EP1890571A2

EP1890571A2 - Modular work system with narrow wardrobe

Info

Publication number: EP1890571A2
Application number: EP06784758A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Brett L. Fells
Original assignee: HNI Technologies Inc
Current assignee: HNI Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2005-06-12
Filing date: 2006-06-12
Publication date: 2008-02-27
Also published as: WO2006135852A3; WO2006135852A2; US20070013272A1; JP2008543431A

Abstract

A modular work system includes a tall narrow wardrobe attached at an inner side wall to a pedestal. The pedestal has an interior storage space for shelves or drawers. A work surface is provided on the top wall of the pedestal and may extend wider than the pedestal and be supported at an opposite end by a vertical support. A work wall assembly may positioned on the wardrobe inner side wall above the work surface. Alternately, a storage cabinet or bookcase is mounted on the pedestal top wall. The modular work system thus has a small and compact footprint in view of the features contained in that space.

Description

MODULAR WORK SYSTEM WITH NARROW WARDROBE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a work system and more particularly to a modular work system with a narrow wardrobe to create a compact yet stable work system having all of the basic work or office features.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] Where work space is at a premium it is desirable to provide a completely featured work space with the usual amenities. However, this is difficult with typical office equipment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] What is described here is a modular work system that has a small footprint, is stable, very versatile and yet provides features typically considered essential for a complete work environment.

[0004] A complete understanding of the present invention and other objects, advantages and features thereof will be gained from a consideration of the present specification which provides a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using the invention, set forth in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same in compliance with Title 35 U.S.C. section 112, first paragraph. Furthermore, the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing provided herein represents examples of the invention in compliance with Title U.S.C. section 112, first paragraph, but the invention itself is defined in the Claims section to be attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING [0005] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a wardrobe and pedestal combination. [0006] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a variation of a wardrobe and pedestal combination.

[0007] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of another variation of a wardrobe and pedestal combination.

[0008] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of yet another variation of a wardrobe and pedestal combination.

[0009] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of still another variation of a wardrobe and pedestal combination.

[0010] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another variation o wardrobe and pedestal combination.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

[0012] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a wardrobe and pedestal combination and a desk.

[0013] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a wardrobe, pedestal and storage cabinet combination.

[0014] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a variation of a wardrobe, pedestal and storage cabinet combination.

[0015] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of another variation of wardrobe, pedestal and storage cabinet combination.

[0016] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of yet another variation of a wardrobe, pedestal and storage cabinet combination.

[0017] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of still another variation of a wardrobe, pedestal and storage cabinet combination.

[0018] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a further variation of a wardrobe, pedestal and storage cabinet combination. [0019] FIG. 15 an enlarged isometric view of a mirror image of the combination shown in FIG. 13.

[0020] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a wardrobe, pedestal and bookcase combination.

[0021] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a variation of a wardrobe, pedestal and bookcase combination.

[0022] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of another variation of a wardrobe, pedestal and bookcase combination.

[0023] FIG. 19 is an enlarged isometric view of the wardrobe, pedestal and bookcase combination shown in FIG. 18 but with a raised lower shelf.

[0024] FIG. 20 is an enlarged isometric view of a mirror image of the combination shown in FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE

INVENTION

[0025] While the present invention is open to various modifications and alternative constructions, the preferred embodiments illustrating-the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out their invention are shown in the various figures of the drawing and will be described in detail, pursuant to Title 35 U.S.C. section 112, first paragraph. It is understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the particular embodiments, forms, or examples which are disclosed herein. To the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalent structures and methods, and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended Claims section to be attached hereto, pursuant to Title 35 U.S.C. section 112, second paragraph.

[0026] Several modular work systems 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 are shown in

FIGS. 1-7. In each embodiment there is a narrow tower or wardrobe 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 and each wardrobe includes a front door 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, a top wall or cap 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, an outer wall, such as the outer wall 58, FIG. 7 of the system 20, a rear wall, such as the rear wall 60 of the system 20 and an inner side wall, such as the inner side wall 62 of the system 20. There are three variations of door pulls illustrated, a handle or "A" pull 64 in FIGS. 1 and 2, a short recess or "N" pull 66 in FIGS. 3 and 4 and a long recess or "R" pull 68 in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0027] Attached to each of the wardrobes is a pedestal 70, 72, 74, 76, 78,

80. Each pedestal includes a plurality of drawers 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, two or three drawers are shown, an inside side wall or frame members (not shown) that abut the wardrobe, a top wall or cap 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, a rear wall or coven 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116 and an outside side wall 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128. Fasteners (not shown), such as screws, may be used to attach each pedestal to a corresponding wardrobe. A work-surface or spacer 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140 is mounted to each of the top walls of the pedestals.

[0028] Each pedestal includes drawer pulls to match the door pulls of the wardrobes as is shown. It is to be noted that a storage pedestal may be used instead of the pedestals containing drawers. A storage pedestal has essentially the same outer shape as the drawer pedestal but has a door leading to an interior with a shelf or shelves.

[0029] The wardrobes may be made of sheet metal and have a width of about nine inches, a depth of about twenty four inches and a height of about sixty four inches. The pedestals may also be formed of sheet metal and have a width of about fifteen inches, a depth of about twenty four inches and a height of about twenty six and three quarters inches. It may now be appreciated that the footprint of the wardrobe/pedestal combination has a frontal dimension of about twenty four inches and a depth dimension of about twenty four inches. This is a favorably small and compact footprint in view of the features contained in that space, namely a wardrobe structure, a document storage structure and a work space.

[0030] A work wall assembly 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160 may be attached to each inner side wall of the wardrobes. As show most clearly in FIG. 7, two steel strips 162, 164 are affixed to the wardrobe inner side wall 62 such as by welding, a pair of aluminum extrusions 166, 168 are fastened to the strips and a finishing panel 170 is slid into place to dress the assembly from an aesthetic standpoint. The extrusions may be fastened by screws, such the screws 172, 174. The extrusions include a series of aligned bracket receiving slots to enable attachment of a variety of work related accessories, such as a vertically disposed wall cover 176. Additional accessories are shown in FIG. 8 as will be explained below. The extrusions also include elongated recesses 178, 180 for receiving and holding the finishing panel 170. The wall cover may be a tack board about one inch in depth, twenty four inches in width and about thirty six inches high.

[0031] The work surfaces or spacers 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140 may each include a wire opening 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, and be about one and a half inches high. The total height of the pedestal and work surface or spacer may be about twenty eight and a quarter inches.

[0032] By attaching a pedestal to a wardrobe, the combination becomes far more stable than the narrow wardrobe structure would be standing alone. Nevertheless, the combination is still quite compact with a small footprint. By attaching vertical panels and wall covers to the wardrobe side walls, complete work systems are provided that have all of the basic work or office features typically provided. The systems are compact, stable and also aesthetically appealing and may be used with other office type furniture or with other modules as will be explained below.

[0033] Another embodiment or variation modular work system 200 is shown in FIG. 8 and includes a wardrobe 202, and a connected pedestal 204. The system also includes an extended work surface or desk 206 and a desk support 208. The desk is mounted at one end portion 210 to a spacer 212 atop the pedestal and at an opposite end portion 214 to the desk support. The top surface 216 of the desk may be about twenty seven and a half inches high, about sixty two inches long and twenty four inches deep. The desk support may be a column or legs and the shape of the desk may be rounded at the opposite end portion or straight as shown. The module work system illustrated in FIG. 8 is a complete work station having all of the features of a work space, including a reasonably large desk and yet the system is still very compact. Even with a wardrobe there is still a reasonable amount of desk space for many work functions and yet the wardrobe/pedestal footprint is quite small, twenty four by twenty four inches.

[0034] A work wall assembly is also attached to the inner side wall of the wardrobe. Using the slots of the extrusions a shelf 220 is mounted near the top of the wardrobe, a tack board 222 is mounted below the shelf and a paper management tray 224 is mounted below the tack board. It is to understood that other accessories may be mounted instead of those mentioned as a function of the needs of the worker at the desk and/or of the type of work being done.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 9-14, there is shown six additional variation systems 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240 each including a wardrobe 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252, and a pedestal 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, 264. Also included is a storage cabinet 266, 268, 270, 272, 274, 276 connected to both the pedestal and to the wardrobe by fasteners (not shown). Each storage cabinet is as wide as the pedestal on which it is mounted and as tall as the difference between the wardrobe and the pedestal to which the storage cabinet is attached. The storage cabinets are as deep as the pedestals and wardrobes and have the same type of pulls as the corresponding pedestals and wardrobes.

[0036] Shown in FIG. 15 is an enlarged mirror image variation 280 of the wardrobe, pedestal and storage cabinet variation 238 shown in FIG. 13. Providing mirror image systems adds to the versatility of the modules and yet does not deviate from the twenty four by twenty four inch footprint mentioned above.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 16-18 there is illustrated three variations

282, 284, 286 of the basic wardrobe and pedestal combination. Instead of a storage cabinet, however, there is shown a bookcase 288, 290, 292 mounted to each of the pedestals. The bookcase opens laterally and the combination wardrobe, pedestal and bookcase is useful alongside a desk or a return, for example. Each bookcase includes two side walls 294, 296, 298; 300, 302, 304, a top wall 306, 308, 310, a bottom wall 312, 314, 316, a rear wall 318, 320, 322 and three shelves 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334, 336, 338, 340. Fasteners, such as screws 342, 344 may be used to attach the bookcase to the pedestal and additional screws 346, 348 may be used to attach the bookcase to the wardrobe also. On the inside of the side walls are two pair of slotted standards, such as the standards 350, 352, 3540, 356, 358, 360 to enable vertical adjustment of the shelves.

[0038] The outer dimensions of the bookcases match that of the storage cabinets so as to present the same frontal and depth dimensions as mentioned and the same wardrobe and pedestal combination footprint. The side walls are about fifteen inches wide, the opening is about twenty four inches wide and the height of the bookcase is about thirty seven and a half inches. It is noted that there is no need for the spacers on top of the pedestals because the lower shelf of the bookcases may be adjusted to align those shelves with adjacent work surfaces, for example. This versatility is needed because different manufacturers construct desks and other work surfaces with different heights.

[0039] The FIGS. 19 and 20 variations are wardrobe, pedestal and bookcase system modules 370, 372. The FIG. 19 variation is like the variation 292 shown in FIG. 18 but with a lower shelf 374 that is in a somewhat more raised position. The FIG. 20 variation is a mirror image combination wardrobe, pedestal and bookcase like that shown in FIG. 19.

[0040] The above specification describes in detail several preferred embodiments of the present invention. Other examples, embodiments, modifications and variations will, under both the literal claim language and the doctrine of equivalents, come within the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims. For example, mixing and matching storage modules or bookcases as have been shown are considered equivalent and will come within the literal language of the claims as will the use of a wardrobe/pedestal combination with desks or work surfaces of different shapes and sizes and different supports. Still other alternatives will also be equivalent as will many new technologies. There is no desire or intention here to limit in any way the application of the doctrine of equivalents nor to limit or restrict the scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A modular work system comprising: a first storage module having an interior storage space, an inside side wall, a top wall and an outside side wall; a work surface mounted to the first storage module top wall at a work surface height; and a second storage module having an inside side wall, a top wall and an outside side wall, wherein the second storage module inside side wall abuts the first storage module inside side wall and wherein a height of the second storage module top wall is greater than the work surface height.

2. The modular work system of claim 1 , further comprising a work wall assembly attached to the second storage module inside side wall above the work surface.

3. The modular work system of claim 1, wherein the interior storage space comprises a drawer.

4. The modular work system of claim 1, wherein the interior storage space comprises a shelf.

5. A modular work system comprising: a desk module, the desk module having a work surface at a desired height, the work surface having a front side, a rear side, and two lateral sides, wherein the desk module has a vertical support at least one of the two lateral sides; and a wardrobe module adjacent to the desk module and abutting the other of the two desk module lateral sides.

6. The modular work system of claim 5, wherein the desk module is supported by a pedestal defining an interior storage space at the other of the two desk module lateral sides.

7. The modular work system of claim 6, wherein the interior storage space comprises a drawer.

8. The modular work system of claim 6, wherein the interior storage space comprises a shelf.

9. The modular work system of claim 5, wherein the wardrobe has a wardrobe height that is greater than the work surface height, and further comprising a work wall assembly on an inner side surface of the wardrobe above the work surface.

10. A modular work system comprising: a first storage module having an interior storage space, an inside side wall, a top wall and an outside side wall; a second storage module having an inside side wall, a top wall and an outside side wall, wherein the second storage module inside side wall abuts the first storage module inside side wall and wherein a height of the second storage module top wall is greater than the work surface height; and a third storage module mounted to the first storage module top wall and having a height about the same as the wardrobe.

11. The modular work system of claim 10, wherein the interior storage space comprises one of a shelf or a drawer.

12. The modular work system of claim 10, wherein the second storage module is a wardrobe.

13. The modular work system of claim 10, wherein the third storage module is one of a storage cabinet or a bookcase.

14. The modular work system of claim 10, wherein a width of the third storage module is about the same as a width of the first storage module.

15. The modular work system of claim 10, wherein a depth of the first storage module, a depth of the second storage module and a depth of the third storage module are about the same.