Supports: cabinet structure – Spaced pedestal type – With structure above table
Reexamination Certificate
1996-11-07
2001-03-06
Barfield, Anthony D. (Department: 3636)
Supports: cabinet structure
Spaced pedestal type
With structure above table
C312S198000, C312S223600, C108S103000, C108S050010
Reexamination Certificate
active
06196648
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to modular desk systems for offices. More specifically, the field of the invention involves supporting structures for overhead storage cabinets in such desk systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
Modular desk systems are used in offices to allow flexibility in office arrangement and facilitate the interconnection of office equipment. Such modular desk systems provide wiring to the various types of equipment—telephones, computers, dictation machines, etc. Typically, work surfaces, cabinets, panels, and wiring raceways are interconnected with support structures to form the desk system. The panels extend from the floor, the work surfaces may be mounted at intermediate positions, and cabinets may be located at either the floor level or overhead, i.e., above the work surfaces.
Stanchions are used in such desk systems as support structures. The stanchions are typically made of sheet metal which are longitudinally bent to form a triangular or rectangular space in cross-section. The stanchion provides structural support for work surfaces, cabinets, and panels. The stanchions provide a rigid structure on which other components of the modular system may be attached to in order to support and interconnect the desk system.
In the prior art, the overhead cabinets typically attach to the stanchions by means of brackets supported by the stanchions and which are fastened to the underneath surface of the overhead cabinet. This increases the complexity of the mounting system, and results in support for the overhead cabinets, that is not as rigid as is desireable.
What is needed is an improved stanchion support system for mounting overhead cabinets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention involves a desk system having stanchion supports which extend into the overhead cabinet. By extending into the overhead cabinet, the stanchions provide a greater amount of support to the cabinet. Also, wiring may extend through the stanchion to allow equipment within the overhead cabinet to be conveniently coupled to the appropriate wiring system, if desires. The stanchion may be fastened directly to the overhead cabinet without the need for an additional mounting bracket.
Overhead cabinets often contain heavy materials such as books and manuals, so the cabinets often create significant stress on the support structure. The present invention advantageously positions the stanchions within the cabinet to reduce the stress on the cabinet mounting and enhance the cabinet's stability. The cabinet and the stanchions may be directly interconnected, eliminating one or several steps in the construction process. Also, the connection of the stanchions and the cabinet are hidden from view, creating a more attractive exterior for the desk system.
Also, overhead cabinets may include electrical and/or telecommunications equipment which require connection to the office's internal wiring. By using the stanchion's internal space as a conduit for such wiring, lights, radios, and other equipment in the overhead cabinet may be easily connected to the office wiring system. Wiring which is disposed in raceways at the floor level may extend upward through the stanchions into the interior of the overhead cabinet or to a position directly underneath the bottom of the cabinet to power a task light, for example. The wiring is thus hidden from view and protected from damage.
The present invention, in one form, is a desk system comprising a support structure, a work surface, and a cabinet. The work surface is mounted on the support structure, and the cabinet is disposed over the work surface. The support structure includes a stanchion extending through the work surface and into the cabinet to support the cabinet.
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Baker & Daniels
Barfield Anthony D.
Kimball International Inc.
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