Abstract:
A media station can be broken-down and reconfigured such that the individual parts of the media station can be used in multiple configurations. The media station includes a central technology backbone that houses the computer hardware and media modules required for the type of monitor/media sharing desired. The technology backbone includes magnetic coupling members that increase the options for the different types of work tables that can be connected to the technology backbone dependent upon the user&#39;s needs and the size of the group. The ability to separate the work tables from the central technology backbone allows for flexibility in the styles of table used as well as the potential for cross room cohesiveness and economies of scale in unit types. When the media station is not in use, users can separate the individual work tables from the backbone and use the tables in a conventional manner.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]    Presently, different types of media sharing furniture exist that consist of a large single unit having a defined overall aesthetic look. Typically, this type of furniture includes seating stations for multiple persons to view a display screen. 
         [0002]    Although several types of media sharing furniture exist, each type of furniture limits the user&#39;s flexibility from an aesthetic and planning standpoint since the unit is often large and difficult to move and reconfigure. 
       SUMMARY  
       [0003]    This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0004]    The present disclosure generally relates to a media station that can be broken-down and reconfigured in an easy and convenient manner such that the individual parts of the media station can be used in multiple configurations. The media station of the present disclosure includes a central technology backbone that houses the computer hardware and media modules required for the type of monitor/media sharing desired. The technology backbone includes magnetic coupling members that increase the options for the different types of work tables that can be connected to the technology backbone dependent upon the user&#39;s needs and the size of the group. The ability to separate the work tables from the central technology backbone allows for greater flexibility in the styles of table used as well as the potential for cross room cohesiveness and economies of scale in unit types. When the media station is not in use, users can separate the individual work tables from the backbone and use the tables in a conventional manner in the same room. The ability to separate the tables from the technology backbone allows for flipping and nesting tables to be used to further enhance mobility and storage options. 
         [0005]    A technology backbone for a media station is disclosed. The technology backbone has a top surface, a first support member positioned beneath the top surface and extending downward from the top surface, and a coupling member embedded in the first support member such that the coupling member does not protrude from the first support member. 
         [0006]    A work table for use with a technology backbone having a magnetic coupling member embedded in a support member is also disclosed. The work table has a generally horizontal work surface having at least one side edge, and a magnetic coupling member embedded in the at least one side edge. When the at least one side edge of the work table is positioned adjacent the technology backbone, the magnetic coupling member embedded in the support member of the technology backbone is attracted to the magnetic coupling member embedded in the side edge of the work table. The work table is thereby held in position adjacent the technology backbone. 
         [0007]    A complete media station for providing access to media equipment is also disclosed. The media station has a technology backbone having a top surface and a support member positioned beneath the top surface and extending downward from the top surface. The media station also has at least one work table having a work surface. A first plurality of coupling members are recessed within the support member of the technology backbone and a second plurality of coupling members are recessed within an edge of the work table. The work table is movable such that it can be positioned adjacent the technology backbone. Spacing between the first plurality of coupling members corresponds to spacing between the second plurality of coupling members, such that the first and second plurality of coupling members interact to hold the work table in position adjacent the technology backbone. 
         [0008]    Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0009]    The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the disclosure. In the drawings: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a media station; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the media station; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the ability of the media station to be broken into multiple components; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the media station; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the central technology backbone; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view illustrating the magnetic ganging between one of the work tables and the technology backbone; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of one of the work tables used as part of the media station; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8   a  is a perspective view illustrating the magnetic ganging of two individual work tables; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 8   b  is a second, alternate configuration for the magnetic ganging of the work tables. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0019]    In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The different systems described herein may be used alone or in combination with other systems. Various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Each limitation in the appended claims is intended to invoke interpretation under 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph only if the terms “means for” or “step for” are explicitly recited in the respective limitation. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  illustrates a media station  10  constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The media station  10  generally includes a central technology backbone  12 , a series of work tables  14   a,    14   b  and  14   c,  and a display  16 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the display  16  is a video monitor, although other types of displays are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the display  16  is mounted to a support stand  18 . The support stand  18  may be formed from laminate and bolts onto the technology backbone  12  when the user wishes to place the media station  10  in the center of a room rather than against a wall. However, it is contemplated that the display  16  could be mounted to a wall of a room while operating within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0021]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the media station  10  can be broken down into separate, individual components such that each of the individual components can be utilized separate and apart from the combination shown in  FIG. 1 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , each of the work tables  14   a,    14   b,    14   c  can be separated from the technology backbone  12  and used separate and apart from the media station  10 . Each of the individual work tables  14  includes a pair of wheeled legs  20  such that each of the work tables  14  can be moved to a different location within the facility. In the embodiment shown, each leg  20  has two wheels  22 . In other embodiments, the legs  20  can have more than two wheels  22  or no wheels. 
         [0022]    Although not shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , it is contemplated that each of the work tables  14  could be designed to be a flipping or nesting table such that when the individual work tables  14  are separated from the entire media station  10 , the work tables  14  could be stored in an efficient manner. Each of the work tables  14  includes a generally planar work surface  24 . To flip and nest the work tables  14 , for example, the work surface  24  of the work tables  14  can be flipped along an axis x ( FIG. 2 ) where the underside of the work surface  24  is connected to the legs  20  of the work table  14 . 
         [0023]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , when the work tables  14  are joined to the technology backbone  12 , the work surface  24  is positioned slightly below a top surface  26  of the technology backbone  12 . This allows coupling members in the work tables  14  to be positioned adjacent coupling members in sidewalls  32  of the technology backbone  12 , as will be described further herein below. 
         [0024]      FIG. 5  provides a detailed illustration of the configuration of the technology backbone  12  of the present disclosure. The technology backbone  12  generally includes a top surface  26  having a series of individual cutouts  28  that provide access to an open interior  30 . The open interior  30  is designed to include various different types of electronic equipment, such as computers, projectors, internet routers, electrical supply conduits or any other type of electrical connection that may be needed by users working at the media station  10 . Although the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  includes eight separate cutouts  28 , it is contemplated that a fewer number of cutouts  28  could be utilized while operating within the scope of the present disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated, the technology backbone  12  is formed from laminated particle board, although other types of materials are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure. The top surface  26  is formed from laminated particle board and includes the cutouts  28  that allow access the open interior  30 . Each cutout  28  receives a media module that provides a point of connection for a laptop of a user seated at one of the work tables. The cutouts  28  can be sized to accept various different types of collaborative media modules. The function of the media modules can be varied by the supplier and model. Typically, the media modules allow for laptop users to plug in audio and video to be displayed (shared/toggled) on the display  16 . The modules also contain access to the internet or a local area network. 
         [0025]    The technology backbone  12  includes a support member positioned beneath the top surface  26  and extending downward from the top surface  26 . The technology backbone  12  can include a second support member spaced from the first support member. For example, the first support member can be a first sidewall  32  and the second support member can be a second sidewall  32 . The technology backbone  12  can include a third support member and a fourth support member extending downward from the top surface  26 , wherein the third support member and the fourth support member are spaced from one another. For example, the third support member can be a front wall  56  (see  FIG. 3 ) and the fourth support member can be a back wall  34 . In other embodiments, the support members are not walls, but are legs, blocks, or any other structure capable of supporting the top surface  26 . 
         [0026]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , for example, the technology backbone  12  includes a pair of sidewalls  32  that define the open interior  30  along with a back wall  34  and a front wall  56  (see  FIG. 3 ). In other embodiments, the technology backbone  12  could include only one support member, such as one sidewall  32 . In other embodiments, the technology backbone  12  could include only two support members, such as the front wall  56  and the back wall  34 . Other combinations of sidewalls  32 , front wall  56 , and back wall  34  are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0027]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the sidewall  32  includes a removable access panel  36  that provides access to the hardware contained within the open interior  30  of the technology backbone  12 . The access panel  36  is removable for access and assembly of the wiring of the table top modules and switching hardware. Once assembly is complete, the panel is locked shut to restrict access. In the preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the front wall  56  ( FIG. 3 ) includes a decorative perforated steel panel covering a large air vent  57 . The back wall  34  ( FIG. 5 ) can include a cutout  38  that acts as an air vent and may also act as the access opening to attach the optional support stand  18 . 
         [0028]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the cutout  38  in the back wall  34  allows access to the open interior  30 . The cutout  38  allows various wires and cables to pass into the technology backbone  12 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , an extension  40  is mounted to the back wall  34  to interface either with the support stand  18  shown in  FIG. 1  or a wall of a room. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the technology backbone  12  includes a coupling member embedded in the first support member such that the coupling member does not protrude from the first support member. More than one coupling member can be provided. The coupling members can be, for example, a series of permanent magnets  42  mounted into the outer surface  44  of each sidewall  32 . Preferably, the permanent magnets  42  are embedded into the sidewall  32  such that they do not affect the aesthetics of the technology backbone  12  by protruding from the outer surface  44  of the technology backbone  12 . The permanent magnets  42  can be positioned slightly below the top surface  26 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the sidewall  32  is recessed from the outer edge  46  such that the permanent magnets  42  are recessed from the outer edge  46 . The technology backbone  12  can comprise more than one coupling member, such that a first permanent magnet  42  of a first polarity (for example, positive) is embedded in the sidewall  32  and a second permanent magnet  42  of a second polarity (for example, negative) is embedded in the sidewall  32  at a distance D from the first permanent magnet  42 . Embedding the permanent magnets  42  into the sidewall  32  makes the permanent magnets  42  difficult to tamper with or remove. 
         [0030]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , each of the work tables, such as work table  14   a,  has edges, such as side edges  50  and end edges  52 . The work table  14   a  includes four permanent magnets  48  recessed into the side edge  50 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the permanent magnets  48  have alternating polarities such that two positive magnets and two negative magnets are recessed into the side edge  50 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , only one of the side edges  50  includes the permanent magnets  48 . However, it is contemplated that the opposite side edge  50  could also include permanent magnets  48  while operating within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0031]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , both of the end edges  52  also include a pair of permanent magnets  54 . The permanent magnets  54  formed in the end edges  52  also have opposite polarities for reasons as will be described in detail below. 
         [0032]    Referring back to  FIG. 6 , when the work table  14   a  is positioned adjacent to the technology backbone  12 , the permanent magnets  42  formed in the technology backbone  12  engage the permanent magnets  48  formed in the work table  14   a.  As can be understood from  FIG. 6 , the spacing between the permanent magnets  42  on the technology backbone  12  corresponds to the spacing between the permanent magnets  48  formed in the work table  14   a.  Thus, the work table  14   a  is held in contact with the sidewall  32  of the technology backbone  12  through the interaction between the permanent magnets  42 ,  48 . 
         [0033]    Referring now back to  FIG. 2 , when the work tables  14   a,    14   b,  and  14   c  and technology backbone  12  are brought together to form the media station  10 , the permanent magnets  48  formed in the side edges  50  of the work tables  14   a,    14   c  engage the permanent magnets  42  formed in the pair of sidewalls  32  of the technology backbone  12 . In the configuration shown, the permanent magnets  48  formed in the side edge  50  of the work table  14   b  engage the end edge magnets  54  formed in the end edges  52  of the work tables  14   a  and  14   c.  As can be understood in  FIG. 2 , the positioning of the permanent magnets  54  in the end edges  52  allows the work tables  14   a,    14   b,    14   c  to interact with each other to define the media station  10 . 
         [0034]    The media station  10  therefore includes a technology backbone  12  having a top surface  26  and a support member positioned beneath the top surface  26  and extending downward from the top surface  26 . The media center  10  also includes a work table  14  having a work surface  24 . A first plurality of coupling members are recessed within the support member of the technology backbone  12 . A second plurality of coupling members are recessed within an edge of the work table  14 . The work table  14  is movable such that it can be positioned adjacent the technology backbone  12 . Spacing between the first plurality of coupling members corresponds to spacing between the second plurality of coupling members, such that the first and second plurality of coupling members interact to hold the work table  14  in position adjacent the technology backbone  12 . More specifically, a pair of permanent magnets  42  of the first plurality of coupling members are recessed within the support member (such as the sidewall  32 ) and a pair of permanent magnets  48  of the second plurality of coupling members are recessed within the edge of the work surface  24 . The pair of magnets  42  in the sidewall  32  have opposite polarities from one another and the pair of magnets  48  in the edge have opposite polarities from one another. The edge of the work table  14  is positioned adjacent the technology backbone  12  such that the magnets  42  in the sidewall  32  are attracted to the magnets  48  in the edge, thereby holding the work table  14  in position adjacent the technology backbone  12 . 
         [0035]    Referring now back to  FIG. 3 , the media station  10  can be easily separated into its individual components, as illustrated, by simply pulling each of the work tables  14   a,    14   b,  and  14   c  away from the technology backbone  12  with sufficient force to break the magnetic forces created between the magnets described previously with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b , the individual work tables  14   a,    14   b,    14   c  can be used separate from the media station  10  and ganged to each other through the interaction between the magnets formed in the end edges  52  and the side edges  50  of each individual work table  14   a - 14   c.  In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8   a , two work tables  14   a,    14   b  are joined to each other along their respective side edges  50 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 8   b , three of the work tables  14   a,    14   b  and  14   c  are joined to each other along their respective end edges  52 . Although two different configurations for the work tables  14   a,    14   b,    14   c  are shown in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b , it is contemplated that the work tables  14  could be joined in other configurations while operating within the scope of the present disclosure. As discussed above, the magnets formed in the side edges  50  and end edges  52  allow the tables to be magnetically ganged either to each other or to the central technology backbone  12 . 
         [0037]    As described above, each of the work tables  14   a - 14   c  can include eight permanent magnets  48 ,  54  formed along one or both of the side edges  50  and one or both of the end edges  52 . The permanent magnets  48 ,  54  can be embedded beneath an edge treatment or laminate surface material to provide a visually pleasing appearance. Setting the permanent magnets  48 ,  54  beneath an edge treatment makes the permanent magnets  48 ,  54  impossible to tamper with or be removed. As described, the permanent magnets  48 ,  54  also provide a fail-safe release if the work tables  14   a - 14   c  are impacted or run into by an unsuspecting person. Although permanent magnets  48  are shown embedded into only one of the side edges  50 , it is contemplated that the permanent magnets  48  could be embedded into both side edges  50  while operating within the present disclosure. It is also contemplated that fewer than eight permanent magnets  48 ,  54  could be used. 
         [0038]    The present disclosure is not meant to be limited to coupling members that comprise permanent magnets. For example, the coupling members could also comprise hook and loop fasteners, latches, electromagnets, and any other coupling members capable of coupling the technology backbone  12  to the work tables  14   a - 14   c  and the work tables  14   a - 14   c  to one another, according to the above description. Further, it is to be understood that fewer or more than three work tables can be ganged to one another (i.e., to another work table  14 ) or to the technology backbone  12 . For example, a fourth work table  14  could be provided adjacent the back wall  34  of the technology backbone  12 . In other embodiments, two work tables  14  can be provided along each sidewall  32  of the technology backbone  12 . The configurations shown herein are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.