bearing column including inner and outer column parts with the inner- column part being telescopically received in the outer column part, a cover surrounding the load-bearing column and including inner and outer cover parts with the inner cover part being telescopically received in the outer cover part, and means to support the load-bearing column on the floor.

2. A desk as claimed in claim 1, wherein the desktop is substantially L-shaped in plan view.

3. A desk as claimed in claim 1, wherein the desktop has a pair of rear edges with an included angle of about between about 800 and about 1200.

4. A desk as claimed in claim 3, wherein the desk has a pair of rear edges with an included angle of about 120' between the rear edges.

A desk as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member is situated at or adjacent a rear corner or edge of the desktop.

6. A desk as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the inner and outer cover parts includes one or more shrouds arranged to cover the load-bearing column of the support member.

7. A desk as claimed in claim 6, wherein each shroud includes clip portions arranged to engage complementary clip portions at or toward an opposite edge of the shroud or on an adjacent shroud.

352755-2

8. A desk as claimed in claim 7, wherein one of the clip portions includes three substantially parallel body members with protrusions projecting inwardly from the two outer body members, and the other clip portion includes two substantially parallel body members arranged to be received in the spaces between the outer body members of the first clip portion, with recesses arranged to receive the protrusions on the first clip portion.

9. A desk as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the load-bearing column is made of a relatively high strength low cost material.

10. A desk as claimed in claim 9 wherein the load-bearing column is formed of steel.

11. A desk as claimed in claim 10, wherein the load-bearing column comprises structural square or rectangular steel section.

12. A desk as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover or shrouds are made from a relatively lightweight non-load bearing material.

13. A desk as claimed in claim 12, wherein the relatively lightweight non-load bearing material is a polymer plastic or aluminium.

14. A desk as claimed in claim 12, wherein the relatively lightweight non-load bearing material is clear or frosted polymethyl methacrylate. A desk as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the outer column part is the lower column part and the inner column part is the upper column part. 16. A desk as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the outer cover part is the lower cover part and the inner cover part is the upper cover part. 17. A desk as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the height of the desktop is manually adjustable. 352755-2 18. A desk as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, including a drive mechanism to adjust the height of the desktop. 19. A desk as claimed in claim 18, wherein the drive mechanism includes a motor arranged to rotate a threaded shaft in one of the inner and outer column parts, which threaded shaft is engaged with a threaded nut or collar in the other of the inner or outer column parts, such that actuation of the motor results in the height of the desktop being adjusted. 20. A desk as claimed in claim 18, wherein the drive mechanism includes a motor and an extension member external to the inner and outer column parts, the motor configured to extend or retract the extension member thereby adjusting the height of the desktop. 21. A desk as claimed in claim 20, wherein the motor is housed in a housing which is fixed to the underside of a top plate of the support member, and the extension member is retractable and extendible from part of the housing and bears against a base plate of the support member. 22. A desk as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the motor and extension member are located between the load-bearing column and the cover. 23. A desk as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22, further including a controller to control the drive mechanism to adjust the height of the desktop. 24. A desk as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, including means between the inner and outer column parts to guide movement therebetween. A desk as claimed in claim 24, wherein the means to guide movement includes one or more bearings. 26. A desk as claimed in claim 24, wherein the means to guide movement includes a bearing cage with a plurality of spaced apart bearing parts, with the bearing parts 352755-2 configured to move against an outer surface of the inner column part and/or an inner surface of the outer column part during movement therebetween. 27. A desk as claimed in claim 26, wherein the inner and outer column parts and the bearing cage are substantially square or rectangular in cross-section. 28. A desk as claimed in claim 26 or 27, wherein the bearing parts comprise bearing slides. 29. A desk as claimed in claim 26 or 27, wherein the bearing parts comprise cylindrical rollers. A desk as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the bearing cage includes pairs of bearing parts which are vertically spaced so as to reduce slack between the inner and outer column parts during movement therebetween, and to thereby provide stability to the desktop. 31. A desk as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper end of the column or upper column part includes a support plate arranged for attachment to the underside of the desktop. 32. A desk as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a strengthening frame engaging the underside of the desktop to provide additional stability to the desktop. 33. A desk as claimed in claim 32 including a support plate at the upper end of the column or upper column part, wherein the strengthening frame engages the support plate. 34. A desk as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means to support the load-bearing column on the floor is an enlarged foot extending around the support member. 352755-2 A desk as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the means to support the load-bearing column on the floor includes a pair of angularly spaced legs extending forwardly from the support member. 36. A desk as claimed in claim 35, wherein the included angle between the legs is between about 800 and about 120'. 37. A desk as claimed in claim 35 or 36, wherein the lower end of the load-bearing column and the lower end of the cover each include a recess or recesses for receipt of the proximal ends of the legs. 38. A desk as claimed in claim 37, wherein the support member includes a base plate arranged to be located on the floor surface. 39. A desk as claimed in claim 38, wherein the legs curve downwardly from their proximal ends to their distal ends, and the base plate includes a mounting block in the or each recess upon which the proximal end of a respective leg rests. A desk as claimed in claim 39, wherein the proximal end of the legs, the mounting blocks and the base plate include aligned apertures, and are held together via respective fasteners. 41. A desk as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 40, wherein the legs include a foot attached at or adjacent the distal ends thereof. 42. A desk as claimed in claim 41, wherein the feet are threadingly engaged in a respective downwardly-extending boss at or adjacent the distal end of the legs, such that rotation of the feet relative to the legs will allow for height adjustment of the feet to account for unevenness in the floor surface. 43. A desk as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 42, wherein the legs are substantially T-shaped in cross section. 352755-2 44. A desk as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each cover part includes three shrouds, the shrouds being configured so that in cross section they substantially form a reuleaux triangle, with one side of the triangle facing towards the front of the desktop and an apex between the other two sides facing toward a rear corner of the desktop. A desk including: a desktop and a single support member to support the desktop on a floor surface; the support member positioned asymmetrically in at least one dimension under the desktop and including a load-bearing column arranged to bear the load of the desktop, the load-bearing column including inner and outer column parts which are substantially square or rectangular in cross-section with the inner column part being telescopically received in the outer column part; and a bearing cage with pairs of bearing parts which are vertically spaced and positioned between the inner and outer column parts, the bearing parts configured to move against an outer surface of the inner column part and/or an inner surface of the outer column part during movement therebetween so as to reduce slack between the inner and outer column parts and to thereby provide stability to the desktop. 46. A desk as claimed in claim 45, wherein the bearing cage includes four wall portions. 47. A desk as claimed in claim 46, wherein each wall portion includes four pairs of spaced apart apertures in which respective bearing parts are received. 48. A desk as claimed in any claim 46 or 47, wherein the wall portions include upper and lower slots extending inwardly from ends thereof, and protrusions extend inwardly from the outer column part and outwardly from the inner column part and are receivable in the slots to define an upper limit of travel of the column parts. 49. A desk as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 48, wherein the wall portions comprise a polymer plastic material. 352755-2 A desk as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 49, wherein the bearing parts comprise bearing slides. 51. A desk as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 49, wherein the bearing parts comprise cylindrical rollers. 52. A desk as claimed in claim 51, wherein the rollers are sandwiched between both the outer surface of the inner column part and the inner surface of the outer column part. 53. A desk as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 52, wherein the bearing cage is maintained between the inner and outer column parts by pressure from the two column parts. 54. A desk including: a desktop and a single support member to support the desktop on a floor surface; the support member positioned asymmetrically in at least one dimension under the desktop and including a load-bearing column arranged to bear the load of the desktop, the load-bearing column including inner and outer column parts with the inner column part being telescopically received in the outer column part; and a drive mechanism configured to adjust the height of the desktop, the drive mechanism including a motor and an extension member which is moveable by the motor, the extension member bearing against a top support plate or a bottom support plate of the support member, the motor and the extension member being positioned outside the load-bearing column. A desk as claimed in claim 54, wherein the motor is housed in a housing fixed to the underside of the top support plate, the extension member extendibly carried within part of the housing and bearing against the bottom support plate. 56. A desk as claimed in claim 54, wherein the motor is housed in a housing fixed to the bottom support plate, the extension member extendibly carried within part of the housing and bearing against the underside of the top support plate. 352755-2 57. A desk as claimed in claim 55 or 56, wherein the part of the housing which extendibly carries the extension member comprises a tubular part. 58. A desk as claimed in any one of claims 54 to 57, including a cover surrounding the load-bearing column, the motor and extension member being positioned between the load- bearing column and the cover. 59. A desk as claimed in any one of claims 54 to 58, wherein the motor comprises an electric motor. A desk as claimed in any one of claims 54 to 59, further including a controller to control the motor. 61. A desk as claimed in claim 60, wherein the controller is located beneath the desktop and positioned towards a front edge thereof. 62. A desk as claimed in claim 61, wherein the controller includes a pair of buttons, with one button configured to increase the height of the desktop and the other button configured to decrease the height of the desktop. 63. A kit for a height adjustable single pedestal desk including: a desktop; a support member including a load-bearing column including inner and outer column parts with the inner column part being telescopically received in the outer column part, and a top support plate at an end of the load-bearing column and attachable to an underside of the desktop in a position which is asymmetrical in at least one dimension; a support frame attachable to the top support plate and the desktop; and a pair of legs attachable to the support member in an angularly spaced configuration to support the desk on a floor surface once assembled. 64. A kit as claimed in claim 63, including a cover which is attachable to the top support plate to surround the load-bearing column. 352755-2 72. A kit as claimed in claim 63 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any embodiment disclosed. 73. A desk substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 7, 8a, 9 or 10 of the accompanying drawings. 74. A kit for a single pedestal desk substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 29 th day of March 2005 By their Patent Attorneys AJPARK On behalf of the Applicant Per: §2 352755-2