Modular support system

A modular support system for use as structure to support wired and unwired equipment with integrated wire management is disclosed. The system includes different parts which can be assembled in a variety of ways to produce different configurations. The system also includes provisions for managing and concealing all of the wires, chords and lines associated with office and entertainment products.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention.

The present invention is directed toward a modular support device. The invention is intended for use as a workstation support structure and allows variable placement of wired equipment and non-wired equipment within a workspace. In addition to wired devices such as personal computer systems, the invention is also useful for supporting various workspace components such as work-surfaces, shelving, and lighting. The invention includes modular components that can be added to form complex support structures meeting various workspace functionality and design objectives. As a modular system, the invention can be used in a wide range of fields and applications. The home office, corporate office, and home entertainment center are examples of where the invention can be applied.

2. Background of the Invention.

Most electronic equipment on the market today is dependent on some kind of structural support for proper user interface and functionality. Computers, monitors, keyboards, computer speakers, scanners, fax machines, and various other electronic equipment common in many homes and offices require proper support for use within a workspace. Except for highly specialized applications, these support devices usually take the form of furnishings or furniture related products and accessories.

Today, workspaces such as corporate office space, home office space, and home entertainment centers are heavily populated with wired devices and equipment. Wired equipment has increasingly become part of the landscape in homes and offices alike. In retrospect, the electronic revolution is a relatively recent development in the long history of the furniture industry, and has placed a great burden upon it in recent times. For centuries, office workers worked with paper and other media with the freedom to position and interface with their work however they chose on their work-surface, a work-surface uncluttered by bulky electronic equipment and tangled wires. The term “wire” as used throughout this specification and claims, includes wires, lines, cables, chords or any other device that can transmit any signal or any form of power, unless otherwise specifically specified or limited.

With the advent of wired input and output devices however, workers were now for the first time in history forced to work in a fixed and stationary position. Due to the relatively recent implementation of such technology, adverse health effects associated with stationary input and output devices have emerged. It has become apparent and widely accepted that working with wired equipment in a stationary or fixed position for extended periods of time can pose health risks to the user. Providing a method for dynamic and variable placement of wired equipment within a workspace allows users the freedom to routinely shift their working positions which can alleviate some of the health risks.

It is widely understood among those skilled in the art that implementing such functionality within a workspace will likely reduce heath risks associated with working in fixed positions for extended periods of time or on a routine basis. The capability to dynamically place and configure wired equipment can also help to better utilize workspace area, thus allowing users to function more effectively and efficiently.

Prior art, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,334, provide for dynamic and variable placement of wired equipment by permitting rotation of attached equipment about a single vertical axis; vertical placement is also variable within defined increments along the vertical length of the support device. Several other patents such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,562,987 and 4,783,036 also disclose devices useful for dynamically placing wired equipment, but require a pre-existing workstation for proper functionality. Such devices pose significant drawbacks and limitations when implemented within common workspace environments. The prior art fails to adequately address important workspace issues such as wire management and workspace integration.

Using known devices, achieving adequate ergonomics and wire management within a workspace requires the implementation of untraditional, specialized, and dedicated support devices that are typically very mechanical or unusual in appearance, offering very little if any workspace integration. Though these support devices may be acceptable in some workspace environments, they are often unsuitable for use in most traditional workspace areas. Because of drawbacks like the exposed wire management, poor appearance, and lack of workspace integration, the prior art devices have had limited acceptance and use. Users are therefore deprived of even the basic ergonomic functionality present in the prior art.

It is important for a support device to provide good wire management when placing wired equipment such that wires do not become environmental hazards or detract aesthetically from the workspace and surrounding environment. The appearance of a workspace object may also be significantly altered when wires are not concealed and hidden from view. The prior art does not, and cannot conceal wires. Thus, if wires are managed at all, they must be managed externally with dedicated wire management devices which con sequentially become an external element and feature of the support device, the workstation, and surrounding environment.

Wire exposure always detracts from the aesthetic qualities of a workspace. Exposed wires spoil the efforts of workspace designers and planners who do their best to create an attractive and safe work or entertainment environment. The exposed wires and external wire management systems typical of prior art is simply not acceptable in a significant number of environments.

Wires also can dangerous to people and pets. For instance, a person may trip on a wire resulting in personal injury, or equipment damage. Exposed wires also place children and pets at risk to accidental strangulation or other injuries, or electrocution.

The prior art teaches devices that are intended as a supplement to preexisting workspace equipment, offering little if any workspace integration. That is, they are add-on devices with a one-size-fits-all approach to implementing workspace ergonomics. Such devices thus add to workspace clutter and reduce useable space.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a modular support system that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to the limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a modular support system with integrated wire management.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular support system that conceals and protects wires.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a work space environment with minimal wire exposure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular support system that allows dynamic movement of equipment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular support system that allows equipment to be rotated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular support system that allows equipment to be rotated while internally routing wires.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular support system that allows any desirable configuration to be assembled using a set of basic building blocks.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular support system that is easily expandable and can easily be modified.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular support system that is both functional and asthetically pleasing.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the modular support system includes a modular support system comprising a column, a cover disposed radially outward of a joining member; the joining member being disposed radially outward of the column, and the joining member associating the cover with the column, wherein the modular support system is capable of concealing and managing wires.

In another aspect the invention includes a modular support system comprising a joining member having an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion designed to engage the column, the outer portion having an outer surface, wherein the inner portion is capable of engaging a column, the outer portion is capable of engaging a cover or a support unit, the interior of the joining member is capable of accommodating wires.

In another aspect, the invention includes a kit of parts comprising a column, a joining member having an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion having a surface capable of mating with the column and the outer portion having a surface capable of mating with other components, a support unit capable of being mounted on the joining member, a bracket capable of supporting an accessory; and a cover.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanitory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention includeds a modular support system and the components which make up the system. The system can assume many different configurations. A possible configuration100using two modular supports110and120, is shown in

FIG.1. In addition to the two modular supports110and120, the configuration also includes a work surface112, an additional pedestal leg114, and a table leg116. Both the pedestal leg114and the table leg116can be conventional legs or those legs could be wider and thinner versions, respectively, of the modular support system. The configuration is ergonomically designed for computer use. Accordingly, a monitor130, a keyboard132, a CPU134, and a printer136are all properly placed for functional, as well as, aesthetic reasons.

FIG. 1Ashows another possible configuration154. This configuration includes a single modular support156in a stand alone mode.

FIG. 2shows an exploded view of a modular support150. AlthoughFIG. 2shows just one possible exemplary arrangement of a modular support, it should be noted that the invention includes any number of different arrangements of the various parts which make up the modular support and any desired arrangement of those parts is clearly contemplated by the invention.

The modular support150, starting from the bottom and proceeding to top, includes a foot500, covers300, joining members200, and a support unit400. These various components of the modular support150are all associated in some way to column160. Column160extends longitudinally though a portion of the device. The preferred embodiment, as shown inFIG. 2, contemplates a column160that extends throughout the entire length of the modular support150. These various components will later be discussed in detail. For now, these basic components which make up the modular support150help the modular support150support various accessories, such as work surfaces, shelving, lighting, and support arms, while at the same time, providing integrated and concealed wire management.

The wire management feature will be discussed in greater detail throughout the remainder of the specification, but as an introduction, notice how, inFIG. 2, the wires162run though an internal cavity175defined by the covers300, the joining members200, and the support unit400. Notice also, how apertures170are made to allow entry and exit of the wires from the internal cavity175. So, when the modular support150is fully assembled, it provides both support for various accessories and an integrated and concealed wire management system.

As noted above, all of the various parts of the modular support150are associated with the column160. Preferably, the various parts are rigidly associated with the column160. An exemplary embodiment of the modular support150includes the use of a joining member200. As shown inFIGS. 2,3A, and3B, the joining member200is designed to tightly grip the column160, while at the same time, providing a mounting surface for various other members, for example, the covers300and the support unit400. In other words, the joining member200is used to connect various other members to the column160.

As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, which is a top view of a joining member200, the joining member200includes an outer portion202and an inner portion204.

The outer surface210of the outer portion202is designed to mate with various other members. As shown inFIGS. 4A-E, the outer surface210can preferably include projections212which mate with various grooves214formed on the other members. Also shown inFIGS. 4A-E, are multiple, alternative, shapes of mating surfaces. Clearly, the number of projections and corresponding grooves could be changed as necessary and the geometry of the projections, for example, square or triangular, could also be changed according to preference. The invention also contemplates the use of opposing roughened surfaces, and the use of high friction surfaces. For example, a rubber sleeve could be disposed between the outer member and the joining member200.

Returning toFIGS. 3A and 3B, the inner portion204preferably includes provisions for securely holding a column160and provisions for guiding wires. The inner portion204includes a joining member aperture250. The joining member aperture250is sized to fit snuggly over a column160. The column, shown in FIG.2andFIG. 5, is preferably a standard indexed column with regularly spaced grooves270disposed about the axial length of the column160. An exemplary embodiment of the joining member aperture250includes a rib252, disposed on the inner surface of the joining member aperture250, that projects radially inward toward the center of the joining member aperture250, and engages the groove270on the column160, as shown in FIG.3D. The rib252provides additional axial support for the joining member200and helps to prevent the joining member from slipping axially along the column160under load.

The joining member200preferably includes a hinge at some point along the periphery of the joining member200, and a corresponding opening at another point spaced from the hinge point to allow the joining member to open and close. A hinge260is preferably disposed near the inner portion204. A seam262is preferably disposed opposite the hinge260. The seam262can be of any configuration, but a lap joint263is preferred where one side264of the joining member200overlaps the other side268. A fastening hole266is preferably placed in the region of overlap. As shown inFIGS. 3A,3B, and3E, the fastening hole266preferably extends radially and through the-overlapping portions of both sides264and268of the joining member.

The fastening hole266can also be offset to increase the radial squeezing force of the joining member200on column160. As shown inFIG. 3E, the offset fastening hole266is preferably constructed in the following manner. When the joining member200is fully closed, the fastening hole266A on one side264does not line up with the fastening hole266B on the other side268. In order to align the two portions266A and266B of fastening hole266, the joining member200must be squeezed or compressed beyond its normal fully closed condition. When the joining member200is sufficiently squeezed, one portion of the fastening hole266A will align with the other portion of fastening hole266B thus allowing the insertion of a fastener. Preferably, an elongate fastener would be used, like a tack, nail, rivet, screw, or pin. An exemplary embodiment includes a threaded fastener like a screw, either self tapping or with a corresponding nut.

The inner portion204of the joining member200also includes a fillet280. The fillet is smoothly curved, both circumferentially and axially. The fillet280prevents wires from getting wedged-or tangled between the inner portion204and the outer portion202. The fillet280also helps to keep the wires running in the large interior of the joining member200.

FIG. 3Cshows an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the joining members200are radially outward of the support unit400and the cover300. Correspondingly, the mating surface.210of this type of joining member faces radially inward, as opposed to radially outward as in the embodiment n shown inFIGS. 3A,3B, and3D. This embodiment of the joining member200also has a visible surface280which is preferably flush with cover300and support unit400. This is in contrast to the other embodiment shown inFIGS. 3A,3B, and3D, where no portion of the joining member200is visible when the system is assembled.

FIG. 6shows a preferred embodiment of a cover300. The cover300can be formed as any suitable shape, but the preferred shape is cylindrical. Preferably, the cover300, which can vary in length, is constructed as two parts302and304, and joined by a hinge306. The cover300has an inner diameter308designed to match the outer diameter of the joining member200. Preferably, the inner surface310has a suitable number and configuration of grooves and/or projections as shown inFIGS. 4A-Eto mate with the outer surface of joining member200. The seam312opposite the hinge308can be joined in any suitable way. Preferably however, the cover has an offset overlapping joint314similar to that disclosed above for the preferred joining member200. The invention contemplates the use of at least one fastening aperture320and corresponding fastener322for the cover seam312. The cover300can also include cover apertures330of any suitable size or shape to accommodate the entry and exit of wires from the interior of the cover to the exterior.

The support unit400, shown inFIGS. 7-10, performs several functions. It allows the attachment of several items and provides integrated wire management and concealment to and from those items. The support unit400, shown inFIGS. 7-10, is preferably similar in construction to the joining member200and the cover300. The support unit400can preferably include two portions402and404. Preferably, these two portions bilaterally divide the support unit400in half and preferably include a hinge406and an opposing seam408.

While the exterior of the support unit can assume any desired shape, a portion405(seeFIG. 8) of the interior of the support unit400is preferably designed to mate with the exterior of the joining member200in an manner similar to the way the cover300mates with the exterior of the joining member200, as previously disclosed: SeeFIGS. 3C and 3D. For clarity, those mating portions are not shown inFIGS. 7 and 11.

Preferably, the seam407can have two designs, one being similar to the offset overlapping joint previously disclosed for the joining member and the cover300or, the second, being similar in design as the overlapped joint previously disclosed for both the joining member200and the cover300, but with one exception: the support unit400seam407is preferably not offset. In other words, when the support unit400is in its fully closed condition, then the two portions of the fastening aperture408which are disposed in portions402and404are aligned. Both the cover300and the joining member200are preferably squeezed beyond their respective fully closed positions to tightly grip their associated supports. However, the support unit400, in contrast, snuggly fits around an associated joining member200without tightly gripping the joining member200. This allows the support member400to rotate. Of course, if rotation is not desirable, and a fixed rotation support unit400is needed, an offset, overlapped version of the joint would be used.

A preferred embodiment of the invention also contemplates provisions for attaching accessories to the modular support150. Preferably, brackets would extend outward from the modular support150to hold various objects. The brackets can be attached to any of the parts of the modular support150. An exemplary embodiment of the invention, shown inFIG. 11, contemplates at least one bracket500attached to the support unit400. Preferably, the bracket500is constructed of two bracket arms502and504. The bracket arms502and504each terminate in a respective mounting member506and508. The mounting members506and508are designed to mount onto the support member400. Preferably, the support member400includes provisions for accommodating mounting members506and508. The invention prefers the use of a receiver420to accommodate mounting member506and second receiver422to accommodate mounting member508. The receivers420and422can also include a shoulder424(the shoulder of receiver422is hidden and not shown, but is similar in design to shoulder424). The shoulder424helps to prevent the bracket500from slipping with respect to the support unit400.

FIGS. 12A-Fshow an exemplary embodiment of the invention which includes provisions for pivoting the bracket500in place. The mounting members506and508are designed to enter receivers420and422in the manner shown in FIG.12A. AlthoughFIGS. 12A-Fshow an apparently oval mounting member508and although an oval mounting member508could be used,.the invention preferably uses the mounting members506and508which are circular with a flattened portion. The apparent oval shape inFIGS. 12A-Fis an exaggerated shape which shows the principle of the invention more clearly than the preferred flattened circular shape.FIGS. 12A-Fshow assembly views and enlarged views of the interaction between bracket arm504and receiver422. Bracket arm502and receiver420would experience a similar interaction. The bracket504is fed radially into the receiver422and then is pivoted. This pivoting motion forces the wider portions of the mounting member508to engage the walls of receiver422. This has the effect of tightly engaging bracket arm504to support unit400. The bracket arms502and504could also be slid vertically into receivers420and422, respectively, as shown in FIG.11. The two brackets506and508are then bolted together at any suitable location radially outward of the support unit400.FIG. 11shows the mounting members506and508in a radially outwardly facing condition. This orientation is opposite the orientation shown inFIGS. 12A-F. The invention contemplates the use of both orientations, but prefers the orientation shown inFIGS. 12A-Fbecause that orientation results in a smoother, more integrated look when the bracket500is attached to the support unit400.

The receivers420and422are preferably disposed on either side of opening430. This configuration allows the support member interior432to communicate with the bracket interior510. Thus, wires and lines running through the bracket interior510can enter and exit the support member interior432via the opening430.

The brackets500can include bracket covers that help to contain and conceal wires and enhance the appearance of the device. As shown inFIG. 12G, bracket500can include an upper cover550, a lower cover552, and a forward cover554. The covers can be attached to the bracket500in any suitable way. The upper cover550and the lower cover552can have rounded end portions556and558respectively. These rounded end portions556and558allow the covers550and552to accommodate the curvature of the support member400when the bracket500is attached to the support member400(seeFIG. 2). All of the bracket covers550,552; and554can have apertures560,562and564, respectively, located at any convenient location. These apertures provide access to the interior of bracket500and permit the entry and exit of wires from the interior of the bracket500to the exterior.

The bracket500can be used to support a variety of items and accessories. For example, as shown inFIG. 13, a bracket500is used to support a keyboard tray530. The bracket500can include provisions for associating the bracket500to the keyboard tray530. Preferably, a flange532mounted on one or both of the bracket arms502or504is used The flange532can include holes534which may be used in conjunction with suitable mechanical connectors to bolt or fasten the keyboard tray530to the bracket500.

FIG. 14shows a bracket500supporting a platform surface570. The platform surface570can be of any size, including a suitable size to support a monitor or television.FIG. 16shows two long brackets580and582which are used to support a table top surface584. Obviously, because the bracket500can be of any suitable length, the bracket500can be made short enough to create a book shelf surface586(see FIG.15).

Caps can be placed at the top of a modular support and bases or feet can be placed at the bottom of a modular support.FIG. 17shows a preferred cap600. The cap600includes an inner end portion602designed to mate with the inner surface of a cover300or a support unit400. The inner end portion602can be similar in design as the outer surface of the joining member200. The outer end portion604can be any desired shape. The preferred rounded and cylindrical shape is shown in FIG.17. Another possible embodiment of the outer end portion604is flat, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 1A. The flat design provides a convenient surface for lamps and other accessories, as shown in FIG.1. The cap600can also include suitable mounting devices, such as bolt holes, slots, Velcro or magnets to assist in securely holding accessories placed on top of the cap600. The cap600prevents dust and debris from entering into the interior of the modular support. The cap600also enhances the overall appearance of the modular support.

Another possible component of the system is an attaching member. The attaching member, which can have any number of shapes or designs, is intended to join the modular support system to other items. A preferred design for the attaching member700is shown inFIGS. 18 and 19. The preferred attaching member700, includes a flange702. An exemplary embodiment of the attaching member700includes flange apertures704which are designed to receive fasteners (not shown). The fasteners are used to rigidly associate the flange702, and thus the modular support system156to the desired item. Of course, flange apertures704are not needed if another type of attachment method is used, for example, an adhesive. The flange700also preferably includes provisions to interface with the rest of the system. The preferred interface is similar to that of the cap600or the support unit400previously described. The attaching member700can be used in a variety of ways. The following are some possible applications contemplated by the invention. The attaching member700could be used as a base for a hutch unit, which could include cabinets or shelves, that is supported over a desk surface. In this case, the attaching member700could be joined to the desk surface. Another possible application could be as a bottom mount of a shelf or platform. In this case, the attaching member700would be joined to the bottom of the shelf or platform and the shelf or platform would be used to support various items, such as a monitor, a telephone, or any other piece of equipment. The attaching member700could also serve as a foot or the very bottom of a modular support. If used in this application, the attaching member700could be joined to the floor, to prevent movement, or could be detached from the floor, thereby allowing movement.

The system can also include a base or foot. In addition to the wide base type foot500shown inFIG. 2, and the attaching member700, shown inFIG. 19, other different configurations are also contemplated by the invention.FIGS. 20 and 21show another preferred embodiment of the modular support system's foot. The preferred foot800includes provisions for managing wires, associating with the column160(see FIG.2), and helping to level the modular support system.

Like other components which are a part of the modular support system, the preferred foot800includes a foot mating surface802which is designed to integrate with other components. Preferably, the mating surface802is designed to mate with a cover300(seeFIG. 2) or any other component which has an interior mating surface. For comparison, a schematic representation of a joining member is shown above the foot800. The joining member shown inFIGS. 20 and 21is a schematic with some of the internal details omitted for clarity.

The preferred foot800includes at least one foot aperture804. This aperture allows wires to enter and exit the interior of the system. In addition, the preferred foot800also includes an end piece806. The end piece806is preferably threaded and attached to the foot800via a tapped hole808. The tapped hole808is preferably formed in a spanning portion810of the foot800. Spaced from the tapped hole808, on spanning portion810, the column hole812is used to attach the preferred foot800to the column160. Although the tapped hole808can be placed anywhere along spanning portion810or at another location, a position near the center of foot800is preferred. The column160is preferably tapped and column fastener814preferably extends through column hole812and engages the tapped hole in column160. The spanning portion810may be ribbed to provide additional strength.

Because the end piece806is threaded, the end piece806can be used as a conventional leveling device. The rotation of the end piece806allows the bottom of the system to assume different distances or clearances between the bottom of the system and the floor. The bottom of the system will usually be the axially lower portion816of foot800, however, the lower portion of the cover could also be the bottom of the system if the bottom edge of the cover extends below the axially lower a portion816of foot800. In any case, the end piece can806can be used to control the spacing between the bottom of the system and the floor. The invention prefers that a suitable clearance remain between the bottom of the system and the floor to allow wires to extend underneath the bottom of the system, as shown in FIG.20.

This preferred arrangement for the foot800allows the wires to enter and exit the interior of the system by extending through aperture804and through a clearance created between the bottom of the system and the floor by an end piece806which also provides a leveling function.

The disclosed components comprise the basic building blocks of the invention Any of the various components can be used either singularly or with other components. Also, any of the features of the invention can be used alone or in combination with other features of the invention.