NO844839L - ADJUSTABLE WORKSTATION AND EQUIPMENT FOR THIS - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an adjustable desk and equipment for this and in particular a desk for working with electronic equipment, such as computers, word processing equipment and accessories thereto.

Most desks in the form of desks or benches are rather lacking when it comes to setting options. For most office desks whether they are for secretaries or people in senior positions, there are usually no adjustment options and the user usually adapts to the work surface by adjusting the chair. Such settings are like a torture bench if the user is not adapted to certain norms in terms of height, weight and build. Also such human characteristics that may appear to be of no importance, such as arm's reach, or optically adjustable vision capabilities,

can create additional annoying problems at any desk. Anyone with bifocal or trifocal glasses will be aware of the problem.

The problem becomes more acute with the advent of computers or word processing desks. The user must have appropriate physical and visual access to a number of different points on any given desk such as image projection ports, keyboards, manuscript readers, printers, filing systems, disc readers, and similar equipment of the electronic age.

The problem becomes even more acute when more than one person is expected to have access to such equipment at a given desk. Unless each user fits some reasonably close range of norms, it is obvious that significant adjustments are required to make the desk work ergonomically for a particular user. Moreover, if the work is of short duration at such a desk, more time will be spent making settings than performing the work.

Some manufacturers of electronic equipment have developed special desks. E.g. IBM Corporation offers SYNERGETIX furniture for its electronic equipment. SYNERGETIX is a registered trademark of IBM.

The main components of such a desk are an adjustable central part that includes manually operated height settings for varying working heights. In addition, the platform supporting the image display terminal or CRT can be covered manually or rotated. All such manual height variation options are provided in the main body, and for an operator to make such adjustments may require several trivial adjustments "up and down" before the settings are comfortable. Other disadvantages of such desks are their designed ease of use. In other words, it is not suitable as a desk except when using the electronic equipment that is included. Other disadvantages are their appearance and adaptability. In reality, such desks have become known as "machine tables" whether the settings have been manual or motorized.

Such machine tables are usually very inharmonious in an open office landscape. They have an appearance as if they belong in a workshop or enhance a special machine and cannot easily fit into the surroundings of a modern interior in an open office landscape. Although the purpose is to be ergonomically efficient, such desks are completely visually and environmentally incompatible with the visual and acoustic problems that are prevalent in ergonomically efficient office furnishings. E.g. such computer desks do not compare well with more conventional office furnishings that use filing or storage cabinets, visual or acoustic screens, or modular systems that provide desks that can be used beyond the use for which the equipment was intended.

It is therefore desirable to provide an ergonomically effective modular desk which overcomes the problems found with currently available machine tables and other less adjustable desks. It is also desirable to provide such a modular desk as well as a variety of equipment for this.

With the present invention, a desk usable not only for ordinary purposes, but also particularly usable for the use of electronic equipment such as computers, word processing equipment and accessories for this has been provided. Such a desk provides large adjustment variations such as level, elevation, angle and position, not only of the work surfaces, but also for associated cabinets, printers, disc readers, etc., as well as individual adjustment of equipment such as video screens or CRT terminals, copy holders, telephone bases, information lamps, index drawers, etc. all to provide an ergonomically efficient adjustable desk that takes into account the human factors that apply to 95% of the population.

Main component settings can be power driven. E.g. the elevation of the main work surface and associated components can be controlled by switches easily accessible to the user. The same applies to main components such as the image display terminal.

Wire access can be provided through selected appropriate exits in a wire guide channel under the main work surface which can be made visible by allowing such a work surface to slide or swing, such swing occurring close to the user.

The swiveling housing also provides a housing for drive parts that can control the power for the height adjustment of the main working surface and certain connected equipment as well as sliding in and out or swinging of such main working surface.

The support for the main working surface rail includes a slot or recess through which wire connection can be connected to lateral support surfaces. Such slots also prevent the user from pinching his fingers in the event of an angle adjustment or movement of the main work surface.

The desk is mainly modular in components and form, the main structural elements of which are two separate two-part telescopic legs with a square cross-section and vertically adjustable which are connected in between by two separate rails which provide an open slot therebetween. The rails comprise in the interior a groove which forms vertically separated rails. Such rails support a large selection of equipment either for adjustable attachment here or rolling over.

Such equipment is a support for a picture projection screen (CRT) which is mounted on rollers for free rolling movement along one of the tracks and which includes a manual or power-driven setting for height, angle and position with respect to the user.

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, where fig. 1 is a view of a desk with the individual parts pulled apart according to the invention showing the main structural elements as well as the main work surface, fig. 2 is a view with the individual parts pulled apart by the drive part and the swing housing at the farthest end of the main working surface's support arms according to the invention, fig. 3 is an incomplete vertical section through the top of a leg in the desk showing the variable tool or motor drive device for height adjustment of the legs, fig. 4 schematically shows above an outline of the composition of the main components with certain elements removed and shows additional motor drive, fig. 5 schematically shows the front elevation of such composite main components partially taken apart to show the threads which are connected, fig. 6 is a perspective view of a fully assembled desk showing cabinets supported on the side of the legs and arms and exemplary equipment projecting from the slot formed by the rails, FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the connection between the rails and a leg, fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view through the interconnected rails as seen from the line 8-8 in FIG. 7, fig. 9 is an incomplete sectional view through a transport support for the image terminal across the rails, fig. 10 is a vertical cross-section on the same scale as in fig. 9 through the position and support for the image terminal, fig. 11 is a top view of the support surface for the image terminal, fig. 12 is an incomplete view of the support for the image terminal similar to that shown in FIG. 11, but shows an additional motor drive device for height adjustment, fig. 13 shows an edge elevation of a mounting post which can be attached to one or the other rail in any position along it which can support a large number of equipment such as copy readers, telephone holders, letter drawers, information lamps and the like, fig. 14 shows an elevation of the mounting post seen from the line 14-14 in fig. 13, fig. 15 is a plan view of the mounting post viewed from the line 15-15 of FIG. 13, fig. 16 is a view with the individual parts pulled apart on a reduced scale showing some of the equipment that can be mounted on the mounting post either individually or, in some cases, side by side, fig. 17 is a side view of a letter basket that can be used together with the mounting post in fig. 13 to 16, fig. 18 is a detached front section of a type of information lamp which comprises a roller conveyor which can be mounted directly on the track of one or the other rail, fig. 19 is a side view of the information lamp on

fig. 18, fig. 20 is a perspective view showing two desks connected with acoustic and visual screens which form an interior office arrangement, fig. 21 is a plan view of a modular arrangement which uses triangular extension wings to the table to form the desk, and fig. 22 - 38 are some schematic side views of exemplary variations that can be achieved with the desk according to the invention.

Referring first to fig. 1 - 8, and to begin with to fig. 1, the more basic components of the desk according to the invention are shown. Such components comprise two spaced legs 40 which are identical in all respects. Each leg comprises a lower component 41 of square cross-section and an upper equal component 42 of square cross-section which extends telescopically over component 41. As will be described therein. subsequently, a rotating screw is carried in the upper component 42 and engages with a nut attached to the lower component 41. Rotation of the screw will vertically adjust the height of the leg.

The surface of each component in the legs 41 and 42 at the top and bottom is provided with mounting holes shown by reference numeral 44, by which large variations in arms and or legs can be attached to the flat surfaces of the components on

the top and bottom projecting from there. As shown, a fixed plate shown with reference numeral 46 can be attached to the bottom component and a removable leg cover 47 is arranged to fit snugly over the top 48 recess.

Referring to fig. 1, each leg 40 is provided with a foot 50 projecting forward towards the viewer and to the right, such a foot being attached to the associated surface at the bottom of the leg component 41 by suitable mounting fasteners through the screw holes 44. The end of the foot is provided with an adjustable screw 51 The foot can be covered by a foot cover 52. Screw openings 44 can, when not in use, be covered with screw covers 53.

The mutual connection between the legs 40 and 41 takes place with two rails 55 and 56 separated from each other by spaces which have the structural form which is clearly seen in fig. 8. Referring for a moment to fig. 7 and 8, it can be seen that each rail is formed from a sheet metal structure and comprises an outer plate 59 and an inner stiffener plate 60 which can be bent to form three horizontally projecting rectangular ribs 61. At the top and bottom the outer plate is bent inwards to form a flange 62 and then again bent upon itself or edged as shown by reference numeral 63. The inner plate is bent inwards at its edges to form a short flange 64 which fits behind the bent edge 63 of the outer plate. Each rail's two plates can be spot welded together where they adjoin each other.

As is more clearly shown in fig. 7, the ends of each rail are rounded as shown with reference numeral 66 in the same shape, the corners of the leg components also being rounded as shown with reference numeral 67. U-shaped angle supports shown with reference numeral 68 vertically separated and facing each other are attached to the upper components of the legs. The curved portion of the angle 1 supports is welded to the surface of the upper component of the leg as shown by reference numeral 69, and each angle support includes parallel spaced protruding legs 70 and 71. The face of each rail is slightly delayed as shown by reference numeral 72 to provide space for set screws 73 which attach the rails to the angle supports in the way that is more clearly shown in fig. 1 and 8. With the rails connected to the angle supports in the manner shown, the top component 42 of each leg assembly is fixed and rigidly interconnected. Connected to the legs, the rails are spaced a short distance apart to provide an open gap 75 which extends completely vertically therethrough.

A horizontally extending plate is attached to the interior of the top two rectangular ribs 61 in a vertical plane as shown by reference numerals 76 and 77, top and bottom horizontal and parallel edges 78 and 79 forming top and bottom rails respectively. In this way, the plates are attached to the rails to form tracks, and the top and bottom edges thereof form rails to accommodate a large variety of attachment or rolling motion equipment to be described hereinafter. The top and bottom edges of the plates can be rounded, chamfered or edged to remove rough edges and better adapt to the equipment. In the embodiment shown, there is approximately a 4 cm clearance between the two rails which allows the equipment to be clamped or mounted on both rails next to each other.

Referring to fig. 1 it can be seen that the top and bottom of each rail is provided with a row of horizontally longitudinal holes which extend through both the inner and outer plates thereof, the rows are shown with reference numbers 80 and 81. With such through holes in the top and bottom edges of the rigid and fixed rails, a large selection of equipment can be mounted directly on the surface of the rails to protrude from it in a cantilever manner. As will be described below, such equipment may include drawing units, filing units, back-over filing, or hanging filing, as well as specially designed cabinets for printers or disc readers, and surface mounts.

Referring to fig. 1, it can be seen that the supports 83 and 84 can be attached to the upper components 42 of the legs 40 and 41 through screw mounting holes 44 to project in a cantilever fashion in the same direction as the foot 50. The top supports are designed to support a worktop or surface 85. Each top support comprises an underlying arm 86 and an overlying rail 87 which are hingedly connected to each other at their outer ends 88. The outer end is of course the end of the support or the edge of the work surface towards the user.

The working surface 85 is relatively thin and is mainly a sheet metal structure reinforced by a through-holed core. The underside at each side edge can be enhanced with a T-shaped channel that fits on the rails 87.

It must be noted that the work surface is mounted on the rails for sliding in and out movement or towards and away from either the user or the slot 75 provided by the rails 55 and 56 spaced apart. The surface 85 can be released from such sliding movement by a spring-loaded latch which is seen more clearly in fig. 2 under reference number 90 which protrudes through a rectangular hole 91 in the rails 87.

The rail which is also shown in fig. 2 is provided with a sliding surface 92 which is mounted on an underlying relatively shallow channel-shaped frame 93 which comprises, at its farthest end, downwardly projecting lugs 94 and 95 which each have holes 96. Such holes are arranged to line up with similar holes in upright ears 97 and 98 on the end of the support arm 86. It is through such holes which are aligned that such an arm and rail are hingedly connected to each other by hinge bolt 99. The hinge bolt not only extends through the holes in the arm and rail ears which stand in line, but also through a wheelhouse 101 made of plastic. The steering housing mainly provides a mount for turning the wheel vane 102 to release the hook 90 as well as the sawtooth motor switch 103 which controls, e.g. , the motorized adjustment of the height of the leg or legs.

The control part or switch housing 101 made of plastic is a plastic part molded in one piece which comprises a central step 105 which on its inner end has a transversely projecting ear 106 and an inverted L-shaped wire screen 107. The ear comprises a hole 108 arranged to lie in line with hole 109 in spring 110

in the spring hook 90. Both such holes are arranged to fit over a projecting pin on the underside of the rail 87 and can be held to this by a suitable fastener with the spring hook 90 and then projecting through the hole 91.

At the outer end of the step there are semi-circular blocks 112 and 113 which protrude to the side. Each block includes near its inner end grooves as shown by reference numerals 114 and 115 which are separated by raised outer and inner ears 116 and 117, each outer ear having holes 118 while each inner ear has upward facing grooves 119. Such holes and grooves stand on line and also in line with a corresponding track 120 in step 105.

The lugs 117 with the slots 119 in them are spaced apart from the step and connected thereto by a bridge along the bottom which provides slots or recesses 122 and 123 which assist respectively 102 and sawtooth motor switch 103. Extending circularly upwards from the bridge are tongues 124 and 125 which fit through the grooves 126 and 127 in the protruding tongue portion 128 of the arm 102, respectively, the

part of switch drive part 103.

The grooves 114 and 115 in the steering housing 101 help the adjacent ears 94, 97 and 95, 98 on the rail and the arm respectively. A three position switch 129 is attached to a wall of the step as shown and its barbed arm 130 engages with a slot 131 in the inner end of the switch driver 103 when in the assembled state.

As shown, the drive part housing is attached to the underside of the rail 87 and naturally oscillates with this. The protruding portions of the semi-circular blocks 112 and 113 provide on their diamentral surface shown by reference numeral 132, clearance for the edge of the working surface 85 to slide thereon when relieved by the spring catch 90.

In the assembled state, the hinge bolt 99, held by main screws 134 and 135 at each end with heads large enough to be caught by the ears 116, will pass through the following elements in order read from left to right in fig. 2: Left-facing ear 116 and its hole 118, ear 94, ear 97, ear 117 groove 119, hole 137 in motor switch control part 103, groove 120, hole 138 in arm 102, groove 119 in ear 117, ear 98, ear 95, and hole 118 in right-facing ear 116.

In this way, arm and rail are connected in between and also switch control assembly 101 is attached to the underside of the rail. The switch assembly can be provided on the farthest end of the arm or the edge of the work surface closest to the user's control both for height adjustment of the legs and thus all of the components supported thereby as well as for relieving the work surface 85 for sliding movement in and out along the rails 87. In any case the control assembly presents , in a position suitable for the user, at least two switches or control parts on each edge of the working surface 85. It will of course be clear to those skilled in the art that such suitable switches or levers provided through the wheelhouse can be for a number of different purposes including simultaneous vertical adjustment of both legs, individual adjustment of both legs, or adjustment of the angle of the working surface or even selected equipment.

Referring to fig. 3, the upper end of a leg is shown in section, showing the way in which the legs can be driven for motor-driven vertical adjustment or by using hand tools. It will be clear that fig. 3 shows components according to the invention which are not normally used together. As seen in fig. 3, the upper component 42 is on

leg 40 closed by top 48 and cover 47 seen in fig. 1 when removed. The top 48 comprises a horizontal wall 140

and a downwardly recessed inner flange 141 which fits inside the tubular component 42 of the leg. The top 140 has a projecting shoulder 142 that fits on top of the tubular component 42 of the leg 40. Centered in the horizontal wall 140 is a hole 143 through which extends a plastic sleeve bearing 144. The plastic sleeve bearing 144 assists the height adjustment screw 146 cylindrical portion 145 with reduced diameter. A roller thrust bearing 147 extends between the shoulder at the top of the screw portion and the underside of the plastic bearing. A bottom wall 149 of a chair angle support 145 is provided with a hole through which the bearing 144 extends, the bearing being secured by the chip 142 to be held in place by the locking ring shown.

The screw 146 extends through a nut 154 locked in between the parallel side walls 155 of the nut holder 156. The nut is held vertically by the top bracket 157 and both the bracket and the nut holder are held to the horizontal plate 159 attached to the interior of the leg component 41 by fasteners shown with reference number 160. In this way, rotating the screw in the opposite direction will cause the leg's upper component 42 to move up and down.

The upper end of the screw 146 is provided with a now further reduced diameter extension 162 to which is attached a bushing of the cross pin 164. The lower end of the bushing has a cylindrical hole which accommodates the extension 162 while the upper end of the bushing is provided with a hexagonal hole 165. The hexagonal hole accommodates hexagonal pin 166 which may be a roller pin connected by reference number 167 to the extended shaft 168. The extended shaft extends through a bushing 170 with flange mounted in horizontal plate 171 on the chair angle support and a bevel gear 172 is mounted on top of the extended shaft. The bevel gear meshes with a further bevel gear 173 mounted on horizontal cross shaft 174 which extends between the protruding horizontal components 175 mounted on side walls 176 of the chair angle support. The cross shaft is provided with a bushing on its end with a hexagonal opening 178. The hexagonal opening is placed near a hole in the wall of the leg extension 180 facing the viewer into which the chair angle support 150 fits exactly. The leg extension has the same or similar shape as the lower component 41 of the telescopic legs and provides a vertical leg extension when the cover 47 is replaced with such a leg extension. The leg extension, in the same way as the cover, fits on an upward facing shoulder 181 on the top 48 with an upwardly extending flange 182 telescopically therein.

The pin 164 can, in addition to attaching the bushing 163 to the top of the screw, also serve to attach the timing belt pulley 184 to the bushing and also to the screw. A timing belt 185 connects the pulley 186 mounted on the shaft 187 which extends parallel to the screw and side by side on the angle support 189 which may be attached to the rail or leg. Suitable slots are provided in the leg top and/or chair angle support to set the timing belt 185. In this way the screw can be motor driven through suitable transmissions and one or more motors to be described below, all below the level of the work surface.

It will be clear that not all the components that can be seen in fig. 3 must necessarily be used together, e.g. the chair angle support, the leg extension 180 as well as the extension shaft and gears 172 and 173 do not necessarily have to be used. In such a situation, the top of the screw will be provided with bushing 163 with the hexagonal hole 165 uncovered after removing cover 47. In such a situation, manual adjustment of the screw is achieved by simply inserting a hexagonal tool into the hexagonal hole 165, as such a tool e.g. could be a hex key. With the leg extension, the hexagonal tool must of course be inserted through the hole in the opposite wall.

It will also be clear that motor drive is optional and that the pulleys and timing belt can only be used in the case such a motor drive is used, or in the case of manual setting from a single source. Even with motor operation, manual adjustment can still be done with a suitable hexagonal tool located in the top bushing 163. It will also be appreciated that the projecting end of the shaft 187 can be provided with a hexagonal recess also to receive an adjustment tool. Referring to fig. 4 and 5 a composite desk is shown. As shown in fig. 4 as well as in fig. 1, there is a thread guide channel 195 directly below the working surface 85 which extends between the arms 86. The thread guide channel comprises a number of transverse relatively large channels shown with reference numbers 196, 197 and 198. Such channels are open at the ends and are in connection with horizontal track or opening 200

which can perhaps be seen more clearly in fig. 2. The slot 200 extends between the arm and the overlying rail and allows lateral access through the arm from the wire guide channel to lateral extensions or components. The rearmost channel 196 can be provided with a suitable outlet shown by reference number 201. The suitable outlet can be provided with wires for light, power, connections or interfaces for the various components of computers such as keyboard, screen, plate reader or printer.

In fig. 4 also shows a two-motor drive shown schematically with reference numbers 203 and 204. Each motor comprises a transmission shown with reference numbers 205 and 206 respectively, which drives the shaft 187 on which the pulley 186 is attached. Such shafts on each side of the table or desk can be connected to each other through conical gears shown with reference numbers 207 and 208 and shaft line 209. With the shaft line, the screws in each leg will rotate synchronously. With the axle cable, a single switch 103 can also control both motors. It will be clear that level adjustment can be achieved by using the adjustable slider 51. It will also be clear that with the axle line, a single somewhat more powerful motor can be used for vertical adjustment of both legs.

Also shown in fig. 4, appropriate limit switches shown with reference numeral 211 in each leg or on the outside of each leg will not allow rotation of the motor in a given direction beyond the set limits. Motor and transmission may be provided in a housing shown at reference numeral 212 which extends to the rear of the rail and may be attached to the legs. Such a housing has the appearance of a short work surface and can be constructed with a swinging rail so that the top surface can be swung up or slid back to expose the motor transmission and shafts.

Such a housing with or without the engines and transmissions is shown e.g. in end-slope in fig. 27, 28 and 37. The rear edge of the index drawer as shown with reference numbers 214 and 215 can be replaced with one or more thread guides which are simply plastic clips that hold the threads apart. The wires may extend downward over the rear end of the index drawer shown by reference numeral 206 or they may extend over the top of the rails below a wire and pulley cover shown by reference numeral 217.

As previously shown in fig. 5, wire guidance to the appropriate outlet may be provided through tubular wire guide 220 which may extend upwardly into the interior of each leg. Below the wire guide, coil wire shown with reference number 221 can be supplied with wire that extends through wire holder 222. Coil wire 223 can be provided from the appropriate outlet for image feeding as well as for other equipment such as information lamps or telephone bases. It will also be clear that the bobbin thread 221 can be encased in a similar thread guide attached to the lower telescopic leg component 41 and telescoping with the thread guide 220.

Referring to fig. 6 shows a more fully assembled desk showing the work surface 85 at the front and the somewhat shorter housing 212 at the back of the desk with the open slot 75 in between. It should be noted that the covers 47 on top of the legs 40 are flush with both surfaces. Certain equipment protrudes upwards through the slot such as a video screen support 225, telephone support 226 and a form of information lamp 227. The video screen support supports the video screen 228. In the form shown, the video screen support can be powered up and down by the lever 229 and the angle of the video screen support can be adjusted with the button 230. The work surface 85 supports a keyboard 231.

Cabinets 233 and 234 are attached to each side of the work surface 85 and housing 212. Such cabinets can be attached to the outside of the upper components of the leg 40 and also to the protruding arms that support both the work surface 85 as well as the housing 212. For example, the cabinet 233 can contain a built-in disc reader 236 in the front, while the cabinet 234 includes an opening 237 in which a printer 238 is mounted. The front of the cabinet 234 can also include one or more drawers 240.

The cabinet 233 comprises a top surface 241 which forms an extension of the work surface 85. The cabinet 234 also comprises a surface 242 which is in the same plane as the surfaces 85 and 241.

If the desk is motorized, height adjustment can be achieved through the control housing 101 and the appropriate sawtooth motor switch or switches. The entire work surface as well as the associated cabinets 233 and 234 will be able to be moved up or down on command. Other options for work surface height adjustment include single point synchronized manual adjustment, individual leg adjustment, and individual adjustment when needed for upper support leg 180, which can also be done by inserting a hex tool into opening 178. It will be appreciated that the equipment shown can be placed on any desired location along track 75 in a manner to be described hereinafter. Referring first to fig. 9, 10, 11 and 12, a picture screen support is shown comprising a carriage 250 comprising primarily a vertical plate 251 with flanged and bolted V-shaped pulleys 252 mounted in each corner thereof. The bottom two pulley bolts are threaded and extend through vertically elongated holes 253 so that the lower pulleys can be moved easily up and down when the nut 254 on the side of the plate 251 on the opposite side of the pulleys is loosened. In this way, the carriage 250 can be mounted on the vertical rail edges 78 and 79 on the plate or track 77 on rail 56.

The carriage plate top and bottom flanges 256 help to attach a vertical tubular column 257 to the plate. The tubular column protrudes somewhat above and below the plate and includes at its lower end a fastening 258 to the interior, in which a slightly less projecting inner column 259 is attached,

on the top of which is fixed a shouldered nut 260 against rotation. The inner and outer columns as well as the nut 260 are fixed vertically.

A screw 261 is extended downward through the nut. The upper end of the screw is provided with a fastener 262 which secures the screw and rotates with the shaft 263 which is mounted in sleeve bearing 264 and ball bearing 265 on the inside of the vertically movable tubular column 266. The lower end of the tubular column 266 is provided with a sliding bearing 267 adapted within the column 257. Such a column 257 is also provided at its upper end with a fixed bearing 268 in which the vertically movable column 266 slides.

The column 266 is therefore designed to move not only up and down, but also to swing about its vertical axis. On the top of the column 266, a hollow gooseneck or hinge 270 is mounted which includes at its farthest end a tubular post 271, which has an axis that is parallel to the axis of the column 266.

On top of post 271, a tubular column 272 is mounted which is part of the image display terminal's support board shown generally with reference number 273.

Referring to fig. 11 it can be seen that the column 272 is in the center of a transverse bridge 275 interconnected with the sides 277 and 278 in a predominantly rectangular frame through the pins 279 and 280 respectively. The front of the frame is provided with an upright front plate 282 on which are mounted setting knobs 283 and 284. Such adjusting knobs may be provided with diametrical grooves on one end in which a crank handle is rotatably mounted. In a recessed position, the crank handle is flush with the knob. In an operating position, it is turned 180° and can be used to allow the knob to rotate.

The side parts 278 and 279 of the frame are provided with slightly protruding top flanges 286 and 287, respectively, to which transverse video screen supports 290 are adjustably attached

and 291. Each of the transverse supports can be set at the front and back of the frame or in the direction of the arrows 292 in fig.

11 by loosening and then adding fasteners 294 which are threaded into sleeve nuts 295 attached to the transverse support parts. Each attachment comprises a clamping disc 296 underlying the flanges 286 and 287. The transverse support parts may be provided with a series of slotted holes shown with reference numeral 298 through which the transverse support parts may attach an image display terminal. With the slit holes and the front and back setting, essentially any image terminal can be safely supported from the index drawer.

The knob 283 seen in fig. 11 is attached to a shaft 300 mounted in the front plate 282 against axial movement, but for rotation as shown by reference number 301. The shaft is threaded at its end within the front plate as shown by reference number 302, the threaded shaft being received in the closed threaded hole 303 in the rod 304. The opposite end of the rod is rotatable at 305 to the bridge 275 significantly above its pivot point to the frame which is seen more clearly in fig. 10. Therefore, rotation of the knob 283 will cause the image display terminal index drawer to rotate about the horizontal axis of the pins 279 and 280. In this way, the horizontal excess pressure of the index drawer can be controlled.

The second knob 284 is connected to the shaft 307 which is not only carried in the front plate as shown by reference number 308, but also in the sleeve 309 attached to the inside of the frame side 278. The inner projecting end of the shaft 307 has attached to it an end attachment 310 of flexible shaft 311 which extends downwards through the gooseneck 270 column 271. The opposite end of the flexible shaft 311 is attached with a similar attachment 312 to the top of the shaft 263 seen in fig. 10. In this way, rotation of the knob 284 will cause the screw 261 to raise or lower the index drawer 273 with respect to the mounting carriage 2 50.

It will now be seen that the mounting frame for the image display terminal can now be moved horizontally along track 77 by means of the rolling carriage. It can also be moved up and down by manual rotation of knob 284. It can also be moved about the vertical axis of the column 266 by turning the gooseneck 270 whether this is on the side, front or back. It can also be rotated about the vertical axis of the column 271. Its horizontal overlap or inclination can also be adjusted by the knob 283 about the horizontal axis of the pins 279 and 280. Naturally, the entire assembly moves when the legs 40 are adjusted.

Referring to fig. 12 shows that the height adjustment in modified form can be powered or motor-controlled. In this figure, a motor 315 is provided to rotate the screw 316 which is vertically attached. The screw extends through a nut 317 mounted on the lower end of vertically movable column 318. As can be seen, the upright screw 316 fixed at 320 at the lower end of the fixed column is driven by motor 315 through timing belt transmission 321 which extends between motor pulleys 322 and screw pulley 323. The motor as well as the pulleys are mounted on plate 324 which extends from the carriage's somewhat elongated plate. A limit switch mechanism shown at reference numeral 325 may be provided to indicate the limits of the vertical motorized setting. A capacitor unit 326 for motor 315 may be provided mounted on the carriage plate. In all cases, it will be clear that height adjustment of the image terminal frame should rather be motor driven than manually driven as shown in the embodiment of fig. 12. Again, the motorized height adjustment carriage for the image terminal can be mounted on the track of the rails in the same way. Control of the motor-driven height adjustment can be as shown in fig. 6.

Referring to fig. 13 - 16 there is shown a universal mounting post shown generally with reference number 330 which can be fixed in any position horizontally along each rail and which supports individually or side by side a large selection of equipment. Mounting post 330 comprises a vertically projecting base plate 331 which comprises on its bottom a rearward-facing flange 332 and on its top a projecting inverted V-shaped flange 333. The lower rear surface of flange 332 is provided with an upright hinge 334 which rotatably attaches hinge plate 335 to bottom of the mounting post. The front edge of hinge plate 335 is provided with an upwardly opened V-shaped position shown with reference number 336. As can be seen more clearly in fig. 13, the V-shaped positions 333 and 336 are designed to attach top and bottom rails to the rail plate of each rail as shown by reference numeral 77.

A channel is attached to the back of plate 331 from the upper end which projects towards the tubular post 339. The post, the channel and the plate can be welded together. The top of the post 339 is provided with a tongue 340 designed to fit a fork-shaped extension of a mounting part or a tongue washer.

A staple angle support 342 is also mounted on the channel 338 to which a handle 343 is pivotally attached. The handle can be moved from the position with fully drawn lines seen in fig. 14 to the position with dashed lines shown by reference numeral 344 and includes a stop projection 345 which limits the clockwise movement of the handle to the position shown with dashed lines. The position with the dashed lines is the unlocked position, while the position with solid lines is the locked position. Attached to the handle at reference numeral 347 is a pivotable connection plate 348 to which is attached a rod 349. The rod 349 extends through a hole in flange 332 and is provided with a transverse roller pin 350 between flange 332 and plate 335. The rod extends through a hole in hinge plate 335 and below the hinge plate there is a tapered spacer 351 held in position by lock nuts 352.

As can be more clearly seen in fig. 14, the pin 347 is just above the center of the pin 353 for the handle 343 in the barbed closed position of the handle. In such a position, the mounting post will be firmly connected to the rails 77. When the handle is swung to the open position or the position with dashed lines 344, the mounting post can be released.

In fig. 16 shows different equipment that can be supported by the mounting post. Seen upwards from the top of the post, it can be seen that a stop disk 355 has been provided. The stop disk has a downwardly directed tongue 356 and an upwardly directed tongue 357, the tongues being separated from each other by 90°. The downwardly directed tongue is designed to meet the tongue 340 on the top of the mounting post while the projecting tongue can meet the swing arm 359. The swing arm is provided at its proximal end with a two-piece tubular pivot pin 360 which includes a smaller diameter tube 361 directed downwardly designed to fit closely within the top of post 339. The upper end of the pivot pin has the same diameter as the post and includes a sleeve 362 which has the same inside diameter as the post. When not in use, the sleeve can be covered by a boundary cover 363. The outer end of the swing arm is provided with a tubular sleeve 364 which has the same internal diameter as the sleeve 362 and of course the post 339.

At the end of swing arm 359, another stop disc 355 and an identical swing arm 359 are placed. Again, a boundary cover 363 can be used on the sleeve 362 of the second swing arm. On the outside, a further stop disc 355 is placed and, viewed from left to right, one of the listed devices can be placed in the other swing arm's sleeve, as such illustrated device can be a copier reader 368, or one of the telephone pads 369 or 370. Copier reader 368 can be visualized with an additional plug-in light on top shown by reference numeral 371. It may also have a spring-loaded height adjustment as shown by reference numeral 372. As shown, each of the devices is provided with a two-part post generally shown by reference numeral 373 with the lower portion of reduced diameter shown by reference number 374 and again constructed tightly to fit within the sleeves 364, 362, or for that purpose directly onto the top of the mounting post. The larger diameter portion of the post also provides a shoulder that delimits the extent of insertion of the smaller diameter portion to the vertical extent of the swingarm sleeves.

In the upper right corner of fig. 16 there is shown another type of telephone holder 375 and letter drawers 376 and 377 in perforated metal, which has attached thereto a two-piece or two-diameter tubular post shown by reference numeral 378. Again the portion with the lower or smaller diameter fits within the appropriate sleeve while the part with an upper or larger diameter forms a sleeve which, when not in use, can be closed by the boundary cover shown with reference number 363. Placed between the two letter drawers is a spacer 379. The spacer has the same shape as the mail, but is not attached for any equipment. The height of the portion with the upper or larger diameter of the spacer may vary. In any case, the lower or smaller diameter portion is designed to fit into the open sleeve at the top of the mail drawer 376 post. It will be clear that more than one letter drawer can be stacked in the manner shown.

To prevent the letter trays or equipment from rotating where such rotation is not desired, the larger diameter lower end of the post 378 can be shortened with a downwardly directed two-part fork 380 with the prongs designed to fit one on each side of the tongue 340 on top of the post. In the same way as tongue 340, tongues can be provided on top of the post 378 as shown with reference number 381 as well as on top of the spacer 379. The spacer can also be provided with a fork shown with reference number 382 and also a tongue 383, the tongue cooperating with the fork on letterbox 377 post. The fork 382 on the spacer naturally cooperates with the tongue 381 on post 378. In this way, the letter drawers can be mounted on top of post 339 and held against rotation.

It will be clear that the position of the telephone holders depends entirely on the position of the telephone involved. It will also be clear that any equipment shown can be mounted on any desired open sleeve, whether on top of post 339, sleeve 362 on the inside of the swing arm, or sleeve 364 on the outer end. With the use of two swing arms, the position of the equipment can be set manually over a large area to easily be within sight and reach of users. It will also be clear that distance columns • such as those shown, me. or without an anti-rotation device, can be inserted where it is desired to achieve the desired height setting.

Reference is now made to fig. 17 where a letter drawer 377 is shown in more detail. The letter drawer comprises a one-piece perforated side wall and floor 385 attached to folded edge partition 386. The floor and the edges of the walls can be covered by a plastic bed shown with reference number 387. Attached to the partition wall is a two-part post 388 which can be the same as the posts shown mounted on the letter drawers in fig. 16. The post includes a smaller diameter lower portion 389 which is adapted to plug into the top of the spacer 379. As shown, the tubular post is provided with a top tongue 390 and a lower projecting fork 391, the latter cooperating with the tongue 383 on the spacer 379 The top of item 388 can be closed by a delimiting cover if it is not to be used further.

The mounted post assembly may also support information lamps with wires for the lamps extending through the posts, the spacer and through the tubular post 339 to a transformer which may conveniently be mounted on the bottom of the mounting post assembly 330. Wires for the information lamp 371 on top of the copier may also extend through the posts, swing arms, etc. to its convenient transformer mounted on the plate of the mounted post assembly 330.

In fig. 18 and 19 shows a form of information lamp provided with its own roller carriage which can be mounted directly on the rail tracks. Such information lamps shown generally with reference number 400 comprise a carriage plate 401 with a top flange 402. Pulleys 403 and 404 with V-shaped top are mounted in the front of the plate at the upper corners. Pulleys 405 and 406 on the lower corners of the plate are mounted on arms 407 and 408, pivotable at 409 and 410 respectively. The inner ends of each arm are provided with pins 412 and 413 which are enclosed in slightly horizontal longitudinal grooves 414 and 415

at the lower end of lifting arm 416. The lifting arm is mounted for vertical movement on the front of plate 401 and is held in position by straightening tongues 417. Above straightening tongues 417 the lifting arm is adapted to spring from the plane of the plate shown with reference numeral 418. When the lever arm projects through a suitable notch in top flange 402, it becomes narrower as shown by reference numeral 419 and on each side of the narrower portion there are provided outstanding locking tongues 420 and 421 designed to engage with the underside of the flange in a locking position, but to be released therefrom if the lift arm has sprung from its locked position or to the right above the straightening tongues as shown in fig. 19. This then releases the lift arm for vertical upward movement. Such vertical upward movement will then cause the arms 407 and 408 to pivot to the position shown by reference numeral 423 which lowers the level of the bottom pulleys 405 and 406. The opposite movement of the lifting arm or downward movement to its closed position causes the pulleys to rise. In this way, the carriage can be placed on the rail plate 77. The carriage is initially placed by placing the top pulleys on the upper rail and with the bottom pulleys open, they are then aligned with the bottom pulley, the lifting arm is then pushed down until it springs into its locking position with the tongues below the flange. In this way, the carriage is mounted on the rail or track for rolling movement over. The carriage can be removed from the track

simply by releasing the lift arm and pulling it upwards.

It must be noted that the bottom corners of plate 401 are cut away as shown with reference numbers 425 and 426 and the bottom flange of the plate is provided with reference number 427. A transformer 428 is attached to this plate.

Attached to the back of the plate 401 are two parallel tubes 430 and 431. It should be noted that the disconnect arm 416 above flange 402 can be retracted as shown by reference number 432 to fit between the tubes. The pipes can be attached to the plate at the back by welding. The top of the tubes are interconnected by connector 434 which also provides a mount for a fixed horizontally projecting inner tube 435. The opposite end of the connector is closed with a removable plastic cap 436. An outer tube 437 is mounted for telescopic movement over the inner tube 435. The two tubes may have suitable plastic bearings inserted therebetween which allow the lightweight holder shown generally by reference numeral 438 attached to the outer tube to be moved to the right and left as shown in fig. 19 by such telescopic movement, and also to swing towards or away from the viewer as shown in fig. 19 or to the right or left as shown in fig. 18, all around the axis of the concentric telescopic tubes. Suitable stops for rotary and longitudinal movement can be provided. The inner tube 437 is provided with a knob 440 for operating the on/off switch 441 for rotation.

The holder comprises a predominantly semi-cylindrical reflector 443 as well as a sleeve 444 for light bulbs 445. Along the bottom edge of the reflector is provided a U-shaped bar 446 with the U-shaped bent portion extending below the reflector as shown by reference numeral 447 to provide a convenient handle for both setting the telescopic position and tilting position adjustment.

The inside of tube 435 provides a chamber and a coil wire may extend from conduit opening 448 which communicates with the top of conduits 430 and 431 with conduit chambers to rotary switch 441.

For those skilled in the art, it will be clear that there have been shown two types of roller carriages and one type of attachment carriage, all for mounting on the tracks or rails. It will also be clear that such carriages or supports on the track are interchangeable. In any case, the equipment used and their mounting method on the track can vary widely.

It will be clear that the variations and the modular assembly of components according to the invention are generally almost infinite and the examples to be described in the following are only a selection. In fig. 20 shows a form of room plan alternative that uses visual and acoustic screens 450 which can be of a type shown in patent application no. 844840. The system shown in fig. 20 may comprise essentially two identical desks with their backs facing each other shown with reference numbers 452 and 453. The desks are predominantly similar and are only separated by screen panel 454. Each desk comprises a desk supported on three separate legs 455, 456 and 457 However, only leg cover 47 is visible for the third leg 457. Each of the legs 455 and 456 may be provided with a vertical projection 180 which is shown in detail in FIG. 3. As shown, such a projection is provided with an opening 458 with which height position of the legs can be achieved. Leg spring support storage is shown at reference numeral 460. Each of the legs is interconnected by the built-up rails at intervals to provide a fully rigid triangular structure and the opposite legs 455 and 457 may be provided with inwardly directed feet shown at reference number 462.

On the right side of fig. 20 it can be seen that each desk comprises a main work surface 464 supported by arms 465 and 466. The arm 465 is supported from legs 455 while the arm 466 is supported from the front of the rail. Another main work surface on the side shown by reference numeral 468 is supported by arms extending from the rail interconnecting the leg 456 and the leg not shown, as well as an arm extending from the leg not shown. A work surface 469 fills the space between such work surfaces which must neither slide nor tilt, but are ready to be removed. The work surface 469 is supported from the nearby rails and arms. A wire channel may extend below such surface 469 and interconnect wire guide channels below surfaces 464 and 468 through suitable channels and through the slots 200 in such arms.

In fig. 21 shows a typical electronic desk design which in reality comprises three separate desks 471, 472 and 473, the middle desk includes triangular extension arms 474 and 475. Each desk is adjustable in height by means of two legs 40. Each desk can comprise a support surface 478 which supports the printer 479. A support surface for, e.g. wire baskets 480 for paper recycling. The desk 472 comprises a main work surface 85 which supports a keyboard or the like 231 and image display terminal 228 supported on a suitable support extending from the open slot 75. The desk 472 is adjustable in height and the triangular sections 474 and 475 move with the work surface 85 when height is adjusted. In each case, the triangular extensions will be provided with underlying wire channels which allow wire guide channels from each of the desks to be interconnected below the surface. Finally, the desk 473 may comprise a larger work surface 85 with one or more equipment supported through the slot 75 such as the indicated rail-mounted work lamp. Naturally, other or additional equipment can be provided on each desk, each being mounted on the main rail in the manner described above. In fig. 22 - 38 there is shown an eye position 490 for the user in each of figures 22 - 30, such eye positions have been developed from ergonomic studies.

From the device seen in fig. 22 it can be seen that the screen 491 on the image terminal 492 supported on the channel 273 is placed at the same eye distance as the copy reader 368 and keyboard 231 supported on the work surface 85.

Referring to fig. 23, larger picture units 493 can be supported on low adjustable picture supports 494 hung over the back of the rear rail. The keyboard 231 can be supported on a relatively short inclined top 495.

Referring to fig. 24 there is shown a desk for an integrated image projector, it is one in which image projector 497 and keyboard 498 are part of one unit. In such a case, copy holder 368 can be placed at the same distance as the image unit's screen.

Referring to fig. 25 shows a standard desk arrangement in which the display screen 500 can be placed at the approximate angle and distance as the keyboard 231. Referring to fig. 26 shows a desk which can be provided with a recessed or lower front surface 502 supporting keyboard 231 with image projector 503 mounted on plate unit 504.

Referring to fig. 27 shows an arrangement similar to that in fig. 22, but with image viewer 492 in its lowest position. Again, the image screen, copy holder and keyboard are at the same eye distance from the user.

In fig. 28 shows a situation for a standing user with the work surface 85 significantly raised. Again, the image viewer, copy holder and keyboard are arranged within a suitable field of vision for the user.

In fig. 29 shows a wheelchair setting. If the user is in a wheelchair shown generally with reference number 506, the work surface can be raised significantly while image terminal 492 is lowered.

Fig. 30 shows a desk for multiple use with the work surfaces 85 projecting predominantly at the same distance on each side of the legs 40 with the legs coordinated. The image terminal can be an integrated screen including both image screen and keyboard as shown with reference number 508. The terminal can be mounted on a slow "susan type" rotating unit 509 so that it can be used from either side of the desk. Again, height adjustment for the user is readily available.

In fig. 31 shows almost a basic variant or standard desk where the only equipment used is the adjustable rail-mounted work lamp which is shown with reference number 227 in fig. 6.

In fig. 32, a tall storage unit 460 is added mounted on leg spring 180. An underlying work surface, drawer unit 512, can also be provided which can be supported in a cantilever manner from the rail in addition to the arm or arms 86.

In fig. 33, a standard filing desk is shown which may include slot-mounted in and out filing or letter baskets shown with reference number 514 which can be mounted directly on a mounting post assembly 330. In addition, a hanging filing system 515 is provided, again supported from the rails or additionally from the arms 86.

In fig. 34 shows a standard desk where the only equipment is a telephone support 517 mounted on the swing arms 359 from mounting post 330.

In fig. 35, a filing spine 521, an organizer 520 above the filing spine, a work lamp 227 and a drawer unit 522 are shown.

In fig. 36 shows a desk with high stock 460 mounted on the rear leg extensions 180. The high stock can also be supported by an organizer 520 to the rear of the leg extensions, and a back file 521 can also be provided. Equipment such as work lamp holder 524, attached to cabinet 460 may also be provided.

In fig. 37 shows a desk equipped with both a back file 521 and a drawer unit 512, with the top work surface above the back file, which, although it is shorter than the larger work surface 85, can also be pivoted and shifted outwards as shown with reference number 523.

In fig. 38 shows a typical desk. The shorter rear projection 525 can support a letter file 526 with the work surface or top 85 at an adjustment angle and supported by adjustable rods 527. Again, a varied selection of equipment such as work lamps can be mounted on the desk.

It will be clear that the range of equipment that can be used on the desk is endless.

Claims (38)

1. Adjustable desk comprising two legs (40) which under-support a work surface (85) which protrudes outwardly from the legs above, characterized in that the legs (40) are connected to each other by means of mutually separated beams (55, 56) which between them limit a vertically open slot (75), and that a rail passage (77) on at least one beam is intended to support equipment for guiding along the rail passage. 2. Desk according to requirement ^ characterized in that the rail path is carried out by vertically separated rails (78, 79). 3. Desk according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rail has the form of a plate (76) on the inner side of at least one beam (55, 56). 4. Desk according to claim 3, characterized in that the rails (78, 7 9) are formed by the upper (7 6) and lower edge of the plate. 5. Desk according to claim 3, characterized in that the plate (76) is arranged in a vertical plane and extends in the horizontal direction. 6. Desk according to claim 1, characterized in that each leg (40) comprises an upper and a lower telescopic part (41, 42) with the upper parts mutually connected over the beams (55, 56) which support the work surface (85), and that the device serves to adjust the height of the upper parts (42) in relation to the lower parts (41) for height adjustment of the legs (40). 7. Desk according to claim 1, characterized by power-driven devices for height adjustment of the legs (40). 8. Desk according to claim 7, characterized in that the power-driven devices comprise a motor-driven screw jack (146) for each leg (40). 9. Desk according to claim 6, characterized by arms (83, 84) projecting in the same direction from the upper end of the upper parts (42) of the legs (40), and feet (50) projecting in the same direction from the lower end of the lower parts of the legs (41), which arms support the work surface (85). 10. Desk according to claim 9, characterized by impact devices (90) at one end of the arms (83, 84) for height adjustment of the work surface (85). 11. Desk according to claim 9, characterized by setting devices (101) at the outer ends of the arms (83, 84) for upward tilting of the work surface (85). 12. Desk according to claim 9, carréicteri-s e r t by devices for supporting wings which protrude laterally from the arms (83, 84) and the work-top (85). 13. Desk according to claim 9, characterized by devices for supporting components, such as storage units, on the beams and arms. 14. Desk according to claim 9, characterized by devices (146 - 174) for setting the height of the legs (40) in order to support "over-head" storage units and the like between them. 15. Desk according to claim 1, characterized by additional equipment, such as supports, which are detachable and can be clamped firmly to the rail (76, 77) in each position thereof. 16. Desk according to claim 1, characterized by additional equipment, such as a carriage (250) for movement along the rail corridor (78, 79). 17. Desk according to claim 16, characterized in that the additional equipment is a trough or plate (273) for supporting a video terminal, as well as devices (250 - 267) for height-adjustable support of the trough or plate on the cart. 18. Desk according to claim 17, characterized in that the devices (250 - 267) for height adjustment are powered. 19. Desk according to claim 17, characterized by devices (270, 271) for setting the trough or plate (273) towards and away from the user and swinging about a vertical shaft (265). 20. Desk according to claim 19, characterized by devices for tilting the trough or plate (273) about a horizontal axis (280). 21. Desk according to claim 19, characterized by a pivotable, extendable column (250 - 267) which projects upwards. from the carriage (250), and a generally horizontal arm (270) projecting from the column and carrying the trough or plate (273) at its outer end on a further vertical shaft (271) which is parallel to the shaft of the extendable column. 22. A desk according to claim 15, characterized in that the support comprises an upwardly directed attachment pin, and devices for attaching the additional equipment at different heights on the pin. 23. A desk according to claim 22, characterized by two interconnected pivoting arms (359) with the additional equipment mounted on the outer end of the second arm to provide a horizontal position adjustment of substantially twice the length of the pivoting arm. 24. Desk according to claim 17, characterized by a height-adjustable column for the trough, and a side-directed part on top of the column, which supports the trough tiltably on its outer end. 25. Desk according to claim 24, characterized by a horizontally pivotable bearing between the trough and the side-directed part, and devices for adjusting the trough about the horizontal axis. 26. Desk according to claim 24, characterized in that the column is mounted on a carriage (400) which can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the desk. 27. Desk according to claim 24, characterized by a manually adjustable device on the front of the trough for setting the height of the column. 28. Desk according to claim 27, characterized by power-driven setting means for the height adjustment by the influence of the manual adjustable device. 29. Desk according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by a carriage (400) and a supporting part (230, 231) directed upwards from this, which carriage has upper and lower wheels (40 3 - 40 6) and devices ( 407, 408) to move the upper and lower wheels towards and apart for placement and removal of the carriage from the work station. 30. Desk according to claim 29, characterized in that there are two upper (403, 404) and two lower wheels (405, 406), of which the lower two are the movable ones. 31. Desk according to claim 30, characterized in that all wheels lie in the same plane and that the two lower wheels (405, 406) are mounted on pivotable arms (407, 408), and in the case of devices (414, 415, 418, 419) to actuate the pivoting arms from the top of the carriage (400). 32. Desk according to claim 31, characterized in that the devices comprise a vertically movable impact part (419) and blocking means for this when the wheels are in a raised position. 33. Desk according to claim 32, characterized by a work lamp (443) on top of the support (431) and attached to a telescopic tube (435, 437) which can be extended towards the user. 34. Desk according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by a base, a tubular mounting column protruding from the base, and equipment comprising a column with a reduced diameter for telescopic insertion into the upper end of the mounting column, which base comprises blocking means for attaching the base to the rail that runs horizontally on the desk. 35. Desk according to claim 34, characterized in that the base comprises a vertical plate (77) with locking means at each vertical edge. 36. Desk according to claim 35, characterized in that the locking means at the lower edge are movable to and from the locking position. 37. Desk according to claim 36, characterized by a knee joint which serves to move the locking means at the bottom to and from the locking position. 38. Desk according to claim 37, characterized in that the locking means at the bottom are hinged to the vertical plate.