US20020013078A1 - Modular support system - Google Patents
Modular support system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020013078A1 US20020013078A1 US09/323,213 US32321399A US2002013078A1 US 20020013078 A1 US20020013078 A1 US 20020013078A1 US 32321399 A US32321399 A US 32321399A US 2002013078 A1 US2002013078 A1 US 2002013078A1
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- Prior art keywords
- joining member
- column
- support
- bracket
- cover
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Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B21/00—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
- A47B21/06—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards characterised by means for holding, fastening or concealing cables
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
- F16M11/06—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
- F16M11/08—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a vertical axis, e.g. panoramic heads
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
- F16M11/22—Undercarriages with or without wheels with approximately constant height, e.g. with constant length of column or of legs
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M2200/00—Details of stands or supports
- F16M2200/06—Arms
- F16M2200/065—Arms with a special structure, e.g. reinforced or adapted for space reduction
Abstract
A modular support system for use as structure to support wired and unwired equipment with integrated wire management is disclosed. The system includes different parts which can be assembled in a variety of ways to produce different configurations. The system also includes provisions for managing and concealing all of the wires, chords and lines associated with office and entertainment products.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention is directed toward a modular support device. The invention is intended for use as a workstation support structure and allows variable placement of wired equipment and non-wired equipment within a workspace. In addition to wired devices such as personal computer systems, the invention is also useful for supporting various workspace components such as work-surfaces, shelving, and lighting. The invention includes modular components that can be added to form complex support structures meeting various workspace functionality and design objectives. As a modular system, the invention can be used in a wide range of fields and applications. The home office, corporate office, and home entertainment center are examples of where the invention can be applied.
- 2. Background of the Invention
- Most electronic equipment on the market today is dependent on some kind of structural support for proper user interface and functionality. Computers, monitors, keyboards, computer speakers, scanners, fax machines, and various other electronic equipment common in many homes and offices require proper support for use within a workspace. Except for highly specialized applications, these support devices usually take the form of furnishings or furniture related products and accessories.
- Today, workspaces such as corporate office space, home office space, and home entertainment centers are heavily populated with wired devices and equipment. Wired equipment has increasingly become part of the landscape in homes and offices alike. In retrospect, the electronic revolution is a relatively recent development in the long history of the furniture industry, and has placed a great burden upon it in recent times. For centuries, office workers worked with paper and other media with the freedom to position and interface with their work however they chose on their work-surface, a work-surface uncluttered by bulky electronic equipment and tangled wires. The term “wire” as used throughout this specification and claims, includes wires, lines, cables, chords or any other device that can transmit any signal or any form of power, unless otherwise specifically specified or limited.
- With the advent of wired input and output devices however, workers were now for the first time in history forced to work in a fixed and stationary position. Due to the relatively recent implementation of such technology, adverse health effects associated with stationary input and output devices have emerged. It has become apparent and widely accepted that working with wired equipment in a stationary or fixed position for extended periods of time can pose health risks to the user. Providing a method for dynamic and variable placement of wired equipment within a workspace allows users the freedom to routinely shift their working positions which can alleviate some of the health risks.
- It is widely understood among those skilled in the art that implementing such functionality within a workspace will likely reduce heath risks associated with working in fixed positions for extended periods of time or on a routine basis. The capability to dynamically place and configure wired equipment can also help to better utilize workspace area, thus allowing users to function more effectively and efficiently.
- Prior art, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,334, provide for dynamic and variable placement of wired equipment by permitting rotation of attached equipment about a single vertical axis; vertical placement is also variable within defined increments along the vertical length of the support device. Several other patents such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,562,987 and 4,783,036 also disclose devices useful for dynamically placing wired equipment, but require a pre-existing workstation for proper functionality. Such devices pose significant drawbacks and limitations when implemented within common workspace environments. The prior art fails to adequately address important workspace issues such as wire management and workspace integration.
- Using known devices, achieving adequate ergonomics and wire management within a workspace requires the implementation of untraditional, specialized, and dedicated support devices that are typically very mechanical or unusual in appearance, offering very little if any workspace integration. Though these support devices may be acceptable in some workspace environments, they are often unsuitable for use in most traditional workspace areas. Because of drawbacks like the exposed wire management, poor appearance, and lack of workspace integration, the prior art devices have had limited acceptance and use. Users are therefore deprived of even the basic ergonomic functionality present in the prior art.
- It is important for a support device to provide good wire management when placing wired equipment such that wires do not become environmental hazards or detract aesthetically from the workspace and surrounding environment. The appearance of a workspace object may also be significantly altered when wires are not concealed and hidden from view. The prior art does not, and cannot conceal wires. Thus, if wires are managed at all, they must be managed externally with dedicated wire management devices which consequentially become an external element and feature of the support device, the workstation, and surrounding environment.
- Wire exposure always detracts from the aesthetic qualities of a workspace. Exposed wires spoil the efforts of workspace designers and planners who do their best to create an attractive and safe work or entertainment environment. The exposed wires and external wire management systems typical of prior art is simply not acceptable in a significant number of environments.
- Wires also can dangerous to people and pets. For instance, a person may trip on a wire resulting in personal injury, or equipment damage. Exposed wires also place children and pets at risk to accidental strangulation or other injuries, or electrocution.
- The prior art teaches devices that are intended as a supplement to preexisting workspace equipment, offering little if any workspace integration. That is, they are add-on devices with a one-size-fits-all approach to implementing workspace ergonomics. Such devices thus add to workspace clutter and reduce useable space.
- Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a modular support system that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to the limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a modular support system with integrated wire management.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular support system that conceals and protects wires.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a work space environment with minimal wire exposure.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular support system that allows dynamic movement of equipment.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular support system that allows equipment to be rotated.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular support system that allows equipment to be rotated while internally routing wires.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular support system that allows any desirable configuration to be assembled using a set of basic building blocks.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular support system that is easily expandable and can easily be modified.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular support system that is both functional and asthetically pleasing.
- Additional features and advantages of the invention well be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims as well as the appended drawings.
- To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the modular support system includes a modular support system comprising a column, a cover disposed radially outward of a joining member; the joining member being disposed radially outward of the column, and the joining member associating the cover with the column, wherein the modular support system is capable of concealing and managing wires.
- In another aspect the invention includes a modular support system comprising a joining member having an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion designed to engage the column, the outer portion having an outer surface, wherein the inner portion is capable of engaging a column, the outer portion is capable of engaging a cover or a support unit, the interior of the joining member is capable of accommodating wires.
- In another aspect, the invention includes a kit of parts comprising a column, a joining member having an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion having a surface capable of mating with the column and the outer portion having a surface capable of mating with other components, a support unit capable of being mounted on the joining member, a bracket capable of supporting an accessory; and a cover.
- It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanitory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
- The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
- FIG. 1 is a possible configuration of the invention.
- FIG. 1A is a stand alone configuration of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the invention.
- FIG. 3A is a top view of a joining member according to the invention.
- FIG. 3B is a top view of an open joining member according to the invention.
- FIG. 3C is an isometric cut out of an embodiment of the joining member and support unit according to the invention.
- FIG. 3D is an isometric cut out of another embodiment of the joining member and support unit according to the invention.
- FIG. 3E is an enlarged view of a joint according to the invention.
- FIG. 4A is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of two corresponding mating surfaces according to the invention.
- FIG. 4B is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of two corresponding mating surfaces according to the invention.
- FIG. 4C is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of two corresponding ma ting surfaces according to the invention.
- FIG. 4D is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of two corresponding mating surfaces according to the invention.
- FIG. 4E is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of two corresponding mating surfaces according to the invention.
- FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a column according to the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a cover according to the invention.
- FIG. 7 is a scematic isometric view of a support unit according to the invention.
- FIG. 8 is a side cross sectional view of a support unit according to the invention.
- FIG. 9 is a top view of a support unit according to the invention.
- FIG. 10 is a front view of a support unit according to the invention.
- FIG. 11 is an exploded isometric view of a support unit and a bracket according to the invention.
- FIGS.12A-F are views of a bracket and a support unit in various states of assembly according to the invention.
- FIG. 12G is an exploded view of a bracket according to the invention.
- FIG. 13 is an embodiment of a bracket holding a keyboard tray according to the invention.
- FIG. 14 is an embodiment of a bracket holding a platform according to the invention.
- FIG. 15 is an embodiment of a bracket holding a shelf according to the invention.
- FIG. 16 is an embodiment of a bracket supporting a work surface according to the invention.
- FIG. 17 is a cut away view of a cap according to the invention.
- FIG. 18 is an isometric view of an attaching member according to the invention.
- FIG. 19 is an exploded isometric view of an attaching member according to the invention.
- FIG. 20 is a top sometric view of a foot according to the invention.
- FIG. 21 is a bottom isometric view of a foot according to the invention.
- Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
- The invention includeds a modular support system and the components which make up the system. The system can assume many different configurations. A
possible configuration 100 using twomodular supports modular supports work surface 112, anadditional pedestal leg 114, and atable leg 116. Both thepedestal leg 114 and thetable leg 116 can be conventional legs or those legs could be wider and thinner versions, respectively, of the modular support system. The configuration is ergonomically designed for computer use. Accordingly, a monitor 130, a keyboard 132, aCPU 134, and aprinter 136 are all properly placed for functional, as well as, aesthetic reasons. - FIG. 1A shows another
possible configuration 154. This configuration includes a singlemodular support 156 in a stand alone mode. - FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a
modular support 150. Although FIG. 2 shows just one possible exemplary arrangement of a modular support, it should be noted that the invention includes any number of different arrangements of the various parts which make up the modular support and any desired arrangement of those parts is clearly contemplated by the invention. - The
modular support 150, starting from the bottom and proceeding to top, includes afoot 500, covers 300, joiningmembers 200, and asupport unit 400. These various components of themodular support 150 are all associated in some way tocolumn 160.Column 160 extends longitudinally though a portion of the device. The preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, contemplates acolumn 160 that extends throughout the entire length of themodular support 150. These various components will later be discussed in detail. For now, these basic components which make up themodular support 150 help themodular support 150 support various accessories, such as work surfaces, shelving, lighting, and support arms, while at the same time, providing integrated and concealed wire management. - The wire management feature will be discussed in greater detail throughout the remainder of the specification, but as an introduction, notice how, in FIG. 2, the
wires 162 run though aninternal cavity 175 defined by thecovers 300, the joiningmembers 200, and thesupport unit 400. Notice also, howapertures 170 are made to allow entry and exit of the wires from theinternal cavity 175. So, when themodular support 150 is fully assembled, it provides both support for various accessories and an integrated and concealed wire management system. - As noted above, all of the various parts of the
modular support 150 are associated with thecolumn 160. Preferably, the various parts are rigidly associated with thecolumn 160. An exemplary embodiment of themodular support 150 includes the use of a joiningmember 200. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B, the joiningmember 200 is designed to tightly grip thecolumn 160, while at the same time, providing a mounting surface for various other members, for example, thecovers 300 and thesupport unit 400. In other words, the joiningmember 200 is used to connect various other members to thecolumn 160. - As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, which is a top view of a joining
member 200, the joiningmember 200 includes anouter portion 202 and aninner portion 204. - The
outer surface 210 of theouter portion 202 is designed to mate with various other members. As shown in FIGS. 4A-E, theouter surface 210 can preferably includeprojections 212 which mate withvarious grooves 214 formed on the other members. Also shown in FIGS. 4A-E, are multiple, alternative, shapes of mating surfaces. Clearly, the number of projections and corresponding grooves could be changed as necessary and the geometry of the projections, for example, square or triangular, could also be changed according to preference. The invention also contemplates the use of opposing roughened surfaces, and the use of high friction surfaces. For example, a rubber sleeve could be disposed between the outer member and the joiningmember 200. - Returning to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the
inner portion 204 preferably includes provisions for securely holding acolumn 160 and provisions for guiding wires. Theinner portion 204 includes a joiningmember aperture 250. The joiningmember aperture 250 is sized to fit snuggly over acolumn 160. The column, shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, is preferably a standard indexed column with regularly spacedgrooves 270 disposed about the axial length of thecolumn 160. An exemplary embodiment of the joiningmember aperture 250 includes arib 252, disposed on the inner surface of the joiningmember aperture 250, that projects radially inward toward the center of the joiningmember aperture 250, and engages thegroove 270 on thecolumn 160, as shown in FIG. 3D. Therib 252 provides additional axial support for the joiningmember 200 and helps to prevent the joining member from slipping axially along thecolumn 160 under load. - The joining
member 200 preferably includes a hinge at some point along the periphery of the joiningmember 200, and a corresponding opening at another point spaced from the hinge point to allow the joining member to open and close. Ahinge 260 is preferably disposed near theinner portion 204. Aseam 262 is preferably disposed opposite thehinge 260. Theseam 262 can be of any configuration, but a lap joint 263 is preferred where oneside 264 of the joiningmember 200 overlaps theother side 268. Afastening hole 266 is preferably placed in the region of overlap. As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3E, thefastening hole 266 preferably extends radially and through the overlapping portions of bothsides - The
fastening hole 266 can also be offset to increase the radial squeezing force of the joiningmember 200 oncolumn 160. As shown in FIG. 3E, the offsetfastening hole 266 is preferably constructed in the following manner. When the joiningmember 200 is fully closed, thefastening hole 266A on oneside 264 does not line up with thefastening hole 266B on theother side 268. In order to align the twoportions fastening hole 266, the joiningmember 200 must be squeezed or compressed beyond its normal fully closed condition. When the joiningmember 200 is sufficiently squeezed, one portion of thefastening hole 266A will align with the other portion offastening hole 266B thus allowing the insertion of a fastener. Preferably, an elongate fastener would be used, like a tack, nail, rivet, screw, or pin. An exemplary embodiment includes a threaded fastener like a screw, either self tapping or with a corresponding nut. - The
inner portion 204 of the joiningmember 200 also includes afillet 280. The fillet is smoothly curved, both circumferentially and axially. Thefillet 280 15 prevents wires from getting wedged or tangled between theinner portion 204 and theouter portion 202. Thefillet 280 also helps to keep the wires running in the large interior of the joiningmember 200. - FIG. 3C shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the joining
members 200 are radially outward of thesupport unit 400 and thecover 300. Correspondingly, themating surface 210 of this type of joining member faces radially inward, as opposed to radially outward as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3D. This embodiment of the joiningmember 200 also has avisible surface 280 which is preferably flush withcover 300 andsupport unit 400. This is in contrast to the other embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3D, where no portion of the joiningmember 200 is visible when the system is assembled. - FIG. 6 shows a preferred embodiment of a
cover 300. Thecover 300 can be formed as any suitable shape, but the preferred shape is cylindrical. Preferably, thecover 300, which can vary in length, is constructed as twoparts hinge 306. Thecover 300 has aninner diameter 308 designed to match the outer diameter of the joiningmember 200. Preferably, theinner surface 310 has a suitable number and configuration of grooves and/or projections as shown in FIGS. 4A-E to mate with the outer surface of joiningmember 200. Theseam 312 opposite thehinge 308 can be joined in any suitable way. Preferably however, the cover has an offset overlapping joint 314 similar to that disclosed above for the preferred joiningmember 200. The invention contemplates the use of at least onefastening aperture 320 andcorresponding fastener 322 for thecover seam 312. Thecover 300 can also includecover apertures 330 of any suitable size or shape to accommodate the entry and exit of wires from the interior of the cover to the exterior. - The
support unit 400, shown in FIGS. 7-10, performs several functions. It allows the attachment of several items and provides integrated wire management and concealment to and from those items. Thesupport unit 400, shown in FIGS. 7-10, is preferably similar in construction to the joiningmember 200 and thecover 300. Thesupport unit 400 can preferably include twoportions support unit 400 in half and preferably include ahinge 406 and an opposingseam 408. - While the exterior of the support unit can assume any desired shape, a portion405 (see FIG. 8) of the interior of the
support unit 400 is preferably designed to mate with the exterior of the joiningmember 200 in an manner similar to the way thecover 300 mates with the exterior of the joiningmember 200, as previously disclosed. See FIGS. 3C and 3D. For clarity, those mating portions are not shown in FIGS. 7 and 11. - Preferably, the
seam 407 can have two designs, one being similar to the offset overlapping joint previously disclosed for the joining member and thecover 300 or, the second, being similar in design as the overlapped joint previously disclosed for both the joiningmember 200 and thecover 300, but with one exception: thesupport unit 400seam 407 is preferably not offset. In other words, when thesupport unit 400 is in its fully closed condition, then the two portions of thefastening aperture 408 which are disposed inportions cover 300 and the joiningmember 200 are preferably squeezed beyond their respective fully closed positions to tightly grip their associated supports. However, thesupport unit 400, in contrast, snuggly fits around an associated joiningmember 200 without tightly gripping the joiningmember 200. This allows thesupport member 400 to rotate. Of course, if rotation is not desirable, and a fixedrotation support unit 400 is needed, an offset, overlapped version of the joint would be used. - A preferred embodiment of the invention also contemplates provisions for attaching accessories to the
modular support 150. Preferably, brackets would extend outward from themodular support 150 to hold various objects. The brackets can be attached to any of the parts of themodular support 150. An exemplary embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 11, contemplates at least onebracket 500 attached to thesupport unit 400. Preferably, thebracket 500 is constructed of twobracket arms bracket arms member members support member 400. Preferably, thesupport member 400 includes provisions for accommodating mountingmembers receiver 420 to accommodate mountingmember 506 andsecond receiver 422. to accommodate mountingmember 508. Thereceivers receiver 422 is hidden and not shown, but is similar in design to shoulder 424). Theshoulder 424 helps to prevent thebracket 500 from slipping with respect to thesupport unit 400. - FIGS.12A-F show an exemplary embodiment of the invention which includes provisions for pivoting the
bracket 500 in place. The mountingmembers receivers member 508 and although anoval mounting member 508 could be used, the invention preferably uses the mountingmembers bracket arm 504 andreceiver 422.Bracket arm 502 andreceiver 420 would experience a similar interaction. Thebracket 504 is fed radially into thereceiver 422 and then is pivoted. This pivoting motion forces the wider portions of the mountingmember 508 to engage the walls ofreceiver 422. This has the effect of tightly engagingbracket arm 504 to supportunit 400. Thebracket arms receivers brackets support unit 400. FIG. 11 shows the mountingmembers bracket 500 is attached to thesupport unit 400. - The
receivers opening 430. This configuration allows the support member interior 432 to communicate with thebracket interior 510. Thus, wires and lines running through thebracket interior 510 can enter and exit the support member interior 432 via theopening 430. - The
brackets 500 can include bracket covers that help to contain and conceal wires and enhance the appearance of the device. As shown in FIG. 12G,bracket 500 can include anupper cover 550, alower cover 552, and aforward cover 554. The covers can be attached to thebracket 500 in any suitable way. Theupper cover 550 and thelower cover 552 can have roundedend portions rounded end portions covers support member 400 when thebracket 500 is attached to the support member 400 (see FIG. 2). All of the bracket covers 550, 552, and 554 can haveapertures bracket 500 and permit the entry and exit of wires from the interior of thebracket 500 to the exterior. - The
bracket 500 can be used to support a variety of items and accessories. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, abracket 500 is used to support a keyboard 20tray 530. Thebracket 500 can include provisions for associating thebracket 500 to thekeyboard tray 530. Preferably, aflange 532 mounted on one or both of thebracket arms flange 532 can includeholes 534 which may be used in conjunction with suitable mechanical connectors to bolt or fasten thekeyboard tray 530 to thebracket 500. - FIG. 14 shows a
bracket 500 supporting aplatform surface 570. Theplatform surface 570 can be of any size, including a suitable size to support a monitor or television. FIG. 16 shows twolong brackets 580 and 582 which are used to support a tabletop surface 584. Obviously, because thebracket 500 can be of any suitable length, thebracket 500 can be made short enough to create a book shelf surface 586 (see FIG. 15). - Caps can be placed at the top of a modular support and bases or feet can be placed at the bottom of a modular support. FIG. 17 shows a
preferred cap 600. Thecap 600 includes aninner end portion 602 designed to mate with the inner surface of acover 300 or asupport unit 400. Theinner end portion 602 can be similar in design as the outer surface of the joiningmember 200. Theouter end portion 604 can be any desired shape. The preferred rounded and cylindrical shape is shown in FIG. 17. Another possible embodiment of theouter end portion 604 is flat, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A. The flat design provides a convenient surface for lamps and other accessories, as shown in FIG. 1. Thecap 600 can also include suitable mounting devices, such as bolt holes, slots, Velcro or magnets to assist in securely holding accessories placed on top of thecap 600. Thecap 600 prevents dust and debris from entering into the interior of the modular support. Thecap 600 also enhances the overall appearance of the modular support. - Another possible component of the system is an attaching member. The attaching member, which can have any number of shapes or designs, is intended to join the modular support system to other items. A preferred design for the attaching
member 700 is shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. The preferred attachingmember 700, includes aflange 702. An exemplary embodiment of the attachingmember 700 includesflange apertures 704 which are designed to receive fasteners (not shown). The fasteners are used to rigidly associate theflange 702, and thus themodular support system 156 to the desired item. Of course,flange apertures 704 are not needed if another type of attachment method is used, for example, an adhesive. Theflange 700 also preferably includes provisions to interface with the rest of the system. The preferred interface is similar to that of thecap 600 or thesupport unit 400 previously described. The attachingmember 700 can be used in a variety of ways. The following are some possible applications contemplated by the invention. The attachingmember 700 could be used as a base for a hutch unit, which could include cabinets or shelves, that is supported over a desk surface. In this case, the attachingmember 700 could be joined to the desk surface. Another possible application could be as a bottom mount of a shelf or platform. In this case, the attachingmember 700 would be joined to the bottom of the shelf or platform and the shelf or platform would be used to support various items, such as a monitor, a telephone, or any other piece of equipment. The attachingmember 700 could also serve as a foot or the very bottom of a modular support. If used in this application, the attachingmember 700 could be joined to the floor, to prevent movement, or could be detached from the floor, thereby allowing movement. - The system can also include a base or foot. In addition to the wide
base type foot 500 shown in FIG. 2, and the attachingmember 700, shown in FIG. 19, other different configurations are also contemplated by the invention. FIGS. 20 and 21 show another preferred embodiment of the modular support system's foot. Thepreferred foot 800 includes provisions for managing wires, associating with the column 160 (see FIG. 2), and helping to level the modular support system. - Like other components which are a part of the modular support system, the
preferred foot 800 includes afoot mating surface 802 which is designed to integrate with other components. Preferably, themating surface 802 is designed to mate with a cover 300 (see FIG. 2) or any other component which has an interior mating surface. For comparison, a schematic representation of a joining member is shown above thefoot 800. The joining member shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 is a schematic with some of the internal details omitted for clarity. - The
preferred foot 800 includes at least onefoot aperture 804. This aperture allows wires to enter and exit the interior of the system. In addition, thepreferred foot 800 also includes an end piece 806. The end piece 806 is preferably threaded and attached to thefoot 800 via a tappedhole 808. The tappedhole 808 is preferably formed in a spanningportion 810 of thefoot 800. Spaced from the tappedhole 808, on spanningportion 810, thecolumn hole 812 is used to attach thepreferred foot 800 to thecolumn 160. Although the tappedhole 808 can be placed anywhere along spanningportion 810 or at another location, a position near the center offoot 800 is preferred. Thecolumn 160 is preferably tapped andcolumn fastener 814 preferably extends throughcolumn hole 812 and engages the tapped hole incolumn 160. The spanningportion 810 may be ribbed to provide additional strength. - Because the end piece806 is threaded, the end piece 806 can be used as a conventional leveling device. The rotation of the end piece 806 allows the bottom of the system to assume different distances or clearances between the bottom of the system and the floor. The bottom of the system will usually be the axially
lower portion 816 offoot 800, however, the lower portion of the cover could also be the bottom of the system if the bottom edge of the cover extends below the axiallylower portion 816 offoot 800. In any case, the end piece can 806 can be used to control the spacing between the bottom of the system and the floor. The invention prefers that a suitable clearance remain between the bottom of the system and the floor to allow wires to extend underneath the bottom of the system, as shown in FIG. 20. - This preferred arrangement for the
foot 800 allows the wires to enter and exit the interior of the system by extending throughaperture 804 and through a clearance created between the bottom of the system and the floor by an end piece 806 which also provides a leveling function. - The disclosed components comprise the basic building blocks of the invention. Any of the various components can be used either singularly or with other components. Also, any of the features of the invention can be used alone or in combination with other features of the invention.
- It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the modular support system of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (3)
1. A modular support system comprising
(A) a column,
(B) a cover disposed radially outward of a joining member;
(C) the joining member being disposed radially outward of the column, and the joining member associating the cover with the column;
(D) wherein the modular support system is capable of concealing and managing wires.
2. A modular support system comprising:
A joining member having an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion designed to engage the column, the outer portion having an outer surface;
wherein the inner portion is capable of engaging a column;
the outer portion is capable of engaging a cover or a support unit,
the interior of the joining member is capable of accommodating wires.
3. A kit of parts comprising:
a column,
a joining member having an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion having a surface capable of mating with the column and the outer portion having a surface capable of mating with other components;
a support unit capable of being mounted on the joining member;
a bracket capable of supporting an accessory; and
a cover.
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/323,213 US6419511B2 (en) | 1999-06-01 | 1999-06-01 | Modular support system |
CA002338992A CA2338992A1 (en) | 1999-06-01 | 2000-05-31 | Modular support system |
AU53033/00A AU758961B2 (en) | 1999-06-01 | 2000-05-31 | Modular support system |
PCT/US2000/014813 WO2000074180A1 (en) | 1999-06-01 | 2000-05-31 | Modular support system |
US10/075,299 US6953355B1 (en) | 1999-06-01 | 2002-02-15 | Modular support system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/323,213 US6419511B2 (en) | 1999-06-01 | 1999-06-01 | Modular support system |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/075,299 Division US6953355B1 (en) | 1999-06-01 | 2002-02-15 | Modular support system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020013078A1 true US20020013078A1 (en) | 2002-01-31 |
US6419511B2 US6419511B2 (en) | 2002-07-16 |
Family
ID=23258194
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/323,213 Expired - Fee Related US6419511B2 (en) | 1999-06-01 | 1999-06-01 | Modular support system |
US10/075,299 Expired - Fee Related US6953355B1 (en) | 1999-06-01 | 2002-02-15 | Modular support system |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/075,299 Expired - Fee Related US6953355B1 (en) | 1999-06-01 | 2002-02-15 | Modular support system |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US6419511B2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU758961B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2338992A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000074180A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (15)
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US6719566B2 (en) * | 2001-02-08 | 2004-04-13 | Ptm Equipment, Inc. | Training manikin support |
SE520352C2 (en) * | 2002-02-08 | 2003-07-01 | Efab Erik Frisell Ab | Stand |
US7227945B2 (en) * | 2002-08-01 | 2007-06-05 | Electronic Micro Systems Inc. | Modular communication assembly |
WO2009039183A1 (en) * | 2007-09-17 | 2009-03-26 | Maglev, Inc. | Modular fabrication unit |
US7810767B1 (en) * | 2007-10-29 | 2010-10-12 | Harris Dorothy M | Medical procedure armrest method and apparatus |
CN101581423B (en) * | 2008-05-15 | 2010-09-22 | 元瑞科技股份有限公司 | Street lamp |
ATE489869T1 (en) * | 2008-11-27 | 2010-12-15 | Steelcase Werndl Ag | COLUMN FOR FURNITURE |
DE102009004632A1 (en) * | 2009-01-05 | 2010-07-08 | Slg Kunststoff Gmbh | Support structure for shelving system and shelving system |
WO2012004426A1 (en) * | 2010-07-08 | 2012-01-12 | Josep Montoya Lahoz | Mobile, modular computerized work unit |
US9631769B2 (en) * | 2012-05-11 | 2017-04-25 | Dorel Home Furnishings, Inc. | Television mounting device |
US9433282B2 (en) | 2013-09-25 | 2016-09-06 | Hni Technologies Inc. | Connector hub and modular work system |
EP3001089B1 (en) * | 2014-09-24 | 2018-10-24 | Mettler-Toledo (Albstadt) GmbH | Modular support column |
USD762139S1 (en) * | 2015-06-25 | 2016-07-26 | Advanced Treestand Investments, LLC | Support bar for a tree stand |
US10135130B1 (en) * | 2017-05-02 | 2018-11-20 | Bouchard Communications, Inc. | Enclosure for electronic equipment on pole |
DE102018114659A1 (en) * | 2018-06-19 | 2019-12-19 | Logic Endeavor Group GmbH | workcell |
Family Cites Families (14)
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US2365940A (en) | 1944-04-06 | 1944-12-26 | Kibbey W Couse | Traveling workshop |
US4055206A (en) | 1975-05-14 | 1977-10-25 | Griffin Carl W | Composite shop trailer |
US4562987A (en) | 1984-05-14 | 1986-01-07 | Global Equipment Company | Computer terminal support with five degrees of freedom |
US4634613A (en) * | 1984-07-18 | 1987-01-06 | Potter Douglas S | Bough to tree trunk connection for artificial tree |
US4643476A (en) | 1985-09-30 | 1987-02-17 | Montgerard William E | Mobile band instrument repair shop |
US4750627A (en) * | 1986-04-14 | 1988-06-14 | Myers Valerie L | Article support structure having asjustably positionable members |
US4783036A (en) | 1987-04-16 | 1988-11-08 | Anthro Corporation | Adjustable support |
DE9017866U1 (en) * | 1990-09-24 | 1992-07-30 | Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Ernst Vogelsang Gmbh & Co Kg, 4352 Herten, De | |
US5219081A (en) * | 1992-05-14 | 1993-06-15 | Good Choice Co., Ltd. | Clothes tree |
US5442136A (en) * | 1992-07-02 | 1995-08-15 | Allen; Jerry L. | Method of installation of partitioning device for a tubular conduit |
US5746334A (en) | 1993-11-24 | 1998-05-05 | Brandenberg; Carl Brock | Apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components |
US5658282A (en) * | 1994-01-18 | 1997-08-19 | Endovascular, Inc. | Apparatus for in situ saphenous vein bypass and less-invasive varicose vein treatment |
US5931315A (en) * | 1994-08-02 | 1999-08-03 | Lorentz; Hilel | Modular storage and display device |
US5906284A (en) * | 1997-11-18 | 1999-05-25 | Kenneth Hammerstrom | Multi-workstation device |
-
1999
- 1999-06-01 US US09/323,213 patent/US6419511B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2000
- 2000-05-31 AU AU53033/00A patent/AU758961B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2000-05-31 CA CA002338992A patent/CA2338992A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-05-31 WO PCT/US2000/014813 patent/WO2000074180A1/en active IP Right Grant
-
2002
- 2002-02-15 US US10/075,299 patent/US6953355B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
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US6953355B1 (en) | 2005-10-11 |
WO2000074180A1 (en) | 2000-12-07 |
CA2338992A1 (en) | 2000-12-07 |
US6419511B2 (en) | 2002-07-16 |
AU5303300A (en) | 2000-12-18 |
AU758961B2 (en) | 2003-04-03 |
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