Supports: racks – Knockdown – Including central support
Reexamination Certificate
1997-10-07
2001-05-22
Chin-Shue, Alvin (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Knockdown
Including central support
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234331
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to techniques for arranging and supporting modular, cooperating components such as, for example but not limitation, computing equipment, audio equipment, and video equipment.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Recent rapid advances in the computing industries have been driven largely by a reduction in the price of both processing power and computer memory. One result in the increased availability of inexpensive computing equipment is a tremendous increase in consumer demand for modular computing equipment, such as computers, computer displays, printers, and peripheral devices such as tape back-up devices and CD ROM devices. There appears to be an increased integration of computing equipment with traditional audio-visual entertainment devices, such as tuners, amplifiers, equalizers, video cassette recorders, laser discs, CD audio players, CD video players, and display screens of all types.
The computing equipment, audio equipment, and video equipment is still rather expensive and delicate, so conventional cabinet work is frequently utilized for supporting these modular components in the safest possible manner. However, the increased integration of computing equipment, audio equipment, and video equipment necessarily requires increased electrical connectivity between such devices, and it is not uncommon for an operator to frequently reconfigure devices to accomplish a particular short-term goal with such modular equipment. Traditional equipment supporting furniture does not allow easy access to all sides of the modular equipment, in particular the back portions of the modular equipment, and thus frustrates operator-initiated attempts to reconfigure the modular components for a particular purpose however, since the modular components are still relatively expensive, exposing them to unnecessary risk of damage is generally not considered to be an acceptable risk when compared to the temporal needs of a particular operator.
A need exists for a support apparatus for utilization with modular cooperating components, such as computing equipment, audio equipment, and video equipment, which enhances the overall coordinated functionality of these components without unnecessarily exposing the modular components to risk of damage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is one objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components which includes a base assembly, a substantially planar work surface with a port formed therein, and a vertical support pole extending upward through the port in the work surface, at least one bushing concentrically engaging the vertical support pole at a particular axial location, at least one support arm extending radially outward from the bushing, and at least one support surface secured to the support arms in a position substantially orthogonal to the support pole, which minimizes the space requirements for supporting modular and cooperating components, particularly in an office environment. The support apparatus according to the present invention increases the functionality of the modular and cooperating components without exposing the modular and cooperating components to unnecessary risk of harm.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base assembly includes a number of frame segments which cooperate to fully support the load of the vertical support pole and any associated modular and cooperating components which are carried by the vertical support pole. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the substantially planar work surface does not carry the load of either the vertical support pole or the modular and cooperating components which are carried by the vertical support pole. Accordingly, the substantially planar work surface may be formed of any conventional or unconventional material. For example, the substantially planar work surface may be formed from glass or from a fairly brittle stone. This is allowed due to the fact that the substantially planar work surface is not a load bearing surface. It is bolted into place relative to the base assembly. All the loads associated with the vertical support pole and the modular and cooperating components are carried solely by the base assembly.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base assembly is comprised of a plurality of modular corner frame members, a plurality of horizontal tie bars which interconnect the plurality of modular corner frame members, and a pole receptacle member which is coupled to a particular one of the modular corner frame members. In accordance with the particular embodiment discussed herein, each of the modular corner frame members are formed from an upper horizontal frame member, a lower horizontal frame member and first and second spaced apart vertical frame members. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the upper and lower horizontal frame members are spaced apart from one another a predetermined distance. The first and second spaced apart vertical frame members extend between the upper and lower horizontal frame members. Preferably, the upper horizontal frame member includes first and second generally orthogonally positioned framed segments. Likewise, the lower horizontal frame member includes first and second generally horizontal frame segments. Preferably, the first and second generally orthogonal positioned frame segments come together at an apex portion. Additionally, and in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vertical frame members extend between the upper and lower horizontal frame members at locations distally located from the apex portion of the upper and lower horizontal frame members, allowing relatively unrestricted access to the substantially vertical support pole. This is advantageous in that it allows for particular ones of the modular and cooperating components to be placed on a support arm located underneath the substantially planar work surface. For example, one may want a central processing unit of a personal computer to be located underneath the work surface, while the keyboard and monitor are located on or above the substantially planar work surface.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of modular corner frame members include a predetermined number of end portions with connection ports formed therein. The plurality of horizontal tie bars terminate in connection members which releasably mechanically couple with the connection ports of the plurality of modular corner frame members. Preferably, the plurality of horizontal tie bars and the plurality of modular corner frame members do not require positive mechanical locks therebetween during ordinary use.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pole receptacle member includes a pair of generally orthogonal connection flanges which are adapted in size to extend between particular orthogonal portions of a particular modular corner frame member. A plate member extends between the generally orthogonal connection flanges. A vertically-lined pole sleeve is coupled to (and through) the plate member. The pole sleeve includes a central bore adapted in size and shape to receive the substantially vertical support pole.
The preferred embodiment of the support apparatus of the present invention further includes at least one bushing, which concentrically engages the substantially vertical support pole at a particular axial location. Preferably, a plurality of bushings are provided, each disposed at a particular axial location relative to the substantially vertical support pole. Each bushing is rotatable relative to the vertical support pole, but preferably over a predetermined rotation range.
Preferably, each bushing includes a hub portion which includes a central bore for concentrically receiving the vertical support pole, a hub pin for maintaining the hub portion in a fixed axial
Chin-Shue Alvin
Hunn Melvin A.
Purol Sarah L.
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