Horizontally supported planar surfaces – Plural related horizontal surfaces – Separable component
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-09
2001-05-15
Wilkens, Janet M. (Department: 3636)
Horizontally supported planar surfaces
Plural related horizontal surfaces
Separable component
C312S108000, C312S265400, C211S194000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06230632
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a space system such as for accommodating document files, books, business equipment, computer equipment including peripherals, photographs, and any number of other general miscellaneous items typically found in an office, or room in a home.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As used herein, the term “space system” or “space unit” relates to a system or unit to be located in a room or any space, either in a domestic or office setting, which supports objects of great variety in an organized manner. Probably the most frequently encountered space unit is a table onto which objects are displayed or placed for easy use and retrieval. Other traditional space systems include desks, filing cabinets, and bookcases, etc. Such traditional space systems typically are of fixed geometry and size, limiting their flexibility to accommodate varying and changing needs. Such traditional space systems or furniture are also traditionally heavy and expensive.
In recent years, in an attempt to address the shortcomings of traditional solid furniture, various modular space units have been developed. However, the majority of the currently available modular systems are complicated and time consuming for the end user to assemble. In particular, such systems often require the user to follow a lengthy set of instructions and to identify a large number of parts, and use a variety of tools to assemble the space unit. Thus, while conventional modular units provide an aesthetic appearance similar to solid space units, they are time consuming and cumbersome to assemble.
A need therefore exists for an improved modular space system that is flexible to accommodate varying and changing needs of a user, while being aesthetically pleasing, easy to assemble, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. The present invention fulfills these needs, and provides further related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, the present invention provides an improved modular space system. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first lower frame having a plurality of first studs extending above an upper surface of the first lower frame is positioned on a support surface, for example, the floor. A plurality of posts extend longitudinally between the first lower frame and a second frame spaced from and aligned in parallel relationship to the first frame. The second frame has a plurality of second studs, each second stud having a first portion extending above an upper surface of the second frame and a second portion extending below a lower surface of the second frame. A bore is provided in a top and bottom surface of each of the posts. The bores are provided in the bottom surfaces of the posts to receive the first studs of the first lower frame while the bores in the top surfaces of the posts receive the second portions of the studs extending downward from the second frame. Planar members extend between the plurality of posts to define three sides of an enclosure having a substantially rectangular configuration. In a preferred embodiment, gliders are coupled to an inner surface of opposing sides of the enclosure to slidingly receive a set of drawers. In an alternative embodiment, a door is pivotally coupled between opposing surfaces of two of the posts to selectively allow access to the enclosure.
A plurality of longitudinal spacers having openings on opposite ends are received on the first portion of the second studs extending upward from the second frame. A third frame spaced from and aligned with the second frame has a plurality of third studs that extend below a lower surface of the third frame into the open top ends of the longitudinal spacers. The plurality of third studs also extend upward from an upper surface of the third frame to engage a second set of longitudinal spacers. In this manner, a selected number of frames and longitudinal spacers are coupled together to form a column of a selected height. Two or more columns assembled in this fashion may be laterally spaced from each other and coupled together by a planar member extending between the columns and resting on an upper surface of selected frames, thereby forming a work surface.
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Seed Intellectual Property Law Group PLLC
Wilkens Janet M.
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