GB2323027A

GB2323027A - Modular office furniture

Info

Publication number: GB2323027A
Application number: GB9715866A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ru Frans De
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-03-14
Filing date: 1997-07-28
Publication date: 1998-09-16
Anticipated expiration: 2017-07-28
Also published as: GB9715866D0; GB2323027B; IE970192A1

Abstract

A modular office furniture assembly (1) has a number of upright ground-engaging screens (2) interconnected to define a plurality of juxtaposed work stations (3). Each screen (2) comprises a rectangular framework (10) having a number of decorative cladding panels (11, 12, 13) hung on an exterior of the framework. The screens (2) are interconnected by connector brackets (20) having flanges (21) which engage with and are clamped to end walls of the screens. Complementary slots (23) are provided in the brackets and screens for reception of a flat, dumbbell shaped, locking key (28) which can be inserted through the slots and twisted to clamp the bracket to the screen.

Description

"Modular Office Furniture" This invention relates to modular office furniture.

The invention is particularly concerned with modular office furniture of knock-down construction which is relatively compact to transport and which can be readily, easily and quickly assembled in an office site.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a furniture assembly which is adaptable, allowing different arrangements and configurations of workstations to be produced.

According to the invention there is provided a modular office furniture assembly comprising a number of upright ground-engaging screens interconnected to define a number of work stations, means for interconnecting adjacent screens comprising one or more connector brackets, each connector bracket having a pair of mounting flanges for engagement with the screens, a slot in each mounting flange and complementary slots on each screen, and a locking key engagable with superimposed slots on the bracket and a screen to secure the bracket and screen together, the slots being elongate slots and the key being of dumbbell shape comprises a pair of spaced-apart clamping plates interconnected by a narrowed neck portion, the plates sized to pass through the slots when aligned longitudinally with the slots to locate the neck within the slots such that upon subsequent rotation of the key the plates engage each outer side of the slots to clamp the bracket and screen together. Thus advantageously the invention provides a modular office furniture system which can be prefabricated and subsequently quickly and easily assembled on site in desirable configurations.

In a preferred embodiment, each mounting flange is engagable within a complementary channel in the screen, the channel having an inner wall and a pair of outwardly extending sidewalls, the mounting flange engagable against the inner wall and locating means at opposite sides of the flange being engagable with the sidewalls. Thus conveniently, the connector brackets positively locate with the screens for correct alignment and rigidity in the assembled structure.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the connector bracket is W-shaped, having a pair of spaced-apart mounting flanges interconnected by a V-shaped web extending between inner edges of the flanges. Preferably, the mounting flanges are substantially perpendicular to each other. However, if desired, the mounting flanges may be arranged at any desired angle relative to each other.

In a further embodiment, the locating means for engaging each mounting flange in the channel comprises a web at an inner end of each flange and a lip at an outer free end of the flange.

In a further embodiment, each screen comprises a framework having a number of cladding panels mounted on an exterior of the framework. Conveniently, the cladding panels may be demountably secured on the framework. Preferably, at least some of the cladding panels are mounted on support screws which project outwardly of the framework, the screws engagable with inverted keyhole-shaped slots in a rear of the panels. Thus, the panels are quickly and easily fitted on the framework and can be readily easily changed or replaced if desired.

In a further embodiment, means is provided for housing power and communications cables within the framework, with one or more hinged cladding panels being provided on the framework for access to cable connectors mounted on the framework behind the cladding panels.

In another embodiment, a cable passage opening is provided at a lower end of the or each hinged cladding panel, a resilient flap being mounted at a lower end of the hinged cladding panel extending across the opening to close the opening.

In another embodiment, each framework has a number of vertically spaced-apart slots for reception of associated support brackets having spaced-apart lugs for complementary interengagement with the slots to releasably mount the support brackets on the framework.

In another embodiment, each framework is formed by a number of frame members secured together by fasteners.

In a further embodiment, two or more height-adjustable feet are provided at a lower end of each framework.

In another embodiment, one or more power points are mounted along a top edge of each screen.

The invention will be more clearly understood by the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a modular office furniture assembly according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a detail perspective view showing portion of the furniture assembly; Fig. 3 is a detail perspective view showing a framework forming portion of the furniture assembly; Fig. 4 is a detail perspective view showing the interconnection of adjacent frameworks within the assembly; Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector bracket and associated locking key for interconnection of adjacent frameworks; Fig. 6 is a detail partially sectioned elevational view showing the connector bracket in use; Fig. 7 is a detail plan sectional view showing the connector bracket in use; Fig. 8 is a detail sectional elevational view of part of a screen forming portion of the assembly; Fig. 9 is an exploded view of cladding panels forming portion of the screen; Fig. 10 is a detail partially sectioned perspective view of a rear of a panel; Fig. 11 is a detail side sectional elevational view of portion of the panel; Fig. 12 is a detail perspective view of portion of the framework and an associated support bracket; Fig. 13 is a perspective view of another support bracket for use with the assembly; and Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a further support bracket for use with the assembly.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a modular office furniture assembly according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The assembly 1 comprises a number of upright ground-engaging screens 2 interconnected in a cruciform shape to define a number of work stations 3. In this case, each work station 3 is provided with a desk 4 and optionally drawers 5.

Each screen 2 comprises a rectangular framework 10 (Fig.

3) having a number of cladding panels 11, 12, 13 mounted on an exterior of the framework 10. Each framework 10 is formed by a number of vertical and horizontal frame members 14, 15 secured together by fasteners such as screws or rivets. A pair of height adjustable feet (not shown) are provided at a lower end of each framework 10.

Referring in particular to Figs. 4 to 7 the screens 2 are interconnected by connector brackets 20 and associated locking keys 19. Each connector bracket 20 is generally W-shaped and has a pair of mutually perpendicular mounting flanges 21 interconnected by a V-shaped web 22. An elongate slot 23 is provided in each flange 21 and complementary slots 24 are provided in an end wall 25 of each framework 10 (see Fig. 3). It will be noted that the slots 24 are arranged in pairs at the top and bottom of the end wall 25. The locking key 19 has a pair of spacedapart plates 28 interconnected by a narrowed neck 29. The plates 28 are sized to pass through the slots 23, 24 when aligned longitudinally with the slots 23, 24 as shown in Fig. 5 and at X in Fig. 7, to locate the neck 29 within the slots 23, 24 such that upon subsequent rotation of the key 19 the plates 28 engage outer sides of the slots 23, 24 as shown in Fig. 6 and at Y in Fig. 7 to clamp the bracket 20 to the end wall 25 of each framework 10. As can be seen in Fig. 4 the flanges 21 of each bracket 20 seats against the end wall 25 with the slots 23, 24 in alignment. The key 19 can then be inserted through the slots 23, 24 and turned to clamp the bracket 20 to the framework 10. In this way with four brackets 20 top and bottom, each framework 10 can be interconnected with the two adjacent frameworks 10. It will be appreciated that the frameworks 10 can thus be readily easily and quickly interconnected in a secure manner to define the work stations.

It will be noted that a lip 30 is provided at an outer free end of each flange 21. As can be seen in Fig. 4 each end of the framework 10 is channel-shaped with the end wall 25 defining with outwardly projecting side walls 31 a channel for reception of the flanges 21 of the connector brackets 20. The flanges 21 seat against the end wall 25 and the web 22 and lip 30 extend outwardly from the flange 21, engaging against the side walls 31 to securely position the brackets 20 in engagement with the framework 10. This fits in correctly aligning adjacent frameworks 10 and securely holds the frameworks 10 together.

Referring in particular to Figs. 8 to 11, the arrangement for mounting the cladding panels 11, 12, 13 on each framework 10 is shown. The upper cladding panels 11 and lower cladding panels 13 are mounted on support screws 40 which project outwardly of the framework 10. The screws 40 are engagable with inverted keyhole-shaped slots 41 which are recessed in a rear of the panels 11, 13. Thus, the panels 11, 13 can be readily easily and quickly mounted on the framework 10.

It will be noted that the cladding panels 12 are mounted by hinges 45 on the framework 10 and can be swung outwardly and upwardly to provide access to power points 46 and other cable connections which are routed through and housed within each screen 2.

A cable passage opening 35 is provided at a lower end of the hinged cladding panel 12. A resilient flap 36 is attached at a lower end of the hinged cladding panel 12 extending across the opening 35 to close the opening.

Thus a cable can be lead from the powerpoint 46 through the opening 35 the flap 36 deflecting to allow through passage of the cable.

Flanged outer edges 50 are provided for each end wall 25 of the framework 10. Each flanged edge 50 has a number of vertically spaced-apart slots 51 for reception of associated support brackets 52 (Fig. 12) having spacedapart lugs 53 for complementary interengagement with the slots 51. The brackets 52 can conveniently be used to support the desktops 4. An alternative arrangement of desktop support bracket is shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 13 shows another Z-shaped support bracket having a hooked upper end 56 which can be mounted intermediate the ends of a screen 2 hooking over the lower cladding panel 13 and engaging one of the horizontal frame members as shown in Fig. 8. A horizontal lower flange 57 supports the desktop 4.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described which may be varied in both construction and detail.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A modular office furniture assembly comprising a number of upright ground-engaging screens interconnected to define a number of work stations, means for interconnecting adjacent screens comprising one or more connector brackets, each connector bracket having a pair of mounting flanges for engagement with the screens, a slot in each mounting flange and complementary slots on each screen, and a locking key engagable with superimposed slots on the bracket and a screen to secure the bracket and screen together, the slots being elongate slots and the key being of dumbbell shape comprises a pair of spaced apart clamping plates interconnected by a narrowed neck portion, the plates sized to pass through the slots when aligned longitudinally with the slots to locate the neck within the slots such that upon subsequent rotation of the key the plates engage each outer side of the slots to clamp the bracket and screen together.

2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each mounting flange is engagable within a complementary channel in the screen, the channel having an inner wall and a pair of outwardly extending sidewalls, the mounting flange engagable against the inner wall and locating means at opposite sides of the flange being engagable with the sidewalls.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the connector bracket is W-shaped having a pair of spaced-apart mounting flanges interconnected by a V shaped web extending between inner edges of the flanges.

4. An assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the mounting flanges are substantially perpendicular to each other.

5. An assembly as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the locating means for engaging each mounting flange in the channel comprises a web at the inner end of each flange and a lip at an outer free end of the flange.

6. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each screen comprises a framework having a number of cladding panels mounted on an exterior of the framework.

7. An assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the cladding panels are demountably secured on the framework.

8. An assembly as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the cladding panels are mounted on support screws which project outwardly of the framework, the screws engagable with inverted keyhole-shaped slots in a rear of the panels.

9. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8 wherein means is provided for housing power and communications cables within the framework, with one or more hinged cladding panels being provided on the framework for access to cable connectors mounted on the framework behind the cladding panels.

10. An assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein a cable passage opening is provided at a lower end of the or each hinged cladding panel, a resilient flap being mounted at a lower end of the hinged cladding panel extending across the opening to close the opening.

11. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 6 to 10 wherein each framework has a number of vertically spaced-apart slots for reception of associated support brackets having spaced-apart lugs for complementary interengagement with the slots to releasably mount the support brackets on the framework.

12. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 6 to 11 wherein each framework is formed by a number of frame members secured together by fasteners.

13. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 6 to 12 wherein two or more height-adjustable feet are provided at a lower end of each framework.

14. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more power points are mounted along a top edge of each screen.

15. A modular office furniture assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.