MX2007009112A - Variable configuration desk having worksurface locking feature. - Google Patents

Abstract

A furniture assembly has a worksurface and worksurface support structure. The furniture assembly is constructed such that the worksurface support structure is not locked into a desired configuration until the worksurface is secured to the worksurface support structure. The worksurface support structure includes a pair of leg assemblies between which a panel extends. The angular relationship between the leg assemblies and the panel can be adjusted, and engagement of the worksurface with the leg assemblies and the panel functions to maintain the panel in engagement with the worksurface and to lock the position of the leg assemblies relative to the panel.

Description

VARIABLE CONFIGURATION DESKTOP WITH A WORK SURFACE WITH CLOSING OR LOCKING CHARACTERISTICS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to real estate and in particular to a desk capable of having several configurations and that has a work surface with blocking characteristics.

Schools, universities, corporate boardrooms, learning centers, and other educational facilities have traditionally set up student desks in rows and rows. This configuration is widely recognized because it provides an appearance as well as efficiency to maintain an orderly classroom and good student behavior. However, it is increasingly common for educational institutions to place desks in group configurations where the students' desks are in front of each other. Conventional desks are designed to be configured in rows and columns and have a generally rectangular or square shape with legs configured in a similar configuration. However, it has been widely adopted that the student desk designed to be used in group configurations has a trapezoidal shape and legs in the same way with a trapeze configuration. To cover the needs of institutions that use conventional desktops as well as those that use desktops in a circle configuration, manufacturers have had to design and maintain an inventory of support structures and work areas for both desk styles, which It can be particularly expensive. Thus, there is a need for a work surface structure that can be configured as desired to support a work surface of a conventional desk in row and column formation that is used in circle or group formation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure is generally directed to the assembly of furniture such as a school desk or a computer table that has support members that connect to each other using connecting tools / slots. The configuration or assembly of furniture has a work surface that locks the flange / slot connections when it is connected to the support members. The flange / slot connections are constructed in such a way that they are limited in their play but have a certain play or intentional movement that allows the support members to orient themselves in relation to one another at various angles until the work surface is secure in place. In an inclusion, the slots are large or larger than the tabs to allow the movement of the tabs in the slots. Once the desired angle is achieved this angle can be blocked by securing the work surface to the support members. Optionally, the furniture configuration includes a tray or tray as for books or for keyboard. It is for this and in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure that a configuration is disclosed that has a work surface and a pair of support members for the work surface. A transverse member is connected to a pair of support members. The connection of the transverse member to a pair of support members of the work area is not blocked until the work surface is connected to the transverse member and to the pair of support members of the work area.

According to another aspect, the present disclosure includes a desk that has a pair of work area supports connected to the work area. Each of the supports of the work area has a first groove that is constructed to slightly retain a projection of the panel connected to the work surface and the supports of the work area. When the work surface is secured to the supports of the work area and to the panel, the projections are locked to the position within the slots.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a furniture configuration is disclosed with a work surface a plurality of work surface support elements that are connected using a projection and a slot construction and wherein the work surface blocks the work surface. plurality of elements together to prevent the projections from moving from the respective slots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS The illustrations present a preferred inclusion contemplated to realize the present invention. In the illustrations: Fig. 1 is a perspective of a desk according to an inclusion of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the desk shown in FIG. 1. Fig. 2 A is a diagram of the tab construction incorporated in the desktop shown in FIG. 1. Figure 3 is a top view of the desk shown in fig. 1 with the work area support structure shown in phantom lines. Fig. 4 is an elevation of the desk of FIG. 1 showing a partial configuration of a modesty panel to a pair of side leg configurations.

Fig. 5 is an elevated view of the desk of FIG. 1 showing a partial configuration of a pair of corners for the pair of leg configurations. Fig. 6 is an elevated side view of the desk of FIG. 1 showing a connection of an optional book tray to the modesty panel and the leg configurations. Fig. 7 is a top view of the desk of FIG. 1 showing an alternative configuration of legs of agreement with another inclusion of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged partial section of the desk of FIG. 3 taken along lines 8-8 thereof; and Fig. 9 is an enlarged partial section of the desk of FIG. 7 taken along lines 9-9 of it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED INCLUSIONS A student desk that is suitable for educational settings such as schools, learning centers, libraries, universities, corporate centers as well as other types is described. The present disclosure also applies to other types of desks including computer desks, normal desks, lectern, work stations in offices, as well as other configurations of furniture such as dining tables, coffee tables, training tables and the like. With reference to figs. 1 and 2, a desk 10 according to the present invention includes a flat work surface or table top 12 having a generally trapezoidal shape defined by a plurality of curved edges or walls 14. The curved walls are connected to one another with soft corners16. Alternatively, the work surface 12 can be constructed with linear walls that are connected to each other with rigid corners. It is further contemplated that the work surface 12 may have other shapes. Additionally, the work surface 12 may include various decorative accessories such as engravings that are not illustrated in the illustrations. In a preferred inclusion, the work surface can be made of laminate wood, metal, glass, or plastic for example.

The work surface 12 is supported on the floor by a front with adjustable height and rear configurations of legs 18 and 19. Each configuration of legs 18 and 19 includes a tubular outer member 20 of suitable size to receive by sliding an internal tubular member 22. Paw sliders 24 are connected to the inner tubular members 22. In a preferred embodiment, the leg sliders 24 are press-fitted to the inner tubular members 22. Alternatively a ringed connection or with adhesives can be employed to secure the sliders of the sliders. leg or covers 24 to the tubular inner members 22. Alternatively, the leg covers 23 include wheels or other rotation characteristics for better mobility of the desk. The leg covers 24 also preferably include a leveling mechanism or feature (not illustrated) for leveling the desk 10 in the manner known per se. To provide an adjustment in the height of the work surface 12, each of the outer tubular members 20 has an orifice (Without number) and each internal tubular member 22 has a series of holes 26 spaced vertically and aligned. To select the height of the work surface 12, a hole 26 in the inner tubular member 22 is aligned with the hole of the outer tubular member 20 and then a pin 28 or other type of fastener is inserted to align the holes and lock the member inner tubular 22 in the outer tubular member 20. This is repeated for each configuration of leg 18, 19. In an inclusion, the interior of the external tubular member 20 includes a tongue not shown) which is inferred with the corresponding tab (not shown). illustrated) formed along the exterior I of the inner tubular member 22. this interface effectively defines a stop to prevent the inner tubular members 22 from being removed from the outer tubular members 20, 22 when the tubular members do not connect to each other using the above-mentioned connection with a bolt.

It is understood that other constructions can be employed to adjust the length of the leg configurations 18 and 19. For example, the leg configurations 18 and 19 can include telescoping leg members that can be extended and locked by locking them to provide the desired height for a work area 12. It is also contemplated that the desk 10 has configurations of legs 18 and 19 fixed to a length providing a fixed height for the work area 12 on the floor. The desk 10 also includes a pair of gaskets 30 each of which is connected to the front and rear of the configuration of legs 18 and 19. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 each lining 30 defines the space between the front and rear configuration configurations of legs 18 and 19 to which the lining 30 is connected. In one inclusion each of the lining 30 is welded to its corresponding pair of legs 18 and 19 providing an integrated lateral foot configuration 32. It is understood, however, that the fittings 30 can be connected to the leg configurations 18 and 19 using other connection techniques. For example, the gaskets 30 of the outer tubular members 20 can be secured with fasteners, or molds can be made to form an integrated lateral foot configuration 32. The gaskets 30 are formed to include perforations 34 although it is contemplated that the gaskets 30 without the perforations can be employed.

The desk 10 optionally includes a tray or book tray 36 spaced from the bottom of the work surface 12. The book tray 36 may have a shape symmetrical to the shape of the work surface 12. The book tray 36 counts with a flangeless front edge 38 with the side edges partially defined by a flange 40 and a trailing edge defined by a flange 41. The book tray 36 also includes a series of downwardly extending tabs 42, each defining an opening in the form of an oval 44. During the configuration, the oval-shaped openings 44 align with the corresponding openings 46 formed by the fittings 30 and a fastener (not illustrated) such as a bolt, screw or cot can be inserted through them to fix the tray of books 36 to the garrisons 30.

The book tray 36 may include a non-porous, bacteria-free cover. The book trays 36 can be formed of a laminate, wood, glass, metal or plastic or of some composite material. The book tray 36 is illustrated as a substantially planar surface; however, it is contemplated that the book tray 36 may include a structure as a reservoir for items that are desired to be stored below the work surface 12. Additionally, although a single book tray 36 is illustrated, it is contemplated that the desk 10 may be built with several book trays 36.

The desk 10 includes a pair of liners 48 each of which has a bracket 50 and a series of indentations or teeth 52. As will be described below, the teeth 52 enter into the grooves 54 of the front configurations of legs 18 allowing a connection to be formed between the slots / teeth.

As will also be described, the slots 54 are larger than the teeth 54 allowing a certain degree of flexibility in the placement of the teeth 52 in the slots 54. Each of the fittings 48 is shown with four prongs 52 in the leg configurations. d legs 18 that are shown with a corresponding number of slots 54 although it is understood that the tooth / slot connections with more or fewer teeth / slots may be employed. As illustrated in fig. 1 the fittings 48 are connected with the front configurations of legs 18 forward of the front part 38 of the book tray 36, when the desk is constructed with the option of the book tray 36. Also, the fittings 48 have a border biased 56 on the side opposite the teeth 52.

With reference to fig. 2, the desk 10 also includes a modesty panel 58 constructed to be connected with the rear legs 19. The modesty panel 58 includes an inner tab 60 and an upper tab 62. The modesty panel 58 also has teeth 64 that embody a the corresponding grooves 54 in the rear leg configurations 10. The grooves 55 are sized to have dimensions slightly larger transversely than the teeth 64, which allows a flexibility in the positioning of the teeth 64 in the grooves 55. The modesty panel 58 has four teeth 64, but it is contemplated that there may be more or less than four teeth.

Fig. 2 A illustrates a diagram of a portion of the teeth 52, 64 according to an inclusion of the present disclosure. Each shank 52,64 includes a tongue 66 extending from the body 68. The tongue 66 includes an upper portion 70 that projects downwardly from the upper portion 70 spaced from the body 68 by a cavity 74. The cavity 74 is constructed to receiving an external wall (not shown) of the leg configuration adjacent the slot 54, 55 when the teeth 52, 64 are positioned in each of the respective slots 54, 55.

During the assembly of the desk 10, the work surface 12 is fixed using the appropriate fasteners, i.e., bolts, screws and the like to the configurations of side legs 32, brackets 50 and the modesty panel 58. When the work surface 12 is secured, the teeth 52, 64 are locked in place in their respective grooves 54, 55. In this regard, the tooth / groove connections described above are not locked until the work surface 12 is secured to the lateral configurations of legs 32, the brackets 50 and the modesty panel 58. Furthermore, since the grooves 54, 55 are slightly wider than the teeth 52, 64 the assembler has the flexibility to define the orientation angle between the fittings 48 and the brackets 48. lateral leg configurations 32 and between the modesty panel 58 and the lateral leg configurations 32.

As illustrated in fig. 3, the flexibility provided by the tooth / slot connections allow the desk 10 to be constructed in such a way that the front opening 76 between the front leg configurations 18 may be wider than the rear opening 78 between the leg configurations 19. In this regard, the orientation angle 80 between the corner pieces 48 and the lining 30 is smaller than the orientation angle 82 between the modesty panel 58 and the lining 30. An example of this angle orientation between the corner pieces 48 and the lining 30 is illustrated in fig. 8 With reference to fig. 4 the modesty panel 58 is shown freely connected to the side leg configurations 32. In particular, the teeth 64 are freely retained in the grooves 55 of the rear leg configurations 18. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the posterior paster configurations 18 include flat ends 84 having an opening formed therein. During the assembly of the desk 10, the openings 86 are aligned with the corresponding openings 8 not shown) formed on the inner surface of the work surface 12. A screw 88 is inserted into the flat ends 84 through the openings 86. for connecting the work surface 12 in a fine manner to the configuration of the rear legs 18.

Similarly, the upper tab 62 of the modesty panel 58 has openings 90 that align with the corresponding openings (not shown) on the inner surface of the work area 12. The screws 92 are inserted through the openings 90 to be fixed and connecting to the work surface 12 to the modesty panel 58. The connection of the work surface 12 is fixed to the brackets 50 of the front leg configurations 18 as described below.

With reference to fig. 5 the connection of the corner pieces 48 to the front leg configurations 18 is similar to the connection of the modesty panel 58 to the rear leg configuration 19. In particular, as described above, the corner pieces 48 are connected to the leg configuration front 18 of the work surface 12 is connected.

The front leg configurations 18 have flat ends 94 that engage with the inner surface of the work surface 12. The openings 96 are defined through flat ends 94 and aligned with the corresponding apertures or markings (not illustrated) of the internal surface or inner face of the work surface 12. The screws 98 extend through the openings 86 to attach to the work surface 12 to the front configurations of the legs 18.

Similarly, the work surface 12 is connected to a pair of corner pieces 48. The corner pieces 48 include brackets 50 having openings 100 formed therein. The openings 100 align with the corresponding openings or markings (not shown) of the inner face of the work area 12 so that a screw or other type of fastener 102 is inserted through the openings to connect the front and rear configurations. , 19 and the liners 30 in such a way that the tooth / groove connections are formed between the front and rear configurations of the legs 18 and 19, and the modesty panel 58 and the corners 40 are locked and fixed. In this regard, the tooth / groove connections are not locked or fixed until the work surface is fixed to the front and rear legs 18 and 19, modesty panel 58 and corner 48.

With reference to fig. 6, the connection of the optional book tray to the guards 30 and the modesty panel 58 is shown. The tray 36 includes tabs 42 that have openings 44 formed therein that align with the openings 46 formed in the guards 30. A fastener 104 is inserted through the openings 44 and 46 and secured to the guards 30. In similarly, the tabs 106 extend from the trailing edge of the book tray 36 in a similar fashion to the tabs 42, the tabs 106 have oval-shaped openings 108 that align with the openings 110 (Fig. 2) formed in the modesty panel 58. A screw or other types of fasteners 1 12 extend through the openings 108, 1 10 to secure the book tray 36 to the modesty panel 58.

As mentioned above, the book tray 36 is optional. It is recognized that said book talk 36 may include several features not illustrated in the figures such as for example a member designed to support the keyboard. Referring to Figs. 7 and 9 a desk 10a is shown with an orientation angle between the corner pieces 48 and the guards 30 being approximately of right angles. It is mentioned that the work surface 12 a shown in Fig. 7 is relatively rectangular in shape while the work surface 12 described with respect to Fig. 1-6 and 8 is generally trapezoidal in shape. However, the support structure of the work area is similar to the one described above. That is, the surface 12 a is supported by the anterior and posterior configurations of the legs 18, corners 30, guards 48 and modesty panel 58. However, before securing the work surface 12 to these structures, the interconnection of the teeth 52, 64 and the grooves 54 is such that the orientation angles 80 and 82 between the corner pieces 48 and the keepers 30 is approximately 90 degrees. That is, the play between the connections of the teeth / slots allows the assembler to adjust the angular position of the teeth 52, 64 within the slots 54, 55. When the work surface is secured 12a to the side leg configurations 18, 19, guards 30, modesty panel 58 and corners 48, these angles are blocked. In Fig. 7 and 9 the angle is approximately 90 degrees which results in the front configurations of the legs 18 aligning with the configurations of rear legs 19. This is in contrast to the orientation illustrated in Figures 1-3 and 8 showing the configurations of misaligned front legs 18 of rear legs 19. In FIG. 7, the front opening 76 is substantially the same width as the rear opening 78. It should be understood, however, that the angular relationship between the modesty panel 58 and the guards 30 and between the corners 48 and the guards 30 can be adjusted from the desired way to provide a desired writing surface configuration. It should be understood that the corner pieces 48 can be placed to be non-parallel in relation to a modesty panel 58.

It can be appreciated that the present invention provides a support frame having a pair of spaced leg configurations that can be oriented either in generally parallel relationship and in non-parallel relationship. In combination with a modesty panel that can be used with any configuration of the leg configurations due to the adjustability provided in the slot / tooth connection between the modesty panel and the leg configurations. The invention also provides a variable configuration to support the work surface where the work surface itself functions to lock the position of the leg configurations in relation to the modesty panel when the work surface is secured to the configurations of legs. The present invention has been described in terms of a preferred inclusion and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives and modifications other than those expressed herein are possible and are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS IT IS CLAIMED: 1 a work surface that includes: A pair of work surface support members; A cross member connected to a pair of work area support members; and wherein the connection of the cross member to the pair of support members of the work area is not blocked until the work surface is connected to the support members of the work surface. 2. The configuration of claim 1 wherein each work area support includes: A front leg configuration; A rear leg configuration; and A guard connected to the front leg configuration and the configuration for later. 3. The configuration of claim 2 wherein each support member of the work area has a groove and the cross member has a first tooth and a second tooth of suitable size to be received within the respective grooves of the pair of support members of the work surface. The configuration of claim 3 wherein the first and second teeth are retained in free form by the respective slots until the work surface is connected to the support members of the work area. 5. The configuration of claim 4 wherein the first tooth and the second tooth can be placed in various angular positions relative to the respective slots and locked in a position angular angle when the work surface is connected to the support members of the work area. 6. The configuration of claim 2 wherein the configuration of front and rear legs each includes: An external tubular member; An internal tubular member extending from the outer tubular member; and U locking mechanism that secures the inner tube to the outer tube at the desired point of extension. 7. The configuration of claim 1 wherein the transverse member is a modesty panel. 8. The configuration of claim 1 including a tray connected to the transverse member and a pair of support members of the work area. 9. The configuration of claim 1 including a pair of corners connected to the work surface and a pair of support members of the work area. 10. A desk that includes: A work surface defining an internal lower part; A pair of work area supports connected to the work surface, each work area stand has a first groove; A panel connected to the work surface and that has a pair of projections, each projection of the appropriate size to be coupled within the respective slot; and wherein the inner side of the work area is coupled to a pair of work area supports and the panel to secure the projections in the slots. 1. The desk of claim 10, wherein each work area support has a second slot, and which includes a pair of corners connected to the work area each of them has a projection of the size to be fixed and retained in the second groove of the internal part of the work area. 12. The desk of claim 10 wherein the projections and slots are configured to provide adjustment in the positions of the supports of the work area and the panel, and wherein the coupling to the inner part of the work area with the supports of the work area and panel work to block the positions of the work area and panel support. The desk of claim 10 wherein each work area support includes: An adjustable front leg; One adjustable for later; A guard connected to the front and rear legs. 14. The desk of claim 13 wherein each guard has a plurality of perforations. 15. The desktop of claim 10 including a pair of corners connected to the work surface and to the pair of work area supports. 16. The desk of claim 10 wherein the work surface has a generally trapezoidal shape. 17. A furniture configuration that includes a work surface and a plurality of work area support elements that are connected using a projection to a slot and wherein the work surface locks the plurality of work area support elements for prevent the projections from moving within the respective slots within each where the projections are coupled. 18.1a furniture configuration in claim 17 wherein each projection is locked in without relative angle to each of the slots. 19.1a furniture configuration of claim 17 wherein the support elements of the work area and the work surface are configured as a desk for students. 20. The furniture configuration of claim 17 wherein the plurality of support elements of the work area includes: A pair of leg configurations; A modesty panel connected to a first tooth / groove connection with the pair of leg configurations; and A pair of corners where each leg configuration is connected in a second second tooth / groove connection.