Abstract:
A console structure for supporting equipment thereon, comprising a lower base structure; an upper turret structure supported on the base structure; the turret structure being independently laterally positionable relative to the base structure.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a framework for supporting pieces of work station equipment, and more particularly to a console structure for supporting electronic equipment in the nature of computers, video monitors, control panels and the like. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Control consoles of the type described herein generally include a framework for receiving and supporting the necessary pieces of electronic and support equipment including terminals, monitors, keyboards, switch panels, telephone turrets, lighting and so forth, and a planar work surface extending outwardly from the framework at a convenient height. Some of the equipment including video monitors and output displays is supported to be visible above the work surface for convenient viewing and user access. Attractive finishing panels are also usually supported by the basic framework. 
   To date, many work station consoles have been custom manufactured which in terms of design and construction is both expensive and time consuming. This approach has been necessitated by customer requirements that are often unique in terms of work station size, equipment placement, human engineering and cost considerations. In the result, the completed console structures are not only extremely expensive, but are also difficult if not impossible to subsequently modify for the reconfiguration of existing equipment or to retrofit new equipment. An alternative approach has been to assemble the consoles from fixed size modular sections. This approach can reduce costs, and although there may be some loss of flexibility with respect to subsequent modifications and reconfigurations of equipment within the console, there are simply many instances in which the cost savings outweigh the advantages of a system critically engineered to permit unlimited post-installation reconfiguration. Some flexibility must however remain. 
   A need therefore exists for a console structure which overcomes the problems inherent in either the custom design and manufacture or completely modular assembly of console structures. One such approach has been developed by the Applicant and is described in Canadian Patent 1,291,518 issued Oct. 29, 1991 (equivalent to U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,625). 
   The backbone of the console structure shown in the aforementioned patents are the horizontally spaced, vertically upright gable members  1 . The gables are interconnected by stringers  2  to provide a rigid framework for the console structure. The spacing between gables is infinitely variable so that the framework as a whole is easily adapted to custom requirements both before and after initial on-site assembly. Because most of the equipment in the console is supported by or suspended from the interconnecting stringers, changing the distance between gables is not in and of itself all that disruptive of the system as a whole and particularly the equipment mounting hardware, and this lends the overall structure enormous flexibility. This flexibility comes however at a cost. The gables are metal fabricated usually from tubular steel and are therefore relatively expensive to manufacture and store. The stringers are typically aluminum extrusions and are therefore relatively inexpensive linear stock easily stored, but significant numbers of different stringers of different shapes and configurations depending upon function are required and an idea of the number and types of stringers needed can be seen from  FIGS. 3 to 9  of the patent. This therefore also adds to cost and the need for significant inventory control. The need for this number of stringers is made necessary in part because the gables, as aforesaid, are almost entirely structural in function and integrate no channels, interlocks or other mechanical means that increase their versatility or allow them to perform multiple tasks. 
   The Applicant has found that although there will continue to be a strong demand for the flexibility and retrofit capabilities of its customized consoles, and for modular “discreet logic” systems that cost less, many customers now demand both flexability and lower cost. To achieve these objects, it is increasingly desirable to further reduce the number of components making up the console framework but in a way that the remaining components are analogous to building blocks that can be configured, assembled together and reconfigured for maximum design flexibility and adaptability. Taking this a step further, one way to reduce product cost is to reduce the cost of sales. Particularly in respect of customized product, an intense collaboration is normally required between the customer and the manufacturer, the customer and the sales agent or all three to conceive, design and implement the final system. This is an extremely expensive process. However, by applying relatively few easily understood and manipulated standard elements, the dealer and/or client can achieve near instantaneous design capabilities. Moreover, it is contemplated that customers and/or dealers will be given on-line access to a computer implemented layout and quoting system that is expected to significantly decrease the time and cost to configure the consoles to the customer&#39;s requirements, transmit the order to the factory and deliver the system to the client for assembly. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The Applicant has therefore developed a console system which is flexible enough to meet the demands of a custom environment, but wherein the number of components in the system is significantly reduced for cost savings. Many of the remaining components “multi-task”, assembly is made easier and less costly, and structural integrity is maintained. 
   The underlying concept of the present console system is that by dividing the console into positionally independent upper and lower halves, the level of variability and flexibility of configuration is substantially increased. This is achieved through the application of standard elements. 
   It is an object of the present invention therefore to provide a console structure comprising a relatively few basic components which can be easily assembled into a supporting framework for a wide variety of equipment pieces and shapes without modifications to the basic components themselves. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a console framework providing as much unimpeded space therein as possible to maximize the adaptability of the framework for the mounting of different pieces of equipment at different locations, and the ability to meet custom requirements using the same basic components. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a console framework upper turret half of the console that is independently positionable relative to the lower base half of the console. 
   According to the present invention then there is provided a console structure for supporting equipment thereon, comprising a lower base structure; an upper turret structure supported on said base structure; said turret structure being independently laterally positionable relative to said base structure. 
   According to the present invention then there is further provided a console structure for supporting equipment thereon, comprising a lower base structure, wherein said base structure comprises at least one base module, each base module comprising a pair of spaced apart frame ends; an upper stringer connected to and disposed between said frame ends; and a lower stringer connected to and disposed between said frame ends, the lower stringer being substantially parallel to the upper stringer and positioned beneath said upper stringer; a turret structure supported on said base structure, said turret structure comprising at least one turret module, each turret module comprising: a pair of spaced apart upper frame ends; and a beam member connected to and disposed between said upper frame ends; said turret structure being independently laterally positionable relative to said base structure. 
   According to the present invention then there is still further provided a method of positioning a turret structure relative to one or more base structures, said turret and base structures forming part of an equipment console used to support pieces of work station equipment, comprising the steps of forming the turret and base structures as discrete modules; and forming the turret structure to be connectable to said base structure at any point along the length of one of said base structures or straddling base structures arranged in end to end alignment with one another. 
   According to the present invention then there is yet further provided a method for the assembly of a framework for a console structure using discrete modules, comprising the steps of forming one or more base modules of a predetermined width, height and depth; forming one or more turret modules of a predetermined width, height and depth; assembling said base modules into a console base of predetermined width, height and depth; and mounting said one or more turret modules on said console base at a selected location or locations along the length of said console base. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail, and will be better understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the structural framework of a full depth console in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the console with finishing panels applied to the front rear and upper surfaces of the framework; 
       FIG. 3  is a partially exploded perspective view of the console; 
       FIG. 4  is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the console; 
       FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the console including some internal fitments; 
       FIG. 6  is a side elevational partially schematical view of the console; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a lower frame end forming part of the present console; 
       FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of a reduced depth framework for the present console; 
       FIG. 9  is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the reduced depth console; 
       FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of the reduced depth ventilation grill; 
       FIG. 11  is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a beam forming part of the turret structure of the present console; 
       FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view of a full depth console including finishing panels thereon; 
       FIG. 13  is a rear perspective view of a reduced depth console including finishing panels thereon; 
       FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view of a skirt finishing panel; 
       FIG. 15  is a front perspective view of a ventilation grill for the full depth console; 
       FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view of the full depth ventilation grill; 
       FIG. 17  is a front perspective view of a reduced depth ventilation grill for the present console; and 
       FIG. 18  is a bottom perspective view of the reduced depth ventilation grill. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   In order to accommodate various types of equipment and user requirements, the present invention is provided with a lower frame section and an upper turret section which are independently configurable relative to each other. The lower frame section can be configured to various lengths and depths to suit a user&#39;s requirements. Similarly, the upper turret section can also be configured to various lengths depending on the equipment and user requirements. Further, the length of the upper turret section is independent from the length of the lower frame section, and an upper turret section may span multiple lower frame sections, or a lower frame section may accommodate multiple upper turret sections. 
   The above flexibility is best illustrated with reference to the drawings. 
     FIG. 1  shows the internal components for a full depth console in accordance with the present invention. This console includes various structural subassemblies, including a base module  10 , a turret  40  and a work surface  60 . Each of these components is described in detail below. 
   One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a modular system in which the base is independent from the upper turret sections. In order to accommodate this modularity, base module  10  is assembled from a limited number of components, each sized and adapted to connect to other components within the system. 
   The core components of the base module are frame ends  12  and upper and lower stringers  14 / 16  connected together into a typically rectangular framework  11 . In the full depth console of  FIGS. 1 to 6 , two of these frames  11  are sistered together whereas in the reduced depth console of  FIGS. 8 to 10 , a single framework is used. 
   More specifically, and with particular reference to  FIG. 4 , each framework  11  includes two frame ends  12  connected typically but not necessarily at opposite ends of an upper stringer  14  and a lower stringer  16 . Frame end  12  is shown in isolation in  FIG. 7 . Each frame end  12  is preferably a partially lattice-like web defining a number of reinforcing ribs that provide structural strength while reducing weight. 
   Each frame end  12  is shaped to include a pair of upper protrusions  22  and a pair of slightly longer lower protrusions  24  which define between each pair a rectangular recess  28  shaped and sized to receive the ends of stringers  14 / 16  thereinto. A vertical flange  23  is located on each upper protrusion  22  to extend towards the centre of recess  28 . Similarly, a vertical flange  25  is located on each lower protrusion  24  to also extend towards the centre of recess  28 . As will be explained below, these flanges fit into correspondingly sized slits formed into the ends of the stringers to quickly and precisely connect the stringers and frame ends together. 
   Each frame end  12  further includes a number of pre-formed screw holes to accommodate the modularity of the present invention. These include gusset screw holes  26 , spline plate screw holes  30 , and cladding screw holes  31 . 
   As one skilled in the art will appreciate, frame ends  12  can be manufactured from any structurally sound material, including but not limited to wood or metal. In a preferred embodiment however frame ends  12  are injection moulded from structural foam. 
   Base module  10  further includes an upper stringer  14  and a lower stringer  16  located between each pair of frame ends  12 . Upper and lower stringers  14  and  16  respectively are preferably formed sheet metal channels that are identical to one another to save manufacturing and storage costs. Uppers and lower stringers  14  and  16  are best seen in  FIGS. 1 to 4 . 
   For the sake of modularity, upper stringers  14  and lower stringers  16  are preferably manufactured in predefined discrete lengths of 2, 4 and 6 feet (approximately 30, 60 and 90 cm). 
   The ends of upper stringer  14  fit into recesses  28  between upper protrusions  22  of frame ends  12  with slits in the ends of the stringer fitting together with flanges  23 . The height of the rails  15  of upper stringer  14  is the same as the height of protrusions  22  for a flush fit with the top of frames  12 . 
   Lower stringer  16  is similarly configured so that its ends fit into the recesses  28  between protrusions  24  of opposite frame ends  12  for a snap fit with vertical flanges  25 . 
   Upper and lower stringers  14  and  16  are more securely and permanently affixed to frame ends  12  using gussets  18  seen most clearly in  FIGS. 4 and 9 . Each stringer  14  or  16  includes preformed screw holes  17  adjacent its ends for connection of the gussets to the sides of these stringers. Gussets  18  are then connected to frame ends  12  by screws or bolts that are threaded into gusset screw holes  26 . 
   The stringers are also provided with a number of spaced apart apertures  19  that are particularly useful for the passage of cabling and the like. 
   In order to prevent deflection and to provide further structural support, upper stringer  14  can be supported every two feet by an intermediate column  20 . Thus a four foot stringer  14  will have one intermediate column  20  at its midpoint, and a six foot stringer  14  may have two intermediate columns  20  that are located two feet from either frame end  12 . 
   Intermediate columns  20  are connected between upper stringer  14  and lower stringer  16  such as by means of threaded fasteners using screw holes that are preferably preformed in the stringers as shown in  FIG. 4 . In addition to providing structural support, columns  20  also serve as points of connection for doors, finishing panels, mounts for fixed and sliding shelves and other fitments as will be described below. As seen most clearly in  FIG. 4 , columns  20  are mounted between the web portions of stringers  14 / 16  when intended primarily to provide structural support or as connecting points for shelf hardware, and between the rail portions of the stringers when they are to serve as supports for doors and panels mounted to the front of the base module as seen most clearly in  FIG. 1 . 
   Base module  10  thus comprises a frame in which the height and depth are predetermined, but for which the width can be selected to accommodate user requirements. 
   In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , two base frames  11  are sistered together to create a full depth base module. This is easily accomplished using spline plates  32  to connect two frame ends  12  together, as best seen in  FIGS. 1 to 6 . Spline plates  32  are attached using screws or bolts which are threaded into spline plate screw holes  30 . Spline plates  32  can be used on one or both sides of the frame ends. 
   Full depth modules can be used to accommodate equipment such as full size video monitors which are deeper than the depth of a single base module. 
   Levelling screws  39  adjustably screwed into protrusions  24  to allow the base module  10  to rest squarely on irregular floors. Support feet  34  seen most clearly in  FIGS. 1 and 3  are affixed adjacent the ends of lower stringer  16  to provide stability to the console and to prevent the console from tipping forwards. Each support foot  34  preferably includes a bracket  35  which connects to forwardmost lower stringer  16  such as by means of screws, a forwardly extending foot portion  36  extending from bracket  35 , and a connecting screw/nut  37  which joins bracket  35  to foot portion  36 . 
   In some instances, the upper surface of the base module might be finished very simply with a panel to be used as a work or support surface. In most instances however, the base module will support a turret  40  for video and CRT displays, communications and switch gear and other equipment. There follows therefore a description of turret  40 . 
   Turret  40  is to be affixed above base module  10 . One of the advantages of the present console structure is that base module  10  and turret  40  do not necessarily need to correspond in width with each other. Turret  40  can be wider or narrower than base module  10 , or a turret can overlap several base modules  10 , or multiple turrets can fit over a single base module  10 . Further, space over a base module  10  that is unused by a turret  40  can be covered with a work surface. 
   The basic components of the turret are a pair of upper frame ends  42  and a beam  44  connected therebetween. Like lower frames  12 , the upper frames are preferably injection moulded from structural foam and are formed with a number of reinforcing ribs to provide strength and rigidity. 
   The lower end of each upper frame  42  is formed with a pair of spaced apart protrusions  43  that fit between rails  15  of upper stringer  14 , and can be affixed to upper stringer  14  using bolts or screws. The lower surfaces  44  of the upper frames extending laterally outwardly from the upper ends of protrusions  43  rest on the top surface of the rails, and can be connected to the rails with bolts or screws for further strength and stability. The stringer rails  15  are formed with regularly spaced detentes  9  and associated preformed screw holes for connection of the upper frame at selected locations. The spacing between detentes is typically 2 feet but this can be varied if required. Each detente is sufficiently wide and includes enough preformed screw holes to permit the installation of two side by side upper frames for turrets of extended length. 
   Each upper frame  42  can be moulded with a number of screw holes to facilitate connection to other components. These will include screw holes  50 , seen most clearly in  FIG. 6 , used to connect work surface support arms  62  to the turret. 
   Between each pair of upper frame ends  42  is affixed beam  44 . Beam  44  is preferably an aluminium extrusion, and like upper and lower stringers  14  and  16  it can be manufactured in a number of standard lengths of 2, 4 or 6 feet. The selection of beam length determines the width of each turret module, and this width can be independent from the width of the base module or modules  10  supporting the turret. 
   Beam  44  is connected to upper frame ends  42  using valance end caps  48  as best seen in  FIG. 1 . 
   Beam  44  is shown in cross-section in  FIG. 11 . The beam is used to support equipment front panels  140  that fit over monitor screens to trim the space between the screens and the console. The beam is adapted as shown in  FIG. 11  to engage the correspondingly shaped upper end of each frame  42 . 
   Beam  44  and end caps  48  are also used to support another aluminum extrusion  46  which houses a task light (not shown) to illuminate work surface  60 . 
   The present console structure preferably also includes a work surface  60 . Work surface  60  is a flat surface extending forwardly of base module  10  and is connected to upper frame ends  42  by means of work surface support arms  62  as described above. Work surface  60  can include a padded nosing  64  for a user&#39;s comfort. 
   Once base module  10  and turret  40  are configured, various internal fitments can be added to the console depending on user and equipment requirements. Examples of fitments are illustrated in  FIG. 5 , which shows a monitor shelf  81 , upper rack mounts  82 , a sliding shelf  84 , a fixed processor shelf  86  and a lower rack mount  88 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that other internal fitments are possible. 
   The internal fitments attach to upper and lower stringers  14  and  16  in a like manner, at discreet intervals. This ability to add different internal fitments allows the present console structure to be easily adapted to user requirements and facilitates re-engineering and reconfiguration of the console structure if those requirements change over time. 
   Any combination of base modules  10 , turrets  40 , desk tops and corner units can be placed together depending on design requirements. The ends of all of the modules, including any corners, are consistent, allowing for reconfiguration. This flexibility using standard components provides cost savings in the design stage, as well as in manufacturing and storage. 
   Further reconfiguration, which is often necessary, is easier in the present system, since turret components can be changed without changing the lower base module  10 . Also, a full depth base can be turned into a reduced depth base easily, and the reverse is also true. This has the advantage that when migrating or reconfiguring from a full to a reduced depth console, the omitted frame can be used as the base frame for a second reduced depth base module. 
   The present console is further provided with finishing panels that can be affixed to the external surface. These finishing panels can best be seen in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  12  to  18 . 
   The finishing panels comprise a series of standard sized panels, including skirt panels  100 , ventilation grills  110 , and side panels  120 . 
   Skirt panels  100  are affixed to the front and rear surfaces of the present console structure. In a preferred embodiment, skirt panels  100  are 2 feet wide and can be affixed to any base module  10 . When base module  10  is wider than two feet, the skirt panels are affixed between frame ends  12  and intermediate columns  20 . Panels  100  can be injection moulded to include the internal ribbed structure shown in  FIG. 14  to provide strength and rigidity and various pre-formed screw holes, slots and openings for fasteners and to attach hinges, clips, mounting hardware and so forth. 
   The height of skirt panels  100  is slightly less than the height of frame ends  12 , allowing skirt panels  100  to be installed under work surface  60  at the front of the present console structure, and allowing two skirt panels  100  to be mounted in vertical alignment atop one another, thus covering the entire rear surface of a console having a turret structure. Further, to accommodate this panel stacking, the top of the lower skirt panel  100  can be adapted to secure against the bottom of the upper skirt panel  100  by including protrusions in the upper edge of the bottom panel that fit into recesses in the lower edge of the upper skirt panel. 
   Skirt panels  100  can function as doors if connected to base module  10  using hinges  102 , as best seen in  FIG. 3 . Preferred hinges are the European style zero clearance hinges such as the BLUM 1090° model. The skirt panels are preformed with the circular recesses  104  required for this type of hinge, and the hinge stalks can be secured to end frames  12  or columns  20 , as the case may be using screw holes preformed in these components. 
   The turret portion of the console is enclosed using a skirt panel  100  connected to a ventilation grill  110 . There are two sizes of ventilation grill  110 , the full depth version illustrated in  FIGS. 3 ,  15  and  16 , and the reduced depth version shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . 
   With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 6 , each grill  110  is respectively connected to an upper skirt panel  100  using a stiffening bracket  112 . Stiffener  112  attaches to preformed screw holes  114  along the inside edges of grill  110  and to similar screw holes  121  in the inner surface of skirt panel  100 , holding the two at a pre-defined angle to each other. A spacer  119  can be used to keep the correct spacing between the cladding but is not essential and this element can be deleted. The forward edge of grill  110  is formed into an elongated circular bead  126  that fits into a correspondingly shaped channel  125  in beam  44  to act as a hinge line so that each grill/skirt panel assembly can be pivoted between an open and closed position. To hold the assembly in an open position allowing access to the turret&#39;s interior, known mechanisms such as gas-filled struts can be used or the rachet mechanism  117  shown most clearly in  FIG. 6 . This is a commercially available system and need not therefore be described in great detail herein, but the system includes a first bracket  113  that connects adjacent to the top of upper frame  42 , a second bracket  116  that connects to stiffener  112  and a rachet  118  that connects between the two brackets. The advantage of this system is that it allows the cladding to be opened a selected amount and then positively locked into that position for safety. Gas struts are however simpler and cheaper and will likely be preferred by many users. 
   Side panels  120  are used at the ends of the console structure, and are affixed to end frames  12  and upper end frames  42 . Side panels  120  are illustrated in  FIG. 12  for a full depth console and in  FIG. 13  for a reduced depth console. 
   In an alternative embodiment where a base having a flat work surface is placed at the end of a console structure having both a base and a turret, side panel  120  will be split accordingly. 
   In operation, a console can be quickly and easily designed using the above-described components. The base modules  10  can be created for optimum layout and to best use the floor space available in accordance with user requirements and turrets can be mounted as needed anywhere along the length of the base modules. Further, depending on the type of equipment to be placed within the console, the designer can choose a reduced or a full depth structure. Hybrids are also possible, for example a full depth base module supporting two oppositely facing turrets. 
   Further, corners can also be added to the present console structure by using corner sections in a manner well known in the console art. 
   Although the present invention has been described in detail with regard to the preferred embodiment thereof, one skilled in the art will easily realize that other versions are possible, and that the invention is only intended to be limited in scope by the following claims.