Console having cabinet and support structure

The present invention relates to a framework for supporting pieces of work station equipment, and in particular to a console structure for supporting electronic equipment such as computers, video displays, control panels and the like. The present disclosure provides a console structure generally comprising a cabinet structure and a support structure. The cabinet structure generally defines an interior space for receiving equipment, whereas the support structure is typically disposed at the back side of the cabinet and extends above the cabinet for supporting equipment on the exterior of the cabinet. In at least one embodiment, the console has reduced dimensions to provide enhanced downward sightlines over the console. Furthermore, in at lease one embodiment, the interior dimensions of the cabinet structure are maximized by providing a cabinet frame comprised of one or more compact frame members.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a framework for supporting pieces of work station equipment, and in particular to a console structure for supporting electronic equipment such as computers, video displays, control panels and the like.

BACKGROUND

Consoles are known in the art. One class of console generally comprises a framework that defines at least one lower cabinet for receiving and supporting equipment, such as computer and other electronic equipment. Consoles are used in a variety of different applications, including in control rooms, on trading floors, and in operations centers. Consoles are typically used in the place of generic office equipment as consoles offer several advantages. A first advantage is that consoles provide an enhanced human machine interface by positioning equipment in the most useful and efficient positions. Consoles are often purpose-built for use in a specific application. A second advantage of consoles is that they can be adapted to receive large amounts of equipment at each work station.

One type of console generally known in the art is designed for use in observation or control type applications where there is a need for a person positioned at the console to see over the console. There may be a need to see over the console at a downward angle when the console is positioned at a vertically elevated position to provide superior viewpoints. A console that affords good sightlines over the console is sometimes referred to as a “low profile” console. A low profile console may be suitable for use on a bridge of a ship, in a prison control room, on a trading floor, or in an air traffic control tower. Consoles of this type generally comprise a lower cabinet and a work surface disposed on or above the cabinet. The work surface can be used for any number of purposes including, among other things, to support various types of equipment, such as displays, keyboards, telephones, turrets, printers and writing surfaces. Some existing consoles define a receiving portion at or in the work surface for partly or wholly receiving a display or other piece of equipment. The positioning of the display partly or wholly in the receiving portion reduces or eliminates the height by which the display extends above the work surface, thereby providing an operator with a better sightline over the display and console. Other consoles support one or more displays wholly above the work surface. For example, some consoles have a support structure disposed at or near the rear side of the console on which a display or other equipment can be mounted. One example is shown inFIGS. 7A and 8A. Known types of support structures include mounting rails, and low rising mounting walls such as a slatwalls or pegboards.

Previous consoles have been designed to ensure ergonomic standards were met with respect to a seated person for issues such as knee well space and work surface height. Continuous improvements have been made to previous consoles to allow for the work surface to be raised and lowered, allowing the person the option to either sit or stand at their respective workstations. However, the fundamental console design of emulating a desk has not changed.

One general limitation of known low profile consoles is that the height, depth, or combination of height and depth of the consoles restricts the downwardly directed sightlines of an operator over the console. For example, a person's downward sightlines will improve as the depth of the console is reduced. Similarly, the downward sightlines will also improve as the height of the console is reduced. However, a number of requirements have generally limited the amount by which the dimensions of consoles have been reduced. Although a reduction in the size of a console would increase the sightlines over the console, other practicalities generally come into play. For instance, the need for equipment storage and cable management is usually a limitation. If the dimensions of a console are reduced by too much, the console may not be capable of receiving all of the necessary equipment. Furthermore, many existing consoles have large or otherwise bulky frame members that reduce the amount of available space within the console.

Another practicality is that the top side of most consoles serves as a work surface, meaning that the top of the console must be at an ergonomically acceptable level. Therefore reducing the height of a console below a certain point has not been a practical option in the past.

For the foregoing reasons, it can be appreciated that a need exists for a console that maximizes its available interior space. There is also a need for a console with reduced outer dimensions but that still possesses all of the functionality required in a console such as the accommodation and efficient positioning of all of the required equipment. A need also exists for a console that provides improved sightlines over the console without significantly compromising equipment storage and support capabilities. A need also exists for a console that is capable of supporting heavy loads.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a console structure for supporting equipment and other accessories. The console structure comprises a cabinet structure and a support structure. The cabinet structure generally defines an interior space for receiving equipment, whereas the support structure is typically disposed at the back side of the cabinet and extends above the cabinet for supporting equipment on the exterior of the cabinet.

One object of the present invention is to provide a console with reduced or minimized exterior dimensions while maintaining all of the functionality required in a console such as the accommodation and efficient positioning of all of the required equipment and accessories.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a console that maximizes the available interior space of the console.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a console having compact frame members to maximize the available interior space of the console.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a console that allows for greater sightlines over the console.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a console that is capable of supporting heavy loads.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a console having effective and efficient cable management features.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a console that has ventilation means for ventilating the cabinet of the console.

According to the present invention then, there is provided a console structure for supporting equipment, the console comprising a cabinet structure having a front side, a back side and a top side, the cabinet structure comprising two spaced apart frame ends, a first upper stringer disposed between and connected to the frame ends and positioned at a spaced apart location from the back side of the cabinet structure, and a first lower stringer disposed between and connected to the frame ends and positioned at a spaced apart location from the back side of the cabinet structure, the cabinet structure defining an interior space for receiving equipment; and a support structure disposed at the back side of the cabinet structure, the support structure comprising two spaced apart posts, and a lateral support having a front side and a back side, each post having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portions of the posts extending above the top side of the cabinet structure and the lateral support disposed between and connected to the upper portions of the posts, and the lower portion of each post connected to a one of the frame ends.

In another aspect, the interior dimensions of the cabinet structure are maximized by providing a cabinet frame comprised of compact frame members. This allows the outer dimensions of the cabinet structure to be reduced without sacrificing interior volume of the cabinet.

In another aspect, the cabinet of the console can have a lower height than most of those existing consoles. The tops of existing consoles typically define a work surface that is positioned at a height that allows a person in a sitting position to utilize the work surface. The work surface is generally used to support various pieces of equipment, such as keyboards, displays, telephones, and also as general work area for paperwork, etc. The height of work surfaces of such consoles is ergonomically accepted as typically between 28 and 29 inches from the floor for a 95th percentile male. Often these consoles will define a space under the work surface capable of receiving a person's legs, which allows the person to position himself or herself close to work surface. In contrast, in one aspect of the present invention, the cabinet structure has a reduced height compared to those of most existing consoles. The reduced height can, for example, result in better sightlines for a person positioned at the console. Because the top of the cabinet is lower, it is not necessarily used as a primary work surface. Equipment, work surfaces and other objects are mounted on the support structure of the console, typically above the cabinet structure of the console. It is in this way that equipment and work surfaces are positioned at usable heights for persons in a sitting or standing position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some applications, it is desirable to have a console that has reduced dimensions, such as a reduced height and/or depth. For example, this may be the case where there is a need to maximize a person's sightlines over the console. However, there will typically also be a need to maintain all of the functionality required in a console such as the accommodation and efficient positioning of all of the required equipment and accessories.

In order to accommodate various types of equipment and user requirements, the console of the present invention is provided with a lower cabinet structure and a support structure. The combination of the cabinet structure and the support structure provides for a smaller console while at the same time maintaining all of the functionality required in a console such as the accommodation and efficient positioning of the necessary equipment and accessories. In addition, the combination of the cabinet structure and the support structure of the present invention results in a console having considerable strength and rigidity. In terms of dimensions, the lower cabinet structure can be configured to various heights and depths to suit a user's requirements. Similarly, the support structure can also be configured to various heights depending on the equipment and user requirements.

The various features and components of the present console are now described with reference to the Figures.

FIG. 1shows one embodiment of the low profile console in accordance with the present invention. The console10generally comprises two subassemblies: a cabinet structure20and support structure130. These subassemblies of one embodiment of console10are shown separately inFIGS. 4 and 5, respectfully. Each of these subassemblies is now described in detail.

Cabinet structure20comprises two frame ends25, a first upper stringer50and a first lower stringer55, wherein the stringers are disposed between and are connected to frame ends25. These components generally define an interior space65of cabinet structure20for receiving equipment.

For descriptive purposes, the side of cabinet structure20at which support structure130is positioned will be referred to as the back side of the cabinet, whereas the opposite side will be referred to as the front side.

The components that form the frame of cabinet structure20can be shaped and dimensioned to be compact. In other words, the frame members can be designed to occupy a small amount of space in order to maximize the interior space of the cabinet. In at least one embodiment, as shown in the Figures, frame ends25are formed substantially from thin sheet material and are substantially flat. It should be apparent that the shape and thinness of these particular frame ends play a part in maximizing the available interior space65of the cabinet. It is to be understood, however, that frame ends25shown in the Figures are meant as an example only and are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the frame ends of the present console may be made of non-sheet material and may also have other suitable shapes.

In addition, frame ends25may comprise one or more openings or apertures40therethrough in order to reduce the amount of material required and to also allow for the passage of cabling and other equipment between adjacent consoles.

Having reference toFIG. 4, first upper stringer50extends between frame ends25and is typically located at or proximate the upper edges of frame ends25in order to maximize the interior space of the cabinet structure20. Similarly, first lower stringer55is preferably located at or proximate the lower edges of frame ends25. In addition, first upper stringer50and first lower stringer55can be located near or at the front side of cabinet structure20to strengthen and rigidify the front side.

As with frame ends25, stringers50and55can also be shaped and dimensioned to be relatively compact with the object of maximizing the interior space of the cabinet. As best shown inFIG. 2, which shows a cross sectional view of console10, in at least one embodiment stringers50and55can have a small or thin cross section, and can be made of a thin material. The stringers can also comprise one or more longitudinal bends or junctions along their longitudinal axes for improved rigidity. For instance, as shown inFIG. 2, first upper and first lower stringers50and55, respectively, have a J-shaped cross section. In addition, a small portion of each edge of first lower stringer55is folded over approximately 180 degrees to provide additional rigidity. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the stringers can have other suitable shapes. Each stringer can also have one or more apertures therein for mounting or connection purposes.

Stringers50and55can be connected to frame ends25in any suitable manner known in the art. However, in some instances it may be desirable to employ connections means that take up minimal space. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 4, in at least one embodiment, each stringer has a tab or flange75extending from both of its ends. These flanges75are connected to frame ends25using one or more fasteners80, but could also be connected by one or more welds, or by any other suitable method known in the art.

In addition to first upper and first lower stringers50and55, respectively, cabinet structure20may comprise additional stringers to further strengthen the cabinet structure. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, cabinet structure20can have a second lower stringer60positioned near the back side of cabinet structure20. This second lower stringer60connects the lower rear portions of frame ends25and serves to brace the lower back region of cabinet structure20. In an alternative, as shown inFIG. 3, second lower stringer60can be connected to posts135rather than to frame ends25. Connecting second lower stringer60to posts135would achieve the similar result of bracing the lower back side of cabinet structure20since the back edges of frame ends25are typically connected to posts135, as described below.

Support structure130is connected to the back side of cabinet structure20. As will be described below, support structure130comprises a pair of spaced apart posts135. In at least one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1, posts135are connected to the back edges of frame ends25. Connecting posts135to the back edges of frame ends25contributes to the overall rigidity and strength of the console. As can be seen inFIG. 2, in one embodiment the back edge of each frame end25comprises a lip or flange30that acts as a mating and connection surface. Flange30can be connected to post135in any suitable manner known in the art, including by way of one or more fasteners or welds. In one embodiment, each post135can define one or more T-shaped ports or slots that extend longitudinally at the surface of the post for the purpose of connecting one or more pieces or objects to the post. The port is adapted to slidably receive one or more nuts and to prevent any rotation of the nuts. In particular, a nut can be inserted into the port and moved to wherever it is needed. An object may then be fastened to post135by way of a bolt, the end of which is inserted into the port to threadably engage the nut. As mentioned, the port prevents any rotation of the nut and therefore allows for the tightening of the connection.

Since frame ends25and the various stringers are integral structural components of cabinet structure20, they will typically be made out of a strong and rigid material or materials. Such materials include but are not limited to metals, including steel and aluminum. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other suitable materials can be used.

As best shown inFIG. 1, cabinet structure20can also comprise a work surface structure90. In addition to providing a surface onto which equipment and other objects may be placed, work surface structure90can also serve a structural function by bracing and strengthening console10. In at least one embodiment, work surface structure90is in the form of a plate or panel and extends between frame ends25. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that work surface structure90can take other shapes and forms. For example, in at least one alternative, the top side of cabinet structure20can comprise one or more additional stringers or other braces rather than the plate-shaped work surface structure90shown in the Figures. In addition, work surface structure90can be made of any suitable material known in the art, including but not limited to wood, metal, plastic or a combination thereof.

Console10can also have one or more cable access and management features. For instance, as shown inFIG. 1, console10can comprise an upper raceway100disposed at the top of cabinet structure20proximate support structure130. Upper raceway100has at least one aperture105in its upper surface for the passage of cabling between the interior space65of cabinet structure20and the external environment of the cabinet. In at least one embodiment, raceway100will have a substantially open bottom providing access to interior space65of cabinet20. In addition, upper raceway100can be fitted with one or more connectors, such as power outlets and data ports. Furthermore, raceway100can extend between frame ends25and have open end portions to allow for the passage of cabling between adjacent consoles. Raceway100can also serve as a structural component of cabinet structure20, for example to brace frame ends25.

Cabinet structure20may also have additional raceways or cable management features. Having regard toFIG. 1, cabinet structure20can comprise or define a lower opening or channel70to allow console10to be installed over existing floor-mounted cabling or other equipment. As shown inFIG. 1, channel70need not be defined by one or more walls, but can merely comprise an open space. Channel70can extend longitudinally in cabinet structure20. In addition, in at least one embodiment, channel70can extend the full length of cabinet structure20. Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 1, the lower edge of at least one frame end25can define a recess35that is in substantial alignment with channel70to form an open end of channel70.

In addition, cabinet structure20can comprise a lower raceway110positioned at or near the front side of the cabinet and extending between frame ends25. Lower raceway110can be open to one or more junction boxes115at the front lower side of cabinet structure20. The one or more junction boxes115can be fitted with any type of electrical connection, such as a power outlet or a data port. Furthermore, the lower front side of cabinet structure20can define a recessed portion85, which may extend the full length of the cabinet. Recessed portion85can provide a space to accommodate a person's feet, thereby enabling the person to get closer to the console.

As shown inFIG. 2, cabinet structure20can comprise one or more panels95at its front side to substantially or fully close its front side. Panel95can be in the form of a door to provide convenient access to the interior space of the cabinet. Although not shown, one or more panels95can have one or more louvers or vents to aid in ventilating interior space65of the cabinet. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a door can be connected to cabinet structure in any suitable manner, including by way of one or more hinges, sliders, clips, or pins. In addition, console10may comprise one or more feet45as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3. The one or more of feet45can be adjustable to allow for the levelling of the console or for the alignment of the console with an adjacent console. Furthermore, cabinet structure20can be fitted with or otherwise comprise shelving or mounting hardware for supporting equipment or other objects within the cabinet.

In addition to cabinet structure20, the console of the present invention also comprises a support structure. One embodiment of support structure130is shown in isolation inFIG. 5. Having reference now toFIG. 1, support structure130is disposed at the back side of cabinet structure20and generally comprises two spaced apart and vertically extending posts135, and a lateral support140extending between and connected to the posts. The strength and rigidity of the console is achieved at least partly through the combination of the cabinet structure with the support structure. In particular, the cabinet structure and the support structure brace and support one another, thereby producing an overall strong and rigid structure.

For descriptive purposes, each post135is described as having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion extends along the back side of cabinet structure20, whereas the upper portion extends above the top side of cabinet structure20. Lateral support140extends between and is connected to the upper portion of posts135. Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 1, in at least one embodiment posts135extend right to the bottom edge of frame ends25. In this way, at least part of a load borne by posts135is transferred directly to the floor rather than to cabinet structure20.

As mentioned above, console10is generally adapted to support equipment or other objects from support structure130. The load of any equipment is at least partly borne by lateral support140and posts135. Therefore posts135shall generally be of sufficient strength and rigidity to support the load of any such equipment. Of course the necessary strength and rigidity requirements can vary according to the end user's specifications. Posts135can take any suitable form and can be made of any suitable material known in the art. In at least one embodiment, as shown in the Figures, posts135are in the form of aluminum extrusions, which usually provide an attractive strength to weight ratio. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that posts135may be in any other shape or form, and may be made of any other suitable material.

As previously described, lateral support140extends between the upper portions of posts135. An important function of lateral support140is to support mounting means for mounting equipment on the console, typically above cabinet structure20of the console. Mounting means will generally be positioned to the front side of lateral support140, meaning on the same side as cabinet structure20. However, mounting means can also be positioned at any other suitable location on support structure130, including on the top and back sides of support structure130. Having reference toFIG. 1, in at least one embodiment the mounting means are in the form of a slatwall142. A slatwall typically comprises a wall-like structure having one or more parallel lips or grooves formed thereon. Those skilled in the art will appreciate however that the mounting means may take any other suitable form known in the art, including but not limited brackets, clips, hooks, and other types of mounting surfaces such as pegboard, slot wall, wall track and rail panel. It will be further appreciated that lateral support140may be separate from the mounting means, or that the mounting means may itself form lateral support140. For example, slatwall142may also constitute lateral support140. In such a case, a separate lateral support member is not required.

Furthermore, console10can comprise a ventilation duct for the ventilation of interior space65of cabinet structure20. It may be desirable or necessary to ventilate cabinet structure20when interior space65of the cabinet houses equipment that generates moderate or high amounts of heat. Furthermore, the ventilation may be either natural or forced. The ventilation duct will typically extend upwardly from cabinet structure20and will be in fluid communication with interior space65of the cabinet. In at least one embodiment, as best shown inFIG. 2, a ventilation duct145can be integrated with or into support structure130. In this embodiment, duct145extends the length of support structure130and console10. In addition, ventilation duct145can constitute lateral support140where duct145extends between both posts135. However, in such a case, duct145will need to be sufficiently strong and rigid to provide the necessary structural integrity to the support structure130. Where duct145doubles as lateral support140, a separate lateral support piece is not required.

Having reference again toFIG. 2, in this embodiment ventilation duct145comprises and is defined by first and second spaced-apart walls150and155, respectfully. The mounting means, such as slatwall142, can form first wall150of duct145, or first wall150can itself be a separate wall. As best shown inFIGS. 3,6A and6B, lower portion of duct145is at least partly open to provide fluid communication with interior space65of cabinet structure20. The bottom of duct145can be substantially or fully unobstructed. Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the bottom of duct145can comprise a bottom wall160having at least one aperture therein165. Where forced ventilation is desired, one or more fans200can be disposed at the one or more apertures165. In addition, the top of ventilation duct145can have a wall or cap180comprising one or more vents185. Cap180can be sloped downwardly away from the front side of support structure130to discourage the placement of objects such as beverages on the cap.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, cabinet structure20will need to be partly or substantially closed to achieve an effective ventilation system to ventilate interior space65of cabinet structure20. In addition to closing the front and top sides of cabinet structure20with one or more panels95and work surface structure90, respectfully, it will typically be necessary to close the back side of the cabinet with a panel or other closure member. For example,FIGS. 4 and 5show one such panel190. It may also be necessary or desirable to close one or more apertures40in frame ends25. It will be further appreciated that cabinet structure20may also comprise one or more vents or openings (not shown) to serve as air intake vents to permit cooler air to be drawn into interior space65of the cabinet. In at least one embodiment, the one or more intakes will be positioned at the lower front side of cabinet structure20so that air flows diagonally across interior space65of the cabinet to the upper back side of the cabinet, which is generally where the lower end of ventilation duct145is located. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the one or more panels95can have one or more louvers or vents to aid in ventilating the cabinet.

Turning now toFIGS. 7A to 8B, the dimensions of the present console are discussed. As previously mentioned, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a console having reduced dimensions, and in particular having reduced height or depth.FIGS. 7A and 8Ashow a prior art console400that is representative of many existing consoles. Console400is capable of receiving one or more pieces of electronic equipment therein, and the top of console400defines a work surface405. The height of work surface405and the depth of console400are within the typical ranges for most consoles and desks. The outline of a person along with the person's sightlines over console400are shown. The only difference betweenFIGS. 7A and 8Ais thatFIG. 8Ashows a display300mounted to an upper support410of the console.

In contrast,FIGS. 7B and 8Bshow one embodiment510of the console of the present invention. The smaller dimensions of console510relative to prior art console400are immediately apparent. Most importantly, both the height and the depth of console510are smaller, thereby providing a person with improved sightlines over the console when compared to the sightlines achieved with prior art console400. Although the exterior height and depth of the cabinet structure520are smaller than those of console400, cabinet structure520is capable of receiving a considerable amount of electronic and other equipment (not shown). Furthermore, because the height of the top of cabinet520is low, any equipment or writing surfaces can be mounted on support structure630of console510so that the equipment is positioned at a useful and effective location for a person. AlthoughFIGS. 7B and 8Bshow the outline of a person in a standing position, it will be appreciated that console510also provides greater sightlines compared to prior art console400for a person in a sitting position.

In at least one embodiment, the console of the present invention has an overall height not exceeding about 32 inches. In addition, in at least one embodiment the console of the present invention has an overall depth not exceeding about 27 inches. In addition, in at least one embodiment cabinet structure20of the console of the present invention has an overall height not exceeding about 19.5 inches. In addition, in at least one embodiment cabinet structure20has an overall height not exceeding about 16 inches.

Furthermore, console10can be adapted to make it connectable to additional consoles at one of or both of its ends. This would allow two or more consoles to be joined end-to-end to form a longer console system.

It will be appreciated that console10can be used in any application where there is a need or where it is otherwise desirable to permit a person positioned at the console to see over the console at a downwardly angle. Such applications include but are not limited to air traffic control towers, bridges of ships and other vessels and vehicles, prison control rooms, rail yard control towers, and various other types of monitoring and control centres.