GB2304562A - Unit with movable work surface and storage space - Google Patents

Abstract

A work unit 1 has a support structure 3 upon which are mounted a work surface 2, slidably movable between a lowered working position (as shown) and an elevated storage position, and one or more storage units 7,8 pivotable on vertical axes for movement between a stowed position partially within the support structure and a working position (as shown) below the ends of the work surface. The unit occupies less floor space in the stowed than in the working position. A hinge (Figs 10,11) for the storage units has a channel member (33) carrying a rod (34) whose screwed ends allow limited position adjustment via nuts and washers (38,39). A ball joint (35) at one end of the rod bears the unit and has an internal screw thread allowing vertical adjustment of the unit.

Description

WORK UNITS This invention relates to a work unit having a generally horizontal work surface. Examples of uses of such a work surface include light industrial work such as assembly work, hobbies, drawing,sewing, modelling, typing and general clerical work and a computer work station. It is particularly, but not exclusively, adapted for use in an environment in which there are space constraints, and also where usage is intermittent, as with hobbies and like activities.

According to the present invention a work unit comprises a generally horizontal work surface, a support structure for the work surface, means to cause or allow movement of the work surface relative to the support structure between an elevated, stowed, position and a lowered, working, position and at least one storage unit connected to the support structure so as to be movable relative thereto in a horizontal plane such that, in a stowed position, the storage unit nests at least partially within the support structure and is movable to a working position below an end of the work surface when the latter is lowered to its working position, the arrangement being such that the floor area obstructed by the work unit when the work surface and storage unit are in their stowed positions is less than the floor area obstructed when they are in their working positions.

The work unit may be provided with two storage units such that in the working position of the work surface one storage unit lies below each end of the work surface and both storage units, in their stowed positions, lie at least partially within the support structure.

The connection between the support structure and a storage unit may be a vertical pivotal connection.

The support structure may comprise two laterally spaced generally vertical guides up and down which the work surface is moved.

The connection between the support structure and a storage unit may comprise a vertical pivotal connection which is located laterally at the support structure or between the support structure and an adjacent lateral edge of the work surface.

The support structure will usually be mounted against a wall and secured thereto, or alternatively the support structurestof two work units may be connected back to back, as a free-standing assembly.

The work surface may have a number of selectable working positions at differing heights from floor level, for example to.-facilitate use when seated or when standing.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front elevation of a work unit with work surface and two storage units in the working position, Figure 2 is a plan view of the work unit of Figure 1, with the work surface indicated in dot and peck lines for clarity, Figure 3 is a side elevation of the work unit of Figure 1, Figure 4 is a front elevation of the work unit of Figure 1 showing the work surface and storage units in their stowed positions, Figure 5 is a plan view of the work unit of Figure 4, with the work surface indicated in dot and peck lines for clarity, Figure 6 is a side elevation of the work unit of Figure 4, Figure 7 is a diagram to illustrate a method of determining the locus of a pivot centre for a storage unit, Figure 8 is a partial plan view on line A - A of Figure 6 illustrating the effect of lateral movement of the pivot point whereby the radius of rotation of a storage unit is varied, Figure 9 is a modification of Figure 8, Figure 10 is a scrap side view showing one construction of pivotal connection between the support structure and a storage unit, Figure 11 is a plan view of the pivotal connection of Figure 10, Figure 12 is a scrap side view of a second construction of pivotal connect ion, Figure 13 is a plan view of the pivotal connection of Figure 12, and Figure 14 is a modified side elevation of the work unit of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings Figures 1 to 3, a work unit generally indicated at 1 comprises a generally horizontally arranged rectangular shaped work surface or platform 2 shown in a lowered, working, position. A support structure is shown at 3 which comprises two spaced uprights up and down which the work surface 2 is movable. The support structure, work surface and means (not shown) to move the work surface up and down it may be generally as described in my prior British patent no. 2130175. Shelves 4 are shown arranged between the uprights of support structure 3 to provide a convenient display area for ornaments or stowage for books, video cassettes or other items. A wall is shown at 10 to which the support structure is secured.

Two storage units 5,6, having end faces 7,8 respectively, are arranged one below each end of the work surface 2. As shown, each storage unit comprises a filing cabinet having upper and lower drawers. These may have fittings adapted to suspend files or drawings, for example A4 and A3 sizes respectively. Alternatively the units may comprise cupboards for storage of items.

Referring now to Figure 2, the work surface 2 is shown in dot and peck lines for clarity to reveal a plan view of the storage units 5,6.It will be seen that the storage units 5,6 each have a wide front section 5A,6A, and a narrower rear section 5B,6B, joined by a recessed section SC,6C. This is an important feature of the invention as it allows the front sections 5A,6A to nest between the uprights of the support structure 3 when the storage units are in their stowed position, as seen in Figures 4,5 and 6.

Figure 2 also indicates the floor area which is obstructed when the work surface and storage units are in their working positions, that is, the space below the work surface, the protruding rear sections SB, 6B and the support structure.Pivot plates, not shown, extend from each upright of the support structure at or adjacent floor level and mount generally vertically arranged pivots, shown at 9 and 11, about which the storage units can rotate in a horizontal plane between stowed and working positions. One or more castors are provided connected to the bottom of each storage unit to engage the floor, and the pivot mountings preferably permit relative vertical movement between the storage units and the pivots. Pivotal connections are described later with reference to Figures 10 to 13.

The storage units each have a bearing member (not shown) which cooperates with a pivot 9,11. The bearing member and pivot arrangement may be inverted whereby the pivot is carried by the storage unit and the bearing member is carried by an upright of the support structure. In its normal working position the work surface is locked in a lowered position, resting on a resilient interface, for example, of rubber or elastomer, on the storage units.

When it is desired to stow the work unit the work surface is raised towards the ceiling, where it may nest within a pelmet or decorative panelling. The storage units are then rotated inwardly, facilitated by the pivot bearings and castors, to the position shown in Figures 4 to 6. The obstructed floor area is now defined by the support structure and the stowed position of the storage units. Comparison of Figures 4,5 and 6 with the respective Figures 1,2 and 3 clearly shows the substantially reduced floor space obstructed by the work unit when in the stowed condition as compared with the working condition. This may, for example, be only 30X to 40% of the floor space which is obstructed when in the working condition, depending on size and configuration.

It will be seen from Figure 4 that the front faces 12,13 of the storage units 5,6 have been provided with doors 14,15 to facilitate access particularly to the rear sections SB,6B which may, for example, be used to store box files, and also for aesthetic reasons.

A small gap is shown at 16 between the adjacent end faces 7,8 of storage units 5,6. This is to allow them to be rotated, without interference/collision, between working and stowed positions. The gap 16, Figure 4, may be disguised by the fitting of trim, for example elastomer or plastics beadings at the corners Q, S, of storage units 6,5 as indicated in Figure 8. This will also act as a safety feature so that if fingers are trapped when moving a storage unit they will not be injured. Larger clearances would be a disadvantage in that storage unit volumetric capacity is progressively reduced and the aesthetics adversely affected, particularly when in the stowed position.

Figures 5 and 6 correspond to Figures 2 and 3 but show the work unit in the stowed position.

The determination of the locus of the pivot points for the storage units is an important feature of this invention. There must be a small working clearance between the two units when in the stowed position. Figure 4, to allow for manufacturing tolerances. There must be a further clearance to allow for the arcuate movement of the storage units into and out of their stowed positions. For aesthetic reasons, to maximise storage unit volumetric capacity and to minimise the floor area occupied it is desirable that the total clearance between the storage units when in their stowed position is minimised. A further consideration is whether the storage units are to be allowed to be moved into and out of the stowed position simultaneously or whether they are only allowed to be moved sequentially.In the latter case the clearance for arcuate movement is only half that required for simultaneous movement as there is no risk of collision between the units during the movement.

Referring now to Figure 7, illustrating a storage unit,as 6, shown in the stowed position and adjacent the wall 10 to which the support structure is secured. A longitudinal centreline through the stowed unit is shown at X - X and, normal to it, a centreline Y - Y passing through the middle of the clearance space between the adjacent faces of the storage units as 5,6. At this stage it will be assumed that the centres of rotation of the storage units lie on line X - X and that the centre of rotation or pivot point for storage unit 6 is at O. The path followed by the corners P,Q of storage unit 6 in moving to and from the stowed position is an arc of a circle centred at 0 and of radius R.In consequence, when the storage units are in their stowed position, assuming they can be moved independently, there is a gap of distance h on either side of centreline Y - Y (only shown for storage unit 6, for clarity). A line joining corners P,Q is intersected by centreline X - X at N , so: ON = R-h, and PN = NQ = x 2 2 2 consequently R = x + (R - h) thus 2 2 R=x+h 2h Some desired design values can now be substituted for the terms x and h to derive a value for R, and hence a location of O. By way of example, a storage unit width of 355.6mm (14 inches) (2x) is assumed, giving a value of 177.8mm (7 inches) for x, and h is taken as 20.3mm (0.8 inches) - comprising arcuate clearance of l9mm (0.75) inches and (half) working clearance of 1.3mm (0.05 inches). The radius R derived from using these values is 788mm (31.025 inches).This is considered excessive for many applications and will not provide the desired degree of compactness for the work unit.

The critical zone of movement of storage unit 6 is that represented by the locus of line PN and consequently the effect on the radius R of moving the pivot point away from the centreline X - X towards wall 10 in increments of 12.7mm (1/2 inch) was examined. This has the effect of progressively reducing the value of x in the above equation and brings about corresponding reductions of R.

Simplifying the equation, 2 2 2 R=x +h = x +h 2h 2h 2 from which it is seen that as

and that between h = 0 and h = x there is a desirable and practical value range of locations for the pivot points.

Table 1 below sets out the corresponding values which have been calculated, assuming h is constant at 20.3mm (0.8 inches) and x commences at 177.8mm (7 inches) (as given in the earlier example).

Obviously other values can be taken to take account of different width storage units and different clearances.

TABLE 1 CENTRELINE CRITICAL FACE MINIMUM PIVOT OFFSET, y WIDTH, x-y RADIUS, R mm inches mm inches mm inches 0 0 177.8 7 788 31.025 12.7 0.5 165 6.5 680.7 26.8 25.4 1.0 152.4 6.0 581.7 22.9 38.1 1.5 139.7 5.5 490.2 19.3 50.8 2.0 127 5.0 407.2 16.03 63.5 2.5 114.3 4.5 331.5 13.05 76.2 3.0 101.6 4.0 264.2 10.4 88.9 3.5 88.9 3.5 204.5 8.05 101.6 4.0 76.2 3.0 153 6.02 114.3 4.5 63.5 2.5 109.2 4.3 If only sequential movement of the storage units is permitted, for example due to an interlock between the units, the value of h will fall, in the example given above, to 9.525mm (0.375 ins.) + 2.54mm (0.1 ins.) , i.e. 12.065mm (0.475 ins.) Referring now to Figure 8, this shows storage units 5,6 nested in the stowed position. The working position of storage unit 6 is indicated in broken lines at 6'. Referring to Table 1, and by way of example only, the drawing indicates a pivot centre 0 offset 12.7mm (0.5 inches) from centreline X - X towards wall 10, for value 20.3mm (0.8 inches) for h and a radius of 680.7mm (26.8 inches). To the right of O (as drawn) alternative pivot centres are shown at 21, 22 and 23 at respective distances of 25.4,50.8 and 76.5mm (1, 2 and 3 inches) from 0 and at the same offset. For each 25.4mm (1 inch) increment to the right the work surface can be enlarged by 25.4mm (1 inch) on the width and 50.8mm (2 inches) on the length with the same storage unit configuration but with no increase in the floor space occupied in the stowed condition.

This novel design feature is also applicable to other sizes and configurations of storage units.

From these results the means are provided for an informed and advantageous selection of operating radii appropriate to a range of different storage unit sizes and configurations, defining the boundary for pivot centre location, geometrically, beyond which interference (collision) of the storage unit end faces would occur unless larger clearances were introduced.

Figure 8 also shows a curve Z - Z of the minimum radius R plotted against the pivot point offset Y for a constant value of h.

Referring now to Figure 9, this is a similar view to that of Figure 8 but shows a storage unit 21 comprising a wide front section 21A and a narrower rear section 21B, there being no intermediate section. This is pivotally mounted at 22 at or adjacent to an upright of the support structure on a centreline passing through the upright. The outline of the storage unit 21 is shown in full lines in the stowed position, lying wholly within the area defined by the sides of the support structure. The storage unit is shown in broken lines in its working position. A shaded portion 23 indicates a recess in the structure of the upper part of the storage unit 21 which is necessary to give clearance for a carriage assembly of the work surface when the work unit is in the working position.

Referring to Figures 10 and 11, these illustrate a construction of pivotal connection such as could be used with the construction indicated in Figure 8.

A base board 31 of the support structure (not shown) rests on the floor where the work unit is installed. A pivot plate assembly 32 comprises a generally channel shaped bracket 33 in which is mounted a rod 34 carrying a ball and socket joint 35. The bracket 33 is secured to base board 31, for example by a coach bolt 36, washer and nut 36A and wood screws 37 in slots 37A. The rod 34 has a male thread at each end, one of which passes through a clearance hole in one side of bracket 33 and is secured by nuts 38 abutting rubber backed stecl washers 39 to allow limited movement in any plane.

The body of the ball and socket joint 35 has an internal screw thread and opposed external machined flats 41 which guide it for vertical movement (for example of the order of 5 mm.) in a slot in bracket 33. The other end of rod 34 is received in the body of ball and socket joint 35 and is locked by a nut 42. The bottom 43 of a storage unit has a through hole in which the threaded end of the ball end pin 44 of ball and socket joint 35 is received. The bottom 43 is reinforced by a steel plate 45 secured by screws 46.

A washer 47 is interposed between a shoulder on pin 44 and plate 45 and the assembly is secured by a nut 48. The ball and socket joint 35 includes a flexible, for example rubber, dust excluder 49.

Provision is made for adjustment of the storage unit position, for example for fine setting of the centre gap between two storage units, by the slots 37A. Thus, the storage unit will be rotated into its stowed position and adjusted for the centre gap by leaving nut 36A and screws 37 slack. When the storage unit is correctly positioned nut 36A and screws 37 are fully tightened to secure the adjustment.

The threaded ends of rod 34 are of sufficient length to allow adjustment of the position of the ball and socket joint 35, for example up to S mm. either side of a mean position.

In the manufacture of the storage unit alternative holes, as 51 and 52, may be provided in the bottom 43 to receive the ball end pin and fixing screws for the reinforcing plate 45. Similarly, alternative coach bolt holes, as 53, may be provided in base board 31.

Turning now to Figures 12 and 13, these illustrate a construction such as could be used with the construction indicated in Figure 9.

A vertical rail 61 of support structure 3 has its base mounted in a support shoe 62. A pivot plate 63 is secured to rail 61 by self tapping screws 64 and extends forwardly from the rail. A bearing tube 65 is secured to the pivot plate 63 by bolts 66 which pass through lateral slots 67 in the pivot plate 63, utilising saddle and plain washers 68, 69 and a securing nut 71. The slots 67 facilitate adjustment of the bearing tube on assembly, for example to adjust the clearance gap between units in the stowed position.

Plastics or like caps are fitted to the ends of the tube The storage unit has upper and lower arms 72, 73 extending therefrom which have vertically aligned holes at their free ends fitted with bearing bushes 74, 75, for example of plastics material, in which the ends of bearing tube 65 are received, providing a pivot bearing for rotation of the storage unit between stowed and work positions. Vertical clearance is provided between the pivot plate 63 and arms 72, 73 to allow some vertical movement of the storage unit to accommodate any unevenness of the floor over which it moves.

Referring now to Figure 14, the work surface 2 has horizontal upper and lower surfaces rigidly connected together by spacing members and having a cavity which may be of the order of 100 to 150mm deep. This cavity may be arranged to contain a number of shallow drawers and/or open fronted spaces/slots for general storage of, for example, drawings, computer keyboard or other items.

Alternatively, the upper surface may be constructed such that the central section is hinged longitudinally and/or slidable so that it may be moved/folded into a stored position adjacent the shelf structure, as indicated at 24. This exposes an open topped box of the depth of the cavity, the width of the work surface and of, for example, 1000mm length. Those parts of the work surface to either side, above the storage units, remain as usable work surface.

Within the exposed cavity a state of the art drawing board, as 25, may be located, stored flat, so that it may be raised from within the cavity arcuatively about pivots positioned at the front edge of the cavity and locked in any position between the horizontal and the vertical to suit the user's chosen working position.

Similarly, an easel, blackboard/white board, flip chart pad or projection screen or other item may be fitted as desired to suit the particular activity of the user.

Claims (22)

1. A work unit comprising a generally horizontal work surface, a support structure for the work surface, means to cause or allow movement of the work surface relative to the support structure between an elevated, stowed, position and a lowered, working, position characterised in that at least one storage unit is connected to the support structure so as to be movable relative thereto in a horizontal plane such that, in a stowed position, the storage unit nests at least partially within the support structure and is movable to a working position below an end of the work surface when the latter is lowered to its working position, the arrangement being such that the floor area obstructed by the work unit when the work surface and storage unit are in their stowed positions is less than the floor area which is obstructed when they are in their working positions.

2. A work unit as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the connection between the storage unit and the support structure comprises a vertical pivotal connection which is located laterally with respect to the work unit at the support structure.

3. A work unit as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the connection between the support structure and the storage unit comprises a vertical pivotal connection which is located laterally with respect to the work unit between the support structure and an adjacent lateral edge of the work surface.

4. A work unit as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the vertical pivotal connection is located in advance of an upright of the support structure.

5. A work unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the storage unit, considered in its working position, comprises a wide front section and a narrower rear section.

6. A work unit as claimed in claim 5 wherein the narrower rear section includes a recessed section intermediate the front and rear sections and which is narrower than the rear section.

7. A work unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein access is provided to the interior of the storage unit from the front thereof considered when in its working position.

8. A work unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein access is provided to the interior of the storage unit from that side which is at the front when the storage unit is in its stowed position.

9. A work unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the storage unit is supported by at least one castor wheel or like member to facilitate movement of the storage unit between stowed and working positions.

10. A work unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the work surface comprises interconnected upper and lower surfaces with a cavity therebetween, provided with access thereto, suitable for storage purposes.

11. A work unit as claimed in claim 10 wherein a portion of the upper surface of the work surface is hingedly and or slidably connected whereby it may be raised to expose the cavity.

12. A work unit as claimed in claim 11 including a drawing board in the cavity and adapted to be raised to and secured in a convenient working position.

13. A work unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a resilient member is provided on at least one of the work surface or storage unit so that when the work unit is in its working position load may be transferred from the work surface to the storage unit through the resilient member.

14. A work unit as claimed in any preceding claim comprising two storage units connected to the support structure such that in the working positions of the work surface and the storage units one storage unit is positioned below each end of the work surface and both storage units, in their stowed positions, lie at least partially within the support structure.

15. A work unit as claimed in claim 14 including resilient trim members at the adjacent front corners of the storage units, considered in their stowed positions.

16. A work unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pivotal connection comprises a ball and socket joint.

17. A work unit substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.

18. A work unit as claimed in claim 17 in combination with the construction substantially as described with reference to Figure 8.

19. A work unit as claimed in claim 18 in combination with the construction substantially as described with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

20. A work unit as claimed in claim 17 in combination with the construction substantially as described with reference to Figure 9.

21. A work unit as claimed in claim 20 in combination with the construction substantially as described with reference to Figures 12 and 13.

22. A work unit as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 21 in combination with the construction substantially as described with reference to Figure 14.