Freestanding furniture ensemble

Office furniture includes a number of individual furniture components all incorporating the same basic constructional details and ornamentation and which articles of furniture may be selectively associated with one another to form selective furniture ensembles which can provide a complete work area. One feature of the invention is to provide a furniture top which has notched edges which selectively receive a corresponding end of another article of furniture so as to interlock several articles of furniture into a furniture ensemble in a manner to resist relative movement. In addition, certain edges of furniture tops are notched and have a straight vertical edge to indicate a functional component such as a pull-out pedestal drawer or a cabinet area with edges of the tops being arcuately convexly downwardly curved for user interface. The individual components include desks, credenzas, organizers, returns and storage columns. The components are designed to be adaptable for numerically controlled machinery manufacture for individual selectivity and efficient manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in 
complete ensembles of office furniture wherein several pieces of furniture 
are assembled as a unit to accomplish the functions of meetings, 
technology and storage, and more specifically to office furniture wherein 
two or more pieces of freestanding furniture are arranged together in 
interfitting arrangements. In one of its aspects, the invention relates to 
an ensemble of case goods furniture comprising interfitting and 
interrelated component desks, organizers, and storage columns. In another 
of its aspects, the invention relates to an office furniture assemblage 
having two or more components which have rounded user interface edges 
which are joined together through a notch to form a uniform flush jointed 
corner. In yet another of its aspects, the invention relates to a 
furniture ensemble combining a work surface component and storage column. 
In another of its aspects, the invention relates to case goods furniture 
which is both functional and attractive, yet which lends itself through 
design to computer controlled machine manufacture. In still another of its 
aspects, the invention relates to a desk or credenza wherein the front 
edge surface of the top integrates design and user functions. 
2. State of the Prior Art 
It is well known to provide an office furniture ensemble wherein two or 
more pieces of furniture are arranged in cooperating relation. A typical 
arrangement is the combination of a desk, credenza and a table arranged in 
a U-shaped pattern. At the present, such pieces of office furniture are 
separate and independent of one another and are merely positioned in close 
abutting relation with the pieces of furniture being separate relative to 
each other. Typically, the edges of the components are flat and abut one 
another in connected or unconnected relationship. 
In the past, traditional case goods office furniture has been designed for 
aesthetics for traditional functions of writing, conferencing, drawer 
storage and, occasionally, with the use of dictation equipment. Desk tops 
overlie drawers and separate credenzas are provided. Occasionally, returns 
have been provided for the desks. The desks function as writing surfaces 
and occasionally as conference surfaces, and the credenza functions as 
storage. The desks and credenzas are interrelated principally due to 
finishes and aesthetic design of hardware and perhaps details of the 
cabinets. However, most of the office furniture is not especially 
functional for work environments which integrate with machines such as 
computers as systems furniture does. Machines, such as CPUs, printers, 
terminals and wiring for such equipment, are typically positioned on or 
near the work surfaces, adding to clutter and diminishing productivity. 
Further, in present office furniture, there are very few available work 
enhancing options, most of which are not particularly adaptable to the 
habits of the worker. Case goods have been designed for aesthetics, not 
function. 
Heretofore, Herman Miller, Inc. introduced a line of case goods furniture 
which included desks, credenzas, cabinets, work organizers and mobile 
files. The desks were typically arranged perpendicular to the work 
organizer. A return was available with the desk. The cabinets were 
wardrobe, storage and filing cabinets. The desks, credenzas and organizers 
had rounded front and back edges and vertical side edges of slightly 
different construction. This line of furniture, called C-Forms, had many 
of the inflexibility problems of case goods and did not effectively deal 
with the machine integration problems. 
Systems furniture, on the other hand, gives the user a rich mixture of work 
oriented furniture, finishes and decorative arrangements. Examples of 
system furniture are Herman Miller's ETHOSE.RTM. environment system 
furniture and ACTION OFFICE.RTM. system furniture. The system furniture, 
although very functional, does not conform with some traditional notions 
of office furniture used principally in enclosed offices. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
This invention brings to traditional quality office furniture a rich mix of 
functional options for personalizing a work station to meet a worker's 
work habits, aesthetic and status needs. The invention recognizes the 
asymmetry of the office and the asymmetry of the office worker and 
provides a product to complement these features in compositionally 
balanced office furniture. There is a delicate balance between the 
function and the richness of choices to provide highly functional office 
furniture which conforms to traditional notions of case goods furniture. 
Office furniture in accordance with this invention meets user work needs 
and the changing needs of technology in traditional types of furniture, 
yet with cost-effective manufacturing techniques. There is a high degree 
of resolution in the products. One of the main focuses of the office 
furniture in accordance with this invention is the computer-driven 
technology office. Another focus is the paper intensive office. 
Office furniture in accordance with this invention is directed to three 
main office functions: meetings, technology usage and storage. These three 
functions are integrated within an assemblage of office furniture. They 
are orchestrated around a work center. 
According to the invention, there is provided an ensemble of office 
furniture components having first and second work surface panels of 
separate components at work surface height above the floor, each of the 
work surface panels having front edges and end edges bounding three sides 
of the work surface and portions of the front edges of rounded 
configuration. The work surface panels are positioned in perpendicular 
relationship to each other with a first end edge of one work surface panel 
abutting a front edge of a second work surface panel The front edge of the 
second work surface panel has a notch or offset portion in confronting 
relationship with the end edge of the first work surface panel. The notch 
has a concavely curved surface portion at one end thereof joining the 
notch with the rounded front edge portion of the second work surface 
panel. The surface of the notch and the end edge of the first work surface 
have complementary surfaces in abutting relationship with each other so 
that the first and second work surfaces have rounded front edges 
converging in a flush jointed corner. Typically, the notch or offset 
portion extends to a first end edge of the second work surface so that the 
first and second work surfaces form an L-shape. The notch or offset 
portion and the first end edge of the first work surface are substantially 
vertical in orientation, normal to the first and second work surface 
panels. The radius of curvatures of the front edge portion of the first 
and second work surface panels are substantially equal and the notch has a 
depth substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the front edge 
portions. 
In one embodiment, the first work surface front edge has a notch or 
offsetting portion at an end portion distal from the first end edge. A 
drawer pedestal is mounted to and beneath the first work surface panel and 
in register with the first work surface notch. The drawer pedestal has 
drawers with front surfaces coplanar with the first work surface panel 
notch. 
In another embodiment, the second work surface panel has a second notch or 
offset portion in the front edge at an end thereof distal from the first 
end edge, with the two notches preferably being mirror images of each 
other. In this embodiment, a drawer pedestal is mounted to and beneath the 
second work surface panel and in register with the second notch. The 
drawer pedestal preferably has drawers with front surfaces coplanar with 
the second notch. The drawers have at an inside edge of the front surfaces 
thereof a forwardly projecting vertical strip which in cross section 
generally follows the contour of the front edge of the overlying work 
surface panel, thereby forming a handle for the drawers. 
Further, according to one embodiment of the invention, the second work 
surface panel has a forwardly directed portion of the front edge forming a 
diagonal corner adjacent the first end edge for supporting a keyboard. In 
like manner, a forwardly directed portion of the front edge can form a 
diagonal corner adjacent the opposite end edge for supporting a keyboard 
as well. 
Further according to the invention, there is provided a furniture ensemble 
comprising first and second articles of office furniture abutted together 
in end-to-edge relation, the first article of furniture comprising a flat 
panel member having the edge, the edge having therein starting at one end 
thereof an elongated notch, the notch opening at one end of the notch 
through the one end and an opposite end of the notch being defined by a 
concavely curved edge portion, the notch also including an edge extending 
between the one end and the curved edge. The second article of furniture 
has an end edge seated in the notch. In this manner, furniture components 
are interrelated through the notch arrangement to define interfitting 
furniture components. 
With this arrangement, desks and organizer can be assembled together. In 
addition, organizers and credenzas can be assembled together In like 
manner, desks, credenzas and returns or bridges can be assembled together 
to define complex, asymmetrical work areas. 
Further according to the invention, there is provided a desk or credenza 
comprising a flat work surface panel supported by at least one pedestal, 
the work surface panel having front and rear edges and end edges with the 
front edge having an offset portion adjacent one of the end edges in 
alignment with the pedestal. The offset can be inwardly or outwardly of 
the other portions of the front edge. Preferably, the front edge is 
rounded adjacent the offset portion to define a user interface of the work 
surface panel and the offset portion is normal to the work surface panel 
to define a component edge. Further, the pedestal comprises a drawer unit 
having at least one drawer with a front provided with a contoured edge 
forming a handle. The drawer front is formed of woodlike material and the 
handle is generally U-shaped in cross section, including one leg recessed 
in a door. The handle is vertical in orientation and in cross section 
generally follows the contour of the overlying front edge of the work 
surface panel. 
In one embodiment, there are two remote drawer panels, one beneath each end 
portion of the work surface panel and there is another offset portion in 
the work surface panel front edge above and in register with each 
pedestal. The front edge of the desk or credenza is rounded between the 
offset portions to define a user interface, the offset portions are 
coextensive with the pedestals and generally vertical, normal to the work 
surface panel, to define a component interface. Preferably, the drawers of 
the pedestal have front surfaces which are substantially coplanar with the 
offset portions. 
In one embodiment, the pedestals are separated by a storage area. Doors are 
mounted to the pedestals to enclose the storage area and form a credenza. 
In yet another embodiment, one or more storage columns are seated on the 
work surface overlying the pedestal or pedestals. Each of the storage 
columns comprises a cabinet defining an open front and a door pivotably 
mounted to the cabinet. In another embodiment, there are two storage 
columns mounted on the work surface and organizer shelves extend between 
the storage columns. 
Still further according to the invention, there is provided a furniture 
ensemble comprising a freestanding cabinet having a base, sidewalls, back 
wall and top wall, all joined together to form an open front cabinet, and 
a door pivotably mounted to a sidewall of the cabinet and covering the 
open front thereof. An organizer unit is in abutting relationship to the 
cabinet and comprises a back wall, at least one sidewall, and a work 
surface at a working height above the floor. Organizer shelves are mounted 
to at least one of the sidewalls and back wall above the work surface in 
overlying relationship to the work surface. The organizer has a plurality 
of open file-receiving openings for paper and file organization. The user 
of this ensemble can use the cabinet and work surface and the organizer 
unit in cooperative arrangement with each other. 
In an electronic-intensive use of this ensemble, the organizer can be 
connected to the freestanding cabinet and a grommet can provide passage in 
the sidewall of the cabinet to pass wiring from the cabinet to the 
organizer. The grommet is preferably in a lower part of the cabinet 
sidewall to pass wiring from the lower part of the cabinet to a lower part 
of the organizer beneath the work surface. Further, the work surface 
preferably has a grommet therein to form a passage for wiring through the 
work surface panel. The organizer/cabinet is preferably combined with a 
desk unit having a second work surface in abutting relationship with the 
organizer work surface. In a preferable embodiment, the organizer work 
surface has a notch in a front edge at one end of the panel remote from 
the cabinet and an end of the second work surface panel is received within 
the notch in the organizer work surface panel. 
In this ensemble according to the invention, the organizer can be connected 
to a return through a notched arrangement described above and a desk can 
be positioned at an end of the return, thereby forming a U-shaped work 
area which includes the desk, the return or bridge, the organizer and the 
cabinet. 
In a further embodiment of the invention, the cabinet has at least one 
removable floor panel on the base and has an opening for passage of wiring 
from the base into the cabinet interior. 
In yet another embodiment of the invention, a furniture column comprises a 
base, a storage cabinet seated on the base and enclosed by a door, an 
adjacent shelf unit is seated on the base and has an open front in an 
overlying flat panel covering the storage cabinet and the shelf unit. The 
flat panel preferably has a front edge notched in alignment with the 
storage area and the front edge is convexly rounded in alignment with the 
shelf unit. The door preferably has an ornamental forwardly projecting 
edge adjacent the shelf unit, the projecting edge forming a handle for the 
door and having a cross-sectional configuration which generally follows 
the configuration of the front edge of the overlying flat panel. The shelf 
unit preferably projects forwardly of the storage area in accordance with 
the projections of the handle and the base projects forwardly in alignment 
with the shelf in a like manner. 
Still further according to the invention, there is provided a stand-up desk 
comprising a pedestal and a storage column in spaced relation, a flat 
desk-forming panel overlying the pedestal and having an end secured to the 
column in supported relation. The storage column has a height greater than 
the pedestal. Preferably, the panel has front and rear edges and the front 
edge is notched in alignment with the pedestal. The front edge between the 
notch and column is downwardly and forwardly convexly rounded to define a 
user interface. Preferably, a shelf extends between the pedestal and the 
column in underlying relationship to the panel. Further, a footrest is 
preferably provided between the pedestal and the column in underlying 
relationship to the panel. 
In this embodiment, the pedestal preferably is a drawer unit having at 
least one drawer with a drawer front having a forwardly extending vertical 
strip which in cross section generally follows the contour of the front 
edge of the overlying panel, thereby forming a handle. The column 
preferably is a cabinet having a base, sidewalls, back wall and top panel 
joined together to form an open-front enclosure and a door is pivotably 
mounted to one of the sidewalls to close the open front of the cabinet. 
The door is preferably pivotably mounted to the sidewall remote from the 
pedestal so that the door opens away from the pedestal for easy access to 
the column by a worker using the stand-up desk. 
Still further according to the invention, there is provided an article of 
furniture in the form of an upstanding storage unit formed by a base, a 
pair of opposite sidewalls, a back wall and a top overlying panel joined 
together. A front closure panel encloses an open front of the unit. The 
front closure panel has at one side thereof a forwardly projecting 
vertical strip defining a handle. The overlying top panel further has a 
front projection aligned with the vertical strip and of like 
configuration. 
In one embodiment, the article of furniture is a pedestal which includes at 
least one drawer and the front closure panel is at least one drawer front 
which is coplanar with a front edge of the overlying top panel. 
In another embodiment, the article is a storage cabinet and the closure 
panel is a door which is pivotably mounted to one of the sidewalls. The 
door has a front surface which is coplanar with a front edge of the 
overlying top panel. 
Still further according to the invention, there is provided a furniture 
ensemble for a work area comprising a desk having a first work surface at 
a working height above the floor, an organizer having a second work 
surface contiguous with the desk work surface, sidewalls and a back wall. 
A cabinet is provided in the organizer above the work surface and 
laterally coextensive therewith. A column in the form of a cabinet has a 
door which opens into the work area. 
Preferably, the first and second work surfaces have an interface through 
formed edges to define a compact work area. The organizer second work 
surface and the cabinet are preferably mounted to the other sidewall of 
the column. 
The invention provides a rich mix of components which can be selected by a 
user. The components can be manufactured by numerically controlled 
machinery to produce the work area to the specification of the user 
without any additional cost. The components of the ensembles are highly 
functional and adaptable to machine oriented or paper oriented 
environments, yet have a traditional case good appearance.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
Referring now to the drawings in detail, reference is first made to FIGS. 1 
through 10 wherein there is illustrated the details of a furniture 
ensemble generally identified by the numeral 40. The furniture ensemble 40 
is formed of three separate pieces of furniture including a desk 42, an 
organizer 44 and a storage column 46. The desk 42 is disposed in a right 
angular relation with respect to the organizer 44 and the storage column 
46 is disposed at one end of the organizer 44 remote from the desk 42. 
The desk 42 is formed of a base 48 having seated on the left end thereof a 
pedestal 50 which, as is best illustrated in FIG. 4 is a multiple drawer 
pedestal. Each drawer 52 includes a drawer front 54 which, as is best 
illustrated in FIG. 6, is provided at one side thereof with a projecting 
vertically extending ornamental strip 56 which functions as a handle. The 
handle 56 is generally U-shaped in horizontal cross section and includes a 
thin leg 58 which is seated in a machined recess 60 in the right edge of 
the drawer front 54. The handle 56 thus forms an elongated recess 61 at 
one side of the drawer front 54 for gripping by a desk user to open the 
drawer. 
As best shown in FIG. 4, the base 48 is also provided with a vertically 
extending ornamental strip 62 which is vertically aligned with the handles 
56. 
The desk 42 also includes a top panel 64 in the form of a desk top and a 
front modesty skirt 66. The desk top 64 has a vertical right end 68 which 
terminates in a rounded front corner 70. The desk top 64 also includes a 
user portion 72 which terminates in a downwardly and forwardly convexly 
curving edge 74. The front curving edge 74 blends with the rounded corner 
80 to make a top edge which curves convexly toward the edge 74 and 
downwardly at the same time. The front edge of the desk top 64 is also 
provided adjacent the edge portion 74 with a notch 76 which is aligned 
with the pedestal 50. The notch 76, as shown in FIG. 3 includes a vertical 
edge and terminates in a concavely rounded corner 80 which is aligned with 
the handle 56. A grommet 65 is provided in the desk top 64 to provide a 
passage for communication wiring for a telephone, for example. 
The desk top 64 has a second square cut end 82 which terminates in a front 
rounded corner 84. Further, the desk top 64 has a forwardly and downwardly 
convexly curved back edge 86 which invites one to utilize the front edge 
of the desk top 64 as a work or conference surface. The convexly curving 
edges 74 and 86 invited user interface, i.e., one feels comfortable seated 
before the convexly curved edges 74 and 86. Thus, the desk user typically 
works at the curved edge 74 and the desk user typically conferences or 
meets with one seated at the curved edge 86. 
Reference is now made to the details of the organizer 44 which, as shown in 
FIG. 4, includes a lower storage space 88 which overlies a base 90 which 
is similar to the desk base 48. The organizer 44 includes an upstanding 
rear wall 92 and overlying the storage space 88 is a panel 94 which is 
provided with a downwardly and outwardly convexly rounded edge 96 which 
invites the use of the panel 94 as a work area. A tackboard 93 is mounted 
to a front of the rear wall 92. As is best shown in FIG. 2, the panel 94 
adjacent the edge 96 is provided with a notch 98. The notch 98 is a 
configuration similar to the notch 76 and matches the configuration of the 
end 68 of the desk 42. While the desk 42 is separately formed from the 
organizer 44, as is clearly shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the vertical surfaces 
abut one another and serve to generally interlock the desk top 64 with the 
panel 94. It will also be seen that the notch 98, adjacent the edge 96 is 
provided with an internally rounded corner 100 which matches the corner 70 
of the desk top 64. Both corners 70 and 100 form complex shapes which 
smoothly change from a vertical edge surface to a convexly rounded edge 
surface. The transformation takes place smoothly and congruently on each 
edge so that the top surfaces of desk top 64 and the panel 94 form a neat 
smooth corner as seen in FIG. 8. A grommet 95 is provided near the rear 
wall 92 and near the storage column 46 to provide a passage for 
communication and electrical wiring through the panel 94. The panel 94 is 
joined to the rear wall 92, the end panel 102 and optionally to the 
storage column 46 through conventional fasteners 
The organizer 44 also includes an end panel 102 which has an ornamental 
front edge 104 in the form of a concavely grooved surface 106. 
The organizer 44 also includes a top panel 108 which extends from the end 
panel 102 to the storage column 46. A shelf unit, generally identified by 
the numeral 110 underlies the top panel 108 and extends between the end 
panel 102 and the storage column 46 as is best shown in FIG. 3. The shelf 
unit 110 has a number of open shelf compartments which can be used to 
organize files, papers and the like. In addition to or in lieu of the 
compartments, the organizer can include cabinets (not shown) and open 
shelves to organize work. The top panel 108 can be positioned at various 
heights to accommodate different functions. For example, the configuration 
shown in FIGS. 1-4 can have a height of six feet. Alternately, the height 
can be reduced to about 39-40" so that the top panel 108 can be used as a 
stand-up work surface. In this case, the top panel 108 would extend out to 
a point coextensive with the panel 94 and would have a convexly curved 
edge, like curving edge 74. A task light 78 can be mounted to the 
underside of the shelf unit 110 to illuminate the tackboard 93 and the 
panel 94. 
The organizer has been shown as positioned at one side of the desk 42 and 
freestanding. If desired, the organizer can be connected through fasteners 
to the desk 42 and/or to the storage column 46. The organizer can also be 
positioned behind the worker, facing a desk, and can be wall mounted at 
either the side or back locations. 
As is best shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the storage column 46 includes a base 
112 in which there is seated a bottom wall 114 with there being upstanding 
sidewalls 116 connected together at the rear edges by a rear wall 118. The 
bottom wall 114 preferably has an open central portion 114a for air flow 
into the cabinet. There is also a top wall 120. Internally, the storage 
column 46 is provided with suitable shelving 122 which can be adjustably 
mounted in the sidewalls 116 through suitable fasteners 109. 
The storage column 46 has an open front which is normally closed by a front 
door 124 hinged to the sidewalls 16 at hinges 126. As is best shown in 
FIG. 5, the left edge of the door 124 is provided with a vertically 
extending ornamental handle strip 128 which is of the same cross section 
as the strip which forms the handle 56. The handle strip 128 is mounted to 
the left side of the door 124 and functions as a handle. 
A wire storage area 111 is provided at the bottom of the cabinet 46 by a 
pair of removable floor panels 113 which are mounted on cleats 115 secured 
to the sidewalls 116 and a front panel 117 which is mounted on the bottom 
wall 114. The floor panels 113 simply rest on the cleats 115 and front 
panel 117 so that they can be easily removed for access to wiring there 
beneath. A rectangular grommet 121 is mounted to the rear wall 118 beneath 
the floor panels 113 for ingress of electrical and communication wiring 
into the cabinet 46. The floor panels 113 have indented rear portions 113a 
to permit wiring to pass from the wire storage area into the cabinet 
interior above the floor panels 113. A grommet 123 is mounted in the 
sidewall 116 to provide a passage for electrical and communication wiring 
131 between the interior of the column 46 and the storage space 88 beneath 
the panel 94. 
As seen in FIG. 3, a computer terminal 134 can be positioned on the 
organizer panel 94 for use by a worker using the ensemble 40. The terminal 
134 can be connected to the CPU 125 through the wiring 131 which passes 
first through the grommet 95 and then through the grommet 123. The CPU, in 
turn, can be connected to an electrical outlet (not shown) through a cord 
(not shown) which passes between the rear wall 118 and the recessed rear 
portions 113a to the wire storage area 111, and then through grommet 121. 
The storage column 46 has been illustrated as adapted for an electronic 
intensive use. A CPU 125 is shown in phantom lines mounted vertically 
within the lower portion of the storage column on the removable floor 
panels 113. A printer 127 is shown in phantom lines mounted on the middle 
of the removable shelves 122. The lower of the shelves 122 is shown with 
paper 129 in phantom lines for feeding the printer 127. 
The cabinet can be ventilated through the open central portion 114a of the 
bottom wall 114. Heated air can exhaust from the cabinet through the vent 
openings 119 at the top of the storage column. Openings 112a in the base 
112 provide for the passage of air from the surrounding area into the 
storage column 46. Alternatively, the column can be mounted on glides (not 
shown) which raise the base 112 off the floor. 
The shelves 122 are preferably of a depth less than the depth of the 
sidewalls 116 so that there exists ample air space between the front and 
back of the shelves 122 and the door 124 and rear wall 118, respectively. 
The storage column 46 can be a freestanding unit or can be connected 
directly to the organizer 44 at the panel 94, the top panel 108 and the 
upstanding rear wall 92. The column 46 functions as an integral part of 
the work space in providing a storage area for electronic components which 
are used by the person who occupies the ensemble 40. Wire management is 
provided between the storage column 46 and the organizer 44 through the 
grommet 95 and 123. Natural ventilation is provided in the cabinet through 
the openings in the base 112, through the recessed rear portions 113a of 
the floor panels 113, through the open central portion 114a, bottom wall 
114, around the shelves 122 and through the vent openings 119 In addition 
to the housing of the computer functions, sufficient storage space is left 
within the column 46 for storage of personal items and other work-related 
items. The hinged door 124 provides easy access to the column and yet 
closes off the storage space for a more pleasing appearance. Yet, the 
column functions to store the equipment and is easily accessible in the 
work space. The door is hinged at the right side, as viewed in FIG. 3, so 
that the door opens away from the work space so that the cabinet is easily 
accessible by the person working within the work space. 
A keyboard tray (not shown) can be mounted beneath the work surface 94 for 
mounting a keyboard. Wires from the keyboard can also pass through the 
grommet 123 to the CPU 125. 
In some offices, computers are not used. In these offices, the column can 
be reconfigured for paper-intensive activity. File drawers (not shown) can 
be mounted within the bottom portion of the column for storage of paper. 
The file drawers are easily accessible through the door 124. Removable 
shelves can also be provided in the upper portion of a paper-intensive 
column in the same fashion as the shelves 122 are provided in the column 
46. 
The desk 42 can be freestanding or can be connected to the organizer 44 
through conventional fasteners (not shown) at the interface between these 
two components. Likewise, the storage column 46 can be freestanding or can 
be connected to the organizer 44 through suitable fasteners (not shown) at 
the interface between the storage column 46 and the organizer 46. 
In FIG. 3 the base 112 of the storage column 46 is provided with a vertical 
outwardly projecting short section of strip 130 which is aligned with the 
strip or handle 128. Also, as is best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top wall 
120 of the storage cabinet 46 is provided with a projection 132 which is 
also aligned with the strips 128, 130 to complete the ornamental 
appearance of the corner of the storage column 46. The top wall 120 
further has a front edge 133 which is coplanar with the outer surface of 
the door 124. 
Referring now to FIG. 11, it will be seen that there is illustrated a 
modified furniture ensemble which includes a desk 136 in combination with 
the organizer 44 and the storage column 46. The difference between the 
furniture ensemble 134 and the furniture ensemble 40 is primarily in the 
contour of a flat panel forming a desk top 138. As compared with the desk 
top 64 in FIG. 2, the desk top 138 is longer and adjacent the user portion 
76 there is an extension which tapers diagnally as at 140 towards the 
panel 94. The extension can be used to support a computer keyboard. The 
net result is that the desk top 138 has an end 142 which is much longer 
than the end 68. In addition, the panel 94 of the organizer 44 has a notch 
144 which matches the extent of the end 142. 
Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, it will be seen that there is illustrated 
another form of furniture ensemble generally identified by the numeral 
146. The furniture ensemble once again includes an organizer 44 and a 
storage column 46. However, while there is a desk 148, the desk 148 is in 
spaced parallel relation with respect to the organizer 44 and is separated 
from the organizer 44 by a return or bridge 150. The illustrated desk 148 
is of a more conventional configuration and includes two pedestals 152 
which are recessed at the front of the desk and have extending between the 
forward portions thereof a further recessed modesty skirt 154. 
The desk 148 also includes end panels 156 which have contoured corners 158 
which match the corner 106 of the organizer 44. Wire management grommets 
161 are provided in the side panels 156 near the top to permit passage of 
wiring from the interior of the desk to the top surface. 
The desk 148 also includes a flat panel in the form of a desk top 160. As 
is best shown in FIG. 13, the desk top 160 has formed in the front edge 
thereof two notches 162, 164. The notch 162 is aligned with the pedestal 
152 which may be a drawer pedestal while the notch 164 receives an end 166 
of a top 168 of the return 150 in the manner previously described with 
respect to FIG. 2. 
The opposite end of the return top 168 is rearwardly flared to provide a 
diagonal corner and a wide end 172 for mounting a computer keyboard (not 
shown). The end 172 is seated in the notch 142 of the organizer 4 shown in 
FIG. 11. A back wall 169 is mounted beneath the return top 168 in 
supporting relationship thereto. A grommet 95 is mounted to the back wall 
169 at an upper portion thereof to pass wiring from beneath the return top 
168 to the upper surface thereof. 
The furniture ensemble 146 may also include a lower shelf 174 in the corner 
between the table 150 and the organizer 140 as shown in FIG. 12 for 
receiving a computer or like electronic equipment or personal items. 
It is to be understood that the desk top 160 will have a work area 176 
between the notches 162, 164. The work area 176 will preferably terminate 
in a downwardly and forwardly convexly curved edge 163 as shown, for 
example, in FIG. 10. In a like manner, the back edge 165 of the desk top 
160 will also be downwardly convexly curved but sloping backwardly. 
Referring now to FIG. 14, it will be seen that there is illustrated a 
furniture ensemble generally identified by the numeral 178. The furniture 
ensemble 178 will be substantially identical to the furniture ensemble 146 
with one exception. The furniture ensemble 178 includes the slightly 
modified organizer 44 and the storage column 46. The furniture ensemble 
178 also includes a return or bridge 180 which is a modification of the 
return or bridge 150 to the extent that an end 182 of a return or bridge 
top 184 corresponding to the end 166 is also of an increased length due to 
the tapering and width of the return or bridge top 184 to form a diagonal 
corner 186. A keyboard can be mounted either on diagonal corner 186 or on 
diagonal corner 170. Grommets 161 in the end panels 156 near the top 
provide a passage for wires between the upper surface of the desk top 160 
and the interior of the desk 148 for management of wiring. This results in 
a desk, generally identified by the numeral 188 being a slight 
modification of the desk 148 in that the equivalent of the notch 164 is 
replaced by an elongated notch 190 and the work area 176 being shortened. 
Reference is now made to FIGS. 15 and 16 where there is illustrated another 
form of furniture ensemble 192 in accordance with this invention. The 
furniture ensemble 192 is substantially the same as that of the furniture 
ensemble 178 of FIG. 14 except that the organizer 44 has been replaced by 
a low level storage unit 194 having a flat panel forming a top 196 which 
corresponds to the organizer panel 94. The top 196 is notched at 198 to 
receive an end 172 of the top 184 of the bridge 180. At an end of the 
storage unit is the storage column 46. 
In the corner between the table 190 and the storage unit 194 is a low 
storage shelf 174 which corresponds to the shelf 174 of FIG. 12. 
The furniture ensemble 192 also includes a desk generally identified by the 
numeral 200 which differs from the desk 148 only that it is provided with 
the single pedestal 152 and the front thereof is formed by an elongated 
modesty skirt 202. 
Referring now to FIG. 17, it will be seen that there is illustrated a 
furniture ensemble generally identified by the numeral 204. The furniture 
ensemble differs from the furniture ensemble 192 of FIGS. 15 and 16 only 
in that the bridge or return has been modified The return 180 has been 
replaced by a bridge 206 which has a bridge top 208 which is rectangular 
in cross section and thus of a constant width. A rounded front edge 209 
like edge 96 (FIG. 4) is provided on bridge top 208 to indicate a user 
work area. 
The furniture ensemble 204 also includes a desk which may correspond either 
to the desk 188 or the desk 200. 
Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, there is illustrated another furniture 
ensemble generally identified by the numeral 210. The furniture ensemble 
210 includes the desk 188 and the rectangular table 210 which are 
connected together in the aforedescribed notched relationship. On the 
other hand, the storage unit 194 and the storage column 46 have been 
replaced by a credenza 212 which includes one drawer pedestal 214 which 
corresponds to the drawer or pedestal 50 but is of a left hand version. 
The credenza 212 includes a flat panel forming a top 216 with the top being 
notched as at 218 for receiving the end of the table top 208. The panel is 
also notched at 219 above the drawers of the pedestal 214 as is the desk 
42. The central portion 217 of the top 216 is rounded as edge 74 of desk 
42 to indicate a user work area. Likewise, the entire front edge 209 of 
the bridge 208 is rounded as edge 96 (FIG. 4) to indicate a user work 
area. 
There is also a lower shelf 174 in the corner between the table 206 and the 
credenza 212 for receiving a computer or other electronic equipment or 
personal items 
The credenza 212 carries two truncated storage columns 220 which correspond 
generally to the storage columns 46 but is shorter in height Further, the 
storage columns 220 have upper doors 222 which are hinged and which are 
provided along vertical free edges thereof with an ornamental strip 224 
which functions as a handle in the generally aforedescribed manner. The 
hinges for the doors 222 are mounted opposite the handle strip 224 so that 
the doors open away from the work area. Below each door 222 is a short 
panel 226 which is either fixed or is in the form of a lower door. Each of 
the panels 226 has along the edge thereof in vertical alignment with the 
strip 224 a further vertical strip 228. 
The truncated storage columns 220 have a top of similar construction as the 
top 120 of column 46 with a projection in alignment with the strip 24. An 
opening 223 is provided in the bottom of sidewalls 221 of the storage 
column 22 to provide access to shelves 225 mounted in the bottom of the 
column 220. The shelves 225 provide semi-hidden paper storage. 
An organizer unit 230 extends between upper portions of the sidewalls 221 
of the truncated storage columns 220 and below the organizer unit 230 is a 
display shelf 232 which can carry a light fixture if so desired. The 
organizer has a number of openings for paper and files, and is joined at 
the ends thereof to the sidewalls 221 of the columns 220. Likewise, the 
display shelf 232 is joined at its ends to the side 221 of the columns 
220. 
Referring now to FIG. 20, it will be seen that there is illustrated a 
furniture ensemble 236 which is identical with the furniture ensemble 210 
except for a modified construction of a table 238. The table 238, in 
particular, differs from the table 206 in that in lieu of a rectangular 
table top, the table top 240 has a flared end to form a diagonal corner 
for a computer keyboard. The notch 90 is sized to accommodate the full 
length of end 182. 
Reference is now made to FIG. 21 wherein there is illustrated a furniture 
ensemble generally identified by the numeral 256. This furniture ensemble 
includes a desk 188, a return or bridge 180 and a credenza 212. The notch 
218 in the credenza has been widened to receive the end 172 of the return 
180. A grommet 227 is positioned in the back wall of the credenza 212 near 
the top thereof to pass wiring between the interior of the credenza and 
the upper surface of the top 216. The view clearly shows the 
interchangeability and adaptability of the different pieces of furniture. 
Reference is now made to FIG. 22 wherein there is illustrated a furniture 
ensemble 256 which is formed of the desk 200 and a modified form of the 
credenza 258. The credenza has at one end a drawer pedestal 260 and at the 
other end a storage area 262 extending towards the desk 200. Overlying the 
drawer pedestal 260 and the storage area 262 is a credenza top panel 264 
having an end 266 which is received in a customary notch 268 in the front 
right edge portion of the desk top panel 160. The top panel 264 has a 
notch 267 at one end of the front edge overlying the drawer pedestal 260. 
A grommet 265 is positioned in the top of the credenza back wall to 
provide a passage for wires between the top surface and bottom surface of 
the top panel 264. 
If desired, there may also be a lower shelf 174 for receiving a computer or 
like electronics or for storage of personal items. 
Reference is now made to FIG. 23 wherein there is illustrated another 
modified form of furniture ensemble 270 which includes the desk 200 and a 
credenza 272 which is very similar to the credenza 258 but wherein a left 
end of a modified form of credenza top 274 has a diagonal corner 276 for a 
computer keyboard The only change required in the desk 200 is an 
elongation of the notch 268 to receive an elongated end 278 of the 
credenza top 274. A grommet 265 is mounted in the upper portion of the 
back wall 262 of the credenza 258 to pass wiring from the interior of the 
credenza to the upper surface thereof. 
The credenza tops 264 and 274 are provided with a downwardly convexly 
curved edge 280 so as to invite the use of the adjoining area as a work 
surface by one sitting before the desk 200. 
Referring now to FIG. 24, a desk 148a has at one end thereof a drawer 
pedestal 152 and at the opposite end thereof a compact pedestal 282. The 
front of the desk 148 is like that shown in FIG. 12 with the desk 
including a base 48 and a pair of side panels 156. The pedestals 152, 282 
are separated by a modesty skirt 154. The desk end panels 156 include 
grommets 161 for wire management. 
The illustrated desk 148 differs at the most from that shown in FIG. 12 in 
that the second pedestal, now identified by the numeral 282 is in the form 
of a compact pedestal which will be described later with reference to FIG. 
32. The door 284 is provided along a free edge thereof with an ornamental 
strip 286 which functions the handle. Further, the base 48 in generally 
vertical alignment with the strip 286 carries an ornamental projecting 
strip 288. 
The front edge of the desk top 160 is provided with the customary notches 
162, 164 adjacent opposite ends thereof while there is an intermediate 
downwardly and forwardly projecting convexly curved portion 163 which 
defines a user interface which may be used as a work area or conference 
area. 
The two rearward corners of the desk 148 are concavely contoured as at 158. 
Further, it is preferred that the rearward edge of the desk top 160 be 
rearwardly and downwardly convexly curved to provide an inviting area at 
the front of the desk for a conference area. 
The configuration of the desk illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25 provides an 
inviting portal beneath the rounded edge 163 and between the pedestals 
152. If desired, the rounded edge portion 163 can be recessed inwardly of 
the notches 162 and 174 to have a similar impact In this event, the drawer 
handle 56 would be formed inwardly rather than outwardly. 
Reference is now made to FIG. 25 wherein there is illustrated another form 
of the desk 148 incorporating the same desk top 160 and the drawer 
pedestal 152 but wherein a storage pedestal 282 has been replaced by 
another drawer pedestal 152 which is illustrated as having only two 
drawers 52 as opposed to the three drawer construction of the drawer 
pedestal 152 at the left of the desk. 
Referring now to FIG. 26, it will be seen that there is illustrated a 
credenza 290 which includes a base 292 on which there is seated two drawer 
pedestals 294, 296 which are of the same type as the drawer pedestals 152 
illustrated in FIG. 25. The drawer pedestal 294 differs from the drawer 
pedestal 296 in that it has three drawers whereas the drawer pedestal 296 
has two drawers. 
A rear wall 298 extends between the pedestals 294, 296 and a credenza top 
300 overlies the pedestals 294, 296 and the rear wall 298. 
The rear corners of the credenza 290 are concavely contoured as at 158 in a 
previously described manner while the pedestals 294, 296 are of a 
construction previously described and illustrated, for example, in FIG. 
25. 
The credenza top 300 is of a configuration similar to the desk top 160 and 
has in the front edge thereof notches 302, 304 in alignment with the 
respective pedestals 294, 296. The front edge of the credenza top 300 
between the notches 302, 304 is forwardly and downwardly convexly curved 
as at 306 so as to define an inviting area between the pedestals 294, 296 
which may serve as a work surface or conference area. A grommet (not 
shown) for wire management control can be mounted in an upper portion of 
the back wall 298. The space between the pedestals 294, 296 is open for 
leg room for a user. 
Referring now to FIG. 27, a slightly modified form of credenza generally 
identified by the numeral 310 is shown. The credenza 310 differs from the 
credenza 290 in that the base 292 continues in front of the open space 
between the pedestals 294, 296 and that open space is closed by a pair of 
doors 312. 
The credenza 310 has seated thereon in generally overlying relation with 
respect to the pedestals 294, 296 a pair of mirror image truncated storage 
columns 220 which are identical with the previously described storage 
columns 220. 
Reference is now made to FIG. 28 wherein there is illustrated a furniture 
ensemble 314 which is formed of the credenza 310 having mounted thereon 
the two spaced truncated storage columns 220. Further, extending between 
and being supported by the storage columns 220 is an organizer unit 230 
and a shelf 232 as is more specifically illustrated and described in FIG. 
18. 
Referring now to FIG. 29, there is illustrated another furniture ensemble 
316 which is a combination of a storage column 318 and bookcase 320 having 
a common base 322 and a common top 324. The storage column 318 is of the 
same basic construction as the storage column 46 except that its door 326 
opens to the left away from the bookcase 320 with the result that the 
Ornamental strip 328 forming the handle for the door 326 also functions 
generally as a center divider for the furniture ensemble 316. As in other 
constructions, the base 322 also has an ornamental strip 330 vertically 
aligned with the ornamental strip 328. 
As is best shown in FIG. 30, the storage column 318 and the bookcase 320 
share a common back 332. Also, it will be seen that a common divider panel 
334 forms the right side of the storage column 318 while also serving as a 
support for the individual shelves 336. 
Finally, the right side of the bookcase 320 is formed by a rather thick 
side panel 338 which has the front corner thereof machined to an arcuate 
concave configuration 340 to provide an ornamental appearance. 
Returning now to the top 324, a notch 342 is in alignment with the door 326 
while a forwardly and downwardly convex arcuate edge 44 is in alignment 
with the shelves 336 to enhance the ornamental appearance thereof and so 
as to match other furniture configurations. 
Reference is now made to FIG. 31 wherein there is illustrated a stand-up 
desk ensemble 346 which includes a high drawer pedestal 348 having a base 
350. The pedestal 348 has a plurality of drawers 352 of which each has a 
drawer front 354. Each drawer front 354 is provided along one vertical 
edge thereof with an ornamental strip 356 which functions as a handle. The 
construction of the drawer front and ornamental strip is similar to that 
shown in FIG. 6. 
In order to enhance the ornamental appearance of the drawer pedestal 348, 
there is also an ornamental strip 358 of the same cross section as the 
ornamental strip 356 carried by the base 350 in vertical alignment with 
the ornamental strips 356. 
In adjacent spaced relation to the pedestal 348 is a storage column 46 as 
previously described. The pedestal 348 has a top 360 of which a left hand 
portion is seated on the pedestal 348 and the right hand edge is connected 
to and supported by a sidewall 116 of the storage column 46. In accordance 
with other furniture construction which is the subject of this invention, 
the top 360 is provided with a notch 362 in alignment with the drawers 352 
and the front edge of the top 360 between the notch 362 and the end wall 
116 is machined so as to form a convexly forwardly and downwardly curved 
edge 364. Also, a shelf 366 is mounted between the pedestal 348 and the 
storage column 46 in underlying relation to the top 360. Finally, a foot 
rail 368 extends between the pedestal 348 and the storage column 46. A 
grommet (not shown) can be provided in the back wall to provide a passage 
for wiring between the upper surface of the top 360 and the open area 
therebeneath. 
Reference is now made to FIGS. 32 and 32 wherein there is illustrated a 
modified form of the desk 148 wherein the left pedestal is replaced by a 
compact pedestal generally identified by the numeral 370. The compact 
pedestal 370 is of the same general outline construction as previously 
described pedestals, but is in the form of an organizer cabinet which 
includes a pull-out organizer unit 372. As is best shown in FIG. 33, the 
pedestal 370 includes a bottom wall 374 which carries a pair of guide 
rails 376. The organizer unit 372 includes a base wall 378 which includes 
a pair of roller supports 380 which cooperate with the guide rails 376 to 
permit the organizer unit 372 to be readily pulled in and out. 
The organizer unit preferably includes a lower file cabinet 382 carried by 
the base wall 378. An upstanding panel 384 is secured to one side of the 
file cabinet 382 and supports adjacent the top thereof a tray assembly 
386. 
The organizer unit 372 also includes a front door panel 388 which is 
suitably attached to the base wall 378, the file cabinet 382, the 
upstanding panel 384 and the tray assembly 386 for movement as a unit. The 
door panel 388 has at the right edge thereof a vertically disposed 
ornamental strip 390 which functions as a handle for the organizer unit 
372. It will be seen that the ornamental strip 62 carried by the base 48 
as in other desk constructions will be vertically aligned with the 
ornamental strip 390 and of the same configuration. 
Referring now to FIG. 34, there is shown yet another embodiment of the 
invention in which a desk, a return and a credenza are combined with an 
organizer having a storage column. The desk 42 is similar to the desk 
shown in FIGS. 1-3 in that it has a top 64 with a grommet 65, a front 
modesty skirt 66 and a pedestal 50. The pedestal is positioned on the 
right side of the desk from the orientation of the user in FIG. 34 whereas 
the pedestal is positioned on the left side of the desk as viewed from the 
user in FIGS. 1-4. However, the desk is otherwise the same. 
A credenza 258 is similar to the credenza shown in FIG. 22 except that the 
credenza 258 shown in FIG. 34 is a mirror image of the credenza shown in 
FIG. 22. 
An organizer 400 spans the desk 42 and the credenza 258. The organizer has 
a pair of vertical sidewalls 402 and 404, a back wall 406, a top panel 410 
and a work surface 412, all joined together to form a rigid, freestanding 
unit. If desirable, the desk and credenza can be fixedly secured to the 
organizer at the interfacing edges thereof. 
A tackboard 408 can be mounted to the front surface of the back wall 406 
for tacking paperwork. 
The work surface 412 has a front edge which has a rounded portion 414 and 
notched portions 416 and 418. A grommet 420 is mounted in the top panel 
410 for passage of wiring between those portions above and below the work 
surface panel 412. 
A storage cabinet 422 is mounted in an upper left corner of the organizer 
and includes a door 424 which is hinged to the cabinet at the left side 
thereof as viewed in FIG. 34. A handle 425 of a construction the same as 
handle 56 is provided at a right side of the door 424. 
Similarly, a cabinet 426 is mounted at an upper right side of the organizer 
410 and has a door 428 hinged to a right side of the cabinet to open away 
from the work area. Thus, the interior of the cabinets 422 and 426 are 
easily accessible from within the work area defined by the ensemble shown 
in FIG. 34. A handle 429 is mounted to the door 428 and is of a 
construction similar to the handle 128 illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6. 
Likewise, the handle 425 is of a construction similar to the handle 128 
illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6. 
The organizer cabinet 430 has two sets of open vertical shelves 432 
supported by dividers 434 which are connected to a bottom shelf 436. Thus, 
an open storage area 438 is provided between the two sets of vertical 
shelves 432. 
The top panel 410 has a front edge with notches 440 and 442 at the ends 
thereof in registry with the doors 424 and 428 of the cabinets 422 and 
426, respectively. A rounded edge 444 of a configuration illustrated in 
FIG. 10 spans the front edge between the notches 440 and 442. The notches 
have a concave surface at the interface between the notches and the curved 
front edge 444 in similar construction as, for example, shown between the 
notch 76 and the curving edge 74 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4. The handles 
425 and 429 have a cross sectional configuration which generally follows 
the configuration of the front edge of the overlying top panel 410. A 
shelf 439 can be mounted between the back wall 406 and the cabinet 422 in 
the open space beneath shelf 436. 
If desired, the cabinets 422 and 426 and the organizer cabinet 430 with the 
top panel 410 can be constructed as a unit and mounted to a wall in 
overlying configuration to a desk, return and credenza configuration as 
illustrated, for example, in FIG. 18. In the event that the wall-mounted 
organizer is used the storage columns 220 and the organizer 230 can be 
eliminated from the credenza. In this case, the sidewalls 402 and 404 
would be eliminated. 
Reference is now made to FIG. 35 which shows yet another embodiment of the 
invention. In FIG. 35 there is shown the combination of a desk and 
stand-up desk surface combined with an organizer and truncated column. The 
desk 42 is of the same construction as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and 
includes a desk top 64 having a grommet 65, a front modesty skirt 66 and a 
pedestal 50. 
The organizer column assembly 450 comprises a cabinet 452 having a door 454 
hinged at the right side thereof for opening away from the desk 42 and 
also having a handle 456 of the same configuration as the handle 128 shown 
on FIGS. 3 and 5. The organizer column 450 further has a sidewall 458 and 
a filler panel 460 joined together to form a left side of the unit. A top 
panel 462 is mounted on top of the sidewall 458 and the cabinet 452 in 
overlying relationship thereto and defining an organizer space 
therebeneath. The top panel 462 has a front edge which has a rounded 
portion 464 extending from one edge thereof to a notched portion 466 at 
another end thereof. The notched portion 466 is in register with the 
cabinet door 454. The handle 456 has a cross sectional configuration which 
generally follows the configuration of the front edge of the top surface 
between the notched portion 466 and the rounded edge portion 464. 
A work surface 468 is mounted between the cabinet 452 and the sidewall 458. 
The work surface 468 has a notch 470 which interfaces with the right end 
68 of the desk top 64 in a manner similar to the interface between the 
desk top 64 and the panel 94 of the organizer shown in FIGS. 1-4. 
The open space between the top panel 462 and the work surface panel 468 
near the sidewall 458 provides a niche 472 for positioning of a computer 
terminal. 
A sliding easel 474 is positioned at the right end of the work surface 468 
for use by user of the space. 
The organizer column unit 450 is constructed so that the top panel 462 is 
approximately 45 inches high, or a suitable height for a stand-up work 
surface. A rounded surface 464 provides a suitable interface between the 
user and the top panel 462. 
The several embodiments of the invention illustrate the numerous variations 
which can be devised by an end user to fit his or her particular work 
environment. There are key elements to the invention, such as the notches 
(76, 98), the rounded user interface edges (74, 96) and the interfitting 
relationship between components. All of these components can be made from 
stock materials which can be machined with numerically controlled 
equipment to fashion the desired work surface, credenza, return or 
organizer configuration without expensive special order manufacturing 
procedures. The pedestals can be standard sizes and used with various work 
surface panel or credenza panel configurations. Complete office 
configurations, fashioned for machine and/or paper intensive environments, 
can be selected to meet small, compact space or generous space 
availability. The invention provides in case goods furniture a rich mix of 
user driven options with cost effective manufacturing available heretofore 
only with systems furniture. 
Although a number of preferred embodiments of individual furniture pieces 
and furniture ensembles have been specifically illustrated described 
herein, it is to be understood that other modifications may be made 
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by 
the appended claims.