WO1994028765A1

WO1994028765A1 - Adjustable equipment console

Info

Publication number: WO1994028765A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/006384
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Wildhaber; Matthew P. Drabczyk
Original assignee: Engineered Data Products, Inc.
Priority date: 1993-06-08
Filing date: 1994-06-07
Publication date: 1994-12-22
Also published as: AU7244794A

Abstract

A console (10) that can be easily configured and adjusted as desired. The console includes two vertical rows of horizontally-extending parallel slots (60) formed in each of the support panels (20, 40). Fastener members (110) having a substantially rectangular shape with opposing ends in offset but parallel planes secure the shelves (70, 80, 90, 100) to the support panels. A first end of the fastener member is inserted in one of the support panel slots at a desired height. A threaded rod (118) extends perpendicularly from the second end of the fastener member to engage through the shelf. Other fastener members secure other corners of the shelf to the support panels. The shelf is able to rotate about the threaded rod of the fastener to allow the shelf to be adjusted to almost any desired angle. This allows the shelves to be secured at a desired angle and height. An additional feature on the shelves includes reconfigurable stop members (730), dividers (740) and attachment mechanisms to allow for support and storage of various equipment and materials. Adjustable keyboard holders (760) engage a front surface of the shelves to be easily mounted and removed as desired. A table surface (800) can also be attached onto the front of the console as well as at differing height levels.

Description

ADJUSTABLE EQUIPMENT CONSOLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention: This invention relates to the field of consoles for computer equipment, and particularly to consoles for local area network computer systems.

2. Statement of the Problem: Equipment consoles, particularly for computer equipment, generally are cabinets having fixed shelves. Consoles for computer furniture have typically been an afterthought rather than specifically designed to enhance the functionality of the equipment. For instance, computer equipment and peripherals, such as computer processing units, monitors, keyboards, data drives, modems, printers, are generally simply placed on work surfaces or underneath desks. Little thought has previously been given to designing furniture which will allow the computer equipment and peripherals to be securely placed in consoles which will improve the access to and use of the equipment.

One approach to this problem has been to design custom furniture for specific equipment and uses. While this may solve an existing problem, it creates other problems.

One constant with computer equipment is that it is always changing. Not only is current computer equipment being replaced with improved and enhanced equipment, but the equipment is expanded and more equipment and peripherals are constantly being added to an existing system.

One example of these problems are in the field of local area network (LAN) systems.

These systems typically consist of one or more file servers with accompanying monitors and keyboards. LAN systems are prevalent in almost every environment utilizing more than one personal computer (PC) system. Presently, these LAN systems are mounted on existing tables or cabinets with httle or no organization or cable management. This leads to inefficient use of space as well as clutter and other problems. Also, LAN systems are often expanded requiring additional space in the existing environment. Other problems with existing console cabinets is their expense and their lack of adjustability. Some console systems may allow for shelf height adjustment. This does not provide for ease of accessibility, since the computer equipment and peripherals are merely stacked higher or lower in the existing consoles. Additionally, the shelves are not able to be reconfigured for differing sizes of peripherals or other necessary materials, such as manuals, lighting, power supplies, telephones, and the like.

Thus problems exist in presently available consoles for use in computer equipment environments or other environments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves these and other problems by providing a console that can be easily configured and adjusted to not only provide security and ease of access but the ability to expand as necessary. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the console includes two upright support panels. These support panels are support by horizontally-extending support ribs which also define rear access openings. Removable access panels cover the access openings.

Two vertical rows of horizonal-extending parallel slots are formed in each of the support panels. Fastener members having a substantially rectangular shape with opposing ends in offset but parallel planes secure the shelves to the support panels. This is accomplished by inserting a first end of the fastener member in one of the support panel slots at a desired shelf height. A threaded rod extends perpendicularly from the second end of the fastener member to engage through the shelf member. Other fastener members secure other corners of the shelf to the support panels. The shelf member is able to rotate about the threaded rod of the fastener to allow the shelf to be adjusted to almost any desired angle.

This fastening system not only allows shelves to secured in the console at a desired angle and height, but also allows the shelves to be reconfigured as necessary. An additional feature on the shelves includes reconfigurable stop members, dividers and attachment mechanisms to allow for support and storage of various equipment and materials.

The console of the present invention also is able to accommodate adjustable keyboard holders as needed. The adjustable keyboard holders engage a front surface of the shelves to be easily mounted and removed as desired. A table surface can also be attached onto the front of the console as well at differing height levels. This table surface includes retractable keyboard holders for use with computer equipment installed in the console.

Additional features provided by the present invention includes removable rear access panels which allow equipment to be easily installed or removed and cables routed. The bottom shelf can also be installed on roller-tracks to allow it to be moved out of the console for equipment installation. Also, electrical power strips, telephone installations, lighting fixtures, cable routing fixtures and other features can be utilized in the console of the present invention. The console of the present invention can be easily set-up and reconfigured as necessary. The shelves can be adjusted to almost any height and angle levels for efficiency and ease of access, particularly for viewing monitors. These and other features are readily evident from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the console of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a rear view of the console of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front view of the console of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the fastener member of the embodiment of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a detail view of the fastener of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a view of the stop members of the console of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a view of a configured shelf of the console of Figure 1.

Figure 8 is a view of the keyboard holder attachment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is an assembly view of the console table surface of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a front perspective view of the console with computer equipment.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the fastener member of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a shelf bracket of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a cable trough of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides a console that is readily and easily adjustable for securely holding various sizes and shapes of objects. In a preferred embodiment, the console of the present invention can be configured for housing computer equipment and related materials as well as other products and to be easily adjusted for future needs.

One preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 - 10. It is to be expressly understood that this descriptive embodiment is provided for explanatory purposes only and is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. Console 10, shown in Figure 1, includes a panel system for ease in transporting and assembly. Left support panel 20 and right support panel 30 are substantially similar. Support panels 20, 30 are formed of sheet metal for durability and strength. Other materials, such as wood, wood laminate, particle board, and plastic can be used as well.

Horizontally-extending support ribs 40, 42, 44, shown in Figure 2, are secured to the rear of support panels 20, 40 by fasteners, such as bolts and nuts. Horizontally-extending support ribs 40, 42, 44 are spaced apart vertically and parallel to one another to form access openings 46, 48 as discussed in greater detail below. Access panels 50, 52 are secured in access openings 46, 46. Access panels 50, 52 are hinged to pivot upward or downward, or to be removable. Thus, support panels 20, 30 and support ribs 40, 42, 44 define a rectangular cavity in console 10. Additional extension members 56, 58 having rearwardly-extending hooks (not shown) insertable in slots on the front surfaces of support panels 20, 30 can be used to provide additional stability for console 10.

Elongated U-shaped members 22, 24, shown in Figure 3, are affixed to the inside surface of support panel 20 extending vertically and spaced parallel to one another. Likewise, elongated U-shaped members 32, 34 are affixed to the inside surface of support panel 30 in a similar fashion. Horizontally extending slots 60, shown in Figure 3, are formed in each of members 22, 24, 32, 34 vertically aligned and parallel to one another. In the preferred embodiment, slots 60 are spaced about three/sixteenths of an inch from one another and are about one inch long. Shelves 70, 80, 90, 100 are secured to support panels 20, 30 at desired angular and vertical orientations. Fastener members 110, shown in Figures 4 and 5, enable shelves 70, 80, 90, 100 to be securely fastened at the desired angular and vertical orientation. Fastener member 110, shown in Figure 4, includes substantially flat planar portion 112, substantially flat planar portion 114 extending in a plane spaced from and parallel to portion 112, and angular portion 116 joining portions 112 and 114. In the preferred embodiment, fastener member 110 is substantially rectangular in shape. Threaded rod 118 extends perpendicularly from a lower central section of portion 114.

Portions 112 of fastener members 110 are inserted into selected slots 60 on rib members 24, 34 as shown on in Figure 5, at the desired height for shelf 70. Portion 112 of additional fastener members 110 are also inserted into rib members 22, 32 in selected slots 60 on rib members 22, 32 at the desired height for shelf 70 and also to allow shelf 70 to be at the desired angular orientation. Threaded rod 118 on each of the inserted fastener members 110 are then inserted into holes 76 in side edges 72, 74 on shelf 70. Caps 120, formed of plastic, includes a threaded portion to engage threaded rod 118 to secure shelf 70 on threaded rod 118.

Threaded rod 118 and holes 76 allow shelf 70 to pivot to the desired angular orientation of shelf 70. Additionally, slots 60 allow shelf 70 to easily adjusted to the desired height at the front and rear areas of shelf 70. This provides not only for secure mounting of the shelves but also for almost infinite vertical and adjustment of the shelves.

A second embodiment of fastener members 110 is illustrated in Figure 11. Fastener member 1100 includes fastener member 110, as described below. Second fastener member 1110 includes substantially flat planar portion 1112, substantially flat planar portion 1114 extending in a plane spaced from and parallel to portion 1112, and angular portion 1116 joining portions 1112 and 1114. In the preferred embodiment, fastener member 1110 is substantially rectangular in shape. Elliptically-shaped hole 1118 is formed in a central area of portion 1114. Portion 1114 of fastener member 1110 is mounted against portion 114 of fastener member 110 with hole 1118 mounted over threaded rod 118. In use, portion 112 of fastener member 110 is inserted into one of slots 60 while portion 1112 of fastener member

1110 is inserted into a spaced slot 60. Cap 120 secures fastener member 1110 against fastener member 110 and the assembled fastener member 1100 against shelf 70. This assembly provides a more secure arrangement than fastener member 110 alone. Also, fastener member 1110 can be formed as a single member rather than the two fastener members 110, 1110.

In a further embodiment shown in Figure 12, angular elongated brackets 1200 are secured to fastener members 110. Shelf 70 is then secured to brackets 1200 by threaded screws (not shown), which engage through bracket holes 1210 and the bottom of shelf 70. This allows the fastener members and brackets 1200 to be mounted onto panels 20, 30 prior to shelf 70 being mounted. This is an easier process than mounting the shelves directly to fastener members 110. Also, shelf 70 can be slid along brackets 1200 to allow the equipment to be more easily installed.

Shelves 80, 90 and 100 are installed in a similar fashion. Preferably, shelves 70, 80, 90 and 100 are spaced from the rear of console 10 to allow for cable management of equipment installed on shelves 70, 80, 90 and 100. Cable access holes 26, 36 are formed in support panels 20, 30, respectively. A plurality of slots 720 are formed in working surface 710 of shelf 70 as shown in

Figure 1. Slots 720 are aligned either parallel or perpendicular to one another. Other angular orientation of slots 720 could be provided as well depending on the configuration and use of the shelves. Elongated stop members 730, shown in Figure 6, include downwardly-extending tabs 732 for engagement in slots 720. The engagement between tabs 732 and slots 720 allow stop members to be placed at appropriate locations to securely hold objects, such as a computer monitor, in an accessible position on shelf 70. Dividers 740, shown in Figure 7, can also be inserted in slots 720 to further hold equipment or to securely hold materials such as manuals. Other devices can also be mounted in slots 720 to configure or reconfigure shelf 70 as desired. Shelves 80, 90, 100 also include aligned slots to be easily configured as well. Cable trough 1300 is illustrated in Figure 13. Cable trough 1300 includes U-shaped elongated body 1310. Tabs 1320 extend outward from a rear portion of body 1310. Tabs 1320 engage in slots 720 of shelves 70, 80, 90, 100, preferably so that cable trough 1300 is mounted at the rear of these shelves. Cables from the equipment can then be neatly routed through body 1310 so to be organized and out of the way. An additional feature of console 10 is the capability to install keyboard holders.

Upstanding lip portion 750 is easily affixed to the front surface of shelf 70, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. Screws or other fasteners can be used to secure lip portion 750 to shelf 70 or to the other shelves. Removable keyboard holder 760 includes substantially flat portion 762 for holding a keyboard (not shown) and retaining flange 764 extending perpendicular to flat portion 762 at the front of keyboard holder 760.

Downwardly-extending portions 766 on each side of the rear of flat portion 762 includes holes 768 and semi-circular slots 770. Elongated bracket 772 includes holes 774 and 776 on each end. Fasteners 778 are secured through holes 768 of downwardly-extending portion 766 and holes 774 of bracket 772. Threaded fasteners 780, having handles 782, engage through slots 770 on downwardly-extending portions 766 to holes 776 on bracket 772. This engagement allows flat portion 762 to be angularly adjusted relative to bracket 772. Bracket 772 includes grooves 784 extending angularly upward on opposing ends of bracket 772. Grooves 784 engage lip portion 750 on shelf 70 to removably secure keyboard holders 760 thereon. Thus, keyboard holders 760 can be easily and securely mounted onto console 10 and adjusted for convenience.

Working surfaces can also be easily provided on console 10. For instance, table 800 can be quickly mounted on console 10 at a variety of heights. Table 800 includes working surface 810 mounted on brackets 812, 814. Engaging hooks 816 extend outwardly from brackets 812, 814. Vertically aligned slots 820 are formed in the front surface of support panels 20, 30. Hooks 816 on brackets 812, 814 are engage in slots 820 to secure table 800 on console 10. Table 800 can be easily removed by lifting table 800 upward and then outward. Table 800 can thus be easily adjusted to the desired height by inserting hooks 816 in the appropriate slots 820. Working surface 810 can be formed in any angular shape to allow additional consoles to be closely adjacent in a desired modular configuration. Retractable keyboard holders 830 can also be mounted on or beneath working surface 810 for use with computer equipment installed in console 10. Other features that can be provided in console 10 include providing bottom shelf 80 on a roller and track system (not shown). Roller and tracks are well known for pull-out drawers and the like. The present invention provides such a system on bottom shelf 80 to allow bottom shelf 80 to be pulled out for easy access. This enables equipment, such as computer processing units and LAN file servers to be easily loaded thereon. Shelf 80 can then be moved back into console 10 to be out of the way.

Additional features for console 10 include electrical power strips, telephone installations, lighting fixtures, and cable routing features. These features all improve the efficiency of space and use of console 10, particularly in the area of LAN and other computer uses. Console 10 is easily set-up and reconfigured as necessary to accommodate not only existing needs but to expand to accommodate future needs. Support panels 20, 30 are initially supported by support ribs 40, 42, 44. Fastener members 110 are inserted into slots 60 on support panels 20, 30. These fastener members 110 are then inserted into holes 72 on the shelves. Threaded rods 118 allow the shelves to pivot to the desired angular orientation while still being securely clamped to support panels 20, 30.

The shelves can be configured for differing uses by the use of stop members 732 and dividers 740 and slots 730. Adjustable keyboard holders 760 can be easily mounted on Up portions 750 for use with computer equipment mounted on the shelves. Further, table 800 can be easily mounted on the front surface of support panels 20, 30 for console 10. Equipment, such as computer processing units, monitors, and printers can be mounted in the shelves by removing access panels 50, 60 and mounting the equipment through the rear of console 10. This also helps in routing cables among the equipment.

Console 10 can be easily reconfigured for expansion or for other use. The shelves can be adjusted as their height or angle by the use of fastener members 110 and slots 60. Dividers and stop members can also be easily removed or replaced as desired. Thus, the present invention provides a console that can be easily installed or reconfigured as desired. It is to be expressly understood that the above-described embodiment is not meant to limit the scope of the present inventive concept.

Claims

1. An adjustable console for securely holding items, said console comprising: a first support member; a second support member; at least one shelf; and means for securing said at least one shelf to said first support member and to said second support member in a plurality of angular and vertical positions.

2. The console of claim 1 wherein said means for securing said at least one shelf includes: a first portion for securing to said at least one shelf; a second portion for securing to said first support member; and means for allowing said at least one shelf to pivot relative to said first support member.

3. The console of claim 1 wherein said means for securing said at least one shelf includes: a first securing member having a first portion for engaging said at least one shelf, a second portion for engaging said first support member, and means for allowing said at least one shelf to pivot relative to said first support member; and a second securing member having a first portion for engaging said at least one shelf, a second portion for engaging said second support member, and means for allowing said at least one shelf to pivot relative to said second support member.

4. The console of claim 1 wherein said means for securing said at least one shelf includes: a first securing member having a first portion for engaging a front portion of said at least one shelf, a second portion for engaging a front portion of said first support member, and means for allowing said at least one shelf to pivot relative to said first support member; a second securing member having a first portion for engaging a rear portion of said at least one shelf, a second portion for engaging a rear portion of said first support member, and means for allowing said at least one shelf to pivot relative to said first support member; a third securing member having a first portion for engaging a front portion of said at least one shel_ζ a second portion for engaging a front portion of said second support member, and means for allowing said at least one shelf to pivot relative to said second support member; and a fourth securing member having a first portion for engaging a rear portion of said at least one shelf, a second portion for engaging a rear portion of said second support member, and means for allowing said at least one shelf to pivot relative to said second support member.

5. The console of claim 1 wherein said means for securing said at least one shelf includes: an elongated member; a substantially flat first portion on said elongated member extending in a first plane for engagement in a slot on one of said first support member and said second support member; a second portion on said elongated member adjacent said first portion and extending angularly from said first portion; a third portion on said elongated member adjacent said second portion and spaced from said first portion and extending in a plane substantially parallel to said first plane; and a pin extending perpendicularly from said third portion for pivotally securing said at least one shelf.

6. The console of claim 5 wherein said means for securing said at least one shelf includes: means for securing said at least one shelf to said pin.

7. The console of claim 1 wherein said means for securing said at least one shelf includes: at least one row of vertically aligned horizontal slots in each of said first support member and said second support member.

8. The console of claim 7 wherein said means for securing said at least one shelf includes: a first row of vertically aligned slots in each of said first support member and said second support member; and a second row of vertically aligned slots in each of said first support member and said second support member spaced from said first row.

9. The console of claim 1 wherein said means for securing said at least one shelf includes: a first elongated member; a substantially flat first portion on said first elongated member extending in a first plane for engagement in a slot on one of said first support member and said second support member; a second portion on said first elongated member adjacent said first portion and extending angularly from said first portion; a third portion on said first elongated member adjacent said second portion and spaced from said first portion and extending in a plane substantially parallel to said first plane; a pin extending perpendicularly from said third portion for pivotally securing said at least one shelf; a second elongated member; a substantially flat first portion on said second elongated member extending in a first plane for engagement in a slot on one of said first support member and said second support member; a second portion on said second elongated member adjacent said first portion of said second elongated member and extending angularly from said first portion of said second elongated member; a third portion on said second elongated member adjacent said second portion of said second elongated member and spaced from said first portion of said second elongated member and extending in a plane substantially parallel to said first plane; and a hole in said third portion for engagement with said pin on said first elongated member.

10. The console of claim 1 wherein said at least one shelf includes: a substantially flat surface; a plurality of slots formed in said substantially flat surface; a plurality of dividers; and at least one tab on each of said plurality of dividers for engagement in said slots on said substantially flat surface to configure said shelf in a desired configuration.

11. The console of claim 1 wherein said console includes: at least one elongated support rib; and means for removably securing said at least one elongated support rib to rear portions of said first support member and said second support member.

12. The console of claim 1 wherein said console includes: at least one removable access panel secured to said first support member and said second support member to form at least a portion of a rear wall of said console.

13. The console of claim 1 wherein said console includes: a removable table surface; and means for securing said removable table surface to front surfaces on said first support member and said second support member.

14. The console of claim 13 wherein said console includes: slots formed in said front surfaces on said first support member and said second support member; and tabs extending outward from said removable table surface for engaging said slots on said front surfaces of said first support member and said second support member.

15. The console of claim 13 wherein said removable table surface includes: at least one keyboard holder extending from beneath said removable table surface.

16. The console of claim 1 wherein said console includes: removable keyboard holders; and means for securing said removable keyboard holders to said at least one shelf.

17. The console of claim 16 wherein said means for securing said removable keyboard holders to said at least one shelf includes: an upstanding lip portion on the front of said at least one shelf; and grooves formed in a rear portion of said removable keyboard holders for engagement with said upstanding lip portion on said at least one shelf.

18. The console of claim 1 wherein said console further comprises: access holes for routing cables in said first support member and said second support member.

19. The console of claim 1 wherein said console further comprises: an elongated detachable cable trough; and means for securing said detachable cable trough to said at least one shelf.