WO2017156589A1

WO2017156589A1 - A desk comprising an interior storage void

Info

Publication number: WO2017156589A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/050238
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Bernhard SUSSMILCH
Original assignee: Flipit R&D Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-03-18
Filing date: 2017-03-17
Publication date: 2017-09-21
Also published as: AU2017233544A1

Abstract

There is provided a desk comprising: a framework comprising lower backing and peripheral edging; and an opposing upper panelised mechanism, the upper panelised mechanism comprising a plurality of surface panels, the framework and the opposing upper panelised mechanism defining an interior storage void therebetween, wherein, in use, the panelised mechanism is configurable in a: deployed configuration wherein the surface panels are horizontally orientated so as to serve as an upper surface of the desk; and a retracted configuration wherein the surface panels are retracted to allow access to the interior storage void.

Description

A desk comprising an interior storage void

Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to desk furniture and in particular, but not necessarily entirely, to a desk comprising an interior storage void.

Background

[2] Conventional desks are ill suited for storage, especially storage of computer peripherals.

[3] Modern desks, including sit-to-stand desks are not configured for storage of computers, let alone computer peripherals and cabling with such desks having, at best, cable management systems which yet require the computer componentry to be fastened to the exterior of the desk (such as the undersurface of the desk), or placed adjacent the desk.

[4] A need therefore exists for a desk suited for storage, especially for storage of computers, computer peripherals and associated computer cabling. Ideally, such a desk should further the ergonomic and easy to use in allowing for a number of user case scenario configurations and allow ready access to the computer componentry yet while not interfering with permanent fixations such as computer screens fastened to the desk.

Summary of the Disclosure

[5] There is provided herein a desk having an interior storage void being particularly suited for the storage of computers, computer peripherals and associated computer cabling, but not necessarily limited to this particular application.

[6] The desk confers advantages over existing arrangements by utilising an upper panelised mechanism which may be retracted to allow access to an interior storage void within the desk from above.

[7] In a preferred embodiment as shown in the accompanying illustrations, the upper panelised mechanism comprises a plurality of lengthwise adjacent panel pairs which are hindedly coupled to each other and the desk framework so as to allow for their retraction in the manner shown wherein, in the retracted configuration, the panels or each pair are vertical and adjacent each other.

[8] As can be appreciated from the configuration shown in figure 14, such a retraction mechanism allows ease of access to substantially the entire interior storage void of the desk.

[9] Furthermore, as is shown in figure 12, the retraction of the panels does not interfere with rearward located computer screens.

[10] Furthermore, as is also shown in figure 12, the manner in which the panels retract allow opening of computer peripherals stored within the void, such as the lid of the scanner shown. In this way, the panels may rest in the retracted configuration while the lid of the scanner is opened and closed when being used.

[11] Furthermore, as is shown in figure 2, the plurality of lengthwise adjacent panel pairs allows portions of the interior void to be accessed selectively so as to avoid having to clear the entire desk surface or objects to access the interior void, wherein, only if necessary, objects on the desk surface may be shifted laterally to open a desired panel pair.

[12] Furthermore, as is shown in figure 3, the configuration assumed by the rightmost panel pair wherein the panels to lie atop each other may allow simultaneous use of the desk surface and the interior void wherein, for example, a computer peripheral may rest atop the laid flat panels with the interior access void utilised adjacently, such as, wherein, for example, a desktop inkjet printer may rest atop the laid flat panels such that prints ejected forwardly therefrom fall adjacently into the interior void of the desk.

[13] As such, according to one aspect, there is provided a desk comprising: a framework comprising lower backing and peripheral edging; and an opposing upper panelised mechanism, the upper panelised mechanism comprising a plurality of surface panels, the framework and the opposing upper panelised mechanism defining an interior storage void therebetween, wherein, in use, the panelised mechanism is configurable in a: deployed configuration wherein the surface panels are horizontally orientated so as to serve as an upper surface of the desk; and a retracted configuration wherein the surface panels are retracted to allow access to the interior storage void.

[14] The surface panels may comprise at least one panel pair comprising forward and rearward panels, the panels being hingedly fastened together and further hingedly fastened to the framework, such that, to transition from the deployed configuration to the retracted configuration, the forward panel may be rotated with respect to the rearward panel so as to lie substantially atop or beneath the rearward panel where after the rearward panel may be rotated upwards with respect to the framework.

[15] The framework further may comprise breadthwise braces for supporting lateral edges of the panels thereon in the deployed configuration.

[16] The framework further may comprise at least one rearward widthwise brace and wherein the rearward panel of the at least one panel pair may be hingedly fastened to the at least one rearward widthwise brace.

[17] The desk may further comprise a rearward cord access grill.

[18] The rearward cord access grill may be elongate and reaching across the width of the desk.

[19] The cord access grill may comprise opposing and inwardly orientated bristles.

[20] The cord access grill may be located beneath the at least one rearward widthwise brace. [21] The at least one panel pair may comprise at least two laterally adjacent panel pairs.

[22] The at least one panel pair may comprise three laterally adjacent panel pairs.

[23] The three laterally adjacent panel pairs comprise a central panel pair and lateral panel pairs and wherein the central panel pair has a width greater than that of the lateral panel pairs.

[24] The lower backing may comprise at least one cable cutout.

[25] The lower backing may comprise a forward cutout for defining a leg recess.

[26] The desk may further comprise a facade located exterior the framework.

[27] The facade may comprise peripheral edging.

[28] The facade may comprise upper bordering.

[29] The edging of the framework may comprise lower peripheral lipping for engaging the peripheral edging of the fagade.

[30] The desk may further comprise a rearward screen stand support base located within the interior storage void for supporting a screen support stand in use.

[31] The desk may further comprise at least two electrical circuits and at least two corresponding electrical switches selectively controlling the supply of power to the at least two electrical circuits.

[32] At least one of the at least two corresponding electrical switches may be externally accessible.

[33] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[34] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[35] Figure 1 shows a desk comprising an interior storage void comprising an upper panelised mechanism comprising plurality of surface panels in a deployed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[36] Figure 2 - 3 show the panelised mechanism of the desk of Figure 1 transitioning to a retracted configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[37] Figure 3 shows the panelised mechanism of the desk of Figure 1 in a deployed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[38] Figures 5 - 8 show the construction stages/componentry of the desk of Figure 1 in further detail in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[39] Figure 9 shows externally accessible power switches in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [40] Figure 10 shows an externally accessible power socket at the rear of the desk in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[41] Figure 11 shows an externally accessible data port at the rear of the desk in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[42] Figure 12 shows the panelised mechanism of the desk in a retracted configuration wherein, as can be seen, in the retracted configuration, peripheral computing devices may be utilised such as the scanning device shown and wherein the panels of the panelised mechanism stand in front of the computer screens provided for the desk in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[43] Figures 13 - 16 show a further embodiment of the desk. Description of Embodiments

[44] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure.

[45] Before the structures, systems and associated methods relating to the desk are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the disclosure will be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof.

[46] In describing and claiming the subject matter of the disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

[47] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[48] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "characterised by," and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[49] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. [50] Turning now to figure 1, there is shown a desk 1 having an interior storage void.

[51] As will become appreciated from the ensuing description, the desk 1 comprises an interior storage void which may be utilised for computer and computer peripheral storage, including cable reticulation, and the like. In this manner, as opposed to conventional desk arrangements requiring externalised cabling requiring cable trays and the like often times leading to cable tangling, dust buildup, safety hazards and the like, the desk 1 as is described herein allows for the storage of such cabling, power boards, computer peripherals and the like neatly and tidily within the interior storage void of the desk 1.

[52] Figure 1 shows the desk 1 comprising an upper panelised mechanism. The upper panelised mechanism comprises a plurality of surface panels 2. The desk 1 also comprises a framework comprising a lower backing board and edging. The framework and the upper panelised mechanism define an interior storage void therebetween.

[53] The configuration of the desk 1 as substantially shown in figure 1 shows the panelised mechanism 2 in the deployed configuration wherein the panels 2 are substantially horizontally orientated so as to serve as an upper surface of the desk 1.

[54] Conversely, figure 4 shows the panels 2 in a retracted configuration allowing access to the interior storage void 7.

[55] Turning again to figure 1, in embodiments, the desk 1 may comprise a screen support 4 extending upwardly from the surface of the desk 1 or alternatively allow the screen support 4 to be attached to the desk 1. The screen support 4 may be held in place and supported by screen support base 16 as substantially shown in figure 7.

[56] As is also shown in figure 1, in embodiments, the desk 1 comprises a cord access grill 6 allowing electrical cables, cords and the like to extend from the interior storage void 7. In the embodiment shown, the cord access grill 6 is substantially elongate and, in embodiments, extends approximately across the entire width of the desk 1. In embodiments, the cord access grill 6 may comprise opposing facing bristles so as to substantially close off the void while allowing the manipulation of the electrical cables within the grill 6.

[57] As is also shown in figure 1, the desk 1 may comprise a centralised leg recess 5 making allowance for the legs of the user of the desk 1, especially while seated.

[58] Furthermore, the desk 1 may comprises a peripheral facade 3 which will be described in further detail below as being fastened to the inner framework so as to allow for the aesthetic configuration of the desk 1.

[59] Now, as can be seen from figure 1, in embodiments the upper panelised mechanism comprises three pairs of hingedly coupled panels 2 arranged across the width of the desk 1. Specifically, the panelised mechanism comprises two pairs of lateral panels having smaller width as compared to a centralised panel pair.

[60] Turning now to figure 2, there is shown the transitioning of the panelised mechanism of the desk 1 to the retracted configuration.

[61] Specifically, as can be seen, the forward panel 2 of the centralised panel pair has been pivoted back to lie atop (or beneath in embodiments) the rearward panel. As can be appreciated from such, the panel pairs may be hingedly fastened together so as to allow their folding in this manner. In an alternative embodiment, the panels 2 of a pair may slide with respect to each other wherein, for example, for a panel pair, the front panel raises to as to be able to then slide over (of under) the rear panel, whereafter, the rear panel 2, by being hingedly coupled to the framework, is able to pivot upwardly.

[62] In figure 2, the leftmost panel pair 2 is shown in a fully retracted configuration wherein the rearward panel 2 has itself been pivoted upwards so as to allow access to the interior storage void underneath. The right most panel pair 2 is shown remaining in the fully deployed configuration.

[63] As can be seen from this representation also, the panels 2 of the panelised mechanism may rest breadthwise cross braces 15.

[64] Turning now to figure 3, there is shown the desk 1 in a yet further state of retraction wherein, as can be seen, the centralised panel pair has been fully retracted as has the leftmost panel pair 2. The right most panel pair is shown in a semi-retracted configuration wherein the foremost panel 2 has been pivoted over to lie atop the rear most panel. It should be noted that the panel pairs, when taking the configuration of that of the rightmost panel pair shown in figure 3 wherein the front panel 2 lies atop the rear panel, may be yet used to simultaneously allow access into the void at the front while being able to support objects on the panels 2, such as if, for example, a desktop inject printer was placed on the folded panels, such that prints ejected forwardly therefrom fell into the void for storage.

[65] Turning now to figure 4, there is shown the panelised mechanism of the desk 1 in the fully retracted configuration wherein, as can be seen, all of the leftmost, central and rightmost panel pairs have been fully retracted.

[66] As can be seen, in this configuration, the panelised mechanism allows access to substantially the entire of the interior storage void 7. As can be appreciated, in this configuration, cables may be reticulated, configured and the like.

[67] Furthermore, as also alluded to above, peripheral computing devices, such a small form factor scanning devices (such as the peripheral computer scanner device 22 as substantially shown in figure 12) and the like may be stored within the void and accessed also. As can be appreciated the from the embodiment shown in figure 12, the panels 2, when pivoted back as shown, allow the lid of the scanner to be opened without interference.

[68] Furthermore, the utilisation of separate panel pairs in the manner shown allows access to portions of the interior storage void, such as the leftmost, central or rightmost portion of the interior storage void thereby avoiding having to, for example, clear the entire surface of the desk so as to access the interior storage void. In this manner, for example, to access the leftmost portion of the interior storage void, any items on the surface of the desk 1 may be moved across to the right so as to allow for the retraction of the leftmost panel pair.

[69] In embodiments, the number, proportions and locations of the panel pairs may be varied within the purposive scope of the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, while the deployment and retraction of the panels 2 as is described herein with reference to a preferred embodiment comprises the utilisation of hinged panel pairs and the folding thereof, in other embodiments, other deployable and retractable panel configurations may be utilised within the purposive scope of the embodiments described herein, such as the retraction of the panels 2 via sliding mechanism or the like.

[70] Turning now to figures 5 - 8, there is shown a method of construction of the desk 1 in further detail.

[71] Specifically, turning to figure 5, there is shown the lower backing 9. As can be seen, the backing 9 comprises a cutout 10 so as to make allowance for the leg recess 5 as was described above.

[72] Furthermore, various apertures 8 may be made within the backing 9 so as to allow for the entrance of electrical cabling into the interior storage void 7 from below. In additional or alternative embodiments, the desk may comprise an externally accessible power socket 21 as substantially shown in figure 10 for the purposes of providing power to the interior storage void.

[73] Turning now to figure 6, a domed enclosure 11 is located above the cutout 10 so as to form the leg recess 5. Specifically, the domed enclosure 11 provides continuity for the backing 9 within the interior storage void while elevating the lower surface of the backing 9 at the leg recess 5. In embodiments, the leg enclosure 5 may have differing widths and depths within the purposive scope of the embodiments described herein.

[74] Turning now to figure 7, a framework 12 is fastened to the backing 9. As can be seen, the framework 12 comprises peripheral edging 18 supporting cross bracing 15. As can be seen, the cross bracing 15 comprises breadthwise and widthwise bracing. As described above, the breadthwise bracing 15 may support the lateral edges of the panels 2. In alternative embodiments, the breadthwise bracing may be avoided by having the central panel pair resting on or interfacing with respective facing edges of the adjacent panel pairs. [75] As can be further seen from figure 7, the lower edges of the edging 18 may be lipped 13 so as to accommodate the fagade 3.

[76] The screen support 4 base 16 is also shown in figure 7.

[77] Turning now to figure 8, a facade 3 is fastened to the framework 12. As can be seen, the facade 3 comprises an upper peripheral border and lateral edging. The panels 2 may now be fastened to the rearward widthwise bracing 15 make allowance for the cord access grill 6 behind the rearward widthwise bracing 15.

[78] In embodiments, the desk 1 may be provided with electrical and/or data cabling and componentry (not shown).

[79] Specifically, the desk 1 may comprise power boards or power sockets located within the interior storage void. Furthermore, the desk 1 may be provided with at least one power supply switch to control the power supply to the at least one power supply located within the interior storage void.

[80] In one embodiment, the desk 1 comprises at least two electrical circuits comprising separate power switches configured to control the supply of power separately to the two electrical circuits.

[81] In embodiments, the power switches 19 may be externally accessible as substantially shown in figure 9.

[82] The desk 1 may further comprise externally accessible power sockets. Yet further, the desk 1 may further comprise externally accessible data ports such as USB, Ethernet ports and the like such as the J45 Ethernet port 21 shown at the rear of the desk 1 in figure 11.

[83] In embodiments, the desk 1 may be manufactured from wood. However, in embodiments, the desk 1 may be manufactured from differing materials, including a combination thereof, within the purposive scope of the embodiments described herein.

[84] Legs (not shown) may be fastened to the desk 1 so as to support the desk 1 at a suitable height. The legs 1 may be fastened to an exterior undersurface of the desk 1, such as by utilising screw fasteners and the like. Alternatively, the backing 9 may comprise cutouts for the accommodation of the legs. In embodiments, the legs may be fixed or alternatively motorised so as to provide the desk 1 with sit-to-stand functionality.

[85] In embodiments, interior storage void 7 of the desk 1 may be provided with speakers such as speakers mounted on a shelf or the like.

[86] Furthermore, in embodiments, the desk 1 may be provided with extractions fan so as to draw air from the interior storage void 7 for cooling purposes, especially where peripheral computing devices, transformers and other heat generating apparatus are located within the interior storage void 7. [87] Furthermore, the panels 2 may be lockable so as to allow for the secure storage of valuables within the interior storage void 7.

[88] Yet further, for the purposes of lifting the panels 2, the panels may be provided with a push disengagement mechanism wherein the forward edge of the forward panel for example 2 is depressable downwards for disengagement whereafter it rises upwards for gripping, such as by a fingernail of the forefinger of the user. In alternative embodiments, the panel 2 may be provided with a concealed gripping mechanism, such as an indentation and hinged ring arrangement, fingernail recess and the like.

[89] Turning now to figure 13 - 16, there is shown a further embodiment of the desk 1 constructed in a slightly different manner and that the desk 1 does not comprise the interior framework and external fagade 3.

[90] Furthermore, as is shown in figure 13, the forward panels 2 extends slightly over the forward edge of the desk 1 easing the lifting thereof from underneath their respective edges.

[91] Figure 14 shows the panels 2 in the fully retracted configuration showing the manner in which substantially the entire of the interior storage void may be accessed from above.

[92] As is also shown in figure 14, the desk 1 may comprise general power outlets 23 and data ports

24 located to one side. elatedly, figure 16 shows the exterior of the desk 1 wherein the desk 1 may comprise corresponding electrical switches 19 for the general power outlets 23 and a data port, such as an Ethernet data port 21 for the data port(s) 24 within the desk 1.

[93] As is illustrated in figure 15, the panels 2 reach a rearward panel 25 of the desk 1 wherein, in embodiments, the computer screens and associated data cabling passing through the grill 6 may be fastened to and/or located above the rearward panel 25 such that, when the panels 2 are retracted, they do not interfere with the computer screens.

[94] Whereas the aforedescribed embodiments, such as shown in Figure 3, show the panels 2 pivoting backwardly wherein the forward panel 2 pivots over to lie flat on the rear panel 2 wherein both panels 2 are then folded up, in embodiments, the panels 2 fold forwardly wherein the forward panel 2 pivots towards and against the rear panel 2 as the rear panel 2 pivots upwardly.

[95] In embodiments, bidirectional hinges may be utilised between the panels 2 so as to allow the user to selectively pivot the panel 2 backwardly or forwardly.

[96] For heat dispersion, the desk may include fans through the backing 9 which may be powered via the power supply within the desk 1. Alternatively, vents may be included on the top of the side walls of the desk 1 to allow for air to convect in a passive manner wherein such vents may also serve for cable reticulation. Such vents may be two rectangular vent cutouts at the top edge of the front and side walls of the desk. [97] Rubber stoppers may be employed on edges of the panels 2 for quieter operation.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

[98] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[99] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[100] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[101] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

[102] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology

[103] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

[104] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[105] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[106] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[107] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A desk comprising:

a framework comprising lower backing and peripheral edging; and

an opposing upper panelised mechanism, the upper panelised mechanism comprising a plurality of surface panels, the framework and the opposing upper panelised mechanism defining an interior storage void therebetween, wherein, in use, the panelised mechanism is configurable in a: deployed configuration wherein the surface panels are horizontally orientated so as to serve as an upper surface of the desk; and

a retracted configuration wherein the surface panels are retracted to allow access to the interior storage void.

2. A desk as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface panels comprise at least one panel pair comprising forward and rearward panels, the panels being hingedly fastened together and further hingedly fastened to the framework, such that, to transition from the deployed configuration to the retracted configuration, the forward panel is rotated with respect to the rearward panel so as to lie substantially atop or beneath the rearward panel where after the rearward panel is rotated upwards with respect to the framework.

3. A desk as claimed in claim 2, wherein the framework further comprises breadthwise braces for supporting lateral edges of the panels thereon in the deployed configuration.

4. A desk as claimed in claim 2, wherein the framework further comprises at least one rearward widthwise brace and wherein the rearward panel of the at least one panel pair is hingedly fastened to the at least one rearward widthwise brace.

5. A desk as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a rearward cord access grill.

6. A desk as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rearward cord access grill is elongate and reaching across the width of the desk.

7. A desk as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cord access grill comprises opposing and inwardly orientated bristles.

8. A desk as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cord access grill is located beneath the at least one rearward widthwise brace.

9. A desk as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one panel pair comprises at least two laterally adjacent panel pairs.

10. A desk as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one panel pair comprises three laterally adjacent panel pairs.

11. A desk as claimed in claim 10, wherein the three laterally adjacent panel pairs comprise a central panel pair and lateral panel pairs and wherein the central panel pair has a width greater than that of the lateral panel pairs.

12. A desk as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower backing comprises at least one cable cutout.

13. A desk as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower backing comprises a forward cutout for defining a leg recess.

14. A desk as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a facade located exterior the framework.

15. A desk as claimed in claim 14, wherein the facade comprises peripheral edging.

16. A desk as claimed in claim 15, wherein the facade comprises upper bordering.

17. A desk as claimed in claim 15, wherein the edging of the framework comprises lower peripheral lipping for engaging the peripheral edging of the fagade.

18. A desk as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a rearward screen stand support base located within the interior storage void for supporting a screen support stand in use.

19. A desk as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least two electrical circuits and at least two corresponding electrical switches selectively controlling the supply of power to the at least two electrical circuits.

20. A desk as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two corresponding electrical switches are externally accessible.