Desk with cable management

Abstract: A desk (10) includes a horizontal worksurface (16) having a top surface (22), an underside (20) and a plurality of side edges (18). At least one vertical panel (14) is positioned below said worksurface (16) parallel to a side edge (18) thereof. A top edge (24) of the panel (14) is lower tha the underside (20) of the worksurface (16) to provide a clearance such that cables (25) may be inserted therebetween at a desired location along the length thereof. A trough (26) is positioned adjacent an inner surface (28) of the panel (14) and is substantially the same length as the panel (14). The trough (26) includes an access opening (38) therein and a back wall (30) which is spaced apart from the panel (14) and has a top edge (36) adjacent the underside (20) of the worksurface (16). In one aspect of the invention, the access opening (38) is formed in the back wall (30) of the trough (26) and a flexible cover (60) is attached thereto such that the access opening (38) is substantially covered. The cover (60) has a plurality of vertical slits (64) which divide the cover (60) into a plurality of flaps (65) for the insertion of cables (25). In another aspect of the invention, the access opening (38) is formed in the back wall (30) and the worksurface (16) has a cavity (70) formed in the underside (20) thereof in a position overlying the access opening (38). The cavity (70) spans at least the distance between the top edge (36) of the back wall (30) and the vertical panel (14).

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to office furniture such as desks or the like, and more particularly, to a desk having cable management features. Many types of equipment used in modern offices, such as telephones, computers, typewriters, etc., are positioned on the worksurfaces of desks. In order for these devices to function, data, communication and/or electrical cables must be provided. These cables and their connecting elements can be unsightly and cumbersome when loosely placed on the top of a worksurface, draped over the side of the desk, and strewn about a floor. In existing desks with cable management, wires or cables are often fed through an access opening in the worksurface or the support panels of a desk, and some type of cover is utilized to conceal the access opening. Desks of this type are disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,762,072 (Boundy), 4,734,826 (Wilson), 4,372,629 (Propst), 4,323,291 (Ball), 4,296,981 (Hildenbrandt), 4,163,867 (Breidenbach), and 3,873,758 (VanGessel). Even when the cables themselves are hidden from view, the covers of these desks can be readily observable and unattractive, especially when the covers are located on the top of a worksurface. A desirable feature of cable management is to have one or more access openings spanning the substantial length of the panel or worksurface so that cables can be inserted therein from a desired location on the worksurface. In such a case, the length of exposed cable from various office equipment to the access opening is minimized. However, these added access openings compound the problem of providing an attractive desk with inconspicuous covers or the like. US-A-4,762,072, US-A-4,734,826 and US-A-4,372,629 disclose such access openings in the worksurface which span the substantial length thereof. The plurality of covers or the like concealing these openings, however, can be noticeable and unattractive. An item of furniture suitable for use as a desk is described in EP-A-O,244,582 as comprising a table plate or worksurface and a rear wall. A channel is provided below the worksurface for the receipt of connecting cables access to which is gained via a slot defined between the worksurface and the rear wall. The entrance to the slot is flush with the worksurface and is left uncovered and is consequently unattractive. According to the present invention there is provided a desk with cable management comprising: a horizontal worksurface having a top surface, an underside, and a plurality of side edges; at least one vertical panel having a top edge; and a trough having a length substantially the same as the panel and in which a length of cable may be laid, the trough being positioned adjacent an inner surface of the panel and having an access opening therein for the passage of cables to a position underneath the worksurface, the trough further comprising at least a back wall spaced apart from the panel, the back wall having a top edge adjacent the underside of the worksurface, characterised in that the panel is positioned below the worksurface parallel to a side edge thereof, the top edge of the panel being lower than the underside of the worksurface to provide a clearance which is positioned laterally inwardly from said side edge such that cables may pass therebetween and into the trough at a desired location along said side edge. In one embodiment of the invention, the access opening is formed in the back wall of the trough and a flexible, resilient cover is attached to the back wall such that the access opening is substantially covered. The cover has a plurality of vertical slits therein which divide the cover into vertical flaps for receiving the cables. In another embodiment of the invention, the access opening is formed in the back wall of the trough and the worksurface has a cavity formed in the underside thereof in a position overlying the access opening. The cavity spans at least the horizontal distance between the top edge of the back wall and the vertical panel. In addition, the cover may be attached to the back wall in this form of the invention. When a cover is provided, the flaps bend to receive connectors, plugs or the like attached to the cables, return to an upright position, and the cables lie on a top edge of the cover in the cavity. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the access opening is formed in a bottom wall of the trough. The bottom wall is positioned between the back wall and the panel below the top edge of the panel. In a preferred embodiment, the access opening in the back wall of the trough comprises a rectangular slot formed in the upper portion of the back wall. The slot is preferably positioned substantially in the longitudinal center of the back wall. In another preferred embodiment, the access opening in the bottom wall is rectangular and positioned substantially in the longitudinal center of the bottom wall. In the embodiments of the invention in which a cover is provided an exterior surface of the panel and the cover are preferably the same dark color in order to make the cover inconspicuous. Embodiments of the present invention provide significant advantages over other desks with cable management. The clearance between the panel and worksurface allows cables to pass therethrough from a desired location along the edge of the worksurface, thus minimizing the length of exposed cable from various office equipment to the trough. The configuration of the panel in relation to the worksurface is uniform and attractive, thus eliminating the need to provide a conspicuous cover for concealing traditional access openings. The access opening in the trough is similarly unobtrusive. In the preferred embodiment incorporating the flexible cover and cavity, the flaps in the cover and the fact that the cover is spaced apart from the panel minimize the obtrusiveness of the access opening and cover. In the embodiment incorporating the access opening in the bottom wall of the trough, the opening is completely hidden from view. In addition, the cavity provides added clearance for the insertion of connectors or plugs therein, thus minimizing the clearance between the panel and worksurface. The present invention, together with further objects and advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention showing an external view of the front of a desk. FIGURE 2 is a perspective view a preferred embodiment of the invention showing a worksurface in section, the inside of a front panel, and a trough. FIGURE 3 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the invention showing a cavity in dotted lines and a cover over an access opening. FIGURE 3A is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 3 taken along the line 3A-3A. FIGURE 4 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention showing the cavity in dotted lines and the access opening. FIGURE 4A is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 taken along the line 4A-4A. FIGURE 5 is a front view of another alternative embodiment of the invention showing the cover over the access opening. FIGURE 5A is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 taken along the line 5A-5A. FIGURE 6 is a top view of yet another alternative embodiment of the invention showing the access opening in a bottom wall of the trough. FIGURE 6A is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 6 taken along the line 6A-6A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a desk with cable management indicated generally at 10. The desk 10 includes vertical side panels 12 and a vertical front panel 14 positioned below a horizontal worksurface 16. The worksurface 16 has a plurality of side edges 18, an underside 20, and a top surface 22 whereupon office equipment such as computers, telephones, or the like are placed. The desk 10 may include any number of panels and the worksurface 16 may be supported by some of the panels or by vertical support members (not shown). Referring to Figures 1-3, front panel 14 is parallel to the side edge 18 of worksurface 16. A top edge 24 of front panel 14 is lower than the underside 20 of worksurface 16 so that a plurality of cables 25 may be passed therethrough at a desired location along the length of the worksurface 16. Top edge 24 is preferably horizontal to provide a uniform, attractive opening which does not need to be concealed. A trough 26 is positioned adjacent an inner surface 28 of panel 14 and is substantially the same length as the panel. Trough 26 includes a vertical back wall 30 which is spaced apart from panel 14 and a horizontal bottom wall 32 therebetween to create an interior channel 34. To provide a uniform and attractive surface for a person viewing the front of desk 10, a top edge 36 of back wall 30 is adjacent the underside 20 of worksurface 16. The back wall 30 is preferably a dark color, such as black, to make the wall inconspicuous. Back wall 30 also has an access opening 38 therein to allow cables 25 to reach a desired position underneath the worksurface 16. The access opening 38 is preferably a rectangular slot having a bottom edge 39. Preferably, access opening 38 is formed in an upper portion of the back wall 30 in the longitudinal center thereof. To secure the trough 26 to a position adjacent the front panel 14, vertical flanges 40 extend inward from side edges 42 of the front panel 14, and vertical flanges 44 extend toward panel 14 from ends 46 of the back wall 30. The panel flanges 40 include a plurality of apertures 41 therein, and the back wall flanges 44 include a plurality of apertures 45 therein. The back wall flanges 44 bear against an inner surface of the panel flanges 40 such that apertures 41 and 45 are in alignment for receiving conventional fasteners. To further secure the trough 26, the panel 14 includes a folded over portion 48 extending downward from the top edge 24 thereof. The folded portion 48 terminates in an anchor member 49 which bends upward to create a seat. Vertical flange 50, which depends from the bottom wall 32 of trough 16, mates with anchor member 49. To secure trough 26 yet further, a horizontal flange 52 extends from the top edge 36 of back wall 30 in a direction away from panel 14. The flange 52 bears against the underside 20 of the worksurface 16 and has a plurality of apertures 54 therein for receiving a plurality of fasteners 56. The trough 26 can be of any configuration which retains a plurality of cables. For example, bottom wall 32 need not be provided if the back wall 30 is curved or slanted toward the panel 14. Although the preferred material for the trough 26 is metal, any suitable material may be used. Preferably, fasteners 56 comprise rivets, but any conventional fasteners can be used, such as screws, bolts, or the like. In addition, the trough can be attached by conventional fastening means to any combination of the side panels 12, front panel 14, and/or worksurface 16. Furthermore, the trough may include a plurality of access openings therein of any shape and in any location to allow cables to reach a position underneath the worksurface. A flexible, resilient cover 60 is attached to a back surface 62 of the back wall 30 such that the access opening 38 is substantially covered. Cover 60 has a plurality of vertical slits 64 therein which divide the cover into vertical flaps 65. The vertical flaps 65 bend so that connectors, plugs or the like attached to cables 25 can be inserted therethrough. The cover 60 also includes a plurality of apertures 66 therein for receiving a plurality of fasteners 68. The cover 60 may have any type of opening therein which allows the cables 25 to be inserted therethrough, although it is desirable to make such openings inconspicuous to a person viewing the desk 10. Preferably, fasteners 68 comprise rivets, but any conventional fastening means can be used for attaching the cover 60 to the back wall 30, such as screws, bolts, adhesive, Velcro ® or the like. In addition, cover 60 may be attached to the surface of back wall 30 opposite the back surface 62. The underside 20 of worksurface 16 includes a cavity formed therein in a position overlying the back wall access opening 38. Cavity 70 is spaced apart from the side edge 18 of worksurface 16 and spans at least the horizontal distance between the top edge 36 of back wall 30 and panel 14. Preferably, cavity 70 is the same width as the access opening 38. Cavity 70 provides added clearance for the insertion of cables 25 and any connectors, plugs, or the like into the trough 26, thus minimizing the clearance between panel 14 and the worksurface 16. In addition, the added clearance provided by cavity 70 allows the bottom edge 39 of access opening 38 to be relatively high. After connectors attached to cables 25 are inserted past the plane of cover 60, a portion of the cables 25 are raised to a position above the cover and inside cavity 70, and the flaps 25 return to a vertical position. Thus, the cables 25 are hidden from view and the cover 60 is inconspicuous. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4, cover 60 is not provided since the bottom edge 39 of access opening 38 is high enough to prevent a person from seeing the access opening. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, cavity 70 is not provided since the top edge 24 of panel 14 and the bottom edge 39 of access opening 38 are low enough to accommodate cables 25 and their connected components. In another embodiment of the invention, access opening 38 is formed in the bottom wall 32 of trough 26, as shown in Figure 6. In this form of the invention, the access opening 38 is completely concealed and cover 60 need not be provided. In all the illustrated embodiments, a plurality of cables 25 from various office equipment positioned on the top surface 22 of worksurface 16 are passed over side edge 18 at a desired location. The cables are inserted into the clearance between the panel 14 and worksurface 16, and laid in the trough 26. If cavity 70 is provided and the top edge 24 of panel 14 is relatively high, connectors, plugs or the like are inserted through the cavity, and the cables are then moved along the length of trough 26 to minimize the amount of cable exposed on the top surface 22 of worksurface 16. If the cover 60 is utilized, the cables 25 and any connected components are forced past the flaps 65, a portion of the cables is raised into cavity 70, and the flaps 65 return to a vertical position to provide an inconspicuous viewing surface. If the cover 60 is not utilized, the cables are inserted through the access opening 38. In any event, cables 25 are then directed to a desired location below the worksurface 16, such as a power source on a floor. In addition, the cables are loosely arranged in the trough 16 to minimize the exposure thereof outside the trough. Although the invention has been described with reference to front panel 14 and the corresponding side edge 18 of the worksurface 16, it may be readily incorporated into any panel of the desk 10. Thus, a desk with efficient, inconspicuous cable management features is provided. The uniform clearance between the panel 14 and the worksurface 16, when viewed with the back wall 30 of trough 26 as a receded surface, provides an attractive access opening for the cables 25 while allowing the cables to be placed therein from any location along the length of the worksurface 16. In addition, the cavity 70 in worksurface 16 allows the top edge 24 of panel 14 and the bottom edge 39 of back wall access opening 38 to be relatively high and inconspicuous. If the access opening 38 is low enough for a person to see, the cover 60 is provided to conceal the access opening. Cavity 70 provides a space for the cables 25 to lie in so that flaps 65 of cover 60 can return to a vertical, inconspicuous position. Furthermore, if the access opening 38 is formed in the bottom wall 32 of trough 26, the opening is completely concealed. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims: A desk (10) with cable management comprising: a horizontal worksurface (16) having a top surface (22), an underside (20), and a plurality of side edges (18); at least one vertical panel (14) having a top edge (24); and a trough (26) having a length substantially the same as the panel (14) and in which a length of cable (25) may be laid, the trough (26) being positioned adjacent an inner surface (28) of the panel (14) and having an access opening (38) therein for the passage of cables (25) to a position underneath the worksurface (16), the trough (26) further comprising at least a back wall (30) spaced apart from the panel (14), the back wall (30) having a top edge (36) adjacent the underside (20) of the worksurface (16), characterised in that the panel (14) is positioned below the worksurface (16) parallel to a side edge (18) thereof, the top edge (24) of the panel (14) being lower than the underside (20) of the worksurface (16) to provide a clearance which is positioned laterally inwardly from said side edge (18) such that cables (25) may pass therebetween and into the trough (26) at a desired location along said side edge (18). The desk of Claim 1, wherein the access opening (38) is formed in the back wall (30). The desk of Claim 2, wherein the access opening (38) is substantially in the longitudinal center of the back wall (30). The desk of Claim 3, wherein the access opening (38) comprises a rectangular slot formed in an upper portion of the back wall (30). The desk of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein a flexible, resilient cover (60) is attached to the back wall (30) such that the access opening (38) is substantially covered, said cover (60) having a plurality of vertical slits (64) therein which divide the cover (60) into a plurality of flaps (65) such that a plurality of cables (25) may nevertheless be inserted past a flap (65) in the access opening cover (60) and passed to a desired location below the worksurface (16). The desk of Claim 5, wherein an exterior surface of the panel (14) is a dark color, and the access opening cover (60) is the same color as the panel (14). The desk of any of Claims 2 to 6, wherein the underside (20) of the horizontal worksurface (16) has a cavity (70) formed therein in a position overlying the access opening (38), the cavity (70) being spaced apart from the side edge (18) of the worksurface (16) and spanning at least the distance between the top edge (36) of the back wall (30) and the vertical panel (14) such that a plurality of cables (25) may be inserted through the space provided by the access opening (38) and worksurface cavity (70), and passed to a desired location below the worksurface (16). The desk of Claim 7, wherein the worksurface cavity (70) is substantially the same width as the access opening (38). The desk of Claim 1, wherein the access opening (38) is formed in a bottom wall (32) between the back wall (30) and the panel (14), the bottom wall (32) being positioned below the top edge (24) of the panel (14). The desk of Claim 9, wherein the access opening (38) is substantially in the longitudinal center of the bottom wall (32). The desk of Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the back wall (30) is substantially vertical and the bottom wall (32) is substantially horizontal. The desk of any preceding claim, wherein the trough (26) comprises a vertical back wall (30) spaced apart from the panel (14) and a horizontal bottom wall (32) therebetween to create an interior channel (34). The desk of any preceding claim, wherein the panel (14) is made of sheet metal and has vertical flanges (40) extending inward from side edges (42) thereof, and the trough (26) has first vertical flanges (44) extending from the ends (46) of the back wall (30) toward the panel (14), the panel flanges (40) and said first vertical flanges (44) having a plurality of apertures (41,45) therein in alignment to receive a plurality of fasteners. The desk of Claim 13, wherein the panel (14) has an anchor member (49) extending from an inner surface (28) thereof, and the trough (26) has a second vertical flange (50) depending from a bottom wall (32) thereof, said second vertical flange (50) mating with said anchor member (49) to further secure the trough (26) to the panel (14). The desk of any preceding claim and further comprising a horizontal flange (52) extending from the top edge (36) of the back wall (30) away from the panel (14) to provide a seat for the worksurface (16), the flange (52) having a plurality of apertures (54) therein for receiving a plurality of fasteners (56) to secure the trough (26) to the underside (20) of the worksurface (16).

Inventors: DE HAAN DOUGLAS M, KELLEY JAMES O, DE HAAN, DOUGLAS M., KELLEY, JAMES O.
Applicants: MILLER HERMAN INC, HERMAN MILLER, INC.
Application year: 1992
Main classification: A47B21
IPC codes: A47B21, A47B13